A New Beginning....

Well, Life is beautiful....and I say that because I am currently in a beautiful phase of my life. Having just recently tied the knot, I am feeling on top of the world....being a wife or rather let me say starting a new turn in my life :)

It is indeed weird, you dream about your future and when those dreams turn into reality you just dont know how to react. I am simply jumping with Joy!!! I am living each day with a smile and ending the day with a smile too. The ceremonies spread across a week, the people, the food, the lights, music, excitement....WOW....would love to do it all over again...though with a good sponsor...lol.

I had a wonderful honeymoon at God's own Country...Kerela!!!!! We visited Munnar and Kumarakom.....both being enchanting...!!! Will write a detail post on this the next time with pics as well....this post being just me trying to share my happiness!!!!

Until next time....take care!

Short Review : Revolution 2020 & The Immortals of Meluha

The rains have gone and so is the festival of lights Diwali.....but yet the heart yearns for more...and more is yet to come...the end of the year and the beginning of a new year...but still 2 more months for that :)

And there is still alot to happen in these 2 months!!!

Coming back to my best pastime....reading books, the one that calms my souls. I have just finished reading Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat followed by The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi.

The most awaited book of Bhagat was a disappointment. I was looking for something different given the title being so different but Bhagat stuck to the same old story of engineering and management students and how they fail to meet expectations just like how Revolution 2020 did not meet the expectations of many readers.

The Immortals of Meluha : I read so many reviews on this one and finally decided I was not going to read it. Then I picked it up from the library just to give it a try and I must say it is a good one. I however have reserved my entire opinion about the first book to only after I read the second one, The Secret of the Nagas. The first book is only for preparing the readers mind and getting them familiar with the characters in the story. I am waiting to get the second book :)

Chanakya's Chant is however the next one on my list and waiting to be picked up from my reading table :)

So until next time....take care my friends and keep smiling !!!!

Relationships turned E-lationships

Heard a news lately that a girl (dont want to mention names here) an IIM Bangalore student committed suicide when her ex-boyfriend dumped her on the social networking site Facebook. His status message said : "Feeling cool today. Dumped my ex-girlfriend. Happy independence day."  I had been reading various things said about the boy, yes he was a jerk to do what he did. I dont even want to comment on such people.

But the girl, bless her soul, doing something that she did without once thinking about her family, friends and her future just doesn't feel right. Getting dumped on a public forum is heart breaking but not the end of the world. 

Its high time and with such incidences people should be aware that too much should not be shared on public forums about your life, you life that is private and needs just your comments or likes and dislikes. Talking about something general having a view, a debate is an altogether different thing and a healthy way to interact as well. Sharing pictures, videos and sharing your happiness is a great way of letting friends know you are happy. 

And if you have to share your very personal stuff...then guys there is a message tab where you can send out personal message and not let your entire friends list know that you had a horrible date, got a tattoo somewhere we dont want to know or for that matter dumped someone.

The social networking sites are not going to make things better for us but they are going to make it better for themselves where they will get some more features where maximum clicks are obtained, maximum exposure is obtained and our personal life is at stake. Also read an article today which says Facebook tracks what you do online even when you have logged out!!! Scared??? Read the article here and be careful. 

Coming back to the point why I actually started writing this post was to know what happened to Relationships that where built over coffee, over movies together, over long drives, over going for a picnic with friends, over that one look in the eye, over those perfumed letters....???? Okay I know letters were like decades ago...but all I can say is Relationships are now become E-lationships!!!! Everything is Online. Sometimes we call technology a boon but sometimes dont you think we overdo it? Well, each one has his own perspective, to each his own!

I am not against the social networking sites they are great, I have got in touch with so many long lost friends myself. Its a great way of connecting with one and all, knowing what the other is upto. The only thing I feel is that people should not be so addicted to it and some private details should not be blared out in the open.

And god forbid if someone does end up sharing lewd comments about you, let it be, show some dignity, just delete that person and move on. You dont have to stoop to that persons level and make a fool of yourself too. Such people dont deserve to be in your life. 

You are wonderful. Believe that, Smile and Move On!!!! J

Reading Away...Watching to Stay...

Its books books around me and weekend filled with watching rom-com’s….yes I have been watching them and feeling so good. Its always nice to have good humor around you and when that is accompanied with some good romance…nothing like it (I am talking about movies here J or maybe not)

The latest books I read were Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer, The Alchemist but Paulo Coelho and Right Fit Wrong Shoe by Varsha Dixit. All without a doubt very good reads.

The Alchemist is known for the wonderful quotes and wisdom it provides…wisdom to those who really try and understand what the book actually wants to say…I will consider myself one of the lucky ones J

Only Time Will Tell was my first Jeffery Archer book that I picked and I wasn’t all that impressed. Good storyline but bored with a lot of details. The story set in early 20’s and the first few pages really bored me but then the story got interesting and it had me reading it till the end and I must say it is well written.

Right Fit Wrong Shoe is a complete Bollywood story written in the same style as well. I must admit though that I finished the book in just one sitting, yeah it was interesting, which love stories aren’t?

And talking of love stories, Leap Year is one of the romantic comedy movies which is a good watch. Also Friends with Benefits the recent flick is much more like No strings attached…on the same lines and both are really funny movies. I don’t understand the reason behind emphasizing on the subject of two friends coming together, doing it (you know what I mean) and trying hard not to fall in love!!! But eventually they do fall in love and the movie turns out into another love story!!! I really hope people stop making such films cause I think the audience have “GOT it”….that the “just friends with BENEFITS” tag doesn’t exist. But I do admit I enjoyed the humor in both the movies!!! J

Okay this post is turning into more of a review blog but can’t help it, that’s what I have been doing for the past few days. The city is all into enjoying the festive season and I find my celebrations in the little things I do. But yes, the festive season is here and there are more to follow. It’s an amazing site to see where all come together to celebrate and the city is all dressed up with lights, colour and magic.

Yes, I would say magic cause festivals are the time where all come together as one and enjoy the moment; they forget their differences and try to make a new beginning.

So everyone enjoy yourself and till I get back with some more reviews…(kidding)…take care J

One Picture of me... :)

Finally I have reached the end of the 10 Day you Challenge and it was so much fun....I have been slow in completing it though but its for the best.

I have returned from my long amazing vacation to Goa and I waited for this post to be drafted once I am back cause I wanted to capture some lovely pics and get it uploaded here.

I ended up clicking some really good pics which I shall share in my later post but for now this is one of my favorite as it has been clicked by my lovely 3 year old niece Arpita.... :)Throughout the vacation I was her model and she the photographer.

So here is me.....

 
And finally this is the end to the 10 day you challenge...... :)

I am off to reading Jeffrey Archer...Only Time Will Tell....
My next post????......well Only Time Will Tell......Catch ya soon......

"Music - the medicine for the mind" : 2 Songs

Music is indeed a healer. We all go through ups and downs in our lives but a sure way to feel better even though you don't find a solution to your problem is to plug in your earphones and drift away with the music. It has helped me a lot to feel better when I am down. Listening to music makes me feel so so good....if its not reading then its music that i seek.


Anything that soothes my soul or makes me happy are my favorites. Hence its so so difficult to choose just 2. So again I will do the same, pick out just the 2 that pop into my head instantly.


1. Nothings gonna stop us now by Jefferson Starship

2. Tujhse Naaraz nahi zindagi from the movie Masoom....love the lyrics...!!!

I have many other favorites too, songs that I hear over and over again....my recent favorite is the song from Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara called Senorita...love Hrithik's voice in it...you should hear the remix version, you cant stop tapping your feet to it...


Wow, the challenge is coming to its end....just one more left....a picture of me...but I will post this only once I am back from Goa...yes I am going to Goa and I am so excited about it.....will be back on 21st....so my last post on the 10 day you challenge would be after I return.....


Till then Happy Independence Day and Happy Holidays!!!!
Jai Hind.

Movies: A Dream, An Entertainer....Magic : 3 Movies

Movies are the best form of entertainment, I wait for the weekends not only because I get to laze around but also I try and watch as many movies I can.

As the 10 day challenge moves towards its end I now know why it is called as a challenge, cause it gets really difficult to narrow down your choices to a few.

I have watched many movies and loved many too, some because of the story some because of the characters.....but I am just going to mention the first 3 names that come to my mind to make this task of mentioning just 3 easier J

1. Life is Beautiful: I know everyone will agree with this one, it is a classic and a beautiful movie, a must watch!!! The movie stars Roberto Benigni who has also directed the film and is a co-writer. The movie is about how Roberto tries to hold his family together and help his son survive the horrors of a Jewish Concentration Camp.

2. P.S. I Love you: There is something nice about this movie because whenever it’s on TV I find myself watching it again and again as if I am watching it for the first time. Apart from that I love Gerard Butler in this movie with his Irish accent J

3. Sweet home Alabama: This is yet another movie that keeps me glued to it whenever it’s on TVJ. It’s a very sweet romantic comedy.

There are so many more that came across my mind and I wanted to put it down but no, I am going to stick to the challenge and there is going to be no cheating J

Hope you have watched these movies especially those who love romantic comedies like I do. J

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” – 4 Books

A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end.  You live several lives while reading it.

I have already expressed my love for books in my past posts and don’t want to go on talking about it all over again. The only problem while writing this post is the fact that I just don’t know which books should I name J

So after a lot of thinking and a little bit of cheating of clubbing 2 or more books of the same author under one, which I think should make this post called as 4 Authors but I guess that’s the same thing…..anyway below are the 4 books I enjoyed the most J

1. The Harry Potter series: These books had a wonderful way of getting dark circles under your eyes. Yes, I say that not because of the magic it would talk about but because of the magic J. K. Rowling has put in her writing. It grips you and you just can’t let go. It was very difficult to put the book down once I laid my hands on them J

2. Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns :  Based in Afghanistan both these stories have a lot of intense emotions in them. The Kite Runner that will make you think hard about friendship, betrayal while A Thousand Splendid Suns is about the violence, misery and abuse an Afghan woman has to go through. I remember while reading this book there were certain instances mentioned where I would shut the book for a while not being able to read on. Every woman should read this and consider herself lucky that she stays in a society where she is safe, respected and loved.

3. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni : It’s a woman's (Draupadi) take on the timeless tale that is the Mahabharata. Since I hadn’t read the Mahabharata before nor did I know much about it, this book was a real treat. I loved reading it and enjoyed all the characters especially Krishna and Karana. 

4. Books by Sudha Murthy, Preeti Shenoy and Chetan Bhagat : Yes, when you want to enjoy some light reading, some stories that will make you stop and ponder, some stories that will make you laugh, some stories that will make a tear roll off your cheek, basically books that leave you with that “feel good” feeling, these are the best authors that strike the right cord through their writings.

See, there was a lot of cheating especially in my last point which looks more like an umbrella under which I have clubbed more than one author and so many books…. J But that’s what books are to me….Just can’t have enough of them…!!!!!

I am reading The Alchemist now….yes hadn’t read it yet even though all the fame it gained. But better late than never J

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food.”: 5 Foods

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. Well for me it’s the other way round. I am a foodie, not a great one though, that is, I do not live to eat….I eat to live J

Food is important not only for your existence but your nourishment too. Today I see people being so careful in what they eat and counting calories before they have that delicious yummy slice of cake.

Well, I am not like that, atleast not as of now. I like something I will just go grab it and it’s on its way to my tummy J and that explains the plump me…… J

Preparing this list of just 5 foods left me with a sense of betrayal towards all the other lovely food I have been gorging on all these years.

So with a heavy heart J and an empty tummy J I have listed below the 5 foods that I am extremely in love with:

1. Ghar ka Khana : Whatever my mum cooks, I just love everything she makes. She is an excellent cook. This would include Goan dishes which I know are a hit among many people.

2. Desserts: I am a big big fan of sweets, especially the Gulab Jamun. I love chocolates esp white chocolate.

3. Kebabs: Just love them. I know a small place in Santacruz, Mumbai called Nice….it has the yummiest kebabs.

4. Street food : Who can resist the chaat, vada pav, bhajiyas, bhutta, gola’s…… I love to indulge in them once in a while.

5. Tea & Coffee : I need a cup of tea in the morning or it’s just not my day!!!

There you go…..there were so many other dishes I wished to name but I would rather stick to these five for now.

There you go…..there were so many other dishes I wished to name but I would rather stick to these five for now.

Will be back soon with the next…..4 Books, this is gonna be difficult for me a book lover…. I am reading one at the moment and that’s the reason of the delayed post cause I just cant put the book down….maybe it will feature in the top 4 books in my next post…….

“You can fall in love at first sight with a place as with a person” : Six Places

If I mention the world then I guess this challenge would end on point one itself J Our planet if blessed with so many wonderful places that its difficult to not want to see more every time you visit a place filled with abundant beauty.

For people who love to travel I am sure this would be a difficult one, I have listed below the Six places that top my list:

1.         Goa: I have been to this place several times and I still can’t get enough of it. Simply love it. I am planning a trip there shortly and so so looking forward to it.

2.         Kashmir & Kerala: I know these are two different places but both being located in my country I decided to club them together.

3.         Spain : Barcelona, I have been wanting to see this place since I saw the Hollywood flick Vicky, Cristina Barcelona J

4.         Canada: This is a beautiful place and since I have my aunt living there I want to go visit her and my little cousin too.

5.         Austria : For the beauty it beholds.....

6.         Home: Yes my home, wherever I go it’s my home I love the most.

This was fun…..thinking about the places and wanting to pack my bags and just take off….but alas, I have to get back to work…..

Coming up next 5 foods……….why only 5….good things in life and very few…that’s why….ha ha.

“There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”: Seven Wants

Considering the days it took me to get back to my 10 day you challenge you will know how difficult it is to have just seven wants….

Ok after a lot of thought I have my seven wants as follows:

1. A lot of money and a beautiful home. Yes, that’s true, who doesn’t want lots of money? And a home well that’s a dream of so many people. It’s not that I am homeless, I do have a home but I want one which is beautiful and has all the luxuries in it. Most important I want a room where I can have many many books with a lovely reading chair.

2. Health, happiness and peace to all my loved ones. I pray that each one of them is always healthy and always happy in whatever they do J

3. A vacation every 3 months and it should last for a week. I want to see a lot of places and I think everyone should take a break from their busy life more often.

4. A perfect healthy mind and body. I say mind and body is because I believe beauty is intelligence and what you think keeps you healthy, a healthy mind helps you stay positive. I want a perfect body as I want to shed all the extra kilos I have J No, I don’t want a thinner me….but a healthy me.

5. A greener earth and less environmental problems. It is so sad to see the world losing all its natural beauty being exploited; this in turn is going to affect our future. Plant more trees, say no to plastic.

6. A satisfying career. I want to be successful and be satisfied with what I have achieved when I turn 40. I want to look back and think I did a pretty good job J

7. I want to be loved and cared for always. I want to have people who love me around me till I depart from this world.

There you go….my seven wants…there are so many more….some which are more personal…but yes most of the above cover it all.

Next post, six places….I just visited one local place called Lonavla this weekend…yes I call it local because half of Mumbai lands up at Lonavla every rainy weekend.

Too much crowd and too much traffic but the refreshing weather and the place being completely covered in clouds even at noon covers up for all the stress the traffic and crowd gives you.

Here’s are some pics that will give you a glimpse of the perfectly romantic weather.

On my return from this place I was thinking to myself that on my next visit I may not find this place as it was the several times I had been here. A place I longed to go to is slowly losing its value. 

Okay, will be back soon with my next post....till then take care.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself: Eight Fears

Read a nice article written by the author Chetan Bhagat which appeared in the Times Of India. Here’s the link to it….

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-16/edit-page/29782152_1_indian-women-stress-levels-powerful-people

I think every woman should read this article, it’s all about being stress free and happy. I think that’s the right way to be, I know some may say it’s easier said than done, true, but it’s worth a try J

Today’s challenge is about fear, every person should try to overcome them and if they can’t it doesn’t matter…so what if I have a fear…no one is perfect and strong…it’s good to be afraid of some things in life…it helps you not take life for granted.

Here goes my list….my eight fears…:

1. Losing my loved one’s and the most important relationships in my life – Yes, I guess this applies to all and it scares me a lot that I wont be able to speak to someone who is very dear to my heart.

2. Darkness – Pitch dark and you got me petrified to death!!!! That would also include loss of sight.

3. Height – It gets me all dizzy……. L

4. I am kind of claustrophobic. Being in closed or very crowded places makes me very uncomfortable….very!

5.  Any natural calamity and the way life gets disrupted…during and after…

6. World without books and creative people….how everything would be so dull and boring L

7. Getting lost in an unknown place with no means of communication…and I think this should also include the fear of losing my cell phone…. J

8. A less green Earth…..Save our Planet people….Plant more tress… J

Done. This did take time. It’s good that I am aware of my fears but I am glad it’s not getting the better of me.

Next are the 7 Wants….just 7??? I am human and aren’t humans the greedier lot…ha ha ha….

Love is in the air: Nine loves

How do we love to be in love or to love someone…..its a wonderful feeling and this doesn’t have to be being in love with a person…it can be simple things as well…anything that makes you happy, makes you smile…feel good about yourself or of your surroundings.

Coming to the challenge listed below are my Nine Loves….

1. Family : Arpita, my niece, I simply adore her, love her. She always brings a smile on my face. My parents and my sister, for making me what I am today.

2. Nature and the ways it never fails to fascinate me. I love watching the sky.

3. Friends – selective few, who have been there when I needed them, when I wanted someone to just hear me out.

4. Sweets - I love sweets especially Gulab Jamun, at a buffet I will first hit the dessert counter and then go for the salads and main course.

5. Books – I can’t imagine not having books in my life. Love reading and now slowly started to love writing as well.

6. Going on a holiday J…yayyyy…I have one planned for next month and just cant wait..!!!!

7. Movies, I watch almost each and every Bollywood movie the very next day of its release or the same day (okay I am exaggerating but I do watch a lot of movies) . I also love watching Hollywood movies as well and I try and catch them as much as I can on TV.

8. Music & Dance – Listening to music and dancing too. I love to dance.

9. Someone secret…..who may very soon not be a secret anymore J

Only Nine…..I have so many more to go….!!!! J

Wow, the list has kept me smiling throughout. J

This was easier than the secrets and now I look forward to the fears…hmmm…will post that as soon as I can….this is fun…I am enjoying it…hope you are too… J