Pure & Simple!

Mornings are beautiful. Perhaps that’s why we call them ‘Good Morning’. But not every morning is always a good morning. A pimple is enough to turn an awesome morning into an awful one. Pop it appears and everything else gets spoiled. Especially when you have that important job interview or a dinner date, trust Murphy’s Law and this face menace is always there to give your confidence a tough competition! Damn! Why me? Why I don’t have a normal skin? Why do I have to constantly sleep with the fear of an outbreak the next morning? Forget beautiful, even having a normal clear pimple free skin is like a dream. If you too have oily skin that is prone to breakouts like me, you would understand what I mean. My whole teenage years were more of a constant fight with pimple problems than studies. The worse was when everyone around me was more worried about my skin than me. Suddenly everyone around me became a doctor and started advising me on how to tackle pimples.  One would say go for facials, the other would advice to go for natural products like multani mitti (Fuller’s earth). Some would swear by the benefits of besan (chickpea flour) while some would say apply curd. Then there were also patrons of papaya, lemon, tomato, cucumber and what not. Sometimes looking at my plate I would rather want to put it on my face than in my mouth. But that wasn’t all; there were some really crazy and embarrassing ones too. Like, “perhaps your stomach is not clean, eat papaya every day”. As if my poop has got to do with these pops. Hahaha. God! What days were those! For all the 9 months I would eagerly wait for the 3 months of winter, when everyone around me would complain about itchy, dry, rough and flaky skin and I would be glad of my oily skin, for a change. But that happiness was always short lived. Soon summers would strike and my super shiny, super sticky skin would be back with pimples and their marks. Shining with full glory to make me look ugly & gory! Gosh! Even remembering about it makes me sink into a sad state of mind.

 But all this was way before I got this amazing product introduced into my life- Garnier Pure Active range. I saw their promotions on TV and print. But that wasn’t enough for me to get convinced. After all everyone claims of giving you a pimple free skin but is having a pimple and marks free skin really possible? So I wrote to their customer care with my query. And it was really nice of them to revert back to me. Actually I wasn’t expecting them to answer back. They also sent me one pocket booklet that contained detailed information about skincare, explaining the various layers of skin, how oily skin functions and the 4 magic steps to clear skin- Cleansing, Toning, Mosturising and Exfoliation. For the first time I got to understand not just about my problem but my skin in detail and also understood on how to take care of it. After all it isn’t as hard as it seems. I  had to just replace my soap with Garnier Pure Active face wash containing real Neem Leaf and Tree Tea Oil extracts, exfoliate with the Pure Active Blackheads Uprooting scrub once a week and for those sudden breakouts I have this magical Pure Pimple Control Pen that vanishes my pimple like it was never there. Now I know what to do and what not to do with my skin. I have  stopped worrying about my skin and started loving it.  If you too want to fall in love with your skin then here is the solution http://bit.ly/GarnierPureActiveNeemWebsite. For more tips on skincare have a look here http://bit.ly/GPABlogLinkIndiBloggerActivity

A ray of hope...cut short

It was the year 2009. I was fresh out of college and was working in my first job as a reporter with a city based web portal. Though travel and lifestyle were my forte fleeting into the human interest stories every once in a while was always a welcoming change. On one such occasions while flipping through a local daily I came across a very small write up about an old age home run by two young men. Now what's so interesting about it? These guys , in their early twenties, were professionals working with well known MNCs. The old age home was an outcome of their passion towards social service that consumed almost all their off-work hours. Now that makes an interesting story, i though. A story that needs to be told to everyone. In the urban rat race where we often get engrossed in consumerism and self-consumption, the though of helping the needy and giving back to the society often remains, just a thought.So i asked my boss to allow me to cover this story and gladly he did. On reaching the old age home i met Parthasarathy. One of the founders. He was a young, energetic man. Quite jovial and friendly. We chatted for a while about their inception, the residents of the home, how he manages to run it on his own, what keeps him going and stuff like that.While he spoke, he kept doing his daily chores at the old age home like giving bath to the bedridden ones, feeding them, going to each one of them and inquiring about how their day. He also introduced me to the residents. I was amused to see how this young guy, just few years older to me, could posses so much compassion and care. When most of us cared about earning a good salary, achieving our dreams and scaling high on our social status, here was this guy who was giving a new leash of life to the ones abandoned by their own people.

My meeting with Parthasarathy lasted for few hours but the incredible impression this guy left on me lasts till today. So much so that a person like me who is terrible at remembering names has till date not forgotten his pure Tamil name. So this X'mas when i was hunting for the poor and needy on the streets for sharing some homemade Christmas treats, my husband suggested a more organised way. Why not associate myself with an NGO? So the first thing that came to my mind was Parthasarathy. Like most of you, the changing phone syndrome has made me lose most of my old contacts. So i headed to the cyber space to get back in touch with him. Even after my repeated attempts and searching on almost all social and non-social sites I couldn't find Parthasarathy. Little did i know why. Dead men don't make their presence online. After changing my key words from Parthasarathy to Aarathy (His charitable trust) i could finally reach out to them, and then came the horrible news. Parthasarathy is no more. Horrible indeed. Whats's more horrible is to know that he was a murdered. And if that sends a chill down your spine then better i not reveal that he was married for barely 6 months and his wife was 4 months pregnant at the time. Ever since i came to know about him i can't get over this question. Why bad things happen to good people?

More than expressions of my emotions through this post i would like you to know  about this noble soul who is no more among us. The aim is simple: a tribute to this fantastic social servant i feel fortunate to come across. And if in case you are curious to know more about the trust this might help http://www.aarathy.org/about.html . This post doesn't intend you to send in your donations or help. But if you feel to do so, you can. There are many well known NGOs but NGOs like these that are run by individuals are the ones who need your help the most. The trust is now managed by Parthasarathy's friend Suriyakumar.   

My Beautiful Food!

Mixed in a delicious array of yogurt, saffron, and exotic spices. Marinated for hours to perfection. And then slow cooked in firewood to bring out a flavourful creation that’s one of its kinds, known to the world as, Zafrani Gosht. A Mughlai culinary artifact made out of tender lamb infused in the flavours of freshly roasted whole spices and cashew nut gravy to create a delicacy that lingers in the taste buds.

A beautiful dish presented in an equally beautiful dishware. Glass. Not an ordinary one but Borosil http://www.myborosil.com/.  Pure and pristine. Enabling to see through each layer of the rich brown gravy flowing over the contrasting white bones cozily  wrapped around their succulent, melt-in-the-mouth meaty counterparts. Making way in between the creamy gravy are the tiny little pieces of whole spices. Totally submerged and their flavours well incorporated. On topmost is a layer of pure desi ghee, revealing the true royal self of the dish. And finally, a dash of décor with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Wow! To accompany it is the long-grained basmati, eagerly awaiting in the Borosil glass casserole kept next. Warmth and aroma well intact. Need I say more? Dig in!

ArVind Of Change

There is something in the air….

A revolution. An election. A better selection.

There is something in the air…

The craze. The blaze. The gleaming new phase.

There is something in the air…

Something honest. Something modest. Something to make India the best.

Soapalicious!

Yesterday i got this soap as a free gift from a saree shop here in Kolkata. Look at its ingredients- Papaya, Avacado, Pomegranate & Cream. Yummy!! I seriously felt like eating this soap than bathing with it!! ;)

Jaya Ho Ya Mamata Vote Sabko Mangta! ;)

Mama Mia!

Woman is certainly the most beautiful creation of God. Without her the world would not have been so charming or rather there would have been no world without her. She is like the solitaire of a golden ring whose presence enhances the beauty of the ornament and without which the ornament is not worth a wear. Whether it is the four walls of her home or the cubicle of a corporate giant, she plays many roles in one single character of woman. Pick up any face from the crowd and there you will find her- our 21^st century working woman. Like the one I come across everyday in the local train. Her charming accessories can catch the fancy of any eye. Her sense of style can leave the fashionistas far behind. She is flawless in her dusky skin. She is beautiful. She is unique. She is just like my Mia. http://mia.tanishq.co.in/

A gypsy selling accessories in local train

So what if she is a gypsy? Does that mean her beauty is not worth any appreciation? Does that make her hard work less acknowledgeable? Doesn't her everyday interactions and persuasions with the customers amount her to a working woman? She isn't fortunate like many of us in many aspects but she is certainly one of us. She too has her own set of sacrifices. Her own share of dreams and desires. Her own joys and sorrows. Her own work and her own way of making her work beautiful. She is my Mia Woman. 

She too balances her work and home life, and sometimes balances a little better than us. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq3Kh-tHsyk&feature=youtu.be

Home delivery anyone? :P

This one i came across in a property fair. Creative or not, i leave that to you but certainly eye catching and gives you a good laugh! 

I lost my life

Now I'm dead

The soul has left

Just the body is kept

Alone and ail

It’s gone all pale

Lifeless and hopeless

I closed my eyes

And now I’m dead!

Jeeyo J.K !!! :)

Now this one is from Facebook, yeah I mean sourced out from there. Doesn't it make so much of sense and definitely a great feel good factor while gulping down that sinful dark forest pastry without a guilt!!

Well said Rowling, can't agree with you more on this!

Always...Forever...!!! :)

Few things are forever...the beauty of simplicity turns them into timeless masterpieces...one such beautiful creation from the past is this song...came across after a long time...while surfing through channels yesterday i got stuck in the channel that gets changed ever before its logo appears...but yesterday was a different story...as soon as i saw this one...i just could not skip...the unique association that i (and many of you too) share with this song brings alive my childhood reminiscence...there is a strange connection that we have developed with these Doordarshan archives...something that can not be expressed through words...anyways listen to this song and i hope you would enjoy this short journey back in time...and yes, i changed the channel as soon as this got over!!! ;)

Mind of a 'Copywriter'...Mind it!!! ;)

Wot goes inside the mind of a 'Copywriter'??? If you think it is client briefs and creative ideas, I bet you are wrong!!! 


It's full of questions...questions...questions and more questions...!! 

The one that comes the most often (read: everyday) ...wot am i doing here today?? 

I hate proof reading...it makes me sleepy!!! :( 

Gosh!! That's exactly wot i had imagined...!!! Thief!!! :P

Why did this fantastic idea never strike me?? :-/

How i wish i had paid a little more attention to my English teacher  in school. :P

I should be called a Coffee Writer...!!! Hahahaha...But why are u laughing?? 

I am all brains in this pool of jack@$$$!!! (right brow UP!!)

Why? Am i a living dictionary or wot?? huh?? 

That idea was mine...you just tweaked it a bit...big deal!! 

This brief is HELL TO BRIEF!!! 

If i make the client presentation, i should be paid your salary!!! ;-) No i am not kidding!! x-(

Am i really a writer??? I mean really?? Sacchi??!! :P

Oh thank you...that was the worst of all that i coined..so glad the client approved!!! :P

And there are many more....will tell you...time for my COFFEE BREAK now!!! ;)

तुम बिन ...

टूट गया वो रिश्ता,
वो डोर जो अभी बंधी भी नहीं थी...
रूठ गई वो हंसी,
जो अभी होंठो पर बसी भी नहीं थी...

चलना था साथ आखरी दम तक,
तो कुछ दूर ही मे दम टूट गया...
न जाने क्या बात हुई,
मुकद्दर हमारा हमसे रूठ गया...

Miles to go...

Oh nadaan parindey
Ghar aaja..

Kyun desh videsh phire maara
Kyun haal behaal thakha haara

Kyun desh videsh phire maara
Tu raat beraat ka banjaara

Oh nadaan parindey
Ghar aaja..

A song that translates into one’s own story for many of us and almost all of us.  A bird that has left its cozy secure nest to fly high in the open sky. Full of uncertainties and doubts. With only single faith, in self. Not sure how the weather would be. Sometimes favorable, at times not so. Far away from the known surroundings. Far away from the protective atmosphere. Far away from the comforting laps. In search of its own identity. In search of its own destiny. In search of its own self. The road ahead will not be smooth. Here no one will lend a hand at times of fall. All will only stand and stare. Some will laugh too. But have to stand again and keep forging ahead with confidence only in, self. Here, will meet both friends and foes. Sometimes will witness both in the same. Have to accept both and move on.

Then comes a gust of wind and shakes the determination within. Heart wants to fly back. Says, leave this land unknown and go back to own land, own people. This is not own, and will never own.

Wind calms down and mind asks, give up? Not yet!

A Joy...!!! :)

A joy today, a joy tomorrow

A joy forever and there won’t be any sorrow

A joy of smile, a joy of laughter

A joy of strength, before & after

A joy so jovial, a joy so dear

Drives away the fear, when a joy is near

But today a joy is little down

Keeping the face away with a tiny frown

Cheer a joy up and give a tight hug

Tell, the times won’t last long to bug

A test of time, and nothing khaas

A joy of angelic cheer, and this shall also pass! :)

I did the right thing or did I?

Life is all about making decisions...Decisions to choose between the right thing and the thing that is right for me...Have always listened to my heart...Not that always my heart took the right decision but have always taken the decision that was right for me...But today for the first time in my life i look back and contemplate..."Did I do the right thing?" :-/

Are you 'Game'???

All work and no play made Jack a dull boy. So we jerks thought of playing instead. Since then every Friday is declared as an activity day, where for one hour all we do is PLAY!!! :D And this time it was Pictionary. For those who are hearing about this game for the first time in their lives here is a link to explain it better http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pictionary 

Yeah I myself didn’t know about it until I played. And yes I did give my best (the best I could give in 60 seconds time). I mean honestly tell me doesn’t the picture below resembles a ‘Fox’??  No, tell me honestly…doesn’t it? Ok somewhat like a ‘Fox’?? No???!!! A little???

 No prizes for guessing who drew it. :P

-------------------------------------------------------------

Today i am blank....really blank...not that i don't have anything to write about...actually there are too many and when there are too many thoughts revolving inside sometimes it gets difficult to put them down to words. Lots to say but my body is not supporting me. This fever has taken a great toll on me but somewhere the writing ka keeda will never sit quite. The title track of one of my favourite movies 'Kal ho na ho' is playing in the background. A movie that brings me joy and gloom at the same time. I just love this song. It has got so much of depth into it. Isn't it? Kal Ho Na Ho...Who knows what tomorrow holds...Who knows whether tomorrow will come or not...Who knows you will be blessed with the same love and care or not...Just grab Today and never let it go...People change with Time- True...Dimensions of relationships change with Time- True...Time decides, Time heals- True...We wait for the right time and it never comes- True...Coz No time is the Right Time...Just grab the moment and make it your Right Time...Right Now...Coz Kal Ho Na Ho. 

Does it make any sense? No? Thought so...I think i should get back to bed. Ciao :)

'2011'...The year that was...

Rocking!!! Sometimes I rocked life and sometimes ‘Life’ rocked me! Another year gone and a New Year awaits. But when I look back at the year 2011, I see moments turning into memories now. Just like all the years, this year too had its own share of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, challenges and changes, friendships and fantasies, lessons taught and learned, new friendships revealed and some old ones re-lived…and all this amidst loads of fun and frolic. Here are few things that I would like to remember 2011 for…..

The year started with a stylish makeover to the self with ‘straightening’, which eventually made mom keep a straight face with me for next few months.  Now the only thing that remains straight is me and not my hair anymore, things are curling back to form. 

One regular inclusion in my list of New Year resolutions is ‘to lose weight’ and it has now become a ritual to include this every year just to break it and never follow. (I know Meenu you are gonna kill me for writing this here). But this time I will seriously follow it (I think so :P)

This year was also special as I saw most of my pals getting hooked (yaay!!! I am still safe and single :D). The year began with two of my best buddies Usha and Jith getting married (Happy tears!!!) and me ending the year as a proud ‘single’ defeating all my mom’s efforts to get me hooked (Happy tears again!!!). 

Single but steady. Oh yeah, finally able to stick to one place and profession. This year I completed my one year with Cedilla as a Copywriter. (Roses and applause follows…)Thank you…Thank you…!!! :D

Also it’s been a year now that I am staying alone and away from my dad with my mom here. Feel more responsible and…. yes responsible too :(

My Granny, who will forever remain in my childhood memories and bedtime stories, passed away this year leaving behind her inheritance with me. My curls and creativity are just some of them. :)

Talking about creativity (whatever little I possess), this year I went back to my long lost hobby of painting and finally made my first painting on canvas after a gap of 7 long years (the last one was in the year 2003). 

God can’t be everywhere so He created Mothers. And Angels can’t be everywhere so He created Best Friends. Meenaxi & Ajay- My two best buddies in Chennai. The reason why I am still in love with myself and the city. Chennai is not special for its beauty, for me it’s the presence of beautiful people like you that makes Chennai so special and will always be (I know I have now left both of you curious to know about each other more) ;)

Meenaxi aka Meenu, I love you darling! I don’t know what to write here about you and I know it’s not needed. But this year could not be special without mentioning you, and I wish so does all the coming years of my life. Thanks for being there with me every time when I needed you, thanks for your scolding and suggestions and all the wonderful moments we witnessed this year together. 

AJ aka Ajay, the Devil with an Angelic heart! And an alcoholic liver :P ok just kidding dude…you know how horrible you are anyways! You are the laziest and craziest bum on planet Earth!!! You are something like a ‘Limited Edition’, just one of a kind…and that makes you very special and myself lucky to posses this unique Angel! 

And last but not the least, this year I managed to cut and share more slices of my life with you than the previous year as this year I have shared more posts than any other year so far. Cheers to you guys!

It all seems like yesterday that we greeted 2011. So soon time flew away and it’s yet another New Year again. 

                         Wishing all you dearies a Very Happy New Year 2012!!!

                              Keep rocking and smiling, for now and forever!!! :)

कल, आज और कल...

जी ले इस पल को तू आज खुलके
रख दे सिरहाने सपने वो बीते कल के
जो ये पल है, वो है बेहद खास
छिपी है इनमें एक सुन्हेरे कल की आस

जो पल बीता, वो बीत गया
जो आयेगा वो होगा एक कल नया
बीतें कल की यादों को तू भूल जा 
जो आज है तू उसे अपना

क्या होगा और क्या नहीं, तू इस सोच मैं न पड़
बढ़ा है जो हाथ तेरी और तू उसको पकड़
जो ज़ख़्म है तेरा वो भर जाएगा
जो ना भी भरा तो भी क्या, एक दोस्त तो तुझे मिल ही जाएगा...