A Selfie With Motherhood #Mobiistar

Selfies, the new and popular trends of focusing more on oneself and less on the problems around you, is here is to stay. And why not, when our life is really not that perfect, one perfect selfie really makes our day. Who's to say that you are a narcissist when loving yourself is more important than anything in this chaotic depressed world out there! 

I remember the days when having a camera, a digital one, used to be a big deal. Taking them out of it,  the biggest of task. With the social media boom, uploading a selfie only makes you feel as if you connected with yourself today. You get to flaunt your day, the upside, the downside, maybe even the weird side of you. Where your pictures becomes a memoir. A sort of a reminder that you look good despite the day you had, a hope rising within you that you are enough, all by yourself. 

When it comes to taking pictures, It needs only one special feeling inside. And it all begins for me with motherhood. If you ask me what makes me smile a little wider is that one special moment with my son. A reluctant participant at times, he knows his importance because his mom wants one more selfie with him. 

This is how we celebrate our car rides

A new beginning to motherhood

Life as we know it is running right past us. Kids growing up so fast that you wouldn't come to know when he would just not be around enough to even sit with a picture with you. For me capturing these moments makes my day. That one day I would open up my Instagram or Facebook and get to relive the moments. So here comes the benefit of having a really good camera phone that Mobiistar phone's front, dual selfie camera promises with the utmost selfie experience. For a perfect selfie, this is selfie camera you are supposed to have!

Click here for more details on Mobiitstar phone, that available exclusively on flipkart. Happy days are here indeed!

Supporting Your Soldier | Army Wife Life

Biggest part of being an army wife is having to go through his share of courses and exams. They will come and go and sometimes your husband won't even let you know how much he has to deal with. Here is your biggest test of being a support system for your spouse. Sometimes you cannot overlook, avoid and be ignorant. You will all but be a part of his daily struggles and you have take it with a stride. 

Try to stay connected

Many times we make it difficult for oversells when our husband don't share their workload with us. It could be because it might upset you or that he thinks you wouldn't understand. So do a little research and find out what he is studying and how much time he actually needs to spend with his books. Although you really don't need to actually read anything unless you have an interest in military history. There are several senior army wives who would love to share their part of having gone through the same ordeal. 

Stay with him

Many army wives do opt to stay out of their husband's way while they study but this doesn't have to be the case always. Make sure you are with him giving him your shoulder to rely on when he is tired and fed up of his study routine. When you feel its time for him to carry on, on his own, make sure you don't leave a chaos behind. Leave in good loving terms and do not expect him to make a call every three hours to make you feel secure. 

Make your own circle of support

Make sure that you have a few friends around you too. Despite being there for your husband, you would need a place to vent out your own frustrations and hopes. This is where you would rely on women who really understand you. Make a routine for yourself if you don't work. Walking or picking up a sport if best to work some sweat out. 

Once done, do not forget to celebrate together because this is your time now and you deserve all the attention for being an awesome wife!

Why Do You Love The World? ~A Family Vacation to Goa~

Goa, a city where you show the wild side of the Indian that you are. Can you imagine a family vacation here? Oh, yes its possible. My next travel inspiration of travelling with seventeen members of my family and just having the time of your life. Its certainly a new experience and I am guilty of enjoying it throughly. It really gave me an open-minded perspective to what travel is with a large group.    

Day One was finding your comfort zone in a new place. North Goa rushed us and still was a good beginning, despite being a world travel, Goa was it! The Sinquerim Beach was great if you want to just relax on a boat ride. 

 We watched the dolphins dance around us, in pauses of course. But the excitement got us going. 

The Sinqquerim Beach

As we rested our tired legs

Aguada Fort

Since may of us were going to Goa for the first time, it was some time to see the most famous Calungate beach. It was over crowded as expected and as we sat down for some nice lunch at a restaurant, some of us could wait to get into the water. Unfortunately, the beach isn't how it used to be a few years ago. It has been abused literally by a lot of tourists and with garbage smell, drunkard men lying around abandoned, beer bottles here and there, I would not recommend this beach s a family beach anymore. If you love shopping though, do explore the market. Its good to window shop but this would be my last visit to North Goa. 

Paloem and its mystic waters

Cranberry mocktail

Shopping time!

However we didn't let that dampen our spirits because we did book a large traveller and headed towards South Goa the next day. Paloem was truly a tourist paradise. The entrance had an old structure as a gate and the soft sands touching our bare feet, let us feel free. We made ourselves comfortable somewhere near a shak where we could eat and drink without having to get up. With the kids who were only interested in being the water, we took turns to be with them. The best part about a family is they truly help out with the kids. Three of us also just headed out to shop little kick knacks for ourselves. From getting some wrap around skirts, tops and some aloe vera creams, we were actually having fun trying the clothes. Some shopkeepers were friendly towards us as Indian tourists. Many had their regular customers who were foreigners so they didn't try too hard to sell us their things. Honestly it takes a while to actually find clothes that fit your Indian structure. Not that anyone was complaining. 

The next day after a heavy breakfast at the Kamat hotel, that served piping hot idlies, dosas and vada with filter coffee, we headed out quickly towards the Spice Garden that also served us homemade food that included fish fry, chicken curry, rice, dal and papad. I absolutely gorged on those fish though. It was just so fresh and juicy. The claypots just added to the simplicity. Also I did pick up a few spices for my kitchen. It really didn't cost a lot. So don't forget to pick up your bit of shopping from this place. We had a guide throughout the tour and she showed us one by one the spices that were being grown, and the effort they put to keep them alive and thriving. The weather wasn't the best that day, so the coolness just soothed us while we followed each other.

A canal running through the spice garden

We were welcomed with hot lemon tea

Spice garden walking tour

As a couple we did take out a little time for ourselves to check out the clubs near Candolim. The beach was not very safe for the kids, so we stayed for a while and moved on to check out the market again. 

Despite the exploration within India, I understood the true value of a family. How travel can bring us all together despite us being so different from each other! My love for the world only increased because of this experience of a lifetime. I am looking forward to doing more such group travel because without family there is no life at all. 

Click below to understand different perspectives on why do you love the world? #SayYesToTheWorld

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Why Do You Love The World? | Singapore~Malaysia Cruise

Life as it seems doesn't give you a lot of opportunities until you create them for yourself. Time is just going too fast for us to wait and see. What needs to be done is to just take the bull, literally, by the horns and just go for new adventures because that would never fade. The world as you can see it, not in a magazine or internet, not through your friends Facebook posts but all by yourself. Breaking away from your shell can be your greatest enemy because its not the money that actually matters in the end but memories.

I have been bought up with a lot of love and care by my parents and then later my husband who became my greatest friend ever. I have hardly known pain and suffering but as you will read further, life won't be the same for me because there are certain experiences that will make your heart tear apart. It happened when I lost my baby, lying the hospital bed, getting out of anaesthesia after a D&C when I realised that I cannot let this make me. This experience of having a life grow inside me and then loose, made bitter for quite sometime but it also made me different. It made me want to take care of myself more, I started my change with travel. And choose Singapore as the city of my travel inspiration. I wanted to be a part of a world traveller. 

When we landed, I started out with the Gardens By The Bay, the most amazing horticulture wonder I would ever see on earth. And as your wander around, the sweat began to take a toll on you. It doesn't have the best of weathers but as you make your way towards the cloud falls, the artificial water fall that touches your face the drops easing you into the place, and you just cannot help but fall in love with the city already. A city that creates wonders. The tulip garden show, that we could luckily see at the time, was just mind boggling as was the handmade art exhibits displayed here and there for the sheer pleasure of the visitors.  The little cafe where we had some nice coffee, beer and chicken just added to the touch. The entire area is air conditioned, so you would not feel tired at all. All you would want to do is go on. Do check out my first day in Singapore that I documented in my Youtube channel. 

My second day was all about Universal Studios. The child in me just got crazy over the rides. And the rollercoaster just gave me a tiny nervous breakdown. But isn't this why I am here? As the ride started, I think my heart sunk big time but as i got out of it, i got a feeling of euphoria, it was going to be the experience of a lifetime. And I got out of being called a chicken! All this counted as my experience as an open minded traveller. 

I did it!! Behind me the dreaded roller coaster

Universal studies. On our way to Adventure Cove

A long shopping experience in China Town because I really wanted to buy a lot of souvenirs for the people I love back in India. I got to taste the (in) famous Durian, their national fruit, that stinks and is not allowed in local trains and flights. I honestly didn't have a stomach to eat it all. I tried the coconut water with some softest coconut inside it. Trust me, pure bliss! after we walked so much. 

Last but not the least, how could we avoid the clubbing scene in Singapore. A city where liquor costed more than your ticket here. But the blast of air conditioning in your face while you have your choices of alcohol, is something you have to try once. There was live music as well so whats not to love while we romanced the streets of Clarke Quay. Love the world as you go because this day won't come back to you. 

Street food. Don't miss the crab!

ECP. A beautiful view

The final bit of my travel was taking a Star cruise ship. That was certainly new for me and i wanted to make sure that touched Malaysia. Its the ultimate luxury that you could give to yourself after walking tours in Singapore. If you want to put your legs up, soak in the jacuzzi, listen to late night live music, have live shows at your disposal, rain dance at a time then you have reached heaven on a ship. What amazed me is Singaporeans singing in hindi and punjabi! 

As we entered, we were handed over a scheduled eternally for the day and each day we were given one till we were completely booked. They even offered us an hour or two workshops for kids where you could just leave your toddlers for them to learn so many different thing like pizza making and ice-cream toppings. As our exploration continued, so did our hunger for more. 

Star Cruise on its way to Malaysia

Up the deck we go!

We took two tours to Malaysia. We really didn't need a visa for the country because the ship arranged for that. Penang was certainly something that you would love to linger around. Its a small town with a feel of something special as you see the street art, the monastery and try the local food. Our life seems so puny when you witness these flourishing cities. And meeting new people was one of the best things of the trip. And how can we go and not touch Kuala Lampur? Though its more a city, crowded yet culturally so very rich!

Kuala Lampur Tower

Petronas Tower

Beautiful street art and walls in Malaysia

Life seems like piece of cake once you step out of your home. When you take that one flight that will take you somewhere, to the land of unknown and what I got from this experience is so much  richer than just clothes or jewellery that we buy at times. Life is almost always full of troubles, but its how we take it is what that matters. Building relationships, getting a stamp in your passport, stepping out of your comfort zone is all that makes you the person you are. So, stop procrastinating and do something that you never did before. You own it to yourself. 

Do check out this link to book your tickets and experience a new world. Don't forget to say 'yes'. 
#SayYesToTheWorld

Colours of Holi and Joys of motherhood.

When I used to think about all the times i wanted to stay back at home and never come out when the times comes for Holi. The most dreaded of all festivities because it involved getting cleaned up really well afterwards. Me, who loves to launder around and not bother much. But how times change when you have a child in your life. The joys of sharing colors, laughter and adapting a naughtiness that make them love you more. I would never ever abandon loving this festival as much as my son. Of course in the army, the group is bigger and there are other people around you with the same craziness. And though I have moved for a little while in the civilian mode, I love how this enthusiasm doesn't escape any...be it a child or an adult.
So here are some of the memories of those times.

2010 Holi @ Jalandhar. Unit Life

2018 Holi @Hyderabad

When holi means serious business- 2018

My Vitamin E Mantra

When you are all but a young girl, puberty hits you hard and your face is full of acne, the skin acts against your wishes and is so tanned and scarred that you do not recognise yourself anymore. Then came to my recuse was Vitamin E oil that made a difference to my life. My mom has three daughters, hence she is a superwoman with knowledge of what will help us at times when we are lost. It made life more interesting and slowly Vitamin E became a part of our lives. You do not realise how much you need it unless you use it. 

After having my first child, I was back to using it again. Honestly i do not get it when people talk about the pregnancy glow. Mine looked like an expensive facial gone wrong. Scarred and pigmented, hiding it behind makeup when I really didn't have time for that. I did find Evion capsules as one of the best supplement to add in my daily routine.

When Hormones Go Crazy

You would not know when your hormones become your frenemies. You will hate then, love them but cannot live without them. Inculcating a good diet of Vitamin E is what you need. So go and make a shopping list of fruits like Kiwi, Butternut Squash, Almonds, Sweet potato, Spinach and see your life take a complete 360 degree turn. Not only it helps you maintain a healthy weight, it gives your skin a healthy glow.

Pregnancy Woes

Skin suffers the most when you expect a baby. Acne and pigmentation is the curse of being a new mommy. Trust me, its great to have a new life growing inside you but a Vitamin E diet is great obviously as mentioned above, also make sure that you add the oil in your cleansing routine. And those stretch marks will also be taken care of in a jiffy. Just apply the oil on a daily basis and see the difference. 

Kids Safe

Best part about Vitamin E, is that it is kids safe. You can use it when they have any kind of skin problems, such as sunburn or a tan even on their chapped lips. Always make it a part of your kids vanity as well. 

Hair growth

If you love to maintain your hair, then this the key to owning a thick flow mane. Add a little vitamin E oil in your usual coconut oil and the concession would be your safe net. Despite using the harsh commercial products, you will not loose hair over it. 

Start Early

Do not wait for your body to suffer if you know the solution. And it only makes you feel better. And you will see the change in the first day itself, making you feel like a million bucks already. #Evion as a company is reliable and you can go for it with closed eyes. Not only are these the most powerful antioxidants to fight your immune system, Vitamin E makes your life so much more easier. 

Evion supplements are easily available online and do not think twice before getting some for yourself. Nothing is more important than maintaining your health and your skin. You get only one life to live, make it beautiful. 

The Army Day

Today is Army Day, a day when we celebrate the glory of the stars on a shoulder and a life that's unlike others. An experience that you can only know it once because as you grow older, the old times seems bygone. As an army wife I am proud of the man I am married to. The various jobs that he juggles as the man of the house as well. Obviously it makes our life more interesting when we get to interact with people of the same profession and hopefully will only get to get better.

The sacrifices that you have to make when your husband has to leave you alone because the matters of our country are more important and slowly you get used to it. But its always with a smile and anyway it wouldn't matter if you frown at times because you are allowed to feel things. After all its not a crime to behave like a human, at times cry and at times throw a fit. It always makes us better as a couple in the longer run. So, lets celebrate this day, this unique label of an army wife, be proud of yourself as a woman and salute to all the soldiers away from their families. Some at borders and some in heaven...You are truly missed!

Singapore Dairies- Part 2

If you haven't walked in Singapore, and didn't get on the MMT and LMT then you haven't really seen the place. There is something amazing about being a part of the locals and how you mix in a culture thats so different from you.

Singapore Dairies

When you think about the horrid summers in India, all you wish that you lived on the top of a mountain but since its not always an option, this year we decided on Singapore. My son's first trip abroad and we were pretty excited about visiting another asian country for the first time. After Europe, I really didn't have much hopes on it but wow, how this country has surprised me.

We planned to stay at Punggol which is actually a lovely neighbourhood but a little away from all the tourist places. However, determined to make our way to all that we planned when we hardly had a wink, we went for Gardens By The Bay, popular for its super trees, Indoor waterfalls and their preservation of nature. The fully air-conditioning hits you with a blast as you enter and the shower of the gigantic waterfall greeted us with cool sprinkle of water.  Its almost as if you have reached some sort of heaven on earth. You can walk up or simply take an elevator up and as you go, you can comfortably relax at some spot of your choice and just watch the waterfall. Its one of a kind that makes your visit to Singapore a visit worth while.

After spending a really long time inside, we went for the Flower dome, where you can see how different varieties of flowers have been maintained under controlled temperature. They even had a tulip garden display which was just a delight to the eyes. A cozy cafe where they serve nice cappuccino, cold beer and some absolutely mouth watering snacks, we lingered despite wanting to stay put. Secretly i had set up a camp amongst the flowers and forget the life i live.

The SuperTrees Grove was another highlight of the place. You can see it standing tall, making its presence felt despite looking at the other structures. It makes you want to stare at them all day long. At around 7:15, they had the musical show started which was the STAR WAR theme. After a long day, I napped lying under them, listening to the very soothing with the volume just right that put me to sleep.

Its even more stunning when you stand in front of it

Many such art pieces were displayed along the way. This is one of them

Original carving from wood. What do you see? I see evolution.

Horticulture Heaven

Home Decor - part 1

When you move from one place to another, you kind of become an expert is making a very shabby quarters, all yours! A newly married will slowly buy things for her home while for me who have been a few years in the army, I tend to pick up thing from everywhere. Mostly from my travels and hometown. Here are a few tips that would help you set up a house and make it your home.

Zen Corner:

Make sure you have a 'ZEN' place designated in your living room or wherever you tend to sit out a lot. For me, its my living space where I sit and do my daily tasks, even writing. It simply means that you have a corner dedicated to spirituality and when you decorate that corner, you would feel an inner peace. I love gold and wood tones in my home so you would see that here. I added a buddha and a few things my mom gave me for good luck in the form of Feng Shui. I am hoping to add a money plant very soon.

Curtains:

Your curtains don't have to be the boring solid colours. Choose something that would let the air and light in. Limit the use of tube lights in the mornings and let bask in the nature. I love mints and teal and these are pretty transparent and this is just one side i have added to make it look special. Also a decorative item, such as the cage and tea lights make it look very warm.

Take a drink:

A corner where you can have a drink and display your precious crystals are is why you should own a bar cabinet. You get many options online these days or the best option that I tried was to get a design and get it made from a carpenter.

My Zen space

A warm corner 

My bar cabinet and handmade floor lamp

I'll add a few more pictures later. Hope you got a few tips on how to make your home ever more beautiful!

To Be Continued...

Why Taking My Toddler To the Mall was the biggest mistake of my life?

Excuse the long title but I couldn’t shorten it anyway. The impact of a bad day is getting to me and when all I could think about during the sale season was to shop in peace, I forgot that I had my son along. Kids these days, I am going to rant now, are not the usual ones. They want to be entertained, to be cuddled and to buy as much as you want. My son has seen us shopping and he thinks he can pick up three to four toys together, like I buy dresses in a mall. Not only does this turn into an ugly cry-affair where I try to convice him that this is not a great choice for him or for his age, he just throws a tantrum. There are tears, people stare like I am really bad mother, He doesn’t let go of that big box of hot wheels and want more like a greedy tiny person. Inside I am in tears, I am wailing and believe me, I just want to go home without taking a thing home. But I really live far from the city and I gotta to buckle up and be brave.

I thought the icecream would quiten him but he giving those sad teary looks because I just don’t buy him anything. He is unhappy but takes the icecream, sulky but eats it all while I go to one shop and decide to pick up whatever I like first and just get the hell out of there. He keeps wailing in between- “I want a car, Hot Wheels big Box’ which means I need to shell out more money this month and since I already spent more than I should have for the month, I just don’t give in. I tell him that he needs to buy a smaller one or else no more toys.

Lucky for me the play park at the Mall is huge and has sand and jungle gym with kids like him are tearing in, oh I mean Playing. Parents are sitting and watching them in distance. They all looked dissastisfied with their shopping plan gone haywired like mine. But my son was happy then, not once did he ask for the toy. The moment it was time to go home, he remembered the toy he had to buy. He cries again and people look. I stare them back. I am getting hyperventialed because I just want to go home now. I somehow put him in the car and decide silently that shopping with him, never ever in life!

What I feel is that kids really do not need a Mall to be happy. The outing in the Mall is just a very wrong concept. Somewhere I read why they behaved in this way because they are put in an unnatural environment, not ready to sit and just wait. Patience is the thing for adults and not for toddlers.  A lesson well learnt but a painful day that I wont be able to forget for sometime.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.