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!

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

Mind Games And Depression

This blog has been written to spread awareness about World MenTal Health Day. 

Husband: You are angry with me
Wife: No, I just feel depressed
Husband: Are you unhappy with me? Is that why?
Wife: No, It's not you.
Husband: Then you hate being married to me. 
Wife: It's not about you all the time. Its just about me. And I don't want to talk about it.

And so it starts the series of unsaid words and tangled relationships. And sometimes it's just not anyone but you. But how can anyone make sure that the word's out there and depression is not just an attention gaining scheme of anyone but just something that's messed up the mind and you simply feel worthless and all alone.

It's how all you say starts with a dullness- an ache that you cannot finger point on and then it progresses to being a little more quiet than usual. People who love you, care about you, seem like strangers and you wonder why they are still hanging around and looking at you as if you just are here to spoil everyone's mood.

But Depression is not something that you can help it. Circumstances, failed relationships and sometimes aspirations that have never been met might be the causes of it.

Things to look for if you find your partner/friends/family depressed:

1. Nil participation in conversations
2. No reaction for any joke or laughter around
3. Sluggish moments and disorganisation at home
4. No interest in sex or family life
5. Eat in excess or doesn't eat at all

How can you help?

1. Just let them know you are there for them
2. Try to distract them by doing some positive activities together- like gymming, walking, going to a fun park
3. Read about it and have a serious talk.
4. Let them cry and just hug 

If you have depression:

1. Involve yourself totally in recreational activities- Like painting, Quilling, reading, even blogging about it.
2. Have a feelings journal. Vent out and then never read it again.
3. Talk about how you feel to someone you trust. 
4. Seek professional help- like Roshini NGO who provide anonymous phone consultation.
5. Therapies like Reiki, Yoga and high power exercise.  

5 Reasons To See Tv On your mobile Via TataSky Transfer now!

The Past
I whip out the remote and finish the dinner wipe my hands on a a towel and sit on the sofa, turning on the TV. Says bah is on, i am getting into the groove when husband enters~
"The US open is going on".
When i look blankly at him, he says as if to explain, "It's Nadal and Fedrer playing!"
Obviously the remote goes to him. And then i am left alone to my own thing. It's usually when i join him watching it, not getting a thing about the damn thing. Who said a girl has to like sports to be feminist? I like my TV dramas a lot. 
So when TataSky introduces a new feature where you can record your shows and transfer them on your mobile, I found like my life was revolutionised! 
Here is why:  


Mobile Is all yours:

 You cannot vouch that about your TV. After all television is all about family. Your toddler wants to watch the tv or your mom in law wants to watch the latest serial. Your mobile will be yours and you don't need to share. So all you got to do is get the new TataSky Transfer and get going. Just record and transfer your favourite show or movie on your device. 

Avoid The Ads:

What we hate about good entertainment is the advertisements. No matter how cute it could be. The break is just a waste of time and you need to get other things done as well, so just use your mobile and forward all those wasted moments into quality time with your smartphone.

Travel made easy:

With increased travelling time, and road trips on my schedule because we just love our car so much doesn't mean that i have to wait for someone to talk or gossip to pass the time. With great features on Tatasky Transfer, you can watch them along the journey and just be yourself. 

Some Alone time:

Whether it's from your family or just work, you need your alone time too. To gather yourself, to just be, you can watch what you want to. I loved the series Grey's Anatomy and no one in my family likes English dramas. So, i whipped up my mobile (my superpower) used the Tatasky transfer and got it all recorded when I was out of the house. Evening when I am done with my chores, I just sit and relax with my favourite show. 

Sometimes you need to laugh:

Shows like Big Bang Theory, Friends, The New Girl, Happily Divorced, Bhabhiji Ghar par hai,  will always be a all time favourite. So instead of serials, I watch these to destress. And maybe no one else would get the joke but me. 

So really what are you waiting for? Follow the link to Tatasky Transfer and get your own shows and movies on your mobile. And enjoy them at your own pace. I found peace with the television, it is time to move on to my smartphone now. http://www.tatasky.com/transfer/

A Rainbow On The Other Side- A Gay Love Story

When he took her hands in his, he knew that it was already too late. Or was it? He was going to tell her the truth though. Almost five years and they still couldn't conceive. And it was not fair lying now. But she was glowing tonight as if hiding a delicious secret and she stood, tip toed and kissed his mouth roughly, welcoming him home. That was what he loved about this woman, she made his life complete.

"I have the something to tell you", she said before he could say anything more.
He saw the suitcase before he opened his mouth. It was outside the bedroom, in blue four wheeler, small and seemed to be neatly packed. They hardly took any trips outside their home town and his mother being a permanent guest in their home, they never got the time alone they needed.
"Are we going some where?"
"No, I am going. You are going to stay here", she sounded clam and the curls on her forehead bounced as she stood in front of his, her hands neatly folded in the pleats of her saree.
"I am leaving you".
"Is it because of my problem?" He knew that he could't give her a baby and that made her bitter over time, "because please don't go", He didn't know how to plead because his heart was breaking.
Her eyes were sweeping away, hiding the tears, "It was never the baby. I saw you with him".
He sucked in sharply and stared into her eyes, "Again?"
"I know that you...like men".
He looked around frantically, hoping that his mother didn't overhear.
"She knows", as if on cue she answered, "And it's okay. You should have never married me and I shouldn't have pretended that our life was anything but normal".
He winced, "But I love you".
"You don't want me. We have wasted too many years together. It's time to find our path. And you accept for who you are".
He still couldn't say it out loud. He was ashamed. The secrecy kept him sane and this was anything but normal. And wasn't he thinking that he was being so clever?

He saw her leave. He knew that her family wasn't going to like it but he was not going to stop her. He saw his phone and it was buzzing again. He wanted to meet him again. That shady bar that he always went when he wanted to be himself. Now he switched it off. And went to talk to his mother. It was time that they talked things out. He was going to find someone who loved him for himself. But before that he had to love himself.

This Story was written for #Indispire under Indiblogger. The theme is #Loveinspiration

Food Tales with TinyOwl

Click to download (iOS): TinyOwl

Click to download (Android): TinyOwl

When I think about food, all  can think about is Biryani and not anywhere else but Hyderabad's authentic kitchen diaries where you get to relish the tastebuds of the Nawabs in the times of of glorious historical India. And since I am a 'pakka' Hyderabadi, I cannot compromise on taste and when it comes to delicacies, I got to have what's authentic. And surprisingly authentic biryani isn't available in some fancy restaurants but the age old cafes and restaurants that have done well in time. Some of the best examples are Paradise and Gulf Cafe. Their taste is just outstanding. 

  

No matter what we do end up checking out new places and some do surprise us with their promptness and service with food being utterly delicious. And some don't. I had such an experience at one famous restaurant that have opened a branch at Hitech city and I really live far away from the place, so it took effort to be there. Unfortunately the food was horrible, tasteless and still the crowd was tight. I know our love for food and the adventurous streak in us want to explore a bit more than the usual hauntings but it would have been great if it saved me the effort of driving far away totally unaware of how the restaurant is.

Somehow I love my food and when lot of people hangout at my place impromptu then ordering in makes sense. After the addition of an active toddler in home who is not really restaurant friendly, it's not always possible for me to go to a restaurant and for that home delivery is the best option for me. And I ended using TinyOwl as an app. It was just like a magic button that saves all my information if I want to order again. And the options are unlimited that you would end up lost in the app. You could decide on your cravings and depend on TinyOwl to find you the best restaurant for you. Once you have chosen a restaurant, you will find various courses displayed and you could just tick on the plus, to add to your list of food. 

I find this app extremely useful and it works great anywhere. Just the thing you need when you want to spend the day at home.

Friends Or Lovers

Image source: Internet

Having survived, co-ed schooling and Masters, I finally gave up on having friends who were boys. But as the universal truth goes, why can't a man and a woman be friend? Why does it have to involve anything else than just being there for each other? Thanks to our movies, we get that hormonal problem in us that prevents us from seeing men as anything else than prospective boyfriends. Maybe our society looks at a group of girls and guys and think they all could be couples hanging out. But why look at it that way at all when they could just be classmates or colleagues just out to have fun.

Somehow its still unbelievable that they won't get attracted to each other at some point in life. Facing the facts, you will still have some guys who will like the way you look and your career prospect suits her in the longer run but how long can you actually stay friends?

Now, married and years later, I do have friends who are men, platonic because well, I know- they know nothing is ever going to happen because we all have survived relationships and are just looking for someone to talk and relate to. Some of them are my husband's colleagues who are nice to me, keep their distance and we do share a drink or two whenever we meet.

I am a fan of South Indian movies because they could show that love and friendship are two different things. Take the movie Happy Days that came some years ago. It portrays human emotions in an engineering college in such a sweet way that you would wish that you had a college life like that. Honestly you really don't need to learn the language (Telugu) to see the story that revolves around it.

Earth Is Calling so wake up!

Green Yatra is a NGO who wants to promote awareness towards more green and clean earth. Here are some of the things we could do as a citizen.

Take A Walk

We all know that mother earth is our only way of surviving and to make it a better place to live in, you have to do your bit everyday. Walking on the streets has become such a hassle these days. There are no proper pavement because street vendors occupy the space and then leave the place dirty and used. Eventually we find no parking and end up having an argument with shopkeepers, vendors and other drivers. And then we leave the car in motion waiting for your loved ones to join you. Do you know how much petrol you are wasting? Its not only financially draining for you but also environmentally harmful for everyone around.

Eat In More

Restaurant business is thriving because people now do not want to learn cooking or waste any time doing it. There is of course the buffet option where you have your fill which does leave you statisfied but be honest, how much food is left on that plate, uneaten? The leftovers are often taken by the dairy farms where the cows and pigs are feed this and ultimately the milk and pork that you consume is of the same. So well, eat less outside and even if you do do an A la carte.

Carry A garbage Bag

While riding in your car make sure that you carry that waste bag with you always. It could be that packet of chips or the diaper your son had soiled, it would come in great use because throwing things out of the window is just damn rude.

Recycle

When you have those beautiful bottles of kissan jam and dabur honey, have something made out of it. I prefer to make a indoor planter out of them. You can use any crafts to decorate the bottle and even have a herb tray in your kitchen. Some other things you could re-use are CDs (for costers, wall hangings), Cardboard/ shoe boxes (for storage).

Use your Laptop/Smartphone

That grocery list that you wanted to write down, you could just make a quick list on your phone instead of wasting papers. And if you are a writer like me then use your laptop even if its to make a draft. That way you wouldn't waste a notebook because all your ideas sucked. Use technology wisely.

These are some of the things that you could do from your side. Do not wait for something drastic to happen because don't forget that you would have to leave the earth behind for your children. They deserve a better tomorrow too.

My Bucket Of Happiness

1.     Travel the world

          I always wanted to see the world and explore the little nooks and corners where I would find an ideal coffee shop or a Tapas bar. That art gallery of an unknown artist who would be famous twenty years from now. I would love to try the local cuisines too. What a wonderful way to live!

2.     Open a book store/Library

This might be for my later years but I always want t be surrounded with books. I have huge library of 

books already but no place to keep my ever growing collection. But one day I would like to give platform to the writers all over India to display their books in my book shop. I am greatly influenced by the movie SHOP AROUND THE CORNER. Yes, that woman would be in the near future.

3.     Trekking in the forests

I am not one for big exercise regime but a quiet hilly walk or a dense forest leading towards a waterfall would be just great. I did go for an Aruku Valley falls and the walk towards it was tiring. Currently working towards being a little more resilient. 

4.     Attend a sunburn festival Goa

I love to party even if i love my books. And for a few days I would love to forget myself and be this diva with music lovers all around me. Dance like crazy within the wee hours of the morning. Yes, drink myself to stupor too. Basically have a good time with myself :)

5. Go on an all women trip somewhere

As much as i love my family, I would like to take a trip all by myself and since i would feel more comfortable with a group. And what better group than friends? And seriously, no men allowed at all!

6.     Write a best-selling novel

I already write novels and have three in my pocket too but what it would be to have my book get an award? Still working on this and I really dream big when it comes to writing.

7.     Visit the literary sites in the world

Where did Jane Austen write? What would be her desk like? I always wondered. And did Shakespeare enacted his plays here? These would be questions on my mind when I would visit UK. Although I would like to explore more on the topic, this would just be the greatest inspiration for me. Ann Frank House is my present list.

8.     Go on the sets of Comedy Nights with Kapil

I have this wish to sit as his audience and hug this guy for opening a show like this one and making us laugh again. Not only him but his team is doing a great job as well. I really want to go on his sets!

9.     Have a book club

This one would only be possible if i am in one place but as soon as I settle down in one place I am going to open a book club, invite everyone for tea and sandwiches while we discuss the controversial dialogues of novels. And it will be free of cost. Only Book lovers allowed!

10.   Spread awareness towards Autism  

THIS  Residential School called Autism Ashram in Hyderabad has provided a place for the kids with special needs a haven. Its a beautiful 10 acre land of joy. And I find more who really do not know what AUTISM means. Its a sad world out there. And I am planning to give my time towards this cause more and more. To donate you can just click on the link http://www.care4autism.in/. Your contribution will mean a lot. 

Digital India- Karega India to Badega India

http://www.intel.in/

#DigitalIndia

E Governance is today’s most amazing scheme that our government in India has started  since the boom of internet and every household seem to find it convenient to sit back and use the websites at their own free time. When we think about booking railway tickets, submitting a form for a passport, getting your birth/ death certificate done, paying your household bills- the mind is quiet bogged down with the pressure of actually having to go out and enquire about it all. And with their websites giving us access to information about the procedure and how easily someone could just  do the payments online, its certainly is a boon to live in this century.

No long do the citizens have to stand in line and wait for their turn. It all happens with a click of the mouse.

The aim of E governance is simple. They want its consumer citizens to have greater access to them and connect more via these online agencies.

       

      

Its important to have it in today’s world because of various reasons. The government can keep a close eye on its accounts and have income come on a steady basis. It makes them a reliable government because it’s a flawless and mostly saves a lot of costs which can be used for other social purposes. I see students wanting to apply for VISA and Passports all the times and they get their work done all through online portals. The elderly who now find it difficult to come out of their homes but can use their computer with ease now just bless the system.

Living in a state of Manipur, I have realized the importance of having E Governance. People living in the hills cannot go by themselves and get the important things done in person. By opening up various offices for the localities, the government have given them an opportunity to come forward and be the part of the growing India. They do not have to live obscurity anymore.  

They could work a little more on their websites though and make it more user friendly. The railways websites is forever delayed in getting their pages uploaded which is quiet frustrating. Also the booking can only be done before eleven in the night. Sometimes coming from office the midnight is convenient to do all the payments. With user IDs and password, a citizen can now protect its accounts and feel free to use it when the need arises.  The Anna Hazare movement where each and every person was signing petitions for ‘I bribed’ stories, the online forums really helped the government to connect with the woes of the citizens. The online petitions are now becoming a fast growing trend in India and popular with the youth. 

With E Governance becoming so aware of its citizen growing demands, its making its business to grow with the technology and making each citizen more informed about it. The recent survey on Telengana where each house was scanned to distinguish between higher income and lower income families, it did take a great step towards making more improvement in abstaining the taxes for those who couldn’t pay.

Its certainly not going to stop now and with a promise of more to come, E Governance will make sure that the rural areas where one cannot go to the cities and do the needful, can just use an internet café or use the offices they have opened there. India has so much to give and the government is following the lead.