We’re already three days down in the New Year, and I am pretty excited to learn what 2022 has in store for us. To me, stepping into the new year is a chance to reflect on the year that’s gone by and to think what I hope to achieve in the coming year. Other than this, it’s all about celebrations. Like we all know, the past year has been a difficult one owing to the pandemic and celebrations continued to be on a low key this year too. To add to this misery, the Omicron variant led to a rise in Covid-19 cases and therefore there was a ban on new year festivities and gatherings all over. People opted to celebrate new year’s eve at home with family and friends rather than going out. Leave the celebration aside, I’m sure people are hopeful that the year 2022 will put an end to the virus and bring normalcy in people’s lives.
I look at 2022 as a year of positivity and optimism. Along with this, I also look forward to see myself turning a graduate and entering into the professional world. Here’s hoping that 2022 is filled with lots of exciting opportunities and new adventures in my own space and with friends and family. So 2022, bring it on, I’m ready!
Last but not the least, I pray that the new year brings you all peace, prosperity, and happiness. Wishing you a joyous 2022!
2021 has reached its tail end and the countdown begins now! Year-end is quite an emotional time for all of us. It reminds us of all the great times we spent this year and the lovely memories we created. While all of this is true, let’s not forget that it’s also the start of another new year. A year which we all look forward to in these tough times that we have been through. No matter what, ringing in the new year is a great moment to acknowledge.
Therefore, as we prepare ourselves for a successful new innings in 2022, I present to you some inspirational year-end quotes that will motivate you to have a fresh start in the new year.
“What feels like the end is often the beginning.”
“On this New Year, be someone you yourself can admire.”
“As we look to the New Year, hold on to what is good. Let go of what is bad. It really is that simple.”
“Let us embrace the coming new year with a living hope for everyday life.”
“This is a New Year. A new beginning. And things will change.”
Hello merry readers! Christmas Eve 2021 has finally arrived. A time filled with cheer, merriment and joy. Also, a perfect time to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and binge watch a good Christmas movie. However, when there are multiple options available, it gets tough to make a choice for the perfect film for a perfect evening.
Well, fret not, as I have got you covered. Below are some of the most delightful Christmas titles on Netflix that you can binge watch this Christmas season.
Love Hard (2021)
Happiest Season (2020)
Last Christmas (2019)
Holidate (2020)
The Holiday (2006)
Before I bid goodbye, here’s wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas. That’s all for today. Stay safe!
Hello my lovely readers! I am back after a short break. Hmmm. Grab a seat. Can I get you something to drink? It’s been quite some time since we had a proper catch up, after all.
If you are wondering where I had disappeared, and why I was taking so long to return, well, I’ll come back to that too. For now, I want to admit that I had promised myself I would never be one of those who suddenly vanish without a word. Yet I did it myself! Let’s find out why? Let everything be revealed!!!
1.Why I took a break?
The reason for my blogging absence was that life just got a little busy. When I first started my blog, I was in my early years of graduation and had a lot of time on hand to pour my thoughts and ideas into my blog. However, with time as I stepped in the final year, things got a little challenging in college. The pandemic-induced online sessions were consuming plenty of my time. With more focus on studies, I had to keep blogging aside for a while. It may sound a bit clichéd because there’s a saying that goes ‘There’s no such thing as being too busy; if you really want to do something, you’ll make time for it’. But honestly, my studies and tasks followed by exams left me with no time on hand. Not that I had decided to take this break, but it eventually became difficult to dedicate the required time for blogging.
2. What did I do while I was away?
Okay, I admit, apart from my studies and exams, I also did have a lot of fun this year with short trips and some important family events.
Attended two engagement ceremonies and a destination wedding.
Took a little trip with my family to celebrate my 21st birthday.
Went on a staycation with cousin squad.
Celebrated my aunt and uncle’s silver jubilee anniversary.
3. How I got back to blogging?
Well, because I just love to write and I really missed my fellow bloggers and the entire blogging community. As long as I can write, I will always find some time to write/blog about my thoughts, ideas, or anything that I find relevant and helpful to you. And as I continue this journey, I hope you will keep supporting me.
4. Going forward…
I have also decided to:
Write shorter blog posts.
Maintain a schedule and stay consistent.
Format new changes.
Post at regular intervals.
That’s all from me for today. But I’m also eager to know how you have been and what kept you going all these months. Waiting to hear from you! Till then, stay safe!
Hey my lovely readers. Hope you all are doing fine and staying in good spirits. Before I move on to writing further, I want to wish you – my blogger friends – an incredibly Happy Valentine’s Day.
Valentine season is the most romantic time of the year. Love is in the air and all those struck by the Cupid’s arrow are waiting to say ‘I Do’ to their special someone. However, it’s not just about proposing to your partner, and I’m sure you too agree with it. Love is not just about going on the knees one fine day and expressing your feelings towards your partner. It isn’t momentary! Love goes way beyond that, it goes a long, long way with a whole lot of caring, sharing and making major couple goals with your special one.
With Valentine’s Day right here and you wish to express your love to that special one but are at your wit’s end, don’t worry. I bring you the quirkiest and most romantic Bollywood ideas to help you pop the ‘question’ at the right time. I’m sure these lovable Bollywood flicks will inspire you to plan a perfect proposal.
Bollywood Movie: Anjaana Anjaani
This film teaches you how you shouldn’t let heartbreaks stop you from falling in love again and find affection in the most surprising ways. Akash (Ranbir Kapoor) and Kiara (Priyanka Chopra) are two heartbroken individuals who go one night to end their lives but meet over a bridge and decide against that. They then go to fulfil their last wishes, and eventually fall in love with each other during this journey. The last scene of the movie where they both propose to each other in the middle of the ocean will definitely melt your heart! Aww!
Bollywood movie: 2 States
Take inspiration from Krish (Arjun Kapoor) from the popular film 2 States. He meets Ananya (Alia Bhat) in college and falls in love. But it doesn’t end there. Despite the two of them agreeing to the relationship, both have to struggle really hard to convince their families for marriage as they both come from different cultural backgrounds. But our lover boy is persistent enough to move to another state where Ananya lives and manages to get their approval for marriage. I think, it was the sweetest way to have family’s love and blessings too.
Bollywood movie: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
A film that proved that “every love story begins with friendship”. Set major couple goals like Jai (Imran Khan) his best friend Aditi (Genelia D’Souza). Jai broke all airport rules by coming on a horse to propose to Aditi at the airport, sang a beautiful song “Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Nata Koi” for her and almost arrested by the officers! I’m sure, his will make you fall in love with the idea of love.
Bollywood Movie: DilwaleDulhania Le Jaayenge
My list of best romantic movies can never be complete without the iconic love story of Raj (Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol). The story revolves around two youngsters who first meet on an inter-rail holiday in Europe. No, it isn’t love at first sight for them. Indeed, after the holiday Simran is forced to travel to India for a marriage arranged by her father. But our hero Raj doesn’t give in to destiny. He follows her all the way to India to woo his lady love and win over her father’s blessings too. Try this for your special one and I promise you a great happy ending.
Hey my lovely readers! What’s up? With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, all those in love are gearing up to celebrate the day with their special ones. Reaching at your Valentine’s door with gifts, flowers, cards or letters is so passe! So if going for a candlelight dinner or a movie date is not your idea of celebrating Valentine, fret not. With the whole of last year being so different and dramatic, I understand that you’re looking for dreamy ways to share some bright and happy moments with your special someone this year.
Here are five cute and romantic V-Day Date ideas that you can choose from and make your V-Day even more memorable.
Take a Dance Lesson Together
A variety of dance lessons are now being offered online. Choose the style you want – tango, tap, salsa or ballroom – and get grooving to the beats together. This will not only help you develop a stronger bond with your partner but also bring you both closer. Better still, you can set up a dance floor at home, play your favourite music and dance like there’s no tomorrow. How’s that!
Watch a Comedy Show Together
It is said that the couple that laughs together, stays together. So, this Valentine’s Day, ditch the traditional dates and book a comedy show with your partner. Sometimes even comedians enjoy talking about love and relationships, and I’m sure you will surely find something you can relate to. However, if you don’t prefer going out then curl up on the couch, grab a cosy blanket, switch on Netflix and get watching those hilarious stand-up specials along with some lovely food and drinks. Tch, tch!
Craft Something Nice Together
Who doesn’t love a handmade gift on Valentine’s Day? I’m sure most of us do. So, step up your game this V-Day and make your special one something that is super easy to make and yet meaningful to both of you. It could be a beautiful DIY gift such as a cute handmade card, a garland of hearts, handmade heart pillow or a photo booth.
Have a Bake-Off
Baking is an entertaining and constructive way to spend some time with your significant other. Instead of ordering something from the local patisserie, consider a fun and interactive cooking experience with your companion. You can also prepare some chits in cooking experience where you will provide each other a mystery basket of ingredients and set the timer. You then have to make something out of those ingredients and within the stipulated time. Finally, you both can also fill out score cards to decide whose cooking skills are superior. Brownie points for anything heart shaped, of course!
Do a Role Play Wearing Costume
This might sound a little different from the rest but trust me this is an incredible idea to spend your day together while having lots of fun together. All you need to do is work on a scenario together such as a female cop arresting a robber, a nurse and a soldier, an army man, and a doctor, a fairy and a joker etc., find the right costumes and settings for it and just act out the scenario and you’re good to go. I promise you’ll have the best time together.
Pssstt. Now here’s note for all those who’re single (like me!!). If you’re secretly wondering that this day shouldn’t have happened, then stop scratching your head as you can still rejoice this day of love by doing the same fun activities with your Galantines – yes, your gang of best girl best friends. No matter who you are it with, it’s all about celebrating and making the best of the day.
Hey my lovely readers! How are you’ll? As all of us know, 2020 has turned out to be a boon for the OTT platforms. Between dreading about a deadly virus against an indefinite lockdown, sinking in the WFH culture, managing domestic chores and attending online classes, one thing that kept all of us busy was binge watching before the good old idiot box.
For sure I binge watched plenty of shows in the last one year of post- pandemic lockdown. Some left me happily surprised, some bored me to death and some others were reliably solid. However, there were some that are worth mentioning to you all. They were not only well created and phenomenal but totally hooked me and definitely left a mark on my mind.
Presenting to you my top favourite OTT shows of 2020 and why they should be on your must-watch list too.
The Queen’s Gambit Genre: Period Drama Platform: Netflix Directed by Scott Frank, the show Queen’s Gambit follows the life of an orphan who matures into a competitive young adult fuelled by a desire to become the greatest chess player in the world while masking a growing addiction to drugs and alcohol that allow her to function. Why I love this show so much? Well, primarily because of the style of this show. Every scene is like a vintage, nostalgic photo coming to life. Whether Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) is in a swanky, mid-century hotel in Paris and Moscow or in her mother’s wallpapered “Mad Men”-ish dream of a living room, every physical detail is absolutely amazing.
The Crown Genre: Historical Drama Platform: Netflix Second on my list is the most popular show in these times – The Crown. Created by Peter Morgan, it portrays the life of Queen Elizabeth II spanning the times from her wedding in 1947 to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, until the early 21st century. Where do I begin talking about this phenomenal series? Everything about it is simply remarkable. You get to learn so much from the show. The way the royal families speak, eat, behave and so much more. Also, a few things that struck my mind were the lavish production (it is rumoured to be Netflix’s most expensive production), the human drama integrated with real events and its impeccable cast – all of which stole the success of The Crown. Definitely a masterpiece in itself.
Bandish Bandits Genre: Romantic Drama Platform: Amazon Prime The next on my list is this wonderful Indian Romantic Drama Series Bandish Bandits. Directed by Anand Tiwari, it is a tale of millennial love between two musicians hailing from contrasting musical backgrounds. It follows the journey of popstar Tammanah (Shreya Chaudhary) and Indian classical singer Radhe (Ritwik Bhowmik) as they set out to find themselves and break barriers with their music. What I truly find admirable and worth mentioning is the fabulous music score by Indian musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy that is foot-tappingly catchy and will have you humming along together. Simultaneously, I was so amazed by the stunning locales and the colourful costumes of all the characters. Loved then colourful and musical Indian series, indeed!
Aarya Genre: Crime Drama Platform: Disney+ Hotstar Based on the Spanish series Penoza by Pieter Bart Korthuis, Aarya unfolds the story of a wife and mother, who takes charge of her husband’s illegal business to tie the loose ends of his drug cartel after he gets murdered. The show consists of elements that keep the viewer smitten and glued right from the first few minutes of the show. One reason why I enjoyed watching the show so much. The storytelling was also something I really admired. If you’re a fan of crime dramas, then this is just the perfect show for you.
Hello my lovely readers. How are you’ll? And how’s everything going? Before writing any further, here’s wishing you all a very Happy New Year. We all know how 2020 has been a pretty tough and challenging year for everyone, owing to the pandemic, the calamities, unnatural deaths and so much else happening around the globe. Cheers to all of us who have survived 2020 and made it to 2021. I hope that this new season will be an awesome one with new hopes, new beginnings, and new times for everyone reading this.
Coming back to where I started, I have logged into my blog after almost two months. I mean that’s pretty much a long time I realise now. Right! For all those who were wondering where I had disappeared and why had I not stayed connected, let me share with you that I had lost the motivation to blog. The spark for writing that I had in me got suddenly lost! You can refer to it as the writer’s block!
Another reason why I wasn’t blogging was because I was exploring the nuances of other media more than the WP. Yes, my mind had been pre-occupied towards the social media platform as I looked for ways and means to develop my Instagram page. Though the joy of writing gives me inner happiness, I looked for ideas to grow as a social media blogger. As a result, I wasn’t able to give much time to both the mediums equally. Also, I was on a long trip with my family to bring in and celebrate the new year. Those who follow me on insta may have come across my new year travel posts recently.
New Year Celebration with fam in Amritsar
However, I know I truly owe you all – my readers – a big apology. I’m really sorry guys. Hope you all understand it. I also want to thank my amazing followers for still sticking with me and consistently supporting me in spite of me being inactive on WP.
However, I’m back after my long hiatus, and I promise you all that I will try to put more effort into writing and not disappoint you guys.
As mentioned in my last post, the grand Indian Diwali festival is here, and people are setting the tone to welcome the festival in full swing. With the extraordinary situation that we are in, most of are trying to avoid stepping out of the houses to stay safe. With Diwali being a big cultural moment in India, a majority of us plan to celebrate the season virtually with our loved ones – which is prudent in such times.
While social distancing continues to be a priority, we look forward to reaching out to our loved ones through virtual platforms including social media. Talking about social media, we all know how the role it plays in helping us connect and reach out – a significant need during festivals.
Looking for Diwali decor ideas that are trending on social media? Exploring gift ideas and handmade options for friends and family to enhance the celebrations? A big trend this year is also towards online shopping as people look to stay home and celebrate the festival with loved ones. While Indians look forward to indulging in Diwali sweets, there is also a focus on shopping for local made products to give a boost to the local businesses in these unprecedented times.
I’m sure after reading all this, you may be curious to know the ongoing trends around the festival. Take a sneak peek into the 10 of the most popular hashtags on Social Media related to Diwali in India. Don’t just read them, use them in your posts to up your reach.
#diwali2020
#diwaligifts
#diwalidecor
#happydiwali
#homedecor
#handmade
#vocalforlocal
#giftideas
#onlineshopping
#diwalisweets
Do let me know, what’s your favourite trend this Diwali?
Hey my lovely readers. How are you all? Well, I know I haven’t been active on WP for the past few days, but I was a bit busy exploring other facets of blogging. But I did miss being on WP too!
With Diwali almost upon us, I’m prepping up for some fun festive posts around the season. This is especially for my audience belonging to places other than India, to give them interesting insights into the festivities. I’m sure all of you have read or heard about this yearly festival being celebrated with great pomp in India (although this year the celebration will be on a low-key owing to Covid!)
For me, Diwali is my favourite time of the year. I connect it with an air of celebration, happiness, decorative lights, sound of firecrackers, seasonal greetings, blessings from elders, festive clothes and, of course, gorging on mouthfuls of sweets and savouries. I still recall when I was a kid my dad would pamper me with a bagful of firecrackers, and we’d burst them all within minutes and enjoy the celebration with family. Although this year I say NO to firecrackers in the wake of being environment friendly and to protect the planet. But it is these little memories around the season that are deeply etched in my mind.
A festival that has as many stories associated with it as the number of different traditions and religions that celebrate it. To give a glimpse into it, here I share some interesting and lesser-known facts around the festival.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is India’s most important festive season celebrated in the honour of King Ramachandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the Lord Vishnu).
It symbolises the victory of morality and goodness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Hence Indians also worship Goddess Lakshmi, the harbinger of wealth, happiness, and prosperity.
The direct translation of the word Diwali in English means ‘row of lights (or lamps).’ This is why households in India decorate their homes with lights and earthen diyas. It is a celebration of light, that culminates in bursting crackers.
Diwali is the time when people purchase gold as a symbol of prosperity. Research says that Indian housewives hold 11% of the world’s gold! And each year the ratio rises!
Diwali is one of the few festivals in India that does not have a regional root and is celebrated across the country with equal aplomb.
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Hence on this day, farmers thank the deities for the harvests they had and pray for a prosperous harvesting season in the upcoming year.
Interestingly, gambling during Diwali is allowed as there is a belief that it brings good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
Apart from India, in the city of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, largest Diwali celebrations are held. Thousands of people gather on the streets to enjoy shows of light, music, and dancing.
The festival is also celebrated in the Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Given the level of enthusiasm for this festival, it is a public holiday in these countries!
Chasing The Maximum Life 