Archive for June 2013

I completed reading this book sometime ago but I have been waiting for The Secret to work.

Rhonda Byrne has written this book based on her experience while she was in depression and how she came out of it. When things don't work as you wish, when nothing goes as you plan, a phase comes when your life goes blank.

Rhonda has researched to an extent, interviewing celebrities and how they were able to succeed and reach a high position overcoming repeated failures.

Few things that I have noted and preaching while reading this book:

Be grateful to all things you have. Be thankful that you are able to step into another day of your life, to the people around you who love you. When you thank every day, it makes you feel better.
Love yourself, your body, your health. Assume you are healthy, are slim and forget the comparison. Once you love yourself, nothing and no one can make you inferior.
If you think you don't enough money, think you have enough money and much more than that.
Don't crib about your past or what went wrong. The more you think of it, the more it hurts.
Appreciate the other person and stop complaining.
Aging is only in minds of the individuals. If you think you're getting aged, the more you become. Be young at heart and think you are young. The brings a smile on your face every time you think.
Laughter is the best medicine. The more you laugh, the healthier you are.

Always think of good things and the things that you wish to have, achieve, goal. The universe listens attracts and reflects the same. I waited for a long time for my wishes to come true. Though, it is not always guaranteed that things would work as you wish; there is no harm dreaming of good things and feeling great about oneself. That's the mantra to live life happily.

I have seen the movie which is based on the book itself. The movie is a collection of experiences from the people who underwent lot of suffering, be it health, relationships, monies. Success did not come to them easy. Each and every individual has explained their "Secret" to success and by following The Secret, how we can make our lives better.

I liked the movie and I am sure that all of us face challenges or bullied at some point of time. Trust in your self, have faith and things would shape up for good.

Seek and Ye shall find.

This review contributes to the Australian Women Writers Challenge.

Fathers are always close to daughters and daughters have a special untold attachment with fathers. My mother still narrates an incident I used to fall sick when my dad used to travel or not at home. My father has been the man behind my success and a supportive pillar in whatever tasks I undertake. I am what I am today because of his constant encouragement.

While you attend an interview and unsure of the answer, speak with confidence. Confidence is key. Sometimes, you need to look like you're confident even when you're not.

I had to wait for good things, until the time favored me. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.

People I trusted the most betrayed me. My father had consoled to me saying: Never trust anyone completely but God. Love people, but put your full trust only in God. Trust, but verify.

Never lie, never cheat, never steal. When people cheat in any arena, they diminish themselves-they threaten their own self-esteem and their relationships with others by undermining the trust they have in their ability to succeed and in their ability to be true

Always be thankful to god for whatever you are today. Be thankful that you are able to step into a new day, the food you get, the money you splurge, finally, the sleep you get. The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.

Always be on time and avoid being late. Punctuality is the soul of business.

When someone insults you, you don't deserve it. Give it back right then no matter who it is. What you do is what you get.

Save money to make a living NOT to an extent that the money rules you. Never run behind money, you might lose other important things in life.

Always control your anger. Anger has caused great epics like Mahabharata.. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

There are millions of people dying due to hunger. Never waste food and respect the food you get. Annam Brahma is a famous Sanskrit saying that the food is equivalent to god.

I can pen down many lessons I have learned from my father ever since I was a child. I am cutting it short to ten for time being. These lessons have helped me grow into a good person. Thanks daddy, for correcting me every time I made a mistake and helped me grow stronger to face the corrupt and challenging world!

‘I am writing ‘10 life lessons I learnt from my father’ at Parentous.com‘

What would you react when a bunch of friends want you to treat them in a short notice with the home made food? Can I deny? No I can't. Guests are sometimes uninvited.

It was a college get together and 8 of them declared that they would talk, eat and dance at my home over the weekend. I was worried what to prepare and where to organise the party as I had clean up, go the the veggie market, buy the fruits and vegetables, see what is in the kitchen and what not, make a list and head to the provision stores. If I had to clean and cook, there was no chance that I would get ready by 6 in the evening. I decided the best place to have the party will be the terrace where my friends could breathe the fresh air and listen to the light instrumental music in the background. Since most of us are busy in talks or gossips, no one pays attention to what is being played. The girls had agreed to dress themselves as the actress in the 1970s Bollywood movies which is always fun to dress up. This would be followed the the DJ Night with the latest hits where I can play my favorite hit songs which I carefully picked and placed on my iPod connected to the Bose speakers.

Seeing me rush to the veggie market, my neighbour suggested why I wouldn't order for the most trusted brand ITC's Kitchens of India currys and masala mixes as they provide a doorstep delivery. Instead of going to the market, I placed an order immediately for the mouthwatering dishes which I had planned for. As all of us are vegetarians, this was my final list:

Starters:
Baby Corn Manchuri
Tomato Soup
Sev Puri
Papad
Main course:
Dal Bhukara
Mughlai Paneer
Paneer Darbari - for the hot spicy lovers
Vegetable Biryani Masala Mix
Curd Rice with Tadka - made by me :)
Hot Mango Chutney - How can you have curd rice without this?
Desserts:
Hazoori Petha Halwa
Gadbad icecream
Cool drinks:
Mango Lassi - This is everyone's all time favorite
Coca Cola

Having placed the order online, I went ahead to prepare the rice in the rice cooker and roll and bake the rotis. I chopped carrots, onions, cucumber, tomatoes and lemon etc.. which was for salad. For starters, tomato soup, Baby corn manchuri and papad. In no time, the food was ready.

The Kitchens of India packs come with a free CD which contains recipes for the Indian food on the purchase of 2 packs.

My friends were happy with the food and nothing was left over which in turn made me more happy. They praised me for the good food they had. Thanks to Kitchens of India which has made life easier for hosting a party at home in no time and an easy delivery of the delicious food items.

Next time when I want to host a party, I know how easy it is to arrange the best food and make the guests happy with the mouthwatering food. ;)

Images from Kitchens of India website.

This post is written for MyWeekendParty contest by Kitchens of India in association with Indiblogger.

Read the below post at your own risk ;)

I lost a ring that was precious and many evil folks were hunting for it. The great Gandalf had handed over the ring under my custody and I fail to protect it. Anyone who gets it, might misuse it. Now that, the Gandalf was in heaven, I wasn't sure on how to contact him and break the ice.

Me: Hola Hermione,
Hermione: Whats up mate?

Me: I am in a problem

Hermione: The ring is lost?

Me: Hmmm. I don't know how to tell this to Gandalf. I will be killed!

Hermione: I have a solution for this. Before I tell you, let me add Gandalf to the conversation

[Gandalf joins]

Gandalf: I could sense something going wrong.

Me: Yes, you're right. After you left us, it has become too hard on Middle Earth to communicate to Heaven.

Gandalf: Aah, I am always available on wechat. You can leave a voice message on this id.

Me: Sounds great.

Hermione: M, have you searched for the ring all over your house? I am sure, it would have fallen somewhere or either stolen by Gollum?

Me: Yes, I did, I am afraid, its not at the home. Someone's stolen. Hope its not Gollum, who always yells, "We loves the precious". He could misuse it once the rings falls into his hands.

Hermione: Let me ask Genie. He must know.

[Genie joins out of the lamp]

Genie: What is the reason that you woke me at 2 am in the morning. **yaaawn**

Me: You know the ring that Gandalf had handed over to me is lost?

Genie: Really? Its not the time to joke! Lets talk about this in the morning. I think I should switch off my phone before getting into the lamp.

Me: Genie, I know only you can find it within no time.

Genie: But not at this time, I am tired working 8 hours a day and commuting for 3 hours. This is out of my business hours and you need to pay me an overtime.

Me: Done. But first find the ring.

Hermione: Give me some details as when you lost the ring.

Me: I was fast asleep when the maid came this morning. After she left, I realized that the ring is gone. She might be the culprit but I am not sure.

Genie: Ok. Leave it to me, I will search the maids house and get back to you.

[Few hours later]

Genie: I searched every nook and corner of the house, I couldn't find anything except a few drops of blood.

Me: This is really surprising.

[The maid messages]

Maid: I will not be able to come to the work from now on.

Me: Duh? All of sudden.

Maid: ***sobs*** I cannot do any housekeeping when I am injured.

Me: ***Astonished*** What happened to you?

Maid: I was cleaning the house and noises pulled me towards an usual ring. I had never seen such a beautiful ring I was so tempted that I wore it. Even my husband has never gifted me any such so far. As I walked out of the house, this weird creature Gollum attacked me and stole the ring. I fell down injured and now in the hospital. God paid back the cos of stealing.

Me: Genie, you know what to do next.

[After an hour]

Genie: I had to fight Gollum to get back the ring. I am sure he will come here again to get the ring.

Me: Gandalf, I cannot take this risk.

Gandalf: Dumbledore is the best person who can help you after me.

[Dumbledore joins]

Dumbledore: I can keep it safe. I promise.

Me: The burden on my shoulders is reduced.

Dumbledore: You can now had a sound sleep without worrying much. But when I am out, you have to still guard it in few circumstances and Hermione will help us out.

[Vicki joins]

Vicki: I am coming home tomorrow. My batteries are replaced and I am fully charged. You don't need a human maid any longer.

Me: Vicki, I am so happy that you're back.

Me: I am inviting you dine and wine on the occasion of finding the ring and Vicki coming back. Do confirm your presence. Either text me or leave a voice message on WeChat

This post is a part of Indiblogger contest. Check out the video on YouTube.

As a child, I read in the school books, that, men and women are always equal in all aspects. There is nothing that, we, women cannot do which a man can do. These things appeared fine only in the text books when you have to mug up few lines from the books and scribble them on the exam paper to pass!

The world, outside, treats women in a different way and women are always considered weaker gender compared to men. It has been the way, society has been over centuries. Watch any of the Hindi or Kannada or any regional movie in the 70s, 80s or even the 90s, you see 9 out of 10 women harassed, beaten to death and eve teased in public. Most TV serial soaps also portray women to be homely, not speaking a word against the husband and be an obedient daughter-in-law nodding her head to what elders say. The head of the family always makes a decision and the women have to follow. The sons dominate over the daughters. Sons have more right than the daughters because, once daughters are married, who will take care of them?
So the sons are always given more privilege at home and cajoled.

When a women steps out of the house for college or work, the hurdles are nevertheless. An experience which I had during my college days commuting in the rush bus, most of the men would misbehave with young girls or women, including the ticket conductor. Men who occupy the ladies seat and do not vacate in-spite of repeated requests. The worst part is, most of the girls do not have the courage to speak out and oppose what is happening to them. They remain mum. Unless, you speak up and oppose strongly, things wouldn't change.

Over the past few years, the crime incident on women has increased in the cities like Delhi, Bangalore, that you may read a rape or a child abuse. Women are always criticized that it is the dress that they wear which is the root cause. Women, in this country no longer feel safe walking alone on the street even during the daylight. Unless, what is taught in the school books are also implemented in real world, we wouldn't feel the change. Respect a woman, she is your mother, your sister, a daughter and a wife. Treat her equally with love and care.

Without a women, you wouldn't have entered the world.

A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.
~Eleanor Roosevelt

This entry is a part of Ring The Bell in association with Indiblogger.

Cross posted from my other blog

OLAY Total Effects 7 in one

I have been using OLAY Total Effects 7 in one cream serum duo for 10 days now. I wanted to use it well before I could review this product. Olay claims that the product can protect the skin against the 7 signs of ageing such as

Fine lines and wrinkles: reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Uneven Tone: balances and evens out skin tone.

Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots.

Uneven Texture: Smoothens and evens out skin texture.

Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturisation.

Dullness: Gives skin radiance.

Pores: minimizes the appearance of pores.

Olay promises to provide the below 7 effects in one cream. I apply the cream twice, in the morning and evening after a face wash on my face and neck. It is a cramy in colour not exactly white. I found it to be non greasy. It has an SPF 15. Having used for ten days, below are my views on the product.

Fine lines and wrinkles.

I do not have any wrinkles but less visible lines. So I cannot comment on how it works with wrinkles. After using it consistently, I feel the difference. The lines have reduced gradually.

Comes with SPF 15. weighs 20 grams.

Uneven Tone.
It is slightly dark under eyes and I have been applying the cream constantly under eyes. But I do not find any difference on the skin tone under eyes with other areas of my face. May be if I use the cream in a long run, I can see some difference.

Age Spots.

I don't have any age spots. So I cannot comment on this.

Uneven Texture.

It works great on my oily skin. I felt the skin become soft after the usage of the cream.

Container is half filled with the dispenser at the top

Dryness.

I have a very oily skin and have to wash my face very often with a non-oily face wash. I was afraid that the cream will make my face much oily and greasy. but it worked great on my oily skin here. The cream is non greasy as I apply it on my face and neck. I felt it controls the oil and I don't find it too much oily.

Non greasy cream.

I apply the cream twice, in the morning and evening after a face wash including under eyes. The cream does not leave any residue not a whitish patch on applying. It can be used as a moisturizer and can be used before applying any make up foundation.
It is very handy and can fit into the makeup kit easily or even in jeans pocket easily. It is a plastic container with a dispenser in black color at the top. You have to pump it on the top to get the cream which comes out in sufficient quantities. One thing what I wondered was, the container is half filled and is 20 grams. I would have preferred a full container instead of half. I did not get the concept behind this.

Overall, the product works well with an oily skin and I would recommend this product.

Overall rating: 4/5

Fine lines and wrinkles: reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Uneven Tone: balances and evens out skin tone.

Age Spots: Reduces appearance of age spots.

Uneven Texture: Smoothens and evens out skin texture.

Dryness: Provides nourishing moisturisation.

Dullness: Gives skin radiance.

Pores: minimizes the appearance of pores.

Olay promises to provide the below 7 effects in one cream. I apply the cream twice, in the morning and evening after a face wash on my face and neck. It is a cramy in colour not exactly white. I found it to be non greasy. It has an SPF 15. Having used for ten days, below are my views on the product.

Fine lines and wrinkles.

I do not have any wrinkles but less visible lines. So I cannot comment on how it works with wrinkles. After using it consistently, I feel the difference. The lines have reduced gradually.

Uneven Tone.

It is slightly dark under eyes and I have been applying the cream constantly under eyes. But I do not find any difference on the skin tone under eyes with other areas of my face. May be if I use the cream in a long run, I can see some difference.

Age Spots.

I don't have any age spots. So I cannot comment on this.

Uneven Texture.

It works great on my oily skin. I felt the skin become soft after the usage of the cream.

Dryness.

Dullness.

It gives skins a glow and radiance as the product promises. I feel my skin has a shine and gives a lot of moisture.

Pores.

The pores are slowly gone am sure it will be completely gone after sometime.

It is very handy and can fit into the makeup kit easily or even in jeans pocket easily. It is a plastic container with a dispenser in black color at the top. You have to pump it on the top to get the cream which comes out in sufficient quantities. One thing what I wondered was, the container is half filled and is 20 grams. I would have preferred a full container instead of half. I did not get the concept behind this.

Overall, the product works well with an oily skin and I would recommend this product.

Overall rating: 4/5

Below are pictures I clicked when I tried the product.