It Just Keeps Getting Better......

Qvendo- Curious??

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Qvendo is an online fashion club where you can buy high end fashion from around the world. If there is one thing I want on Qvendo, it's their True Religion Jeans. I know that Kareena Kapoor wears them so I'm pretty sure they would be comfy and stylish at the same time. So the number one item on my wish list would be the True Religion Jeans Billy Spt Women Jeans. I like the white stitching running along the sides. I also have a number of tops to go with it.

Number 2 on my wish list is another pair o' jeans This time it's the True Religion Jeans TR Julie Dark Pony. I just like it for no reason other than it's very stylish!! I don't own a pair of black jeans and I simply love stretch. It's so comfy!! So the next item on my wish list would be the True Religion Jeans Billy Black Stretch.

Now onto watches. Watches are actually very stylish gizmos which are really great accessories. If you wear the right one, you probably don't need anything else on your wrist. For it says everything. Talk about style statement!!

These are the replay watches I came across on the Qvendo site . I'm finding it hard to say which one I like most. You see, they can all be worn well. So, in no particular order.

I love the holes' on the strap of the Replay Ladies Watch - RN3302FH and I think the color 'gold' goes with my skin tone.

The Replay Ladies Watch - RU5504ZA6- has a cool and trendy silver- rhinestone combination. It would go well with my True Religion jeans. So I want that too.

Now the Replay Ladies Watch - RW5901XR- The stylish bracelet strap made of jeans and the blue dial is really different. Very cool. The perfect accessory for a night out with friends.

And I simply have to have the Replay Ladies Watch - Big RM5303DH This is totally water proof, so I can jump into any pool without any worries.

They have loads more stuff coming and I really do want to see their collection of bags. But will have to wait for that:(.

Do you have a wish list? Wanna make one?? Then jump over to Qvendo and sign -up. Once you become a member you can feast your eyes on the goodies:)

PS: This blog post is written for a contest run by Indiblogger and Qvendo !!

My Hair Care Secrets Revealed!!

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:12:00 +0000

Here is a picture of me when my hair is looking good. This was sometime after a hair-cut (maybe a week or so).

It's true that if you love your hair, it will love you back!! It's not going to look good for you, unless you pamper it and make it feel special. And when your hair looks good, believe me "You" will look good too!!And when you look good, you feel good and happy.
A good haircut always makes me happy. I feel a haircut that suits you is very important. It also gives a neat appearance. Whenever I feel it’s become a bit unruly, I try to get it cut. Sometimes when my head feels hot, I massage it with oil and then shampoo it. It makes me feel so fresh. I love an occasional massage. But I simply love it when someone else does it for me. Aah! So when possible I get it done at the saloon. But usually I do it myself!! Recently I started using almond oil on the advice of my stylist. But coconut oil and baby oil are also very good. Baby oil and almond oil are not that greasy. So it looks better after a shampoo. Coconut oil needs more shampoo to get it all out.
I also love it when someone washes my hair for me. So when I go for a haircut, I usually get a wash done too. It's just that feel of extra care ;) And some people have a knack for this- a soft, gentle touch. I remember once they washed and set it for me and I felt like a million bucks. It had me beaming. I really did look different!!
After I started using shampoo specifically meant for fine hair, I noticed a great difference. My hair stays properly even in humid places.
I used to have the habit of combing my hair right after toweling. I thought that was the best way to make my hair stay in order once dry. Wrong!! I must thank my sis who advised me to just run my fingers through my hair until it dries. So now I only comb after it dries and this I believe gives a nice bouncy look to it.
Sometimes I apply a hair pack or mask. Whenever possible I buy the readymade ones and do it at home so I can do other things with the pack on my head. Since it takes time, I don't do this always. But I usually feel good after that.

So that’s it. My hair care secrets. Do share your secrets too in the comments section below!!

PS: This post was written for a contest sponsored by Dove and you can read my experiences with Dove here.

Just as I expected......My 21st lottery win in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:26:00 +0000

Stay Positive

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Embrace Change

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Inspirational

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:31:00 +0000

You Know How I Feel by Michael Buble

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:02:00 +0000

The Thing About Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:56:00 +0000

A birthday can be like just another day. Nothing special. But when people call, you feel happy. Even if it is a salesperson from a jewellery shop. True they are just doing their job. All the same it does make you happy. Why can't all days be like birthdays?? Full of happiness and good cheer?

Interview with Louise Hay

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:18:00 +0000

That Thing About Love; Alicia Keys

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:41:00 +0000

Affirmations by Louise Hay

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:16:00 +0000

I like Louise Hay. Her concepts are simple and easy to follow. Listen to her voice in the video below;

Justin Bieber's Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 07:26:00 +0000

I simply love the song " Baby" by Justin Bieber:

Adventures in Cambodia

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:46:00 +0000

My journey begins in Kerala- the land of coconut trees and beaches, rubber estates and elephants. When the plane took off from Nedumbassery, I must say it looked beautiful and green. We traveled by Air Asia, a pretty neat airline if you ask me. It's economical and they can take you to several destinations across the world like New Zealand and Australia apart from most South East Asian countries. These are Airbuses and not at all rickety as someone asked me. Since the distances are short, you really don't need any of the frills. But you can book your meals in advance or buy them if they have any left or choose not to eat on the airplane. We had booked our meals. I think it was BBQ chicken with grilled veggies. After about 4.5 hrs we landed in Kuala Lumpur. I don't know what it is about KL, but I simply love it as a city. It's beautiful by night or day. In the night, if you are perched real high like on the 14th or 17th floor terrace you can see the city lights twinkling all over. In the day, the green everywhere will refresh and relax your eyes. It's a well planned urban-scape. And of course shopping is lovely and the weather mostly pleasant. I found it slightly drying. So it's not a bad idea to carry around some moisturizing lotion.

Some of the malls we visited in Kl are the Tropicana Mall (small), One Uttama (medium) and Mid Valley (big). You have the huge retailers like Jusco and Carre Four in Mid valley. Mid Valley is where you will get the best dim sum in the world it just melts in yr mouth. I think the place is called “Dim Tai Fung".
We went to the aquarium in the Petronas. It was a magnificent sight. We were lucky to see the feeding of the fishes at about 1. There are sting rays, giant turtles, fishes of all kinds, sharks etc here. You can also walk in the garden which is landscaped and maintained very well.
Getting around in Kl is not difficult either. You can take the metro rail which has escalators going up. Usually they don't have ones coming down, but if you get down in a mall like Mid Valley, you can just take the elevator going down. The cabs all have meters, so no issue of haggling.

From Kl, we flew to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia formerly known as Kampuchea. The people here are simple and nice. We stayed at the Blue Lime- it's a cozy place, more like a huge renovated bungalow. They have a swimming pool and meals are served around that. They also have easy and free access to the internet. This is placed in the lounge so you can check whenever you want to. They also serve breakfast as part of the package for each day.
We went to the Killing fields (and the Genocide Museum) where the Pol Pot regime massacred about 3 million. I felt sad seeing all that. They have erected a stupa of 17 floors where the bones of those who were victims are on display.
We also went to the wat Pom temple and the Royal Palace which is awesome.
Most shops close at 5.Even the Russian market. Some shops do remain open till 8. The Sarpino's pizza shop was good. KFC is also there, near the Russian market.

From here we traveled to Siem reap, another Province. It takes about 4.5 hrs by road. I din know what to expect. On the way we stopped at a small place for food which can be compared to a saravana or an Aryas in South India. A meal for 2 generally costs you about 12 USD anywhere in Cambodia. There was street food which maybe cheaper, but we din want to take a chance with our tummies.
The day we arrived we went to see the Apsara dance. Their culture is steeped in Hindu mythology so it was easy to relate to Hanuman when he came on stage. I liked their folk dances and their music. It's soothing. They have an instrument similar to the Santoor- only it produces muted tones. They use more props in their costumes. In one dance, the main dancer had a tail attached to her dress.

We stayed at the Ankhor Riviera which is on the banks of a river. It is scenic and very beautiful. One block away (roughly) is the King's summer palace and the Raffles hotel. All vehicles travel at about 40 km\hr. This adds to the serenity of the place. The river bank has benches for people to sit on and a walk for people who want to jog or walk.Travelling in a tuk tuk is very pleasant here as the air is fresh.Siem Reap is simply beautiful.

The next day we left for the Ankhor Wat temple complex. Again I went without any expectations. We were in the tuk tuk for about 15 or 20 mts when we suddenly found ourselves transported back in time- by a few centuries perhaps. (You need a pass to visit this - for one day it's 20 USD. You can take a 3 day pass if you want to.)On one side were trees and on the other a moat. On the other side of this vast expanse of water lay the Ankor Wat temple glistening in the sunlight. Made in stone, this temple dates back to the 11th or 13th century. By God's grace I was wearing a white T shirt. It's hot and tiring. But exhilarating!!!!I also had my sun-glasses. I, who always carry an umbrella din have one. Thank God for the water and the wet towels we had.
The murals are about the Kouravas and Pandas and other characters from Hindu mythology. You cannot enter certain areas of the temple wearing shorts above the knee or sleeveless T shirts- regardless of gender. At one point we reached the highest point in the temple. It was a steep climb. Centuries had worn out the steps. They had made a wooden staircase just above that. I initially felt I could not, but ultimately did. The climb down was scary. I focused one step at a time and felt grateful I made it. I avoided all further such steep climbs. You see, it would be difficult for a helicopter to fly in,to get you down. Also, the stairs do not allow for full placement of the feet, so hard for someone to carry you down either. You need to be fit to do this. If you don't feel confident, don't do it, is what I say. We also saw the Ta Prohm temple well known as the Tomb Raider temple where Lara Croft was shot. Many govts have collaborated in the conservation and restoration including the Indian Archeological Society. Each time we moved to the next temple in a tuk tuk, I relaxed and enjoyed the fresh air blowing in my face.
There are small places to eat here and there. You can also buy stuff like water and souvenirs from here. Everything costs at least one dollar. The only time u will see an exchange of local currency is when u need to get change back.
At the end of the day we were tired. I discovered I had muscles in my legs- it ached. So we went and got a foot massage at the Night Market. The previous day we had gone for a fish massage.
We saw a lot of back packers on bicycles. You can rent them for 1.5 USD, if you have the stamina. The following day we went to the floating village where again the entry fee is 20 USD. This is a boat ride and you can take a picture with a python around yr neck and you can also see a crocodile farm. There is a school on the water where you can make donations like food and books which u can by from a shop on the water. These people live on the water all the time. In the rainy season they anchor the barges in the river and once the weather changes they move back onto the lake tying all the barges together. We came back from there and visited the Artisan's village where we saw the artists at work making lacquer paintings and sand stone carvings. You can even buy these if you want to. Prices range from 66 USD upwards and go onto 5000 USD and more. But they are beautiful.
By the way if anyone is interested you can eat crickets, rats, snakes etc. I din try any so no idea how any of it tastes.
We were tired and since we had a morning flight to catch retired early. There is a KFC in the city and plenty of places where you get Italian as well as local food. The Pub Street is active at night and seemed safe as well. On one side is the street food and on the other, a variety of food and beverages. We tried the place where you can BBQ yr own meal- they give you a small stove on which u can place a variety of meat and veggies and cook as well. It was a novel experience.

The next day we left for the Siem Reap Air port. It was small but very nice and very green; the kind that leaves a good impression on someone. It's a 2 hr flight from Siem Reap to KL. Some of the other things we did in KL was to try out the bowling alley and catch The Green Lantern at the multiplex there. The theatres are very grand I must say and a bit cold as well. But most people seemed well prepared and put on jackets and shawls.

I love KL and Siem Reap. If you get a chance, you should try to go there.

Malinga's Bowling Secret Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:04:00 +0000

I was watching India batting. And here comes Malinga. He got Sehwag out. Poor fella. Reu tells me he( Malinga) has a slingy style ( whatever that means). Now I ain't no cricketer. But I can easily see why Malinga gets people out. It's his hair. How can anyone concentrate on the ball if you have something looking like what Malinga has on his head hurtling in your direction??? I wouldn't be able to. I'd be looking at his hair. Yes I would.

Sreesanth- at least do something to your hair.

Merry Christmas to All

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:33:00 +0000

CWG 2010: Relay Girls do us Proud

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 05:45:00 +0000

A moving and victorious finish by the Indan Relay team. Ashwini Chidananda,Mandeep Kaur,Manjeet Kaur and Sini Jose...are you listening???? " Saaaree Jahan Se Achaaa..."

Recipe: Mutton Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:15:00 +0000

It's been raining cats & dogs and whatever else you can think of in Kerala; especially the last week. The nights are cold. And apart from a blanky, the best thing to keep you warm & cozy is a steaming bowl of mutton soup. Yep. The best part is, it's so easy to make...anyone can...just anyone. It just came to me sort of...like an epiphany, if you please. So here goes...

Wash the mutton legs and head and place it in a pressure cooker. Add salt and pepper to your liking. I like to add just a bit so people can add more if they want since some people don't like much of either. I used crushed pepper corn. Cut a tomato into quarters and add that. 5 or 6 cloves of garlic if you wish. One big onion cut into 4. I thought of adding a carrot as well but din have that. So in went some coriander stalks. Pour water to cover everything.

Pressure cook on a slow fire. Wait for 5 or 6 steams. Open, if it's too watery you may want to boil it for some more time in the open.

After that, drain the liquid using a colander for a clear soup.

I decided to garnish the Indian way. Sauteed scallions and added that as well. YUM....

As I said, nothing like a bowl of warm soup on a cold day.Aaah.

Lifetime Achievement Award for Yesudas

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:40:00 +0000

Yesudas was given a lifetime achivement award by the Symphony Media House and the Crystal Group. It was presented on saturday evening at the Taj, vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum. It was nice to hear him speak. He spoke about charity among other things. ONV Kurup also spoke. He is a walking talking dictionary. His language never fails to amaze me. Mesmerising. Vithu Prathap, Kalyani and Aparna were presented young talent awards. Vithu & kalyani sang a lovely duet. Kalabhavan Sabu rendered " Idayakanyakee" very well. I thought Muhammed Aslam's voice was really refreshing.

Wonderful Game to Play: See how much you know Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:28:00 +0000

Gracias: Indiblogger Ranking Goes up.....

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:47:00 +0000

A big thank you to all my readers for bringing me this far. You may have noticed my Indi blogger ranking of 71. The best of course are in the range of 80s and 90s. But I'm just overjoyed that something I took up as a hobby has come this far. Of course you are my inspiration. I would also like to thank Jo of Jocalling who introduced me to blogging:)

I thought I would walk 10 steps and ended up walkng a mile.....

I thought I would pick a rose and ended up making a bouquet...

I thought I would just smile and ended up in deep friendship....

I thought I would write a sentence and ended up with a novel....

I thought I would plant a rose and ended up with a garden...

I thought....I thought....I thought....I thought....

Dunno where that poetry came from.....the last time I wrote smomething seems to be eaons ago. Anyways I dedicate this lil piece of poetry to all of you, my readers.

Holi Acts

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:30:00 +0000

I would not mind doing this myself during Holi. Immersing myself in Tomato pulp!!! Bliss!! Sheer Bliss!!

Another face of Holi

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:27:00 +0000

Another face of Holi. when I saw this pic, the thought that came to my mind was " what were these boys thinking?"

Anyways, a captivating photo by an amazing artist.

Celebrating Holi

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:13:00 +0000

I have no idea who took this picture, but I am drawn towards it. I simply love the compostion. Now I don'tknow if the artist took the whole body and then just zoomed in on the feet. But there is something special about that foot, with the green paint....???
It has been taken during the recent Holi celebrations. I was just thinking that yes... India does have such a vibrant, diverse and rich culture. Who would have thought of a celebration throwing colour all over people??? People need a reason to laugh and play....I guess....

Karshikamela 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:40:00 +0000

The Karshikamela 2010 conducted by the Gandhiji Study Center at Thodupuzha, Kerala will be held from from the 18th to 26th January 2010.
You can follow them on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/gsckarshikamela
Daily updates will be available on the following Blog:
http://thodupuzhakarshikamela.blogspot.com/
More info on Gandhiji Study Centre and the Karshikamela:
http://www.gsckarshikamela.com/

Memories of the small island: Sri Lanka

noreply@blogger.com (Umsy) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:52:00 +0000

I was just clearing my bag when I came across this visting card. It reads
:

H Leenas Caldera

No.412/1, Welihana, Res: 031-2275323
Kochchikade. Mobile: 077-9815963

He was our driver when we visited Srilanka sometime last year. He seemed to be a good man. He took us to Colombo from Negembo and back. Most Srilankans are genial. When we left he had given me this number and asked me to give it to anyone who would be visiting Sri Lanka. The card definitely brought back memories. I remember the armed guard who checked out the van we were in just outside Colombo. I wonder if things have changed there.

Colombo is a big city with alot of high end shops and the like. I did not have an opportunity to visit the tea estates. I also remember meeting a Sri Lankan who was hopeful that peace would come to the country.

The Bandarnayake airport is impressive and clean. It has a lush tropical garden outside.

The women of Sri Lanka are mostly dressed in western garb. Could be due to the huge fashion industry which thrives there. Alot of high end fashion is actually made there. Sri Lanka is famous for its' teas, pottery and tea estates.