Dazed Reflections of A Diva

WW #55 Only A Cubby Hug Away

2012-01-25T12:28:00.000+05:30

WW #55 Only A Cubby Hug Away

Awwww !!! Isn’t this just the most adorable photo ever ??!! I wouldn’t mind having a baby cub put their lil’ paws around me !

Found this via the Creative Journal which was featuring photos from the International Photography Awards (2011) site and had to share it.

Sexy Saturday : Top 10 Sexy Sirens, v2

2012-01-21T11:06:00.000+05:30

I started the Sexy Saturday meme quite a few months ago to add some spice to my very sporadic reflections. A few months ago I put together a Top 10 Sexy Sirens list and now it’s time to showcase a whole lot more of sexiness !!

Gentlemen (and Ladies of course)… Feast your eyes on these Sexy Sirens !

Rosie Huntington Whitely

Which of these sexy ladies gets your #SexySaturday vote ? Who would you like to see featured in the future ? Anyone on this list that shouldn’t be here ?

If you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge then don’t forget to share your link below !

WW #54 : Creative Koleston

2012-01-18T12:17:00.000+05:30

I reaaaaaaaaaaally like this outdoor media advert by Koleston. It’s edgy, innovative and immediately catches the attention of anyone looking at it. I saw this randomly on WeHeartIt.com and had to share it with you all. I’m not sure which part of the world this advert was done or where you could even find this hoarding .. but it’s pretty damn cool !

Have you come across any cool adverts that have really made you sit back and go ‘wow’ ? What advert was it and where did you see it ?

Happy #WW and don’t forget to share your linky !

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge then don’t forget to share your link below

Diva Goes Shopping

2012-01-17T20:13:00.000+05:30

… and anyone who knows me know that in itself is quite a task !!

Unlike most women I know, I really don’t enjoy shopping … to a point I actually hate it … the very thought of having to cram myself in a tiny changing room and trying on clothes makes me skip any shopping trips that my girlfriends plan.

But today, I was on a mission and that was to find the perfect dress for my upcoming birthday party ! A few days earlier I spoke to a friend of mine DS and she volunteered to go out shopping with me. (so glad she did because in Bombay I wouldn’t even know where to start looking for a dress for myself !)

DS turns up to meet me with her super cute hubby SS and before I know it – both of them are browsing clothing racks picking out outfits they think would look good on me (which I thought was the sweetest thing!). DS and I almost killed one of the store assistants ‘cos she was seriously obnoxious and had no clue about customer service. This woman kept insisting that an outfit I was keen on ‘would not fit’ .. guess what – not only did it fit perfectly as SG would tell you all – but all three of my friends loved it on me !

After breaking a sweat in the miniscule changing rooms (they should just be called cubicles ‘cos there’s barely any space to even turn around properly let alone change comfortably) – I was ready to call it quits and just head home !! I’m not kidding when I say that shopping and me are just not meant to be ! But with loads of encouragement from my entourage outside (who were kind enough not to laugh at me when I came out all dishevelled) I manage to continue trying on a few more outfits.

DS took pity on me and the four of us took a quick coffee break – only to be joined by my darling HRH and his boyfriend. The conversation there is fodder for another blog as SG might agree. A quick motor bike ride across Bandra to another store – a few more outfit changes and I managed to leave with one perfect dress :)

Not a bad day at all ! And I still managed to get through Day 17 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge ! if you are taking part – don’t forget to share your link below !

MM #74 Jamie Woon – Night Air

2012-01-16T10:30:00.000+05:30

I came across this track over the weekend – a night club owner friend from London posted it on Facebook and I just connected with it. Music has a way of doing that.

The beats and lyrics are really simple – one of those tracks where you aren’t struggling to figure out what the singer is singing. He’s practically ‘saying’ this song out.

I’ll be the first to admit that this video has a bit too many creepy crawlies for my liking (one of my phobias) but other than that – there’s something about being out in nature at night that’s quite appealing.

What do you think about the track ?

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

p.s if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge then don’t forget to share your link below !

Sexy Saturday : Penelope Cruz

2012-01-14T22:18:00.001+05:30

Whether you love her or hate her (and I’ve yet to come across someone who does) – there’s something about Penelope Cruz that just stands out.

I loved her in Vanilla Sky with Tom Cruise and in Blow with Johnny Depp. There are a few other movies of hers – but other than Gothika I can’t really recall them. Cruz is however the first Spanish actress in history to receive an Academy Award and to receive a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That’s pretty impressive !

Cruz is quite a versatile woman. Aside from having modelled for brands like Mango, Ralph Lauren and L’Oreal; Cruz owns a clothing store in Madrid, and along with her younger sister designs a clothing range for Mango as well designing handbags & jewelry for a company in Japan.

Cruz has also sponsored children in India; donated her salary from one of her movies to a Mother Theresa initiative; and also assisted in a leprosy clinic.

She gets my #SexySaturday vote – what about yours ?

p.s.if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge then don’t forget to share your link below ! (can’t believe I’ve managed 14 straight days of blogging !)

Guess What … It’s Friday the 13th !

2012-01-13T23:00:00.000+05:30

Guess What … It’s Friday the 13th !

Friday the 13th happens at least once a year, at most three times; and 2012 is gonna be one of those years where we have not one but 3 Friday the 13ths ! That’s right folks – January 13th, April 13th and July 13th ! And if that’s not got your knickers in a twist – for the first time since 1984 these 3 Friday the 13ths are exactly 13 weeks apart !!

Accordingly to an article ‘5 Facts About Friday the 13th’, such a rare triple-threat occurs only once every 11 years. Although mind you, 2009 had 3 x Friday 13th and now so does 2012. Do you reckon that means something ? 2012 is supposed to be the end of the world right ?

I had been meaning to write this post all day but was out of the city since 8 a.m with a client for site visits so couldn’t get around out to it until now. Now that I think about it back in 2009 when I wrote about Freaky Friday the 13th – I had actually headed out of the city with my cuz & business partner NC for a meeting … which is exactly what we did today. Coincidence ? Maybe ?

Anyway – how was YOUR Friday the 13th ? Anything unnerving happen ? Or is it just another day for you ? Are you superstitious at all ? Do you believe in the myth or just laugh it off ?

To all you the friggatriskaidekaphobics of the world (NO it’s not a cuss word – just what you call people who have a fear of Friday the 13th) – don’t worry the day will come to an end; and to the rest of you – Happy Friday the 13th folks !!

p.s. before I forget – this post marks Day 13 & Post 13 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge; if you are taking part then don’t forget to share your link below !

6 Tips For Staying on Track with The Ultimate Blog Challenge

2012-01-12T20:24:00.001+05:30

For all of you taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge– we’re almost half way there !! I can’t believe that I’ve actually managed a post a day for the past 12 days.

Here are a few tips & tricks to help you stay on track for the rest of the month with this challenge (or any other blog challenge as a matter of fact)

1/ Follow the rules. The UBC has a rule of a minimum of 100 words a post for the post to count and I’ve noticed that I’ve actually tracked my word count. Guess what just these few lines have already hit 100 words. You’d be surprised how many random thoughts can trigger some fab blog posts and it barely takes a 100 words !

2/ Track the challenge hash (#) tag on Twitter I’ve saved the hash tag #blogboost on my Twitter account to read up on other members of the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Not only do I get to read some great posts, it also helps inspire post ideas of my own. The lovely ladies of UBC have also created a daily paper you can follow and use to catch up with what other authors have to say. Make a note of the posts that strike a chord within you – maybe you could add your thoughts and create a new post out of it. You can also find more #blogboost related tweets here.

3/ Stop Lurking and Leave Comments on other Blogs. You have to comment on other blogs – don’t be conscious about it – just say what’s on your mind. The blog author will definitely appreciate it; and even if your comment disagrees with what the author has to share – it encourages interaction between you, the author and the other readers too. Come on – it’s time to de-lurk now ! By leaving relevant and engaging comments (don’t just say ‘great post’); other bloggers may wander over to your blog out of curiosity.

4/ Add Your Post to the Challenge Facebook Group. The UBC Facebook group is pretty awesome. I’ve been a member of it for a while but today was the first time I added my post to it – and guess what – within 15 minutes – someone had come to my blog and left a comment for me ! If that wasn’t enough, that person also left me a comment on the FB link that I posted. Double the interaction; easiest form of traffic ever and a great way to discover new bloggers !

5/ Don’t Be Afraid to Pimp Your Blog Post on FaceBook & Twitter. That’s right folks – one of the reasons you are taking part in the blog challenge (amongst other things) is so that your blog gets discovered (and there’s no point denying that). Make sure you Tweet your blog and the posts created for the challenge with the #blogboost and include @UBCBlogBoost in your tweets. The ladies over at UBC will be more than happy to re-tweet your tweets creating more exposure for your blog.

Don’t feel shy about posting the the UBC FaceBook group and if your blog is a public blog – then why not share it with your Facebook friends ? You never know which of your friends will re-post and share your blog to their circle of friends. I’m signed up with NetWorkedBlogs on FB which automatically publishes my new blog posts to my FB page without me having to think about it.

6/ Schedule Your Posts If You Must (And It’s Not Considered Cheating). I’ve never been a daily blogger so I knew taking part in this challenge would be a bit difficult. Over the past year I’ve taken part in a few memes like #MusicMonday, #WordlessWednesday and I created my own #SexySaturday which means that if I stick to a plan I have 3 posts ready each week during the challenge and I just have to focus on creating 4 other posts. In the meantime, if another blog post, photograph or quote catches my attention – I’m jotting them down in Windows Live Writer drafts and just come back to them as and when I can to complete and create new posts. You can also use the ideas & suggestions from the UBC daily inspiration emails to create a schedule of posts. I know that between 24th-31st Jan I’m going to be traveling for an event (clients’ wedding) hence I’m writing up posts that I can auto-publish for those dates (in case I forget or don’t have time etc.)

So there you have it – here are 6 tips to help you stay on track whilst you are participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. It’s helped me get through till Day 12. I hope you’ve found this useful and if you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share your thoughts (a link or two even so others can benefit from it)

Further Reading :

How To Add Your Blog to NetworkedBlogs by Michelle Shaeffr
7 Things To Do After You’ve Written That Blog Post by Melissa Reyes

p.s if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge don’t forget to share your link below !

WW #53 : Yummy Keyboard

2012-01-11T11:15:00.000+05:30

Now that’s one really yummy looking keyboard !! I’m not sure how long such a keyboard would last around me – maybe 2 days at the most ? I might end up having to enrol myself in boot camp if my laptop keys were made of chocolate (and make a trip to the dentist too) !!

I can already imagine the Galaxy chocolate and milk chocolate Lindt or Tobelerone on my laptop !! Chocolate for me is such a mood enhancer and also one of my guilty pleasures. This is torture ! I want some chocolate and I want it NOW !

Photo originally found here

Happy #WW and don’t forget to share your linky below !

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge don’t forget to share your link below !

Just A Rant .. Banks !!

2012-01-10T13:24:00.000+05:30

2012 has barely begun and the first few days couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start ! My bank and credit card company (both HDFC Bank) have messed up with my bank account and ended up debiting me for a hefty chunk of cash and now my finances are in a total mess.

The credit card team refuse to actually acknowledge there was a communication lapse within their own internal team and to make things worse – they refuse to provide me with evidence of a voice recording to prove their case.

Long story short. I noticed a random amount being debited out of my account; questioned the credit card company; no response from them for 2.5 months; speak to an officer after sending a complaint; next thing I know my personal bank account has been frozen ! Then after numerous phone calls and emails – the personal account is debited for a huge sum of cash. The credit card team claims I called them up in 2010 and asked for a ‘DAE – Dial An EMI’ facility to convert my outstanding account into a loan of sorts ! (seriously who the hell would do that and how the hell do you approve a loan on the phone without any sort of paperwork ?) . Now the credit card team refuse to provide evidence of this so-called phone call and are just copy pasting emails to me !

How inconvenient is that ? And annoying as well ! I now have to file a legal notice to sort this issue out because it’s all a bit too suspicious and a bit up in the air from the credit card team and banks’ side. I’ve already told them I suspect it to be fraudulent.

Right now, I wish one of my boys were here to give me a big tight hug !! I miss them tons and hoping to see at least one of them over my birthday (which is coming up). I get that everything happens for a reason … but for the life of me I can’t figure out what that reason could be for this particular situation ! (although it’s definitely put me off credit cards for this lifetime!)

Sorry about the rant folks – but HDFC bank and their credit card team have really pissed me off !! Hope that doesn’t stop you from sharing your link if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge

MM #73 : Erick Morillo – Live Your Life

2012-01-09T15:43:00.000+05:30

I couldn’t quite decide what I should feature today but this guy I recently met suggested this track and it actually couldn’t be more perfect for todays’ #MM and Day 9 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge !

Sometimes you just need to let go

Don’t keep it all inside

Sometimes you just have to let the whole world know

That you are going to be alright

I've had an absolute shitty start to the year, which is killing my birthday plans and surprisingly enough I've been pretty calm about it all. Anyone who knows me will tell you just how much of a big deal my birthday is for me. Maybe it’s because I got all my frustration out at the incompetent team at my bank or just the fact that I was able to just say it out loud to them (think phone, email, tweets) – I’m a bit less annoyed about the situation.

I get that everything happens for a reason so in lieu of my new year resolutions – I’m just gonna let this sh*t pass me by, take a deep breath and live my life the way I want to ‘cos its too short otherwise.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below :

Why Can’t People Just Pick Up The Phone ?

2012-01-08T11:33:00.001+05:30

Seriously – what the hell is wrong with us these days ? Has technology taken over our lives to such an extent that we can’t make a simple phone call ? It’s not like cell or mobile phones are

I have a simple rule with my friends. If you want to get in touch with me or make plans with me – CALL ME. It’s much easier than trying to SMS / BBM / WhatsApp / Email me.

As far as I am concerned – emails are for work related purposes OR when communicating with a group about a certain subject when they are spread out in various parts of the country / world. (or when my girls AM & NB are trying to call me but I’m on a never ending long distance phone call – then they email me). My BBM/WhatsApp is primarily for friends & family who live in other parts of the world – we exchange a few messages and then fix a time to get on Skype for a face-to-face chat or set a phone call up.

I once had a client who would message (BBM/WhatsApp/SMS) me constantly – and it wasn’t a short message – they would be up to 6 messages. I had to tell them that I prefer to keep all communication that is work related over email so that at any point there are no discrepancies in what we are providing and being asked for as a business.

A BBM / SMS / WhatsApp is fine if it’s for very general communication i.e. hey how’s it going ? or even a ‘I’m running late – see you in 10’ type of message. Or when you can’t answer the phone ‘cos you are driving. It’s not meant to be used a form of freaking communication where you try to have a full blown conversation in short hand text !

And don’t even get me started on people who send an SMS for a date ! What the hell is that all about ? I get it if you are following up once the date is confirmed. If a guy can’t call me to ask me out – I’m not particularly keen to go out with him. Grow a pair already and just say it ! If I can call you – so can you !

I genuinely lose interest in a person if their preferred method of communicating with me is ‘non-verbal’. I prefer to ‘talk’ on the phone or have a face-to-face chat which involves actually meeting up. I have had a few guys just constantly message me and when I do call them and express this – it’s as if they have gone back to kindergarten ! They don’t think of it as a big deal … My main problem is that the message or the intent behind the message tends to get lost. How do you know if it’s really a date ? People can over read / under read into messages and that’s how life gets all complicated !

What about you – do you tend to use the phone for actual conversations ? Or do you prefer to just send SMS / BBM / WhatsApp messages – be it for work or for pleasure ? Or would you rather meet someone face to face if you had something to say ?

p.s that was my rant on Day 8 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge; if you are taking part don’t forget to share your link below :

Sexy Saturday : Patrick Dempsey

2012-01-07T14:13:00.001+05:30

Oooh it’s the first #SexySaturday of 2012 and Patrick Dempsey has made my list of drool worthy eye candy ! (and what a way to start of Day7 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge)

He’s best known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr Derek Shepherd aka McDreamy in Greys Anatomy (and if I ever had to watch this show it would be only for him).

I first noticed him in the TV show ‘Will & Grace’ – he was Wills’ boyfriend and then again in the movie ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ alongside Reese Witherspoon. Most recently he was in Transformers 3 (I’d love to own a car collection like that!)

Dempsey isn’t just another pretty face (how I’d love to run my fingers through hair like that) – he’s also a semi pro auto car racer ! Talk about being a hot bad boy !

But what really appeals to me is the fact that he set up a centre for cancer as his mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. He then went on to set up a 50 mile annual challenge for bikers, walkers, & cyclists to raise money for the cancer centre.

Now that’s smart & sexy ! He gets my #SexySaturday vote – what about yours ?

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge don’t forget to share your link below !

The Anatomy of a Hug

2012-01-06T15:18:00.000+05:30

I love this cartoon ! It describes the ultimate hug ! One of those hugs that just makes you melt and leaves your legs all shaky … It’s been a while since I’ve had one of those and I reaaaaaaaaaaaaallly want one of those hugs right now !

Since my dating diary is kinda drab – the best hugs I’ve gotten lately are from my boys (and alas these are the best friend kind). There are some days (especially with the week I’ve just had) I reckon a a hug that makes you want to just let yourself go into another is just what I need for the ultimate pick-me up.

You know the kind of hugs I’m talking about. Alright folks – raise your hands if you like hugs ? Gimme a loud ‘hell ya’ if you fancy a good hug right now ?

p.s. I think I deserve a hug right now for completing Day 6 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge !

p.p.s if you are taking part in the challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Why Complicate Life ?

2012-01-05T10:33:00.000+05:30

Saw this on FB a few days ago and thought it was quite apt and went in line with my New Year Resolutions and #MM post ‘Just Say It’

I’m the kind of person that will call / email / SMS just because I thought of someone or if something reminded me of someone. I’ve been known to ask a lot of questions; and been told off for speaking my mind a bit too much (but hey that’s just me).

I don’t see the point in mind games (which too many people seem to enjoy playing) and if I’ve got something on my mind – I spill it out whether it be for my personal life or in business. What’s the worst thing that could happen ? Someone might not agree with what I have to say ? Or they would be a bit taken aback by whatever it was that I said ? Or maybe they get slightly offended ?

When it comes to relationships of any sorts – friends, potential boy friend / girl friend, family – I just find that people beat around the bush too much. I can barely tolerate it and I definitely won’t be doing that in 2012. I call the people I want to talk to; I invite those I want to meet (in fact I just ‘tell’ them – don’t leave them a choice lol); I explain as best as I can when I need someone to understand where I’m coming from; I’m pretty damn clear about my likes and dislikes ..

Every action has a reaction – and there are always repercussions to do the things we do and say … life would be boring if there weren’t right ?

Oh and this post marks Day 5 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge ! If you are taking part, don’t forget to share your link below:

WW #52 : Village Ambulance

2012-01-04T09:09:00.000+05:30

Today is Day 4 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge and it also happens to be a Wednesday which means its times for a #WordlessWednesday post (not that any of them are ever really wordless and the challenge states that one must have a minimum of 100 words in a post for it to count as part of the UBC).

One of my gym trainers had put this picture up on FB so I don’t really know where this was taken … but daaaaaaamnnn ! Now that makes for an interesting ambulance !! Definitely fuel saving but what happens in a real emergency ?

As a side note, it struck me whilst looking at this pic – the way the traffic is in Bombay – I’m surprised that an ambulance can actually get anywhere (no joke here) But I’ve seen bumper to bumper traffic – with no signs of an ambulance even moving a few feet at a time (the roads in Bombay are in a state of chaos all through the year)

Happy #WW folks – don’t forget to share your link below !

p.s if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge then don’t forget to share your link too !

Diva Hits The 500th Blog Post Milestone

2012-01-03T09:14:00.000+05:30

Diva Hits The 500th Blog Post Milestone

Would you believe me if I told you that for the last few days I’ve quite literally sat at my laptop just ‘waiting’ to write this very post ? I can barely keep up with the excitement ! This lil’ post marks the Diva’s 500th Blog Post !! That’s right – 500 ! and all of this amidst the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in (today is Day 3)

Honestly, when I first started this blog, I never thought I’d reach a stage where I’d still be ‘blogging’ 3 years later. But I am, which is cool and its become a part of me. I look back at some of the things I have written and I think ‘wow did I actually come up with that’.

My blog (and me) have grown. I’ve come to realize that there are some subjects I’m very passionate about and that I have something that could be useful to others. I feel like I’ve come a long way since my first 100 posts back in July 2009; 200 posts in May 2010; 300 posts in March 2011 (and the biggest surprise); 400 posts in Aug 2011 !

Despite a really hectic schedule with my business, I try to blog whenever I can – and am happy to say that over the past year – I’ve actually averaged about 17 posts per month ! That’s a lot ! The #MM & #WW memes that I’ve been participating in have definitely helped inspire some really deep insights. Sometimes I also feel like I don’t have enough time to blog about all the things I want to blog about but that doesn’t quite stop my blogger voice !

I’ve gotten to know so many new bloggers, built a rapport with them online & offline and it feels great being able to connect with so many like-minded individuals. I just want to say a big Thank You to all of you out there in Blogosphere for taking the time to read my very dazed and sporadic reflections; and for sharing a piece of you with me by way of your comments and tweets. It means so much to me.

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

MM #72 : Booty Luv – Say It

2012-01-02T09:34:00.000+05:30

It’s the 1st #MM of 2012 and also Day 2 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in.

This track got my attention a few months ago and it’s sort of just stuck around. It’s also one of the few tracks that I actually ‘listen’ to the lyrics of. The simplicity behind them – when you take a minute to absorb it – makes you wonder how is it that more people haven’t already adopted that attitude when it comes to dating & relationships.

Over the past few years I’ve realized that when it comes to dating – or even just getting to know someone; people tend to be:

overly cautious & overthink a situation / scenario.
overly eager to a point of nauseousness

And frankly – it just makes me wonder how difficult could it possibly be to let someone know you randomly thought about them in the day or that you were crushing on them ? What’s the absolute worst thing that they could respond with ? That they don’t feel the same way or remind you that you are in the friend zone. Maybe they have a laugh or a giggle; maybe they are a bit embarrassed or they pull a fade. That’s about it right ?

I’ve always believed if you have something on your mind – you should just say it out loud and get it out of your system. Otherwise one day, you might just regret it.

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Divas’ New Year Resolutions

2012-01-01T10:28:00.000+05:30

Happy New Year Everyone ! I can’t believe we’ve already hit 2012 ! I’m still recovering from an extremely insane night out with my mates at the Royal Terrace and my feet are in pain !!

I don’t tend to make New Year Resolutions (not because I can’t keep them but because resolutions change depending on circumstances). However I did come across this image with lots of key phrases and I thought – yeah that makes sense and pretty easy to manage. (oh and today also happens to be Day 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in)

Sometimes we need to take in the simple things that life has to offer us and step back to see just how much of a smile it leaves on our face. I tend to be a very hyper (and aggressive) individual so I keep hearing my mates tell me that I should be more positive or smile more etc. It’s not like I don’t – I do – but at times I feel like Bombay just tests every ounce of energy & patience that I have.

Looks like I’m just gonna have to turn that around for 2012 ! Do you have any New Year resolutions ? Any tips on how to stick to the ones you do make ?

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

Ultimate Blog Challenge. 31 Days. 31 Posts.

2011-12-29T21:19:00.000+05:30

Some of you might recall that a few months ago I participated in the 10 Day YOU Blog Challenge which was quite a bit of fun and it really got me focused on ensuring I churned out one post a day (every day) for 10 days.

Then in October / November I came across something called the Ultimate Blog Challenge (and being the rock star that I am) I decided to sign up for the January 2012 session. Little did I know that I would actually get an email informing me that the challenge was about to start and whether I was ready to get my blog on !

There are few simple rules to follow :

Post every day for 31 days (duh !). Doesn’t matter if you post twice a day and then skip a day – but you have to hit 31 posts over the entire month of January.
Each post must have a minimum of 100 words to count – so you can’t just put up a picture or a video and leave it there
Once you’ve posted, then tweet your post with the tag #blogboost so other participants can find you, and come comment on your blog
Go to the #blogboost page and take the time to read other participants blogs (and don’t forget to comment!)
No adult blogs – so keep it PG
Have fun whilst you blog !

Now I just have to figure out how on earth I’m going to manage 31 posts in 31 days given my extremely hectic schedule for the coming few weeks … Wish me luck folks !

WW #51 : Don’t Just Leave Me Hanging

2011-12-28T10:53:00.000+05:30

WW #51 : Don’t Just Leave Me Hanging

I’m pretty sure no guy (or girl) would appreciate that!! And funnily enough I’ve actually noticed that a lot out here in Bombay. People make moves on another, and then blow between hot and cold .. to a point it makes you wonder exert so much energy if you aren’t going to follow through on your original plan !

Happy #WW folks ! Don’t forget to share your linky !

Diva’s Most Dazed Reflections of 2011

2011-12-27T23:49:00.001+05:30

Wow ! I can’t believe 2011 is about to come to an end. The year has flown by (and yet gone a bit slow as well) and in a matter of a few days we will bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms.

2011 has been quite a journey for me as a blogger. I lost my guest post cherry; and things have been popping every since ! This Diva’s Guests have also made an appearance and I’m hoping to show case a few more guest bloggers in 2012.

I’ve also crossed 200 posts in 2011 ! Last year I only managed 134 posts in 2010; and 130 in 2009. What’s even more exciting is that this year alone – I’ve hit my 3rd and 4th century ! Yeah that’s right – 300th and 400th post milestone in the same year !! And I’m almost squealing with delight because I need only 5 more posts before I hit 500 posts in total over my 2.5 years of blogging !).

I’m pretty chuffed about how regular I’ve been with blogging – about anything and everything that catches my attention. I felt that posts like ‘Let The Sluts Walk’; ‘Suicide & Death’ & Forgive, Forget or F*ck It brought about interesting reactions and perceptions from those who take the time to

I even managed to successfully complete a 10 Day Blog Challenge ! Oh and it’s just struck me that I’ve built up a few hours of tunes by participating in the #MusicMonday meme. Hmmm maybe I should make a playlist ;)

I’ve also been pegged as a dating / relationship blogger; which is pretty cool but I don’t think I’m on par with some of the other bloggers I know who cover this subject on a deeper more insightful level. What the hell is dating anyway ? When is a date – considered da date ?

And if that’s not hard enough – then we’ve got to think about things like being exclusive or not ! Don’t even get me started on the friend zone or the Indian stereotype that says that fair = perfect partner ! I say – yeah right !

I haven’t shared enough of the Diva’s Dating Diary but I really shot myself in the foot by following the ‘it’s just one date – go for it’ policy … I can assure you that I had to pull the fade on the Doctor ! (who by the way – has still not gotten the hint !)

There have been some “OMG I can’t believe this happened” moments which still make me smile … the Roadside Romeo and my topless treat ! And how can I forget the whole connecting with a stranger on flight that lead to a hit or miss situation !

Do these posts give you a reflection of Who Am I ? Did you particularly enjoy any of my posts of 2011 ? If you did – I’d love to know which one :) Come on – it’ll make me smile if you share it with me (unless you are still a lurker)

MM #70 : Warren G – Regulate

2011-12-26T09:24:00.000+05:30

MM #70 : Warren G – Regulate

All time old skool favourite. I can hear this track on repeat for hours. I don’t know what it is about this tune – but it’s just so chill and mellow. I love it !

This track was featured in the movie ‘Above The Rim’.

They don’t make music like this anymore. All the new ‘hip hop’ or ‘rap’ is rather painful to my ears! Whatever happened to quality tunes ?

Happy #MM folks !

Christmas Greetings In Other Languages

2011-12-25T15:40:00.001+05:30

Tis the season to be jolly tra-la-la-la-la ! Why not impress some of your expat and international friends by saying "Merry Christmas" in their native language?

I’ve already sent a German and Norwegian greeting out and will be doing a few more later today. By greeting someone in their native language – I can assure you that you will bring a smile to their face (even if your accent is totally off and you pronounce the phrase wrong)

For more languages, check out Merry Christmas in Different Languages

Photo of Lady with Heart courtesy Spotted By Norman Copenhagen

Diva's Xmas Greetings !

2011-12-25T14:30:00.001+05:30

Merry Christmas to all out in Blogosphere !

Every year (despite us getting older), my group of mates are always getting into the Xmas spirit ! I’ve spent the entire weekend with friends and family and we’ve had such a great time ! Friday night started the Xmas festivities with carol singing (yup this time it wasn’t just Xmas Karaoke) followed by a pot luck dinner, lots of drinks and a whole lot more dancing !

Yesterday, spent the day at home nursing my aching feet and a family dinner at Royal China with my relatives who are down from London; and then a house party at another mates place. OMG we laughed so much all night – my abs got a fab work out ! (does this mean I can indulge in AM’s apple pie ?) Both nights, I’ve managed to get home just before sunrise! After all tis the season to be jolly ! (insert jingles now)

I’m missing the hot mince pies with mulled wine .. but hopefully will manage to get some of that tonight at another Xmas dinner that I’m off to !

If you’ve been a goodie two shoes all year – then I’m sure Santa has lots of pressies for you; but I’m sure the folks on the Naughty (but nice) List have other pressies in mind !

What are your Christmas Day plans ? Do you follow any family-set traditions that you could share ? Do you tend to open your presents at midnight or in the morning after Santa has munched on the cookies you left behind ?