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Beauty Talk: Face Products

2013-06-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Firstly, I have terribly sensitive skin. Its oily, prone to breakouts and blackheads, and has big pores. That is the reason I do not try very many products. Once I find what works for me (which I have) I stick with it. Face is not the place to do any experiments. Ever.

After visiting dermatologists for past 2 decades and trying all the gherelo nuskas (home remedies) I have learnt that the simple - clean and moisturize works for me the best. Also, not to mention regular exercise and clean eating has A LOT to do with my healthy skin. *touch.wood*

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Avéne - Cleanance Gel
I started using this about a decade back. My BFF introduced me to this brand. This is ideal for oily and/or sensitive skin. Doesn't sting or leave your skin dry. I use this in the mornings and highly recommend it to everyone who has sensitive skin. In India, I used Cetaphil Cleanser or Fab India Avocado Facewash.

Aveda - 'enbrightement' Brightening Correcting Serum
I am prone to dark spots (I blame my genes!). Hence, I started applying this about two years ago. It helps maintain an even skin tone. It is light in texture and absorbs quickly. I apply it first thing after washing my face. I didn't use any serum when I lived in India, sorry! But Olay would be my pick if Aveda wasn't available.

Philosophy - Hope Oil Free spf
I tan quite easily, and spf 20 doesn't protect my face enough in the Texas sun. I moved to spf 30 two years ago and it seems to be the right match. I like philosophy products. This one is light, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a white residue. In India, I used Kaya Skin Clinic Sun Screen.

Philosophy - Hope in a tube

I do not have any visible wrinkles yet, but long time ago I had asked someone who was in her 50's and had perfect skin without any cosmetic treatment, how she managed to do that? She told me that she started using anti-wrinkle creams from the age of 25. Made total sense to me, prevention is better than cure after all. Going by my hereditary I thought targeting my eyes would be the best, hence I started using an eye cream from the age of 25. First I used Neutregena for several years, which seemed fine. But then moved to Philosophy about two years ago when I picked the sunscreen. So far I am satisfied. When I start seeing wrinkles, I will know if it worked or not ;) P.S. I didn't use an eye cream when I lived in India, sorry!

Burt's Bees - Soap Bark & Camomile Deep Cleansing Creme
This is the second fash wash I use in the evening. I always stick with either a gel or a creme based washes as they do not make my skin overtly dry. When my skin gets too dry, I get more break outs. I have been using this for about 8 months and I think it does its job well. P.S. I am a big fan of burt bee's products.

Like I have mentioned a million times, if not more, that I do not use make-up. I also think that it is one of the reasons why my skin is healthier, younger and cleaner than many others of my age. I do not have any scientific research to back up my claims but no one in my family uses make up (Mom and aunts) and they all look at least two decades younger, if not more! :P

So, that is that!

Positive Reinforcement Exercise

2013-06-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday I was having a conversation with my husband and I told him that being critical about myself is truly becoming a problem. No matter what, I am always aiming for higher and disregarding my current achievement/qualities. We were having this conversation while going up and down the staircase (cooling down after our workout). That's when he suggested let's have a positive reinforcement exercise. Each one of us had to tell five positive qualities about ourselves. I told him to go first. He said his first quality was - kindness. I agreed, he is a kind man. He told me, "Your turn now!" and first thing that came to my mind was that, "I am selfish!" Can you imagine how deep-rooted my self-critical-thinking is? I quickly realized my mistake, and took good minute to came one with the first one. I said, "I am creative." He agreed.

You'd think it would have been an easy and simple exercise to do? But no, it was much tougher than any physical exercise I do. We kept going up and down the stairs for about 15-18 minutes. That's how long it took us to come up with 5 qualities. On a positive note, at least I am not as self-obsessed as I one would imagine :P

I won't leave you guys all high and dry with suspense. Below is the list of 5 things we both came up with:

Husband's five qualities:

- Kind

- Positive

- More patient than before

- Smart worker

- Always prepared when opportunity knocks the door

My five qualities:

- Creative

- Realist

- Disciplined

- Hard worker

- Good at managing finances

My favorite kinda outfit:

White Tank & ~~Jeans~~ 100% Cotton Salwar. Simple and Comfortable!

Tank - Laundry [11'] Similar

Pants/Salwar - Cottons [Delhi, 13'] Similar
Jutti - From Amritsar [11'] Similar
Pendant - Crazy & Co. [13']
Earrings - ASOS [10'] Similar

On my eyes - Hashmi Kajal
On my lips - Velvet Fuchsia (173) via L'OREAL

Were you raised in a religious family?

2013-06-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

One of my very young and loyal reader sent me an email after reading this post, which I wrote a couple of months back. She asked me if I was raised in a religious family? I have deliberated over and over in my head whether I should write about it on the blog or not. But considering it has been on my mind for about 2 months now, it is a clear indication that I ought to write it and get it out of my system.

So, to answer her question – Yes! I was raised in a religious family. My grand parents were religious, traditional and conservative. My grandmother was a little more forward-thinking in comparison to my grand father though. All my relatives, aunts and uncles, my parents, … everyone I have ever known through my family has been religious and god abiding.

Like most children, I didn’t have a choice. I was religious as a by-product of being brought up in a religious household. I prayed. I followed the rites and rituals. I went to the temple every week. I did everything a ‘religious’ person is supposed to do. Mostly because that’s what I was taught from the day I was born.

I stopped going to the temple every week sometime in 2003. I stopped following the rites and rituals sometime in 2008 and I started believing in ‘nothing’ sometime around 2009. No drastic incident happened. No one changed me. Or influenced me. I just started thinking differently. I started thinking for myself.

... and this is what I think today: Greatest power lies within ourselves. Our brain is the best source of energy. Whether we turn it into positive or negative, it is completely up to us. I believe in humanity. I believe in doing good and behaving fair, not because there is karma, or because God is watching me, but because it is the right thing to do. I also believe in standing up for myself when wrong is done to me. I believe in equality. I believe in treating others the way I wish to be treated. I believe in having no regrets. I believe in hard work. I believe in living life “Queen” size. I believe in being who I am.

So am I not religious anymore? I don’t know. I am secular though. I find peace when I am at a temple, or at a church. My favorites are gurudwara and mosque, especially because they are kept so clean. Whoever said ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’, knew what they were talking about. But I do not believe that just praying will solve anything or asking God for things will make it happen. However, I do not judge anyone who believes so. Everyone has his or her faith. I choose to put my faith in myself. I believe my conscience will always guide me to the right path.

Top - Part of this dress [12'] Similar
Skirt - DKNY [13'] Similar
Shoes - c/o Sway Chic [12'] Similar
Pendant - Gift from Richa [13'] Similar
Earrings - Gift from Mom [13'] Similar

On my lips - eternal (350) via COVERGIRL

"Short" Comings

2013-06-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

For the longest time, I have tried to solve people's problems. Whenever someone comes to be with their 'issues' or 'dramas' in life, you can trust me to have a practical and totally-doable advice. And I am not afraid of giving it, especially since they came to be in the fist place.

But truth of the matter is that my 'logical' advice always falls on deaf ears and people who come with their problems never pay any heed to it. What's most frustrating is to see them getting hurt and used by others and hearing them bitch about it, and then repeat myself like a broken record - UP UNTIL NOW!!! I recently (about a year ago!) realized that these people are not looking for a solution. Sure they form their sentences like they are looking for a way out, but in reality they are not. All they are doing is WHINE. They come to me because they "want" to become that person I am asking them to become, but they are incapable of taking those actions. They just want to hear me give them an advice. Somewhere deep down they believe they will get their way out of their dramas one day but now we all know - it ain't gonna happen!

So what do I do now when they come bitch'n about their lives? I listen patiently, nod-along everything they say, and agree with them how their situation absolutely sucks but offer NO advice in return. They get their troubles off their chest and I get to maintain my sanity by not involving myself in their unsolvable issues. Win-Win!

And why am I telling y'all, all this? Absolutely no reason. Why do you even bother reading my blabber tch.tch :P

First time wearing shorts on the blog this year!

Top - Hand-me-down from Anita [06']
Shorts - GAP [12'] Previously worn here, here, and here
Boots - ASOS [10'] Previously worn here

On my lips - Cardinal Plume (178) via L'Oreal ColorRiche

Random-o-sity

2013-06-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

10 random things on my mind:

- One thing I discovered about myself after marriage: I love cooking!

- Why is Sonam trying to be an actress when clearly her passion lies in Fashion?

- Why do people (mostly bloggers) connect their Pinterest to Facebook, Facebook to Twitter, Twitter to Facebook, Instagram to Facebook AND Twitter (Phew!), and spam-the-hell-outta my virtual life?

- Why is Whole Foods so damn expensive?

- Why haven't inventors created faster means of transportation? 18 hours of air travel is so last century!

- Why do people bitch-and-whine about their life but never do anything to change it?

- Hope Spurs win today's game (and the series, of course!)

- Why aren't people consistent in their behavior?

- Cannot wait for Dhoom 3 to release, though I hate that Katrina-meh-Kaif is in it.

- "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” - Nora Ephron

If you have seen/met my Mom you would agree I resemble her in these shots.

Kurta/Tunic - Anokhi [Delhi, 11']
Pants - From a street vendor [Delhi, 11']
Shoes - Dolce Vita [12']

Staying Busy

2013-06-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

I have that realized I like staying busy. In fact so busy that I don’t have a single moment to breathe (a tad bit exaggeration, of course!). It is go Go GO from the second I wake up to the second I go to sleep. Until comes a day when I really want to do something which is out of my every-day-routine (mostly travel!) and I can’t because I committed myself to so-many-damn-things!

Then comes the resentment-cycle of hating my life and myself. Everything in the world sucks for the next few days. I mope around. Give my husband a difficult time. I try and shift a few things around to make some extra time. You’d thing I would be happy now? Nope! Wrong. I miss my busy life. I dig myself the same hole again and … few months later climb back again.

This has been going on for the longest time. One would assume that since I know all this, I would have a better plan? Nope. Wrong. P.S. You guys gotta stop assuming. :P We already know I don't improve just because I am aware of something.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe,

deserve your love and affection.” - Buddha

Dress - Nordstrom [13'] Similar
Shoes - Sam Edelman [13'] Similar
Coin Ring - From India [13'] Similar
Grey Ring - c/o Shop Jami [13']

This Complicated World

2013-06-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Jiah Khan, an Indian actress committed suicide. As usual the media is all over the news. Why is it always death that makes people sit up and take notice? Everyone, in the film industry and outside, has kind and wonderful things to say about her. And suddenly she is people’s favorite actress. Just because she is dead, she is being showered with all the love and attention. I guess, had that attention come to her sooner, she might not have committed suicide after all?

While one part of my brain thinks like that, the other part thinks that she should have been stronger. If someone doesn’t value his or her life enough, then there is no point in living, really. Positivity, happiness, and the will-to-live, all come from within, isn’t I? No one can instill them in you.

We as human beings are so complicated. Sometimes I feel the world is becoming harsher and ruthless day by day, and other times I think people are getting way too sensitive. I haven’t decided which one it is yet. While my head is filled with a whirlwind of contradicting thoughts, I clearly don't have the answers ... I do hope she finds in death, what she didn't find in life.

Top - Gap [12'] Similar
Skirt - c/o Stylein [11'] Similar
Footwear - Fendi [08'] Similar
Bracelets - Assorted [Here & There]

Reward Center

2013-06-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

I was having a dinner table conversation with my family and Dr. Fab said that we all have a reward center in our brain and everyone needs something to feel good about their life and hard work. One by one everyone mentioned the reward they give themselves at the end of the day (work week). Some of the rewards mentioned around the table were a shopping haul, a relaxing sheeha session, a chilled beer, dessert, etc. (you get the idea) ... when my turn came, I didn't have a single thing to mention. Do I not reward myself? What is my guilty pleasure? I do not shop much (as proven!), I do not eat desserts much, I do not drink much, I do not smoke. I do not even watch movies or television much any more.

What is it that I do then? Dear husband offered an answer on my behalf, "You workout!". Whaaaatt?!?! When did I become THAT person? Who rewards themselves with a workout? ... After much deliberation, I agreed. I do. I am THAT person. I unwind at the end of the day with a run, going up and down the stairs or an intense interval training. Nothing else makes me feel better. Is that so wrong? It is a reward that keeps giving. Isn't it? How do y'all reward yourself?

Make up by Richa! (:

Pictures courtesy: TJ Photography

Dress - Ann Taylor LOFT (13') Same
Bag - Gift from Mom [13'] Similar and Similar
Shoes - ALDO [11'] Donated and shall never be seen again! Similar

Shopping Ban Is Over + Five Ways To Wear Printed Trousers

2013-06-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

These GAP trousers found in the SALE aisle last September have been one of the best purchases ever. If I could I would wear them everyday. But then that wouldn't be fair to my rest of the wardrobe isn't it? (;

The shopping ban is FINALLY over. Phew! It seems like it went on forever. Doesn't it? I didn't miss shopping at all, but just the mention of the shopping ban made me (and people around me) wonder, "Is it STILL going on?!" No regrets though. It was an amazing experience and I am glad I did it. Will I do it again? We shall see!

Here's what I learnt about myself in the last four months:

I am NOT a compulsive shopper
I prefer quality over quantity (or trends)
I have a lot of investment pieces in my wardrobe which can be styled in a million ways
I am a content person
I truly believe: Less is MORE!

Here's how shopping ban has changed my perspective and life:

Other people (bloggers included) do not influence my purchases
My conversations are not about fashion or clothing any more
I do not waste time surfing the shopping sites any more, in turn my daily productivity has increased (a lot)

However, having said that I do have an on-going list of INVESTMENT pieces I plan on adding to my wardrobe in the coming months. Most of them are out of need and not want. As it should be!

How did it go for y'all? Is someone still ON the ban? Did you quit half way and didn't tell me? Did you learn something about yourself too? Clearly, I have a lot of questions. Someone please answer (in the comments below), or else I will just be a crazy person talking to myself ... which most times I am! So no sweat! (;

Little White Dress

2013-05-30T19:00:00.000-05:00

Y’know how when you are young(er) you enjoy being all mysterious, enigmatic, unpredictable and what not! How you love being called a firecracker or a wild card? No? That was just me? Well, great! Read on, anyways?

– Lately I have been enjoying the predictability of my personality. Like when my husband knows that I shouldn’t listen to a song because it will make me sad for no reason. OR when my brother catches that exact phrase I wanted him to focus on, in the article I had sent him to read. OR when I have self-doubt and a friend knows exactly what I mean and responds. OR how while having a conversation, an absolute stranger (blog reader) responds that she knew *that, because she gets that from my personality. [*a characteristic about myself]

Isn’t all this nice? I like it. I feel the world FINALLY gets me. I am not all that of a freak after all. I am comprehendible. The world and I am talking the same language now. It took a while, but we are on the same page eventually … y’know? No? Nevermind then!

Dress - River Island [12'] Similar
Shoes - ALDO [11'] Similar
Earrings - Gift from Mom [10'] Similar
Ring - Crazy & Co. [12'] More Options

On my lips - Gulabi via MAC

How to get your silkiest hair?

2013-05-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

So you already know that I am not much of a make up person. But what I am is a big DIY Beauty person. If its in my kitchen and if it has (most things do!) a beauty benefit, then I am your gal! I have practically applied everything in my kitchen, at one point or another, on my face, hair or body.

It probably started way back, when I was a kid and used to watch the afternoon Women's shows on Doordarshan. Shehnaaz Hussain used to be a regular on them and she was big on using gharelu nuskas (translation: home remedies). And since while growing up there weren't many cosmetic options available (and if there were, I wasn't allowed to use them by my mom!) I used a lot of natural ingredients. e.g. whisked egg hair mask, full creme yogurt hair mask, turmeric and sandalwood face mask, lemon and orange peel on nails, etc. etc. Then in high school, Anita introduced me to Rima Soni's book: Simply Beautiful. It was filled with hundreds of easy-diy-beauty ideas.

Long story short (not really!) I have been hooked for a long time. Hence, when I found The Style Dossier Blog, it was like I had hit another gold mine. They have many amazing-easy-diy-ideas, which I have been following for about 2 years now. One of which is listed below. I had just applied this hair mask again on Monday and it always works like a charm. ... I will shut up now and let the dossier-sisters speak! (:

I don't know about y'all but during the summer our hair gets really dry, we've recently been using a new homemade deep conditioner that only takes 3 ingredients. Most of it you might have in your own kitchen. Just gather 1 avocado, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp honey. Mash the avocado in a bowl with a fork then add the olive oil and honey, stir together and voila a very moisturizing deep conditioner. It's that simple! We like to put it on dry hair, really focusing on the ends and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Then just jump in the shower and wash it out. When you get out of the shower your hair will feel soft and silky. We highly recommend this conditioner to anyone especially during the summer when your hair is exposed to all the heat and chlorine. This deep conditioner will definitely help restore moisture. The best part is, if you use this conditioner once a week your hair will only keep getting better. Here's to beautiful summer hair!

This post is in collaboration with

Natural Make Up

2013-05-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

A lot of you have asked my beauty routine, but I am sorry to disappoint you as it ONLY involves - Sunscreen, Kohl and Lipgloss/lipstick - and Voila! However, I do envy everyone who can apply make up to perfection, every day. I am a bare-skin-kinda girl. Don't get me wrong, it is not that I do not enjoy make-up, I just don't have a patience and/or skills for it.

But I have to add, even if I did have the time, I do not think I would be doing it very often. I like being able to touch and feel my real skin. After a few hours with make up, I always have an uncontrollable urge to go wash and strip-clean my face. On the bright side, I would never be featured in one of those 'before & after make up pictures'. You guys have pretty much seen both here on the blog itself. For the record, below pictures are WITH make up, done by my very talented sister-in-law! (:

Make up via Richa

Top - c/o Oasap [12'] Similar
Skirt - French Connection [05'] Similar
Footwear - ALDO [12'] Similar

Inspiration: Marlien Rentmeester via luckymagazine.com

Exceptionally Nostalgic

2013-05-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I seem to be exceptionally nostalgic about the 'initial' blogging days. ... from carefree posts to carefree outfits; everything! Knowledge sometimes ruins us. The more we know, the less risks we take. At least its true in my case. So many times, I want to reply to a comment, a tweet, or a remark, but I don't - because honestly who has the time to deal with the drama? The thing with being shielded behind a computer screen is that stupidity ends up sounding intelligent and logic ends up sounding arrogant. You really can't win between these odds. Hence, I choose to be quiet. Let's see for how long!

Tunic - Custom made and gifted by Richa [13'] Another one on my radar!
Jeans - Miss Sixty [08'] Similar
Shoes - From Amritsar [11'] Similar
Ring - Gift from Mom [13'] Kinda Similar

My Favorite Dress

2013-05-21T19:00:00.002-05:00

Just last month I had mentioned that I hadn't been to the cinemas in 2013 and since then I have been to the movies every weekend.

Iron Man 3 - I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am pleased that Gwyneth had a decent screen time as opposed to the previous two Iron Man movies. Full of witty humor and action. A must watch.
Go Goa Gone - Its a Hindi movie, which didn't amuse me. First half was still funny in portions, but the second half seemed more like a spoof on the zombie movies. After being an ardent follower of Walking Dead, this didn't even come close. Can easily pass!
Star Trek Into Darkness - Another good movie with innumerable twists and turns but kept me interested till the end. Although I do wish it was a tad-bit shorter but I wouldn't hold that against it. A must watch.

Moving on to the outfit post: This is truly one of my favorite dresses. I cannot get enough of it. I contemplated letting it go in the closet cleanse but couldn't. I even tried finding something similar for a post-ban purchase but the only one I found was this, but I am not sure the price justifies the purchase. Anyhoo, here's how I have styled it several times on my blog before.

Dress - ASOS [10'] Similar
Top - Joie [13'] Similar
Footwear - pretty fit [07'] Close enough
Belt - GAP [12'] Similar
Bangle - Gift from Mom [13'] Similar
Necklace - Gift from Diksha [12'] Similar

On my nails - some random shade I picked at the salon
On my lips - Mocha via MAC

I've got a list!

2013-05-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

12 more days and my shopping ban will be over! And just like last year I have a constructive list of pieces I want to add to my wardrobe. I have been cleaning out my closet like a maniac in the last couple of months. And more will be going in the next few weeks. It was (is) all the stuff, I have out grown, gotten over, or just don't like any more.

My current aim is to build a quality closet with versatile pieces. And since we are already approaching summer, some of the things on my radar are:

comfortable cotton leggings (I try and avoid jeans as much as I can in summers)
flowing-light maxi dresses (I am really coveting this one! ... and this)
shift dresses (Love the color of this one!)
cotton camis and tee shirts
couple of printed skinnies (These seem ideal for summers)
flat footwear for weekend (something in tan would be perfect!)
long skirts (This striped one is quite tempting)
sexy jumpsuit (Last one I bought one was in 2010!)
shorts (summer staple, in bright colors preferably!)
printed blouses (... and/or tunics!)

Have you too, got a list?

Dress - ASOS [12']

Shoes - Aldo [11']

Jewelry - Here & There

On my nails - snap happy c/o essie
On my lips - Raspberry Bite (745) via REVLON

Five Life Lessons

2013-05-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

This outfit is inspired by one of the dresses styled in the Target collection by Kate Young

Dress - Vero Moda [12']
Top - Urban Outfitters [10']
Shoes - Report [13']
Belt - J.Crew [Thrifted, 10']
Bag - Hand-me-down from Richa [13']

On my eyes - Hashmi Kajal
On my lips - On my lips - stunner (840) via blastflipstick from COVERGIRL

About a month ago when I couldn't decide what to blog about, a few of my readers made some suggestions. Majority of them were Fashion & Beauty related but this one specific one was about life ... And we all know. I love life. And this also felt the easiest one to blog about. (You guys, have no idea how much work beauty-related posts take!)

Here goes: The five life lessons I have learnt -

1) You cannot please everyone. Someone or the other will always get offended. Might as well do what makes you happy. P.S. In Ricky Gervais's words, "Just because someone gets offended, doesn't make them right!"

2) Actions DO speak louder than words. If there is something you wish to do, then do it first and talk about it later. Its always more fun listening to real-stories than the imaginary ones.

3) Life is short. Do not make it shorter by being foolish. I am all for adventure and dare devil sports but I do not believe in taking risks from which I might not recover. Ever!

4) Financial Independence is important. Until you are dependent upon someone else for your 'survival', you will never truly be your own person.

5) Happiness is a choice. And it comes from within. You are either a happy person or a whiny person. No external factor can change that.

These are lessons that I have probably learnt in last 5 years. What happened before that one might wonder? Who knows! I didn't have a blog back then to archive it all in (; P.S. If you have an idea for a post, feel free to leave it here. I am always looking for new concepts.

How to get bold eyebrows?

2013-05-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

Ever since I started posting head-shots (aka selfies) on Instagram, one question I am frequently asked is how I have such bold eyebrows. And like most other vain things in my life, I hadn't thought about them up until someone mentioned them to me. However, like all girls I went through the phase of over plucked eyebrows. In my defense it was not my choice, but due to lack to resources. Once I moved away from home (for college and then work) there was no one who did 'threading' and I was not willing to give eyebrow waxing a shot! I had to rely on my own skills of plucking, which were needless to say, non-existent. Hence, the too thin brows. This continued for 3-4 years unfortunately and then once I was back to civilization (where there was ample Indian population and therefore easy to find someone who did threading!) I took matters in my own hand.

I patiently (read: restlessly) waited for about 3-4 months (this was 2007!) and let my brows grow out and reach their natural maximum growth (with minimum maintainance by the professionals only!). Few months of frustration has come a long way! I get threading done bi-monthly (and sometimes even once a month), moisturize them with oil several times in the week, and brush them daily with a brow comb. Since I like a natural-looking-brows, I get them trimmed very lightly from the top, maintaining the natural look, without any sharp cuts.

We are in 2013 and I have never ever tried to change my eye brow shape. I don't care whether its in fashion or not, I am sticking with my full brows.

P.S. Everyone who requested this post: I hope it helps!

fibi & clo

2013-05-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

This is a dated outfit ... from last weekend. Vermont got us quite behind in our posting. Bear with me, while I try and catch up! Oh, and I think we can give 'winters' a farewell, as I am certain that 'summers' are going to stick around for several months, here in Texas! *fingers.crossed*

P.S. The sandals I am wearing in this post are my current obsession. fibi & clo had sent me two pairs, last year in September, but since fall came soon after, I wasn't able to break in to them up until now. And dare I say, I am in love. In fact, obsessed. P.P.S. I had gifted a pair of 'Sea Star' (from their collection) to my mom two years ago and she loved them as well.

Maxi - Banana Republic [09']
Top - Urban Outfitters [09']
Footwear - c/o fibi & clo [12']
Necklace - Gift from Mom [09']

On my nails - snap happy c/o essie
On my lips - born lippy strawberry lip balm via BODYSHOP

Burlington, VT

2013-05-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

It got a little heavy yesterday, didn't it? Well, we will leave it for now. Let's be done with with Vermont already!

While the first day was kind to us, with pleasant breeze and sun, the second day was dreadful. Windy, cold and annoying. Nonetheless, you gotta go what you gotta do. We spend the day strolling around Burlington. It is a lovely city with buzzing downtown with great eating/drinking options. Had the weather been kinder, I would have enjoyed a lot more though. All in all a great weekend getaway. Time to start planning my next holiday! ;)

For all those who are always asking me to smile in my pictures - Happy? :P

Shirt - Custom Made via Richa [13']

Sweater - GAP [11']

Jeans - Gap [11']

Jacket - Massimo Dutti [05']

Boots - Børn [10']

Body Image Issues

2013-05-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

via US Cosmopolitan

I saw the below video on Monday, which has been doing rounds on the web for past few weeks. It resonated with me, specially since just last week I was having this EXACT same conversation with one of my colleagues. We were discussing how I had seen someone's photo, where all she saw were faults in herself, while I thought it was a great candid shot of her and I hadn't notice even one fault until she had mentioned them. And even then I didn't agree.

That incident made me introspect. I have long time self-diagnosed myself with a 'body-image-disorder'. I know I am fit. I know I am not obese. But I cannot help myself. When I see in the mirror I only see 'fat'. I see the 'imperfections'. I see how I am not as toned as I would want to be. How I am disappointed in myself that even after religiously and consistently exercising for last 7 years I have not managed to gain that 'fit-toned' body. How my hair are not voluminous, lips are not full and and skin is not clear. I absolutely detest my knees and thighs. How I wish I had long-lean limbs.

.... Don't get me wrong. I do not need re-assurance about what is 'right' with me. I am aware of all my blessings and all the positive traits as well. And I AM thankful for them. But the amount of energy and time I spend thinking about my imperfections is not even sane. At least 20 days in the month, I refer to myself as FAT simply because I ate a donut or one extra slice of Pizza. I am so harsh on myself, that I have started wondering if I am in fact punishing myself? And if yes, then why? And worse is that I AM aware of all this and yet I continue to think the way I do. One would assume I was smarter (better?) than this! Right?

I do not know what I hope to achieve from this post, but may be after putting it out there, for the whole world to read, it will force me to stop judging myself.

Woodstock, VT

2013-05-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

(cont. from here)

This was our last stop for the day. While browsing through local stores in Stowe, a store owner told us to go check out this quint little town called Woodstock, as it had a very British vibe and architecture. Which it did, but in hindsight it was not really worth driving all the way to (just fyi!). Nonetheless, we got some good shots on our way there.

I love this shot, simply because you can see my two-tone (ombre?) hair color!

Outfit details: Same as here

Stowe, VT

2013-05-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

(cont. from here)

It was a lovely drive to Stowe. Although the spring hadn't just arrived in Vermont, but the view was still worth admiring. Surprisingly the cool breeze at the top of the mountain was more pleasant than chilly (as I had expected). I am not a skier but if I were I would have really enjoyed it here. Nonetheless we had a lovely time exploring the area.

Outfit details: Same as here

Ben & Jerry's Factory, Waterbury, VT

2013-05-05T19:00:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back we made a weekend trip to Vermont. For the longest time I had wanted to visit that state for the sole reason that Ben & Jerry's was founded there. Whenever I ate that ice cream and saw Vermont written on the box and thought to myself that, "I will go there one day". That was 15 years ago. Clearly I haven't grown up since then. Nonetheless I made it there finally. Even though, they (Ben & Jerry) were single handedly responsible for this.

The factory is small and cute but it did not disappoint. They have a tour which start every hour and lasts for about under 40 minutes. At the end of the tour to receive a free sample (best part!) :P. They have a short documentary (like ALL short tours in U.S.) where you learn everything about Ben & Jerry (literally, the two men who started it!).

Random Anecdote: At the end of the film the guide asked. "Does anyone has a question?" A cute little 6 year old raised his hand and asked, "Does Chunky Monkey has monkey in it?" - Could there be a more innocent question EVERR?

P.S. With this I have visited 22 U.S. States now. 28 more to go!

Sweater - Criminal [London, 06']

Jeans - Michael Kors [13']

Shoes - Børn [10']

On my lips - Who knows?! It was a while back, you guys! :P

Shopping Ban Link Up + Five Ways To Wear Chambray Shirt

2013-05-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

You must be wondering whatever happened to the 'Shopping ban', yeah? Well, don't worry. I am still ON IT and have successfully completed 12 weeks. Only one more month to go.

Has been hard? Not really! For starters, life has been quite busy to even have time for shopping or surfing, so that is a BIG help. Secondly, I unsubscribed to most emails and deal updates from various sites and brands. Thirdly, and most importantly, I have discovered that I am a content person, who is pretty craft with making most use of her current wardrobe and doesn't get tempted to shop things which other people have. Actually, on the contrary when I see someone has something, no matter how much ever I like it, I won't buy it. I like unique, one-of-a-kind things so that automatically reduces the she-has-so-I-want-it-syndrome. The good thing however, has been that I have ended up doing the spring cleaning and getting rid of A LOT of stuff, which is still in good condition, but I just need to part with it so that I can revive my wardrobe and have something new to work with. I sure have saved enough in last 3 months to go for a little closet update next month. You'll see it on the blog, don't worry! (;

If you are on the ban or have already completed in the last couple of weeks (when I went missing) and/or would just like to share your thoughts, please do in the comments below and if you are a blogger and have posted about the ban in last month week, feel free to leave a link below. I do wanna check it out.

P.S. Comments are open for this post.

The Husband Series (V) - Favorite TV Shows [2013]

2013-05-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Remember this post? Well I got back home the next day after work and saw my dear husband working on a post for my blog. How sweet right? Well, at least I thought so. The last time we made a Favorite TV Shows list, we felt we left out a few others which we thought were too awesome to miss out. So I am glad that he has finally mentioned them here along with a few others which we have seen in the last 2 years. Just FYI: We prefer to do TV Show marathons. So except for a handful we wait for the season to finish and then watch it back to back over one of the weekends.

If 1930’s-1960’s was the Golden age of movies, I guess the 2000’s can be deemed as the golden age of the television. I was going through Tanvi’s previous posts and stumbled upon the one that I wrote on Best TV Shows. However, so many good shows have been televised since that post. Hence, update to banta hai boss (the list needs to be updated, boss). Without further delay, and in no specific order, here’s the best (in our opinion) that the TV has to offer –

1. Spartacus – The blood, the sex, the gore, the violence, the politics, the story, the emotions, the drama…there has never been a show that has all these elements in perfection. The show has enough spice for all your senses. The story is like a python that intertwines you so that you become one of them and you cry in their victory and you cry in their defeat. MARVELLOUS!

2. Newsroom – This show is an antithesis of the present day media. It portrays what a responsible journalism should be like and what an intelligent audience craves from their news channels. Each episode of the show deals with behind-the-scenes working of a cable news channel in backdrop of a real life happening like Japan earthquake, BP Oil spill, Killing of Osama, and such. Jeff Daniels who plays the main protagonist now ranks in my top 10 actors of present times with his powerful and intense portrayal of the lead News anchor. Hats off to HBO for picking this show and thanks to Aaron Sorkin (creator) to show us what exceptional journalism should be and what exceptional screenplay is. Respect!

3. House of Cards – This original Netflix series is an adaptation of a British TV series by the same name. The brilliant, Mr. Kevin Spacey (note the prefix) plays the vindictive politician and Kate Mara plays the overly-ambitious-ready-to-do-anything-for-a-story type journalist. This show gives a glimpse of the dark side of US politics but can very well be applied to any society or profession. Brilliant writing, brilliant acting, and tight screenplay make this a back-to-back episode watching television.

4. Game of Thrones - The tagline for the show is ‘Everybody wants to be king, but only one can rule’. A lot has been already said about this show and I will save the word count and let you google about the most amazingly fantasyland TV series right now. An IMDB rating of 9.4/10 with over 300,000 votes is no surprise.

5. Lilyhammer – This is one of those shows that you discover while going through the Netflix list. You read its summary, not sure what it is about and then think what the hell I will watch it for a few minutes. BUT next thing you realize is that, you have been hooked for its intelligent comical timing that has been blended with a mob backdrop. Steven Van Zandt plays an ex-mob who goes to Norway from US under the witness protection program. And soon he becomes the most influential guy in the town of Lilyhammer because of his mob ways and his journey is… well…Very Entertaining!

6. The Killing – This is a pure Who-Dunnit type mystery series that goes on for two seasons and revolves around the death of an innocent young girl. I can’t say much here as I don’t want to give any spoilers but just trust us when we say that this is the best mystery drama that you will have ever watched.

7. Justified – This one is for those who like everything southern -> from their accent to their cowboy boots, to their gentleman like ways with ‘don’t mess with me’ kinda streak. Its main two characters, a US Marshall and a local gangster, have equally-weighted well written roles. They both are diabolical. If you ever liked cop-gangster like stories, then this is your show.

8. Homeland – You know I always save the best for the last. In its 2 seasons, this TV series hasn’t had a lull moment in any of the episodes. The terrorist is the hero and the hero is the terrorist. Go Figure! The series has won back to back Golden Globes for both of its seasons. On top of that Claire Danes and Damian Lewis are so believable in their respective roles that both of them have been Golden Globed as well.

Update from the last post - The Boardwalk Empire and White Collar have been CUT from our list. Boardwalk has a very slow pace and White Collar became too predictable and lost its sheen. The Good Wife and Suits are brilliant as ever and would probably trump any other show on our DVR. Coincidentally, both are law firm based series. Both Dexter and Breaking Bad will have their last season’s this year and will be dearly missed. Sons of Anarchy is the epitome of Outlaw glorification, and would make you ponder – "What will it take to become one of the Sons?" ... Bad…very bad!

The Husband Series (I) - Behind the Scenes | The Husband Series (II) - The 10 things...

The Husband Series (III) - Favorite TV Shows | The Husband Series (IV) - Science Trivia

Back to me, aka Tanvi: It is not often, but sometimes I do depart from bright colors.

Blouse - Joie [13']

Skirt - Lulu*s [11']

Shoes - From local store in Iran [07']

Necklace - Francesca's [08']

Sorry, I forgot to note down the make up details!