Before I Turn 37......

Hey you all! Hope you're doing good. Me, I'm doing great, but I just can't deal with the fact that it's  already my birthday month again! How does time move so fast??! I haven't even finished writing my birthday wishlist from last year!

How do I feel about turning 37 in 2.5 weeks? Almost the same as when I turned 36, to be honest. I feel like it's like a filler age of the late 30's. Like I'm in the middle of a see-saw, and I'm.....umm, I can't complete that analogy articulately. That's how dull & irrelevant it feels like.

So....as you can see, I'm still in the gingham phase, and although I bought 2 other gingham clothing  items, I promise this is the last one I'll be posting here. I shall control myself & my 60's fixation.

But right now, please at least appreciate the matching earrings & shorts. 

Falling into 37 like..... 

(Ohhh! That's me in the middle of that see-saw.)

I Look At You......

:)

♥

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Tough Like Leather ~ Delicate Like Lace

{ 20.05.2017 }

As the plane wobbled like it's flirting with a free fall, and the fluffy cotton out the window turned to masses of ash,

Mom's voice echoed in my head: 

"But that's what they say. People often die close to their birthdays.", 

she'd tell me like it's an urban myth proven true after one too many obituaries.

This must be it. I'm gonna die today.

Haven't I always thought this is one way I'd go?

Okay, maybe that has a lot to do with LOST.

"Please remain seated, and keep your seat belts...."

I was staring at my palm.

"You won't live a very long life. 30-35, maybe. See?", 

an amateur palmist had pointed to my life line that's about an inch point something too short - according to her book.

A few successively jerks, and the eerie sound of metal creaking underneath made me grab both armrests.

I feel cold! I need a blanket!

Coffee. No, tea! No, coffee!

I need a hand to hold!

This. This is why you shouldn't fly solo!

Why is everyone so quiet??!!

Okay. 

It's okay.

Lean back. Close eyes. 

....................

....................

~ Little hands, cupping my face. ~

....................

....................

~ An old over-read text message. ~

....................

....................

~ Watching my Grandfather write letters  at 5 am. ~

....................

....................

~  A stranger walking towards me. ~

....................

....................

~  Meredith Grey shouting, "But what about HER?! " ~

....................

....................

~ A relieved face over my coffin. ~

....................

Just when my emotions started queuing behind my eyes.....

..... the sunlight hit my face.

*******

Bye Bye Summer! {OOTD}

Fun Fact 1: 

This is my most favorite dressy outfit of Summer 2017. The coral top, especially. I'd buy every one shoulder flounce top if I could.

Fun Fact 2: 

I never wore it, because I was saving it for a special occasion. You know how you put together a brand new outfit for something? You think: I'll wear this top. But with what kind of bottoms?Umm, black skirt/shorts? No, it has to be a fun florally something, not black & flat. Hey! Definitely not that black crow-type skirt you're thinking about right now! Okay, one of 4 brands I'm so loyal to will have something.

(Btw, said occasion NEVER happened. I don't wanna talk about it! =\)

Horrifying Fact: 

The little heart bracelet I'm wearing here I almost threw out with a shopping bag, along with a pack of H&M rose gold hair clips. I'd completely forgotten about them! I also have no memory of me buying them : | ... I'm going to check exactly when I bought them, so I know what state of mind I was in at the time. But I assure you, I've never shopped when I'm drunk! ;p

Not Giving A F**k!

"

A f*cking disclaimer:This is a book about not giving a f*ck. In order to practically quantify my methods, I've confessed to banishing many objects, concepts, events, activities, and people from my life. You may not agree with all of my choices. Fair. You may even think you recognize yourself in these pages - particularly if you're a parent of small children, a karaoke enthusiast, a friend, family member, or former colleague of mine. If so, you're either correct, or delusional. In any case, if you're offended by anything I've written, then you really need this book. Proceed immediately to page 25: "You Need to Stop Giving a F*ck About What Other People Think."

"

I knew I was gonna really enjoy reading this book when I laughed out loud at the first 3 words. I'm reading it on my Kindle app, because Amazon India (fulfilled) doesn't sell the print version. But I will surely get the paperback, because I want it on my bookshelf! 

So in the introduction, the author talks about the art of mental decluttering by not spending time, energy, and/or money on things that neither make you happy nor improve your life using one method....

The NotSorry Method:

 Step 1: Deciding what you don't give a f*ck about

Step 2: Not giving a f*ck about those things.

LOL! =D

My 2 AM Thoughts | Nightwear OOTD

This blog post was inspired by a very touching email I got from a reader recently. It's a story about her life that she shared with me. I thought it was one of the sweetest things, for someone to tell somebody they'd never met something personal & heartbreaking. She also requested me to blog more regularly again, because it's what she looks forward to, and she added that she finds me relatable. That alone made me want to just come here and post something! I wanna take this moment to apologize to everyone who feels the same way, I know I've been leaving you hanging....and maybe a lil' confused. 

I also wanna say to every one else who's going through a hard time, and you find yourself on a broken road, please know that you're not alone. I've been there, and so have a lot of the people I've met over the past few months. Everyone is battling something, everyone is masking something too personal or painful to talk about. But in time, it gets better. You'll feel better. And one day, you'll find yourself thinking - "This wouldn't have happened if that hadn't happened to me."  - with gratitude. 

I can't promise you my own story, because I see no logic in talking about things you want to forget or simply move on from, you know. Also, I'm not very good at talking about serious matters on this platform. Even now, I already feel uncomfortable & if it was in real life/in person, I would probably be saying something stupid or quote an overused phrase at this point.

So for now, I hope me making this impromptu personal post EXTRApersonal by posing in my nightwear & bathroom would be like our  little virtual slumber party & help us reconnect again! =D

Take out your pennies for my..... 

(Random) 

2 AM Thoughts......

(Hoping I'll be able to buy something pretty with them when this is over. 

I'm thinking....a perfume, with a bow on it!) 

************

Word-Of-Mouth Skin Secret/Dark Spot Lightener

This convo took place at a funeral, so please read it in a hush hush tone....

......................................

I know it's not a groundbreaking tip, and I myself have used it plenty before, but after hearing that it actually improved something, I'm looking at it with googly eyes now. I have more faith in it. 

That's what we want, isn't it? Confirmation that something will work before we commit to it? =)

"Do You Love Me So Much Too?"

Something NEW....

.

.

.

from the heart.

♥ 

Lots more to come. 

I started with something light ;)

Happy Weekend!

P.S. If you could give a title to my book of 'short' stories, what would it be?

I already had one, but I couldn't use it with this story.

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Michael Kors CYNTHIA Satchel ~ Unboxed

Hey everyone! How've you all been? Excited about Spring? Can you believe how hot it already is here in Delhi??!! =\

And now..... please say HELLO to my name handbag - CYNTHIA. 

I never! 😮

 Thanks Michael Kors for naming a handbag after me. Yes, ME! That's what I'd like to think anyway, and you're ain't here to object, so.

I LOVE IT SO MUCH! I wish I could get it in every colour! But practically (and financially) speaking, I'd just love a black....and pink! 

(I picked this one over blush pink, btw. Hardest decision I've ever made in my life!)

My Day at Madame Tussauds Launch Event

*

I feel I have to go to this one...I don't know why, but I have to make it to this one! Yes, why you never go to these events and such? You're not gonna fall down or embarrass yourself all.the.time.! Plus, this one doesn't sound pretentious & boring - they didn't use words like "French-something....and one-on-one interview with.....". They said: 1) Wine & 2)Mannequin Challenge, okay?
Oh God, what should I wear?! I have nothing to wear! My closet is a mess, I can't find anything! I don't even remember what clothes I have anymore!
Btw, where are those black suspender tights???
See, I told you weeks ago to put away the summer clothes in the corner junk cupboard, I (told) telled you!
Oh no, what if it's a formal dress code... like gown and head gear and all.... like "Madame" type?
Okay, please calm down! That new black ruffle bodysuit.... That. Make it work.... and just GO!
Eeee.... who's this Bollywood's biggest superstar they speak of?
Umm... Shah Rukh? Ranbir? Ranveer? Aditya Ro...nah, he's not that big (Yet. But you will be.... Jaanu.)....How I wish The Weeknd was a Bollywood superstar too right now *sigh*!
Ohh...I know, I know! Amitabh Bachchan! Yeah, definitely him.

*

Where: Shangri-La's Eros Hotel, New Delhi

When: 12th January, 2017

The Madame Tussaud's Museum will open at Regal Cinema building, Outer circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

At the launch, only 3 wax figures were unveiled.....

Amitabh Bachchan

Lady Gaga

What's Christmas Like?

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone! Hope you're having a day filled with love & happiness.

Well, I didn't really have a Christmas post lined up, coz it's been hectic lately. So I decided to use these pics (where my hair is a mess, btw)

Let's talk about deep, meaningful things in between.

What's your Christmas like?

Mine:

~ Discovering too late that the tree lights are all spoiled. It's okay, I'll get new ones after Christmas, before New Year's Eve.

~ There's a Santa soft toy from Hamley's, that I don't mind my son doesn't appreciate, because I secretly got him for myself. I whisper "Dear Santa, please........" in his ears, which he doesn't really have.

~ Watching Ziizayne mimic the facial expressions & dance moves in Sia's The Greatest. When I was pregnant with him, I used to blast Chandelier in my ears, btw.

~ Making plans to go out, and then decide it's too cold. 

~ Finding out that the geyser is broken while already under the shower.   

~ Watching Ziizayne play with his main Christmas present - a car track thing, and being enthu with one battery-operated car that comes with it more than he is. 

~ Christening my new The Body Shop Body Butters that I was gifted- Vanilla Chai & Frosted Berries. Both yum!

~ Not wanting to eat anything sweet & Christmassy.  Ordered spicy Indian food instead - Laal Maas from Coriander Leaf Restaurant. It's the best mutton curry ever!

~ Wanting to listen to long-time favorite Christmas songs - Last Christmas, All I Want For Christmas.... but finding them too peppy. 

~ Blasting R&B/Rap instead. A new artist I just discovered - NF. Listen to All I Have & Wait if you want to know what lyrics are filling my head.  

~ Feeling gangsta - in pyjamas - trying to ignore the pain from one remaining wisdom tooth. 

~ Waiting for 9 pm  8:30 pm 11 pm, so I can open the new wine - White.

Let me back some of those up with a pic:

XO, M U S E.

What should I say? That I......

Nah, not that. Don't say that.

What about where I've been?

Nope. Don't go there. You'll bring everybody down.

C'mon! You're overthinking again!

Ummm....You c'mon, genius! Tell me then, tell me what to say. You know exactly where my head is!

Okay....

~ How about you managed to survive on 50 rupees in your wallet since the demonetization. You saw the new 2000 rupee notes only yesterday. You thought they'd be pink, and felt *phus* when you saw they're purple? 

~ How about you're listening to August Alsina's 'I Luv This Sh*t' & 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' as you're typing this? Shuffling between: I'm just trying to chill cause I'm way too drunk to be talking like this I'm way too high to be tripping like this

I'm way too young to be living like this & ज़मीन पे न सही तो आसमा तोह आ मिल 

~ How about you're now hooked to a new tv show - The Missing, Season 2?

~ How about Ziizayne now yells 'Mummaaaaa!', says 'Oh-kay!', 'Shoes', and 'Moo!' when he sees cows?

~ How about you're now only into black or nude/muted rose nail polish shades, and you find corals & pinks almost repulsive? This is when they should probably understand your state of mind.

~ How about you think the new Lakmé 9to5 Mousse Lip & Cheek Color are awesome?

~ How about you're kinda obsessed with the word 'Quinoa' - keeen-waaah!  

~ How about you've decided you're going to become a Lawyer? The kind that would carry night vision goggles & have a snitch in prison.

~ How about you found inspiration in the most unlikely place.... the most hopeless situation.... the most unlikely person.....?

~ How about........

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Forever 21

Lace Belt: Forever New

Shoes: Heatwave

Bag: Palomino

Earrings: Forever 21

Heart Ring: Accessorize

Owl Ring: Accessorize 

Watch: Michael Kors

Black Nail Polish: Colorbar

Lipstick: Lakmé 9to5 Mousse Lip & Cheek Color in Blush Velvet

Photos by: Dhruv Narang Photography 

♥ 

HAPPY DECEMBER, everyone! =)

Feels darn good to be back. I've missed you all so much!

Love You for still being here & Thanks a million for all the emails/messages that some of you sent my way when I was in hibernation

Speak again soon! xx

................

~ ........ quoting Walter White - 'I am awake.'?

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Blog R E L A U N C H

01.12.2016

♡

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Birthday Confessions & Haul

Today's NOT my birthday. It came & went a week ago, but I couldn't find the time to get this post up then. Now I'm doing the usual should I/shouldn't I post thing.....and then I post it.

Let's start with the good stuff... 

....and you will see I went a lil' crazy with the liquid lipsticks....

Starting from the top, clockwise:

Benefit They're Real Mascara Mini ~ Oh my God! I'm doomed, because I will need the full-sized tube. This mini version is around  Rs.800 & the full sized tube is Rs.2400 or so. It is fantastic - long, fluttery & separated lashes like no other mascara I've tried before. (From Sephora)

MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Personal Statement (Shocking Pink), Rich & Restless (Mid tone pinky salmon) & Lady Be Good (Warm Mid-tone Nude) ~ Out of stock. Always out of stock. It's a miracle few shades were restocked on my birthday! 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bellisissima (Pale Neutral Pink), Patina (Dusty Rose) & Fiore (Hot Pink) ~ LOVE these! (From Sephora)

Chambor Extreme Wear Transfer Proof Liquid Lipstick in 461 (Coral) & 431 (Red) ~ I like the first one I got #403, so I couldn't resist getting a coral & a red. I think I'm done now ;p

MAC Face & Body Foundation in C2 ~ It's time to try out a MAC Foundation for realz. Another product that was OOS for months! I mean my shade C2.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Mat-Finish & Enhanced Radiance Loose Powder 4 in 1 Harmony ~ My favorite & the most pricey (Rs.4000). This has been on my wishlist since last year. There are 4 powders in this - beige, yellow, peach, bronze. (From Sephora)

How Many Beauty Products Do I Use In A Day?

Before you read this post, I'd like to tell you 5 things about my younger self:

1. One time, when I was a teenager, I had only Rs.150 in my pocket. I needed to spend it, of course. I bought a big heavy bottle of Peach Hair Conditioner. I think it was Herbal Essences, but I'm not sure. Now that was a time when we only used hair products that came in those 2-rupee sachets, so it was a big deal. I gave up Lassi & Puri Sabji at a popular joint for it. I went home (super hungry), and used it before attending a wedding. The tailor didn't stitch my dress that well and my shoes hurt like hell, but "I just used a pricey fancy conditioner....woohooo!!!"

2. (I've told this story before) When I was younger than, or about, 10 years old, my nanny gave me 5 rupees to buy my Mom a birthday present. I bought her a tiny lipstick. A green one. The kind that turns pink once applied.  She didn't use it at all, but that thrill of buying a lipstick? I remember. To this day, I remember the little local shop with charcoal-stained & broken wooden walls, it was hot, you couldn't enter the shop, you could only point at what you want, I remember standing on tip toes to talk to the shopkeeper & then running home super duper excited, I remember. 

3. I always looked forward to Sunday's Graphiti Magazine. Flipped it back to front, because first things first - The Beauty Tips section. Yes, I tried most, if not all, of them.

4. I used to love walnuts, I saved the shells, because I thought they looked too good to throw away. I didn't know what to do with them, but I had a feeling they were.... special. This was before my teens, so I knew nothing about walnut scrubs. Imagine older me finding 2 big packets of empty walnut shells on top of my textbooks in a cabinet!

5. Long before I could use makeup, meaning: school days, I applied Vaseline on my lashes to thicken & curl them. I'd pinch some lashes together - back then, just because. ← Beauty Hack right there.

What I wanted you to pick up from that is -

 I LOVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS! I ALWAYS HAVE!

Okay! Now you are ready to read the post  ;p

How many beauty products do I use everyday?

Skincare

Cleansing Gel(Morning)

Cleansing Oil(Night)

Cleansing Foam (Night)

Treatment Water

Serum

Ampoule

Essence

Moisturizer

Eye Cream (Day)

Eye Cream (Night)

Sunscreen

Sleeping Pack

Lip Balm Pot

Lip Balm Stick

(Total: 14)

Makeup

Foundation

Concealer (Undereye)

Concealer (Stick)

Facial Oil

Loose Powder

Compact Powder

Blush

Contour Powder/Bronzer

Eyeshadow Primer

Cream Eyeshadow

Powder Eyeshadows

Kohl

Mascara

Brow Pencil

Brow Gel/Clear Mascara

Lipstick

Lip Liner

Finishing Spray

Micellar Water (makeup remover)

(Total: 19)

Hair:

Shampoo

Conditioner

Hair Oil

Serum

Hair Spray

(Total: 5)

Body

Body Wash

Body Lotion

Body Butter

Body Oil

Sunblock

Hand Cream (Day)

Hand Cream (Night)

Perfume

(Total: 8)

Total Number of products: 46

♥

What's your number? 

I reeaallly want to know! =)

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THE LAST TIME.....

You know what I absolutely love doing? Picking tomato seeds from tomato fried rice, which I make for Ziizayne. If I could, I'd make a whole bucket of tomato rice (with extra tomatoes, of course) and be at it all day. I'm serious! I enjoy picking little odd things out of little things.

You know what I absolutely hate doing? Packing & house moving. Today is the last day I'll be in this house. We're moving to a hotel tomorrow, and will be there until the work at our new place is done. Right now all I want is a back/head/leg massage.....and to sleep for a week.

Since I did a 'First Time' in this apartment post, I thought I'd do a 'Last Time' in it, as well.

If you read my First Time post, you will realize that we were greeted by a monkey & were also chased out by a (bigger) monkey =D (Read here)

Monkey menace aside, we decided to move to a smaller place. Until now, we were living in a 4BHK with 5 bathrooms (6 if we count the helper's quarter), and not only was it hard to maintain, it never felt cosy, and...I don't know, something or the other kept going wrong.

So we are moving to a 3BHK with only 3 bathrooms, where the rooms are much more compact.

New Year Haul & Life Update

Hi, Everyone! Happy happy New Year to each and everyone of you! Hugs & kisses xx <3 p="">

So late, I know, but I was rarely home these last few weeks. My brother and his family were staying over, and we were always out and about.

 I am so very happy 2015 is gone, because it was the worst year of my life. I went through some things that weren't good for me, and I had somehow lost myself. Okay, enough of that. Closed book.

This year feels different already. Another chance to start over, and live the life I want to live.

But it started off with a weird, life-threatening, surreal incident.....