Starting The New Year With Acceptance

A bit late but nevertheless, I meant to post this in the first week, better late than never though. 

So as I bid Good Bye to 2019, in a quiet way with my family wanted to end the year on a good note and start the new year with a smile like everybody else. 

A good movie and then some lovely food was the laid back plan to bid farewell to 2019. 

I, myself wanted to watch a light, happy movie but my sister wanted to go for Mardani. 

Honestly till the time the movie started I was skeptical of not wanting to watch a serious movie. I wanted to end the previous one and start the new year on high spirits with a gay heart. Absolutely understandable, nothing wrong in it, right ? 

However, After watching the movie which is based on the true story in our country - a story of A rapist, about sick mentality, about the society we live in - A gruesome truth, a grotesque reality ; (An outstanding movie and performance by Rani Mukherjee, must watch)I was forced to think and the first thought that came to me was - we are just living in our bubble, our own happy bubble. Again nothing wrong in that; we need to protect ourself, our happiness.  But We also need on a larger scale to accept the fact, the scary truth, to accept reality, the society that we live in. Things will change only after we acknowledge that yes we do have a problem as a nation, as a society. We need to embrace this truth, this bitter poison which isn’t happy but which is reality in the new year. Because the first step towards change is only through acceptance. Only with acceptance can we strive to change what is wrong. We cannot overlook the reality under any pretext. We are entering 2020 with things to be proud of,  achievements, happiness on one hand and on the other we are entering another decade with some barbarian acts, heinous crimes, narrow mindset, inequality in all aspects, crumbling environment and we need to bring the change as a society. We need to raise our voice for humanity. 

Let’s burst the bubble, let’s face fear, let’s stand together and welcome this decade not only on a happy note but on the right note, with a right mindset. 

Happy New Year 2020 !

xoxo

Bhakti 

I Will Fly

Women's Day comes every year with aplomb and is celebrated all over and that it is routine as usual. This year too the same happened and I am here asking myself - is it just that much and its over. One day of chocolates, of speeches, dinners and gifts of appreciation and then gone.

Every single day it is not like nothing is changing but neither is it like a lot is changing.
Still the questions remain unchanged, the stereotyped ones. Those moulded in one kiln for all kinds. The typical ones set aside for us women, "Don't be out late" "don't indulge in arguments" "is this what you wearing" Why are you cutting your hair so short, does your husband like it that way ?" " Is your father/husband okay with you doing that?" #don't travel alone" "When you getting married or having kids?" "you drink omg " "don't drink openly" Don't swear". This mentality is not changing. These questions and heap loads of similar ones haunt women across borders all over. Its more or less constant.

We are brought up with set of values which are imprinted and we need to continue with them, why so? If you negate, you are a rotten apple or a rebel with no cause. Why are women made to feel guilty for not cooking well, cleaning well or doing it all. Belittled on their appearance - too bold sometimes for your liking, sometimes its too plain and at others just not bothered.
No matter what others seem to have a bigger opinion than we ourselves. A simple short haircut becomes a matter of great discussion. How is my marriage or having kids got anything to do with a whole bunch of people I barely know. Why is it that If I am very successful I am a whore? Why am I typecast? Why everyone has an opinion of what I do in my life? So much of judgement on our life, choices, marriage, dating, dressing, capabilities, decisions, children, on just being.

We can live without this drama. Have we even asked you what we want or your opinion in every single aspect of our being or is it that we just don't know how to live.
Let us be, Let us bloom, we are different, we have a voice and we will use it. Let us fly and soar high. If you don't let us be, we have wings and we shall fly no matter what. Women need to uplift each other and break this shackles of age old mentality. Its time we support our kind. After all it takes  strong women who support other women to be strong and Strong women to raise stronger women.

Its time to celebrate not one day but its time to celebrate our self however we are - perfect imperfections of our beautiful being, finding our way, opening our wings, blooming and living on our own terms every single moment.
Every day is this fight fought in every way, together we shall celebrate us after all we are the creators and the Shakti behind it all. So lets create our stronger self and rise for - being ... just being who we are without question and it all.

xoxo

Bhakti 

We Think We Have Time.

The trouble is we think we have time - Buddha

Its such a short and simple line with the meaning staring at us in the most honest sense however we steadfastly deny to accept it on its face.
We live for tomorrow, we are ingrained to think about future about past mistakes.
We seldom live in today. Whatever we do its always for the betterment of future never today. Honestly, who will see tomorrow do we know. Do we even know how much will we live and in what condition. Then why dont we live in today.
I take rest today and not on the weekend. I deserve that chocolate today. Let me wear the nice dress today and not save it for a special occassion. Take that vacation, learn new things, spend quality time with loved ones.
Who knows how much time do we have. So I will make my time beautiful now. Live life fully now. Not holding grudges, forgiving now, exercising now, loving now, Living now cause time is just a mirage and we are caught in its magic.
Plan for tomorrow but live today.
Don't think about what can happen in a month or a year. Just focus on today and make it beautiful, do the best you can to reach where you want to be cause all we have is now. So why take anyone and anything for granted. Life is unpredictable but beautiful nevertheless, its precious and so are we.
Let everyday be like the last day ever and life certainly will be big if not long and beautiful.
On that note I am sharing an outfit close to my heart and style and easy breezy look in my favorite shade pink and its a pale pink.

Bag - Victoria Secrets 

Denims- Levi's

Top - Roadster

Footwear- Footin

Watch- Tommy 

Neckpiece - Romwe 

xoxo

Bhakti 

I want to be a Superwoman

I wish sometimes I was a superwoman .. 

Well I am not talking about women who are superb these days juggling home, career and simultaneously leading a fulfilled, and (well so called) accomplished life.
I am referring here to the Superwoman who swishes in the air, without worrying of juggling 20 things at a time on the point of a breakdown ..
Doing what she does best at a time that makes her the happiest. She is at par or even better than Superman and has the job of defending the world. She is celebrated, loved and appreciated.
She takes care of others but she knows that she needs to take care of herself first and she does so.
She is intelligent and sensitive at the same time.
She doesnt need assurance nor does she need to compete in a race for equality with no one. She herself is a competition. She just wants to be happy and is.
She knows when to ask for help and doesnt beat herself for being miss knowing it all.
She knows how to pull herself up rather than waiting for someone else to do so.

I think I would prefer to be a Superwoman than today's superb woman with an endless task list, multitasking their every aspect of life without appreciation, being taken for granted and without knowing their limitation. Exhausting herself without getting recharged on her sun.
Most of the times today's superb woman is her own kryptonite cause she forgets to love herself.

I prefer to be a Superwoman : fight battles, be the hero and take the accolades, rather than battle it out every time for everything like a superb woman cause she is playing dual roles one career wise and other at the home front without even recognition of doing much more.
Cant even imagine or may be I can hence I want to be a superwoman who doesn't have to do it all. 

So here I am trying to be a superwoman..

Knowing that I can do anything but I cant do everything at the same time. Choosing my battles wisely and sanely staying away from kryptonites. Just being happy and taking my happiness in my own hands. Choosing how I fight and what for. I don't have to be best in everything but I have to give my best at what I am doing. Being happy and spreading happiness.
Best shot at living and best shot at safeguarding my well being. 

 Wish I could just zoom in the air .. now dont you ?

xoxo

Bhakti 

Outfit details 

T shirt - bandra high street 

Denims - Mango 

Glares - Vero Moda 

Belles - High Street 

Watch - Fast track 

Coffee, Tea & Me ...

Winter is here with applomb. Pune is known for its awesome climate and its pretty right now in the city with temperatures dropping.

The chill in the morning with warm sunlight is my favorite thing.

I Love sunning in the winter.

Another favorite of mine in winters is Coffee and Tea.

Let me tell you I hadn't tasted tea in my entire life till couple of years back.

I still Am not a tea drinker But I just cant resist a nice cup of cutting chai from the neighbourhood kiosks.

Especially living in Pune which is a paradise for Amrut tulya. These are tea stalls which specialise in making tea some dating back to the 1940's. 

The name Amrut Tulya literally means - Like honeydew or elixir of Life 😯. Their tea is really something to rave about after all it needs to keep up to its name. Amazing slow brew of masalas, tea powder, milk, water, Sugar. Must try when you in Pune. 

The city is also dotted with age old Irani cafes and the Irani chai is well known. 

I Am a little inclined towards the Amrut tulya for my tea But I do have my favorites for Irani chai as well. 

A girl needs to have options now, does'nt she 😜

In short I definitely Love sipping on my thelewala chai. I have never ever have had tea at home. ( my answer If Anyone asks me for tea is - I don't drink tea.. now that's just weird me) I Am sure I have covered this on the blog before.. 

There are so many tea stalls dotting the city take your pick. Do try the ones in the old city By the name of amrut tulya.

Sunning and sipping in the Cold winter mornings ..

Cups of Chai as you watch the workd pass By... this one is an Irani cuppa at Good Luck

Now If you will ask me Am I a tea / coffee person. Pat comes the reply coffee. Yes I Am a complete coffee person. To be precise Cold coffee and there is something about having Cold coffee on nippy winter nights ... its bliss. 

My favorite joint to have Cold coffee is this small place Durga cafe in Kothrud. Don't get me wrong the place is just small in looks it will and has given any coffee shop or cafe run for its money. It has a huge fan following - will be an understatement. 

Just look at the glass with the creamy frothy perfectly strong and sweet coffee topped with sweet generous amount of cocoa. I have gone to heaven ... Bliss is this. Must try.

That doesn't mean I don't Love a good hot cuppa of coffee. I Am a complete Nescafe girl. I Love filter coffees too. Give me a nice strong one and I Am a happy bunny. 

Durga does some really good hot coffee as well. 

Nice hot cuppas - coffee for me and tea for Hubby after a tired day.

Nothing Like a good old cappucino with Doughnuts ( especially M.O.D double trouble 😛👍❤🍩 )

Flilter coffee Dates 😍

So that was Coffee, Tea & Me in a nutshell for you. ☕

So just summing up my favorites for you. 

Amrut tulya in the old city.

Roopali 

Irani chai - Vohuman, Good Luck, Irani cafe, Southin, Yezdan. 

Coffee - Cold - Durga (kothrud), Mar-zo-rin, 

Hot coffee - Durga (kothrud) 

Until we meet again with some more New ramblings and stories. 

xoxo

Bhakti

Do let me know what you want me to write about.

Lessons learnt in 2016

This post was pending since sometime now...
The year just went by in a wink and we have already welcomed 2017 with arms wide open and aplomb but not without a big Thank You to 2016.
As

NOTHING EVER GOES AWAY UNTIL IT HAS TAUGHT US WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW - Prema Chodron

2016 gave me many a things - highs, lows, beautiful moments as well as heartfelt lows. Above all it taught me life lessons in a short go.....
Just felt like sharing them with you guys...
So here they are -

• Slay and hustle like no ones business

Nothing and I mean nothing in life comes for free, whatever you want you need to work your ass to achieve it. There are no shortcuts but only work that takes you ahead. So hustle and slay till have it, whatever it takes.

• Whatever happens is destined look back join the dots

Don't be sad if things don't work out as per you, everything happens for a reason and no matter how cheesy it sounds - Look back on your life and you will realise whatever happens - there is a reason. Join the dots and you will get the bigger picture.

• When one Door closes it gives you the clarity that you are supposed to chose the other.

Be positive and weigh the pros in any situation. If something doesn't work out or goes your way, you get the clarity to do things in a better light.

• When people start doing what you do consider you are on the right track.

This I did understand but took some time to sink in. Don't get annoyed if people actually ditto copy you but take pride in yourself that you are someone's role model and helping them out without them knowing it. You are bringing in a change for the good someone's life. If you are doing something right people will copy you. Have faith in yourself and keep working hard cause now you know you are good and you need to better yourself.

• Live in the moment for the past and future are distant, present is your present to yourself enjoy it.

Live now, nothing is permanent. Grasp the moment cause you never know.

• Health is important...

you can enjoy life to the fullest If you are healthy.. take care of yourself on every level. Physical, holistically, aesthetically..

• Take pride in yourself

Always look back and think you are much ahead than where you were. Appreciate yourself.

• Attitude of Gratitude (most important)

Be Humble, be grateful for your life and whatever you have.

I Am a boho at heart... free wanderer .. I keep giving adjectives to myself... but why tag

This was all from me..
So welcoming this 2017 But keeping 2016 in lessons learnt... 

Until we meet again.. 

xoxo
Bhakti

Monsoon, Chai & I

That special cuppa of chai (tea) becomes extra special in monsoon.
Its a never ending love affair between the two. The romance it creates is insatiated and never ending, it keeps one desiring, longing, burning for one more kiss from the lips of the chai and one more hug from the raindrops wet.
The interwound and  mingled fragrances - the sultry and addictive petrichor with the calming notes of ginger, tea and milk numb the senses and also take them higher all at once.
I have got a confession to make I never drink tea, yes you heard me right and still here I am a non tea drinker penning praises.
I had never touched tea or drank it till few years back and then one day I happened to have it on a rainy day standing by a makeshift cart and sipping on a cup of this warmth in the cool weather - I just fell in love.
Don't get me wrong I still don't drink tea or neither am I addicted to it in my daily routine, just this one of affairs I have sometimes - monsoon magic you see.

check for yourself.

Nothing beats a plate of pakoras with chai on a Rainy day.
Monsoon favourites- devoured these goodies somewhere in Mulshi.
Read all about our Rainy day in Mulshi.

Iraani chai from Southin café when its pouring outside.



I love my eyelashes over here.

Chai with friends on a rainy evening is more special when served with the small biscuits (childhood memories) from glass jars. This one is at Chai Viman nagar and I love my masala chai over here, slurping on maggi alongside.

Chai on a Highway is like watching the drama unfold with best seats in the house.

Cups of chai when the world passes by.

Rainy evenings at home with Chai and Slices of Fruit cake from Kayani bakery- bliss

These were some of my Chai chapters what are yours.
Let me know what are your monsoon favourites.

You can also read about Monsoon for the Chai Lover

Until we meet again.
Enjoy that cuppa and stay happy and cheerful.
Happy Monsoon !

Lots of Love
xoxo
Bhakti

Gratitude

We are always taught from childhood that we should be thankful and have gratitude. However it was not until very recently that I realised the power of gratitude.

By being grateful for things we receive, for our life, for happiness we invite more of it to our life. Gratitude is an attitude the more you have the more you receive. 

I have started beginning my day with gratitude and ending them on a note of gratitude and the joy it has brought, the contentment, the feeling of being so lucky of what I have. It has got a big change in my life. Whatever I like, whatever I am grateful for finds a way to me more and more. It's magical. All I am doing is just being thankful for this magic. Having gratitude from within, feeling it deep in my bones. It's amazing. 

Give it a try. Don't expect to try this with immediate miracles. You need to develop this habit and you really need to feel thankful, blessed and lucky and not just say it. 

I am sure you will immediately feel good and see the results in short time. 

This will definitely make your life more beautiful. 

Just start with saying a short gratitude prayer and ending your day with the same. Maintain a gratitude journal or just simply be thankful and feel it loud for the things in life. As they say - " A grateful heart is the magnet for miracles." 

On that note - this is something I wore twice in a week once for an event dinner and once with friends. Sometimes I am too lazy and just repeat the outfit depending on that its different set of people I am going with. Besides I love the colour of this top. Very comfortable and yet chic, now that's my style ;). 

The last few were in yellow light (gosh the difference light makes). 

Outfit Details 

Top - Max 

Denims - Zara 

Shoes - Inc 5 

Necklace - Pink Pvssy 

Clutch - Handmade ( exhibition ) 

I hope you liked this post, please do share your views with me. 

I am honestly so grateful that I have a platform to connect with you guys and share my thoughts with you. 🙏

Until we meet again ❤️

Stay Happy and Cheerful !! 

xoxo

Bhakti 

Random things I love

The title says it all, today I didn't have anything much to share with you guys, so I just decided to share some of my loves. 

They are random but pretty nevertheless. 

I love climbers, they just add an ethereal feel to the surrounding, to the structure they are clinging to, to a nice canopy and not to forget the most romantic balconies of beautiful spiralling climbers cause your heart to flutter. 

Are you in love with them already ? Let's plant some for a romantic date on the balcony😉❤️ 

I equally loved those hanging planters in which they are planted, so rustic and cosy. 

And speaking of rustic, you know I am a boho at heart, a sucker for country things and rustic environment. Love these pots, they make any kitchen so colourful and full of vibe. Want to own one in every colour. 

I am a lover of nature is no secret. Sitting amidst it for hours is what I love doing. water bodies have a calming effect on me. Infact I have water bodies all over my home. Perfect spot for meditation and just some soulful time alone. Perfect spot I bagged, don't you think? 🍃🌳

Thalis (Indian plates) have my heart all the way. Their beauty lies in their simplicity. Can you imagine some amazing, delicious and mouthwatering traditional Indian food served in this beauty. The joy of eating with your eyes first. Didn't I tell you I am a country Girl all the way, let's put in desi too in that. 🤓🙂😉

Last not the least, I love my long drives with coffee, a cup of hot coffee on cold winter nights. There is something so romantic about long drives with soft music and a hot cup of steaming coffee laced with cocoa - so soothing. Conversation just seem to flow with this lethal combination, and interesting conversations not to mention. Try it🤓😍❤️

That was all from me to you. 

What are the things that you love randomly? Tell me in the comments below, I would love to know. 

Until then. 

Stay happy and smiling. 

xoxo

Bhakti 

Girly things, what are they ?

Coffee and conversations just blend in together and when you are having coffee with your friends there is no dearth of either one.

Over the weekend I had coffee with friends and we sat for ages talking about myriad topics under the sky. We were generally discussing vacationing and the topic of how girls have their girly traits and are not ideal partners for vacation and a guys trip is more fun at any given time came up. I think most of us have this notion and many other notions on girly things or what girls do. 

My guy friends mentioned about how girls are not that spontaneous and take eons to get ready and till that time the time to do something has passed. 

They also said that how girls are more needy and demanding. They are picky and do not adjust. They complain and are dramatic. 

I begged to differ big time. 

I think these qualities and attributes are not particular for any one gender, they are mixed human qualities. They ain't necessarily girly attributes. 

This stuff is basically more stereotyped by society. We grew up in a world where girls and boys were and in many places are still being brought up with values which in future make for their attributes. It's the society that drills these attributes and then it's the society that again tags them on to any one gender. 

Example- it's girly to cry, girls were/are told to sit/stand/behave in respecting ways, take more time to be presentable and well groomed at all times, being perfect, being delicate, always listening to others, respecting others more, asking for your needs. Where as boys are the decision makers, the tough ones, indestructive, breadwinners, never to cry and so on. 

I am sure you got my drift by now. 

I am sure we won't raise our children this way in today's time.

But all this was imposed and then tagged on as being any one kind of traits related to that gender. We were taught these things. However in today's world where there is so much of knowledge, so much of exposure, so much independence, do these things hold true? Do these tags and brackets justifying our personalities and gender hold true? 

I see men crying, being sensitive, caring, understanding, so is this a man being girly? 

I know guys who bitch and gossip more than girls, so is that not normal for them? 

Couples earn equally, I know some who earn less than their wife, so is that a big deal? 

Men today give importance to their appearance, take time to get ready and are well groomed at par with women and sometimes even better than them. Is that girly? 

Women are earning, independent. Can go on solo trips and are actually loving the idea. They are chilled out. I know so many women, who are just spontaneous and wild. I, myself love to live in the moment. So all these traits ain't girly, so these women are boyish, are they? Women are the most adjusting creatures I have ever seen, put them anywhere and they will survive. 

It is so wrong to characterise a person based on his gender. Everyone has different traits and qualities those which are unique to that person and that doesn't necessarily make it girly or not. 

It depends on the nature of a person whether that person is picky, demanding, complaining, taking more time to get ready infact today's woman doesn't have the gift of time in her hand as she is always multitasking and gets ready in a jiffy, again this doesn't go for all and neither does taking eons to get ready goes for all. Basically we can't keep everyone in the same bracket. One doesn't fit for all and all don't fit in one. 

Girls today are going on bike trails from one state to another and even beyond. They are mountaineers, they love offbeat trips. They are boho travellers. They love to explore and are pretty good at it. 

One can't say that all guy trips are more fun and girls spoil them. 

I don't deny that every person has different definition of fun. 

But one secret which isn't a secret is 

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!! 

ending on a light note. 

Outfit details 

Top - courtesy limeroad 

Denims- Levi's 

Accessories- Pink pvssy 

Glares - Forever 21 

Shoes- Catwalk 

Bag - Lifestyle 

Cheers and sunshine to all. 

Until next time. 

xoxo

Bhakti