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

My Tattoo Tales

I did a post on Tattoos for beginners and tiny tattoos earlier Here .

Honestly it was just journaling tattoos that I personally like. I love small Tattoos and I have 4 of them. Yes, I do and many people keep asking me their significance and why have I got them. 

So I thought why not do a post on it to answer them all. 

My first tattoo was now my husbands name. Hehe. Significance, ours is a love story, we dated each other for 6 years before getting married. This was my stupid, young and foolish way of making sure my parents said yes. Lol. Sheepish grin. Quite a drama queen I am at that. It's amazing how we think in youth. Well Aquarians rebels, you can't blame me now. That's a different story waiting to be told altogether, one day indeed. 

That's my brother in the pic with the Shiva tattoo. We got tattooed together. 

It was my siblings birthday and my moms birthday as well as our anniversary. 

I decided to get two tattoos done which are close to my heart. 

One is a compass which has initials of my siblings and parents instead of the directions.A vagabond by heart, I am an explorer and want to go far and wide but wherever I go, I will always return back to them. They will always guide me throughout life. Let me tell you, it made a perfect gift for their birthdays ( my siblings are twins and as I said my mom's birthday shortly follows ) 

On another hand I got my husbands name till my last heartbeat. That's something again very very dear to me. It's love you till my last beat. That was on the eve of our anniversary. Needless to say I am a romantic at heart completely. 

This one is the final tattoo and the newest one at that. I love elephants. I just need to look at them and I am a goof ball surging with emotions and love. Growing up I always wanted an elephant as a pet. Ya, crazy girl I am. I am ardent believer of Lord Ganesh of which elephant is considered to be the symbol (elephant headed God ) 

So in short my tattoo signifies my crazy love for Lord Ganesh and the elephant.

The values that they behold - strength , loyalty, intellegicence, wisdom, wise, love, family, faithfulness, courage, strong willed. It motivates me and gives me strength. 

So here was my short story about my tiny tattoos. 

4 and counting ( you never know) 

Let me know your tattoo tale in the comments below. 

Until next time.

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 

Winter weekend

Winter has set in, there is a nice chill in the air. Winter along with it gets this cozy vibe about everything, be it, lounging at home reading your favorite book, watching movies, having some winter comfort food. Lazying around at cafes and shopping or exploring winter getaways. 

My weekend was all this and more. 

In short I had a fabulous winter weekend. 

Tada !! have a look -- 

Started the weekend with lazying in bed much. Winter afternoon naps are bliss 💜

Browsing through bookstores is something I can do for hours .... The smell of new paper and colourful rows of books, the characters screaming for attention. Book nerd indeed. 📚📖

The yumminess of a simple Margherita pizza warms any cold evening - simple flavours are the best. 

Love pasta in a creamy sauce (Alfredo mostly) comfort food at its best. 

Dining at my favorite cozy place - Beetroot Bistro. 

  

On my way for a family outing. No time like family time indeed. True blue family girl at heart. 

The prettiness in rustic beauty. 

Look at these heavenly dollops of pastel pleasure. I am so in love. 💜💛💗🍦🍦

Do not miss the strawberry picking festivals. The time for strawberry harvesting. Most of the strawberry farms are hosting at this time of the year, find one nearest to you. Till then just enjoy biting in these luscious sweetness from the market. 🍓🍓🍓

Some shopping therapy for the soul. ❤️❤️❤️

Corn on the cob on winter nights with a fire to keep you warm and cozy. 

Some rustic simple delicacies - corn cheese pizza and corn pattice 

City lights ... 

And with a full stomach and memories to last long, had a fabulous weekend. 

How was yours ? Write to me and let me know..

xoxo

Bhakti