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Showing posts with label ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ramblings. Show all posts

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Of Sordid Smelly Tails and Tales

Someone up there made sure that the four legged creatures should refrain from being smell less. The smell is what identifies them to be four legged creatures.
"Maim saheb thoda dettol ,thoda phenyl ,thoda mitti ka tel dalne ka na pocha main, baarish ka baas aata hai" ,advises Madam the maid ,in her cute sing song Marathi accent.
Essentially telling me that I need to add disinfectants to the water when the floor is being mopped coz my home stinks- politely that is.
For all ye new to my blog.
This is what my home looks like...give or take a few things...

This is the first time in my married life that me and my boys read also one dog are confined to an apartment. This is also my first monsoon in Mumbai.
The boys have always had the freedom to remove stinky shoes, socks and sundry stinky stuff in the veranda to mercy fully leave my house smelling fresh and inviting.
He loves the balcony now.
However, now in Mumbai , even sweet dog chooses to shake himself dry in my sitting room.
Google -photographing a wet dog has to be the most difficult. 
So my cushion covers and curtains and curios are dotted with bacteria feeding on his body oil and farting to emit that wet dog smell.
Put this way ,it seems gross. So most of my curios are packed up as we don't like the extra dusting to be done in such circumstances.
So since we live with the farting bacteria emitting the wet dog smells , we tend to ignore the curios.The Lesser the surface area smelling bad,the better.
Could such a cute thing smell so bad?Ask the maid.
Add to that the smell of the washed clothes and sundy laundry drying under fans ,because the sun is on a sabbatical.I havent felt any sunshine for the last one week.
Add to that some 15 -20 cigarettes daily that are supposedly smoked near the windows or in the balcony, and two different brands of Deodorants and after shaves-boys here remember...
Add to that the stinky smell of the gym wear and shoes and wet umbrellas that are stacked near the door.
Add to that the supposed aromas of heeng tadka daals ,and chicken and sometimes pakoras.
No wonder ,sweet dog likes to eat his food in the balcony. All these smells interfere with the aroma of his chicken rice.
No wonder the crows stand on the balcony balustrade and caw ,admonishing me on my lack of house keeping skills ...and maybe gossiping about me too. How can you trust these black beady eyed monsters. No wonder they look as though they mock me.
My vanilla essence just isn't as effective anymore. Baking bread aromas get drowned before they reach the bedrooms.
All my scented candles and Dhoop Battis and Pot Pourri with essential oils have been wasted.
That is why my maid smells the farting bacteria that makes my house smell like a giant wet dog. And to think sweet dog is a small Lhasa Apso!
I have tried the baking soda and vinegar mixture to wipe him dry ,but that only gave him a skin infections and the medications obviously smell worse.
That's why Madam my maid tries to put down the wet dog smell to a simple baarish ka Baas. The foul smell of the rain!
All my efforts have been in vain.
I rue the day we got stationed to a place where bungalows are few and far between.
No flowers ,no lemon grass...
Our social life has come to a near stand still, considering we can't invite people over who wont be acclimatised to, or understand the farting bacteria as us.
The maid finally had a suggestion.
She works in another house that is also infested with farting bacteria and two dogs. Big dogs at that.
"Wo madam bolti ,safed batli se espray karne ka-barobar sheee shee karne ka... to baarish ka baas jayenga." 
So with suggestions from the other lady I must spray a room freshner to get rid of these fumes. I went looking for the safed batli (white bottle)with espray(aerosol spray) and look what i found...
Paradise.

The smell of lavender and other pleasant flowers rules over the farting bacteria and wet clothes smell.

Ambi-pur Air Effects to the rescue ,everytime now.
No more Baarish Ka Baas. from #SmellyToSmiley.
So Monsoon or no,my home will always smell of smiles.
After a few sprays, I can rest assured that my maid and guests will never smell anything unpleasant here again. Just enjoy the hospitality of a happy ,odor free home. And there will be no more mention of any gas being emitted from any living creature. Ever.

PS :it is a scientifically proven fact that bacteria break down the organic acids in wet dog fur to produce smells akin to dead and decaying organic matter.

 “I am blogging for #SmellyToSmiley activity atBlogAdda.com in association with Ambi Pur."

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Premium Economy Class and a Little Extra

Standing at a Gourmet food store counter, I refused to bat an eyelid as I saw the numbers move.  My heart was pinging in tune with the cash register though.
Much as I wanted desperately to run like a screeching banshee,hugging my credit card (OK -hubby dears) and my Coach wallet(gifted-if you  please) as close to my self as possible- I did not.
In fact ,I never even looked at the price of the small tub of "Imported " mayonnaise that sweet child casually dumped into the shopping basket, I smiled.
And when I signed on the card receipt, I actually had the nerve to chat with the cashier.
I knew that I could have bought this tiny clutch of groceries at my neighbourhood ,air conditioned Kiryana shop for less than half the amount.
But, as I walked away, the guy at the counter offered me a cheese platter to taste.
And then another one asked me to try their freshly brewed white oolong tea and also offered to carry my bags till the door...
My bags weren't that heavy, and I have never had to carry shopping bags anyways,but that offer did me in.
My credit card limits are high, never been maxed though.
I enjoy the best that life has to offer,but I just needed to get out of that jugaad business.
I could have trudged to swampy, muddy Crawford Market and bargained and saved a few bucks.But my very original Coach wallet and Nike Air Max shoes would have looked fake there , and I would have missed out on the hors d'oeuvres tasting.
I enjoyed being treated like Donald Trump ,even if it was for a while. For just that little extra that I had to pay, that luxury was priceless.
I have arrived. I love the idea of the free Paan or the sookha papdi and extra paani, and one extra carry bag to show off that I shop at fabindia,but I'd rather not.
I have arrived.
I may be middle class,having to count my pennies, but I have enough to spare. And I now expect to be traeted no less than royalty.
When I travel Cattle Class or Economy, I expect mopre than what the regular airlines will offer. I expect my journey to be full #PaisaVasool.
Here's how... its worth more . Much more than you paid for. So that your money stretches as far as it can go.




  • More Baggage-2 bags 23kgs each. So now you and I can cart the zeera powder, papads and pickles for the siblings living abroad. And bring back more stuff without paying for excess baggage.
  • More Exclusivity- a peaceful lounge to wait for the flight to be announced.For a nominal charge you and I can charge our drinks...
  • More importance...a welcome drink, a drink holder, personal water bottles, phone /laptop chargers for that #PaisaVasool feeling of getting the max for your money spent...
  • More seats brand new ,comfy seats to sink your rear into and settle comfortably for the long haul flight.




  • More Relaxation extra leg space for which proves to be a boon for taller people. This nifty little foot rest that helps you settle down easily.



  •  Imagine this in economy-all the #PaisaVasool luxury you can gather from an economy ticket.


You believe stretching like this is possible at a low cost fare? Isn't it bang for your buck?The real #PaisaVasool.



  • And this pretty little kit to ensure you wake fresh, something to help you sleep and then reach your destination as if the journey was never there. I have a thing for collecting these little pouches. Don't you? #PaisaVasool. Part of my ticket ,it was.
  • Airline food! Airline food! Never the greatest. But this looks different. Light, nutritious and wholesome too. Just the right amount and #PaisaVasool quantity.



  • More entertainment.Large screens and a full list of entertainment programmes to while away the journey time.                                               

There is more of everything on the Lufthansa Premium Economy Class for the price of a simple economy class ticket you get so much more. Isn't that what #PaisaVasool is all about?
In style?
Check out the details here on this advert.

And next time...lets fly #LufthansaPremiumEconomy.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Of Energy and Music

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening, 
And live like its heaven on earth.
                      William Purkey


"Stop pumping your arms like that moti...you are looking silly." 
Lakshita chose to ignore her boyfriend who was supposed to be training her in the gym. He had told her that he would be her driving force. Lakshita cranked up the volume of her mp3 player ,feigning ignorance , but Kavin stepped off his treadmill to stop hers .
She hated being forcibly stopped. She turned to look at the only guy who had wanted to be her boyfriend in the two years she had been in college. All the girls in her class were in a relationship and she did not want to be a pariah.
For the first time in her life she had been motivated to lose weight...
"What Kavin? Why did you stop me like this ? I could've got hurt."
"Moti ,you have so many layers of fat around your tummy , that will cushion any injury. " He smirked.
"Don't move your arms like that . You are looking funny . Its embarrassing, everyone is watching you . walk properly on the treadmill. "
Lakshita felt tears sting her eyes. Kavin always made fun of her. She wondered if this rudeness was worth being part of the pack. 
She got off the treadmill and walked towards the exit.
"Don't eat too much after the exercise Moti. See you tomorrow. " Kavin called after her and went back to pumping  his weights.

 Lakshita signed out of the gym and walked out angry . She was beginning to enjoy the routine and had also lost a few inches. The weighing scale had just begun to show lower numbers.
But she swore ,she would never work out with him again.
She went home feeling disgusted with her self. She was about to attack the bread box and have her comfort food of toast and butter when her next door neighbor called out to her from the kitchen window.
 "Lakshita have you joined a gym? You're loosing weight. Good..,I was telling my cousin how focused you are ,you are so inspiring na....even I want to try. " Lakshita smiled at Diva and said to her "Sure."
She left the bread box as it was and went to her room to turn on the tv. MTV always had good music. She decided to carry on her workouts at home now. The college was closing for the Autumn break anyway.  She just started dancing to the beats of the music playing.And found that her feet moved naturally.  She googled dance steps and found many dance routines on you tube.
And then what. ..loud ,pulsating music and blood pumping dance. That was what she was doing.
The scales began tipping in her favour and she began avoiding Kavin like the plague. It was easy ,he had always felt as though he was doing her a favor anyways. Try outs for tje college festival had begun , and she was selected for the college dance team... her joy knew no bounds.
And suddenly, Kavin was being nice to her. But she realized that she didn't need any boy to make her feel accepted. 
On the day of the festival, when the troupe was getting ready in the green room ,she heard that Anushka Manchanda and Allu Arjun would be performing after their event. Thanks to her south Indian roots she knew what a rocking dancer Allu Arjun was.
After their extremely applauded dance performance they vacated the stage for Anushka Manchanda and Allu Arjun.  And then the magic began .Anushka belted outhigh energy numbers and Allu Arjun never missed a beat. She was watching from the first row when he held out his hand to invite her to dance. She was frozen and her friends pushed her onto the stage. Once on , she matched him step for each step and he was grinning. ... you are a fantastic dancer. And then he kissed her....
The was so energized, she could fly.Together they had made her so special. 
Anushka came forward to congratulate Lakshita on a beautiful fresh performance. 

Lakshita now realized that you don't need anyone to complete you. Just your belief in yourself. 


 “I am blogging for #MaxFreshMove
activity atBlogAdda.com. Are you?

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Myntra App An Affair to Remember

My Myntra App... #ItsPersonal .
An affair to remember.
There are things that a woman and a man must share. Chores, sentiments, jokes, loans,dreams...whatever.
But never Clothes!
Nor a phone ,for that matter. Not that I am all for encouraging adultery and all that. I am a one man woman...but my phone I will share not! not my favourite T-Shirts- I don't want them getting shapeless.
I believe its good to share...unload all your troubles on him. After all that's what God gave men broad shoulders for...right?
So what they are supposed to ,they must bear.
But bless them ,they never understand our needs.
Needs.
SHOPPING NEEDS!
How many men do you know realize the importance of 65 pairs of shoes. Men can go through life in four pairs and never really know why they had four anyways.
For us women ,all those 65 pairs are significant.
I think women should be allowed to shop from their personal palm top devices aka smart phones without having to look over their shoulders ,because hubby dear will certainly not understand the 66th pair.
And the best thing Myntra can do , is offer night time discounts for women . So when hubby dear is snoring beside us...that would be the perfect time to shop.
And when stuff is available with offers...
Double Whammy.
I have another suggestion for Myntra App #ItsPersonal.
Limited Edition.
I don't want to see my colleague wear the same shirt as me. Myntra is not Chain Store.
So maybe myntra can note down our friend lists and filter out to not allow what I have bought to appear on my colleagues Myntra App Home Page. Let it be really #ItsPersonal!
Myntra should also start offering accessories to match the outfits. Imagine being able to pick and choose an entire ensemble at one time.
The most important thing should be the delivery.
Courier delivery only after checking if Hubby dear, Mom in Law etc are not around...what they don't know wont hurt them!
They are best kept to pay bills.
My shopping at the Myntra App has always been a good experience, with returns and product quality services that have always been excellent.
Here's hoping that my Myntra App #ItsPersonal experience is an Affair to Remember. 
Always.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Remember My Words, My Son


Top post on IndiBlogger.in, the community of Indian Bloggers 
Sweet Child ,
You are the blood of my soul, so you are the dearest. I may fret, I may fume but,my all my anger ,disappointment or disgust just disappears the second you reach out to hug me. You stand at the  threshold of this crazy world. Balancing on a fine thread.
Today, when you handed me that Mother's day card to store for posterity,I felt that I must give you something in return.
That may not be a party favor,but hopefully something concrete enough for you to build you life on and keep you grounded.
Something like the rock St Peter built Jesus' church on.
I know ,we are not an overtly religious family. But we are God fearing. And we believe that good comes around. So ,never forget these few words that I have penned here.
I keep saying these to you,but the written word has a deeper impact,no?

I believe its always easier to tell the truth.
Always.
That's what I have been doing...its easier on the grey cells. The greatest advantage of speaking the truth is that you don't have to remember what you said. Imagine having to to take notes to keep tabs on all the fibs that you have told. It will be murderously crazy , having to refer to your notes before you speak. Every time.
If you are honest, there will be no better gift you'll be giving to yourself. You will know exactly when to put your Percy Jackson and The Titan's Curse down to pick up your physics text book. After all, the grades and the glory will all be yours. I will only be able to brag about all A1s in your report card.
If you are honest to yourself,you will know which boys and girls you need to hang out with. Whether their being impressed with your Nike Air Max shoes is worth the the effort of having fair weather friends.
Remember, being honest will ensure that you have fewer friends and that you may not be the most popular boy in class, but your friends will always be good people.
If only honesty is so deeply ingrained in you,will you be able to tell right from wrong.
And today, where you stand, at this precipice ,it is of utmost importance.

I am your mother. I can tell when you are telling me the truth. Don't give me reason to be able to detect a lie. You know, I will forgive you murder. What I will never forgive, is your breaching my faith in your ability to tell the truth.
We are simple people.
You , me and your father.
That is what binds us together. We have not a conniving bone in our bodies. We work hard at what we do. We are honest in our respective professions. We make sure that our output is impeccable. We are honest to ourselves and to our work.That allows no one to pick any shortcomings in what we have done. So ,thanks to our honesty to ourselves we can look people in the eye and stand tall. neither of us has to bend over backwards to hide any misdemeanours. I want you to stand tall and strong. And I want people to think before they ask you to do anything dishonest.
Because they know you wont.
You were taught well!
Because someone taught me well too.

At the end of the day , remember ,it is all about  your peace of mind and courage of conviction.

So go ahead an do all that you are supposed to, and maybe a little of what you are not...but tell the truth. Always.
Especially to yourself.

#YoursHonestly
Mama

I am writing a letter about how a mother teaches honesty to her child with the Max Life Insurance i-genius #YoursHonestly activity in association with BlogAdda.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

A Tale of Two Tails and many Paws




Paws.
Many paws.
Well ,eight to be precise.
And a name like Moe Syzslak for a dog.
Well, those who know of all things sweet in my house ,also know of a temporarily shorn Lhasa Apso that came as a gift to hubby dear from a Buddhist Lama,when he was stationed in North Sikkim about six years ago.
He has not been the only set of paws in my house. We had a Russian Symmoid called Elvis, who loved potato peels and bananas, a huge, black,drama queen like Doberman called Caesar, who was sort off kidnapped from our back yard, and an inherited Lhasa Apso called Junior ,who had to be let go off.
I have been on the look out for another Doberman,but they seem to be even more expensive than a winged stallion...
But then they say its Kismet...
Last Sunday,this dirty ,sandy coloured pup was cavorting with his black eyed, black tipped tailed and sundry siblings ,near our garden,when Sweet Child picked him up and got him in...and gave him a bowlful of the milk that he was to drink.
Just like the immigrant from a poor third world country, the pup entered our house and our lives.
Hence Moe Syzslak.
Those of you who adore The Simpson's  like hubby dear and sweet child will understand.
Bathed,Christened and dewormed, his vaccinations start from tomorrow.
He has a bed, sweet dog Romeo's old blanket and a dirty stare from the green eyed monster that suddenly seems to have taken root in sweet dog Romeo's eyes.
Adorable.
He seems to be hungry always. PS, the vet was impressed by MoeSyzslak-though not by the name that we had chosen...four white paws and a star on his  forehead and the sandy colour of a well bred dog.
He must have had good antecedents.
Snuggling up to the warm hearted...
 Leashed for the first time today,he was disgusted.
And Whiney...
 And freedom seems to be a better prospect than a parle g biscuit.
 After a full meal and a short walk,his favourite posture...
So,that's Moe Syzslak for you.
So what if he is not pedegreed, or have a sire etc registered at the Kennel Club of India or whatever...his heart is pure.
And we have welcomed him into our lives.
I only wonder what his name will morph into...I already hear a Moe...
And even a Moes...
Our little furry baby...well ,he's the new baby at home.
So ,Cheers ...


Regular updates coming up...



Sunday, June 15, 2014

Father's Day and a Rerun, #selfie and #MyRoleModel

Its the second Sunday of June. Sunny indeed.
Father's day today.
This is a rerun...
I've already blogged for #MyRoleModel and blogadda.com but when papa walked in in this Soldier For Women T-Shirt, I just had to do another post.
This T-Shirt was courtesy last year's blogadda's initiative to recognize the Men who supported the women around them wholeheartedly. I blogged about the man who has held my hand and taught me most of all I know and was finally able to express my love and appreciation for him.
As time goes by and the first grey hairs start appearing,one realizes that no matter what, one is never too old to move away from the shadow of the parents. 
As I grow older and hopefully wiser, I know that I need my parents more and more.
I can acknowledge and respect the magnanimity of my father even more.
I now have the foresight to see that he has always meant well.
I also know that he has the grace to not gloat over my mistakes, but stand as a solid support system.

He is the man who has given unconditional love and support to me And Sweet Sister and our mother. 
Always.
He is the man.
And now its the grand children who look up to him too...
Emulating a man who is #MyRoleModel.
Not overlooking the fact that hubby dear has supported me in all of my madness and sanity,but Papa has been there longer.
A big thank you to Blogadda.com ,maybe ,without this initiative, I would have never been able to express my love for my dad in words.
Thank you Papa for being there for us always. You are and always will be #MyRoleModel. 
I wish Sweet Sister were part of that selfie too,alas she is in Bangalore...

Happy Father's Day Papa.
Love you....
Shalini and Jiya


I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

I'm the MAN! Soldier for Women-an initiative by BlogAdda

Sleepless...
Clueless...
Ever since BlogAdda started the quest to find the soldier for women...I've been wondering...
I am fortunate enough to not  know anyone who has ever needed to protect women from any kind of violence -domestic or otherwise...or even hear of a situation like so...
But ever since BlogAdda has been calling for entries and the last date for submission rings closer...I find myself unable to sleep-and that is weird-coming from me...
I am a person who will sleep in the middle of a power cut and after the scariest of movies...in short there is not much that will deter my beauty sleep...
So this campaign was an eye opener(pun unintended).
Then I began thinking...and realised that I knew no one -no man or woman-who had ever risked his life and limb to save the honour of a woman...
Because my life has been privileged and protected...and that this situation has touched me not yet-touch wood!
Fortunately for me!
Then I realised...
ME!

I am me!
A strong ,opinionated,compassionate,dedicated,focused, honest individual with courage of conviction!
I will not be unjust or stand for any injustice...
And I have courage and integrity ...
And I am glad I was moulded this way!
I was born to a man who never let me or my sister -or for that matter -his wife-feel weak or helpless in any way.
We were instilled with confidence in ourselves from the beginning.
We were told that there was no job we could not do because we were girls.
We were taught to ride a bicycle by him.
He taught us how to drive a scooter.
He also taught us how to drive his car,never complaining if we were reckless and scratched his pride and joy.
He let us drive with josh and ensured that the Delhi Drivers never ,ever made us feel any less-because we are  women drivers.
He taught us  well...we don't have to stand at a bank counter and look helplessly at a form we can not comprehend...
We can meet up with any official and ensure that the work we need to be done,will be done.
We have never needed to act as damsels in distress...he taught us how to change a flat tyre too and a fused bulb and  a plug...that is a different story that we have never needed to...men always fall at our feet ...for being allowed to change a punctured tyre.
We know that we don't ever have to follow-we have the ability to lead.
The parents ensured that they brought us up with a lot of love...never ever regretting that they did not have precious boys...
Because they know that their daughters are stronger and will never be cowed down.
Men like him are true soldiers...
Men like him ensure that their daughters never feel any less privileged to be their children than if they were boys...
Men like him ensure that their daughters know that every problem can be surpassed...
Men like him ensure that their daughters will be strong enough to withstand all pressures in life...
Men like him ensure that their daughters will not need soldiers to protect them...
Men like him ensure that their daughters  will be the soldiers to protect all humanity...
Men like him need to be saluted...
For they have ensured that their daughters are better than the sons of many others!
Thank you papa...
For giving us the best gift you could have given us...Love and confidence!
We love you!


"Fathers teach their best lessons to their children, by the way they handle life when confronted with adversities."
Linda Lovejoy




This post is a part of #Soldierforwomen in association with BlogAdda.com



So what are you baking today???

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Happy Fathers Day Papa


Papa.
My oldest memories are of your laughter and your singing.
I know that I never heard those songs anywhere else...you stopped singing those songs ,but papa...they still play in my heat.
Warm and blessed by that music and the love you spread with them.
If your player stops papa..
The song is "Papa, he loves mama,mama,she loves papa"
You used to make me sing with you...and the giggle...
I remember it all, like it was yesterday.
I was your bundle of joy and I hope I always will be.

Life has brought me full circle...I know,  things have not always gone according to our choices, but today I am wise enough to know that you only have my best at heart...now and always.
You are the first man in my life...my first superhero...the blessing I got without asking...
I fell like a little girl around you, safe in the knowledge that you will put everything right!
You are the best, papa.
And I am proud to be your daughter!
And I love you !
Happy Father's Day!

PS..though you may now approve....We still don't deserve light!!!

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year...

A wee bit early.
Better than a wee bit late.
Here's too all you lovely readers who came and spent a few minutes,to those who stayed and noted and maybe noted and tried out a few of the recipes.
Here to you all ,who felt happier having walked this way.
Lots of hugs and happiness to you and your families.
Heres to the new year....lets chase away the demons,show all conspiracy theorists the door and believe in a happier tomorrow.
Cheers...and I hope you toast with a little more than coke.

Here's to a happy 2012!


So what are you baking today???

Until the next

Until the next

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