BONDING FOR FASHION!!

Let’s begin with a question. Are you familiar with that “Oh ya, take it for granted” feeling? Yep, that very same feeling which settles in when you have an age old friend, who has been at your side for, like forever. If your answer’s YES, then join the club. Friends, cronies, buddies, amigos, dudes, sisterhood, chums, whatnots!! Each of you will have your own version of a friend.

And, especially, when you are a girl, aren’t these friendship bonds damn precious? Oh God, I have these two nutcases around me who have been with me for as long as I can remember – D and NANI!! With an unfathomable bond that can scan zeniths, I cherish and hold dear, a ten years worth of Girl-Talk, Fashion Advice, Pep Talks, Pinky Promises, Sisterhood Rules, Crush Control, Gossiping Titbits and so many more crazy moments.

                But.. Fashion Advice???? What do you think a bunch of rustic-girls (in their teens) in India will know about fashion? Err, pretty much nothing actually. Living in a small town called “Virudhunagar” which was more a world in itself, our parents preferred to keep us ignorant about how fashion and clothing was an integral part of a real woman. Well, you can’t blame them either, for their parents raised them up the same way. Now, at the threshold of our 23^rd year of age, I guess we are still old-school in fashion when compared to an 8 year old American kid. Nevertheless, proud we are to have at least mastered the art of applying eyeliner without smudging itJ..

I have just chronicled below a few of our own “Fashion“ moments when we tried climbing up the cosmetic ladder and our rural homeland started calling us misfits J J J...

FASHION MOMENT #01:

                Growing up in this town, D was the first among us to get attracted to fashion in the 5^th grade. Watching actresses take down the show with their rosy cheeks and coloured lips captivated her. She became obsessed with them. And suddenly, one day, she turned up for school with her cheeks puffed with talc outta her mom’s dressing table. That moment of fashion was outrageous, for Nani and I dropped down laughing till our stomach hurt. That was D’s wake-up call. She realised she was lagging behind and had to stack up her own facial collection.

FASHION MOMENT #02:

                Being the only child to her parents, D had it damn easy when it came to satisfying her wishlist. And soon enough, she had her own make-up kit. During our 6^th grade, we used to have study sessions at D’s home. So, there was this one study-session, when Aunty was out. We grabbed the chance to explore D’s brand new kit. It came complete with two decks plus three pull-out plates. We were thrown by the mix of colours inside. But, sadly, all we could recognize during that moment of revelation was lipstick. Everything else looked alien to our eyes. Wasting not a second longer, D started reading a list that detailed the items in the kit (All Greek and Latin to me :P) – Powder Foundation, pencil eyeliner, red and green glitter, bronzer, eyeshadow, lip gloss, mascara, blush.. Green being my favourite colour, I pounced on the green glitter and peppered some on my cheeks (Well, it made me look like a circus clown). Nani was trying to shadow her eyes with a blue tint. But, Oh my!! D was the pro amongst us. She had carefully applied foundation and only then moved on to the next items. Nani and I paused midway and went over to help D. We made her try the blush, mascara, and the peach lip colour. The final touch was the red glitter and just as Nani leaned over to pepper it, the door opened and D’s mom peeked in. Nani shrieked in shock and dropped the glitter flat on D’s face. Well, you can imagine what happened next. D ended up looking like a tin foil sheet besides getting double grounded (No telly + make-up set for a week).

FASHION MOMENT #03:

                Post the experience that got D grounded; we learnt better and controlled ourselves. Occasionally, D used to sneak out to Nani’s home on Saturday evenings. Those were the days we spent trying out odd lip colors and blushes. Anyway, we were soon into 8^th grade and make-up kits were not so intriguing anymore. But, count on D to get the next bizarre idea and sure, it happened. She wanted bangs like Reese or Zooey. I was interested too, but the thought of my mom reacting to my bangs gave me a reality check despite D’s coaxing (BTW, my mom would have fried me alive). Anyhow, D was still stuck with the idea and went ahead with it. I still remember how she whisked a scissors outta her bag that day at Nani’s home and snapped a few strands. It was a very bold statement except for the fact that it was nowhere near the bangs style. It kinda more resembled cockroach antennas. Even after 8 years, she still sports these so-called bangs.

FASHION MOMENT #04:

Jus Dapper, ain't it??? :)

                I was in my 11^th grade and tensed. I just had a week’s time to get my costume ready for the school play, "The Taming of the Shrew" and I had hit dead ends with every tailor. Getting the lead role was exciting, but not having a matching costume was embarrassing. On the verge of nerves, I rang up Nani and D for help. They came to my rescue and we started turning my wardrobe inside out. Nothing seemed apt for the play. My hope had almost been wiped out when Nani’s grey cells clicked. She rushed home and came back with one of her mom’s old saris. It had a glistening floral design with a satin touch. The colours cream white and baby pink were heart-warming and I fell in love with the material. Wasting no time, we met a tailor and requested him to make a maxi out of it fitting my size and also lace a few frills here and there. The maxi materialised looking just swanky. And Yeah, that play was a big-time hit (I tell myself that I set the fire on stage :D) and I still have that costume hanging around for old times’ sake (Doesn’t fit me though :P).

FASHION MOMENT #05:

                While almost every Arts college in Tamil Nadu put down dress codes for girls, we were lucky to study in Lady Doak College – An awesome all-girls institution in Madurai with no dress codes. Away from our hometown as hostellers, the leeway that fell into our hands thrilled us. Jean and tops, regular outings, student council titles, all-nighter at hostels introduced us to a brand new life that was definitely a greener pasture than in Virudhunagar. But, some wise geek said Time waited for none and we were in our final year in 2011 before we knew it. That was when I stumbled across the movie, “Sisterhood of theTravelling Pants” and I was allured towards forming our own sisterhood. So, during a deepening twilight at hostel, we held hands and took a Pinky Promise to cherish our bond forever along with rotating a maxi skirt as a symbol of our sisterhood. We also decided that we can bedazzle it or embroider or add any artefacts to the skirt that would be a remembrance. Till now, we have always followed this sisterhood rule and the skirt passes hands every 3 months. Right now, D has it and I am next in the pipeline in January.

FASHION MOMENT #06:

                     Sometime during December in 2011, there happened this debate show called, "Perithinum Perithu Kel", hosted by Vijay Tv. It was a platform for college folks to show their debating skills over real-time topics. Believe it or not, but I was also a member of our college's debate team  for the show. And just when we about to go live for our first debate show, the camera guys felt our faces lacked lustre. So, we had to get make-up done. Pouncing on the chance, Nani and D promised to bring in that missing sheen and make me look gorgeous. Doggone me for handing over my only face in their hands. Just look at what I had to go through - A FIASCO :-O.. It took a long-sight look for those morons to realize that and call for the artist guy to reset it. Phew!! Somehow saved from the predicament of facing the camera with that mortifying look.

FASHION MOMENT #07:

By the end of 2011, we were aware that we had to part ways by mid 2012 for our post-graduation. I wanted to experience something big with Nani and D that would give me a magical memory to treasure till our reunion after UG. And Lo and Behold!! Fate provided us with a fat stroke of luck in the form of a College trip to Sri Lanka. The trip was planned in such a way that we could witness the beginning of 2012 in Sri Lanka at a 5-star rated Rooftop party. Securing permission was easy on the grounds that our parents were acquainted with our 10 year long friendship. Each and every minute of the week-long Lankan stay was rocking but the New Year’s Eve tops my memory chart. On New Year’s Eve, we were signed in for a Rooftop Party at 10pm. Realizing it was a party befitting only those with a royal demeanour, we sprung into action as early as 7pm. After 2 hours of Fresh baths, more shampooing, blow-drying, and costume matching frenzy, D and Nani were all set to begin their facial. But, somewhere along the way, my shampoo had failed me and my hair still had heavy traces of the oil I had applied at 4pm. It made my hair fall on my shoulders limply. Hysterical over the turn of events, I ran to the girls. They were quick to act. D made me bend over the basin and started washing my hair again with Dove shampoo and conditioner. Then, a few minutes of blow drying and straightening did the job and I was saved. Nani had dressed up by the time D finished cleansing my hair. So, she took charge while D rushed over to don her attire. Only when Nani had got me through facial that I decided to give my nerves a rest and cooled down. Had not these girls been with me that night, my hair would have been a mess and I would have bailed outta the party missing all the sizzling fireworks and New Year Tree loaded with gifts JJ

Fantastic are our times of dayouts

   For we haunt the coolest of hangouts,

We dress up like total smarties

   To sweep away the funkiest of parties,

You have seen me with blushes

   In front of my smartest of crushes,

Didn't guys chase our good books

   When we had our prettiest of looks?

At times, my laugh almost chokes

   For we crack the funniest of jokes,

We ping infinitely without any goals

   Our hands hitting the craziest of LOLs!!

                Despite all these funky moments together, we had to bid goodbyes to move ahead with life after B.Com. Currently, I am pursuing my higher studies in Coimbatore and meet the girls about once in a month to catch up with each other’s life. Plus, I have already decided what the next fashion moment is gonna be: Tattooing!! Not D, but ME :D..!!

Check out how Dove can nourish your skin: 

http://www.dove.in/en/Products/Bar-Body-Wash/default.aspx

kAy..!!

To win, I need your LIKES!!

                         Hi all, I have participated in an online writing competition - IS SHE SAFE TODAY. To win, I need facebook likes as they count for 50% of final scores. So, YOUR LIKES will help me win. Please like the post in the following link.

https://www.facebook.com/events/183605251839824/permalink/184941238372892/

Please share the word.. :).. Thanks in advance..

IS SHE SAFE TODAY??

Negative, under no circumstances are women getting safer. A decry like this requires introspection. Well, to begin, take a glimpse at some recent happenings.

Dec 02, 2013 – 40 yr old IT professional from Bangalore raped at Kerala resort
Dec 04, 2013 - Teenager gang raped in Bhind District, Bhopal
Dec 07, 2013 - Seven-year-old girl raped by three minor boys in Mahbubnagar, AP

Dec 11, 2013 - Youth rapes teenager after promising marriage in Hyderabad

Dec 15, 2013 - 20-year-old raped by cousin in Bhopal

Dec 16, 2013 - Goon rapes 18-year-old girl in Nellore

         

Indian heinousness in crimes seems to have irrevocably found a new identity for itself, especially after the gang-rape of Nirbhaya in Delhi. A brutal rape and murder by a stranger, gang-rape of a girl by her acquaintances or in many cases rape of a girl by her own father or elderly relatives – We see it on the papers everyday. While India seems to have finally opened its eyes to the muted struggles and the silent cries of women, this is just the first ignorance gap that has been bridged. Realization isn’t just enough; there is still more to be done. A full retrospect of this one whole year that has run by after the Delhi incident brings into purview a few discussions about whether womanhood finds in India a safe haven or our nations is slowly becoming a ‘No country for women’.

First, have the rape incidents in India increased over years? It is indeed true that rape has doubled between 1990 and 2010. Also, the Delhi government in October 2013 recorded 1,330 rape incidents in the city as against 706 in 2012. Molestation has climbed to an alarming high of 2,844 from 727. Now, these figures have led the mob to believe that the occurrences increased post the Delhi incident. But, that is not the case here. The gang-rapes in Delhi and Mumbai were so brutal and inhumane that it made the media tail in. Few headlines became catalysts and set to fire a series of media coverings all around. As the nation empathized and demanded justice for these victims, 2013 saw an increase in assaulted women gain courage and blow the whistles. Approximately, only about 1-4% of Indian women are estimated to come forward to report whereas the probability of an American woman coming forward is about 13 times higher. So, this just points to a blatant truth that there are dark figures that go unreported and uncovered. This number, I believe, is frighteningly large and still counting.

Second, are women subjected to these abominable practices only in the impoverished sections of the society? Definitely no. It is prevalent also in the high-end of it. The cases of Tarun Tejpal of Tehelka, Asarambapu, Phaneesh Murthy, and Ashok Ganguly have revealed how both society and corporate women face molestation even from the crème de la crème. These immoral activities high up the society strata are mainly due to the westernization effect. Late night party cultures, discos, dating clubs, fashion shows and beauty contests are on the increase and so, are the chances for the rapists with women in proximity. On the other hand, the plight of rural women is even ghastly. Inadequate access to sanitation facilities along with benighted minds makes these poor souls an easy prey for rogues. Unless these grassroots issues are sorted out, women will remain vulnerable anywhere and everywhere.

Third, has there been resulting actions for justice? Not really. Women help lines, creation of women help desk in police stations, surprise checks in public places and public transport, CCTV cameras in markets, increase in patrolling, establishment of all women police stations, liaison with rape crisis intervention centres, and many such safety measures are said to have been taken by the police. But only a handful of them have shown results so far. Others just create confusion. Moreover, distress call apps (Circleof6, Nirbhaya) or pepper sprays do give us surety but to use it with a threat under your nose seems impossible to me. Looking at the legal side, while rape cases have risen from 16,075 in 2001 to 24,923 in 2012, the rates of conviction have dipped from 40.8% to 24.2% in the corresponding period. 15 out of 16 rapists see no time in jail for their action.

Finally, what is the real thing that has to change? The chauvinistic attitude. A patriarchal society still continues to prevail and shape men that way from birth. Attitude shapes perceptions. Perceptions model values. Values sculpt character. Characters create society. And is it not from a collection of compassionate societies that a HUMANE NATION is born. So, until an intrinsic quality to respect women blossoms and a crescendo of convictions are called for, rape will remain unbridled. With media having done its part by making heads turn and take attention, it is time for us to call the change. As thousands of women seek justice on the roads, I solicit the same and ask of you just one thought: Have you ever put yourself in the shoes of a woman who has just been raped?

Women’s Day Celebrations do not even

Matter anymore; CELEBRATE WOMEN!!

The day we join hands to make it happen,

Mother India will become a safe haven!!
She is not safe today, but one day she can be if we decide to stand together!!!

Let the change begin with us,
kAy..

GEARING UP FOR PLACEMENTS - MBA

Is something nibbling away at the peace of your mind? Find your thoughts shifting away as teachers drone on in classes? Feel an iron’s weight pulling your stomach down? Well, that just means that the placement fevers have finally begun with a couple of companies landing at our institute to handpick candidates from our pool. But, this is the just the start of season which simply means that the forthcoming trimesters will witness companies buzzing in with a search for managers to take care of their strongholds. 

With every company that visits our campus for a placement drive, there is tension in air and anticipation in hearts. Hopes stand heightened as results are handed out. In short, a placement drive is a whole package of emotions. Born a human, none can escape these emotions, be it anticipation or exhilaration on getting selected or disappointment on being left out or frustration on making it to the PI but not the company’s cubicle. So, instead of fighting these emotions, it is better to accept the package and stand strong through them. Because, pressures are always a part of work-life and they begin right from the time of you attending the placement drive. And, maybe the following observations may help you to deal with pressure coolly and not let it get converted to unmanageable stress. 

1. Clearing the Apti:

This initial round has no other choice other than ‘Getting your fundamentals right’. With every drive, we are aware of the market that the company operates in. Gather a few important concepts related to the company’s business market and also the job profile if available.

We are managers, not techies. So, obviously, there is an ultimate lookout for 'Strong verbal skills'. If you are worried about your English basics, solve practice papers that are available online rather than heavy books.

2. PI – The Final Step:

Personal Interviews are conducted mainly to check how clear you are about yourself. ‘Tell me about yourself’ – Ancient Q, but still people falter. This is the only Q for which the answer is known only by you in this whole world. So, get comfortable and ace it. When they wish to know about you, they are looking for different learnings you have had during stages of your life. You are gonna talk about your life so far lived, which you must convey without choking. Eg: Just telling them you studied in a particular school will have no effect, but talking about how you learnt discipline there will make a huge difference. 

PI can happen only in two ways – Formally or Casually interactive. This solely depends on the recruitment team. Observe them from the very beginning. Eg: Are they in strict formals or jean/casuals. Casual guys prefer interviews to move with a light mood. Be at ease with them, smile, make practical/relevant jokes and most of all, be candid. On the other hand, formal guys expect you to portray the basic rules of interview, from dressing. Be careful with them before you let out words that are irrelevant to the discussions. 

3. Resume

When rounds of apti are conducted to shortlist, recruitment guys mostly look into your resume only during the time of PI. Those are the crucial moments when you must be able to stand by the words you have put into your CV. Be it your Subjects of interest or your UG project or your internship, be all-time ready to explain them in detail if asked. 

4. Other Qs: ‘Why should I recruit you?’, ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years if you join our company?’ 

These are just a few of the supporting links to landing a job. Looking away from all this, your interest in the job profile deeply matters for you to have the right attitude. When the company realizes that there is always a thirst of learning in you, they get even more assured of your suitability for the job. So, walk in with the right attitude, confident and smiling, and honestly share your experiences. And the next seat you sit may very well be the one in the company’s cabin. 

All the Very Best!! 

With Hopes and Prayers!!

kAy..!!..

PrIcElEsS mOmEnTs!!

Today, suddenly, my heart woke my brain up. And they started talking. Look at the convo they had:

Heart: Hey, get up, dumbwit. You have been doing nothing useful for the past two weeks. Don’t slump  off.

Brain: Well, what else do you want me to do? This internship is making me bored beyond my wits.

Heart: Yup, and that is why I have come to you with a task.

Brain: Task? Oh, please, spare me. Your tasks always end with tears, confusion, love, desire, blah blah blah..

Heart: Shut Up, will ya?? I atleast get to experience life. You live with nothing but studies, manners, exams, pressure, assignment deadlines. If I had been in your place, I would have killed myself.

Brain: Slow slow, my love. Don’t jump to conclusions too fast. If our mistress had only you, she would have killed herself with over-flowing emotions. That is why God blessed her with me, The Brain, to think, sense logic, and reason with life’s emotions.

Heart: I did not come here to listen to your ancient speeches. Do you want to help me or not?

Brain: Temme ur task first. I’ll tell you my decision after that

Heart: Look, everyday, our mistress lives through so many priceless moments. When she sees or feels them, she is so much happy. I have many such happiness stored inside. And she also blogs. Why don’t we help her in blogging about all those happy moments she gets to see?

Brain: Hmm, not a bad idea. I could help her with that. We have a deal. The next time she feels she has seen a priceless moment, temme. I’ll help her in creating a blog post about it.~~ The End ~~

So, guys, according to a well-struck deal between my Heart and Brain, the priceless moments will keep coming. Blog On!!

A Wall Hanger Gift for my Mom on her Bday!!

Aren’t bdays special??? Especially, when someone in your family has her/his bday coming. Do we not wish to gift them something that feels special to them? Ya, same way, my mom’s bday fell on June 26 and I wanted to give her something that she’ll never feel like throwing away anytime. So, it had to be something damn special to her.

When I pondered on what she likes the most in this world, it struck me. I have always noticed that nothing thrills her more than spending a weekend with both my sissies’ kids. She adores all the three tiny tots – UTHRAH, HRIDHAY n AKSHAT.

So, I decided to make her some sorta handicraft with the snaps of the kids. Finally, I decided on a wall hanger so that it could hang somewhere in my mom’s kitchen and keep reminding her that she’s always remembered though we daughters are miles away. But, right that time, I was at a loss. My inner voice was like, “Who are you kidding? You always suck at crafts. Face it”. All I knew was to write pages n pages and well, there’s nothing more.

But, as usual, “Light Bulb” :D.. I am at Indore staying at my uncle’s for internship. Here, I am blessed with a cousin who’s a killer with ArTs n CrAfTs!! Her name’s POOJA and below pics show some of her works. The 1st pic is a collage of her quilling works.

Lovely crafting, ain’t it?

With a maestro to help me out on the craft part, I wrote a 3 stanza verse (That is all I know to do ;P :D.., it helps me survive) to go with the wall-hanger.

              

With the ingredients ready, we got busy on June 23^rd night at 11pm and by 1.15pm, the hanger was ready and looking all fine. 

We were a little late in shipping the gift to my mom and we expect it to reach her only 2 or 3 days after her bday. As I wrote this post even before it reached my mom, am still waiting for my mom’s reaction when she receives it.

P.S: When I said we got busy on June 23^rd night, I would like to confess that it actually means  Pooj was busy with the hanger and I was busy watching the FINALS of ICC Champions Trophy between India and England, cheering away loudly and shamelessly applying Fevicol on my hands and then peeling off the dried glue.

5 CHEESY HABITS I JUST CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT!!

Cheesy Habits: Well, everybody has them, don’t they? But I am not entitled to be the judge of anybody out there but I sure well know myself. Yes fellas, I do live with an oddball inside me who has a handful of habits that anyone would name Cheesy. Over the years, they have become an integral part of me that I just can’t stop myself from doing them when I get a chance. 

Sooo, here goes my very own list of CHEESY HABITS.

Habit #01: SLIDING THROUGH MY MOBILE’S TOUCHSCREEN FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON

Swish, Swish, Swish!! Yaap, I just keep swiping and sliding through my mob’s touchscreen without any purpose. If the Icecream Sandwich living inside my mobile had a mouth, am darn sure that it would burst out it’s anger at me and go, “#^?$@*!&?#”. I never let the poor OS cool down. Travelling in a bus, if am bored, I swipe. Sitting in a theatre, if the movie drags, I swipe. Squatting inside my room, if there’s no one, I swipe. Waiting for a repy text that hasn’t come in yet, I swipe. Book wide open before me for tomorrow’s exam, I swipe. With my head down if a group of people look over at me and whisper amongst themselves, I swipe. Pathetic?? Maybe, but I owe one to this habit for helping me get through awkward situations.

Habit #02: APPLYING FEVICOL ALL OVER MY PALMS, LET IT DRY AND THEN PEEL IT OFF

During all those hours spent for craft classes in school, and art short-term courses in college, this weird habit of mine always found a way into my head. And I would end up deserting my hanf-done handicrafts to give my palms a Fevicol spread. Peeling off the dried glue used to give me pangs of excitement:).. but the real challenge was to peel it off totally without tearing it and finally get to see our handprints shimmering on it. Ahhh, such joyous moments they were. Till today, if I see a Fevicol tube lying around, I don’t give it a 2nd thought. I just pounce on it and have a good time on my own.

Habit #03: DELIBERATELY PULL OUT A STRAND OF HAIR NEAR THE FOREHEAD AND LET IT LOOSE

Just when I am all set with the perfect hairdo for a day out, I get this weird urge. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I contemplate for a moment. After that, no idea what makes me do it, but I choose a short strand of hair on the front, pull it out and just let it hang out loose as if windblown. I guess it’s some sorta strange feeling inside me that all my pretty looks lie hidden in that single strand. Growing up, this habit is like a daily duty. I do not let my head out the door until I have that innocent strand let loose.

Habit #04: NIBBLING AWAY SLATE PENCILS

My idea of a tasty snack anytime, throughout the whole of my childhood. They were like my very own version of Breadsticks. On and on I would nibble and gobble them up, until my mom threatened me with a spanking. The saddest part was when I had to move to school from kindergarten, because we had to switch over to notebooks and lead pencils. Then, gradually to pens. My habit sustained a hard hit due to it as the slate pencils were forgotten at my home. But, the craving never died. It still prevails in me and once during my high school, I have even tried to wrench one out of an innocent kindergarten kid.

Habit #05: COLLECTING CADBURY TEMPTATIONS WRAPPERS (ALMONDS)

Devouring the chocolate like it was the last food on earth was one thing, but I still do not understand why I started collecting the wrappers. I guess my eyes fell in love with the glossy shine of the wrapper and my hands were smitten with its velvety touch. These wrappers I have collected over the years are my personal Treasure stamp. Please wish me luck to eat even more of these almond flavoured chocki bars and to forever keep collecting those wrappers.

That is all guys. Though these may be odd habits, never once have I even considered the thought of losing them. Cuz they define me and I am happy doing them even if am branded a weirdo.

ChEeRs To ChEeSiNeSs,
Kay..<3..!!

ThE vOiCe Of A sTuDeNt!!

Life moves at Lightning speed ain't it?? Between the cramped up schedules and running late for meetings and chasing up money and tending to our issues, our minds become so stuffed that we forget to express our gratitude to all those people who strived to make our life better in ways possible. Among those well-wishers, our Teachers hold a higher stake. As we move through School, Graduation, Post-graduation and Diplomas, we meet in life a number of teachers who not only mould our minds with the wealth of knowledge but also imbibe in us values, values that will determine how we design the blueprints of our lives. 

So, here I am, as usual, with a poem to give a tribute to all the teachers out there devoting their time to building all of us students whom the nation calls, 'ThE FuTuRe PiLLaRs'. 

As we stood wayless

Starting to feel helpless

You made an entry

Along with an artistry

And motivated us all

Not to finish small

But reach for heights

And strive through nights

To achieve our goals

And become great souls

You never lead us astray;

Made sure our life was in array

.

.

.

Click to read more

CI: Scrap #03 – 5 North-Indian snacks that became my Favourites!!

Days ran by and over a month crossed, during which I learnt lotsa tips on ‘How to be an Indorewala’.

When we blend ourselves with a new city, do we not learn and get acquainted with its culture and practices. One vital thing that shapes up any culture is Food and Cuisine. Hailing from the most southern part of India, I was always on the lookout for southern dishes like Idlies, Dosas n whatnots. But, due to the need of having to take breakfast and lunch at the company I was training with, I had to give in and adopt the eating habits of Indore fellas.

I gotta mention one difference between the Northern and Southern cuisine. While we tend to go heavy on dishes, these folks prefer richness. And Oh Yeaaa, I guess everybody was born with a sweet tooth here. Not one meal course gets covered without a sweet dessert. So, among all these delicacies, I have grown a crush on a few North Indian snacks. So, I have tried to create a list of my 5 most favourite snacks: (I have also added sites that host good recipes on how to prepare these snacks at home)

· 1. POHA: Wondering what it means?? To put it in simple English terms, it is nothing but Flattened Rice. It is so beaten that it can absorb liquid easily and quickly. Throw in a few veggies of your choice, add salt & turmeric (Totally ur choices to spice it up even more), top it up with lots of Sev namkeen with 2/3 Jalebis at your side and Lo n Behold!! U’ll have before you a tasty breakfast snack. Best thing about this dish is that it can be fixed up in a matter of minutes.

· 2. GOLGAPPAS: The most ancient form of Chaat, which we more commonly know as PANI PURI. Yup, those very same tiny puffy balls that are filled with a liquid that tingles your taste buds as you gobble up one after another of those puris. Of course we get them in our places too, but the real taste was born here guys.

· 3. KACHORI: Again a Chaat type of snack very popular around here. Imagine a crispy flour ball flattened with spicy stuff inside and you have nailed it right. They exactly take the size of our Idlies. I especially liked the Dal Kachori very much (mostly Moong dal n suchlike variants). We can also get to see many varieties like Aloo, Dahi n many more. Spicy Kachoris are served hot with sour-sweet Chutneys to add more taste to it.

· 4. SABUDANA VADA: Though this snack is a deep-fry dish n a time-taker as the ingredients have to be soaked overnight for preparation, I took a fancy to it. Indulge your senses into this vada along with spicy green chutney and hot tea by your side.

· 5. VADA PAV: I know I may be late in getting to know about VadaPav, but I got introduced to it only here. And after trying it out with different combos like Sabudana, Aloo, Cheese Chutney, this Indian Burger became one of my favourites right away.

Other than all this, Paneer Tikka(Kebabs), Rasagullas and Rasamalai also caught my attention. But, please people, do not think that I spent all my days eating and tasting and profiling my favourites. I was working full-time and eating part-time, though at times, it was the reverse way too.

Do try tasting these items when you get a chance. I am sure you’ll love them too and don forget to ping me if you come across some other delicious snack. Always open to new dishes :D..!!

Amidst Mouthfuls,
Kay..<3..!!

ThE mIsSiNg VoIcE..!^!

Remember a tiny bird who decided to look for her LOVE in "ThE InCoMpLeTe SoNg"? 

Dear readers, if a recap is needed, click on the title to read my first poem - The Incomplete Song Link . So, what did ever happen to that lovely soul?? Here is the next poem that brings out her journey as she flies around looking for a Love so powerful that it could conquer almost anything in the world.

!!ThE mIsSiNg VoIcE!!

Up in the glossiest of night skies

  Flies a feathered girl with bated breath,

She was just a tiny dot to the eyes

  Yet, the sheer grit within her did showeth,

It would and did make one marvel awhile

  As to what the dear soul was beseeching,

Thus, we backtrack along lines sung erstwhile

  To know that, for an answer, she's searching,

The question our girl faces,

Will she reach her so-called destiny??

  Will "ThE MiSsInG VoIcE" sing back?

Will the voice make her feel sunshiny??

  Or Will she keep flying forever in black?

To sing with rapture and fly with passion

  And lead a life being deliriously happy

She needed love as vast as the ocean

  Which would no longer leave her empty

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Click to read more

CI: A Whiff of Dusty Air – Scrap #02

Scrap #02 – How the TrAiN jOuRnEy whiled away!!

        

So, where were we when I signed off?? Waiting for the train, ain’t it..

Well, at this point, things are pretty simple and ordinary. There is no point to point train from my town (You see,my town is registered on the developing front ;P ) or nearby junctions in the part I hail from. So, we had to board the Thirukural Express that runs from Kanyakumari to Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi that covers a distance of 2922 km in between, thereby becoming one of the longest running super-fast trains in the country.

We knew it was gonna be a lengthy journey. Because my bro n I boarded the train at Virudhunagar by May 10^th evening and we were to reach Bhopal only on May 12^th morning. So, here is the list of things I carried/did to keep myself throughout the journey (Listed according to popularity n preference :D )

ü  MUSIC: This will always remain on my “Survival Needs List”. I just cannot get through a day without listening to at least 4-5 songs a day. And on this train, music got me through 14 hours of the day.

ü  BOOK: I carried with me the newly released book, “LEAN IN: WOMEN, WORK, AND THE WILL TO LEAD”, written by Sheryl Sandberg. Ms. Sandberg is the COO of Facebook. This book held me captivated inside the pages till I had drunk in each and every word on them. Now, this book is a must-read for all my dear women who are striving to add more meaning to their life with a working career. “LADIES, ROADBLOCKS ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS ARE VERY COMMON; JUST SHATTER THEM WITH YOUR MERE WILLPOWER”                                                 

ü  DEBATE: I have this bro who’s a cool guy to roll with. But, he can be a bit annoying at times. So, as usual, I endured his annoyance in this journey in the form of a debate on the topic, “What is the use of women working?”. He was darn strong in his points, but so was I. All I can say is that We have always given a thrust to Men’s dreams and powered them up; Now, let us build our own dreams for awhile.

ü  USELESS STUFF: Other than all this, I would just stare and stare at whatever was in front of me; Be it people or an empty seat or food or a piece of iron dangling from the upper berth. And finally I came up with a Quote – “GREAT MINDS AND EYES STARE WHEN DEEP IN THOUGHT” (Plz don temme it’s totally junk, give some respect yo guys ;P ).

And I gotta mention chomping up almost 4-5 packets of Lays n Cheetos. But, guys, we do have to cut down on junk food consumption as Teenagers who eat three or more helpings of junk food in a week have a 39 per cent increased risk of severe asthma. Have a check tab to control mates.

With all these, I managed to get through my 2-day train travel at ease and I also did stay clean all through to Bhopal plus a 4-hour car travel again to my Uncle’s home in Indore. I wouldn’t call this journey peaceful but rather EVENTFUL, I would say. 

CONCLUSION: LANDED IN INDORE!!

Cya,

Smelly yet Fresh-Lookin KaY

(Ll bath soon mates :P )

CI: A Whiff of Dusty Air – Scrap #01

Scrap #01 – PaCkInG uP mY sTuFf!!

With my exams closing in on May 9, I swept my room clean of all my stuff and took off home the same day. You see, the hurry was mainly because, my brother n I had a train to catch the very next day. 

May 10 kinda flew away in a flurry of events. I managed to do the packing all by myself except that I left my room damn messy for my mom to neat it all up again. Then, somehow my girls managed to make time for me n came up to meet me at my home. Spent a nice cosy sister-time with the girls and redid my packing again with their help (I basically decided to carry 3 bags and still could not stuff the things in). The girls helped me in choosing to leave a few things behind. Some of them were, 

· HANKIES: I was going for an 8 week internship. So, it eventually comes up to 60 days (Rounded it off). But, Nani (one of my girls) found out that I had packed in almost 75-80 hankies. Immediately got told off and so, had to leave back most of them. (FYI, am a ‘Match the Hanky’ Freak).

· SISTERHOOD SKIRT: We girls have a sisterhood rule which we copied from the movie ‘Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants’. But, instead of the pants, we pass around a full-length skirt. It was with me n I had stuffed it in. But, it was looking too bulgy. So, D (my other girl) just came by, pulled it out n kept it with her.

· GAME OF THRONES: This book weighed just a little more than a pound and was nearly 800 pages long. So, “Cmon gal, chuck it out, you’ll be having Project work all day in Indore”, I told myself this stupid statement. And it turned out 2 be kinda true. 

· HOLLY: My only best companion when my girls are not around. Holly has been with me for the past 3 years n still counting. And, Err, am not totally sure whether it’s a Teddy or a Puppy. It looks like a cross between the two. When I crammed it in, its nose slightly got distorted. I freaked out and pulled it out. Now, that fella is nestled up cosily in my cot back at home.

· LAYS: I went out to purchase a few travel necessities and outta my usual craze for junkies, I bought 3 ‘PaRtY pAcK’ Lays. But, it was a no-go into the bags and I ended up emptying two of the packs at home and managed to convince my bro to carry the last one.

So, finally, by 10pm, I was all set for the 2 day-long train journey to Bhopal. (Oho, I know what you are thinking right now. Don worry, I took a nice long warm bath n scrapped myself hard to stay clean for the next two days ;P ). I was looking all lush n proud that I had managed to pack only based on necessity. But, then, my bro came in sporting just one bag in total n my proud self deflated like a balloon. Anyways, never worry, I have got so many more journeys ahead in my life. One day, I too am sure gonna learn to cram in everything in ONE bag.

Train yet to come,

Kay..<3..!!

NeW gIrL iN tHe CiTy!!

Back again for a blog update guys. You see, I had to cater to my academic needs called exams for bout a month n I couldn’t afford to take a bad call by ignoring them. But, now, things are back again to routine n am coming up with a new post.

Here’s one more version of, “New Girl in the City!!” 

I kinda weaved this story with the threads of my day-to-day experiences I have had from the day I kick-started my Summer Internship Training. But, where, you may wonder. So, let us take a look at the profile of this so-called ‘New Girl’ 

Profile

Name: Anusha KM (ME, obviously!!)

Currently resides at: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Purpose: Summer Internship Training

Languages Known: Tamil, English (NO HINDI?!?!?!?! Tat sucks,ain’t it?)

Nature: Soft-Spoken (A Big-Time Lie)

Now, after taking a glance at this profile, no one will be willing to place their bets on this New-Timer that she can survive the Indore city for a full 8 continuous weeks, struggling neck-deep with people firing away at her in Hindi and leaving her baffled. But, you gotta know this - 2 weeks have gone by and she just has managed to somehow glide over them smoothly.

So, that was when this idea suddenly struck me and my mind went like, “Aha!! Light Bulb” (Watch ‘Despicable Me’ to get the tone moderation right. Lovely Movie, do watch it sometime). Why don I jus put down the New Girl’s experiences in writing? Thus, I began creating the “CHRONICLES OF INDORE – A Whiff of Dusty Air!! (Dusty in a totally friendly way, folks).

While most of her days cross by on a routine note, there sure are a few instances that need to be thrown onto the focus light for our chronicles. Ll keep posting Amigos, keep checking for updates. 

Breathin in the Fresh/Dusty Air,

Kay..<3..

As ShE wAlKs AlOnG!^!..

AlLeEgRaaaa!!!!!!

Long Time, no Posts...

Before I start droning and drilling with my usual poem stuff, am gonna propose a toast.. To what, you may wonder.

It's gonna be a toast to WOMAN POWER!!

Because it is kinda one of the most discussed about topics over cyberspace. And believe me when I say there is Woman Power in our nation. But, the problem is that it starts in every kitchen and ends in the dining table. 

I agree, times are changing - Evas are exploring new fields day by day. More importantly, in the Entrepreneurial and Professional area (My most favorite field), the number of woman chief executives has jumped from 1% in 2011 to 10% in 2012, when globally the number rose from 8% to only 9%. But, I don find people changing. How long are the rest of women gonna be talked at bout safety, security and end up staying at home instead of proving their worth??

And Oh Yeaaa, we do have higher stakes at risk once we step outta our homes. So, what does that mean. Well, the worthiest of diamonds always have the highest of stakes right? How long will you keep them stacked in your safety locker instead of converting it into a necklace that would make people go , "C'est Magnifique!!"..

Everywhere around, women are waking up to their new-found opportunities and probabilities to make a better living. So, stop trying to keep us in the dark anymore. And that is all I wanted to convey. But, I always sign off with a poem ain't it?? So, here's nother poem of mine - all bout WOMEN and RESPECT!! 

Exiting the office doors after work

She was not feeling herself tonight

The dusty roads looked alien to her

Still more adding to her plight

She had always traversed these pavements

Never having even a pint of fret inside

But now, her heart was inked with dread

After learning how women faced deride

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!!CLICK HERE TO READ ON!!