Trip to Dehradun

Hello folks. I'm back with a traveling post this time. I was just flipping through my photos and suddenly I remembered my younger cousin sisters who live in Dehradun. I know this post is bit late but as it is said "It's better to be late than never". Just after my birthday I happened to visit Dehradun in December 2012. I travelled all alone for the first time. Yes, ALL ALONE! ;)

I have been to Dehradun twice before but this trip was a memorable one for me as I could explore the city well and in the mean time I had spend my NEW YEAR up there in the hills with my little cousins! I caught my train from Delhi and imagine my situation that my seat was not confirmed and on the top of it travelling alone. Moreover, a generous handsome man gave his seat to me. I couldn't thank him enough. I made friends too en route. Reached at night around 9.30pm and was picked up by my relatives there. It was too cold, I remember I wore 2 jackets and 3 pairs of socks (I'm not kidding!) and was still FREEZING!!


DAY 1 : Anyways the next day, all refreshed up. I visited the famous SAI TEMPLE with my cousins. It was so divine believe me, I was all calm and relaxed.

The Main Hall

 

The Palki

The Wishing Tree

After that it started raining heavily so we had no choice just to stay indoors as it was winters. We started clicking indoors itself. It was fun being with my lil cousins. We were meeting almost after a year so there was lot to chit chat and all that girly stuff. OK let me share few pics of my cousins with you all.

The youngest of all

Sibling Love

P.S. : No photo is edited! You could guess by looking at our faces how cold it was!

DAY 2 : The next day weather was amazing so we thought to go a bit far off temple which was BUDDHA TEMPLE in Clement Town. It was bit far off from my place where I was staying. This was one kind of temple I would have never imagined. It was awestruck by its beauty. I loved visiting this one. If you ever go Dehradun please don't miss it for sure. It's a must see temple!

The highest statue of Buddha

The ground floor area

For the shutterbugs!

The view from the top floor. It was just amazing!

Sibling love

We are family

The entrance

Monastery

The wishing roller

 I thoroughly enjoyed going there. It has such a beautiful lawn just outside the temple.

The beautiful lawns

If you miss this beauty, your trip is incomplete to Dehradun for sure. Almost whole day was spent here as I had other relatives and friends to catch up with. Amazing day it was, all thanks to this masterpeice.



DAY 3 & 4 : This day was booked by the relatives for lunch and dinners. Now it was the New Year Night and also the birthday of the sister. What a co-incidence no ? It was double celebration for us New Year and birthday! And it was my first New Year there. Have lot of pics to share but would share sometime soon.

Surprised her with the cake!

The celebrations went on full night. We all didn't get the time to sleep. Next morning too we all partied hard like crazies all friends, relatives, neighbors, it was so much fun I tell you. At night we went to Pizza Hut and ended my celebrations there!

You can easily see how tired we all were!

After all these 4 days of grand masti, it was time for me to come to Delhi. Had my train early morning at 5 in these winters. I could just catch up the train at the neck of time! It was fun. How rapidly these 4 days went away. I still miss every moment of them. Late night talks, new year celebrations, my little cousins cooking for me, blah, blah everything! I miss them so much. Hope to celebrate my New Year this time too with them in the hills.

Signing off for now. Thank you for your patience! xoxox

Best regards,

PRESERVED

We wanted to bury the lie
Like tulips on cold spring days
it thrived well enough in the light
to make a new appearance

Took all the letters we found and
 put them in a jar 
with boiling sea water 
The salt sealed the writing but
made it less distinct!

On receiving a Liebster Blog Award

What is a Liebster Blog Award? 

The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. “Liebster” is German for “favorite”. This award is the “favorite blog award” then.

Who Nominated Me ?

I was nominated by my fellow blogger and a dear friend Medha Kapoor. I really enjoy reading her posts and I am honored that she thought of my blog.

What are the Rules ? 

The rules… Start off by writing 11 random facts about yourself and then answer 11 questions which were left for you by your nominator. Then you can nominate up to 11 blogs and leave 11 questions for them to answer in return.Isn't it so interesting !?!

 

 So I will start off with 11 facts About Me…

1. I hope to write a book someday.
   
   2.  I have to start each morning with a cup of coffee or I just don’t feel right (it’s an addiction, I know!) 
   
   3. I hate waiting.
   
   4.  I am a literature student.
   
   5. I am the most pampered child of my family. (I love it!)
   
   6. I am a sucker for small joys of life. 
   
   7. Reading books gives me inspiration to write more and more.
   
   8.  I love to chase my dreams.
   
   9. I am a confused soul sometimes.
   
   10. I hate watching movies. (Yes that's the truth!)
   
   11. I love my hair.
   
    
   11 Questions from Medha :
   
   
   What's your favorite color?
   Without any doubt I love the color Red. It makes me feel confident!
   
   What's your favorite cuisine?
   Anything Italian. 
   
   What are you most afraid of?
   Snakes. 
   
   How religious/spiritual are you?
   I am a religious person. Pray two times a day so now guess how religious I am ;) 
   
   Are you a feminist?
   I am an individualistic and therefore not a feminist.
   
   What are your views on same sex marriages? 
   Should be legalized everywhere. 
   
   What is your favorite odor?
   Love sandalwood.
   
   What music do you listen to when you're alone?
   When I'm alone, I listen to rock music and sometimes dance too. LOL
   
   What do you like to do on your birthday?
   I'm very much crazy for my birthday. I love the 12am calls till late midnight. And this day always has been surprising for me. Something new always happens and my family and friends make it so special. I spend half of the day with my friends and rest with my family. It's kind of reunion for me filled with amazing surprises.
     
   What is your favorite genre when it comes to reading?
   I love reading mystery, humor and fantasy genres. Difficult to choose favourite among them.
   
   What is your favorite genre when it comes to blogging?
   I really enjoy reading all blogs – such a wealth of information out there. Everyone has their own views. I love them all!
   
   
   Here are my nominees :
    
   Jyoti Mehta
   Priyanka Banerjee
   Ankit Minglani
   Surbhi Mehra
   Prerna Priyam
   Abhinav Mathur
   Priya Arora
   Jasmine Bhatia 
   Yukti Sehgal 
   
   
   And now the questions I want to ask them:
   
   
   Q1. Who is your favorite author?
   Q2. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
   Q3. What inspires you to write?
   Q4. What book are you reading at the moment ?
   Q5. Your favourite movie in recent past which doesn’t go out of your mind?
   Q6. Do you believe in life after death? If yes, what would you like to reborn as?
   Q7. What is the primary focus of your blog?
   Q8. What music do you listen to when you write, if any?
   Q9.  Favourite place to read?
   Q10. Do you have special plans for this year 2013?
   Q11. Three things you want to do before you die ? 
   
   
   Congrats to the nominees, accept the award and forward it to the ones who deserve it.
   
   
   
   

DUNKIN' DONUTS

                                  

    Place      : N 6, Connaught Place, New Delhi 
    Timings  :  8 AM to 12 Midnight

I am sure by reading the title DUNKIN' DONUTS, you must be mouth-watering their yummy Donuts, Sandwiches and not to forget their brewed coffee. It's my first food review ever! Before I review just a glimpse of the company :

"We're committed to offering a wide selection of foods and beverages so you can enjoy what's right for you."

Lost In Your World Of Love

The first time I saw you, you invaded my heart.
Your eyes made me lost in you!
Your essence made to forget me the essence of rose,
Your charming voice made me addicted to you !
When you are not around, it feels like
Sun has no light, moon is black.
When you are around, it feels,
Time has ultra supersonic speed.
One hour is like a minute!

Your smile makes me fall in your love with you even more.
When we behave like strangers,
It feels like I am getting crushed by a road-roller.
When you touch, I feel like I am in heaven.

Your feather soft touch makes me feel like I am holding a flower,
Getting addicted to girl, you making me addicted to you! 

You are my drug .. and it feels too good to get addicted to you!
You are the air I breathe, you are the life that I live.
You are my whole world ..
You are the music on which my heart beats.
You are my heart's soul.
Me without you is lifeless!
You were in my destiny that is why we met by chance.
Never leave me girl as I am lifeless without you.
You are like a fire burning in my mind.
You are my everything that I have always wanted in my life!
 I keep thinking about you 24*7.
 I love you sugar-beer, I love u too much baby ♥ ♥

P.S. : This was sent to me by someone, so thought to share it with you all! Love the simplicity of the language.

Pampered by Panteen & Indiblogger!

"Pantene & IndiBlogger bring you an afternoon of fun, relaxation and blogging!
Let your hair down and kick your feet up at the Pantene Nature Fusion IndiBlogger meet. Come over and celebrate the fusion of Nature & Science with us. Trust us, you wouldn’t want to miss this one. "



Pantene organised a blogger meet in association with IndiBlogger on 14th October at ITC Sheraton. I was confused whether to attend the meet or not as I just had one day off from my office. And after attending the meet, I was happy that I went. It was one of the best blogger meets I’ve attended until date, and the very first Indiblogger one.

                                             ITC Sheraton (Pic Courtesy: Google Images)


I was gobsmacked as I entered the ITC Sheraton . As I entered the lobby, the first thing that stucked my mind was the amazing interiors full of fragrance of flowers and then was guided by the soft spoken staff of the hotel.

                                                The Lobby (Pic Courtesy: Google Images)

 As usual I was lost in my own world and full of excitement, I entered the Ballroom and realised I was not so late, but there were few women already present there. I registered myself and got a paper with number '37' which was my number for my hair spa. It was a pleasant surprise (thank you team for this wonderful surprise). Believe me since we all bloggers entered, the whole meet was full of surprises. I could not stop myself gazing at the graffiti wall filled with the spray paints.

                                                  Graffiti Wall (Pic Courtesy: Priti Singh)

As we settled down, the meet started with one of the surprising activity (told you the whole meet was full of surprises), there was a balloon under our chairs and toothpicks on the table. We had to save our balloon and prick others balloon. It was so much fun I tell you. My balloon got pricked in the starting itself but I got the prize for pricking most of the balloons. It was very much interesting!

                                Women in action during the game (Pic Courtesy: Priti Singh)

                                             My gift which I won during the balloon game

As soon as we finished this game, we were divided in to a team of 8 members and had to wrap one of the member as MUMMY. We just had 5mins. to wrap them. Our team's Mummy was wrapped bit shabbily but my tweet saved Atula (the Mummy) from being eliminated.

                                               That's Me, Atula (the mummy) and Eshna

Blogger introductions was something I was looking forward to. Getting to know other women and the stuff they write about was the best part. Right from women who wrote on life, relationships, cookery, traveling to women who wrote on technology, game designing, mom blogs and even art! It was so delightful knowing my fellow bloggers! It was such a pleasure meeting all of them Eshna, Medha, Vandana, Kiran, Priya, Priti, Anukriti, Anisha and it goes on. Special thanks to Priti for the wonderful pics you had send. Appreciate your efforts.

                         That's Eshna, Priya, Me and Medha (L-R) (Pic Courtesy: Priti Singh)

                                         Me with Eshna and Priti (Pic Courtesy: Priti Singh)

And then it was our turn to have our lunch. Trust me the food was so yummilicious and tempting. 

                                         The tempting food (Pic Courtesy: Priti Singh)


Just after our lunch a short talk was followed by Lais Koelle explaining the fusion of nature and science. It was again followed by a surprise. A box was kept under the table which had a shampoo and a conditioner. There was a Ques & Ans session with her in which she gave remedies for hairfall, dandruff, breakage, etc. And Pantene is for oily hairs hairs too. So all you girls who have oily hairs like me, get ready for using the best oil free shampoo ever with a fusion of nature and science. 

                       

                                                   Lais Koelle (love her hairs!)



And then comes next Yashodhara Lal, the author of ‘Just Married, Please Excuse'. She motivated us to write as much as we can by taking out time from our busy lives. And she has a contest going on for all the inspiring writers to get published by sharing your story.

                                              Yashodhara Lal during the talk session

Now after the talk sessions, we had last but not the least Flower Arranging Competition with a unique element which was provided in the bag given to us. Unfortunately, I had to leave this in the middle as it was my turn for the hairspa (for which I was early waiting :p). I didn't want to leave this wonderful competition but it's ok as I could not compromise with my hairs :p. 

Don't have words to tell you about my hair spa. Aaaaah, simply amazing! And extremely relaxing! Was pampered so well. A blow-dry and styling followed.  The shampoo had such an amazing fragrance and was absolutely wonderful! Made my hair super smooth and super silky! You know that feeling when you touch your hair and you feel like doing it over and over and over again? That’s what I’m talking about! THANK YOU Pantene for such wonderful hairs. And really at first instance I could not believe that they were my hairs.



By the time my hair spa got over, I just came to know about our team flower arrangement. Here it is, have a look :

                                                             Bouquet with No.8

And here comes the end of the blogger meet. But no, we had a surprise here too!! We were given gift hampers from Pantene and a shirt from IndiBlogger with their slogan on it .

                                                   The wonderful hamper by Pantene!

                                                            Shirt by IndiBlogger!

                                                      That's me near the tweet section ;)

This was one event I’ll never be able to forget! A Sunday well-spent, after ages! Thanks IndiBlogger & Pantene for their hard efforts for organising such a successful meet.
This blogger meet also gave me the chance to bond with my fellow bloggers. Eagerly waiting for the next meet to happen now. Thank you again for the meet and awestruck surprises.



Here are few pics which my friend Priti took it while departing!

                                                           With my fellow bloggers!

                                                Me and Medha posing for the shutterbugs!
 

Memories

Standing at a corner of the world, I witness the flashes of past memories and the only question that arises in my mind is about how everything completely changed it self. I'm at the same place where I stood last year but with new people and different circumstances. The reality of  life is that no matter how much I try to deny the fact, nothing remains the same with the passage of time. Time is what rules our life and its totally inevitable. Its like I was dreaming for the whole time, when awoke, the harsh reality took over cause the time had already played its game. Its hard to believe how life changed me and my priorities, and I got so involved into it that I don't even have time for those who once ruled my life. 

 

 

Now, I've realized the importance of my past once it turned into a memory. Frankly, we humans are very insatiable and we're never satisfied with what ever is going on. But once, that phase of life is over, and you look back at it, past seems to be everything I've ever wanted. Everything has changed. Those close ones are like strangers now because someone else took their place, but there are no regrets because that's how it is. At the end of the day, you just stand in the corner, and stare at the whole new world full of memories from the past and there's nothing you can do about it.  

 

"As we turn the pages of time, we discover hidden mysteries and triumphs in each new chapter. -- Flavia" 

 

Do you even gamble with the memories like I do ?

 

Best regards,

A day off with some colorful imagination !!

It's a Wednesday and a day off for me! I wanted to act all celebrity like and spend it the way they do. Grand breakfast, grander lunch, meet imaginary people, watch a couple of movies and spend the evening sitting by the balcony, giggling away to glory with my girlfriends before finally going to bed early.

My foot. I am no celebrity. I live in a city where Wednesdays are a pain. Because? I get holiday in the middle of the week and thursdays and fridays aren't half as awesome.

The only thing I could afford to do of all them above things was, to watch a decent movie.

I downloaded this movie thrice because it kept boowoo-ing me in the face. My internet felt raped, certainly, but it's very okay. I finally did manage to watch English Vinglish. And, I have nothing to say. I can only sit back and smile :) Watched it? No? Die. Yes? I like you.

My workplace is cool :] Colourful, ancient and talkative!

It's October. And I can feel myself getting all senti already about the year almost coming to an end. Mostly because the year has been a little too much to handle :'] but at the same time I'v met / come across the most awesome people, awesome things have happened to me, I'v spoken my mind out to myself about the bestest things ever, I'v watched the most amazing movies ever, and, my I feel lucky, mostly because my internet has been kind in allowing me to rape it every month by downloading so much. True story.

Simple uncomplicated life.

(Kindly ignore the fact that academically I have grown lazier over the year. That's only between you and me and nobody else.)

Best regards,

The world seems to smile with me

You know what i feel , the world seems to be smiling with me when i am happy.The colours  around me look brighter. Folks passing nearby seem to have just arrived from heaven.

It does happen..when we are happy , we do not even need to think about spreading joy and happiness,it becomes a natural flow.

Miracles do happen in our lives daily,all we need to do is notice them.

How can the whole world look such a beautiful place to live in , just cause my heart is smiling..

It isn't that tough a job to make oneself happy and making ourselves happy means we are making the world around us happier.

Such is the grandeur of love , joy ,happiness and bliss..It keeps multiplying...It keeps growing...

  "Smile and the world will smile with you :)" - Geetanjali Juneja

Best regards,