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Monday, March 27, 2017

UNNS ... The Captivation - Book Review




Check the entire book review video here.
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https://youtu.be/1spn4I1LA-o


Book– UNNS The Captivation
Author– Sapan Saxena
Publishers– Inspire India
ISBN-13 – 978-9385783876
Number of Pages– 244

Synopsis -
“Of course you know about the seven stages of love, but have you ever lived them?” Atharva Rathod and Meher Qasim. Lovebirds since adolescence. Bonded by love, separated by circumstances. They part ways only to meet again. But this time, he is on a secret mission… Are they in control of their own destiny, or its their destiny which is making them dance to its tunes? Only time would answer, as Atharva and Meher unwillingly and unknowingly transcend the seven stages of love. A quintessential tale of love and romance marked beautifully by its own rustic old school charm.

My Take -

When I read the tittle I didn't understand what it was or why so but when you start reading the book it describes the seven stages of Love beautifully each phase being experienced by the characters.
Meher Qasim the eternal love of Atharva Rathod. The love that blossomed in school and even after they separated the flame burnt strong for Atharva. However was it the same for Meher. She has so many shades, it's difficult to decipher. Atharva on the other hand is truly smitten right from the moment he saw her. So much so that his entire life revolves round her even though she is not in his life, she has his head and his heart.
Destiny has other plans though, does Atharva accept his destiny or does he defy it ?
What about Meher, what happened to the innocent eyes that Atharva fell for, what secrets do they hide or is it pain ?
The story has lots of twist and turns and the author tries to hold it all together crisply. However there are some lose ends and I wish the author had given more meat to the teenage love story and dwelved more into it. Atharva falling in love with Meher in school when she doesn't reciprocate the same intensity. The history of Meher and what exactly is she upto.
When Atharva knows about Meher from the professor, he still doesn't dig deep inspite of him being on secret mission.
Some of the twists are predictable and some come as disappointments. The author tries to maintain a firm grip and succeeds mostly.
The story is that of Love -the seven stages that the characters go through, of betrayal, of loyalty, of secrecy and and suspense, of missions and devotions. It also potrays in some way that good wins in the end ...
A lovely romantic suspense. A breezy read. Especially for those who like a romantic read with doses of mystery.

My verdict - light breezy read for summer

You can buy it over here UNNS-The Captivation 


Enjoying my summers....

xoxo
Bhakti 

P.S thanks to Half Baked Beans for the book. 
 

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

How to make easy Chicken Shwarma /Pita Pocket/ Gyro Recipe

So this is what I cooked today with the ingredients available in my kitchen. 
A cross between chicken shwarma  and a gyro. A beautiful pita pocket which was healthy and sumptuous and did I forget utterly tasty. 
The entire recipe is on the vlog right from the hummus made from scratch to this pretty creation... and it's surprisingly very easy ... check it out 


Hope you liked and enjoyed the recipe.
If you would like to have the recipe blogger and written, comment below and let me know and I will update this post with a written recipe. 
Hope you enjoy this easy recipe your way. 

xoxo
Bhakti 

Monday, March 20, 2017

Baraza Launch and Butterfly shoes...

The newest watering hole in Pune. 
 And we were there for the launch. 
Stunning place with island vibes.. 
Beautiful ambience, loved the drinks and the food was on point. The music just kept us swaying to the beats. 
You should definitely give this place a try. 
Till then check ours out.


This is what I wore to the launch. 
A simple clean cut dress goes a long way. I love the minimilastic designs. Paired it up with a statement neckpiece from Globus and wedges ( I am so not comfortable in stilettos, give me wedges any time of the day). 
You can check out other LBD looks.


Had an awesome time dancing the night way.


Certainly did love the ambience, indoor section with vibrant blues. 
The outdoor had a relaxed vibe and certain calmness to it. 


Had a fun time can't wait to get back to the dance floor with some mean drinks and those juicy prawns that we went crazy for. 


Check out the madness ... 


On that note ..... 


After letting my hair down and partying wild.. the wanderer in me ... just wanted to be and travel ... which makes my heart dance with glee..
So here I was roaming on the outskirts in brick kilns and cement (jharoka) shops on the highways ... I really don't know what they are called. They make and sell at the same place .. and it is art .. art just surrounds us, one needs to just open the eyes and see with the right perspective. Everything is so beautiful, if you want it to be. The process of immersing the done pieces and keeping them in water so that they harden enough ... so pretty ... the whole view.


So here I was with butterflies on my feet. Just apt na for me ... for the girl who always wants to fly free.. with colours dancing beside she ... 
I got these from Koovs and they are so comfortable and pretty. Don't you think so ? 


From where I stand I see everything with a beautiful trance. .... 

Oh my darling butterfly shoes,  fly me around to sunshine, flowers and more... 

For this little wandering heart never sits still,, always looking out for new valleys and hills... 

xoxo
Bhakti 




Friday, March 17, 2017

Holi and other unholy things ...

This was the Holi week and people still are celebrating in different forms, today being Rang panchami in Maharashtra ( playing with colours) 
Now I love all festivals and celebrated holi with gusto ( check the pic below) however I have not attached the unholy image of me going completely wild banging drums (Thali - plate to be precise) and yelling my lungs out πŸ™ˆ.
Don't worry you won't be seeing that picture in the near future ( rather never future) Though my hubby was cheeky enough to put the entire video on my snapchat as well as his. Don't you ask - he is one big monster πŸ€—
I am not sure whether i like to play with colours or no. I am unable to decide that Cause no matter how much I enjoy playing with colours the after effects of having to scrub them out from your hair and skin is a torture. I am too lazy you see. This year i didnt play just FYI however before like just 15 days I was playing in Gulal thanks to the elections. Now does that count ( may be that's why I was more lazy to play holi this time around.

The flames look so pretty na... the rangoli (white design) was made by me. Not overly pretty but not half as bad. πŸ˜‰

Coming back to holi we did have a pretty little one at my parents place with all traditions and loads of fun. I love traditions, I think they are beautiful, they have deep meaning behind them which most of the times is scientific and relevant (sometimes to more or less the olden times ).
Holi is to lighten up the darkness from within and around you, to burn the evil within us and around us. 


Holi means you get to enjoy Mom's Puran Poli (sweet bread) drenched in ghee with spicy amti  (gravy), milk, crispy Bhajia  ( fritters) and crackers along with varan  (dal) bhat (rice) not to forget the ghee again.. πŸ’ŸπŸ’ŸπŸ’Ÿ it's complete love for me and I love it all steaming hot  (spoilt brat mom's love πŸ€£πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‰) 


It's the weekend and see what I have whipped up ---- lazy me ---- but yummy too. 
Quick fix for that yummy comforting tummy fill ... Fried some Venky's burger patties ... crisped the burger bun with garlic butter ... dollop of eggless mayo a lovely hint ( much more than a hint πŸ˜‹ ) of Nandos very very hot sauce.. onions....loads of lettuce.. some sun dried tomatoes .. diced olives and my burger was ready ... I tried some extra spicy chicken fingers and some more olives and sun dried tomatoes on the side with a tall glass of banana milk shake . .. needless to say it was too much for me .. but nevertheless it was extremely yummy... devoured it in front of the idiot box ... comforting lazy days ...... πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”πŸ”


And finally Summer is here and I just wanna keep drinking fluids which is a real good thing because body gets really dehydrated and you need to consume loads of fluids to stay cool, hydrated and keep the sugar level in balance. 
I love iced teas and this summer I got this new pack of Mango, passion fruit and pineapple ice tea from Nestea which is really good. I love everything mango so I had to have this. 
You can definitely check it out if you like. 
I liked and I am planning to try some more mango and berry flavours in the market. Do suggest me some if you know some good ones. 
That's my summer.... just drink drink drink and then binge eat... read... roam and chillax ... some times I feel I am a Lazy Panda 🐼🐼🐼 
On that thought, I leave you all ... to go drink some cold coffee another favourite. 
That was all for today. 

See you soon.
Until then. 
Stay Happy.
Happy Summers!

xoxo
Bhakti 




Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Be Your Sunshine

Sometimes I find myself too crazed out. I get psyched at almost every small thing (don't even talk about the big ones ). Sometimes I feel I give too much and expect the same in return from people and then I feel that's not asking for lot, is it ?
In reality nobody asks me to give and even if they do it's my choice, so why expect anything at all in return ? It's not that I do stuff for them keeping in mind something in return. I don't honestly. In the end it does hurt though and makes things complicated, creates misunderstanding and not a very healthy relationship (So not good ).
I have a simple policy where material things are concerned I don't like to take anything from anyone neither give. I sometimes wonder should it be same in the aspect of feelings and the amount of efforts you invest in people. Cause I have realized one thing in so many years you never get the equal of what you give and it's pointless expecting.
But then again if I become like others what's the difference. However, life will certainly be that much easier and simpler. No expectations and expectations certainly and predominantly are the root cause of complications. So in order to uncomplicate things and be happier and not brood or sulk with people for not putting in the same efforts, I have decided to invest double the efforts in myself and be happier rather than wait for others to make me happy.
Be the cause for your happiness. Be your own sunshine and the world will certainly glitter like Gold.
I am going to give this a try. It's going to be a lot of effort but I am certainly trying this.
What do you guys think ?
The outfit is from one of the days I felt all girly (tomboy that i am - give me some comfy shorts at any point and i will be a happy bunny )and decided to dress for spring.









Top - Lifestyle (better) 
Skirt -Limeroad (similar skirt) 
Shoes - catwalk (better)  
Earrings - H&M 
Bracelets - Annies scarves and more (facebook)

Let's see how this try goes... 
Until we meet again. 
Be your Sunshine 🌞🌞🌞

xoxo 
Bhakti 



Monday, March 6, 2017

Small Doses of Eternity

Hi Guys... here I am. This again is a last minute post ( all for being organized ) but then this is how I am, living spontaneously. I don't like to force myself to do things I don't want to with my whole heart. Half hearted things are just mundane, don't you think, they miss the heart of it all...
As of now I am just day dreaming (nothing New now) of a vacation. It's been a while since I went on a soul satisfying, full fledged vacation ( my definition of vacation is quite different) but then again vacation needs to make you happy .. So you can only term the trip that really makes you happy as a vacation. There is more criteria to it but for now just let's leave it at that, shall we.
I really need a holiday, a long break to just be, without worrying about anything at all.
To forget everything and discover new, to get lost in nature, to learn about new cultures, meet people I don't know at all, enjoy new cuisines, give time to myself, relax and rejuvenate my body and brain, to make new memories.
However as of now there is no vacation on cards but lots of work and that unsettles me cause my heart just wants to wander...
The heart wants what it wants ... the brain does its job constantly of telling it about the importance of work and finishing and starting what needs to be done. Life can't be one big vacation ( how I wish it was but then the charm would have been lost or would it? Cause there is so much to see and learn ... anyhow)
What needs to be done has to be done... the problem is the constant struggle of balance between the heart and the mind ... Where no ones a winner and the balance is lost from time to time ...
I guess the magic is not constant balance but striving for it ... Life happens in these slips ...
On that note ... a memory from a recent day trip ... how I love to get lost in nature ... Let my self just be and enjoy the spell cast on me ...
These small doses of eternity ...














What I wore

Denims - Levis
Top - Bangkok ( I love this top, so light and comfortable)
Bag - Esbeda
Shoes - Koovs
Hand band - Vero Moda
Glares - Forever 21

It was an awesome trip and I felt so happy and alive.
The day trip gave me an instant boost...another one is required urgently though. Travel has my heart ❤❤

You can check out the entire trip here, I promise you won't be disappointed ... 😁😎


Until we meet again ... 

xoxo 
Bhakti 

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Hello March ...

Hi Guys, how are you all?
I am good and I know I have been kind of MIA in Feb. As you all know Feb is my favorite month and I was busy celebrating myself πŸ˜πŸ˜‰
However that wasn't the only reason to keep me busy there was more.
As elections were there in this month and I coming from a political family was doing my bit. Now even if that was bot the case I still believe its we who bring the change. Hats off to the leaders for baring it all and wearing the weather and all the pressure and stress and still being there out for us guys .. let me tell you being a leader is no easy job .. lots to sacrifice ... that's if its the right kind of leader.
I did whatever I could and which was not too much, being the delicate darling that I am. I did less and fell ill more ... thanks to the extreme heat ... coming back to that in some time. However it was all worth it in the end.
Coming back to the heat ... March is here...


Hello March !! 


Hello Spring ........ 🍁
The poetry that nature does ... Orange ink of budding flowers on the blue hues of unending notes of sky.... the brawny brown holding them together at their respective places ..
How beautiful are you .....  I Love the flaming Buds against the clear blue skies.... don't you ?

Btw we were facing extreme temperature since Feb. I really don't know what summer holds for us this time ...
I am keeping my fingers crossed but going by the looks of it .. it looks like one harsh one coming for us ...
For that I kinda prepared myself a bit .. Hold your breath - some of you must have seen it in my birthday celebrations video


 which was fab by the way however for those who don't know - I chopped my hair before my Birthday and I went shortest ever since the time i started growing my hair long from my boy cut ( that's a long story for some other time).
Lots of people were shocked on my decision of going so short after having such a long mane but me being me ( rebel )
I go like my hair my way ... it will grow back eventually .. why stress so much ... its just hair ... and its one life ... do whatever you want... hai na πŸ€—
So here's my new look ...
The day I cut my hair...


Earlier 


Now.

Do you like it ? 
I feel it gives an edge. I like it, it has so many pros especially easy to manage and maintain ( I oil my hair more regularly now) however honestly i do miss my long mane... 
I don't regret my decision at all though, I am enjoying my short hair till they last which already have started growing. 

On another note ... March has already begun and I Love summer for the summery holiday vibes, long balmy nights, cool drinks, vacations, mangoes, nimbu paani, beaches, picnics and many of my favorite things.





Summer also means cool vibrant tones as well as pastels, big tropical and fun prints.
Comfort at its best. 

First thing i did was to change my nail paint and I just wanted to go a bit pastel a bit less bright.




I chose the last shade by Nyc .
May be i should apply another coat. 

Next time i will go for a bright summer shade but the summer definitely started on shimmery summer pastels. 

Talking about summer favorites. No sooner than summer arrived I pulled another gem out of the treasure trove. 


I was feeling a bit ... a lot low today .. so i whipped up a tall glass of Lassi sweet curd smoothie topped with some malai ( cream) and removed another jewel from my shelf .... I enjoyed the lassi and let the magic of Bond work wonders on my soul... and it sure did ... within minutes of getting lost in this treasure the umpteenth time... the words just soothed me and i never knew when i enveloped into dreams and napped like a baby ... The charm of Ruskin Bond ...
The power of the small little favorite things working wonders ... Do what you like ... what you love ... even if its the small little things .. for life is one big chapter made up of these small little simple things ...
 πŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸπŸ #theseareafewofmyfavouritethings
Summer is made up of these Ruskin Bond stories don't you feel so .. 

There is so much to catch up with you guys .. but I don't want to bombard everything at one go... lets keep loads of stuff for future. 
For today I guess this will suffice.

Until we meet again.

Enjoy the summer and stay hydrated.

I so love to talk to you guys. ❤❤❤

xoxo
Bhakti 


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