aarootales
Tales posts tagged aarootales.
The Eldest Daughter Myth — And Why I Finally Let It Go
There’s an unspoken rule for eldest daughters in many Indian families: carry everything, expect nothing, and never put yourself first. I followed it for years.
When Family Doesn’t Get It — And That’s Okay
The Push and Pull of Family Family is complicated — a mix of love, loyalty, and unspoken expectations. They’ve seen us grow, stumble, succeed, and change.
The Eldest Daughter: Unpacking the Myth vs. Reality
For countless families around the world, the eldest daughter often holds a unique and often unspoken position. She’s frequently the “responsible one,” the “mini-parent,” and the perceived pillar of strength.
From Self-Doubt to Unapologetically Me: A Decade of Growth
It’s funny how you can look back at a photo from ten years ago and not just see a different face/body, but a completely different person.
Dinner at PHRA NAKHON, Thai Cafe [Koramangala]
Dinner, Dialogue & Thai Delights – A Night Out at PHRA NAKHON with The Weekenders Some dinners are just about the food. And then there are evenings like the one…
One Year Later: A Journey of Strength, Survival, and Starting Anew
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year. A year of unexpected turns, silent battles, loud breakdowns, and quiet resilience. A year of digging deep into corners of myself…
A Crafty Haul of Happiness from iTokri: Handcrafted Treasure Trove
You know that feeling when you discover a place that feels like a wonderland for your soul? That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon iTokri – a colourful, heartwarming…
The Peck, Koramangala, Bangalore
There’s something magical about stumbling upon a space that instantly lifts your mood. The Peck, tucked away in the vibrant lanes of Koramangala, Bangalore, is one such gem.
The Mara Crossbody Bag from Hie Is the Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift
Mother’s Day is around the corner. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours scrolling through gift guides and Pinterest boards, looking for something meaningful yet practical—something that says…
Our Afternoon at the HMT Museum: Time flew by~
Every weekend we have been trying to do something different, be it visit a new store for our grocery shopping or a club. That weekend, we knew heading to HMT…
Zoomin Into Style: Fun, Functional & Totally You & the ideal place for personalized gifts for dad!
Hey there, fellow enthusiasts of all things personalized and stylish! If you’re on the hunt for unique, customized goodies that scream ‘you’, then let me introduce you to the wonderland…
Echoes of Love, Whispers of Peace [poem]
Once, love bloomed like a gentle tide, Affection ran deep, no need to hide. Hearts entwined, soft whispers stayed, In warm embraces, memories laid. Then came the drift, slow yet…
Life advice to 20 year olds…
Over the last few days, got to engage with a few who were in their 20s and that is when it struck me that I had quite a few things…
The Journey to a New Home
Moving to a new city has been one of the most profound transitions of my life—a complex emotional journey blending anxiety, adventure, and excitement into a transformative experience.
Time to say bye bye Pune…
Stepping Into the Unknown: A New City, New Challenges, and a Hint of Excitement Moving to a new city is like opening a book without knowing the plot.
For the love of Pasta…
Pasta Lovers Unite: What Kind of Pasta Eater Are You? If there’s one thing food lovers across the world can agree on, it’s that pasta is pure comfort on a…
People and the Relationship Dynamics
The Different People in Our Contact List: Understanding the Dynamics of Our Relationships In today’s digital age, our contact lists are brimming with names, each representing different types of relationships.
Happiness & a sense of belonging
Finding Happiness in a Space Away from What Was Once Home: Embracing the Present When the Past No Longer Exists The concept of “home” is one of the most powerful…
Murphies Bistro & Bar, Pune
Last week, I had the pleasure of catching up with friends over dinner at Murphies Bistro and Bar, a charming spot nestled on Prabhat Road in Pune.
I Am Every Woman: Redefining Beauty Beyond Standards
I love the song by Whitney Houston from Bodyguard movie… I’m every woman, bold and free, In the mirror, I see me— Not defined by the world’s mould, I stand…
This Monday… Dont take it personally
Traveling with a Group & Staying Mindful
I’d written about travelling in a group earlier [read post here]. But this one comes from a recent trip, where I observed a lot of things and wanted to share…
Humans and Technology: Are We Losing Ourselves to AI?
I just came across a twitter thread where a guy mentioning meeting a kid from Stanford who after the initial round of hi hello, was struggling to find words.
This Monday … Live for YOU
Burnout: It’s Not Just About Work
Burnout. A term we’ve all heard, sometimes casually tossed around in conversations, yet profoundly misunderstood. It’s often associated solely with the workplace—too many deadlines, unmanageable workloads, and toxic environments.
Skywatch Friday… Cold mornings
Skywatch Friday.. Winter & colours
Peri Menopause & Women in 40s!
Understanding Perimenopause in Your 40s: Symptoms, Moods, Hormones, and Beyond For many women in their 40s, the body begins a natural transition known as perimenopause – the period leading up…
Setting Boundaries with Family and Others: Why It’s Essential and How to Do It
Setting boundaries is a vital skill that many people struggle to develop, especially when it comes to family or close relationships. Boundaries help define what is acceptable for us, preserving…
Arambam: A Millet-Centric Breakfast Haven [Pune]
Mini breakfast- Ragi idli, Masala Dosai, Millet pongal, Millet Kheer, Sambar and peanut chutney Ragimalt Ragi Poori and chole [ there was also Buttermilk, not in photo] Ever since moving…
A Diwali Escape to Dapoli: Sun, Sea, and Serenity
Diwali this year was all about a much-needed break from the city hustle, infact this has become a tradition of sorts with us. The first year we had brought Chewy…
A Night at 1st Brewhouse: A Vibrant Shift in Vibes
On Friday evening, my partner got a call to host trivia night at 1st Brewhouse at The Corinthians, all the way across town. Since i’ve not been there, decided to…
Skywatch Friday… Winter is here
IncrEdibles meet – Win Son Presents a Taiwanese American Cookbook
As a member of the cookbook club in Pune, each month brings a new culinary adventure, and this October was no exception. We were excited to dive into a book…
Why It’s Perfectly OK to Switch Off and Take a Day Off
In today’s fast-paced world, it often feels like we’re constantly running on a never-ending treadmill. Emails pile up, to-do lists grow longer, and the mental load of daily life can…
We All Carry Baggage — But It’s What We Do With It That Matters
Let’s be honest: none of us enters a relationship as a blank slate. We bring memories—some sweet, some sharp. We bring fears—some justified, some exaggerated.
Jubilee Cafe, Pune [Pure Veg] – A Whimsical Wonderland of Taste and Ambiance
Nestled in the heart of Pune’s vibrant Koregaon Park, Jubilee Café is a culinary haven that transports you to a whimsical world of nostalgia and flavour.
Dario’s Restaurant, Pune
Freshly baked bread with butter Arancinelle Couscous Trapanese Baked Yogurt Tart When I moved to Pune, one of the places I was hoping to visit was Dario’s.
Rolls King, Pune – go to place for Rolls
Craving something comforting and one that will arrive quick was the only thing on our mind. Also, a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank… And without any…
IncrEdibles meet – Charmaine Solomon’s The Complete Asian Cookbook [Singapore]
Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world through the lens of food? I recently had the incredible opportunity to do just that, thanks to my cookbook club.
Cafe Kathaa, F C Road, Pune
Ever since moving to Pune, am constantly looking for new places to check out, work from and catch up with people at. The latest to add in the list is…
Skywatch Friday… Colours
We stepped out last evening and one of the stops we made was for ice cream. While i waited outside, couldn’t help notice the beautiful blue skies and this new…
A Culinary Journey: Onam Sadya at Barometer, Pune
Onam, the vibrant harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, is synonymous with its grand feast, the Onam Sadya. A traditional Onam Sadya is a sumptuous spread of over 20 dishes, served…
Indie Dogs: The Unique Charm of these Dogs
Have you ever considered adopting an indie dog, also known as a mixed breed or mutt? These unique canines often get overlooked in favour of purebreds, but they possess a…
Sourdough Bread & Where to Find the Best in Pune
Sourdough bread is more than just a trend—it’s a craft, a tradition, and an experience in itself. With its distinct tangy flavour, chewy crumb, and crisp crust, sourdough stands out…
Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser..
Another birthday has come and gone, and as I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and anticipation.
Tea Post , Pune
Teapost #notapaidpost I have been curious about Handvo and knew that Tea Post had them. The two earlier visits to the outlet had been good, but then I had tried…
Embracing the Role of the Eldest Daughter
Be warned: Long post ahead… Growing up as the eldest daughter is more than a thing of pride, plus I was also the only child for 12.5yrs before my sister…
Things I Wish We Had Been Taught in School
School is a place where we’re supposed to learn the foundations for our future. But often, the curriculum is so focused on academics that it neglects other essential life skills.
Exploring Pune – Restaurants -3
If you’re in Camp (MG Road, East Street, Dhole Patil Road, and surrounding areas), here are some of the best places for bakeries, chaat, snacks, and vada pav.
Pani Puri – Chennai Vs Pune
Pani puri, a beloved street food across India, is known for its burst of tangy, spicy, and savoury flavors. But as I discovered in Pune, even the most iconic dishes…
The 40s- Mastering the Art of Letting Go
I have always been someone who kept to herself, led a private life [not announcing her moves or life updates online]. Heck, I wouldn’t even share my travel plans even…
Breaking Free: Steps to Heal from a Toxic Family
Growing up, we’re taught that family is everything. But what happens when your family becomes the very source of your pain? I once spoke to a friend who would tense…
Distance Heals & Finding Happiness [Narcissistic Parents]
Growing up with narcissistic parent[s] often feels like living inside a hall of mirrors—your reality is constantly distorted, your emotions are minimized, and your worth is measured only in how…
Breaking Barriers: Everyday Taboos around Women
I had written a post sometime back around periods and how there were hard customs followed at home here. This post is more about the taboos for women in a…
Birthday, Friends & Coffee outings..
Sunday, July 7th, was a Sunday and I was thankfully home. It was Partha’s birthday, and what made it special was that it was the day we finally managed to…
Exploring Pune – Restaurants -2
If you’re looking for quick bites and snacks in Pune, here’s a list of the best places for samosas, sandwiches, dhokla, and more across the city: 1.
5 Delicious Hacks to Motivate Daily Cooking (Without Pulling Your Hair Out!)
I love cooking, but then it can get overwhelming at times – esp when it comes to planning the meal~ Here are a few hacks that I have come to…
When Life Gets Tough: Tapping Your Inner Reservoir of Willpower
Life as an adult: it comes with independence, yes, but also its fair share of challenges. From career hurdles to relationship struggles, there are times when the going gets tough.
The Ripple Effect: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Us
Mental health. It’s a term we hear thrown around a lot these days, but its importance can’t be overstated. Our mental well-being affects everything from our relationships to our physical…
Exploring Pune – Restaurants -1
Pune, a city rich in cultural diversity, offers a plethora of dining options catering to various culinary preferences. Here’s a curated list of notable restaurants across different cuisines, complete with…
Battle with the body – XXI- Education and awareness missing.
When “Just Eat Less” Isn’t Enough: Why Family Needs to Get Educated on Weight We’ve all been there. A loved one is overweight, and the dinner table conversation becomes a…
Working from Coffee shops, Pune edition
I written a post earlier about the whole coffee shop culture, which included working from them, and what it meant for me. You can read the post here.
Reading- My Love for Psychology Books
I have always been fascinated with human beings and their behaviour- regular and under specific situations. So, it was quite a natural shift in my reading habits too.
Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in Men
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a complex condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
Gudi Padwa lunch at Mystic Masala, Taj Blue Diamond
A friend was in town, on work [know him for about a decade+, from Chennai, lives in Dubai] We had met up and spent nearly all day together the last…
Life Lessons (and a Few Chew Toys) From My Indie Pup
Chewy is my second Indie dog.. The earlier one i had adopted was Floppy who lived with us for good 15yrs before saying Bye Bye ….
Finding Your Tribe: How Women in Their 40s Can Build Amazing New Friendships
Life in your 40s can be an amazing whirlwind. You’re likely juggling career goals, family dynamics, and maybe even a desire for personal growth. But sometimes, in the midst of…
New-Age Parenting: Nurturing Young Minds in a Changing World
Was talking to a friend who has a toddler, and she spoke about how different things are now versus when we were growing up, or even our siblings… And then…
LYNX Kitchen & Bar, FC Road, Pune
I hadn’t heard of this place before that evening and so curious, I decided to go along with P who was hosting an IPL trivia night there.
Unveiling the Different Masks of Narcissism
Narcissism – the term gets thrown around a lot these days. But what many people don’t realize is that narcissism can manifest differently in men and women.
Skywatch Friday… Winter is nearly gone…
Finding Space to Breathe: How Distance Can Help with Toxic Family
Family, the cornerstone of our lives. But sometimes, that very foundation can become cracked and unstable. Dealing with toxic family members can be a constant drain on your mental and…
Love’s Labyrinth: Appreciation, Quality Time, and Keeping the Spark Alive
Relationships are beautiful journeys, but like any adventure, they have their twists and turns. Am in my first serious relationship and every day is a learning.
Nobody Tells You This: A Woman’s Life in Stages
Life throws a lot at us, but for women, it feels like we get a whole different game. Periods, cramps, sex (good, bad, and confusing!), and then, on the horizon…
The Charcoal -The sizzling sensation [Sunny’s world], Pune
White wine Sangria Southern spice lotus stem Sweet Crispy Mushroom Guntur chicken lollypop Srilankan Kuttu Sizzler [ paneer] Last Saturday, I ticked off an item from my “I would love…
Breaking the cycle of being a Giver
Have you ever felt like the designated “giver” in your relationships, friendships, or even your career? You’re always the one offering help, solving problems, and making sacrifices.
Battle with the body – XX- Self-confidence & plus size.
Curvy Brides Boutique: Where Confidence Meets the Perfect Dress Even though am not into the whole marriage or wedding, I Love the wedding dress-based show series- “Say Yes to the…
More Than Just a Meal: Unveiling the Indian Tradition of Floor Seating and Hand-Eating
For many, the image of a family gathered on the floor, hands working magic with fragrant curries and fluffy rice, paints a vibrant picture of Indian culture.
Fresh to Home: Delivering Quality You Can Trust
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often comes at the expense of quality. But what if you could get fresh, high-quality meat, seafood, and more delivered straight to your doorstep?
Celebration of different kinds of Love..
Love. It’s a word whispered in poetry, shouted in protests, and sung across millennia. Yet, for something so universally experienced, love remains a beautiful enigma.
The Tapestry of Time: Why Some Friendships Fade and Others Flourish
I’ve been spending the last two days with a dear friend, one who’s been in my life since our high school days. Heck, we were 4 of us, who stayed…
This Monday… Speak your mind
Mothers & daughters..
I enjoy watching these wedding dress shows [TLC] and one of them is excusive to curvy girls. The boutique is run by two women who do an amazing job helping…
DVG Benne Dosa Hinjewadi
We are constantly looking for South Indian restaurants – big and small and always ready to give them a try. The latest to join this was “DVG Benne Dosa Hinjewadi”…
Ditch the Drama: Why Not Taking Things Personally Is Your Superpower
We’ve all been there: that stinging comment, the friend’s dismissive tone, the coworker’s barbed criticism. It happens in a flash – our heart races, our cheeks burn, and suddenly, the…
Urban Harvest & Headsup, Sinhgad Road, Pune
You exit the elevator on the 3rd floor, walk through the door and down the reception area. Now there are two doors – one on the left to Heads Up…
Growing up & Family Connections
A conversation I had with my aunts [both live abroad & have been away for quite a few years. They do visit India, and their families once or twice a…
Top 10 things to do when dealing with a Narcissistic parent
Over the last few years, I’ve been writing quite a few blog posts around this topic – “Dealing with a narcissistic parent”. Here is one that has ten points that…
When Adults Filter Family Through Opinions
Human behaviour has always always fascinated me. And among those is how one person influences another – be it an opinion they have about a person or place, food, clothes…
Kaylir Canteen, Chennai
I have been following the journey on and off via Instagram from the time the construction began. Dont ask me how or why, but insta chose to show me some…
When Catching Up with “Friends” Feels Like Coming Home
There’s a magic to meeting special friends. It’s a reunion of laughter lines shared, secrets whispered, and adventures etched in memory. Like stepping into a sun-drenched room after a long…
Homeward Bound, But Unmoored…
The wheels touch down, and I breathe. I have landed in what used to be “Home”. Or at least, that’s what the GPS claims. Yet, as I step out into…
Leaving Your Indie Pup at Boarding, Worry-Free
Boarding our dog was a new experience for me. I have not done it in the past and so was sceptical the very first time we decided to try one…
Indie Dogs: Decoding Their Behaviour and Building Trust
Indie dogs, also known as desi dogs, are a vibrant and diverse group of canines found throughout India. They come in all shapes and sizes, with unique personalities and quirks.
[Skywatch Friday]- Winter is here…
Friendships and expiry dates -2
I had written an earlier post couple of years back about how some friendships do come to an end and have reached their expiry date.
[Book review] Live, Laugh, and Let Go by Gul Hinduja
In “Live, Laugh, and Let Go,” Gul Hinduja takes readers on a riveting journey through his extraordinary life. This isn’t your average autobiography about a straight path to achievement.
Skywatch Friday – winter is here
Mornings are getting colder with every passing day Guess its time to say “Welcome to Winters in Pune”
Navigating the Complexities of Narcissistic Parenthood & Saving your sanity
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. When a parent exhibits these traits…
AirBnb versus Hotels
When planning your next trip, you may be wondering whether to stay in an Airbnb or a hotel. Both types of accommodation have their own pros and cons, so it’s…
Asian Chopsticks, Pune [Pimple Saudagar]
Afghani Veg momos Chilli Paneer veg momos Thukpa with steamed Chicken momos The Menu card Discovered this small outlet in #PimpleSaudagar, called “𝑨𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒔” [right next to One China- Malaka…
Madrasi raja, Pune
Couple of days back, around 10.30pm we decided to go for a short drive. Ended up at Blue Ridge apartment complex, food mall area [ near Bird valley], went straight…
South Indian Popup Experience..
Ever since moving to Pune, I’ve been experimenting and trying out new cafes and restaurants. One thing I found was the city has quite a few good South Indian places…
Cafe Brewing Italiana, Hotel Bhooshan, Pune
Located very close to Thube Park and Shivajinagar Railway Station, Hotel Bhooshan has been around for over 50 years while the cafe is close to 2 years old.
My favourite coffee shops in Pune
I love visiting coffee shops and sometimes working from them as well. Yes, the change in scenario helps bring out the creative juices. Earlier i had done a post on…
Confessions of a Blog-aholic in a Disappearing World
This post is more of a ‘Confessions of a Blogger in the Age of Fleeting Likes: Why I Still Write, Even When No One’s Watching’ Remember the golden age of…
Skywatch Friday… Changing moods
Conversations and communication- Part 2
In my earlier post, I had shared the importance of having conversations with people in your life, especially family. In this one, I want to talk about having difficult conversations…
This Monday… Be a strong confident independent woman!
This Monday.. Be confident
There have been many who ask why I do these Monday posts.. Well, initially I started it as a way of just sharing what was on my mind with the…
Skywatch Friday.. Foggy and cold
Its October and suddenly there is fog and mornings are quite chill.. This was today morning…
Love’s Little Gestures: Simple Ways to Show You Care [Relationships]
Ever since I got into a relationship, it has been a journey- plenty of unlearning, breaking the conditioning I’ve grown up with and of course working on building the relationship…
Rohi Gourmet Bistro, Hinjewadi – Pune
There’s a new restaurant in town and I am here to tell you all about it. This is Rohi Gourmet Bistro in Hinjewadi, behind Reliance Digital store.
Taking your dog for a walk [in an apartment]
I’ve had a dog at home for the last 20yrs or so, and while earlier in Chennai the house was an independent bungalow, I now live in an apartment, in…
Skywatch Friday… Rainy days!
Last Monday, I had gone for a Ganapathi walk with a group visiting the Manache Ganapthi [old & prestigious] temples, Mandais [ the pandals set up for Ganesh Chathurthi] and…
How to Build Communication in a Relationship
I have been writing about the importance of Conversations & Communication between people[family] & with reference to relationship as well, but then there is so much to talk about, right?
QR code menus vs. conventional printed menus: What is your pick?
Few weeks back, I did a survey on Twitter about what people prefer- traditional printed menus or the new age QR code version of it.
Capital Social, BKC, Bombay
It was the Aug 15th weekend and this time we were headed to Bombay for a couple of days. I was looking forward to catching up with a friend &…
Coffee shop culture
Coffee shop culture in India has been growing rapidly in recent years. Cafes and coffee shops are no longer just places to grab a quick cup of coffee or tea…
Conversations and communication- Part 1
Do you belong to a family that loves to talk, share & communicate? Well, I come from a family where they would rather avoid talking if that meant they are…
Iya’s Korean Kitchen, Pashan[Pune]
We love Korean food, more so since the US trip where we experienced Korean Barbecue and my aunt’s amazing Korean dishes. In Pune, we have been to K a couple…
Journaling and me
Journaling is a great way to process your emotions, reflect on your experiences, and track your progress over time. But for some people, journaling can be difficult or even impossible.
10 Essential Ingredients for a Thriving Relationship
Relationships are beautiful, complex, and ever-evolving journeys. While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, there are certain key ingredients that contribute to a thriving relationship.
Things to Keep in Mind When Adopting an Indie Dog
Collage of indie dogs I’ve come across during my travels You might be someone who loves dogs and has always dreamt of having one at home.
What to expect and do during a jungle safari
You have always wanted to see a tiger up close or maybe you have seen one in a zoo somewhere during your travels. But it is nothing compared to sighting…
The Chettiar Table, Savya Rasa, Pune [June 29 – July 13]
What is the 1st thing that pops into your head when you hear “Chettinad?” For me, it is the gorgeous huge houses, beautiful sarees with patterns unique to the region…
This Monday.. Know that it’s ok
Green Grain Bowl – Delicious Salads [Pune & Goa]
I discovered Green Grain Bowl by accident, actually they sent me a message through my site which is how I came to know of them.
Navigating Two Vibrant Cities: Contrasting Life in Pune and Chennai
Whenever I meet someone new and they ask where I am am from, and I respond “Chennai”, they gape and then they go on to ask how different life is…
This Monday.. be like the pencil
Years back when I chanced upon Like the Flowing River” by Paulo Coelho, [ I think this was his 2nd book that I read], I came upon this section that…
Wai Heritage Tour with Western Routes
It had been 2 months since my last getaway & I was itching to go somewhere.. Since most parts of the country are hot or crazy hot, there are very…
Live a Meaningful Life and not one attached to Material Things
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in pursuing material possessions. We’re constantly bombarded with messages/ads telling us that we need the latest gadgets, clothes, cars, and memberships…
Lunch meetup at Loco Otro, Aundh
A bunch of women who’d recently travelled together decided to catch up for lunch. Then came the discussion about where we wanted to meet, making sure it was mid-point for…
Marriage – the be-all and end-all of life!!?
“When did marriage become the beginning and end of it all for a girl?” [I want to scream this from the top of the world] I have had this question…
This Monday… start fresh
The French Window Patisserie,Koregaon Park, Pune
Ever since moving to Pune, I have been exploring cafes both in and around my locality and in other parts of the city as well..
Skywatch… Rains & skies
Road trip to Chennai- Day 3 onwards
It was Monday morning 5 am, and we were all set to hit the road towards Chennai. We knew the only stops along the way would be for food and…
One language, One Country or not?
I had shared an incident that happened a decade+ back here. A conversation with some friends last week got me thinking about the language situation in our country and that…
Travelling within India vs International…
I started travelling in the earlier 2000s, and most of them were weekend trips. I would either travel solo or with a friend, and destinations were picked based on the…
Minimalist… The transition!
Growing up, I honestly did not want much. I was not one to ask my parent for this and that and more. Often am unsure if it was just me…
Skywatch Friday… Clouds galore..
Elephant & Co, Kalyani Nagar, Pune
A friend was in Pune and asked if we could meet over the weekend. After going to & fro on a place, we finally zeroed in on Elephant & Co…
The road trip to Chennai – Day 1 & 2
This was the 1st official long-distance trip that P & I were doing since we moved in. It was also extra special cos he was gonna be meeting my family…
Travel is the best test for any relationship
During our recent road trip to Chennai & back, we spoke about a range of things, one of which was the whole travelling together & how it is the biggest…
Hunt for lunch ends at Hotel Mamalla Bhavan
It was hot, we had been on the road for an hour + [Chennai to Mahabalipuram with an hour & half at Dakshin Chitra]. It was nearly 2.45 pm and…
Road trip to Chennai.. The Plan
This is a road trip that we have plan to do back in November 2021 when I thought of bringing Floppy here. Circumstances changed and we didn’t do that road…
Benne dosa , Davangere [Karnataka]
When we planned the road trip, we knew there were going to be multiple stops and breaks, involving not just stretching our legs but also trying local food.
Dohiti Bake house, Pune
A small cafe tucked away amidst big buildings and the simple brown wooden name board is all you see when you drive down the Kalpana villa society, Viman Nagar.
Breakfast at Wadeshwar, Pune
When I mentioned the move to Pune, a friend[in chennai] mentioned Wadehwar and how it was a popular place for South Indian breakfast. It has now been a little over…
3 days in Dapoli
Driving to a coastal town with a random group of people for 3 days was the plan when I booked Western Routes “Uncharted Konkan Lands – Dapoli” trip… It was…
Visit to the RK Laxman Museum, Pune
Ever since I moved to Pune, I’ve been looking for interesting places to visit and explore – Heritage History & landmark-based to explore. Over the last year, I visited quite…
2022, The wrap up!
Come December, my mood goes haywire. I am happy one minute, and sad/glum the next. The month over the years has left me feeling all sorts of restless.
Skywatch Friday.. Shades of The Sky
The varied colours of the sky across November from our balcony..I love waking up every morning and looking right outside the window, watching the sky light up slowly….
Vivo V 25 – 12Gb 256Gb phone!
Disclaimer – Am no gadget reviewer though I love gadgets and am always looking to check/play with new ones that come out into the market, primarily phones & laptops.
Barbecue Nation.. Pune! Never again~
The last time I was at Barbeque nation was back in Chennai [mid 2000s] for my birthday lunch with friends and my sister… I think the rates where something like…
Skywatch Friday… Colours and drama
Exploring Pune.. Kasba Peth & Kaas Plateau
I love travelling and I also love exploring the town I am in.. be it for travel or work purposes. Ever since I moved to Pune a year ago, am…
Recipe and a story… Our Family’s Salna
If you were to go out and tell someone you had salna with parotta, they would immediately ask for the name of the place where you had it..In the South…
Skywatch Friday… Woke up to a Rainbow
Dogs & Me
The very 1st dog who came into buy life was Sheeba, a pup we had adopted from our neighbour [their dog had a big litter], but unfortunately she didn’t live…
Nashik.. Weekend getaway!
Nashik.. Weekend Getaway For the long weekend, we decided to get away, the first official holiday for the three of us together, and we began looking for options.
Don’t really need a reason to visit Chennai. Just come!!
It’s a city that will always have a special place in my heart, even though I don’t live there anymore. It became my home back in 1990 and I wasn’t…
Exploring Pune – Cafes & Coffee shops
I have been in Pune now for a little over a year and have had the opportunity to explore quite a bit of the food scene at least.In my side…
The Grove, LA
Established way back in 1934 as the Farmers Market, the space has grown to become one of the most popular high end shopping and dining spaces in LA with the…
Skywatch Friday… Monsoons are here
In Pune and am loving my 1st experience of the Monsoons.. It has been raining, but nothing too crazy & I love how life goes on, unlike in Chennai where…
Santa Barbara, Rains & the Mission
So from Solvang, we decided to head to Santa Barbara.And it was pouring all through the way.Again, we didn’t have any plans.We didn’t know what we were going to do.
Procrastination & digging deeper..
[Source: The real reasons you procrastinate at work – Work Life by Atlassian] Are you guilty of procrastination? And getting yelled at by clients/family/friends for being tardy or incompetent.
Solvang & the Horse ranch..
This time around the trip to the US was a total contrast to my last one.. It was not my first time. I was not traveling alone.
Pune & Pet friendly spaces
While this is something I hadn’t really thought about until recently, it is now playing on my mind almost all the time. During my recent trip to US, I saw…
Answer to the point..
Why do most people have difficulty answering to the point? why do they have to share their opinion, give suggestions and in fact sometimes don’t even answer the question you…
This Monday… Take off.
Skywatch Friday.. Heavy heart gloomy skies
The last flight I took was back from Bangalore to Pune.. a trip that was completely unplanned, but one that had to happen sometime.. I flew back with a heavy…
[Travel stories] Travelling & strangers
Was chatting with an online friend about travelling solo and people we meet during our travels and that is when it struck me that more than once, have had strangers…
Redefining Connection in Your 40s
Moving to a new city in your 40s is not the same as doing it in your 20s or 30s. You’re not looking for wild nights out, roommate bonding over…
Sharing the load
This has been on my mind for a while – much before I got into a relationship.. I have always wondered why it was the woman who held fort at…
Skywatch Friday.. in the jungles
The gorgeous blazing sky as we got back to the resort after a fabulous safari sighting at Ranthambore…
New beginnings
New beginnings.. Some of you know it, some of you don’t – I am referring to the fact that I moved to Pune and it’s been about 8- 9 months.
Skywatch Friday… on the road
Clicked these during the most recent road trip to Bombay and back.. loved the colours of the sky and am always fascinated by how nature seems to put on a…
Why are people..
Why are people always trying to one UP the other? what do they get out of it? is it is an ego rush or a power trip or do they…
Skywatch Friday.. city skyline
One evening last week, there was thunder, lightening and good hour of rains where the sky was just this magical pinkish hue… Thankfully it cooled down and I enjoyed the…
Jungles of Ranthambore, Rajasthan
It has been ages since I was in the jungles, 2+years.. Few months back, we [a bunch of women who connected couple of years back with “safari” & “jungles” as…
Skywatch Friday…. open skies
We were gearing up for the last day safari into the jungles and this was the morning sky….
One pot Sambar & Rasam Rice
Thanks to my grandma I have discovered the easy and most amazing way to make rasam rice and sambar rice in the pressure cooker.. It is basically a 1 pot…
Skywatch Friday.. Night sky
We did a few road trips, and also got the chance to go for drives later in the evening. Now, since it was winter, the sky would turn dark around…
Battle with the body – XXI- Disorders
Today morning while scrolling through twitter, came upon this tweet thread and it blew my mind away.. It is about Body dysmorphic disorder [BDD], a real disorder where people are…
This Monday.. busting myths around self-care
Have a check list/journal and make sure to put yourself FIRST..
Skywatch Friday – Home & views
We were finally home, and even though it was one helluva holiday, we were exhausted after all those flights, and jumping time zones. Our bodies were confused, we were sleeping…
Travel during Covid times – USA & Back
While there is a lot of chaos and blurred areas around travel during these COVID times, I did a trip to the US and decided to share tips and pointers…
Battle with the body – XX- Perceptions!
So, its been a while since I wrote about this topic… Doesn’t mean things are happy dandy and people have changed. I guess I have just found that it is…
Habits.. No phones during meals.
So my uncle has always had this “no mobile phone on the dining table while eating” policy. Something that I’ve seen him implement about 20-25 years ago & he continues…
Skywatch Friday.. High up
Am back, after a brief hiatus, one that took me across the globe to the US. Took quite a few flights, going across from West coast to East Coast and…
[Freelancer] Saying NO to projects/clients
I became a freelancer back in 2006.. I had no clue what I was getting into, just that I had a few leads who were willing to give me projects.
Christmas decor on the streets of Candy Cane Lane, Los Angeles
As the festive season rolled in, so did the much-anticipated tradition of Christmas lights. This year, however, came with an exciting twist: a first time Christmas eve dinner with family…
This Monday… Inspire others!
This Monday.. Take care of YOU first…
Past baggage and present life..
Years ago somebody introduced me to Louis hay and her book You Can Heal yourself. While the initial chapters in the book didn’t really resonate with me, the last few…
This Monday… stay focussed~
Skywatch Friday… View from home
From last evening..
This Monday.. Find your tribe..
Skywatch Friday … Rains to Clear skies
During my most recent flight, there was a lot of drama and uncertainty! In fact, till we took off, I wasn’t sure if we were gonna actually take off and…
Connections and changes..
Things have changed over the last few months and there are times when I ponder over family and people and the way they think.. After a couple of months of…
5 Google Docs hacks to save the day!
As a content creator, I am constantly creating documents – word, excel, presentations and beyond. And for all of them, I use documents to take nIf like me, you rely…
This Monday. pause and reflect
Where are you in this?
Good things come to those who wait…
Good things do come to people who wait. Oh yes they do~ But good things also come to those who make things happen, who dont just sit and wait… 🙂…
This Monday… Learn to read people & keep only those matter!
This Monday.. tell the universe
Cafe Peter, Pune
It had been two days since I landed in Pune, we had some errands to run, starting with getting the car serviced. Dropped off the car and decided to go…
Dining out in the new normal..
A few days back, I had done a post on things to do/follow when you order in… People have now accepted that life is going to be carrying your mask…
This Monday… Hold your Head high
Spice Factory, Hinjewadi, Pune
Saturday, both of us had some work, but we wanted to step out for a spin. Decided we will go check out this gourmet store called “The Pantry”.
Skywatch Friday… Clouds and Mist..
The sky today morning… Uff.. beautiful~ All are mobile clicks with a lot of effort [ well, Nature had done 90% of the job, but i had squeeze the camera…
This Monday… be open to new experiences
Ordering in the new normal
March 2020 is when the world changed, life as we knew it ceased to exist~ News of Covid-19, the pandemic had us all trapped at home afraid and with almost…
This Monday… Focus on YOU
Skywatch Friday – Different Moods, different shades
I love standing in the balcony and gazing at the sky… watching the clouds glide along, sometimes the sun peeks out and other times dark clouds are all I see.
The mother wound
Yesterday, while scrolling through Twitter found a tweet by a friend “TIL (healing) mother wound”.. I got curious cos I have been dealing with wounds and baggage related to my…
Sinful – BeeTee’s Melt Chocolate
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” ~ Charles M. Schulz Feeling down and low, have a piece of chocolate Feeling excited and…
365 days gone by…
Birthday wishes do come true… I started this tradition few years back, heck it’s been almost a decade – I would travel and disappear for my birthday – invariably alone.
This Monday.. Celebrate life
What is the one thing you are celebrating today? It could something as silly as having the day off – no calls/mails to deal with 😀
Skywatch Friday.. The Skies..
This was probably the 1st time in a long time when I purchased just a one-way ticket… It was exciting and am now looking forward to what life holds in…
This Monday… remembering people
Madras day … Aug 22nd
Chennai turns 382 years as the city celebrates ‘Madras Day’ today. It was on August 22, 1639, that the village of Madrasapatnam was purchased by the East India Company from…
Maid tales -1
I have moved towns. Moved from the South to the Northern part of India. Moved from living with family to living with a friend… I am all settled in and…
This Monday… Try something new
Taking the Leap
Living the life you have dreamt of often means shaking things up, making big changes, and taking decisions that will have a major impact on your life – not just…
Self-care- Put yourself first
Why is putting yourself so hard? Why is doing something for yourself difficult and not something that comes naturally to you? Is it because all your life you’ve been conditioned…
[Guest Post ]A guide to Leh Ladakh Bike Trip by Julie Kiruba
In this post, Julie Kiruba shares her experience of doing a bike ride to Leh Ladakh. Though I have been there and loved it, riding on a bike is quite…
#floppytales.. Life with pets..
I did not grow up around dogs, heck there was barely any talk about pets. In fact I don’t think I had friends who had dogs of fish for any…
This Monday… Practice Gratitude
You are…
You are smart, but we don’t care for your opinions You are responsible, but we don’t give two hoots for your needs You are an anchor, but we don’t give…
This Monday.. take a break
Cool link to check out – https://themostefficient.com/50-ways-to-take-a-break-infographic-brain-breaks-for-adults/
Having a system.. an order..
There is a time to play and time to work, Time to swing and time to shine Time to chill and time to unwind… Do you have a system/ schedule…
Yes or No please..
Instance 1: Me: Have you had morning coffee? She: Well, I woke up at 4, brushed my teeth, but it was still dark out, so went back to bed.
This Monday.. Just be
Source: https://tinybuddha.com/fun-and-inspiring/its-okay-to-just-be/
I hear em all
As I sit here Typing away on my laptop I hear the sound of the drill I hear voices I hear commands I hear em all And yet I don’t…
Do what you want… or not..
Thanks to covid, being cooped up at home+ mind being in a world of its own, a lot of thinking and self-introspection has been happening.
The last year…
Last year 22nd March [Sunday] was a full lockdown and then from 24th onwards we had the partial lockdown… We learned to step out of our homes only for ‘absolute…
This Monday.. Take out time for yourself
Source: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/how-to-find-time-for-yourself.html
[Guest post] Top 10 Enchanting Destinations for solo travellers
I love hearing stories from fellow travellers and draw inspiration from them as well. Some travel solo like me, while others explore the country & the world with friends/family/others.
Test of time.. Memory..
Do you remember what you had for dinner two years ago today? What about two weeks ago? Most of you might not have a clue..
This Monday…. Pick your battles..
Hotel Mercure, Oragadam
Did you know there is a Hotel called ‘Mercure‘ all the way across town? I must admit I hadn’t heard of the hotel before, but curiosity got the better of…
Step Away From Work
Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment, and to either of these ends, there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence…
Beer and Sliders at Hyatt Regency Chennai
Summer is around the corner, so a chilled beer would be good to unwind after a crazy day right? How about if you were to pair it with 3 delicious…
Travel during Covid times
Breathe.. Breathe…Have some water, if needed.. breathe… No no, those instructions are not for me, they are for the select few who read my blog and who are gasping at…
Equal at all times..
A friend: Had a big order to fulfill and was able to do it with few minutes to spare. Me: Yayy, am so proud of you She: it was 50%…
This Monday.. Choose your friends..
Single and Independent…not acceptable
This is a post that has been sitting in the drafts for a while now.. Decided I was gonna publish it, and apt considering today is Women’s Day~~ Warning: Long…
This Monday… Look for the silver lining
Back in 5th or 6th std, our class teacher came up with this rule that every week one of us would take turns to write a proverb on the board…
New Pubs in Town… Chennai
After being cooped up at home for nearly 9-10months, I finally began venturing out.. Wore a mask, carried sanitizer, and took autos [ I thought autos were better than cabs…
Just listen…
Source – https://inspiring-possible.com/the-art-of-listening/ “The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as being heard…” This post is about just listening – don’t talk, don’t comment, don’t jump…
Fathers and daughters …
Couple of days back was at a friend’s wedding, fairly early in the morning .. it is a small crowd, a cozy & intimate wedding and it was just lovely..Among…
This Monday… Stop judging~
Books and Reading
Madras Connemera Library.. Autographed books, more books & my bookshelf “So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place, you can…
This Monday.. Don’t hold back..
Yes, please speak your mind ~~
Primo Pizza at Hyatt Regency, Chennai – Till 9th Feb
Do you love pizzas? What’s your favorite topping? Do you like thin crust or the regular thick? What about cheese- little or go crazy? Last evening we had some delectable…
Matar Kachori [Peas Kachori]
I love experimenting with food, trying out new recipes, and so when I spotted this Matar Kachori recipe shared by Sangeetha [her blog – http://www.healthfooddesivideshi.com], I knew I had to…
Peshawari, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
What does it feel like to step out, and go into a restaurant? What are the protocols they follow? Will it be safe to dine out?
Speaking your mind
Source:https://awesomelifetips.com/speak-your-mind/ Do you speak your mind or hold your tongue? I belong to a family where speaking your mind is frowned upon, heck whoever is around you will either leave…
This Monday… Stay true to yourself
Read more on this – https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/ambigamy/201802/just-be-true-yourself-not-quite
I have changed
And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is…
This Monday… be present..
Breathe in- Breathe out – do this for a few mins as you start the day. The world can wait.. Pay attention to your senses when eating/drinking/walking and enjoy the…
Fabelle Exquisite Chocolates – New delights in store!
For someone who loves dark chocolate, Fabelle has quite a range of lip-smacking treats. My 1st visit here blew me away and every time since then I have walked into…
I am untouchable
You can’t touch this [ sofa and other furniture with fabric on it] You can’t touch this [ vessels apart from what I was served in] You can’t touch this…
With every passing year
With every passing year, I see a change in me I see myself grow I see a sense of calm set in With every passing year, I see my wants…
Me and my habits..
Habit #1 I read a blog post, a poem by a friend sometime back. I read it once, I re-read it and left a comment like I always do […
Bread & Chocolate, Chennai
Entrance Spanish Latte [Subko] The Sourdough sandwiches -Pumpkin Patch & Spicy Mushroom Americano [Subko] Pain au chocolat Auroville’s popular Bread & Chocolate is now in Chennai.
[Skywatch Friday] Clear skies after the rain
We have had a few weeks filled with nothing but dark clouds, and crazy rains scattered through the day. The last two days has been clear skies and chill weather……
This Monday.. Be you.. Be Proud~
Rajasthani Food Festival at The Reef, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
Digging your teeth into freshly fried kachori or taking a bite of bhajra roti with some lehsun chutney that transports you to the streets of Jaipur or Udaipur is just…
Battle with the body – XIX- plus size shopping -I
If you told me a decade ago that I would have a wardrobe that had plenty of T-shirts, tops, jeans, pants and dresses, I would have laughed at you and…
Four home bakers to watch out for..
Over the last few months, or even year, there have been quite a few home chefs and home bakers who have emerged, surprising us with their fare.
Birthday at home
There is always a first time, and this year was one such, for the birthday.. When I look back, I have been travelling on my Birthday for the last 6…
This Monday.. a departure & some words..
How do you coping with the death of a friend? One that you knew for years, did not meet or chit chat often, but you knew was around and you…
The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy
“Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be.”― Eleanor Roosevelt Every now and then one stumbles upon a book that leaves you completely spellbound.
Fine Dining brought home…Part I
“If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain”.. what is the point of this quote here? well, read on… March 22nd, we have…
The way we are..
Agree? I have a few questions for you…. How are you doing today? What’s on your plate? Are there more than 10 items or under?
[Skywatch] Cloudy with splash of rain
There has been such a drastic change in the weather, it has been raining on & off the past few days and we are rejoicing… It feels so good to…
[Skywatch] From the terrace
Last evening, I went up to the terrace cos the ACT guys wanted to sort out the cable, and install a connection at home. While the rep was busy doing…
[Skywatch] From the garden
I know I know, this Skywatch Friday profile has gone missing, but I do miss posting on Friday about the gorgeous skies I have seen… So I am bringing it…
Pizza from JK Pizzeria, Chennai
Imagine biting into a thin crust that is oozing with flavours and the cheese is so rich and decadent? So inviting right? Well, that is exactly how the Supreme Veg…
Conversations with strangers…
Sometime back I had written about the joy of conversations, how only a few are good at it, most others stutter & there is nothing but awkward silence between strained…
Just checking in
How are you doing? All ok with you? These are messages that people in my circle would have gotten from me on & off over the last few months… Not…
Travel & food- Part I
It is no secret that I love to travel, and I have been fortunate to travel quite a bit over the last couple of years.
Experiment with foods – Noodles with veggies
Over the years, have learnt to play around with food- textures, flavours, build layers.. I know all this sounds like something you hear on a TV cookery show, but that’s…
Habits and routines
We are all creatures of habit at the end of the day, whether you like to admit or not… I used to be a high-on-the-edge-OCD-things-need-to-be-perfect kind of person, but that…
[Guest post] SPRING: A HOPE AND PROMISE, OF SURVIVAL AND RENEWAL
A guest post on the blog after ages… This one is by a dear friend/ Wildlife traveller, a woman who has strong thoughts and a kind heart- Shabnam of Wildlife…
Destination Weddings… The In thing~!
Our cab drove into the entrance making its way near Galle fort when I spotted a group of women all identically dressed, giggling away.. Few yards from them, I spotted…
If not now, then when~!
Having been a freelancer for over a decade now and must say I am quite comfortable working from home. Yes, there are days when I get the urge to escape…
Chettinad Food festival at Ayna, The Hilton, Chennai
The first thing that catches my eye is a metal Pallankuzhi [a game that I used to play with my grandma & great grandma] board where each slot has a…
Food & Our Grandmothers..
I must’ve been three when I first climbed onto a tiny stool and stood beside my aarthimma [that’s what I called my grandmother] flipping dosais on a hot tawa.
Skywatch friday…. Chennai skies..
This was what greeted me- One of those evenings when I was out just to get away from home…. One of those days when I needed nothing but silence and…
Mountain Goat Farms, Mangaon
Quirky art work near the dining/games area… A game of carrom… look at the view ahead… Phew.. The Dining/games area… Yellow submarine! The space.. The Room We had 3 days…
Battle with the body – XVIII- The People…
“Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you’re in need. People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping…
Zesty Mornings at ITC Grand Chola Chennai
Breakfast like a king.. remember that ? Well, at ITC hotels they have launched the Zesty Mornings, healthy twist to the breakfast spread and it is yummilicious & it is…
FOMO, YOLO and all that jazz..
How times have changed…Today we have acronyms and new age lingo for pretty much everything, and I need either a friend or Google to explain the word to me.
Day 3 in Kolkata…
After a fun & fabulous two days [Day1 & Day2], I was looking forward to my 3rd & final day in Kolkata. I remember having these random thoughts the day…
[Recipe] Miznon’s Roasted cauliflower
A friend had posted a tweet in which she had shared a video of a simple Cauliflower dish being cooked. The video was all about how Chef Eyal Shani had…
Day 2 in Kolkata
After a fun Day 1, I got a good nights sleep and was up and ready to explore more of this beautiful city…Was up by 6am, spent a few minutes…
Day 1 in Kolkata
After a good night’s rest, I woke up to a new kinda sound, which I heard within a few minutes again…Putting it out of my mind, I got ready for…
Skywatch Friday… Touchdown Chennai
It was a holiday of many FIRSTs… Among the long list was the fact that I did not click too many pictures during the flight.
Tips and insights for 1st time Solo travellers [women]
If I were about to embark on a solo trip and was seeking advice from someone experienced, I’d definitely want to gather practical tips and personal insights that could help…
Birds of Sundarbans
We were in the boat cruising along the waters, keeping an eye out for any movement, any bird or animal that might be about..Our Guide Nityananda was up and about…
First glimpse of Kolkata and the itinerary…
The girls had initiated a plan, and I was quite keen to join them, considering it was to a new place, new experiences and I knew I could carry my…
Biswa Bangla Gate, Kolkata
The Biswa Bangla Gate (Kolkata Gate).. Standing tall at 55m high with majestic arches, a 60m diameter circular ring shape platform walkway and more hidden within them beautiful walls… Quite…
Malayalam movie & Palmgrove meals
Poster… [Image: Movie Facebook page] Look at the location..ufff… [Image: Movie Facebook page] The Tagore NDFC Hall inside the Music College, MRC Nagar The Tagore NDFC Hall It was one…
Photo journey through the Sunderbans
It has been a few days since I got back from my Kol trip.. About time I started sharing my stories, right? Someone recently asked me which has been my…
Travel books and Travel…
Decades ago, when I was in School, we had Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island as part of Non-detailed syllabus, which i read within a few days of receiving..
Wrapping up
Well, there goes another year, leaving us wondering what lies ahead.. Am sure the world and their gramma has this thought on their mind. For me, this year has been…
[TV Recipe] Creamy mushroom with no cream..
There I was, surfing through channels to see if there was anything interesting on TV when I landed on Living Foodz. I waited a second to see the orange screen…
[TV Recipe] Peanut Chutney
I have been following Anita on Instagram for a while now and managed to even meet her the last time I was in Delhi. She gave me some sourdough bread…
Headsup- Change in Jordan Visa rules…
Here is some news about Visa for those planning a trip to Jordan… “Jordan on Thursday decided to offer visas on arrival to Chinese and Indian nationals.”
Gossip Fusion Bistro, Chennai
The dessert counter near the entrance all decorated… Season’s Special menu Assortment of freshly baked bread… plain, spicy & herbed Broccoli & Pumpkin Soup with a pickled pear hidden underneath…
Battle with the body – XVII — Not just humans..
[Image: https://thecuriousbrain.com] Every time I see one of those dogs on a treadmill video, I wonder if the dog is made to run/workout or if it is on the machine…
Two weddings, Two towns & some amazing food
Last weekend I got to attend a wedding, no no, two weddings, and they were both in different towns. But there was something common to the two- both were Malayali…
Kovilakam Resort, Allepey
This weekend was one of a kind alright, and something I haven’t done ever… What was special about it? Well, two of my friends were getting married, to different women…
Fratelli and South indian food at Dakshin, Crowne Plaza
Wine paired with South Indian food.. Yes, you read it right. It was a 1st time for me as well. We were at Dakshin, in Crowne Plaza, the restaurant renowned…
The skies and the captures…
I have always loved taking photographs of the skies, the clouds and just about anything that catches my eye.. Not so much people, cos I somehow feel am intruding/invading their…
Through the lanes of Mumbai..
There are a few places that kinda grow on you.. And then there are some that you visit a zillion times, yet they remain strange.
Dimsums at Soy Soi
I love momos and dim sums, have always loved them and we devoured a few plates of hot momos while in the hills, and in Delhi as well.
Aadhirai..
Aadhirai, what an unusual name right? Well, it is the name of a woman in Sangam literature, who is said to have fed the first morsel of rice to a…
Tea Villa Cafe, Chennai
Pal was in town and as is customary, we decided to catch up one afternoon… Looking for a new place, one that wasn’t too far for either of us, I…
Utsav at Hamsa, till 29th Oct…
The Table set up… The lamps used as the main feature point Napkin held in place with a bangle The Utsav Menu Gulab jamun The Starters – Sabudhana moongphalli thalipeeth…
EAT, all about home chefs…
A food delivery app.. So, whats different you ask? Well, this one is food from one home to another… Yes, you read it right.. EAT, the new app is all…
Solkadhi… the drink!
I had seen images and posts on this, but never really thought too much about it. Infact, going by its name- Solkadhi, I kinda assumed it was part of the…
Houses of Goa, Porvorim..
Say hello to the street with Houses of Goa The first house you see as you drive towards the road… There is a store and a museum of sorts upstairs……
Taj West End’s Masala Klub pop-up in Chennai at The Verandah ,Taj Connemara, Sep 20 -29
The lobby that was once very familiar looked new, it had been completely revamped but then there stood the majestic staircase I had gone up & down mulitple times on.
Skies come alive….
I was up in the sky, high high above it all.. after ages.. This time, I got upgraded and travelled in plush seats, with wow level leg room.
The Birthday & Goan flavours
The Birthday came and has gone by… As with the past few years I did manage to escape.. But the ttrip this year was different and special..
Having that perfect wedding… in Chennai…
Traditional decor at the entrance.. Contemporary decor at the entrance… Traditional lunch at a South indian wedding.. A wedding is a day to remember, to cherish and start a new…
Love for writing…
Ikea pencils… Postcards... Stickers and stencils.. Bookmarks Stationery… Anand Prakash goodie box.. Something magical about putting pen to paper and writing out words to a friend/loved one… The earliest memory…
School Parent Communication APP – A Blessing In Disguise
Schools these days are very different from what they were a few years ago. Parents today go through far greater obstacles and hurdles to get their children into a good…
This Is Why Candid Wedding Photography Is So Famous!
They way weddings are carried out has changed over time. We all know that a wedding is a once in a lifetime experience and people want to remember that special…
New Trend Setting Wedding Venues
It is always beautiful when you hear stories of two people finding each other and deciding to spend their life together as a couple. Be it love or arranged, either…
What a trip~ Tungabadra dam & gardens..Hospet
It was a trip unlike any other I had taken…Why? Oh, several reasons…. I had been chatting with this guy via a dating app for a few weeks and we…
New beginnings at Golden Dragon, Taj Coromandel…
Golden Dragon, Taj Coromandel one of those restaurants that has been in Chennai forever.. And so it was lovely to hear they had a new Chef taking over the kitchen.
[Recipe] Kewa Datshi
Off late during my trips to familiar towns, I make it a point to do something different.. Last time I was in Delhi, I explored not one but nearly 5…
Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi, Gujarat
We were done with Bhuj and Kutch and before winding up the trip, one last stop was required. That was going to be Mandvi.. Had read about the historic significance…
Kommune, Chennai
You step out of the elevator onto a huge open space with multi level seating arrangement and a DJ spinning tracks at the far end.
Delhi, PVR and travel tales
It was April, the air was hot and there was crazy amount of pollution as I made my way from the Airport to Ambiance Mall, Gurugram… I had a few…
Avartana turns 2… ITC Grand Chola…
Amuse Bouche – thinly sliced Carrot with some yummy crunchy goodies inside. The Rasam- with Cumin & Black pepper Corn & Cherry Tomato [ with pomegranate & curd chilli] Up…
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad…
There I was, in the city that held so many fond memories- Ahmedabad. My first visit was back in 20015, when I spent a whole week here, just that back…
Burmese food at Soy Soi till 2nd June…
I love experimenting with food and so when a friend pinged me asking if I would like to join her for the Burmese Food festival at Soy Soi, I said…
Battle with the body – XVI — Compliments and reactions…
Incident 1 You are waiting for your friends, walking up & down the mall…. They message saying 5mins… And then you see them walking towards you, you proceed to walk…
Asian Station, KNK Road, Chennai
The Decor and the cocktail I had…. The cool menu.. Three different kinds of dimsums.. The clear glass noodle soup Sushi… Jasmine Rice and Thai Green curry.. Laksa..
Insights into Salesforce
I love reading, those who know me know that I am constantly reading a book, either fiction or something on general topic. Infact there have been times when I read…
Never a dull moment around friends..
When a group of friends meet up, there is talk about everything under the sun. Ranging from relationships [whether you are in one, yearning to be in one, or confused…
Into the jungles- Dudhwa National Park, UP
Crested Serpent Eagle. The open bill stork.. Two elephants goofing about till their herd came close and they trotted away… Kingfisher… Spotted Deer Great pied Hornbill A plan was brewing…
Learning the ropes of Salesforce..
She was at her desk, had been staring at the system for a few minutes with a blank look on her face. Her colleague stood next to her wondering what…
Anantya Resort near Kanyakumari… The birthday getaway
I started this tradition few years back.. For my birthday I would get away, be away from Chennai… Over the years I have been to many different places..
Where did basic etiquette and courtesies go?
[Image source- http://www.childfun.com/themes/people/manners/] I got off the cab & said “Thank you” to the cabbie before shutting the door…. My friend looks at me in wonder and exclaims- “what was…
Battle with the body – XVI — The Age..
We are all different.. This extends to physical, emotional and mental frameworks! The sooner we accept this the happier we will be.. I get that we are all in some…
Taxes..taxes and taxes…
There are a few aspects of life that baffle me.. like how to make batter for idli/dosa and then there is the other thing called “Taxes”..
Conversations about Travelling, & more…
I have been travelling for a few years now, more so in recent past. Infact, the love for travel began back in junior school. Luckily my parents let me go…
Life within papers..
He was busy poring over some papers on the dining table. She called out to him couple of times, but no response. She went about ironing her clothes for the…
The Humble drumstick [ Murungakkai]
“Boil it separately, not with the kuzhambu” instructs gramma to the cook. It will disintegrate and melt if cooked in the kuzhambu is her explanation… [buy seeds from – http://www.creativefarmer.in/Buy-Drumstick-Tree-Seeds-Type1-online]…
Food Trails along the NH 48 at Madras Pavilion, ITC Grand Chola till 13th April
[Image courtesy: ITC Grand Chola] The food comes from these regions.. The mains Millet Koozhu with accompaniments- sundakkai vathal, maavadu, mahanikezhangu oorugai, chillies, onions, and more..
[Home cooking- Recipe] Pasta with roasted broccoli and brussel sprouts…
Had bought Brussel Sprouts few days back and was wondering what to make with them. It is one of my favourite vegetables, following close on the heels of Bitter gourd.
Up and away , into the future…
I know its been a while since I was here… Leave alone share a few thoughts and words..Well, what better day to make a start than right after a fun…
Women and Power.. go for it~!
I am constantly fascinated by the things we humans do, more so women. Especially how things have changed over the years. There are days when I sit and talk with…
Old School dishes, familiar flavours… at Mamagoto
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Kala Ghoda & Mumbai…
I had heard of the Kala Ghoda Festival in Mumbai few years back and since then been wanting to visit the city around the time.
Joy of reading and gifting books..
If I were to rewind time and go back to my childhood, I only remember being outside with friends, playing or at home reading while listening to music [ in…
Maestro of Punjabi cuisine at Spice Haat, Hyatt Regency till 31st March
[Image courtesy- Hyatt Regency] Walking down the narrow streets of Amritsar, you see shops where men are busy piping out hot jalebis, or serving thick lassi to customers.
All about reading and books..
The other day this person I met asked me if I remembered the 1st ever book I read.. I racked my brain for a few minutes and gave up!
[Food tales] Stuffed peppers & chilli
If there is one dish that the entire family loves and will gobble up not keeping track of numbers, it is the humble bhajji.. Deep fried vegetables that have been…
When Swami became my friend… Malgudi days…
I remember getting back home from school, washing up, changing out of the school uniform, gulping down the glass of milk before heading out the door to my great aunt’s…
Flavours of India festival – Café G, Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway
Kerala potato Cutlet- dont let the name fool you, this was actually minced meat cutlet… Dessert counter at Buffet spread.. Goan Omelette counter.. was fascinating- it was a pav bun…
[Food tales] My love for experimenting with food & Mirchi peanut gobi …
I have been told that I made dosa when I was 3 years old, with my gramma beside me.. Looks like I was into cooking from then on.
Of Names, Numbers & Angels …
I have this habit, yes I call it a “habit” cos I do it quite often…. But it is not one of those I want to let go of or…
Pizza Express, Colaba, Mumbai
We had walked from Kitab Khana to Gateway of India, spent about half hour there.. Wandered about the place, took photos and generally enjoyed the cool breeze and lazy afternoon..
Dabeli- the famous snack of Kutch region
If you hear the words Dhokla, Faafda, Khandvi, Oondhiyo, Khakra, thepla, you know you are in Gujarat… But then did you know about Dabeli, it is a famous dish from…
Road trip, Temples, Mall.. Indore…
And just like that two weeks had flown by and we were headed to our final destination in the Explore Madhya Pradesh saga… We were headed to Indore, by bus…
Caves, temples and more in Bhopal
From Chanderi, we took a bus to Lalitpur, just about making it to the 1.45pm train to Bhopal. Upon reaching Bhopal, we headed to Hotel Sangam , which was fairly…
Fort, stepwell, textile and more in Chanderi
So from Jhansi, we decided to head to Chanderi… Now, these small towns have a certain charm about them, but on the other hand they are quite a pain when…
Exploring through the streets of Jhansi…
From Orchha, we were headed to a town that was a short 18kms away… We were going onwards to Jhansi, a historical city that is regarded as the gateway to…
Architecture, history and more at Orchha
The historic town of Orchha, [the capital of the Bundela Rajput Kings] situated right along the banks of River Betwa, was founded back in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap…
Chasing tigers again… Panna National park, Madhya Pradesh..
After spending a few hours at Khajuraho, we headed towards Panna National park.. Time for more tigers, atleast hoping to sight a few!! 😀 Checked into the Panna Tiger Resort…
Travel through Madhya Pradesh
As the frosty winds whisper through India, a land beckons, draped in the golden hues of winter. Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the heart of the country, transforms into a tapestry…
Lost amidst Gods in Khajuraho… Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
From Corbett, we headed back to Delhi as the next leg of our journey was in the other direction. We took the night train from Delhi to Khajuraho, went to…
Gift me any of these, wont you?!
As 2018 draws to an end, like everybody else, I too tend to spend a few minutes reflecting on the year that was. While it was awesome in the Travel…
Eastern Wedge – Pan Asian – Pure Veg, Chennai
When a new restaurant hits town, there is always curiosity, but then when it is Pure veg, and Pan asian, curiosity makes way for a “drop everything and go over…
Skies across Uttarakand to Delhi and beyond…
Some gorgeous images of the sky while up in the air and during the safaris across Corbett & Panna….
My first real Safari- Jim Corbett National Park,Uttarakhand
From the word go, this trip was something I was quite excited about. I hadn’t been to any of the National parks in the North, actually I hadn’t done any…
Keeping up with changing times or not …
Yesterday was Deepavali, the festival of lights, the day when people go bonkers over crackers and all that jazz… Yes… Yesterday was Deepavali, and at my maternal grandparents place after…
To travel or not…
If you were to fill a room with people, a random group of people and ask them the question “Do you enjoy travelling or not?”, am sure you would get…
The birthday getaway tradition…
A few years ago, I was on a road trip with a cousin of mine and it so happened that on my Birthday we were in Chidambaram.
All about Inclusivity
Curious, I walk into the YMCA Swimming pool area around 7.30am, to see a whole bunch of people huddled in one side of the place.
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, Chennai
The newest kid on the block was open to public and all set to wow guests. Am talking about Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa on ECR, right next to…
Interesting Encounters on the train -1
Train journeys are so much fun, especially if like me you travel alone. You can sit reading a book or plug in your headphones and tune out the world.
The blue blue skies in Leh
A few days back a friend pinged and asked how my Leh trip was, how much did it cost, how many days, etc etc…. She went on to ask if…
Flags across Sikkim
Since the trip to Leh, Ladakh I have been in love with the prayer flags dancing to the wind… In Sikkim too, I saw them everywhere..
All new menu at The Flying Elephant, Park Hyatt, Chennai
Restaurants go through ups and downs, and it is then time to reinvent the wheel, look for new festivals, new venues to crank things up a bit.
Drama in the skies… headed to Bagdogra
That was that, I had decided I was doing the trip to Sikkim. Next came the dilemma of travel, whether I wanted to fly direct to Bagdogra [a town in…
Savya Rasa, Kotturpuram Chennai
It is always good to see new restaurants make an entry in the city. joining the league is Savya Rasa [which was launched in Pune back in 2015], yet another…
Sikkim Diaries… The itinerary for the 9 day trip…
[Clicked this enroute Yumthang valley.. Rhodendron flowers were in full bloom] Since I came back from Bhubaneshwar, I was busy chugging along life- work and things were happening and there…
What kind of a traveller are you? – Tavel safe and stay healthy!
Am not talking about solo, group, nor am I talking about mountains, beaches or nature.. Am asking if you are the well informed, do some research before you head to…
Bags are packed… off I go…
Its time to pack my bags and head off to explore a new destination… Couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, especially considering how hot it is here and…
Ethel M Chocolates’ Botanical Cactus Garden, Nevada
On the way back from Vegas towards Los Angeles, the bus was to make few stops, one of which was Ethel M Chocolates’ that included a visit to the Botanical…
3 Adults & 2 kids in the Toy Train?
A steam engine takes place of honour outside the Coonoor station after having given years of service to the railways. A church i spotted while waiting at Coonoor station After…
Spaces.. boundaries
What does Space mean to you? I did go around asking a few people this question and here is what they said…. M: Shelf space, space on the table to…
Rewind please- Fund raiser and memories!
Started this post on 2nd March 2009, and then it got lost in drafts… Anyways, decided to get going and share the incident that i remember vividly today, 12yrs later!!