Sunday, May 31, 2015

Just books! 34 Bubblegums and Candies - My review

Author - Preeti Shenoy



Preeti Shenoy is an author whom I enjoy reading! The stories are simple and mostly you can relate to them! This is her first book and it is really simple. It is a collection of short stories which you read and realize such things have happened in your life already. It is a light read for times when you want to take a time off from some heavy reading, no doubt I finished it in a couple of hours. Nothing very great but does make you go down the memory lane.

Just books! The Fault in our Stars! - My review

Author - ohn Green

Image Courtesy : www.goodreads.com
Wow!! This book is amazing from the first page till the last! Hazel is cancer patient, who has a world of her own. A brave heart who is fighting gets swooned over Augustus , who is a cancer survivor. This book is about their dreams , their love story, their life and painful separation. There was a fault in their stars, else this would have been "a happy ending". The book beautifully gives a sneak peek inside their life. The description of the types of books they are reading to the Anne Frank house to the Oranjee.... [you'd know it , if you'd read it] is absolutely perfect! For a moment , I wanna leave everything behind and go to Amsterdam to explore everything written in the book! It is perfect.. must must read!
This world definitely is not a wish granting factory!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Just books! Ajaya: Roll of the Dice (Epic of the Kaurava Clan #1) - My review

Author - 

Image Courtesy - www.goodreads.com

The kinds to be interested in knowing both the sides of a coin, this book kept me engaged! I am eagerly waiting for the sequel - Rise of the Kali.We think of Krishna as the God and Pandavas as the ones who were right, but it's great to think about the Kauravas. Were they really wrong? Or were they proven wrong as part of the big plan. Why were they renamed from Suyodhana, Sushasana.. to Duryodhana?
The author has beautifully woven a magical world where you get engulfed and feel for Duryodhana. His humanitarian ways, his friendship with Karna, his love for Subhadra and his marriage to Bhanumati - all feel so real! The description of the architectures is wonderful. I could actually imagine the castle build for the Pandavas. Some parts of the book make you think and re-think, like the one where Gandhari asks Draupadi why she chose to be the wife of five brothers and she wittingly replies.
Must read if you love reading mythology!
Suddenly, my view about the Pandavas being right and moral is on the scales. Maybe they were humane too and made mistakes but so did the Kauravas! I can write more and more, but I guess that would just be a spoiler, so just telling you to read!!
The 4 stars for the awesome story telling and the way the book unfolds mysteries, the one less star coz sometimes I just felt lost, the introduction of the Nishads, Takshaka's story - don't know if I really needed as much is provided. Also I have been waiting for the sequel and I am still waiting... Over all, it's a good read :)

Just books! Those Pricey Thakur Girls - My review

Author - Anuja Chauhan

Image Courtesy - www.goodreads.com

My first read from this author and let me tell you it is entertaining.. wants you to read and read till the last page. The author has beautifully described each character and you get the feel that you know them.. I can actually imagine the series of events taking place. Debjani delivering news on the television, her love for animals, her finger ring, her sarees, one can actually relate to.. Love stories no matter how common and how predictable continue to amaze me. So, if you like to read them, you should surely go ahead and pick this book. Am adding the other books from this author in my to-read list! Enjoy reading!!

Just books! Falling in Love Again - My review

Author - Ruskin Bond
Image Courtesy - www.goodreads.com

It's a collection of short love stories! A light read where you don't need to use your brains just read at your leisure.. Some stories are good, while some are just alright. This was my first Ruskin Bond read. The style of writing is good, easy to understand and the stories are descriptive, no hurry... The talk about love is practical, what usually happens and not something out of a fairy tale.. But then I din't find anything more to it!!

Just books! The One You Cannot Have - My review

Preeti Shenoy has always been one of my favorite authors. The stories are simple, relatable yet deliciously written and can be completely devoured and digested. "The One You Cannot Have" is one such book, where the author describes about first love, the longing, the emotions and then the separation. Whether you are the one who leaves or the one who is left behind, the pain stays. If the other partner is understanding and loves you, life changes, but the thorn pricks. The story flows and yet again I was unable to place the book down and completed it in one read.. you will too! The journey of loving some one and then marrying some one else, comparing that some one else with the ex and not living is something we see around everyday.. but then there are some people "You cannot just have" in your life and you need to accept that!

Beautifully written and a light read! Must read!

Just books! Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata - My review

A good book of Mahabharata secrets.. some of them I knew some were knew and they continued to amaze me. Though at some part in the book, I had to go back and check whether this was what I had bought this book for - the part where parenting and reproducing is concerned, but I guess that's the background laid by the author to understand what happens next.. The short stories about events make me want to read more, it clears certain doubts , at the same time generating some more! 
Read if you want to know more, read if you want to know why the Kaurava's reached heaven while the Pandava's did not except Yudhisthira and much much more... The book beautifully enfolds the emotions of mothers and wives, the fear of having a child born out of wedding lock, the fear of losing, death, birth , curses and blessings!
What amazes me is that my viewpoint about the characters has changed.. I don't essentially feel that Duryodhana was entirely wrong.. or that Krishna and Arjuna are totally right.. each had their own pros and cons , just like any other mortal... and that's what makes some parts of the story relatable!!

Now waiting to read Ajaya.. another book on the same lines but by another view point..
Ajaya  Roll of the Dice (Epic of the Kaurava clan, #1) by Anand Neelakantan
The Mahabharata from the Kaurava's point of view.. just that this is the first part and the second part will be supposedly out by December, so waiting till the other book releases!

Friday, May 15, 2015

My Airtel App - Bachat ki Khunn Khunn!

Have you seen the new Airtel App advertisement? If yes, you'd relate with the "khunn khunn" coin jingle! If no, here it is -

When I first saw the advertisement, I wanted to download the app and I did! It is a quick 5.5mb download, which installs very quickly and has a beautiful UI. The best part being, it is personal!! The home screen actually shows your name and tells you the account balance - both the talk time and the data balance! So no more dialing *123# to check your balance! Just open the app and have a look!
Making smart use of the smart phone using this smart app!!


The Airtel Mobile App has some lovely surprises.
1. Recharge your phone for the first time with the mobile app. 
2. Choose coupons of the same amount as you recharge
Free food , shopping and entertainment coupons!! :)
3. Recharge successful, now sip your free coffee!! Now that's some pampering :)


Credits to the Airtel App page for this image!

Share your birthday and they'd surprise you!! Waiting for my birthday to see, what surprise wish I get!! Didn't I say the app was personal!!

The home screen also tells you to "SHAKE YOUR PHONE" to get exclusive orders. 

I did shake my phone to hear the cute KHUNN KHUNN jingle and got 12 offers to choose from and these are App only offers!! Woohoo, who doesn't love offers!
Need the App benefits, install the app!

There were some really cool discounts, like look at the one above! There are  discounts on talk time, data, DTH services!!


Apart from the surprises and the exclusive offers, the App allows you to recharge and  buy a new product [a new airtel connection - prepaid/postpaid, an internet connection - fixed line/broad band or even a DTH connection]

You can also start Wynk'ing - to hear and download songs! Browse the internet, shop, hear and download songs, recharge your phone or dth or internet connection- wow!! Chota sa app, itne saare fayde!!

Another feature I love is the "I Want To" feature! It's like a shortcut. Select an activity, like recharging the phone or checking the internet balance and set it as your "I Want To" activity and it gets added to your home page!! Talk about making life easy!!
Here's my short cut to see my data balance!!
Hubby, my mom, my brother and I have airtel connections. We have an airtel D2H connection at home.It's become easier to recharge them now with this one App. All my data, talk time and television needs- at one place! Cheers Airtel!!

I have been using Airtel since the day I have been using the mobile phone :) and am happy to have this App! I have it, download yours now and hear the Khunn-Khunn!
#MyAirtelApp #Happy #SmartAppForSmartPhones

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

My Mom-My First Expert and much more!

    We lived in a joint family, with my grand parents, uncle, aunt and my cousins. Dad is the youngest in his family and so is mum. But when they got married, Mom had to shoulder a lot of responsibilities. Looking down the memory lane, it still gives me goose bumps to imagine how mom, a 24-something then handled a huge family and had a baby too. She very happily cites how she managed to do everything and then give us all the time she could. She remembers each and every thing we did as kids. Even when she started working, she'd have her work-life balance, cooking , managing the house, having guests over and still being successful in her job. Mom had the time to cook meals we loved, bake a cake every now and then, take us out for picnics and even accompany Dad when he was overloaded. This one thing which Mom taught me just by being herself is to balance my life, give priority to my family even while carving a niche for myself. She always tells me to be an individual first, have an identity of my own and not drown under the masks of my professional life!
    No matter how much work she had, Mom would always keep her hobbies alive. I have multiple hand made sweaters, handkerchiefs with my name embroidered over it, ceramic pots with flowers designed on them... and the list goes on. Mom always talks about how important it is to keep oneself alive by doing things we love.
    Mom is famous for her cooking. No matter how less time she had, some how magically the food tastes wonderful. We had a couple of guests who'd come over just to have mom make tea for them and I wondered why! I always asked her what she did, to which she'd smile and tell, just add some love - the food will be tasty and the tummies full! I am not a great cook, I didn't really learn cooking from Mom, never had enough time to stand with her in the kitchen and learn, but some how magically when ever I cook all I get is compliments! The hubby had become an ardent follower of the morning tea and very seldom prepares it himself, even if it means waiting for me to wake up from my sleep. You were right mom, just some love!!
    For her the secret recipient for every recipe and relationship is love and I am a devotee of this little secret! She is my first teacher, my first expert - who just acts and I learn from her actions! No matter where I go, what I do Mom, you will always be the one I look forward to and will always...

No doubt, when the salt mysteriously falls in my gravy and I need a solution or when I don't understand how much dough to make when guests are coming over, I know what to do! Call the expert- call Mom!!
#MyMom #MyFirstExpert   

My Mommy Strongest!!

    When she grew up, she loved studying.Youngest among three sisters and two brothers, she was always pampered. She was the only one who went ahead and attended college, cleared her Bachelors in Commerce, which was a big deal back then! Her hunger for food did not end there, she wanted to learn more, get a job and help support her family. But life had other plans! She lost her father. All her dreams shattered. No further studies, no job dreams, just be at home and manage the daily chores. 
   Then one day, she got married into a joint family. And the saga continued, she had to work all the time. Then she had a baby girl. Her life started revolving around her baby. Her dreams of studying and working were hidden deep inside, but she knew she wouldn't be able to pursue them. While managing her family, she also started learning. She would study with her daughter, read to her and learn talking in English. She'd practice writing in a cursive font. Then she had a son. Her family needed her more than ever. She became a "SUPER MOM". As the kids grew, she started finding time for herself. When they'd go to school, she learn crocheting and embroidery and got a certificate. She'd then teach that to girls when the kids had their summer vacation. She did a course in "Personal Grooming Management" and then came to be known for her beauty advice and facials. All this while giving all the time when her family needed her. 
Mom,Me and  Kiddo brother!
    When her daughter moved out for her further studies to a different city, she felt a set back. But that did not stop her, she was a SUPER MOM! She started teaching in a small school, teaching the needy without charging any fees. She'd also take tutions. Life was harsh, her son moved out for his further studies too and she lost her life partner. She was shattered but she had the strength, she had to live for her kids. She got a diploma in Montessory teaching and then a full time Bachelors in Education. She was no more a B.Com., what followed in front of her name was B.Com. B.Ed. Dip. Mon. , all this and a reputed position as a favorite teacher. She moved ahead, shifted in with her kids, leaving behind her home and shifting into a rented apartment. She got a job in the new city and is currently working in a reputed school. She is also looking forward to do a distant learning Masters in English course.
And I am proud to say that she is my mother! My SUPER MOM! The one whom I look forward to for all my strength! The one whom I owe a lot. The one who smiles to cheer me up even though she cries inside! Mom I love you! 


I’m blogging about why my mother needs to de-stress with a Parachute Advansed Aromatherapy Oil massage for the #StressFreeMom activity at BlogAdda.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Why I have the Myntra app and why you should have it on your cell phone!!



The hubby has a great heart. He conveniently hands over his credit card to his clothes-loving-wife to buy what her heart wishes. He is bad at gifting, bad at deciding if I’d like what he selects for me. Given our work schedules and the little time we spent together, the shopper-who-shopped-almost-everyday in me had died. I’d end up not buying clothes for months and then cribbing about it. Shopping didn’t give much respite too… Take out a week end, dedicate it to shopping, finish the everyday chores, roam around in malls, get tired and come out with a single top and maybe a pair of shorts!! Both of us would be irritated at the end! If I’d ever venture out alone, I’d want him to see the options and help me decide. So, I’d end up not buying anything.
Now imagine this-
Imagine never having to spend hours in a crowded mall!
Imagine having the whole weekend to yourself, just relaxing!
Imagine the possibilities when you don’t really have to go out and shop!
Imagine having a whole lot of brands just at the click of a button!
This and much more- just by downloading the MYNTRA app on your mobile!
Back from office, have food, put on the air conditioner and conveniently browse clothes on the mobile! Can life be any better!!So, now be it Valentine’s Day or my birthday or anniversary, the hubby happily pulls out his phone navigates to the Myntra app and helps me shop! Here’s why I love the Myntra app and here’s why you should love it too-
1.     It’s easy buying anything anywhere!
You may be at home or at office or travelling. All you need is your cell phone and an internet connection. Viola! Browse, select and order! Immediate mood booster  :)

2.     Variety and brands!
Talk about variety and brands, you name it and they have it!
Mango – ch eck
Steve Madden – check
Veromoda – check
Only – check
Chemistry - check
Levis - check
Lee - check
Citizen- check
Caprese and many many more!




3.     Easy decision making
Difficulty deciding which one to buy. Of course you can buy all of them or you can conveniently show your wish list to your loved ones and help them decide [or order for you!! ;)]
4.     Discounts
With Myntra, it’s raining discounts - a whopping 25% discount using the mobile app.

5.     Happy assistance
The Myntra app has this amazing assistance. You can filter on brands, colors, discounts, item types, sizes and you can even fix a range between which you wanna shop! Happy shopping!


6.     Myntra Lookgood
Wanna look good! Want style tips, trick – just open the Myntra app and get a whole to read and digest and implement

7.     Inner wear and nightwear
Easy lingerie shopping with a whole lot of variety and brands!
8.     Its #Personal!!
Myntra is going personal! No more thinking about the weather or counting on others to help you shop. Just download the Myntra app and personalize it for your use.

 Ask experts, read articles, order, be happy when the order is delivered and look good!
Your very own one stop shop for all your style needs! 

#ItsPersonal #MyntraApp #MyntraGoingMobileAppOnly

Moments to cherish!

 When Veer was really little and wanted to nap he would climb in my lap and hold onto my neck. In a sitting position and holding me tight, h...