Valentine’s day..!! Day to celebrate love.. Umm this sentence sounds odd. Know? Love should be celebrated every single day.. Every single moment..! Anyway, let me put it this way, day which is specific to celebrate romantic love and appriciate your partner.
Girls must be already ready with their gifts wrapped. But I am sure guys must be still ‘consulting’ their single male / female friends about ‘what to gift to his girl?’. Well, this post is for those confused guys plus, who are broke and need ‘plans’ within budget..!!
Movie Marathon with Bucket of Popcorn:
Get those popcorn packets which you can cook at home. Prepare them (Oh you don’t need any chef skills to prepare them. ‘How to cook’ is mentioned on the pack and we loveeee popcorn). Watch movies with your bae in a cozy setup. Romantic + budget friendly.
Cook Together:
Studies say that couple who cook together stay together (Ok, ok, I cooked that up). But it’s fun to bond over cooking food. Isn’t it?? Your Own Theatre:
You need a projector and a white cloth to work it as a screen. Umm a clean blank wall would also do for that matter. Borrow a projector and play her favorite movies (which you can also watch) to make her smile.
Switch off Your Phone:
Girls hate when they don’t get enough attention. Especially when her guy is right in front of her and he seems to be more interested in his phone rather than in her. So please put your phone in silent mode on the ‘V Day’ to make some beautiful memories.
Handmade:
Bhool jao (Forget it) most of the male population is not good at it..! So let’s strikeout this.
Take her Out for A Long Drive/ Ride:
All you need is a vehicle and fuel. Take her out. All girls love this. Plus make sure you play some nice romantic music. If you are taking for a ride, play songs on your mobile..!!
Love letter:
Oh please don’t start with I am not good at it. Let me tell you who can help you with that skill – Google. Google some best love letters. Pick lines here and there and make your one letter. I know you must be thinking why can’t I copy entire letter. No you can’t. Be an original copier yaar.
PS : Don’t forget to change the names..!!!
Food:
I know, going out for dinner is burning your pocket. Waiting line is different problem. Instead order online. You have so many food delivering apps which will provide so many coupons. Order them and feed your girl her favorite food. Score some brownie points. Go for A Walk Together:
Walk, hand in hand. Her brain will be busy thinking that you are being super romantic and never bothers to think about the fact that you are being economic. Umm may be a walk near a mountain? It’s romantic anddd it’s away from shopping malls.
Turn On the Music and Dance:
Pubs are expensive, dance floors will be full. Instead, turn on the music at home and start dancing along with the love of your life. I am pretty sure you guys will have gala time. If you are good at dancing, she will appreciate you for that. If not, she will have good laughter and appreciate you for your efforts.
Ok so these were the things I could think of. Which did not involve shopping/ travelling/ dining at a posh restaurant. Basically very budget friendly one. Hope you find it useful to celebrate V day.
No matter how you celebrate, don’t forget to love and appriciate your partner for all the things they do. Express what they mean to you. I am sure that will definietly brighten up her face and your day.
Let me start with my memories or first experience with people who are a part of LGBT community, that is transgenders. As a kid I remember I feared transgender. Because when you are kid, you see everything with your curious eyes. You tend to believe what you are told. I don’t remember who told me this, but I was told that they are bad people and cursed to be the way they are. But my idea about them changed when I actually met and spoke to them. Once I was travelling in a train with my parents and we came across some transgender women who were our co-passengers. They were so warm; they even offered us their seats. That made me realize that they are not the cursed or the bad ones, but the ones who lie about them and make us believe those lies are.
#377 was trending last year. Section 377 according to which se*ual activities against the order of nature was illegal. It was a joyful day for many souls out there. Who are ‘different’ from the ‘normal’. We saw so many people posting their stories, pictures of people who had happy tears. They were finally free to be who they are, free to love.
My Facebook feed was flooded with people changing their display pictures to rainbow colored one. (I am sure your feed was also colorful while 377 was removed.) Everyone out there were posting and sharing “Love is love”. But I want to tell you, sharing the slogans or changing the display pictures is not going to change much to LGBT community. Accepting the fact that “A human is a human irrespective of their choice of living” is something will do.
Mygirlypedia came across one of these beautiful souls while scrolling through the Instagram feed. Ms. Krishnan Balaji (Bala).
What caught my eyes was the way she carries herself, so gracefully. Being a girly girl myself, I must say she carries herself way better than many of the girls out there. Those neck pieces, bangles, anklets look so pretty on her. Needless to say she looks her best in that smudged kajal and bindi look.That’s the way she is – graceful and classy.
I had read about certain things like a beautiful soul trapped inside a wrong body. When you look at the beautiful pictures of this beautiful soul, even you will find that’s true. It’s a beautiful soul of a woman inside a man’s body.
Mygirlypedia got a privilege to interview this kind woman. Hop in to know more about Bala, her life, struggles she went through, her dreams, her love for makeup and dressing up etc.
Mygirlypedia : Tell me about yourself, what do you do for living.
Bala : I am a PR manager and work for celebrities that’s my bread and butter. Apart from that I’m a gender activist and gave TEDx talk last year. I’m fighting to break the gender stereotypes. Because our society has some barriers like there are certain things which only men can do and set of things only women can. That’s what I want to break through.
I even get invitations from principals of schools to come and conduct LGBT workshops for 6th, 7th and 8th standard students. It’s about how to save yourself from bullies. How to stay strong.
Mygirlypedia : Tell me about your family
Bala : I have an elder brother who is in abroad. He hasn’t accepted me yet. Mom supports me a lot. Dad doesn’t as we belong to orthodox family.
But they are happy with me, my achievements. I think somewhere I have also given them a lot of time to think about these things. They belong to different generation and they do need time to accept.
Bala : My childhood has been a roller coaster ride for me, loads of ups and downs.
I used to mingle more with girls than boys and not in to sports (again a gender stereotype that a boy should actively take part in sports.). At that tender age, I did not understand all these things.
When I realized that I am different, people didn’t believe me. They used to shout at me, tease me by shouting homo. Some used to even bash me verbally. They used to abuse me.
What hurt me more was losing one of my male best friends. He didn’t receive my calls initially and one fine day he ended our friendship by saying that he cannot accept me the way I am as it is against his religious believes.
I went into depression while I was in college. At some point of time I used to take 5-6 anti depressants in a day. I even took sick leave for a month. Once I came back, even after knowing what I went through, people were not kind to me. They even refused to help me with the academics/ classes I missed. It was a rough phase of my life.
These things made me start thinking – why me? Why am I different? Why everyone is taking advantage of my situation? Why everyone is taking advantage of my silence??
With absolutely no support from anyone, all the bullies around in college – I lost the purpose of life and I wanted to end my life.
But I owe my life to theses angels whom I proudly call my dear friends – Shruthi, Arundati, Rashmika. They said “Bala, why do you want to commit suicide? Why can’t you live for the ones who love you??? To whom you matter a lot. Why are you giving so much importance to your haters that you want to end your life?” That made me realize what I was going to do..!!! That stopped me from losing this precious life.
Mygirlypedia : When did you realize about your real self?
Bala : After college, I started working for a magazine at Delhi. I met this huge community of people who are like me. That is where I realized I am as beautiful as everyone around. I found the purpose for life. That is where my new life started. I realized I am here to spread love. I learnt to live for others which in turn gave lot of happiness. I don’t miss the pride parades. I walk every year for those who are still living inside the closet.
Mygirlypedia : What was that one push that made you gather the courage to open up about yourself?
Bala : Namrata Soni (celebrity makeup artist and my best friend), whom I met during a makeup master class. I told her once “Namrata, I am scared of applying kajal/ lipstick”. She said one sentence which motivates me every time. “Bala, not everyone is going to accept you. You should be yourself and stop caring what others think”. That moment made me brave enough to take major step towards being myself. Then I started buying cosmetics for myself.
(I personally feel, she looks so pretty with kajal. That south Indian look is so graceful. )
Mygirlypedia : Who was the first person with whom you spoke about it?
Bala : I think it is Nishara from college. Then I spoke to my friends Rashmika, Shruthi (because of whom I am still alive).
Bala : Dad and brother couldn’t accept the fact. They are taking their time to absorb things.
Mom, she took time too to accept. Even though she doesn’t really talk about it openly but she somewhere understands me. We even share cosmetics now.
Mygirlypedia : Who is your support system?
Bala : I have a lot of straight friends who are my support system. I got some amazing friends at every phase of my life. Be it college be it office. Here are some of the gems I have:
Mygirlypedia : How do you handle the strange stares of people or how do you feel when people treat you differently in public places?
Bala : There are people who still make fun of me when I go out. Some have even misused my pictures to post on certain websites. I used to feel bad but not anymore.
Now I just turn back and give them a very gentle smile and say “People who make fun of others are not cable of achieving anything. You make fun of me because you don’t have the capacity to do what I am doing, living the life I want to. I am brave enough and go out and help people in need, which you cannot”
Mygirlypedia : What’s the best part of being new or the real you?
Bala : Se*y. I feel like that real chic Maharani (queen). (That’s the trendy name I have given for myself.)
Mygirlypedia : What would be one piece of advice you would like to give to following people:
Mygirlypedia : To people who are still living inside the closet:
Bala : Wait for the right time. Be independent. Because when you are dependent on your parents, you won’t be having much point to justify. Once you are independent, justification becomes meaningful and convincing them would be easier. I also empathize and I stand with them.
Mygirlypedia : To bullies:
Bala : If you bully someone, please be ready to face karma. Because, karma is strong. Even if I forgive, karma won’t. Tomorrow someone else will bully you for something. It shows your capability, it shows you are not capable of doing anything other than bullying. Karma is waiting to make you feel the same way you made us feel.
Today many of my college mates who had bullied me, asked sorry. But I am somehow not able to forgive them for the trauma they made me go through. For the way they treated me, sorry means nothing now.
Bala : If you are getting bullied for being different, just stand firm and turn back. Make fun of the bullies for being the same.
Mygirlypedia : People with misconceptions about gay people, like some even feel being different is something to do with mental illness:
Bala : I remember one of my roommates from a PG, in Delhi. We had joint bed. The second day, he separated his bed from mine. On the third day, he shifted his bed to another room. The next day he shifted to other room with all his stuffs. People are narrow minded.
To those educated and yet narrow minded people out there, I want to tell you – we all are same. Even we have red blood just like you. There is nothing to feel ashamed or feel bad about us. Break your brain and come out of that nutshell.
Bala : That Bala is no more. That Bala is dead. I don’t want to remember that Bala. Because he is no more. This is a new Bala. I have taken a rebirth I would say.
Mygirlypedia : To all those people who love you:
Bala : I don’t want to say anything. I just want to give them a big bomb hug, a big fat bear hug. No matter what, I will always be with you guys till my last breath. Because of you I am here. I owe my life, my success to them. They are the best. They understand me inside out.
Mygirlypedia : What improvements would you like to see happen for LGBT community in India?
Bala : For LGBT community improvement, we need support from parents to come out of the closet and live a free life. One of my friends, who is a transgender, gets life threatening calls from her own brother. Think about how hurt she must be. 10 years somewhere down the line, I want to see all the parents giving a big warm hug to their children and accept them.
Mygirlypedia : Tell me about power of love that you believe in:
Bala : Love is powerful. Love has different forms. Love of a mother and the child, which is the purest, love of a brother, a friend. I have so many friends who love me, who understand and support me.
Love has nothing do with gender, love is pure and transparent. Accept it when it is true.
Mygirlypedia : What according to you makes a man attractive?
Bala : (Blushes) His heart, his qualities, transparent nature, down to earth nature, respectable attitude towards everyone makes him attractive. I get attracted to guys with kind heart.
Mygirlypedia : Tell me about what your dream boy would be like.
Bala : (Shy) My dream boy should be someone just like my first crush. I had my first crush in school. Someone who is very confident, who is down to earth, caring and concerned and very understanding. I don’t like someone who is possessive. So, these are certain things what I look for in my guy.
Mygirlypedia : What’s the secret of your positivity?
Bala : Secret of positivity is just love yourself. When you love yourself unconditionally, positive vibes just flow. Live for yourself. Do not hate your life no matter what. Don’t owe any justification to anyone for being you.
Mygirlypedia : Who is your favorite fashion designer?
Bala : Payal Singhal and Anaita Shroff, both are my favorites.
Mygirlypedia : Which is your favorite cosmetics brand?
Bala : My glam. Namrata Soni is brand ambassador. So yes My glam is my favorite.
We all have one life to live. On top of that, tomorrow is not promised for anyone…!!!
If you spend this life in pleasing someone else or especially ‘society’, you will have a biggest regret while we are on death bed.
Least we can do to make full use of this life is to have that little craziness or that little guts to follow your heart. Most importantly to be kind to others. Sounds difficult??? Well, it is OK if you can’t help someone or be kind, but at least don’t trouble or don’t be rude to someone.
The LGBT people are just like us. They are like the way they are. They have been created that way. It is absolutely nothing to do with mental health or their up bringing and definitely nothing do with ghost or black magic. Just to simplify your view – they are like a soul trapped in a wrong body. Post talking to this girly soul, Bala, I truly believed that.
So, the next time if you hear someone saying such things, do correct them. Because instead of liking posts on social media about LGBT, lets spread knowledge about them and help them with their fight to make this a livable society.
They are just like us who need love and respect at the end of the day.
Be kind, be fabulous. 🙂
Do follow this beautiful soul on Instagram @queeromania.
Are you a mom of a pet??? Or do you love animals??? If you fall in either of the categories, you are gonna like this post of mine. If, you have a four legged kid, you will love this post.
As I told you in one of my fun Friday posts, I love Instagram. For the fact that I get to connect to so many awesome people over there who are so talented and positive. Out of my favorite pages or accounts on Instagram, this one should be my most favorite one – 157ofgemma.
Gemma Gene, an artist or a cartoonist and most importantly a beautiful mother of her cute little son. He is a pug and his name is Moochi. She draws the sketches of hers and her loving son. And needless to say I love them. Each and every one of them. Those sketches make me so happy.
As I can’t share all the sketches here, I’m just gonna share twelve most favorite of them all. Which I can relate to, being a mommy of my four legged Son. I am sure you will love them. Don’t blame me if you fall in love with moochi and his Mami.
Check out her account here and follow for such cuteness doses- @157ofgemma.
You know till the time I met my son, the quote – “you don’t have to be related by blood to be a mother” hadn’t made much sense. But now it does.
On this women’s day, apart from appreciating all those women who inspires me, I thought of writing a letter to the most special one of them all. Me. I guess we are our ultimate inspiring souls. No wonder people around us do inspire us. But the option to get inspired or to ignore is within us . If you chose to get inspired then a little credit should go to you as well. Isn’t it.
So here is the letter I have written about the things I want to say to my little self.
Read on and once you finish reading, start writing a letter to your little self too. Come on, if you don’t love and appreciate yourself, who else will???
Hey Cute Little Pallavi,
I’m your older self. I am happy to tell you that I have survived, survived without letting you down. Fought many battles of life to be what I’m today. These are the thoughts straight from my bag of experiences.
Your world includes your hero – your dad, your strict teacher – your mom and your bundle of happiness – your sister. You know what cherish this world. Because this will keep you grounded. The real ‘world’ out there is not as kind as this one, might not be as happy as this one, so if you have ‘your little world’ by your side, you don’t have to worry about anything.
Also, you will slowly realize everything. Your first friend papa, will always be your listening ear when you break down. Mom, whom you secretly hate for being strict, will be the ultimate love of your life. You will thank her the most for shaping you into a beautiful lady one day. Let me tell you one more secret, I know you love your play partner, your baby sister. But you know what, soon she will become your best friend for life. Right from sharing rooms to sharing darkest secrets, you will grow to be soul sisters. Love your family.
You know that little kid, your right hand, your cousin has become a handsome guy now. You know what will never change??? It’s the bond between you two. The bond of love. It will grow stronger day by day. Keep him by your side and in your heart forever.
School, grades, marks cards – I know you don’t really worry as you are one of the coolest students. Haha. Lots of kisses to you for being one. Be cool. Because in life these things doesn’t really matter after some point of time. So breaking heads for grades is not worth.
I know how much you love dancing and all creative stuffs. Stick to that gal. Life and society will try their best to make you do what they want you to do. They try to take you away from these creative stuff to make you an engineer or doctor. But Pallavi, hobbies feed your soul, those things make you happy. So you know you should do what makes you happy. Right?
Talking about making happy, I know your ambition. To grow up and buy tons of chocolates to yourself. Hehe you will. Eat whatever you want. Don’t be behind diet and stuff to fit into the category of ‘ideal body’. Because there is no ideal body as such. While taking care of your health, be happy in your own skin. You are cute and you will grow up into a beautiful lady if you want to be.
Pets… Ahh they are part of your soul I know. Love them unconditionally just like they love us. Your peace and happiness lies in them. Remember that.
You love traveling on bikes with your daddy dearest. I can see that happiness when you sit on his bike in front. Your smile is infectious. Never let this world change that. When you grow old, amidst all chaos it’s ok to feel lost sometime. Do not panic. When you feel lost, just go on a short trip. The cool breeze, the silence away from the city will make you find yourself.
Apart from knowing your strength, it’s more important to know your weaknesses. You love your own space. You take time to Know people. That’s absolutely ok. Once you like someone, you care for them way too much. Sometimes more than they deserve. My dear little self, choose wisely. On whom you are spending your care, love and time. Because those are very precious. I am sure life and time will be the ultimate teachers for you. You will be wise enough to learn these things eventually.
Now the serious point I want to tell you.
Being a gal seems so girly, colorful and beautiful now, when you are a little princess. But being a queen doesn’t comes easy. You will be judged for all your actions. You will be criticized. There will be tons of restrictions. Hell lot of expectations from you. I can hear you asking me that with a shaking voice, “who does that?”. Well, society. But you don’t have to worry. Let me tell you how to tackle this. It’s simple -DONT CARE.
Do what you like, live the way you want to, fall in love, fall out of love, make mistakes, don’t regret, instead learn from your mistakes, get tattooed I know you love them, eat your favorite food without worrying about the calories you gain, earn money to spend it, wear what you are comfortable in, dance, sing, write, travel, be a mom of a pet, live alone or with friends as you wish, choose a fast life or a slow one make sure you are happy because sweetie you will be judged anyways so instead of living a boring life, give those aunties some reason to talk about. Haha
As you grow older, you might start taking life seriously. Little one, don’t do that. The more you take life seriously the more you will be screwed. Just be free, crazy and silly I know how notorious you are. Don’t lose that, don’t become a boring Pallavi. Haha I know it doesn’t go well. So be who you are. But never waste time proving that to people out there.
Just like mom found dad, you will find someone one day. Have patience. Do not hurry to get married. Because you don’t want to end up creating a mess. Do not get married because someone says you to, don’t get married because of age, don’t get married because someone else did. Get married when you find the one with whom you can be friends for life. With whom you can dance, sing, eat chocolates, ride bikes, do crazy stuffs.
Lastly, dear little Pallavi,
Life is tough and so are you. Life is beautiful and so are you.
Be kind, spread love, don’t waste it on wrong people and don’t waste time proving how good you are.
Believe in karma. What you give, comes back to you.
Do good to feel good. When you are in need, something good happens to you. That’s the magic of karma.
Smile…. You will get your teeth back soon. Smile even when you don’t have one.
Keep this innocence intact. It’s challenging with time but not impossible.
I wish I could hug you right now for being such an amazing gal you are…. 😘😘😘
Miss you little Pallavi,
Yours lovingly,
Grown-up Pallavi
Now, it’s your turn to write a letter for your young self…!!!
Valentine’s day haan…?? A day of celebration of most precious feeling – love…
What is love according to you…???
Updating social media with love quotes, pictures with your partner and using hash tags like #sweetheart #loveher #lovehim na.. no…
Going to posh restaurants to dine, na.
The great lovers like Romeo-Juliet, Heer-Ranja , Salim-Anarkali etc didn’t even had a social media account to ‘publish’ their love. They didn’t had Instagram to use the hash tags for their #truelove. But till date they and their love still remains with us. why??? Because of the purity… because of loyalty… Because of the commitment… so much so that they died for the sake of that one pure feeling called love. Which our ‘Tinder’ generation hardly understands.
For me,
Love is not only a beautiful feeling… It’s mutual admiration, care and respect…
Love is commitment… Commitment to be by each other’s side till death makes us apart…
Love is a promise… I’m not talking about promise to take care of each others hearts… Na… We are humans. We tend to make mistakes. Despite these mistakes and heart breaks, a promise that we will forgive each other’s mistakes and never leave each other alone.
A promise that we will bring smiles on each other’s faces when either of them needs one.
A respect… A respect to partner and the relationship. Respect by not hesitating to shout out loud to the world that he or she is yours. Giving them respect and making sure they are respected and treated well by others too.
Love is friendship. You can hurt your lover, you can get bored by them. But friendship, na you neither hurt them nor you get bored.
Love is growing old together….
I really feel love is where my soul can be at peace. It’s a home for my soul. Where I can be what I am… Without having to be afraid of getting judged.
I know you must be thinking that I’m being unrealistic or impractical. Sometimes, even I laugh at myself. I laugh because of my Hopeless hope for that one true love. When I almost give up on my beliefs, I always end up reading or meeting some couples who make me believe that love still exists.
I have seen old couple, who died with a time gap of a day or so. I mean can you imagine how much the thought of living without him or her was so strong. That passion is priceless. Passion to stay loyal.
When we are talking about love, there are also people worth mentioning about. People who end their lives because of love failures, for rejections. Phewww… If the other person does not accepts your love, doesn’t admire you.. I don’t think there is any point in wasting time and definitely not wasting your life. I know rejection hurts. Cry. Even though tears are precious but it’s Ok to shed them once in a while to make our heart feel lighter. But don’t stop your heart because you felt that rejection pain. Never.
Technically, the one who rejected you lost someone who loved. You lost someone you loved and someone who didn’t love you back. So frankly, you didn’t lose much. Oh come on, we love celebrities. They don’t even know that we exist. Still we don’t kill ourselves right… Why to make someone feel like a celebrity that too when they reject you.
Always remember we can’t force someone to love us. When the time is right, right person will come to your life and stay. You will finally find happiness and feel loved. Wait for it. Because when it happens you will feel the wait was worth it.
Love is giving. When you are truly in love, trust me at the end of the day only thing you want is the one you love to be safe and happy. Don’t agree??? Why the love of parents is considered as one of the purest forms of love??? Because they just love us… Make sure that we are safe and happy. They don’t really expect anything in return. That’s why.
Being an animal lover, I have to give you one more example by mentioning the most loyal animal, dog. You all know dog is the most loyal animal. He loves you more than he loves himself. A dog loves you. He ONLY knows to love and protect you. Even if you feed him or don’t, love him or not. Once he considers you as his master, he will never stops loving you. If he finds any danger, dog will always face it in order to protect you. Can anyone beat this kind of love..???
Love is everywhere. Not just in the month of Feb, but all throughout the year. You just need to acknowledge that.
Celebrate love every moment… Be it love of parents, siblings, pets, friends, partners… Celebrate it… Enjoy it… Remember, everyone has this unlimited source of love to serve. Spread your love and kindness to the world. Because more than technology and money world needs love and peace.
This valentine, be a donor of love… Not a beggar…. Love without expectation… Trust me, universe will make sure much more love comes your way…
Ahhh February… The month of love… Flowers and hearts everywhere…!!!
While most of the committed gals out there already ready with their presents for their valentine, Im pretty sure most of the boys must be discussing with their friends about what gift to give to their gals. Because they think that’s the toughest call to make. Well, picking a gift for a guy is not an easy task either.
If you feel Red roses, chocolates, teddy bears are now old and boring gifts… Here are some of the ideas that might help you to ease your task of choosing a gift for your special someone for this valentine…
Show piece
There are so many cute little show pieces available in the market. Especially this valentine season, almost all gift stores get flooded with these show pieces of tiny cute angels, couples etc which make a perfect gift for your gal if she loves cute things andddd you guys are just in initial phase of your relationship. Because, as the time passes, our expectations do increase. I’m not talking about expensive things but ummm let it be its complicated. Let’s just focus on gifts.
Gals, don’t even think of gifting these cute angels and stuff to your guy. Reason??? It’s girly…!!!
Lone time
How about a long drive… Dinner at a cozy place. It should not be an expensive restaurant, even your house makes a perfect cozy place. Point is the lone time with your special someone. Anddd extra brownie points if you switch off your mobiles.
Books
Does your partner love reading books…??? You know what will make him/her happy… Do check the taste of books and get one for your partner to make their day special…
Cook
Don’t worry about the taste, your valentine will love even if you serve bread and jam with tons of love. If they are not happy with your love and effort, dude you please think twice before celebrating valentine’s with the same valentine the next year.
There are many options in this category. No matter how your gal is, she will melt by looking at a customized gift with you and her pictures in it. I know it sounds cheesy but we love such gestures.
Hand written letter
Come on… Old is gold… I really feel nothing is more sweeter than a hand written letter. Pen down your feelings (good ones only) on a piece of paper. You don’t have to necessarily decorate it with girly stuffs. Just hand it over to her. Don’t miss her reactions while she reads your letter.
Gals, we should make guys feel loved too. There is no rule that only guys should write letters. Get a pen and piece of paper, write down good things about your partner to make them feel loved.
Shirts, watches, dress, bags
If you want to be a boring one, do present these to your lover. If your partner really needs one, then no offense.
Electronic gadgets
I think gifts for gals comes in all budgets. But for boys it’s usually on costlier side. But if your man is worth it, spend good amount and get that gadget for him which will make him happier.
Some gals are crazy for gadgets too. You know what to buy for her in that case.
Video games
Which guy doesn’t like video games??? Gifting a video game set will bring a huge smile on his face for sure.
If your gal loves playing video games too… Gift her one. Which you can share it later.
Dinner
Most of the gals love that special dinner with her special person. Candles will earn you more points if you are planning for a dinner.
Some men have confessed that they like their gal to take them out for a dinner for a day. Kind of role reversal. It’s Ok even a hulk needs some pampering sometimes.
Spa coupons
Both gift each other a luxurious spa coupons and enjoy a relaxing spa session.
Hope this helps…
If your partner loves you, he/she doesn’t really care about the amount of money you are spending. They only care for the effort you are making to make them feel special. Because at the end of the day, efforts and love makes you look se*ier than your body…. 🤗
Last Friday of 2017 huun… All set to welcome new year with a biggg huggggg???
What are your plans for the celebration???
I hope you enjoy and welcome the next year in your own swag.
To make Friday a bit more fun, here are some 5 random questions…!!!
Since 2017 is about to end, these are related to that.
What are you thankful for??
It might sound cliché but its true.
For every pain I got, which made me stronger.
All the Love I got, for making me feel I am special.
2017 Made me discover my own strength in different ways.
All you guys who appreciate my work. Who constantly support me with your constructive feedback. Mygirlypedia is thankful for that.
Last but not the least – For all the sales which made me happier. #shopaholic
Someone who made your 2017 the best.
My pet my sonny. #touchwood
What’s one thing you learnt from 2017???
Don’t take life too seriously, Care less to make the most of your life.
Someone or something you are going to miss from 2017
My pet dog pinky. Whom we lost few days back.
One bad habit which you will take with you in coming year and for which you are not guilty???
Shopping..!!! I know spending money way too much is not appreciable. But, I don’t believe in saving money for my unborn children and unbuilt house. I think I have taken ‘live the present’ way too seriously when it comes to shopping. Anddd I am not guilty of it.
The dreamy wedding of the year…!!! As I had posted earlier, it was in deed a fairy tale wedding. A destination wedding in Italy, between closed ones the most handsome guy married the most happy and beautiful bride.
The other day when Anushka and Virat got married, amidst all happy, heart warming wishes, lets admit most of our hearts were sad.
Sad not because the most handsome cricketer of our country is taken, because I don’t think we would get any chance to see him, forget about marriage but for feeling pity for oneself for some reasons. The pictures of their wedding had touched the nerves of our hearts which is responsible for ‘romance'(you know what I mean). Those who are already married must have regretted for not capturing such precious moments or not spending much money on a good photographer rather. Gals who are unmarried must have wished of getting married like them. At least I did. Her lehenga made me dream of my wedding. #Confession.
The way she entered , the smile on her face, the way he looked at her and welcomed her to mandap. The little conversation of theirs. Awww it did melt our hearts.
Let me admit, then the sad story begins. Why me??? why don’t I get awesomely loving guy like Kholi.??? I have no regrets to confess that at least I did feel bad for myself and I was super jealous of Anushka. He is such a caring man…!!! #Sob
Then, I started analyzing things. What we saw was a part of story which they chose to share it with us. What about the journey they walked together??? Was it really easy for them to maintain their private and professional life. Was it really easy to protect their relationship from getting broken because of many issues like media which doesn’t really give them space, time constraints due to their work commitments etc. I don’t think so. It must be mutual effort of those two love birds which made them the winners at the end of the day. I think they do deserve the happiness.
I happen to share everything with my sister. I know her well and I knew she would have felt the same ‘jealousy/sad’ thing. In deed it was right. Strangely when I happened to discuss this on a lighter note with some of my friends, they did it too. I was then relieved. haha.
I know most of the gals did cringe about it. So thus most of the gals ended up being sad. Thanks to social media which was flooded with the pictures of these 2 love birds. As much as we were happy for them, we were sad for ourselves.
We were somewhere getting better from that hangover, their reception pictures were all over the internet. Right from their entry, the way they chatted and danced. OMG.. Perfection…!!!
Let me tell you what brought me back to reality.
Well, there were also some of the pictures of these beautiful and inspiring women whom we failed to notice between these marriage pictures. These women are beautiful, successful, inspiring and most importantly brave…!!!
Brave enough to lead an inspiring life. Brave enough to face the heart breaks and the world gracefully.
Two among those are my all time favorites these two Jennifer. I love both Jennifer Anniston and Jennifer Winget. Both are so damn fit and gorgeous. But they didn’t had a fairy tale relationships. They did find their handsome and charming prince but not faithful once. Faithful enough to keep their hearts safe.
Jennifer Winget
These two women had a very bad heartbreaks. When I say very bad not only because their husbands chose to leave them and spend their lives with some other woman, also because being celebrity your personal life is not so personal. Every details(infact more than actual detail) get spread all over the media.
Do you think its easy??? Na…!!! Did these women cry??? Yes they did. After all we are human. Did their life stop??? No. They chose to shine. They chose to see brighter side of the world and beat the world with their smile.
Jennifer Aniston
Here is a proof. Look how this lady is grateful for her life. This post in deed thought me to be grateful for what we have.
Adding to the list, Deepika Padukone. She is my favorite Bollywood actress since her debut movie. Being such a graceful successful woman, we often think everything comes to her easily. Well, we did think so when she met Ranbir Kapoor. They both were so much in love. Had shared their future plans with media. Deepika was so much head over heels in love with him that she got his initials tattooed on her nape. But, her heart broke too when she found him cheating on her. Hurts. Unfortunately money or beauty is not everything all gals dream of. Deepika came out in public and even admitted that she went into depression. Her mother noticed the symptoms and provided all help to heal her.
Heart breaks, heart aches, ups, downs all are mandatory to be a successful human being. Its life. Happiness, pain, laughter, cry everything make life interesting. Don’t you think so???
I really feel at the end of the day – how happy and content you are with yourself matters the most. Loving someone, wanting to be loved by someone is natural. But, loving oneself and being happy in one’s one skin is something we need. If we are not happy with ourselves, I don’t think we will be ever be able to love or loved by someone.
Every gal dreams of meeting her Kohli. The one who loves her, who looks at her as if she is a magic. Who will fight for her and never let her go. This is a sweet feeling. I know.
But, what is more sweeter is realising how beautiful life is with or without your prince charm. Things you should be grateful for.
There is this saying – even if I meet my prince, my dad will be my king forever. Not because he has kingdom but because he treats me like a princess…!! When you have loving parents, siblings, friends who are more than family – you are more richer than most of the people.
I have heard people saying some cheesy lines – you are incomplete without a man in your life. You feel complete ones you get married. Well, Hello… I might be 1/4th or 1/2 or 3/4th whatever, according to you. But, I know I am not a puzzle, waiting for a square piece to get complete. I don’t need any one to complete me.
It’s nice to share your life with someone you love. Someone who loves you. But judging someone with such criteria… I can’t buy that.
Wait for your prince charm. But don’t waste your present in that. Enjoy the life you have. Make the most of it. Once the time is right – You will meet the guy of your dreams. Who might love you more than what you had dreamt of. You never know. Magic do happen.
Between, the second reception of Virat and Anushka will soon be on social media. Remember – never compare your chapter one to someone else’s last. Enjoy the chapter. If you don’t understand what’s going on in it, just enjoy the confusion.
If you still start self pitying, just remember the women I told about, to inspire yourself. 🙂
Loads of love to the strong warrior princess who is inside every lady out there.
Have you ever wondered, your hands are something which people notice when you meet and greet them. So, taking good care of hands and nails should be in our ‘Check List’. Don’t you think so??
Today, I’m gonna review the nail paint which is on my nails, right now. This one is from the brand Nykaa. The online shopping site Nykaa, has come up with their own range of cosmetics. I haven’t tried my hands on their cosmetics yet. But, I own some Nykaa nail paints from their huge collection of nail paints. Let me start with my favorite of them all.
Nykaa Matte Nail Enamel – Blueberry Frosting.
Read on if it’s worth buying.
Brand : Nykaa
Range : Matte
Shade name : Blueberry Frosting
Shade : light purple
Price : 179 INR (Depends on shade)
Shelf life : 23 months
Packing :
Comes in transparent but matte effect glass bottle. To give that matte feel in terms of packing as well. The glass is sturdy, I have tested it by dropping it multiple times. #accidently But, be gentle with cap. I have broken it already. #sad
Applicator :
Applicator brush is soft and of good quality.
Texture :
This is a matte finish one. That means no glossy or shining effects.
My experience :
I must say I’m bit lazy when it comes to nail Polish application. I can apply them but I can’t sit ideal till it gets dry. I always, always end up with messy nail paint. At least on one nail. #Atleast
But, this one has been made just for me. #TheOne Because, it dries up so quickly…!!! By the time you finish applying nail paint for fifth finger first finger’s nail is all dry and ready. Now that’s something I loved about this. You don’t have to sit like a doll waiting for nails to dry. #happydance
Special note: Since it dries quickly, better be quick to clean up the extra ones applied outside your nails, for a neat finish.
You might feel that the price is high for a nail paint. Even I had thought so #confession. But, the finishing it gives will make you forget the money you have spent. I felt it’s worth the money.
Plus – I got lot of complements for the color and finish from my friends and colleagues. #BlushBlush
PS: if you are wondering – why this shade… I love trying out different shades on my nails. Some uncommon colors. 😉 I was wickedly famous for trying out ‘out of the world’ nail colors. #memories
Will I repurchase???
Even though I loved this shade, there are multiple shades in this range. Would love to try different shades.
Will I recommend???
Yes. I have already done that to some of my friends. They are very happy with the purchase. You too try these matte nail paints. 💅
Today is Raksha Bandhan… Raksha – Protection, Bandhan – Bond. We tie sacred thread called Rakhi, on the wrist of those who protect us. Typically this festival is been celebrated by a brother and sister. Sisters tie Rakhi on wrist of their loving and protecting brother.
When I was a kid, when my mom was expecting a second child, everyone used to ask me the same question. “So, whom do you want?? A little brother or a little sister??? I guess little brother. You need someone to celebrate Rakhi with.” My answer used to be simple and firm “Na. I want a baby sister.” Then i was asked this question “Why?? Don’t you want to celebrate Rakhi???” as always, I used to say “Umm… I want baby sis. ” Little did I know, I was actually longing for life time happiness and celebration, rather than a single day…!!!
My baby sister. My little girl… My living doll. I guess all the elder sisters out there, can relate to what I am telling. We, as a small gals used to love dolls. The cute chubby ones. Don’t you think we feel on the top of the world, when we get a living cute doll. That too who belong to us. Only us. With whom we can play games for life long..!!! Yes I was on cloud nine when I heard I was blessed with a little baby sister. Happiest day…!!!
People kept telling, “two girls??? You guys need a little brother… to protect you guys… to take care of your parents” blah blah blah…!!! But, the bond we share as two sisters is way more stronger than the bond between a brother and a sister. Don’t you agree???
Ok, tell me – Does your brother played kitchen game with you as enthusiastically as my sister did??? Did your brother helped you with your hair styles??? Do you guys share clothes/accessories??? I am sure your brother can’t give fashion advices like my sister does. Does he understands your feelings about your first crush??? first heart break like we sisters do??? Can you share your period problems with your brother??? Do you and your brother gossip??? Best of all… Is your brother as pretty as my sister???? I am sure Nooo..!!!
Some people had asked me this stupid question. “You don’t have a brother. Don’t you feel unsafe. Don’t you feel you need someone to protect???” Absolutely No. Brothers anyways don’t come with a cape. In fact, not having a brother and being an elder sister, made me a protector. Protector of my beautiful doll – My baby sis. Back in school, if anyone made my baby gal cry, I had made sure that they cry too. They had to watch out for me, the elder sister before taking any step to hurt my sister. Even when my relatives used to trouble my sister or be rude to her… A bad girl in me used to wake up and make them feel the worst. For me, my sister should be safe and happy. That’s all…!!!
We shared rooms, she used to sit in my classroom when she was new to school. Holding her hand and bag on the way to school and back used to make me feel “the most responsible kid ever”. Playing kitchen games, stealing Bournvita when mom is asleep. Ahhh there are plenty of beautiful memories.
When my sister grew up, she became my best friend. BFF I call. She is my secret keeper(even if I fail to keep some of hers #SorrySissy) She understands, consoles and cheers me up with her stupid jokes. #Haha. She protects me from parents’ scoldings. Always stands by me in all my struggles. Even with the blogging stuff, she is my reviewer, my critic. Every post I publish here, are reviewed by her. She even helps me out with hashtags I use on Instagram. #SheisTooGood
Today, I want to appreciate and give lots of love to my little sissy, for being there always. For making me realize my potential to fight for good and for protecting me from bad. I love you for what you are. Be the way you are and always protect that innocent smile of yours. Never let the world change that.
No matter how old you get, what you do, you will always be my baby. My baby sister, who filled my life with so much happiness. On this beautiful Occasion, I promise you that I am and I will always be with you in all your struggles and happiness. Protect you and never hesitate to punch the one who tries to hurt you.
All the girls out there, like us, who doesn’t have their own brothers – Rakhi – is a symbol of gratitude towards the one who protects us. We don’t really need a brother to celebrate this special day. I have heard a lot of people saying “Brothers change once they get wives” But, I can grantee – No matter how old we sisters get, even when we don’t have teeth to laugh, we will laugh at the silliest jokes, dance like idiots and wipe tears and turn those tears into laughter again…!!! #SisterGoals #touchwood
On this day, do tie Rakhi to your sisters who have been your pillar of strength and shield of protection. Say them how much you love them Andddd don’t forget to give and receive gifts…!!!!
Loads and tons of love to all the sisters out there…!!
Hey pretty,
How’s your Friday treating you???
Today is happiest evenings compared to other week days. Isn’t it??? We can relax the next two days, doing what you love.
I was just wondering, why don’t we have a random questions answer session on every Friday…
By the end of the article you will get to know me more. Do leave your answers in the comments section below. Because I wanna know my readers toooooo. I hope you make my Friday happier by answering these five questions… baby eyes
Since this is the first interactive post, let’s start with basic questions… What’s say???
Shall we start??? yeahhhhhh
What’s the meaning of your name???
Pallavi – derived from Sanskrit. It’s a combination of three words.
PA – PAdam, lyrics or word.
LA – LAyam, rhythm
VI – VIdooshi, expression
What’s your nick name???
My maternal grandmother used to call me Pallu.
Some of my friends call me Palli, to annoy me. Palli means lizard in my native language.
Few call me Chotu – Because my height is ‘down to earth’… *wink*
What are your hobbies???
Blogging, reading novels (usually love stories. Currently reading – P.S. I Love You. I know most of you might have already read this. I’m finallllllyyyyyyy reading it now…!!! **blush**) , dancing. Ummm can I call shopping as my favorite hobby??? **haha**
What is your favorite color???
Black is my Happy Color. I like pink too… What’s yours??
What’s your favorite food???
I am from southern part of India. Rice is our staple food. I love different flavored rice so much so that, I can eat it whole day.
How was your Sunday??? I spent my Sunday in nature… I had been for trekking with friends… The fort, mountains, rain, fog… Had amazing time. Hope you had a good weekend too…!!!
Tomorrow is Monday… I know it’s a shortest horror story… But, can’t help… Have to go for work…
Today I’m gonna give you some styling tips… So that you can rock some amazing outfits effortlessly.
Pencil skirt… Skirt with narrow or straight cut. It accentuates your figure as it hugs tightly to body. Curvy girls, are you listening??? 😉
Let’s see how many ways we can style this piece of fashion
Formal look
One of the famous look. A formal look. Style it with shirt for that corporate look.
LBD
Make a Little Black Dress by styling black pencil skirt with black top.
With crop tops
Show that toned body with this style.
With boy friend shirt
Wear a lose shirts (popularly known as boyfriend shirts) with tight skirts to stand out from the crowd.
With peplum tops
For that elegant feminine look, pair pencil skirt with peplum top. You don’t really have to have killer curves… The outfit itself gives illusion of perfect curvy body. Show off those curves with this combination.
Lace top
Pairing lace top with pencil skirts looks super stylish.
Floral top
For that evening look, pair with cute floral top.
Cute top for casual look
Pair with contrasting colored shirt for casual look.
Long tops
Wear a long top with skirt. Looks cool. Isn’t it… Style them with boots to complete the look.
Layer it up
Style a skirt and top with jackets to change the game. Choose them wisely as per the occasion.
How’s your week going on??? Mine is a hectic one. Long day at work is not allowing me to spend much time in mygirlypedia. sob sob
But, I strongly believe that we need to do those things, which makes you feel happy that you are alive. I love blogging, shopping and makeup. And of course few minutes of me time. What about you???
While riding back home in the rain, I was just thinking what I really love about monsoon. And what I don’t.
Read on to know what makes me happy and what annoys me in monsoon.
What I like,
Greenery
With the first rain itself, all the grass, plants and trees starts getting greener. These green mountains are so soothing to our eyes.
The fragrance of soil
I love the fragrance (I’m not using the word smell here, purposely) of soil when the rain droplets kiss mother earth for the first time…!!!
Bike rides
I love it when rain droplets fall on me. It makes me feel light and melts away all the negativity around me.
Rainbows
The kid in me, still jumps with happiness when she sees the rainbows.
Pleasant sleeps
In summers, no matter with what speed the fan is rotating, you won’t get that pleasant sleep. I love hiding myself under couple of blankets and surrendering myself to sweet dreams, while listening to the sound of falling rain droplets. *best music *
Hot food/beverage
Wow… Sitting in the balcony, munching your favorite home made hot food and sipping hot coffee/tea. *heaven on earth *
Music
I love listening to rain related songs while watching or getting drenched in rain. When you have the actual rain with you you can feel the lyrics more. **bollywood freak* *drama queen **
Nostalgia
Everyone has their own set of childhood memories when it comes to monsoon. Buying monsoon footwear, protecting bag and notebooks from rain by covering them in polythene bags. I used to always forget or misplace umbrellas in schools. If it wasn’t raining while leaving from school, I used to forget umbrellas there. Mom’s question “did you forget something?” used to make me think of all the mischief I had done in that last week. Even after getting ‘reminder beatings’ from mom, I continued ‘mission misplacing umbrella’ . After all its rains duty to remind me of its existence and my umbrella. haha and of course making paper boats and getting drenched while trying to make it sail was the best childhood memories. Isn’t it???
Monsoon sales
Happiest season for shopaholics…!!! ‘Sales’ ahhh what a magical word it is..!!!
What we don’t like,
Riding in cities
When you are riding and tire of the vehicle moving ahead sprinkles that dirty water from road. Ewww….
Public transportation
There will be someone with stinking clothes or footwear. They are enough to hold our breath till death. And please don’t let me start with traffic. banging head
Clothes drying – Forever task
It takes like days for even a piece of cloth to get dried completely. No matter how long it takes, we have to dry it because we know those clothes which are not dried properly, stinks sooo bad. *suffocating *
Diseases
There are so many diseases caused by water and weather change. *Aaakshuuuu… *
Carrying umbrellas or rain coats
Along with your usual baggage, you need to carry those wet umbrellas and rain coats. *phewww *
Are you one of those who were spectacles??
Oh God save you. You need to have a spectacles with wipers to survive outdoors in the monsoon. weep weep
Rain reminds us about all leakages in the house
Saving yourself from getting wet is next to impossible
No matter how much you are covered, at least cuffs of your pants do get wet.
So are your vehicles
Vehicles give us so much trouble in monsoon. Sometimes they don’t start, sometimes in the middle of the road, they stop. All thanks to water droplets which get inside them. grrhhh
What are your views?? What do you like and hate about monsoon…???
Do comment below or what’s app me(which most of you do)… Love to hear your views…
Anyways, let’s concentrate on good things more and try to ignore the bad things. *angel smile *
