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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


What is depression? The term depression was not popular back then. All I knew was that I cried every day without fail, in front of my parents as well as silently at nights. On some days, seeing me, my mom would cry too. My dad was in China for work then, he would video call while I told him the tales of the day: what comments my classmates passed, how my best friend ignored me and walked away, how I don't feel excited to go to college anymore, and so on. Every day, a new episode. However, the subtext remained the same. I did not know when I would come over this. I just hoped I graduated quickly and put all this behind. 

But like they say, the scars from the past haunt you forever, and they change you as a person. I don't say I was never anxious before, however, after this phase, I turned into a timid person you can say. Will they laugh at me, will they ignore me, will they leave me, will I make any friend, and so on. To be honest, I'm a jolly and a social person but since this phase, I wonder who exactly I am. I make friends quickly but somehow they don't stay until the end. From an all-rounder in school who never misremembered a dance step to a nervous person who forgot her dance steps during an inter-college event and ashamed herself...this sad phase sure did take a toll on my personality and my confidence. 



What exactly happened in this phase? To sum it up, I was left by my best friend and had to go through this lonely phase for one entire year. In the first year of BMM, things were absolutely fine. I had a group of 13 girls and we hung out to places. I would crack jokes and keep the group together. Rather, I brought this group of 13 girls together (or well, at least I think I did). Fortunately, a girl from my school happened to be in my class and slowly, she became my best friend. We would go to acting class together and had each other's back, no matter what. 

Gradually, understanding that I did not belong to the group, I unintentionally started drifting away. My priorities then were attending the lectures and meeting my boyfriend. He was crazily in love with me and bunked his lectures to spend time with me. On the other hand, since I was the class representative, I was expected to attend all the lectures. So whenever I got a chance, I met my boyfriend and we used to spend our afternoons in a nearby mall while eating McDonald's alongside. I cherished being with him so I always prioritised him over them. 

There was another reason why I drifted away. The girls started drinking and me being the only teetotaler in the group, started getting bored. I started missing out on the sleepovers and the regular drinking sessions, which in turn led to a lot of missed stories, jargons, and friendships. Whenever I hung out with them, I would have no clue of what they spoke about. 



One scene I clearly remember from the past is of a sleepover. It's funny how when you're feeling low, you think like the entire world is against you. After reading this, you might laugh and think, "Oh how petty!". But for me, this was the last drinking session I had with them. 
On a sleepover, while the girls drank, I had used the toilet. Both the toilet covers were raised up and I squatted instead of putting one toilet cover down. 

The girl at whose house we were having a sleepover went to the loo after a few minutes and joked saying whose ass was this large that she had to lift the toilet cover in order to pee. The other girls laughed. I have no idea whether she was mocking me, but I felt extremely bad. I decided this was the last time I was going out with them. I stayed awake the entire night and only wished it passed away quickly.

There are a few more incidences like this which were even deeper and bruised my heart. This is how I completely drifted away from these 13 girls in my class. However, there was one person I really counted on and she was my best friend. To make things worse, we started having fights. I asked her to stay with me, but instead, she chose them over me. Where would I go? I was the class representative and I had to attend all the lectures. I was made to sit in the classes when I had no interest in sitting. I felt like I was in hell. I felt like rushing home and crying in mom's arms while she served me hot rice and I spoke with my dad on the video call while pushing food inside. And unfortunately, I was doing a mass media course. We had frequent events, conferences, industrial visits, presentations, and what not! The entire second year of BMM, I had to sit through all of this with no one by my side.



Things started to change when in the second half of the SYBMM, I befriended other girls from my class. They did not drink, attended all the lectures, and were not popular amongst the seniors. However, they made me feel loved and wanted. Though my dressing and my energy did not match theirs, I was happy to be accepted. 

The third year of my graduation was quite smooth. Since I had taken up journalism as my main subject, most of the girls from my former group went away. Majority of the class chose advertising as their main subject and only nine people remained in journalism. I felt really relaxed. Though about three girls from the previous group were in my new class, things remained smooth. However, I always feared the lunch breaks and events because that's when both the classes would come together. 

Slowly but gradually, I passed that phase. I had learnt my lesson: never to make one best friend. Be friends with a bunch of girls but relying only on one person is not going to be safe.  She might or might not stab you in the back and you might end up being sad once again. I followed these lessons during my postgraduation days and they sure did help me a lot. 


Today if you ask me who I am, I am someone who likes to stay away from the crowd and spend time with my long term besties. I think I'm really lucky to have them. 

And one more thing I learnt, which is a little difficult to follow at times, it is to not give a fuck. Don't give a fuck of what they think of you, don't give a fuck if they don't invite you over, don't give a fuck if they leave you...be happy in your own company. And at the end of the day, you always have your parents, your friends, your pets, your siblings, your cousins, your partner, and your house. You simply rush to them, vent your heart out, and smile through the tears. Trust me, if you start giving lesser fucks, you'll be a happier individual. 
July 22, 2019 No comments


I often go on dates and honestly, the classic red lipstick is my first pick on most outfits. There's just something about the colour red that brings out the oomph, multiplies the class and adds a complete look to any outfit. 

I did own many reds before and even now if you peek inside my vanity, you'll find two red lipsticks. One by Essence, which is moist and creamy, and the other one by Huda Beauty. On other occasions, it doesn't really matter to me how long-lasting the lipstick is. I am okay even if it comes out a little. However, on special occasions like dates, wedding ceremonies, events, etc. where finding time to visit the loo and adding a few touch-ups is difficult, I prefer a lipstick that stays for a long time. I hate it when you eat something and you get that ugly outline on your lips. It looks unflattering. I was hunting for a lipstick that stays even after you eat food and the Huda Beauty Heartbreaker, luckily, is the one that doesn't fade even a bit. 



On my 25th birthday, when my best friend asked me what makeup product I want, I shamelessly said I wanted a lipstick that doesn't flicker no matter what. She suggested Huda Beauty brand and I went crazy. I am someone who does not spend much on makeup. I spend about Rs 300 on lipstick and that's my budget! I've never bought a shade more expensive than my budget.

After my best friend suggested the brand, the first colour that hit me was red. Since I wear red the most on dates, I finalised it. I even wear nudes, maroons, browns, and pinks on dates but that's rare. So my best friend gifted the Huda Beauty Heartbreaker liquid matte lipstick and Makeup Revolution I Heart Revolution Dragon's Heart eyeshadow. 

HUDA BEAUTY LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICK REVIEW - HEARTBREAKER



Huda Beauty's packaging is something that catches the eye, so then no matter which line of product it is. The first look of this lipstick excited me and I couldn't wait to try it out! The consistency seemed fine and I secretly tried a swatch on my wrist and loved it. I feel like wearing this lipstick every day, it's that good! So how is the Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Heartbreaker shade? Read the review. 



PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Introducing Huda Beauty's latest lip beautifier: the Liquid Matte, an unrivalled take on the liquid lipstick. The tried and true comfort-wear formula from top beauty expert, Huda Kattan, is infused with antioxidants and an exclusive complex to help maintain the lips' hydration. The lightweight formula glides on a thin coat of colour that intensifies as it sets to a matte, transfer-free finish with amazing staying power. You might even forget you're wearing anything on your lips at all! Play with your look and combine colours to find your own, unique style. Pair it with a complementary Huda Beauty Lip Contour to set.

PACKAGING
Like I mentioned earlier, Huda Beauty's packaging is always noteworthy. I loved the packaging of this lipstick, especially how it comes in a box. Most of the lipsticks I own are packaged in a fitted box but this one, since it's a luxury product, has a bulky box with plastic slide-on cap. I even loved how the lipstick is placed between the lips to show what shade one can expect.

Once you take off the lipstick from the box, you see an elegant translucent tube with the branding and a black cap. Also, simply adore the way 'Beauty' stands out with its pink shine. 




APPLICATION
The applicator comes with a typical sponge tip. Personally, I did not require any additional lip pencil as this applicator was enough to give a nice, sharp outline. For some, such applicator might not be comfortable for defined lips, but personally, I did not find any issue. This product works great independently. And since it's long-lasting, you don't need other makeup tricks to make the product last longer. So even if you're packing for a trip, all you need to pack is one lipstick for red lips. 

The application is smooth, absolutely fuss-free. 



CONSISTENCY & LASTING POWER
The consistency is thick and smooth. It'll take a few seconds for the lipstick to dry out completely, however, since the consistency is smooth, it's not going to be hard to handle. The consistency is not runny, so as to say, which is why the application, as said earlier, is hassle-free. 

The lipstick does not dry your lips. It's not heavy and makes long wear really comfortable. Even if you eat or drink, your lipstick won't come off. You can only notice a little discolouration near the inner corner of your lips. However, if you cleverly avoid a broad smile, even that would not be visible to people around you. 


PROS
  • Long-lasting
  • Doesn't dry lips
  • Doesn't fade after eating
  • Thick and smooth consistency
  • Travel-friendly
  • Nice packaging
  • Nice investment for occasions

CONS
  • Could be pricey for some
  • Available only at a few places

CONCLUSION
We all desperately look for a lipstick that doesn't fade on eating. I think the USP of this product would be its lasting power. I say if you have your wedding coming up and are planning to wear red lipstick, then buy this without a second thought. The shade is a nice red...not too bright, not too dark. It's the classic red shade you need to definitely have. 

WILL I BUY IT AGAIN?
I think so yes. And if I do, this would be my first expensive lipstick. Even if I want a shade other than the Heartbreaker, I would definitely go for one in this range as I simply loved the outcome of the product! 




EXTRA DETAILS
WEIGHT: 5ml
PRICE: Rs 1,825
FROM: Nykaa
July 19, 2019 No comments

Every once a while, we feel like taking a break and go to someplace beautiful. Living in the City of Dreams can get daunting with its cut-throat competition, traffic, pollution, and lifelessness. The concept of 'Weekend Getaway' was perhaps coined by someone who desperately wanted a break and breathe fresh air with nothing but ample of nature around. 

Well, although I am not a victim of such life, sitting indoors and working on a laptop can get boring especially if one has not tasted nature in a while. I started my research on a short trip near Mumbai and finalised on staying at the Anandvan Resort, which was not very far from the city. I have been to Bhandardara thrice before – once with my family when I was in 9th grade, once with my college seniors, and once on my birthday when we camped and hiked at the Sandhan Valley. 

While on that trip to Sandhan Valley, we had passed Anandvan Resort in its highest glory. It was brimming in gold as the surrounding was dark and the area was lit with mellow lights. That night I knew I was staying here someday. And so I booked a one night stay at the extremely beautiful Anandvan Resort in Bhandardara. I don't really venture out on weekends because I hate crowd so I thought of staying here on a Friday and a Saturday to find lesser people around. 

ABOUT ANANDVAN RESORT, BHANDARDARA

Set in the hills at 2800 ft. and encompassed by forests, Anandvan Resort is a comfortable retreat with the most magnificent mountain scenery where guests can enjoy luxurious private cottages & villas, savour tasty food and experience an authentic reflection of Bhandardara. 

Anandvan Resort is a perfect family getaway to relax amidst nature. Located in the Sahyadri Hills, it overlooks the spectacular Arthur Lake. 

CHECK-IN AT THE ANANDVAN RESORT
I had understood the aura of Anandvan long back, more than a year ago, on my trip to Sandhan Valley. It was pitch dark then and the resort stood out. I remember how 'Anandvan' was shining bright and the entire region was lit with lamps. 

We can clearly estimate how luxurious or retreating a property is merely by its entrance. My first impression that day was reconfirmed when I took a right for the property. Since it was daylight, there was no lamps lit, however, the vibe remained the same. My first reaction certainly declared how happy I was to be there and how promising the property appeared. 


We parked our vehicle in the parking space and the first thing we did was walk towards the cliff. The cliff has a nice outline of shrubs and the view in front is gigantic. The Arthur Lake can be seen and we only wished we visited the resort a little later to witness the lake overflow due to monsoon and when the surrounding area is much greener than what it was in the mid of June. I guess July mid would have been a wonderful idea. 

After spending a few minutes at the cliff, marvelling at the view, we walked towards the reception, which is exactly opposite to the cliff. The reception is home to a really lovely collection of decor so whether it is ceramic turtles or antique pieces. We were given a welcome drink, which I assume was kokum sherbet. After the procedure, we were given the key to our room. We were staying in the lake view cottage suite.



THE STAY AT THE ANANDVAN RESORT
As we walked from the reception to our suite A-1, we were greeted with picturesque trees on both sides. We saw treehouses on our right and cottages to the left. The elongated path eased us out immediately and the fatigue from a 139 km journey faded over time. The staff member walked us towards our cottage and on reaching our room, guided us about the whereabouts such as the air conditioner, the tap adjustments in the bathroom, the television remote, the reception and room service contact numbers, and so on. 

I remember being absolutely delighted after seeing the interiors. The aesthetics of the place, the woody decor, and the warmth...marvelled me completely. However, what was in store next, left us with total awe. The living room of our cottage opened to a private garden. There was an outdoor seating with the view of Arthur Lake. The swaying of the bountiful bougainvillaea flowers coupled with the fresh air and lake view excited us. We knew we would be spending a lot of time in this little garden of ours!

Additionally, Anandvan Resort has a variety of room ranging from studio room to four-bedroom bungalows and from treetop houses to hill and lake view cottages. 

We had reached the resort quite late, say around 2:30 pm. Usually, lunchtime at most properties ends at 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Therefore, on reaching the room, we freshened ourselves up and went for lunch. We had asked the reception to hold lunch until we reach. 




THE FOOD AT THE ANANDVAN RESORT
After a walk down the shadowy path, right behind the reception, is the restaurant. The 'Oak' restaurant has indoor seating as well as outdoor seating. It also has a garden attached to occupy more people.

We dined at the indoor restaurant as it emitted warmth. There was a buffet for lunch and I was hungry simply looking at the delicious dishes and the number of items at our discourse. For the starters, there were fish, chicken, paneer, and veggies. For the main course, along with dal, jeera rice, there were chicken and paneer sabzis. For the dessert, we had chocolate balls, gulab jamun, and sheera. And to digest it all, we ordered buttermilk which came in a huge mason jar!

For dinner that night, there was no buffet system. I'm guessing that's because people prefer to stay indoors at night and order in instead of dining at the restro. We ordered salad, paneer and chicken starters palette, and for the main course, a paneer sabzi with naan. Honestly, we were too full from our lunch! And, for dessert, we had pineapple cake! Yum!

Breakfast the next day again was a buffet and I always vouch for buffet breakfasts since we get to eat a lot of variety plus our stomachs yearn for food. We can simply eat as much as we want in the mornings. I feasted on breakfast! There were two types of doughnuts, about three types of Danish sweets to go along with tea or coffee, eggs of your choice on demand, idli, poha, pizza, and fruits! There were juices as well but I picked coffee for some reason! 

Overall, the food at Anandvan is not to be missed, especially the starters, they're to die for!

AMENITIES AT THE ANANDVAN RESORT

To be honest, the main reason why I booked this resort was because of the pool with an infinite view! Yes! You read it right. Anandvan resort has a pool outdoors that throws a view of the mountains and valleys. I highly recommend you keep some time off for this activity. I promise you're going to enjoy here. The pool is not deep, might be around 5 ft or lesser, so it's great for floating as well as swimming. And, you can order drinks at the pool and simply enjoy the sundowner! Totally recommended.

We were at the pool for a couple of hours and had ordered some mocktails to go along. The grey clouds were coming together and we were expecting rains. We could witness the hide-and-seek of the sun and the overall experience was amazing. I felt so refreshed! 

There are a plethora of activities at Anandvan so whether it is the indoor court where one can play badminton, volleyball, basketball, cricket or games such as pool, table tennis, chess, carrom, etc. There are also special activities like folk dances, karaoke nights, bonfire, etc. on special occasions.

HOW TO REACH ANANDVAN RESORT, BHANDARDARA

- If you're taking your own vehicle, then nothing like it. You can simply follow the Maps to reach the destination.
- There are private cabs that take you from Mumbai to Bhandardara for between Rs 4000 to Rs 5000.
- If you're taking public transport, you can hop on a bus from Mumbai Central, Parel, Borivali, Andheri or Dadar and get down at Igatpuri or Ghoti. From there, catch a private taxi for the resort. (You can even pre-book your taxi.) Check MSRTC website for bus timetable – http://bit.ly/2IX5hoD

- Alternatively, you can get down at Kasara railway station and get taxis for Bhandardara.


BOOK A STAY AT ANANDVAN RESORT
Website: www.anandvanresorts.com
July 17, 2019 No comments
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