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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


More than a year ago, I started my journey of finding myself on a 40-day solo trip around India. The plan was simple: to thrive and survive. 

I included all the places I wanted to visit or were too unique to my taste. The first place, which was closest to Maharashtra (my home) was Mount Abu. However, reaching here wasn’t easy. So I booked a train to Udaipur and then a bus to Mount Abu.

I reached Udaipur at 4 in the morning and waited at the railway station for 3 hours before my bus to Mount Abu.
I had a mix of feelings. My mom had come to see me off at the Vasai Road station. Bidding goodbye was the toughest part. I remember looking at her through the glass window of my three tier ac train and the train moved as she stood on the platform. I started weeping after she left and the co-passengers just looked at me.

Later an elderly woman asked, “Are you going for studies or a job?” I said, “I’m going on a solo trip around India. Mount Abu is my first stop. I’m going alone.” She gave me blessings and that’s how my journey started.

I remember having crying sessions every now and then not because I felt lonely but because I was carrying a baggage from my past which I wished to erase completely. 

Reaching early morning at 4 in Udaipur wasn’t that smooth. It was still pitch dark, the station was empty but I chose to wait there, on a black bench for three hours. I nibbled on Hide & Seek and yearned for tea. Unfortunately the canteen opened at 8 am so I couldn’t have my morning tea. I rushed for a private bus stop and hopped on in my bus, the semi-luxury bus was hopeless with its torn seats and rusty interiors. My journey to Mount Abu started...

The reason I’d picked Mount Abu was merely due to curiosity. For some reason, since childhood, I always assumed Mount Abu was some sort of a desert with treasure chests burrowed beneath the sand. Where characters from Arabian Nights appear magically...


However, Mount Abu was just like a regular hill station.

The walk from my hotel to the Nakki Lake was quite a challenge because the road was frequented by drunk men in groups and I was walking alone, pretending to be Salman Khan or some ‘bhai’ of that area with my chest pumped up and arms stretched out. Perhaps my only weapon was the fact that I knew to speak Marwari, thanks to my Rajasthani neighbours. 
By using Google Maps, I reached the lake and with my boat rider, I rowed for 30 mins. The experience resembled to Nainital’s Naini Lake. Post boating, I tried climbing the Toad Rock but neither my guts nor my stamina allowed me to. I planned on going back to the hotel before it turned dark. 

Post dinner, I slept but was woken again as my periods had started! Just the 2nd day of the trip, and the ‘crimson wave’ had hit me. The next day was going to be the busiest. I had plans of sightseeing Mount Abu followed by an overnight sleeper-bus journey to Jaipur. I myself know how I pulled it off. I popped a pill to avoid the pain and the blood flow was reduced too due to it. But my strength had weakened completely. I was exhausted! I reached Jaipur the next day at 5 am. 

HOW TO REACH MOUNT ABU

The best way to reach Mount Abu is by getting down at any major city such as Jaipur or Udaipur and then take a bus to Mount Abu. You can book a bus via Redbus. After reaching the bus depot in Mount Abu, hire a cab to your hotel. The minimum cab fare is Rs 100. 


WHERE TO STAY IN MOUNT ABU FOR A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLER

Mount Abu is a hill station that lies near the border of Gujarat, an India state where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. So when the residents want to party, they drive down to Mount Abu. The chances are high you spot men around the restaurants and on roads who are there for nothing but consuming a lot of alcohol. 

And when I had been to Mount Abu, I came across a very few families; I saw groups of men the most. And though that does not always mean you're unsafe, risking life is not advisable. I recommend going for a family-friendly resort, preferably a 3-starred resort for ensuring maximum safety. These resorts also have tie-ups with decent cabbies and the experience of touring the place will be safer and better. And although this means shelling out Rs 1300-2000 a night, it will be worth it in the end. 

Where to stay in Mount Abu? I had stayed at Hotel Aravali, which I recommend a hundred percent for its hospitality, rooms, staff, food, and an extremely jolly owner, whom I met personally during my stay. In case the resort is overbooked, then go for any good resort (not a lodge, not a shady place) as close to the Nakki Lake as possible. Hotel Aravali is quite close and I had walked down until the lake. 

THINGS TO DO IN MOUNT ABU FOR A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLER / MOUNT ABU ITINERARY

Day 1
Two days are enough in Mount Abu, especially if you're alone and seeking a break from your everyday schedule. I would suggest leaving the hotel a bit early, around 3pm and heading to the Nakki Lake (try to get a hotel near to the lake so that you can walk instead of paying Rs 100, which is the minimum cab fare). Near the market outside the lake, try dal bati or any local dish. 

indian girl on boat

Post your meal, go boat riding at Nakki Lake followed by a climb on the Toad Rock. Again, there will be groups of males but you might come across females too (not solo, of course). So when climbing, just be prepared for men, especially if you don't know the local language. 

I suggest getting down from Toad Rock before it turns dark as the forest could get lonely and not safe considering it's a hill station and you're a solo female traveller in Mount Abu. Head straight to your hotel before it is dark. 

Take a nice shower and have dinner at the hotel. 

Day 2
For the second day, book a day-cab from the hotel or from the local taxi union the previous day. Usually the package includes Shankar Math, Honeymoon Point, Nakki Lake Selfie Point, Lover's Point, Trevor's Tank, Shree Somnath Mahadev Temple, and Guru Shikhar Hill Point. All the places are touristy honestly but there's nothing else you can expect from a commercial hill station. While the Trevor's Tank is a place located between forest, where you can sit for hours and contemplate, the Guru Shikhar point is the highest peak of Mount Abu, something you should not miss, especially for the view. 

For a solo female traveller in Mount Abu, the best way to truly enjoy the place is to relax and rewind at your resort (which is additionally why you should go for a nice property) and enjoy the boat ride at Nakki Lake. For food, apart from local cuisine, there's also Domino's near the lake in case you're looking for hygiene standards during the COVID times. 
December 29, 2020 1 comments
mutter paneer with onions and roti

Which dish do you make the most in winters? For me it's probably gajar ka halwa and all possible recipes using green peas. So whether it is Recipe for Mutter Paneer or mutter parathe or patties, you cannot get enough of this seasonal veggie. For any recipe, my go-to person is my bestie Keshav. I always ask him for recipes and he ends up giving really delicious, authentic recipes from his mom's kitchen. This is the third recipe I'm trying and it's been a super hit in my household so far. Last time it was Panchratna Dal and Gud ke Chawal recipe, this time it is Mutter Paneer recipe restaurant style (psst! also wait for Methi Mutter Malai recipe coming soon)

INGREDIENTS for MUTTER PANEER RECIPE
250gm paneer, diced
1 1/2 cups, green peas
Tomatoes, diced
Onions, diced
Yogurt
Cashews
Green chilli
Ginger 
Garlic
Green cardamoms
Peppercorns
Cumin seeds
Bay leaf
Red chilli powder
Coriander powder
Garam masala
Cumin powder
Turmeric
Salt
Sugar

MUTTER PANEER RECIPE RESTAURANT STYLE

Note: If using store bought paneer, soak in warm water for 20 minutes before you begin the recipe. And if using frozen peas, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using in the recipe.

onions tomatoes fried for Indian curry

1. If you're using fresh green peas, then put them on boil.
2. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of oil in a pot/pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add green cardamoms, peppercorns and cumin seeds. Sauté until the spices are fragrant and the cumin seeds sizzle for few seconds.
3. Then add onions, ginger, garlic and green chilli.
4. Cook for five minutes until the onions are light brown and soft.
5. Add tomatoes and cashews. Continuing frying. 
6. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes are really soft.
7. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool down a bit. Once it has cooled down a little, transfer to a blender and grind to a smooth paste. Keep aside.
mutter paneer with onion and roti
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8. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan on medium heat. Add bay leaf and then add the red chilli powder.
9. Sauté for few seconds until you see a nice bright red colour.
10. Then add in the prepared onion-tomato paste back into the pan and mix well.
11. Add the coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric, salt and sugar. Mix well and cook the spices for a minute.
12. Whisk in the yogurt, stirring continuously until it mixes well.
13. Then add water to the pan and let it come to a boil.
14. Add paneer cubes and boiled green peas. Stir and then cover the pan. Let it simmer for 6 to 7 minutes on medium heat.
15. Sprinkle some garam masala on top and enjoy with onions and roti. 
December 26, 2020 No comments

Exactly a month ago, I had shared my
Quarterly Wishlist which consisted of bottom wear, tops, shoes and a few accessories. It was my project to collect staple pieces using a conscious mind and having a solid reasoning behind why I was making this purchase. 
This project also had me avoid a lot of unnecessary purchases, which were not timely, not useful and not my personal style per se. 

WHAT IS A QUARTERLY WISHLIST?

A quarterly wishlist is when you make a list of items you want and try to purchase those within a span of three months. Sounds pretty obvious? But the catch here is to buy only these items and nothing apart from that. So even if you are shopping and find a really adorable dress on discount, you still do not buy it. So now it's getting interesting, eh? 
Also, you don't just write a random category of clothing but try to be as specific as possible. For example, you will not mention 'jeans' on the list, but write the exact type such as 'mom jeans' or 'white ripped jeans' or 'faded boyfriend jeans' etc. 

It is quite tricky and challenging but when you do this, you realise how much control you can have over your mind. It stops you from buying anything which you hadn't planned, it helps you make conscious decisions. 

AUGUST FINDS

This is the first month of the quarter I had chosen. This quarterly project will end in October, which means I only have two months to shop remaining items. (Most likely it is difficult as I have to shop for my sister's wedding.) 

I tried to purchase as many things as possible and with that, I also tried to find alternatives. Here's how the Quarterly Wishlist looks so far: 


In the first month, I managed to get a pair of bottle green utility pants from H&M (which also match my need of 'cigarette pants'), a dark grey tee from Amazon basics, and a pair of denim culottes (which aren't on the list but serves the purpose of my overall wardrobe I aim to buy) again from H&M.

Apart from these purchases, I did look for white canvas shoes, a black strappy top, a grey camisole, and a branded cap, but I held the purchases for time-being. 


By next month I hope to buy five more items from the list. In fact, I am already browsing through the shopping apps, but keeping these purchases aside as of now as I need to shop for my sister's wedding as well. I am loving how shopping is much more than splurges, now it’s more like a grocery list where you buy ingredients before making some exotic pasta. I am loving how these are not roadside purchases and are quality clothing. I’m loving all the three purchases I've made so far and would definitely consider these brands again.
September 19, 2020 No comments
girl sitting by lakeside tent view
 
If you ask me what's that one thing that makes you happy, it would be camping for sure. And though there are many such "one thing"s that make me happy, camping without a doubt, falls under the top five. And every time someone tells me they've had a real camping experience, my eyes sparkle. Because I believe, everyone should go camping at least once in their lifetime.

These days, thanks to the camp organisers, many people without resources too can camp, but do you know when is it a real fun? It is when you pitch your own tent by using some torchlights, it is when you make a minimum of twenty rounds to collect twigs for your bonfire, it is the continuous process of keeping the fire alive by adding more twigs, more leaves, and huffing and puffing. It is when you cook your own food over that flame you just created. It is when you take your hoodie as a blanket and shiver next to the person you're sleeping inside the tent because it is just so cold. It is the morning dew that dampens your tent, it is the risk of finding a spot concealed enough for your morning potty, it is the puffy eyes, dehydrated yet extremely satisfied face the next morning, it is the happiness of spending night with someone you love and cherish, it is the happiness of letting go of the urban stress. Camping is something you should not miss, no matter what. 

Now, you might have been to a few camping excursions with a camp organiser, but I'd still suggest you plan one on your own. Rent a tent, find a place (something that is safe), and simply camp. If you have a pet dog, take it along too. 

WHY YOU SHOULD GO CAMPING ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME 

FINDING NATURAL RESOURCES

Camping is so exciting because you learn to find resources around you. Thirsty? Find an active waterfall and drink up fresh water from it. Need a trekking pole? Find a long, sturdy stick and use it instead. Famished? Pick fruits from the trees. Need a dish? Use a broad leaf instead. 

You learn so many things when you camp because clearly, you don't have those many resources with you. You're neither at your home nor living in a city. You're around nature and gradually, you learn to make the most of it.

BEING INDEPENDENT

Camping teaches you to survive on your own. Of course there are people around you but then pitching tents, making your own bonfire, giving yourself company for loo breaks in the dark, helping others around you makes you independent and bold. 

LEARNING TO LIVE WITH THE MINIMUM

Many people live with a protective bubble around them. They think they need many things to survive but camping teaches that you just require shelter, warmth, food and safety tools with you. It's best for those who have many material possessions and are looking for some way to break those. 

Camping in the wild teaches you to poop in the open without a commode or an enclosure. You either wash it out or carry tissues from your home. Camping teaches you to stay raw, sans makeup, sans any beautification. You learn to live with the minimum. You understand that all you need is a warm piece of clothing to wrap you up and a pair of socks to keep you warm when it gets too chilly at nights. 

IMPROVING BONDS

If you're losing touch with a friend or need rebounding with your partner, then a night in the wild will bring you close. It's something about the soothing air that encircles you as you sit quietly, looking back at memories, talking about your vulnerable points, sharing stories. Sometimes bonds are repaired by just sitting by the bonfire, staring at it, and exchanging smiles. 

THE FEAR OF WILDERNESS TENDS TO FADE

Are you afraid of wild animals or snakes? Or insects and reptiles? 

I remember being too scared of leopards every time I camped on a mountain (especially when villagers talked about leopard sightings). It's a fear I am still overcoming. A challenge that though creeps me out also makes me strong and resilient side by side. Certainly the fear of leopards has faded over time. Camping teaches you to overcome your fears of staying in the wild. 

ENJOYING NATURE

One of the reasons why I love camping is because I love nature and being surrounded by it. Camping allows you to sleep under a sky full of stars; it lets you wish upon a shooting star. It allows you to hear the mysterious sounds coming from the earth as you lie on the ground. It lets you experience nature at its brand new, renewed form when the mist floats on top of a lake in December, where the sun rises throwing purple-pink hues, when the morning dew makes your shiver, when the trees are swaying gently after a wholesome sleep. Camping lets you enjoy nature at its truest form. 

DISCONNECTING FROM THE WORLD

And the best part about camping? It is the very thought of disconnecting from the world, the pseudo identity, your job, your tensions. It's breaking free from all the chaos. Your task list, your debts, your worries, your past. It's where you become one with nature and bond with friends and family. 

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September 19, 2020 1 comments
surviving Indian railways

Travelling on Indian Railways is an experience you must not miss. Being the fourth largest railway network in the world and being such an integral part of India, you must take a long distance train journey to get the very essence of the country. But, being a foreigner in India or someone who has never travelled on it (or are travelling solo for the first time), you must wonder how to survive Indian Railways. Let me tell you, I've always preferred the railways over the airways because they're cheap plus always bustling with people. Indian buses and flights do have people around you but the fun of travelling on an Indian train is different. 

No matter where you go, you'll always have worries of commuting locally. So whether it is taking a domestic flight, an interstate bus or a train. But being someone who has travelled so extensively within India via railways, I have just so many things to share and so many hacks/tips to pass on. 

Surviving Indian railways is not as tough as it seems. The basics are arriving an hour before the scheduled departure, always keeping an ear on the announcements (even though your platform number is announced, sometimes there's a possibility of switching platforms during the last 10 minutes or so) and carrying long distance train train travel essentials like a hand sanitiser and tissue papers. What are other tips? Read further.

SOLO GIRLS' GUIDE FOR SURVIVING INDIAN RAILWAYS

I'm an Indian solo traveller and I've been to many places around the country using a train. I've been to 19 Indian states/union territories in total and can say from experience what it is like travelling in the country using the railway network. 

YOUR SAFETY

First things first. All right, you'll be able to get on board, find tickets and your seat, you'll successfully get through the journey but what about your safety? If I were travelling solo in some other country, I would certainly think of this. 

How safe is it for a single woman to travel on train in India? The answer is, it's very safe. In fact, the trains are so occupied most of the times that you'll have a family or women around you making you feel protected and safe. And even if there is no family or women around you, nothing wrong will happen. The only major worrisome part would be visiting the loo during the late hours when everyone is asleep and the lights are switched off and I'll cover that point later in this article. 

But don't worry, Indian railways are safe for solo women. 

SAFETY OF YOUR BELONGINGS

Another question you might have is the safety of your belongings. I own a MacBook, an iPhone and an expensive camera. I still manage to take toilet breaks and sleep without getting my stuff stolen. So how do I do it? 

Okay, here's revealing my ultimate 'surviving Indian Railways' hack. Choosing the upper berth helps a lot to keep your belongings safe as you can shove everything in one corner. I often use my backpack (which has all my important documents and gadgets) as a pillow. 

And for your main luggage, carry a chain and a lock. Slip your heavy luggage under the lower berth and chain it for a fuss-free travel. A lot of Indians (including me) do that and have been doing it for generations now. 

TAKING TOILET BREAKS

Taking toilet breaks often seem like a ninja mission. You quickly visit the loo under tough circumstances and check for people around you and rush back to your berth. My tip for taking toilet breaks is to firstly shove your belongings in one corner of the bed, throwing your blanket/hoodie/pillow over it and making it tough for anyone to spot your backpack. This is what I always do. I hide my backpack behind the blanket, hoodie and my pillow so that I believe it is difficult for the thief to steal anything.

However, I always recommend carrying your phone, passport/identification and money in a small sling bag while visiting the loo because you can no way afford to lose that, especially when you're on a vacation.

Apart from the safety of your belongings when you visit the loo, your safety during the night-time is important too. I typically go the washroom when the train is semi-lit. Usually people sleep early on train travel so they gradually start shutting the lights by 8:45 pm. I typically go to the washroom around 10:00 pm because although the lights are off, nobody  is in a deep sleep at that time so you just feel safe that way.

And in case it is late and you really want to pee/poo, then the best way is to stay alert and proactive. I've never carried any Swiss knife or a pepper spray, but if you want, you can carry them. 

surviving Indian railways

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TRAIN ESSENTIALS

Train essentials can differ from person to person but if you ask me, I'd say:

1. Hand sanitiser
2. Snacks
3. Tissues
4. Identity card
5. Napkin
6. Paper soap/hand wash
7. Hoodie (in winters or if your bogie is air-conditioned)
8. Long charging cable

I have shared my long distance train travel essentials on the blog earlier, so do check it out for an extensive list.

WHICH SEATS SHOULD YOU PICK?

I suggest go for the upper berth. Not only the safety of your belongings is assured but also, you get your personal space. I always choose an upper berth so that I relax peacefully as most passengers prefer sitting during the day time and hop on their upper berths only for their afternoon nap and night's sleep. 

Upper berth, on the contrary, also means not getting the window seat. So if you want to look outside the window, then go for lower berth.  

TICKETING + TICKET COLLECTOR

You can book tickets via Indian Railways official website. Train booking is easy, only that registering there is a pain. But you can always get in touch with tour operators and book via them. 

For a smooth experience while interacting with the Ticket Collector, keep your ticket and your identification ready. Psst! People call them "TC" so if you hear anyone whisper those initials, know that the ticket collector is around. 

RAILWAY FOOD

The Railway food. What do I say! I end up eating it anyway. The hack here is to carry your own snacks, fruits, sandwiches or rolls. However, I do recommend the tea and coffee. The taste is not the world's best, and in fact, it is watery, but you cannot miss it. When in India, you drink tea twice, once with your breakfast and once with your hi-tea. 

Do you know? You can order food from selected food chains such as Dominos Pizza directly to your berth? You can do it via the IRCTC app. 

ADDITIONAL TIPS

1. Befriend the family next to you. Smile at them, play with the kids, talk to the elders. 
2. Wear a pair of flip-flops because it's easier for you to take them on and off. 
3. Wet wipes are must, especially after loo breaks or to wipe your face.
4. Carry socks. Air-conditioned trains can get chilly at nights. 
5. Arrive an hour before the scheduled departure
6. Keep a check on the announcements while waiting at the platform
7. Track your train by putting the PNR number or train number. There are several mobile apps for that
8. Alternatively, check your location using maps
9. For any immediate assistance while on the platform, go to the station master, ticket counter, cloak room or ask any railway employee. Or simply, my favourite, ask the vendors selling tea and snacks at railway stalls. Coolies are a good option too. 

Surviving Indian Railways is not difficult. It's about being proactive and asking help whenever needed. Indians are so excited to help, and if you're a foreigner, then more number of people would be delighted to help you. Just one last tip: Always take help from families, women, urban people in case you don't know whom to run to. 

If you liked this article, please don't forget to leave a comment below! Would mean a lot to me. 
August 20, 2020 2 comments

8 effortless ways to always look stylish

The fashion industry, the advertisements, the social media continually tell us to buy statement pieces to look stylish. They compel you to think that wearing a crop-top with narrow sunglasses will make you a badass diva. They tell you to grab latest of trends and shove discounted fashion items on your face and make you believe that buying more will lead you to look fashionable and accepted by the popular community. 

But tell you what? That's not always the truth. You can still look chic by wearing whatever you have in the wardrobe. All you need to make are a few amendments to your outfits to always look stylish. 

1. Rolling up sleeves

It's my go-to hack. Rolling up your full sleeves (so whether it is a blazer or a jumper) looks put together and effortlessly stylish. If your sleeves slip down even if you roll them up, then try wearing a rubber band on your forearm and then simply tuck in your sleeve and roll it up. 

2. Adding a piece of jewellery

I'm not a huge fan of jewellery. Rather, I'm always sans jewellery. I hate to have the tingly feeling of accessories on my body –– so whether it is a pair of a long earrings or a bracelet or even rings. Just thinking of wearing any jewellery drives me nuts. 

However, that does not mean I don't wear any. There are times when I really need to lift my look and no matter what I do, it doesn't work out. Either it looks too loud or underdressed. During such times, I prefer wearing a simple outfit and pair a piece of jewellery to add some edge. 

3. Spraying dry shampoo

Good hair days = good days in general. And this is true for most of us. Having oily hair can really break your look. And if you're running late or sick and can't wash your hair, then the best idea would be spraying some dry shampoo to ease your oily tresses. A dry shampoo not only absorbs the grease but even manages to give a fuller volume to your hair. Looks like a great deal to me! 

TPCG picks: Batiste Dry Shampoo, preferably in original fragrance. 


4. Adding a pop of colour

I'm such an add-a-pop-of-colour person. I like to go with neutral colours and then add a vibrant accessory such as a red sling bag, a fuchsia pink lipstick, a fluorescent green top, a pair of mustard flats and so on. Unless that's your personal style, but I prefer a pop of vibrant colour on a neutral outfit. I don't like pairing a vibrant colour on a vibrant colour unless I'm in Goa and really planning to go hippie. 

TPCG recommendations: I believe a red solid sling bag like Diana Korr's would go really well on a white shirt and a pair of faded mom jeans. 

5. Tucking it in

If you ask me to describe my personal style, I would certainly describe it as: a t-shirt 'tucked in' my ripped jeans. Because I love tucking in my tops. It's partly due to my body shape. I hate tops that go beyond my bum as they show an incorrect image of my body. Which is why I prefer either folding the end of my tops until my bum or just tuck them in my bottoms. But regardless of my body type, I strongly believe that tucking in a top makes your outfit look twice better. 

6. Adding a cap (or a hat)

Adding a hat mind sound too much for someone whose personal style is simple, and unless you're by the beachside, you cannot pull a hat. I get it. For me, wearing a hat is just too extra and something that I can't pull off––or wouldn't wish to pull off. So my next best option––something that helps me hide my bad hair days, is a cap. Oh my gosh, I love caps. I don't mind wearing them even on a plain kurta. Caps define me, I define caps. 

TPCG suggests: Go for caps that have a harder crown. Flat caps are a big no-no. They make you look like you have a flat head! I even recommend bending the brim of your cap to bring the oomph. 

7. Changing your everyday look

Do you always wear makeup? Try to go really basic someday (how about just an eyeliner and some mascara?). If you're always without makeup, try to wear some. I would suggest red lipstick as it truly puts together an outfit. Is your personal style feminine? Go for something bold for a change, and vice versa. You can even mix and match two styles. For example, wearing a lacy/floral top and pairing it with some sports shoes.

8. Lastly, painting your nails

I mean, you tried everything and it's still not working out? Paint your nails and at least you'll have beautiful fingers to look at! Jokes aside but I always adore those women who have neatly painted nails. Pastel shades make you look like a smart, sophisticated, warm, and a woman-who-knows-her-shit of a person.

What is your go-to hack for a stylish look? Comment below!
August 19, 2020 No comments

We all have wishlists and rather, these are what keep us going. Ever since I landed into a full-time job, I started taking my wardrobe and my personal style quite seriously. Apart from keeping away some portion of my salary as savings and giving another part of it to the family, I vouched to spend the remainder on myself. 

After almost five years of fast shopping and street-side picks, this time around, my wardrobe was almost weeping to carry these low-quality clothes. It begged for an upgrade. It begged me to be conscious about what I shopped. It asked me to stop going for cheap quality clothing items shipped from China. It asked me to invest and buy intentionally.

I'm on this journey since a couple of months where I'm shopping quality pieces that would last long. I've already shopped a lot over the course of my new job. And the hunt for new clothes, new shoes, new upgrade doesn't seem to end. So to stop my urge of buying something that is not my type per se, I started making wishlists for real. A pen-on-paper wishlist. 

WHY A WISHLIST? 

Wishlists avoid the urge of buying something you don't necessarily need. It helps you refrain from such incidences when you stay in a tropical climate and yet buy a cashmere blazer because it was adorable and on sale.

Making a wishlist avoids superfluous splurges. It gives you a guideline to shop. This also means, you don't spend a fortune on a cashmere blazer you're never going to wear. Making a wishlist makes you a conscious buyer. You're fully aware of the things you need and you are willing to stick to that personal handbook of yours while shopping. 

Wishlists also mean you have to be strict and true to your needs. If you're looking for a mustard pair of flats, only go for mustard or shades between yellow and orange. And when you mean flats, do not browse through heels. Stick to mustard flats. Otherwise, what's the point of making a wishlist?

QUARTERLY WISHLIST

I'm starting a new series on my blog wherein I would share my quarterly wishlist. A quarterly wishlist simply means making a list of items you want to buy over a course of three months. I'm picking August, September, and October for today's post. 

Not just this, I'll share a monthly update on what's going on with this list and how many pieces I've purchased out of it. A quarterly wishlist lets you plan ahead, save, and shop consciously keeping in mind your budget, needs, and desires. 

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The Casual Chic Wishlist for the months of August, September, and October includes a lot of neutrals. That's because, to build a powerful wardrobe, you need premium quality basics. You need the basic camisoles, the solid tees, the linen and cotton pieces and so on. 

Therefore I thought, to start with this project, I must have basic pieces in my wardrobe. Here's what I think I need to have for the next three months to begin this project:


THE CASUAL CHIC WISHLIST

BOTTOMWEAR

  • Mom jeans
  • Culottes (preferably light shades such as grey)
  • Olive green utility pants
  • Paperbag trousers (faded olive green, cream, grey, baby pink)
  • Linen trousers
  • Cigarette pants (preferably in a grey checkered print)

DRESSES

  • Black maxi dress (with a slide slit)
  • White cotton dress (mid-length with brown buttons)

TOPS

  • Dark grey well-fitted t-shirt
  • Black strappy top
  • White strappy top
  • Grey camisole (for cosier and more comfortable style)

ACCESSORIES

  • Nike cap (or any cap with the brand logo; preferably in black, white or grey)
  • Mustard flats (a pair in which I can walk for hours comfortably)
  • Black flats (same description as above + should be really beautiful/special)
  • White cotton or canvas shoes 
  • A neutral coloured sling bag (preferably grey, cream or a faded light blue)

I'm so pumped up to work on this project. Feel free to pin my wishlist and use it for your shopping guide if you may. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you get on this journey of conscious buying soon.
August 16, 2020 No comments

I'm loving how more and more people are looking after their mental wellbeing and are considering it as an important part of their wellness. Several things are going on currently, that more number of people are coming out to support each other and share their past to the public. And what's startling is that people are actually listening without any prejudice or judgment. 

As we grow older, we experience both good and bad situations and while a few bad experiences leave us quickly, a few create a hole in our hearts that seem incurable. No matter what you do, sometimes the past can haunt you from time to time. 

It's not a rule that only those with a traumatic past should have to have mental instability or stress/depression. I think it can happen to anyone without any trauma associated with it. 
It's just that the competition to thrive is so fierce, that we often are left behind with no other choice but to jump in the same boat everyone's sailing. From getting good grades in school to graduating, finding a job, finding a partner, etc., the demands that you put across (may or may not be as a reason of the society) take off pleasure and peace from you. 

And sometimes, achieving something (so may it be earning money to support your family or proving you're something to the world), can be so demanding, that the basic needs are ripped off  of you. 

Being working from home for more than two years, struggling to establish myself and maintaining stability while doing it, turned me into something I never was. (And I'm sure, due to the whole lockdown situation, a few of you might relate to this, especially if you've lost your  job/cannot find a job or have a financial crisis.) For two years, to save money from the peanuts I would receive then, I held myself from a lot of materialistic pleasures. I saved about 75% of whatever I received and would not even spend the remaining 25% with an open heart. 

But this time around, when I decided to take up a job, I made it clear to myself that saving money is fine (and this comes naturally to me), but what I must do for myself, especially after holding back for two years, is to find joy in materialistic things (which again, comes naturally to me).

I know, it sounds contrary to what most people like to say: don't find happiness in materialistic things. But when I thought about it, I felt that maybe, just maybe, buying those little things that are really going to bring a glow on my face and calm my inner demons, making me less worried, less stressed, and bring a smile on my face while having thoughts about how perfect everything is, maybe spending money on materialistic things might not be a bad idea after all. 

It has come after a long, long time, but what seems ahead is clear and bright. Saving money is a good idea but feeding your inner chaos a bait to silence down is equally important. 


HOW TO FIND JOY IN MATERIALISTIC THINGS?

The most important thing, which comes without saying, is having an income source. If you're going to rely on your parents or partner to give you money, then this isn't going to work well. The kind of joy you'll experience after splurging your own hard-earned money shall be different than the joy you would experience after taking it from someone else. (If you're a student, you can take up part-time jobs or internships that pay a stipend.)

Next, start your savings. Now depending on your financial situation and your earnings, the Saving to Splurge ratio would vary. No matter your earnings, always have a fixed ratio for every month. I suggest deciding the Savings quotient first and then going for other quotients. For example, if your monthly takeaway salary is Rs 20,000, first decide how much would you save out of it. Let's assume, you don't have financial responsibilities or liabilities at the moment. Let's assume you take public transport daily to reach to office. Since Rs 20,000 is not a huge amount, we cannot divide our salary in a 50-50 ratio. Instead, let's keep it 75-25. 

So out of your Rs 20,000 monthly salary, you save about Rs 15,000 every month and spend Rs 5,000. However, since you're under stress, you deserve to spoil yourself once a while, so we are going to amend our ratio a bit. Instead of saving Rs 15,000, we're going to save Rs 12,500 every month and splurge the remaining Rs 7,500. 

This way, you save up a fixed percentage every month yet have money for your expenses and some pampering every 30 days. However, let's get one thing straight: you're not touching your savings for impulsive buys, no matter what. You can certainly use the savings for extreme emergencies (just like I'd spent all my savings on my 40-day solo trip around India). 

IN WHAT KIND OF MATERIALISTIC THINGS CAN YOU FIND JOY?

It's subjective, we all know, but I would still like to elaborate this point.

Think hard, what fun element is missing in your daily life? Let's take an example of a regular office goer, a 10-7 kind of a person, who travels by train/bus/cab for work. What are those things that would make his/her mundane lifestyle fun? 

Let's start from the time he/she wakes up to the time he/she sleeps. Here is a list of materialistic things that you can consider –

  1. An appetising breakfast (millennials love cereals, English breakfasts, oats, muesli, sunny-side-ups)
  2. A fancy set of bowl, plate, mugs/cups
  3. Your favourite beverage (juice, green tea, other special teas, coffee)
  4. A fresh space to have your morning tea or breakfast
  5. Plants (lots of them) 
  6. A fragrant soap/body wash
  7. A good quality shampoo
  8. Clothes that you love
  9. Staple makeup items (eyeliner, mascara, kohl, lipstick, foundation)
  10. Accessories that really stand out (a classic watch, a necklace, good shoes, etc.) 
  11. A nice signature perfume to set your mood
  12. Salon-treated hair or beard (good hair = good day)
  13. Pastel nails (often work best!)
  14. A functional yet stylish bag (ladies, you get many totes with laptop compartments, so look  out for those!)
  15. A face mask that you wouldn't mind wearing, thanks to Covid-19 (I personally love light blue coloured masks)
  16. Good quality earphones for Netflix on the go
  17. An OTT subscription 
  18. A cheeky pair of glasses
  19. A cute mug on your office desk (for green tea/coffee)
  20. A box of your favourite beverage at the office
  21. Fancy stationery such as notebooks, sticky notes, etc
  22. Good quality pen (consider Uniball, Luxor)
  23. A small indoor plant for your desk
  24. Other knickknacks for your desk (whatever that would help you sit for more than eight hours at one place!)
  25. Decent looking lunch boxes and water bottle 
  26. A fragrant hand sanitiser (this being the latest addition to the list haha)
  27. Healthy snacks such as fruits
  28. According to the season, a nice pair of sunglasses/umbrella/coat)
  29. A mild face wash/cleanser (to take off the dirt from the entire day)
  30. Nice pair of PJs to sleep in
  31. Comfortable sheets, pillow covers, blanket 

And again, what makes you happy is subjective. A few might discard this idea but from my personal experience, I've started feeling much better about myself and my life as I'm not only saving up but also splurging and finding joy in little things.

Whether you find joy in materialistic things is not a question; the real question is, realising after doing what you find joy...and then simply, doing it. 

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think you can find joy in simple yet materialistic things? Let me know!
July 17, 2020 2 comments
The Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice

The Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice is a savoury Gujarati dish one can enjoy on a cold, rainy afternoon. 

You can replace the cooked rice with bottle gourd (dudhi) since that's the original recipe. If you have leftover rice and besan, curd, you can make the rice variant at any time. I loved its sour , soothing taste and the soft muthiyas were a delight. The recipe looks complicated for the first-timers, but I guarantee, by the second time you make it, you'll already know what to add and what not. 

This is not how we Maharashtrians make the kadhi, but the Gujarati style kadhi or 'rassa' has a flavour of its own. The Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice is a perfect main menu item on colder afternoons. 

If you liked the Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice, you'll also enjoy –
  1. Dal Bati Recipe
  2. Spicy Misal Recipe
  3. Panchratna Dal and Gud ke Chawal Recipe
  4. Dahi Bhindi Recipe

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INGREDIENTS
For making rice-muthiya

3 cups cooked rice
6 tbsp gram flour (besan)
6 tbsp wheat flour
3 green chillies, finely chopped
1 inch ginger, grated
Salt
Turmeric
Red chilli powder
Coriander powder
A pinch of baking soda
Sugar
Lemon juice

For making kadhi
3/4 cup curd (or more depending on the quantity you need)
5 cups water 
Red chilli powder
Turmeric
Coriander-cumin powder
Salt
Oil
Curry leaves
Mustard seeds
Asafoetida
Cumin seeds
Green chillies, finely chopped
1 inch ginger, grated
Coriander leaves

KADHI MUTHIYA RECIPE USING COOKED RICE

PROCEDURE

kadhi muthiya recipe using cooked rice

1. To start making the Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice, in a large mixing bowl, knead all the muthiya ingredients to make a dough. 
2. Divide the dough into equal parts and make cylindrical muthiyas. 
(Make them about 2 inch long.)

kadhi muthiya recipe using cooked rice

3. Meanwhile, to make kadhi for the Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice, in another bowl, add curd. Mix red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander-cumin powder and salt. 
4. Add water to make a thin consistency. 

kadhi muthiya recipe using cooked rice

5. In a large wok, heat oil. Once the oil is heated, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and asafoetida. 
6. Once the seeds are popped, add finely chopped green chillies, grated ginger and roughly chopped curry leaves. 
7. Turn the flame on low-medium heat and add the curd mixture slowly. 
8. Add water if required and the masalas. Let the kadhi simmer for a while. 
9. Release muthiyas in the kadhi one by one. Lightly stir and give it a boil.
10. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve the Kadhi Muthiya Recipe Using Cooked Rice hot on a rainy afternoon. 
July 04, 2020 No comments
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I'm Rutuja, a travel & lifestyle writer and youtuber. I make videos and love to explore the unexplored. Welcome to my blog! Read more about me.

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