Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Poetry: To My Love, From Me...

She would never have been angry…
Maybe, she just wanted things,
And not merely the trings.
Perhaps he was doing his bit,
He never let her quit.
She had questions,
She wished to see reciprocations
But, all she got was a set of accusations!
It was her DAY,
It was her BIRTHDAY.
She wanted him, his time,
A gift laced with smiles,
An expression in his rhyme,
And not just to travel miles.
They did spend an evening,
Together, they had a great evening.
He did it all with love and care,
Perhaps,
Loving her was his flair!
***
Okay, they do love each other,
Of course, they are meant to be together!
What would he miss if she goes?
Restlessly, a question she throws.
Wishing to strengthen the rope,
For an answer that would rekindle hope.
His minimalism in love irks her at times,
She wonders if he could just surprise her sometimes.
***
He inspires her in a million ways,
Adding phrase after phrase.
But, her NEVERLAND dreams…
They are beyond limits,
They are full of craze!
His actions are mysterious, if she is upfront,
His smile is still her REJOICE,
Even when he fails to let ‘them’ have an IDENTITY.
They fight and she says, ‘Let’s BREAK UP’,
They hug and he says, ‘Let’s MAKE UP’.
Oh, all she has to do is STAY.
The words that they often say,
The smiles, hugs and kisses in the café,
Keep getting etched for the DOOMSDAY!
‘We have no FUTURE’, she says.
‘But, we have a PRESENT’, he says.
And in a moment, they are angry again.
Look how the smile fades away,
But LOVE?
Yes, Love continues to stay.
Love binds their FAIRYTALE,
Ohh…
But careful, it’s still frail.
She wants overt romance, he keeps it subtle,

She winks, and he writes an ODE TO HIS ANGEL.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

2 Peg Ke Baad - Book Review


2 Peg Ke Baad
By Nikita Lalwani
Review By Ila Garg


2 Peg Ke Baad, a collection of 14 short stories by Dr Nikita Lalwani, is published by Srishti Publishers. The cover shows a wine glass with red liquor. The black background is exactly what represents a drunk state of mind. The cover has a very simple feel to it. The title is apt keeping in mind the theme of the stories which talk about what happens in an inebriated state.

A writer/dentist/copywriter/blogger/coffee enthusiast/explorer/arithmophobic, Dr Nikita Lalwani considers herself to be married to writing and is very happy with that. Swimming, spirituality, reading, learning new languages are her other girlfriends. She authored her first non-fiction work Live Life... Stop Analysing It when she was 16. Nikita believes that dentistry happened to be destiny, but writing is where she truly finds herself.

She considers herself a workaholic and loves exploring different aspects of life that stand way away from just text books and desk jobs. Currently she is working as a copywriter with an ad agency in Mumbai.

2 Peg Ke Baad is her second book.

The blurb reads as, “2 Peg Ke Baad brings together 14 short stories that happened after 2 pegs, in an inebriated state. World’s greatest stories are created when people are high – masterpieces are painted, universal truths are realized, models on billboards are befriended, lovers are united, butts are kicked, confessions are made, and relationships are sorted.
The book started as a blog with people from across the world sharing their stories, ideas, confessions and beliefs and the elixir of the 14 best stories is here to reveal what lies beyond a conscious mind.
Though the book does not intend to encourage drinking alcohol in any sense, here’s to celebrate every emotion that kicks after a few pegs. Cheers!!”


The 14 stories are centred on the theme of drinking and the events that occur in the trance state. Intoxication has given birth to a lot of creativity. So many poets have composed their best poems in a trance state. Dr Nikita Lalwani has therefore, managed to unleash her creativity through these stories. Each story is well written.

The fourteen short stories compiled in the book are:

1. A Walk with A Call Girl
2. My Last painting
3. What Happens in Banaras... Stays for a Lifetime
4. How We Got Married
5. Apology! Sex Pays
6. Papier Blanc (The Blank Paper)
7. When All That Mattered Was a Gun
8. Drive-In-Sanity
9. Kicking the Butt
10. Rosita in the Bar
11. It's not a Love Story
12. Epilogue
13. Euphobia
14. Car no. 88


All 14 stories bring out a different aspect even after being based on one single subject.

The author has successfully portrayed deep and hidden realities. The language is simple and easy to comprehend. Readers will find the events quite interesting. I found it quite engaging. The subject is tackled beautifully by the skillful author. You don’t have to be an alcoholic to read and enjoy these stories or to connect with them.

How drinking can affect you, how a drunk person reacts, what happens in an intoxicated state, some moments of fun and that of revelation are some of the many reasons why you will keep turning the pages to find out what happens in each of the stories in 2 Peg Ke Baad.

Further, this 168-page book is good enough to expose the double standards of society we live in, the hidden secrets that we all have. It’s a light read and overall a compelling book.

Ratings: 4/5


Buying Links: Amazon | Infibeam | Shimply | Flipkart

Sunday, May 24, 2015

#MustHaves Budget-Friendly Footwear to get you through all occasions!

Fashion and Footwear go hand in hand! But sometimes, comfort and trend can come for a very high price. So, I did some random research and found these amazing footwear under Rs.2500 for you to wear on all occasions without causing much dent to your pocket.They are budget-friendly and look so stylish that you won't be able to resist them. The fit is comfortable too. You can check the best fit shoe size for you, here - Zappos. Have a look at the footwear for all occasions now:

1) Home Bound: Funtoes New Fashion Flip Flops for comfort on Flipkart






At home, we want to be as comfortable as we can. Yet, if can wear something trendy, then why not? Flipkart has got this stylish pair of flip flops which is comfortable and has oodles of style. This will keep you relaxed when you walk around your home in them.


Price: Rs.189
Buy it here





2) Shopping Spree: Behold The Princess on Street Style Store





Shopping Time, ladies... and of course we need flats for that. Why? Because we are on a spree, we need to walk endlessly till we find the best stuff for us, right? These beautiful flats from Street Style Store will make you look trendy and yet let you walk for long without worrying about the comfort.

Price: Rs.499
Buy it here.





3) Sports Shoes: Niio C-201 Running Shoes on Flipkart






Of course, we girls are fitness freaks, aren't we? So going out for jogging and want to look chic, here are the perfect shoes for you to keep you company while you lose some kilos.

Price: Rs.399
Buy it here.





4) Hangout with your Friends: Criss Cross & Magical on Street Style Store





Friends are your best critics. You need to look your best and stay updated in front of them. Show them your funky side with these gorgeous looking sandals that look so seamlessly chic and irresistible. You can pair them with almost anything and look fashionable.

Price: Rs.699
Buy it here.





5) Work Ready: Plosh Heels on Flipkart




Formals are a must for offices. And yes, you can look stylish at your work place by getting your feet in these shiny pumps. Oh look at them, how beautiful they are!

Price: Rs.1123
Buy it here.




6) Winter Boots: Lara Karen Ankle-Length Coffee Boots on Jabong





I love this color, it lifts my mood somehow. The new chic color - Coffee is all you want for winters. Designed with perfection, this boot from Lara Karen is a must in your collection. The brand guarantees to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. It will be a perfect pick to complete your chic look for a wintry day.

Price: Rs.2099
Buy it here.





7) Bling on a Date: Heart wants it all - Gold on Street Style Store





Look 'Red Hot Chic' on a date and steal his heart. Pair your red/gold dress with this footwear and cruise on a date in style. Street Style Store is known for its perfection and care that they put in their work that won't let you regret your choice. 

Price: Rs.699
Buy it here.





8) College Calling: Sassy Girl Oxfords on Street Style Store





College happens to be the best time for everyone. It can involve a lot of experimenting with your looks, changing style, going through chic makeover sessions. But at times, a pair of shoes can help solve all your worries by keeping you stylishly happy through all the tedious classes. 

Price: Rs.699
Buy it here.





9) Party Chic: Mocha Crunch Loafer on Street Style Store





Baby Doll main sone di... For gold is the new trend, we shall wear it for the parties. These loafers in gold are all we want this year for rocking the dance floors and capture the centre stage with our moves!

Price: Rs.899
Buy it here.





10) Some more shoes that I loved:

Veronica Boots - Tan - Rs.899 (Buy it here).


Motorcycle Ankle Boots - Black - Rs.899 (Buy it here).


Joe Lace Up Boots - Rs.999 (Buy it here).


Go shop your heart's content!

Follow me on twitter: @ilagarg_smile
And for regular updates, follow me on Instagram: @ila_licious

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Guide for being the ultimate Boho chick- Bohemian jewelry!

Whenever I think about bohemian look, Zeenat Aman of Dum Maro Dum fame pops up in my mind. Loose tunic dress, floral garlands, rudraksh as jewelry, bulky sunglasses and a carefree attitude towards life- this is something Indian Bollywood industry interpreted about the hippie culture popular in early 1960s and 70s. Bohemian looks that time didn’t include highly expensive gold and diamond jewelry for women but focused on earthy elements more.

Image Source: Google

 Although the bohemian style has been making entrances in fashion world, but this time it came with a boom in the Spring Summer 2015. It was no longer looked down by the fashionistas as something downgraded or worn by people apparently with no fashion sense. The new trends of bohemian style are wearable and stylish.

Fashion designers like Joseph Altuzarra, Albert Ferretti and several others made the romantic bohemian the new chic trend for the season. Apparently, clothing is not the only thing associated with this style but jewelry has made it big. Unlike other trends, jewelry in the bohemian culture is used to describe one’s personality. While others wear glass beads, leather straps and wooden beads to express themselves, Zeenat did it with flowers.

In SS15, precious jewelry has taken over these earthy materials but without overcoming the essential feature of bohemian style. Some of the jewelry styles, you can try are:

-          Chunky Chokers!


Chokers came back into style last year and are rocking it this year too. These chunky necklaces cover your neck making it look longer and your appearance classier. Try out a wet hair hairdo with chunky choker on black cocktail dresses or for any formal party. Our grandmothers used to have lots of them so it is time to shower some love on her!

-          Stackable rings!


Stackable rings is a trend followed by women who can’t get enough of their rings and have a fetish to collect finger rings. Show your love with stunning looking rings by creating stacks of your choice. You can either choose the predefined stacks or create your own by choosing statement rings.

-          Buzzing Dangles!


Dangle earrings are major part of this trend and when it comes in precious metals, it becomes a must to have them. Wear a flared maxi with floral prints and gladiators with dangle earrings of your choice. After all bohemian look is not about being careful about one’s look. Add them in layers instead of picking carefully and enjoy the carefree bohemian diva look!

-          Cocktail hangover!


Similar to chunky chokers, chunky rings are also a part of this trend. The neo bohemian style is focused on bringing earthy elements into jewelry. If you are not a big fan of wearing several jewelries, cocktail rings can be perfect for you.

Along with these, chunky pendants, long chains, beaded necklaces, body chains and ear cuffs are also becoming a big part of this trend.


Buy some floral maxi dresses, printed skirts, lacy tops and palazzo pants, team them with any of these Boho style jewelries in layers and get ready to turn some heads on the street!

Go chic! Go Boho!

Author's Bio: Minakshi Pharswal is a blogger working with one of India's leading online fashion destination. She has a keen interest in writing about latest fashion trends in jewelry.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Smart Street Shopping #BlingOn

 

Many a times, keeping up to the changing trends can put a dent in your budget. In such times, street shopping comes as the only handy solution. But where to shop and what and how are some important questions here.

I found a great place to shop in Delhi which has a lot of variety in pocket-friendly rates. Crafts Bazaar, in District Centre, Janakpuri is a shopper's paradise offering something for every budget. It has a wide variety of ethnic Rajasthani kurtis, price ranging from Rs. 200 to Rs. 800. There are so many stalls selling junk jewelry. The range starts from as low as Rs. 10. You can find shoe stalls too. Other stuff like soft toys, bags, belts, home decor items, etc. is also available for cheap prices.

So, I explored it in my own way. And here are few items that I added to my collection from there.


First Impressions of shopping here: An awesome place, a one stop-shop for almost anything girly. They have books, bellies, a range of footwear which include slippers too. They have clutches, bags, purses, and what not! All that is available in such cheap rates that you won't be able to resist.






So, first thing that I picked up from there is this sparkly, chunky ring. It looks so trendy with both Western as well as Indian attire and I fell in love with it the moment I picked it up. I got it for as low as Rs. 60. Isn't that great? Yes, it is. I told you.









Next, I went on trying great accessories that would go well with a traditional suit or saree or a lehnga. Here, I found these pair of earrings. Take a look at them. Aren't they pretty? I got them just for Rs. 100. The moti work is really intricate and enhances the look of this beautiful pair that dangles comfortably on your ears. And the shopkeepers here keep getting new pieces every week or so.











Then I saw this tribal neck piece which can be very costly if you check it out online or at some mall. But here, I got it for just Rs. 100 and yes its quality is almost the same. It is very elegant and looks great on every girl. You must have at least one of these statement necklaces in your collection. They have it in many different colors.




And this one simply caught my attention from a distance. This big sized pearl ring can fit in comfortably on your finger and then there is no need to wear any more accessories. This is very trendy and looks great with Kurtis as well as Party Tops. I got this for Rs. 80 (after bargain), although the shopkeepers can be really stubborn at times. But then, bargaining is an art, isn't it? Well we girls seem to know it well. So, this is one place you can try your art!




Recently, I came across an online website - shopclues.com and decided to check it out. I found this stylish looking watch there and ordered it in black color. Although it was clearly mentioned there that the color would be as per the availability. I got this brown one delivered a week later. This one has a charm too (the owl). Its vintage look makes it more tempting! I realized that it looked better than the black one, so I was happy anyway. This one is for Rs. 200 (including shipping charges). They have a lot of watches that are stylish trendy and will steal your heart at very affordable prices.





Go shop, girl... ;) 
Don't let the low budget thing stop you. It's not just shopping after all, it's a therapy! 
We girls know it better!

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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Home Makeover for farewell of the year 2013!

Hi everyone, December is considered as the month of festivities; the most beautiful time of the year. So why not make it more special? All of us find comfort at home when we return from the torturous life at offices and other work places, right? 

So, we occasionally need to turn our home into a more welcoming and cosy place. So, let's see if we can just use some lights and colors to renovate and add life to our already beautiful homes.

If nothing else, it will give a delightful ambiance to our homes and maybe attract some positive vibes.

1) Add lights and colors to your front door - A famous saying goes like 'First impression is the last impression'. Door is the first thing noticed by the visitors. Tying few colorful ribbons or flowers will serve as a good impression. Twinkling lights add a soft glow at night and allow the door and decor to be seen from the street.

2) Lanterns - Arrange a grouping of festive lanterns at your entryway, near windows, for a quick-and-easy decor. Consider using flameless candles as a worry-free alternative to regular lanterns. This will give a cozy ambiance to your home instantly.
Christmas Decorating Ideas: Lanterns

3) Decorate pendant lights - Dress up pendant lights in a kitchen with a garland of flowers. This kitchen allows plenty of room for entertainment. 
Christmas Decorating Ideas: Pendant Lights

4) Use chandeliers - In the living room, chandeliers is a must.

5) Use diyas and candles - The best decor is to use aromatic candles in the lobby area and alternatively keep floating diyas in bowls for a rich exotic look and feel.

6) Add 'Wow Element' with a disco ball - Hang a disco ball from the ceiling to float above the dining table. The bow (used for tying the disco ball), with its long ribbon tendrils, adds the real wow factor.
Christmas Decorating Ideas: Disco Ball

7) Don't forget the staircase - On the staircase, use wax diyas and alternatively you can use silver/gold lights to drape like a garland up the handrail of a staircase, it will add to the welcome aura in the foyer.

8) Wrap up the left pillars and columns - Play up the architecture of your home by accentuating features, like the stately columns flanking a front porch, with spiraling garland and bright twinkling lights.


I hope these handy-tips help in making your homes look perfect for the festive season and also add cheer and positive vibes. Happy decorations!!!

Image Courtesy: Google

Friday, November 1, 2013

A pocket full of colours.



















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