Inspired By Pretty

Here it is, lovelies! Do you like it? Id like to extend a BIG thank you to Dionne, who graciously designed the brilliant header (yay!). Isn't she talented? I admit I fell in love with her illustrations the very first time I laid eyes on her blog, so I was more than elated when she agreed to help me out. Thats right, I have awesome blog buddies. And looking forward to making many, many more:)



This week, inspired by the pretty happenings on my blog, I decided to extend the beauty to my real world too. So much so, beige roses , colourful rugs and apple-scented candles(my favourite things) have sneaked their way into my bedroom.It is so relaxing here now that I knocked off before dinnertine last night! Eeep!

So tell me girls,what is the one little thing you can change today to make you cheery?

Photo credit: Laura

Watch This Space!

And I mean exactly that! New and improved designs coming right up! I figured my blog needed to reflect me a tad more and be a little more aesthetically pleasing. So watch this space, and I promise you, an unveiling of sorts is guaranteed.:)

Simple Pleasures

Today, I want to pay homage to simple and guilty pleasures. Arent they the best? Its been so long since I indulged in mine that I was beginning to forget what they were, even. Here they are in no particular order (A few have probably slipped my mind, though.ooops.)

Playing sad love songs. Right on top of my list would probably be My Immortal-Evanescense and Hallelujah-Jeff Buckley. Coupled with freezing temperature (airconditioners are miracles), pyjamas, and fruit juice, this is my perfect remedy for a less than cheery day.

Fashion- Thankfully, I dont go beserk everytime the stores update lines, but, I do enjoy mixing and matching separates, playing dress up, trying new hairstyles and just planning outfits for fun nights out. I'd like to describe my style as romantic chic.

Art- This may not strike you as a guilty pleasure, but you have to trust me when I say that my drawing/craft skills are constantly mistaken for preschoolers work. Still, I love indulging in craft projects, creating cards, colouring with oil pastels and viewing art here.

Reading blogs- I have been naughty, just a teeny bit, because this is the first thing I do once I get to work. You have to start the day right, yes? Some of the blogs I love are listed on my page. I particulary wait for updates from Dionne and Popculturelibrarian.

Catching up- Yummy chats over coffee, juice or freshly baked pastries with family/friends. Nothing like it in the world. I mostly like funny stories. This is by far my most favourite thing in the world. And in case you're wondering about the pastries, I am utterly and completely partial to banana breads.

Dreaming- This is one activity I indulge in most. I just curl up on my sofa and stare out into my garden and dream of the future, possibilities, art projects, sinful desserts, and happy endings.

Can you reveal your simple/guilty pleasures? What are they?

Pic: Raquel Aparacio

Season's Greetings!

2010, like previous years, was a mixed bag of love, family, friends, falls, dreams, lessons and new adventures. Tonight, I am going to usher in the new year at a barbecue party with family and friends whilst sipping some champagne, dancing to horrendous 80's music (for some reason- my family loves ABBA and MJ ) and talking. I cant think of a more perfect way to celebrate 2010:)


Heres a list of to-dos I hope to achieve in 2011

• Expand my set of friends
• Get active
• Attend more parties
• Manage work better
• Save some $$
• Laugh more
  

Any to dos on your list for 2011? Do share! Happy New Year all and wishing you the best in 2011!

Lovely to-do lists

At my job, December and June are our busiest months in the year.

This year,I volunteered for additional work. With the added responsibility came the added hours at office (18-hour workdays), and the inevitable stress . I don't quite manage stress well and hence have been having a pretty schlumpy December. Fortunately, Ive cleared work, as of today, and now its time to unwind and have some fun! To start the fesitivities, Ive created a fun to-do list for the next four days.

And the activities included are:

1. Getting started on reading Twilight. I'm relenting to global pressures. Shhh!:)
2. Spring cleaning my bedroom-I love clean sheets, and the smell of freshly laundered clothes.
3. Cooking paella. This is by far my favourite-est dish, and I've been just a tad scaredy-cat to attempt cooking it. Wish me luck!
   
4. Watching Hallmark Christmas Movies. They are cheesy, over the top and just my type of Christmas movie.
5. Taking a nice long relaxing bath complete with pedis and manis.The indulgence!
6. Finding a gorgeous dress for Christmas and my birthday.I am just a teeny anxious about hitting 30, but Im hoping my my magical new dress will make me feel better!
   

So what are your ways to unwind from a particularly stressful week? Is it a bath, wine, food, books? What helps you relax?

(art by: Richard Dingwall)

Weekend Inspiration

Evidently, I haven't quite been writing furiously and to be honest, I don't want to dwell on on the reasons why. I will say this, I felt like I didn't have anything worthwhile to write about for a while there, and I hope to change it this time around.

Weekends are a special time for me, like everyone else.I pack in a load of activities into my weekend to maximise every minute. Sometimes, I even compromise on sleep to do this.

Mostly, I look forward to attending nights out with friends, cooking(occasionally), catching up on movies and reading. On a side note, I'm currently reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Its a surprisingly engrossing read -despite Oprah's book club sticker. I adore and am inspired by the woman, we just read different:). The characters are raw, complex and real. Highly recommended reading, if you haven't had the chance to read it yet.

This weekend is both my sister's and father's birthday. Tomorrow, plans are to have a fun night out (dinner and dancing!) with my sister and on Saturday, we are hosting a tiny dinner party for my dad. I want to do something special for the party on Saturday night but cant decide what. Im thinking 'thank you' cards or helping out with the dining table decorations.

What do activities do you like to engage in during the weekends?

PS: Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Heres to a fun filled weekend with your loved ones:)

photo credit: Cassia Beck

Laugh... No, Guffaw Through Life

Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh. And boy, did I get one. I met up with 4 of my bestest friends and it was a laugh fest from the word go. Recounting past mishaps, (mis)adventures and our drunken antics.My tummy still hurts and I am still beaming. Although, to be totally honest, I am trying very hard(but unsuccessfully) to keep it under control and not appear ridiculous/insane in public. Its been a longest time. Mental note to self: Repeat this as often as I can.

So tell me, what makes you laugh?

ps: Am coming up with a reasonably long post soon. This post couldn't wait, though:)

photo credit: Tamara Gazer

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope those of you who are celebrating will have the most joyous time with family and friends. In my part of the world, it is not common to celebrate it, but really reflecting and being grateful for blessings is always timely isnt it? So here, I have listed some of the things I am grateful for this year.

• My body giving me a wake-up call about my health.
• Job satisfaction
• Stronger familial ties
• Standing up for myself
• Help
• Discovering possibilities of/roads to happiness
• Self love
• Hobbies

Thank you, universe!Happy weekend everyone!

ps: I watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium over the weekend, and what a treat it was. This quote stuck with me 'Your life is an occassion. Rise to it.'

Blogspace To Let. $25 per square cm.

***Disclaimer: Full blown rant ahead!***

My most relaxing moment after I come home from work is reading blogs. Its something I look forward to.I completely cherish my one hour or so that I can sit in front of the computer and just let my mind wander/travel. There are many aspects of blogs that Iam stupendously in love with and am absolutely in awe of. Interesting experiences, the things that make people tick all around the world. I am always, constantly astounded on how human experiences are similar despite being in different parts of the world. But most of all? I treasure my connections with my fellow bloggers. I like reading about their day, their daily to-dos, how they like their coffee served etc.

I have a bone to pick though. I realise some peoples blogs have turned out into ad spaces rather than personal blogs. Selling out on a personal blog to market products? When does it go too far?

For me, at least, they go too far, when "Really, sista?" is the first thought running through my head after reading the post. Ill be the first to admit, I do recommend blogs I like or unashamedly lust for handbags or clothes publicly on my blog without second thoughts. I participate in giveaways, cross my fingers and hope to win.But come on. Some people literally shove their friends wares down your throat at every given opportunity. Every single post.

So my question is, where/when does the selling stop? I walk into the office, and my colleagues (bless their souls) are trying to sell me their homemade chocolate cakes, savouries,etc. I come home, I switch on the idiot box and am bombarded with Happy Meal and travel advertisements. I like Ronald-we share some great memories, but I really dont need to be reminded of his existence every 15 minutes.I try to eat dinner, but some telemarketeer has found home phone number and is convincing me to buy spanners. I kid you not. I try and read blogs, and again, have to filter the 'adblogs' out.

I tell you what. I ve had enough.

Am I the only one on this ? Am I paranoid and reading too much into this or do you feel the same way?Tell me your thoughts, ladies!

Birthday!

Today marks the one year anniversary of this blog. When I first started out, this blog was meant to be a venting grounds for me to take me day's stress out. My diary. With lots of notes to self. Today, it has evolved to much more than that. As I leaf through my past entries, I see a smorgasboard of topics. My experiences, and memories with friends and family, good times Ive had as well as reminders about taking care of myself and my search for love. Most of all this blog has blessed me with the friendship of some people I wouldve never known existed any other way.Dionne, Mari, Kaye,Anu, Chelsea, Pri, so many more.It has been terrific so far , and I hope to continue writing and reading for a long time to come.So thank you, everyone, for reading and commenting and making this journey one I treasure!!

Happy Halloween!

These are my favourite months in the year. I ve got so much holiday spirit (saved up from the first 9 months) that Im almost brimming over! I think it must be in my genes, because, I have to say, my family is the same! But first, its time to dress up, and strut out as characters we would never dream of emulating in everyday life. The delicious magic of Halloween!

I remember a long time ago, I used to play dress up with my mum's dresses, heels 5 sizes too large, and fake pearl necklaces. I would pretend I was the Czar's wife and mimic her stony look in photographs, or Benazir Bhuto completing mylook with the mandatory shades, shawl and heels, Those were really fun times!

So this year, with my brimming over holiday holiday spirit, Ive decided to dress up as Patch Adams. Patch Eve in my case. :) Ill be spreading cheer, telling funny stories, and just being silly. I cant wait!

Ladies, do indulge and tell me what are your favourite costumes and what did you dress up as a kid!

Dash.

ps: I love an idea in Nina's blog to send Christmas cards out to my readers via snail mail. If youd like to receive a Chrismas card from me, do send your address by Nov 20th to pursuingme@gmail.com. And dont worry, I too will not give it out to any other persons or organisations. I just think its a wonderful way to connect!

The Bits You Don't Get from Books

If you met me in real life, you'd think I was contending for the'Chattiest Cathy' title on this side of the planet. I am not stretching the truth by any means. You can put me to the test. I'll ramble away quite willingly given any random topic. Politics, the Michael Jackson memorial, Oreo and cream cheesecake, vintage goodies, the weather, holidays, emotional drama, facebook, anything else on the side and everything else in the middle. Let me assure you I am not bragging, simply because most of the time, youll probably correctly guess that I have absolutely zilch knowledge on the aforementioned topic. Yup, I am one of those people. The one never fails to have a story, comment, opinion, etc about every single banana under the sky.

Yep, I am the soulmate you were looking for. :)

Moving on. Today, I volunteered for a free counselling session with the psychology department. I met my therapist and she said it was going to be an exploratory session. Meaning I talk for an hour and a half. 90 minutes. Non-stop. I really didnt think I'd have that much to say, but I did. I recounted eveery sob story in my life, narrated a few short stories from 'A New Earth' , had a chat about Oprah Winfrey and friends (nearly all of them), discussed the inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci (I am as serious as a heart attack!) and a diverse range of other topics.

But today, contrary to my rattling habits, I'll sayI learnt something. I learnt to say 'I feel' instead of 'I think'.I learnt to look for similar patters in my behaviour in the stories I recount. I learnt to voice my heart.

For today, I am thankful.

Any similar eye-openers ladies? Did you read anything that gave u an a-ha moment? A behaviour altering episode? Do share!

Love Note to my Lovelies

Hello lovelies,

I found this poem in The Time-Travelers Wife and it struck a chord with me. I am only halfway through the book, but I cant stop thinking about it. It is refering to the author's personal experience on losing love and finding himself (from what I gather through my reading on the internet). I am sure you can identify on different levels with it. Personally, I think poem is so important for woment as it might help them find their identity, love themselves,etc. Id like to dedicate this poem to all you lovely readers( who make more than my day!) and I hope u enjoy it as much as I do.

Love After Love

The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

-Derek Walcott

An Attraction Formula, Perhaps?

Its intriguing;the art of attraction. We go to a club, we doll up, pick up a pretty dress, put on some sexy shoes and we are off. We smile at random strangers who make eye contact, we are our super friendly selves and great conversationalists. With the help of alcohol off course. A date with a guy at the local cafe? The opposite. We dress down, bring out our most natural selves, indulge in cookies and hot chocolate and really get to know the other person. In restaurants? Halfway between the two settingsI am guessing. All in the name of attraction.

For me, attraction always came slow. I do not get attracted to the hunk in the opposite table or the snazzy dresser in the office. Attraction for me takes a long time. Its when I know the person inside and out and realise, he really is nice and I might like to date him at some point.However, by this time, off course,he has turned into my best friend. Winning formula. Lol.

So how does attraction arrive for you ladies? Early on when hes dressed and speaks nice? When he makes you laugh? Do share your stories!

Random Musings and an Interesting Date

Lately, I have been secretly yearning for lush, long hair. Im talking waist length. I want to put it up, straighten it, curl it, etc. Theres a real quiet sexy confidence about long hair, I think, that cannot be felt by others but by the wearer everytime she thinks of it or even feels its ends swishing at the back of her waist. :) I have a dream.;

On a different note, I have been working really hard the past few months, and it just dawned unto me that I havent really stepped out of my comfort zone and immersed myself in new cultures or seen more places. Id like to go to India, or Japan or the Greek Islands, or Egypt anywhere interesting. I actually started dreaming after seeing Dionne's picturesof the Greek Islands. . :) Also, if any of you have recommendations, please yell them out!I love hearing about exciting places!

Also, went on a date this weekend. it has been quite a while,so I am a little rusty. It turned out interesting to say the least. A mutual friend introduced us and so we decided to meet for lunch. He was super nice and interesting and funny and generally I got a feeling that he was the good sort. Although, he confessed later that he was actually in a serious relationship with someone else and that his family wasnt too happy with it and that was why he was forced to come out on dates. Errm Yes. THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED. soi told him it was great meeting him, i wished him well, and that i hoped everything worked out for him. He was a sweetheart though. Id sure like to be friends with him.

So that, in a nutshell, was my weekend. I did also manage to catch up with some friends and family, as well as buy new sheets (yeay!) and visit the local cafe and read some books. Loved it all.

Of Weddings, Parties, Cakes and Good Times

The wedding dais

A statue of the Lord Ganesh (for blessings)

Rice Art

Rose Petals to be thrown at newlyweds

Left: Me, Right: Brand New Family!

Its been a whirlwind of activities these past few weeks. Which explains my absence in blogosphere, and I aplogise. I am sorry I havent written in a bit, and I truly regret not being able to read all your posts and commenting. I am eager however, to do a blog reading marathon, and am saving it for the weekend. I hope I have not offended any one of you, and thank you for checking in on me and the sweet, sweet comments. I know I have the best blog friends in the world.:)

With the wedding planning, and the dance nights organised at our house, the actual wedding and the reception afterwards, it was truly an effort to take 1 hour off for anything.Despite the lack of time for myself, I really did have the time of my life. The constant flow of family and friends in and out of the house, the dancing, the comraderie, really did remind me of the more beautiful things in life. I do not get very emotional in public, but this wedding, sometime in the middle, I cried. It was beautiful. Heres a couple of pics we took, hope u enjoy them.

Arent weddings just soo romantic?

Can You Really Hear Me?

I have a completely mind boggling story to tell today. I am all confused and baffled and am clueless as towhat to make of it at present time, but here goes. Technically, its not a story, just a series of happenings.

I find it ultra hard to go to sleep on Sunday nights. Ever since I was a child. I get so overwhelmed by the upcoming week, that I at least need two hours to fall asleep. Last night was no different. I decided to turn on some music on my laptop for help. The likes of Coldpay-Fix You (which is by far my most favouritest song ever!), Ingrid Michaelson's Keep Breathing and Switchfoot's You. Which naturally got me into a like a weird mushy emo mood. And for some strange reason, I started talking to the Universe.Which is totally strange to me. I have never done it before, yet I did. I talked. I asked.

I said that I dont need a boyfriend, but itd be sure nice to have one, and that i was confident the Universe was going to find me the exact guy I wanted. My perfect one. The one that complemented me.I was buttering the Universe up. Spreading it thick. I remember smiling and drifting off to sleep.

Fast Forward this morning. 9am. In my office. Me checking emails. Completely forgot about 'divine want'.

I come across an email from an unfamiliar address. I quickly realised it was an ex-boyfriend. Long story short, it was a super toxic relationship which lasted 4 years. We loved each other but drove each other up the wall. So we ended it. We were friends off and on after that, but once he got married, I decided it wasnt appropriate anymore, simply because we had issues and feelings simmering beneath the mask of friendship. That was 2 years ago.

So you can imagine my suprise this morning when I received the email. He asked how I was and that we should meet up just to catch up. I was so shocked, I took an insanely sharp breath, which in turn prompted my roomie to assume I was having an asthma attack.

Im wondering though.Did the Universe really hear me? Because subconciously, I always felt that he was the One. Like a long time ago. He definitely isnt now. And He-LLO, I meant someone different and new and exciting who fits me?

Isnt that totally bizarre? I dont know what to make of it.

Thats it right there, the story. Tell me what you think. I just find it too hard to believe that its a mere coincidence, yet I cant tell yet how much I believe of this universe theory. What do you think?

The Unforgettable Teacher

I have had the pleasure of meeting many, many different faces these past weeks, simply because I took up a position in a university. New roomie,(I share an office with her), new colleagues and a brand new boss. I am super pleased to report that I now work 8 hours a day (yeayy!!) like normal, sane members of society and am having a blast so far.

On a different note, I have to confess though, that sometimes, I miss my university (where I completed my postgrad program). My supervisor, lecturers, the community as a whole. I was in complete awe of my supervisor and working with him was the single most greatest experience in my life. So much so, I stayed on some extra months just so I could work on some projects with him.

You see, my supervisor was my one unforgettable teacher. He was an intellectual. He was kind, and smart and very encouraging, and liberal, and patient and really all of the great things I dreamt of in a teacher. I owe my passion in academics to him, I owe my sense of achievement to him, but most of all, my want to become a better human being? All him. Truth is, I never even gave a thought to self improvement/betterment until I met him and spent days (literally) wondering how it was that he could be perfect. Surely, he must have had his fair share of struggles and triumphs. Yet he views everything/everyone with a fresh set of glasses. No projudices or judgements attached. I wanted to be like him. He was my person. So when it was time to move, I did it with a heavy heart, and a constant guilt pang, and a sinking stomach that resurfaced every now and then when I let my mind wander towards my unfulfilled dreams.

Today, however, after a whole year, I had the privilege of meeting a certain professor at a training session, who once (a year ago)struck me as the kind of person I would want to work with. Again, he is kind, and smart and really someone I look up to. I have done my research on the topics he covers, the man that he is and his various achievements. So with mybreath held, I gathered whatever was left of my courage to speak with him during the lunch break. I told him of my research topic and my plans. He paused, I fidgeted anxiously. He took a breath, and said, " It'll be my pleasure."

I am ecstatic. :):)

So tell me,girls, who are your unforgettable teachers? What made them your unforgettable teacher?

For Mari

Today I want to talk about one of my favourite readers, Mari. She is the nicest, kindest, most loving and strongest human person I have come across Despite going through an extremely challenging time in her life right now, she has shown love, care and strength to all around her. I will not go into the details, but Id like to propose we send a prayer to her and her family, so they can continue savouring each day whilst bravely trudging on.

Sending love your way.This one is for you, Mari.

Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

I took some time off this weekend to reconnect with family and friends. Oh, and what a treat it was! From the warm conversations to delicious meals and the swirly fuzzy feeling afterward, this weekend turned out to be one of the more memorable ones. Also, rediscovered (I was a fan in my teens) my love for Jeffrey Archer novels. I was clearing up my drawers, when I found the Sons of Fortune novel nestled in a corner, all dusty and yellow, but bringing back memories of many, many lovely rainy nights and me tucked under warm covers devouring every word.

Time and again, I am reminded that every single day is indeed beautiful. Today, I witnessed the most beautiful speech by Paris Jackson. And today, I spent a whole half hour playing with my 4 year old cousin. For breakfast, I had the most delicious cookie and cream muffin. I ate only a quarter, but it was well worth the indulgence. Speaking of indulgences, I also rediscovered my love of iced lemon tea. Nothing like it in the world.

Its been positive and uplifting, these 5 days. It feels spiritual.