ON GRATITUDE

Today, I am getting back to writing for my #LoveLife series and would like to share about the concept/attitude of gratitude.

I have to say it first up, having a heart of gratitude is having the key to a happy life. Over the years, I have realized that most of us have this tendency of focusing on things we do not have. For instance, seeing the glass half empty instead of seeing it half full. However, if the focus changes to what we have or who I am- it truly can become a game changer! We shall wake up each morning feeling genuinely grateful for the little things such as the delicious home-cooked dinner we had last evening or the amazing weather in the morning or even looking forward to dressing up for work or most importantly, feeling healthy!

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A heart of gratitude is truly an enriched and beautiful heart for it appreciates and celebrates life. And trust me, everyone loves to be around people who appreciate and are grateful. With gratitude being our foremost attitude not only do we feel good but instead we uplift the spirits of another life too! For instance, it maybe routine for mother to cook, but try and compliment her for the meal and see the big smile on her face!

Also, I feel gratitude reduces the room for complain for you try and look at the good or positive in every challenging situation as well.

Lastly, I would say always be grateful for this life, our families and friends, the person we have become and are becoming and cherishing each and every necessity of life we have been blessed with from our home where we live to the clothes we wear!

Having said this, celebrate the little things in life and you would realize that you are celebrating ever so often. Share your celebrations, involve others in your celebrations, make them feel a part of being the reason itself to celebrate. Also, always have gratitude for the things you wished to own one day and with your hard work have been able to!!!

For me, my heart wells up with joy and happiness each time I think about the trips I have made and I can’t be grateful enough for those plans having become a reality!

P.S. I have and shall continue to have gratitude for all my dreams getting fulfilled. And writing this makes me realize how about some gratitude for having the will and courage to dream itself?

Best,
Sonali

Here’s to Girl Power: Happy Women’s Day

Seldom do we both get this candid at a personal level and pour our heart out… So, here’s a brief one on being women and being inspired by other women!!!

 

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Sonali says-

“I love being a woman and I love being feminine.” Charlize Theron

Well, I truly and deeply believe and live by this quote… The most beautiful gift has been of being a woman!!! Of course the life of a woman is so colourful for we have more variety of clothes at a store or for that matter- there are endless shades for our lips, nails and eyes and yes, we love our heels as well!!! But not taking away from any of these fancies, I feel I would still love being a woman… For my mother with or without make-up instills great hope in me on days I see none, for my mother can bind us together with or without getting us materialistic stuff and for her hug is the best thing in the world….

I feel a woman does just so much for a lot gets seen and most remains unseen… And they are much stronger than we really feel they are!!!

Today, I would once again like to thank all the women in my life for making my life even more beautiful…

I have to mention my mother who inspires me the most- I don’t say it enough but how much and what all she does in a day and still has a smile on her face is just so amazing! Today, if I get complimented for how I look, how I dress and the like- I feel I have just inherited it all from her… Most importantly, she has demonstrated true character and substance in the harshest of times- that for me has been the biggest learning for life!!! For the value system instilled in me and my siblings- deep down we thank you each day for this!

I love you mom- for being my best friend, support and so much more…

And I have to thank all my friends and sisters… Girls you are the ones who have helped me savour the true joy of friendship…a relationship whose importance I have only learned over time… But today, I value you all just way too much…You all have contributed in helping me become a better individual and it is because of you all that I feel rather wealthy 🙂  Here’s to many more memories and experiences of a lifetime!

Wishing each and every woman – Happy Women’s Day! More power to us today and everyday!

Shagun says-

Women’s Day always makes me introspect on who I am as a woman and also think about women who have inspired me. There are so many of them but today I want to share a little about three of my special ones.
-As cliched as it might sound, my mom to begin with inspires me each day with her positivity and strength; the elegance which she has dealt every single problem in her life with. And when I say problem, there have been plenty. The depth to soak her pain upon realizing the loss of her husband and not shedding a single tear just for the sake of her children is one moment that gives me chills till date and inspires me to hold tight no matter how testing the time may get.

“A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

– I have also been lucky to have two very special friends in life who inspire me to no limits. Sonali on one hand is the most patient, calm and understanding woman I have ever met. She can love someone all her life without expecting anything at all in return. She has the unique potential to see positivity in the darkest of times. She loves a lot but never at the cost of her self respect. I have seen her make the wisest of decisions which most of us fail to at the hands of getting emotional. She inspires me to love, love a lot but also hold your ground for what is right. I don’t have enough words to describe her but she is the kind of woman who can make you feel blessed for her presence. I do!

“I am a woman with thoughts and questions and shit to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story–I will.” —Amy Schumer

-Another beautiful friend of mine, Varsha has inspired me in ways that I bet she does not even know. From being a younger sister who I always watched out for to getting on the cover of VOGUE, she has not just inspired me but many. Her go-getter attitude is intimidating and shaking. She gets what she wants because she wants it bad. She wants it so bad that she will put all her love, sweat, time and most importantly her faith in it and then sit back and wait till things come around. Until then she won’t quit. She has come out a winner but she is still the younger sister I watched out for. Her laughter is still as loud and hysterical as it always was. That innocent naiveness combined with sheer fierceness is what inspires me.

“I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” ―Madonna

Saluting all the women out there…

Love,
Shagun & Sonali

 

 

Head over Heels in Love with these Diwali Hampers!

It is absolutely our favourite time of the year and we just love everything thing about it. The colourful Diwali Melas, the fun-filled catch-up sessions and yes, the pleasant surprises which knock our doors as well. A thoughtful gift packed with love is always welcome but considering each household sometimes gets too many presents, we want our readers to stand apart and not just that-we are even coming to your rescue at this crucial time to help you select just the perfect gift for your dear ones in case you are still in a fix!!! Here are our top five ideas after much browsing around. These are creative, fun, wise and make us go- WE WANT THEM!!!

  1. Kulfi Hamper from Pop Up Hut- To be honest, this is the first time we realized that something like this is even possible. Isn’t it an amazing idea to notch up the sweetness when you are hitting your friend’s place for a cozy get-together. They have enticing flavours ranging from Malai, Kesar Pista, Meetha Paan, Thandai and Gulkand. What is more is that it is packaged beautifully in an ice-box and costs INR 850. And some of you are rather lucky for they even deliver within Mumbai.Facebook Page-@popuphut
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  2. Truffles Hamper from Paper to Bag- Did someone just say that Truffles are always a good idea? Well, if they look this good, then why not? This pretty box comprises of 6 Assorted Truffles! What is even more tempting is the fact that they are very well priced. And we did read up in a daily about this on-going collaboration of theirs with Bakehouse23- thank you guys for coming up with what looks like absolutely amazing stuff!
    Facebook Page-@papertobag
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  3. Diwali Hamper from Ambrosia by Ritu Gupta- Post getting these, I am sure your friends would be left asking for me as this pack of goodness has everything that one could ask for- a Date and Caramel Shortcake, Fig and Cinnamon Bars, White Chocolate and Cranberry Fudge and, Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies. We are getting pumped up with excitement by just writing about it. And just look at it, doesn’t it look super classy?
    Facebook Page-@Ambrosiabyrituguptaambrosia
  4. Cookie Hamper from Something Of Our Own- Talk about a gift which would sure be remembered for good would be something as simple and as unique as this. Did you ever think of Mini Cookies in Test Tubes, well they did and they have truly impressed us as well!!!
    Facebook Page-@somethingofourown
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    Here is truly hoping you enjoyed this festive post as much as we did putting it together for you!!!

    Helipadonheels wishes you all the Brightest Diwali!!!
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