tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31001977303843055372024-03-14T06:15:33.703+05:30Abstract AdmissionsAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-46737000603566894932017-07-28T23:26:00.002+05:302017-07-28T23:26:53.362+05:30For The Love Of Six Yards – Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>* This is a continuation of my previous post. Read my previous post about Sakhi Fashions <a href="http://abstractadmissions.blogspot.in/2017/07/for-love-of-six-yards-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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Sakhi Fashions offer sarees for both formal occasions as
well as for a relaxed and casual evening out. For instance, their <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/indian-sarees/kanchipuram-sarees.html"><b>Kanchi sarees</b></a> are a class apart.
Kancheepuram silk sarees have a rich history behind them. Draping a Kanchi
saree instantly gives an opulent and royal look to any woman. No doubt, Kanchi
sarees have always been on the wishlist of any saree connoisseur and in many
families, the Kanchi sarees of mothers and grandmothers are preserved gently
and passed on from one generation to the next with great care and love. </div>
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However, if you are looking for something a little more affordable, then I would suggest Sakhi Fashion’s chiffon sarees. Bright, trendy and vibrant, their chiffon sarees are not only pocket friendly but they will definitely make you stand out in a crowd.</div>
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I’ve always been a fan of women-led businesses and was
delighted to learn that the entrepreneurs behind Sakhi Fashions are a
mother-daughter duo! <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/sakhipeople"><b>Chandra and Neeta Rajendran</b></a> have
been in the Indian ethnic wear business for quite some time and over the years
they seem to have built Sakhi into a one stop shop for all your fashion needs.
Not just online but in fact, they even have physical stores in Bangalore and
Hyderabad. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK52BleBKC5xnHkGg_joHf9E7gTSu1MZwUhxKv6p7qcnX9U2FKRqW1_qX_wUtJF6LTuoFrlvgwr33avCjj3L8BwAeVP2ynK-4dOW7TRGV-BI-yuS1K-lDq2MMKsxu3kiAIt9D6cxkbuPWJ/s1600/IMG-20170726-WA0025-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK52BleBKC5xnHkGg_joHf9E7gTSu1MZwUhxKv6p7qcnX9U2FKRqW1_qX_wUtJF6LTuoFrlvgwr33avCjj3L8BwAeVP2ynK-4dOW7TRGV-BI-yuS1K-lDq2MMKsxu3kiAIt9D6cxkbuPWJ/s320/IMG-20170726-WA0025-001.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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What’s more, I found it heartening to know that like me, Neeta too
has switched career tracks from Engineering to another field (which happens to
be Journalism in my case and Fashion Designing in Neeta’s) because she wanted
to follow her heart. It’s heart-warming indeed to come across a business that
is being run so efficiently and successfully by a mother-daughter pair, thanks
to their passion for design and fashion. It certainly wouldn’t be surprising if
they soon become one of the top names among <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/sakhipeople"><b>Indian saree designers</b></a> in my opinion! Go girl power!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OLY_Pzw0DEEdf-g54bEEvzfy3sjTCZWom-cfoqytTIUwQ2oADbTi25JGdGWYY2PejbgnFHfSo9fnl4xuhONkLSmJKMdGwts-eXavFEY5YnPsAqiwk7-NU2QKH8CELbOMLxbbQg6LK3QH/s1600/IMG_20170724_145150-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="802" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OLY_Pzw0DEEdf-g54bEEvzfy3sjTCZWom-cfoqytTIUwQ2oADbTi25JGdGWYY2PejbgnFHfSo9fnl4xuhONkLSmJKMdGwts-eXavFEY5YnPsAqiwk7-NU2QKH8CELbOMLxbbQg6LK3QH/s320/IMG_20170724_145150-001.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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They have such an amazing range of sarees that it is quite
difficult to pick one to be honest! I have at times felt that the world of <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/"><b>online
saree shopping</b></a> hasn’t quite kept pace with the online shopping boom.
While it is easy to shop for western wear, books, toys and electronics online,
the choices for reliable and dependable online saree shopping is somewhat
limited. Hence, it was really satisfying to come across Sakhi Fashions with
their user friendly website and wide variety of <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/"><b>designer
sarees</b></a>. </div>
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Actually, even my family members were initially sceptical when
I told them that I have ordered a saree from Sakhi Fashions. However, once they
saw the saree in person, they admitted that their fears were misplaced. So once again, if you are looking for a saree which will win you over right away, do check out Sakhi Fashions on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SakhiFashions/" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Facebook</b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sakhifashions/" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Pinterest</b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> and </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sakhifashions/" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Instagram</b></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. </span></div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-17696139893893130582017-07-28T23:16:00.000+05:302017-07-28T23:16:51.169+05:30For The Love Of Six Yards – Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If there is one garment that has always held my fancy, it
has got to be the saree. Right from my innocent childhood days when I used to
indulge in some pretend play with my mother’s saree to this day when I own a
shelf full of sarees, the saree has never lost its charm on me. So, when I got
a chance to review Sakhi Fashions, naturally I was more than thrilled! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuEyACzRk99yQvrSw6YRLn6N15wRi4tU1LqkXIf636E2U7KXvQIjYHqurjp7ccvscCzyeIdHmiSJwyMq8jC1X58afvZKAijOSfUZSySd2Rzc4z0Z-9zsp3dVfOg-UDclbjErf1I0TjVXM/s1600/IMG-20170726-WA0009-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuEyACzRk99yQvrSw6YRLn6N15wRi4tU1LqkXIf636E2U7KXvQIjYHqurjp7ccvscCzyeIdHmiSJwyMq8jC1X58afvZKAijOSfUZSySd2Rzc4z0Z-9zsp3dVfOg-UDclbjErf1I0TjVXM/s320/IMG-20170726-WA0009-001.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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They have such an amazing range of sarees that it is quite
difficult to pick one to be honest! I have at times felt that the world of <b>online
saree shopping</b> hasn’t quite kept pace with the online shopping boom.
While it is easy to shop for western wear, books, toys and electronics online,
the choices for reliable and dependable online saree shopping is somewhat
limited. Hence, it was really satisfying to come across Sakhi Fashions with
their user friendly website and wide variety of <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/"><b>designer
sarees</b></a>. Actually, even my family members were initially sceptical when
I told them that I have ordered a saree from Sakhi Fashions. However, once they
saw the saree in person, they admitted that their fears were misplaced.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7GXPS393VL45aA2cj6rDrNiLZb0OKg6Bu5MlMNAlk-6DMLvv3ZLHjNJ5KVNoRViaQJ1Y2T5dPghRjabScFSLsMTQVjeQDCCxD39ZZInAkJDFo38gfQ124hRwVJQ1Bm_WnI2LJ5kzyxRx/s1600/IMG-20170726-WA0020-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7GXPS393VL45aA2cj6rDrNiLZb0OKg6Bu5MlMNAlk-6DMLvv3ZLHjNJ5KVNoRViaQJ1Y2T5dPghRjabScFSLsMTQVjeQDCCxD39ZZInAkJDFo38gfQ124hRwVJQ1Bm_WnI2LJ5kzyxRx/s320/IMG-20170726-WA0020-001.jpg" width="87" /></a>Eventually, I chose a beautiful green and yellow <a href="https://www.sakhifashions.in/yellow-multi-lace-saree-sr-0469.html"><b>lace crossover saree</b></a>. The crossover
saree is a unique design that has been conceptualized by Sakhi Fashions. This
saree gives the illusion of wearing a half saree, but it is much more graceful
and elegant! The pallu is made of chiffon which makes it lightweight and quite
easy to drape. The lace material is of high quality and flows beautifully when
worn. </div>
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The red raw silk border serves to enhance the entire look of the saree
while the contrast applique work on the pallu shows the amount of thought and
attention to detail that has gone into this lace crossover saree. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAekFDZBWhYOTAC19ji4U_JcxWa8Wy1D1uP_BV0m8YjSRUoJdkrwpQ2Ju3YunbkEiygc4_BO1i-KF3FNhAzNCeMIL292UfyCFSktO-1jGb4W6ioV3gpWdoOBg7HzlwuB3ALJQb8fb9ceJ/s1600/IMG_20170724_154325-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAekFDZBWhYOTAC19ji4U_JcxWa8Wy1D1uP_BV0m8YjSRUoJdkrwpQ2Ju3YunbkEiygc4_BO1i-KF3FNhAzNCeMIL292UfyCFSktO-1jGb4W6ioV3gpWdoOBg7HzlwuB3ALJQb8fb9ceJ/s320/IMG_20170724_154325-001.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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What’s more,
I am wearing this saree without a single safety pin! And mind you, it’s not as
though I am a saree-wearing veteran who wears sarees every day! I only wear
sarees for special occasions because although I love sarees, I am a bit clumsy
in handling it – added to the fact that my toddler keeps me on my toes all the
time. However, I must admit that this lace crossover saree was highly
manageable to wear and I could drape it within a few minutes.</div>
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Do you know what is one of the most frustrating things about
deciding to wear a saree? It’s finding the correct blouse to go with it!
Tailors these days are a dime a dozen no doubt. However, they take their own
sweet time to stitch one blouse. Despite charging a high rate, often they mess
up the stitching as well. An ill-fitting blouse can spoil the entire look of
the saree, even if the saree by itself is exceptional. Like me, if you find
that you too are at your wits end about getting the perfect saree blouse, fear
not. Sakhi Fashions will even tailor a blouse for you according to your
specifications! The blouse that I am wearing was stitched by Sakhi Fashions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHFaS8Jbllfn7Nj_nICoWu0uS6wN11svzAB65eM7N_sJ5K1xA7fM0as-m_fPXGlXN4TSoRdvdRY7RkEgoT84tDl4gBxe5JnjUioODv_Vxi8EE1NpmqyJD0DsIrHvCSBcuaLSheNESByYC/s1600/IMG-20170726-WA0021-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHFaS8Jbllfn7Nj_nICoWu0uS6wN11svzAB65eM7N_sJ5K1xA7fM0as-m_fPXGlXN4TSoRdvdRY7RkEgoT84tDl4gBxe5JnjUioODv_Vxi8EE1NpmqyJD0DsIrHvCSBcuaLSheNESByYC/s320/IMG-20170726-WA0021-001.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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The process is pretty simple. Once you choose your saree and decide that you
want your blouse stitched by them, they will send you a blouse measurement
chart as well as a list of choices for various parts of the blouse such as the
style of the neckline, length of sleeves etc. You will need to get someone to
take your measurements and fill up this form accordingly. Once you send them
the filled form they will start working on your blouse and it should be ready
within a few days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Regarding my experience with the blouse, I would rate it 6.5/10.
It was a bit loose for me and I had to alter it here and there. However, I am
not very sure if the mistake is at my end or theirs, because as I do not have
any tailoring experience, it stands to reason that I might not have taken my
measurements precisely. Therefore I assume that this might have introduced a
slight margin of error. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Overall though I am quite happy with Sakhi Fashions. Their
customer service personnel were very polite and understanding. Their packaging
was neat and professional and shipment was speedy. If you are looking for a saree that speaks for itself, then you
must check out Sakhi Fashions without fail. They are also on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SakhiFashions/"><b>Facebook</b></a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sakhifashions/"><b>Pinterest</b></a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sakhifashions/"><b>Instagram</b></a>. Happy shopping!<br />
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-28018452295215416832016-02-26T15:46:00.003+05:302016-02-26T15:46:42.186+05:30A Scarf Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the things that I really liked about living in places
where there is a notable change in the weather conditions throughout the year,
is the opportunity to dress up differently according to the season. Winters
meant thick jackets and heavy boots, Springs meant it was time to pull out all
the light cardigans and shrugs, Summers meant light, flowy fabrics and sandals,
autumns meant maxi dresses and pretty scarves. However, originally being from
Chennai also meant that I have a limited number of stoles and scarves in my
wardrobe, because let’s face it, no one wants to wear a scarf in the heat of
Chennai – except perhaps on a few cool days in Dec/Jan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I did possess a fair
selection of scarves in various colours, materials and sizes, but somehow I
hadn’t yet got my hands on a proper square scarf. I wanted a neutral scarf
which could be paired with a handful of outfits at the very least and hence
started my hunt at <b><a href="http://www.jabong.com/" target="_blank">Jabong</a></b>. Bam! It is really easy to get overwhelmed by the
load of options that will fill up your computer screen despite all the filters
that you might apply! After wading through innumerable choices, almost all of
which, were literally calling out to me, I somehow decided that I liked the
scarves by a brand called <b><a href="http://www.jabong.com/women/clothing/clothing-accessories/coolthreads/?tt=cool&rank=0&qc=coolthreads#" target="_blank">CoolThreads</a></b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I had never heard of this brand before but their designs were
attractive and their prizes were pretty affordable as well, so I decided to
give them a shot. After much thought, I finally zeroed in on a square black
silk scarf with little skulls printed all over it. Loved the grunge effect! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I received the scarf within a few days as expected of Jabong
and the scarf is everything that I wanted it to be! It is pretty lightweight
and so doesn’t feel heavy around your neck. It is also smooth and silky and so
doesn’t feel scratchy or uncomfortable at all, which is a pet peeve I have
against many scarves. Also the printed skull design is on the smaller side ; so it is edgy enough without being over the top. To be honest, I’ve only tried on this scarf a few times –
I am saving it to wear on a special occasion next month – my birthday! Black is
my favourite colour and I intend to go all black on my special day- a black
maxi dress, black strappy wedges, a black belt to cinch in my waist and of
course my new black silk scarf! I shall round up the whole look with some
trendy oxidised silver jewellery and a touch of makeup voila! The birthday girl
is ready to party!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, this scarf can be worn in a number of different
ways. If you need any help on how to style a square scarf all you need to do is a quick search on google. If you are looking to pick up some nice scarves do check out
CoolThreads at Jabong. I’m sure you won’t be able to stop yourself!</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-33597552235457078692016-01-29T21:47:00.002+05:302016-01-29T21:52:36.513+05:30Discovering Colorbar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’m someone who isn’t an expert in makeup. Although I have
an interest as well as access to a wide variety of cosmetics, I use only the
most basic stuff, mostly because I don’t really know how to use many of the
products that are available in the market today. Honestly, I’m impressed with
those people who can pull off a perfect and flawless look in what seems like
minutes! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Eyeliner is one of those simple make up items that I have
somewhat managed to get the hang of in recent years and so it is one of the few
things which gets over quickly in my vanity box. I’ve been on the hunt for a
good and affordable eyeliner for quite some time when I came across the
Ultimate Eyeliner from <a href="http://www.jabong.com/women/beauty/colorbar/" target="_blank"><b>Colorbar</b></a>. I’ve tried several brands in the past such as
Lakme, Revlon, Maybelline, Benefit and L’Oreal but till now I didn’t get a
chance to check out products from Colorbar. Having heard a lot about the
quality of this brand I decided to give it a shot and promptly placed an order
for the Ultimate Eyeliner from Colorbar in Black on <a href="http://www.jabong.com/" target="_blank"><b>Jabong</b></a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was travelling in a few days and I was worried if the
eyeliner would reach me in time but thankfully it was deliver within a couple
of days. Note that this was also the first time that I was ordering from Jabong
and I must say that I am quite pleased with their service. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADyBTHgTywbXnJupeFnp-yStjYlpJuM2CHkxQPgW45nodh7jjVunjcXa_i8VEzt0KsQq6d6k6qveGwpehyFBaFvw00Rb8J5K3u_-IbTyvhZLx841CFxEhWsYhgC5mxFqr07OdiQy6IifK/s1600/IMG_20160127_124434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADyBTHgTywbXnJupeFnp-yStjYlpJuM2CHkxQPgW45nodh7jjVunjcXa_i8VEzt0KsQq6d6k6qveGwpehyFBaFvw00Rb8J5K3u_-IbTyvhZLx841CFxEhWsYhgC5mxFqr07OdiQy6IifK/s320/IMG_20160127_124434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Ultimate Eyeliner from Colorbar in Black retails for 550
INR at Jabong and you get 1 ml of product. The packaging is neat, sleek and
very portable – you can easily carry this in your handbag for any touch ups if
needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The black is dark and intense – just the way
I like it! I wore the eyeliner for entire day and despite the busy day it did
not smudge. It is not a waterproof eyeliner which works for me since I wear
contact lenses and waterproof eyeliners tend to spoil my lenses eventually.
This eyeliner comes off your eyes smoothly with a little eye makeup remover or
some cotton dipped in baby oil – absolutely no need for excessive rubbing and
tugging the delicate skin around the eyes. The flexible felt tip is a definite
plus in my book as it makes application easy and effortless, especially for
people with unsteady hands like yours truly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Advantages:</div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">- </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Affordable</span></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">- </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Intense Black</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- Easy to use felt tip</span></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">- </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sleek and easy to carry around in a purse</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Disadvantages:</div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">- </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Not waterproof; so if you sweat a lot or if it
is going to be a rainy day, then beware!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was really happy with my Colorbar eyeliner that a few days
later when I happened to spot a Colorbar counter at the Angels store in Egmore,
Chennai, I decided to explore other Colorbar products as well. I ended up
buying a face highlighter/blusher in a lovely bronzy shade. Many of the face
highlighters that I found in India tended to have a fair amount of glitter in
them, which I totally did not want. However, this particular one from Colorbar
doesn’t add any shimmer but simply gives a beautiful glow to my face. So
pretty!</div>
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There are a whole range of Colorbar products that are
beckoning to me and you can be sure that I’m going to try many of them out soon
enough! Some of the products on my wishlist currently are the Radiant Glow
Illuminator, the BB Crème, Teal Just Smoky Kajal, Peacock Blue Nail Paint,
Amethyst Spark Glide Pencil… and the list goes on! What about you? Have you
tried any products of Colorbar? Which are your favourites? Do let me know and
I’ll check them out!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>*This post is sponsored by Jabong. However please note that it is an unbiased review of my personal shopping experience.</i></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-14934747023663097472015-12-24T10:00:00.002+05:302015-12-24T10:10:34.744+05:30Book Review: Ravi Subramanian’s The Bestseller She Wrote<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pW6yZZjesEnOL0FhoYnY7IW6c6E5x7O6NaRHpJPgHWrhTCnNObQKXfUWTyJq21e36tyV_lojLHeFzz4cHd3jmlv3hhxAwWL-7wtvJc_J7jidrZKAnqiYOKpoPtVfBWUtMaGiMwoe7nv2/s1600/Bestseller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pW6yZZjesEnOL0FhoYnY7IW6c6E5x7O6NaRHpJPgHWrhTCnNObQKXfUWTyJq21e36tyV_lojLHeFzz4cHd3jmlv3hhxAwWL-7wtvJc_J7jidrZKAnqiYOKpoPtVfBWUtMaGiMwoe7nv2/s320/Bestseller.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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When the opportunity to review popular Indian author Ravi
Subramanian’s latest book came up, I jumped at the chance. I’ve read some of
his earlier books and have found them to be quite engaging – except for certain
chunks in most of them which delved far too deeply into the world of banking; In
my opinion for a layperson such as myself most of the banking processes and
procedures that he usually describes in depth tends to be a little dry and I
often just skimmed through those passages. However, touted as a “middle-aged
romance thriller” The Bestseller She Wrote, promised to be a little different. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At first, The Bestseller She Wrote seems to be just another novel
based on the drama and dilemmas involved in relationships. The character sketch
of Aditya Kapoor definitely reminded me of Chetan Bhagat – or perhaps
Subramanian was simply describing who he aspires to be? In any case, we have
the male protagonist who apparently has it all – money, fame, success and a
loving family to boot. And we have the female protagonist, the femme fatale in
the form of Shreya Kaushik – beautiful, smart and sexy. What transpires between
them when there is mutual admiration and crackling chemistry between two people
who see each other and interact with each other almost every day, especially in
this age of social media and instant messaging when it is oh-so-easy to always
remain connected to each other's consciousness? I liked the fact that Subramanian has
added several layers to most of the characters and made them believable. He doesn’t
really project anyone as totally bad or completely good – he shows them as
human, with their positives and negatives. He doesn’t paint anyone as a saint
or a sinner, but rather as people with different shades and facets to them. I also like the fact that he weaves in real life events, situations and people into the story, thus making it more relatable and relevant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think that Subramanian wanted to push himself and explore
a different genre of writing with this book. After a series of books on
banking, crime, fraud and the like, perhaps he wished to test himself, to try
and see if he was as good with writing romance as he is with writing thrillers.
Or perhaps he wanted to reach out to a wider target readership base. Or maybe
he figured that a little bit of spice could help him land a movie deal in
Bollywood for his book. Whatever be the reason, I must confess that I
personally feel that although the romance part of the novel is altogether fine,
it does not match up to his skill in crime fiction. At one point in the book,
he talks about how Aditya Kapoor doesn’t seem to be comfortable writing erotica
– and I have a sneaking suspicion that he is talking about himself. Maybe it is
a cultural thing but many Indian authors – especially male - seem to be unable
to grasp the sensuousness of intimate scenes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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While the intimacy might be racy or even straight out of the
fantasies of the male mind, it isn’t as seamless and smooth as one might have
liked. The pace of the book only really picks up halfway through, when
Subramanian lands onto his comfort ground and does what he does best. The twists
and turns that one has come to expect from his books don’t disappoint here as
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Bestseller She Wrote is also peppered with helpful tips
and useful pointers for wannabe writers. Perhaps, the author got tired of
doling out the same advice for the rather repetitive question that one tends to
ask authors: “What tips would you give for new authors?” and decided to pen
them down once and for all so that the next time when someone asks this
question, he could simply direct them to this book!</div>
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On the whole, The Bestseller She Wrote makes for an
interesting read. It gives us a peak into an author’s mind and life, and also a
glimpse of how the publishing industry works today, while simultaneously living
up to its promise of being a good thriller, if not a great “romantic” thriller!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I am reviewing </span><a href="http://dl.flipkart.com/dl/bestseller-she-wrote-english/p/itmeca2xhvfmtdmf?affid=contactblo&pid=9789385152382" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">‘The Bestseller She Wrote’ </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">by Ravi Subramanian as a part of the biggest </span><a href="http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Book Review Program </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">for </span><a href="http://www.blogadda.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Indian Bloggers</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">. Participate now to get free books!</span></i></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-9441321100541897312015-11-23T14:39:00.002+05:302015-11-23T14:51:27.492+05:30The Expat Life: How To Get A Driving License In Ajman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A long-time dream of mine came true recently –
finally managed to get my UAE driving license! I’m pretty thrilled about it and
I’m definitely looking forward to drive regularly from now on. I did have an
Indian driving license as well, which I had obtained about 10 years back, but honestly
I didn’t really know to drive till a few weeks back. Although I still need to
practise a bit in our own car, I can see myself becoming an independent
and confident driver a few months down the line. It doesn't seem like an impossible dream anymore!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How To Get A Driving License In Ajman: Getting Started</b></div>
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As most people in this region are well aware, getting a
driving license over here is not an easy task. I thought of sharing my
experience so that it might be useful to anyone who is thinking about getting a
driving license in Ajman. The first thing that you would need to do is to go to
the Traffic & Licensing department, commonly known as Muroor, and open your
license file. Ladies are eligible to apply for a
license to drive automatic light vehicles. You will need to make an initial
payment of 1350 AED for this, which includes the cost for a lecture and the
theory test. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The lecture will be held within a week or so and it lasts
for approximately a couple of hours. Topics such as signals, road rules, best
practices while driving, safety tips etc will be covered and you will be
provided with a guide book as well. Once done with the lecture, you will be
required to take an online signal test within a couple of weeks. If you’ve paid
attention during the lecture and read through the guide book it is quite easy
to clear the online test. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Prepping For The Parking Test</b></div>
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Once you pass the online test, next comes the eye test
followed by the parking test. An initial payment of 170 AED needs to be done
for this and then you will need to contact a driving school or a driving
instructor for classes. Classes cost 50 AED for an hour and you will be taken
to a practise area where a mock test area is setup. Please note that you need
to pay 10 AED entry fee to practise in this area. The Parking test involves 3
tests in all: garage parking, parallel parking as well as bridge/slope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It takes about a week’s time to get familiar with the
parking techniques and once you feel confident you can pay 250 AED and take up
the parking test. There is no need to book an appointment in advance for the
parking test. On whichever day you intend to take the test, show up at Muroor,
pay the fees and proceed to take the test. You will need to pass all three
parts of this test; if you fail any section, then you will again need to pay
250 AED and redo the failed parts till you clear all three. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Almost There! Road Test</b></div>
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So you have successfully cleared the parking test. Congrats!
Next up is of course the road test. Again, you will need to take up driving
classes and your instructor will teach you the nuts and bolts of driving in
Ajman. The number of classes that you will need to take will depend on how
quickly you grasp the concepts of driving! Usually, you will be advised to give
the first test a couple of weeks later. It helps to go for regular driving
classes so that you don’t lose touch, especially if you are new to driving. The
first few days can be pretty confusing and frustrating; you might even wonder
if you will ever learn to drive. Don’t worry and hang in there! You will get there, trust me! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Generally it takes a few attempts before you will clear the
road test. I took 6 attempts. Each attempt will cost 200 AED. You will need to
make an appointment in advance and they typically allow you to choose any week
day which falls one week after your last test. You will be expected to show up
at Muroor between 8 AM – 11 AM on your test date and submit your papers and
your learner’s license to the lady police inspector over there. She will sort
out all the candidates and will allocate you to a traffic policeman along with
3 other lady candidates. All 4 will be taken in a single trip and each will be
given about 5 minutes to test your driving skills. </div>
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Most people, including me,
tend to get nervous before the test. Take a few deep breaths, stay calm,
concentrate on driving and follow the traffic inspector’s instructions. There
is no need to be afraid of the inspectors – the majority of them are polite and will
help you out while driving in case you are unable to control the car. You will
be assessed on a variety of things such as how good is your steering control,
brake and accelerator control, overtaking, changing lanes, at roundabouts and
at signals, respecting other road users, following traffic rules and
regulations etc. Even if you do fail a few times, do not get discouraged. View
it as an opportunity to improve your driving skills. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At last, the day which you thought might never come will
arrive and ta da! You will pass! Yayyy! Now you will need to pay another 200
AED and submit your photo along with your learner’s license and voila! Your brand new driving license
will be ready in a few minutes! All the best! <o:p></o:p></div>
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P.S: Keep in mind that in Ajman only lady instructors can
teach ladies and only male instructors can teach men. In case you need to
contact a good lady driving instructor, do drop me a word and I can pass on the
details of the woman who taught me to drive. She is friendly, punctual and
really good <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-29758941179066394022015-11-15T22:21:00.000+05:302015-11-23T14:51:53.526+05:30Diwali - My Way! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy Diwali! People say that one should never forget our
roots…. Where we came from and from where our story began. In today’s
globalised world, traditions remain one way to stay in touch with our roots.
India is a country which is deeply steeped in traditions owing to its diversity
and vast cultural heritage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Each region, state and even family in India have their own
set of traditions which carry special significance and meaning to those who
practise it – and these traditions even transcend religious boundaries. Case in
point, despite being a Christian, we have always found ways to celebrate Diwali
in our home too. Be it donning festive clothes, feasting on delicacies or
having fun with fireworks, it is really too hard to resist joining in the
celebrations with your neighbours and friends during Diwali! Frankly, I think
that Diwali is more of a national festival than a religious one! <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, while it is indeed nice to continue our age old
traditions, the truth is not all traditions continue to make sense in this day
and age. Some traditions might no longer be applicable in this era while we
choose to give up certain traditions due to lack of time and there are a few
more traditions which we go ahead and modify for the sake of convenience to
suit our lifestyles today. Moreover, let’s face it – sometimes traditions tend
to get a tad bit boring, repetitive and monotonous. This is precisely why, this Diwali, I
decided to give a twist to the humble gulab jamun this year and made sweat
potato gulab jamuns instead! They were soft, plump and delicious- not to
mention healthier than plain old maida gulab jamuns – #TraditionMyWay done
right!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer5Sh8Z4P4kl1Fv1WYoDMUbzCSUTD70aLH4It__HE8XltPVWsGtzolYpa1rEbJiSn7qDlV8U3LTJu-AbKaGSLq3i_wTEZT-pgra2is0O_2gXn9y4XTmA3zqy_viDYRP4Vi8njeCrVDGnp/s1600/Sweet+potato+gulab+jamun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer5Sh8Z4P4kl1Fv1WYoDMUbzCSUTD70aLH4It__HE8XltPVWsGtzolYpa1rEbJiSn7qDlV8U3LTJu-AbKaGSLq3i_wTEZT-pgra2is0O_2gXn9y4XTmA3zqy_viDYRP4Vi8njeCrVDGnp/s200/Sweet+potato+gulab+jamun.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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Apart from food, the next obvious aspect of any festival is
of course dressing up! And a traditional festival like Diwali demands us to
bring out that mesmerizingly traditional piece of garment called the sari!</div>
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I
love donning saris and honestly feel that it is one of the most versatile and
alluring outfits that a lady can wear. In my opinion, an Indian woman’s
wardrobe simply cannot be complete without a decent collection of saris and
what’s more one can never have enough saris what with the sheer variety and
choices of saris available in the market! There is a sari to suit every
occasion, shape, complexion, mood, weather and what not!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having sung paeans to the sari, let me also state that saris
can also be quite finicky and cumbersome especially to people like me who are
not used to wearing saris every day. Add in the responsibility of managing my
frisky little toddler in the picture and you can understand my predicament
about wearing saris! So, although I do enjoy wearing saris, sadly I do not get
the opportunity to indulge myself as much as I would like to. But Diwali calls for
special looks and of course, a beautiful sari can make anyone look extra
special in a jiffy! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sure that everyone would agree that one of the most
memorable moments of Diwali, is the time spent sitting out in the balcony or
terrace and looking up at the dark night sky as it explodes into a thousand
different colours! Hence, inspired by this shimmering night sky, I designed a
sari for myself. A smooth, satiny sari in deep blue, studded with numerous tiny
sparkling silver mirrors reminiscent of the velvety night sky that glitters
with the happiness of a million celebrants! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu_UloaHSTAguGRDa9HTVHVeH8XsHLljN4GXTFgSm0xPjRSPapIAb-V7Qb83udP8rAo5YSPF8yTRKcfiAusPe7c0oqXJLzB4GN_y3zVPWtKQZKWV6MXV255tOTrPhNRyaaYyrX29gXm0R/s1600/IMG_20150914_225853-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu_UloaHSTAguGRDa9HTVHVeH8XsHLljN4GXTFgSm0xPjRSPapIAb-V7Qb83udP8rAo5YSPF8yTRKcfiAusPe7c0oqXJLzB4GN_y3zVPWtKQZKWV6MXV255tOTrPhNRyaaYyrX29gXm0R/s320/IMG_20150914_225853-001.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>
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But when everybody wears a sari,
how can you stand out from the rest? Simple! Add a modern twist to the sari! One of the easiest ways to grab everyone’s attention when wearing a sari is by
pairing a unique and attractive blouse to go with the sari. Say goodbye the
boring attached blouse which comes with the sari. Improvise! With a thousand
things on our plate during festivals, often we find that we have run out of
time to stitch a matching blouse for our saris, Plus, tailors are also pretty
busy during this time. My #TraditionMyWay tip would be to make an interesting
style statement by wearing your sari with a pretty crop top instead! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUSSf1N4UgDTH8V3EWwM1ITZxwOlMSbxKae-TTADwP__JruF3euBRy70i5LAFiRtpv8cR3vf6YL0lofQXQjF_D2C75bVwHal4D7FVuELAu7lAfUgKVTzP5tysTYfeqhQMurzb4-2nJ7GE/s1600/Faballey-Silver-Solid-Crop-Top-7849-4810041-1-pdp_slider_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUSSf1N4UgDTH8V3EWwM1ITZxwOlMSbxKae-TTADwP__JruF3euBRy70i5LAFiRtpv8cR3vf6YL0lofQXQjF_D2C75bVwHal4D7FVuELAu7lAfUgKVTzP5tysTYfeqhQMurzb4-2nJ7GE/s320/Faballey-Silver-Solid-Crop-Top-7849-4810041-1-pdp_slider_l.jpg" width="234" /></a>For this
particular silky blue sari with mirror work, I would choose this <b><a href="http://www.jabong.com/faballey-Silver-Solid-Crop-Top-1400184.html?pos=3" target="_blank">Silver Solid Crop Top by Faballey from Jabong</a></b>. </div>
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It adds a sleek and super stylish touch to
the sari and will definitely garner second glances and compliments as well! Online shopping has made Diwali shopping a breeze. Absolutely no need to sweat it out with the crowd, You can order it from the comfort of your home and rest assured that it will be delivered within a few days at your doorstep.<br />
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To complete the look, I would add some lovely silver
jewelry but nothing over the top as it would be too much bling. This <b><a href="http://www.jabong.com/toniq-Silver-White-Star-Ear-Cuff-1558490.html?pos=3" target="_blank">Silver Ear Cuff</a></b> and this <b><a href="http://www.jabong.com/sparkles-Silver-18-Karat-Gold-Ring-1026353.html?pos=34" target="_blank">Silver Statement Ring</a></b> is eye- catchy and trendy and the star design also ties in
with the theme of night sky. </div>
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No need for
any neck-piece as it would be an overkill but some jangling silver bangles would be nice. This over-sized <a href="http://www.jabong.com/Carlton_London-Silver-Clutch-1625790.html?pos=8" target="_blank"><b>Carlton London</b> <b>silver clutch</b></a> and this pair of comfortable yet chic <b><a href="http://www.jabong.com/urban-country-Silver-Sandals-1695187.html?pos=6" target="_blank">Urban Country silver heels</a></b> and you are all set!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you like this ensemble? What did you wear for Diwali? Do let me know!</div>
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<i>*This post is my entry to <a href="http://www.jabong.com/" target="_blank">Jabong's Diwali contest</a>. </i></div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-17118657873963022002015-11-02T13:38:00.001+05:302015-11-23T14:52:16.784+05:305 Tips For Cuddelicious Baby Skin!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Soft, cuddly and cherubic – these are but a small sample of
adjectives that can be used to describe little babies. Holding a sweet smelling
bundle of joy cosily to your chest is indeed one of the simplest pleasures of
life.<br />
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I became a mom last year and like every new mom out there I too was – and
continue to be – obsessed with the well-being of my child. The initial years
are so very important for a new-born’s emotional as well as physical growth and
it also happens to be a period when the baby is rather fragile as her immune
system is still developing. Therefore, extra care and caution has to be taken
if we want our child to be hale and healthy.<br />
<br />
One of the organs in the baby’s
body that can easily get affected adversely is the skin. There is simply no denying
the fact, that a baby’s skin is one of the smoothest and silkiest things that
one will ever get the opportunity to experience! But the skin, which happens to
be the largest organ in a human body, can also easily lose its dreamy softness
if not taken care of properly. Along with proper nutrition, here are 5 tips to
keep baby’s skin soft and supple throughout her growing years:</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I have come across a lot of mothers who are very
concerned about the colour of the baby’s skin. If the baby is darker complexioned,
they are always hunting for ways to make them fairer and if the baby happens
to be fair, the mothers are worried about retaining the fairness, lest God
forbid, she turns a shade darker! It is so sad to see even educated and
intelligent women worry about something as silly and as inconsequential as a
baby’s skin colour. Come on! First and foremost, please get out of this fancy
for fairness and be happy with the colour of your child.</span></div>
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The baby’s skin colour depends on its genes
and it is not going to magically change because of random creams, herbal
poultices or medicines! However, you can retain the natural glow of a baby’s
skin by giving regular oil massages to your baby. Massaging the baby is a
lovely bonding activity between the mother and child with the additional
benefit of soothing and calming the baby as well. Many mothers are hesitant to
massage their babies as they fear that they are not competent enough. Fret not!
You don’t have to be an expert masseuse to massage your baby. It is quite simple
actually. All you have to do is to take a small quantity of good quality oil of
your choice (Choose from coconut, olive or almond), warm it up ever so
slightly, and massage into your babies skin gently. You can move your fingers
in slow, circular movements over her body. If your baby is uncomfortable or
doesn’t like what you are doing, don’t worry, she will let you know! You can
also move her little legs in cycling movements to help relieve any colic pains.
Once you get the hang of it, I assure you, both your baby and you will
thoroughly enjoy and look forward to these relaxing massage session!</div>
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2. <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">For the first few months, always wash your
baby’s new clothes in warm water and dry them completely before putting them on
your baby. I learnt this lesson the hard way, when my baby developed rashes on
her skin. New clothes are an easy way to introduce germs and bacteria to your
baby’s skin. Since we have no idea about who has handled the clothes and for
how long it has been stored, it is always better to be on the safe side and rinse new
clothes before your child wears them. Further, try to stick to natural and
breathable fabrics</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">such as cotton
instead of synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester atleast in the
initial months.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Always use mild detergents to wash your baby’s
clothes as well as hypoallergenic and sensitive soaps and shampoos for your
baby. The chemicals in soaps and detergents can create a bad impact on the
natural skin barrier of your baby and strip it off its natural protective oils.
Make sure that no residual detergent remains on the baby’s clothes since it can
be harmful to their gentle skins. If possible, try to use natural and freshly
homemade body washes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It can be quite difficult for anyone to pass up
the opportunity to carry, kiss and cuddle little babies. However, be warned
that this is one of the most common ways that germs are transferred from one
person to another. Apart from really close family members, it is advisable to
politely discourage anybody else to kiss a new baby. If you are not bothered
about offending people, you could also have a small bottle of hand sanitiser
handy, and request people to either use it or wash their hands well before
handling the baby. If at all possible, try to limit the number of visitors in the frst few weeks. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">For the first few
weeks it is also a good idea to place the baby in a baby sleeping bag when
handing over to visitors. This will prevent the baby from being handled by too
many different sets of hands and will keep him comfortable and well protected,
as even people with not too much experience with babies can easily and safely carry
the baby in a sleeping bag.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. Wetness can promote the growth of bacteria and
also increases the chances of fungal infections. Always dry baby completely
after a bath with a soft towel, paying close attention to the many folds in
their pudgy arms and legs. Some people tend to douse the baby in</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">generous amount of baby powder thinking that the powder will absorb the excess moisture but please
avoid using powder for baby as the tiny talc particles can cause breathing
difficulties for baby if inhaled. </span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Speaking of wetness, I cannot stress the
importance of using good quality diapers. Good diapers go a long way in helping
baby stay dry and clean, thereby eliminating the occurrence of diaper rash as
well as helping baby stay comfortable. I use a combination of cloth diapers and
Pampers disposable diapers for my little one – and so far, touchwood, she has
not been troubled by diaper rashes. I started off with the newborn range and currently we have moved onto the pant style diapers. </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strong style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1QAdXh3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0066cc;">#SoftestForBabySkin</span></a></span></strong><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">These are really easy to use and very convenient too. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">One tip is to apply some diaper rash cream
or even Vaseline on your baby before putting on the diapers as this will create
a protective shield for your baby’s skin. Pampers has made going out such a
breeze! I don’t have to worry about leaks or diaper disasters at all! They keep
baby dry and safe for quite a long time and I have never actually felt the need
to even try any other brand of disposable diapers so far; why should I, when Pampers
is pampering my baby enough!</span></div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-64834906760222707882015-08-23T13:06:00.000+05:302015-11-23T14:52:40.779+05:30Dream Away, Little One!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">One thing from my childhood that my little
one could do… Hmm... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">As I sit here pondering over what this “one
thing” might be, I soon come to the honest conclusion that I didn’t do all that
much as a child. I had a pretty normal, run of the mill kind of childhood and
thanks to working parents I also had large chunks of time all to myself. To do
what? Well, pretty much nothing; and by nothing I mean no summer classes, no
special classes, no tuitions, coaching classes, no this class, no that class. So
what did I do with all that time on my itty bitty hands? Afterall, there is
only so much time that can be spent reading or playing with the neighbourhood
kids. Don't worry; If I may say so myself, I did not turn out to be a total dunce just because I wasn't sent to umpteen classes. Instead of running from one class to another, my time was spent in blissful dreaming! I lent wings to my
imagination and let it soar high with no restrictions whatsoever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">There were no deadlines to worry about nor any
distractions to side-track me. I created a whole world of imaginary friends who
kept me company when alone and a wide range of fantastical situations which kept
me entertained thoroughly! Now, some might doubt if I had schizophrenia but
rest assured, I was well aware of the distinction between my make-believe world
and the real one. So, at times I was one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five, hot on
the path of solving an important mystery; at another time I was the Princess with
magical powers; or I was a teacher who was beloved by all her students; or I
was the mother who cooked yummy food for her children and scolded them to eat their
vegetables – the scenarios were simply endless! I played all the characters in
a story regardless of age or gender and one could often notice me talking to
myself, pretending to be one character or the other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Nowadays, where do children have
the time to simply sit and dream? At once, they are accused of wasting time and
are packed off to a music class or a dance class or a karate class or a
swimming class and what not! Of course, I don’t mean to say that learning new
skills is not important. Certainly, they are and one learns the most in the
growing years. However, what with the all-pervading spirit of competitiveness that
seems to have seeped into our system, as parents we start wanting our children
not only to learn everything but also to excel in everything! It is just not
enough if the child can draw and colour but she must draw more realistically
and colour more perfectly and hence she must be sent to a drawing class asap. It is
no longer enough that my child can work out a maths problem on her own, but she
must also do it at lighting speed like my friend’s son and hence she needs to
attend a brain gym. Amidst all these “serious” commitments when and where does
the child have the time, leave alone the energy to dream, to imagine, to
fantasize, to simply escape into a make-believe world of her own? What’s more,
even if the child does manage to have some time to himself, there are a
plethora of distractions right at his fingertips – ranging from the TV to the
Tablet - to keep him pretty occupied! Isn’t it a pity? All said and done, only
in our childhood do we really have the luxury of indulging in dreams. As the
poet William Henry Davies says in his poem Leisure: </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">What is
this life if, full of care,<br />
We have no time to stand and stare.<br />
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No time to stand beneath the boughs<br />
And stare as long as sheep or cows.<br />
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No time to see, when woods we pass,<br />
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.<br />
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No time to see, in broad daylight,<br />
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.<br />
<br />
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,<br />
And watch her feet, how they can dance.<br />
<br />
No time to wait till her mouth can<br />
Enrich that smile her eyes began.<br />
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A poor life this is if, full of care,<br />
We have no time to stand and stare</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Yes indeed! So, let's let children free! Simply
let them be, let them play with their imagination and let them revel in their dreams – I assure you, you will be pleasantly surprised at the wondrous tales that
their budding minds can weave!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">*This post is written for the <a href="http://www.womensweb.in/" target="_blank">Women’s Web</a> #BachpanWithFlinto
blogger contest.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Flintobox creates award-winning discovery boxes filled with fun
exploratory activities and games for children in the age group of 3-7. If you
wish to gift<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://flintobox.com/?utm_source=womensweb&utm_medium=contest&utm_campaign=aug-2015" style="box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0077cc;">Flintobox</span></a></span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> to
your child, niece/nephew, or friend’s child, use the exclusive coupon code
WELCOME to avail Rs. 250/- off.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-76296871377569506532015-08-15T18:09:00.002+05:302015-11-23T14:52:56.912+05:30Del Monte Pasta In Vegan Avocado Garlic Sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pasta was definitely not one of those things which I can
claim to have grown up eating. Rather, it was a late addition to my culinary
canvas. I was first introduced to pasta only a few years back on one of my
international trips and I promptly fell in love with it! From the heartiness of
a scrumptious lasagna to the spicy bite of an arriabata sauce and the creamy
goodness of a carbonara, I simply loved it all. It is easy to see why the
Italians are often teased for their affinity to food. I mean with such delicious
fare on hand it is hardly surprising that one gives in to the temptation to
indulge in some gastronomic affairs is it? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have never visited Italy, even though it sits high on my
travel bucket list. However from what I’ve heard and read, I’ve often felt that
the spirit of Italy bears several striking resemblances to India. Both have
cultural sensitivities which have developed from deep and ancient roots. The
chaos, the heat, the people, the passion – and of course the love of food – it
is quite easy to imagine that India and Italy are twin souls indeed! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although I had been visiting Italian restaurants for quite
some time, it is only recently that I actually started cooking Italian at home.
It is exciting to try and recreate the flavours of a special dish which you’ve
tried at a restaurant, within the confines of your own kitchen; and sometimes
after some trial and error when you end up exceeding even your own expectations
and you are overjoyed! Thanks to high quality pastas such as <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DelMonteIndia" target="_blank">Del Monte Pasta</a></b>
which are available in the market today, if you are hit by sudden cravings for
a comforting bowl of minestrone, you can go ahead and whip up a batch
right there in your kitchen! In fact, Del Monte even offers a wide range of
yummy pasta sauces made from the finest ingredients to make your life even
easier. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWvaeY_YswoBvfR9cDlCq7nG6-9LQIWKg9Pw0FCVknCA9j6nhfG-D9UNXag7VB0A-f-OL_CN12EB-lzpLkoc0mmiXklV9CfONlu-ygMrD1mT8MMaOJuZtNT7bRXNHv8CkewP6znBLfNtG/s1600/Del+Monte-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Del Monte Pasta" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWvaeY_YswoBvfR9cDlCq7nG6-9LQIWKg9Pw0FCVknCA9j6nhfG-D9UNXag7VB0A-f-OL_CN12EB-lzpLkoc0mmiXklV9CfONlu-ygMrD1mT8MMaOJuZtNT7bRXNHv8CkewP6znBLfNtG/s320/Del+Monte-001.jpg" title="Del Monte Pasta" width="227" /></a></div>
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While certain dishes such as the ever popular lasagna is
quite a labour of love which can be reserved for lazy Sunday lunches, there are
also a number of easy and quick pasta recipes which come in handy on busy
weekdays when you are juggling a million different things and racing against
time to put a healthy, filling and tasty meal on the table. Today, I am going
to share one such fantastic recipe with you. It is a family favourite and I
make it quite often these days as it is loved by one and all! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Vegan Pasta with avocado sauce &
sautéed mushrooms. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Serves: 2. Cooking Time: 15 minutes.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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Avocados are chock full of good fats and they are packed
with nutrients. They are rich in anti-oxidants and fibre. They aid in digestion
and can help lower your cholesterol levels too. Ripe avocados have a rich,
buttery texture and a mild flavour to them. We are going to exploit these very
characteristics to come up with a creamy pasta sauce – without any dairy and
sans the guilt! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tip: Choosing good
avocados</b> - Unripe avocados are hard, taste bitter and to be honest, horrible.
On the other hand, overripe ones tend to get mushy and unappetising. When
buying avocados, I prefer to buy unblemished ones that have not yet ripened
and then I allow them to ripen at home. Simply put them in a paper bag and
leave them on your counter-top for a couple of days. You will find that they
soften and yield slightly to the touch. You can refrigerate them when they
reach this stage and use within a couple of days. Now, let’s get on with the
recipe without much further ado!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Del Monte Pasta – 2 cups. (I’ve used spirali but you can use
almost any other pasta as well; however pastas with ridges on them will help
the sauce to stick to the pasta more efficiently.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Avocado – 1 ripe<o:p></o:p></div>
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Garlic – 2 or 3 cloves<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mushrooms – 2 cups<o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt, pepper, chilli flakes – according to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
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Italian herbs – 1 teaspoon<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon<o:p></o:p></div>
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Olive oil – 2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWHSssTiBj_H8f4fefKZz3zKHbPVKeMT4e7R1UJdSAkBuzLu0C6QX0VDgx9n25iS9-jVMwkT2uG1qg_yCem0R5Ve37GSgaPxAhpFNTSOWHSDvYkn6_Ts09yv6pmRQj4Jjgk7rgYZ0KhBR/s1600/Ingredients-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ingredients" border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWHSssTiBj_H8f4fefKZz3zKHbPVKeMT4e7R1UJdSAkBuzLu0C6QX0VDgx9n25iS9-jVMwkT2uG1qg_yCem0R5Ve37GSgaPxAhpFNTSOWHSDvYkn6_Ts09yv6pmRQj4Jjgk7rgYZ0KhBR/s320/Ingredients-001.jpg" title="Ingredients" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Method:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous helping of salt and then throw in the pasta. Cook till al dente. </div>
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(<b>Tip:</b> Alternatively, you can crumble in a stock cube and then add the pasta. It adds so much flavour to the pasta.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFnDlLMSVxX4FCO2j6ocUKDD13-3yKS98lZpBUlpLOd8mYBHuun_pHQa2edazfbz1X2iuTFcPxNOZQj_N0PmQWpHBswyOk2BJA_oMyrcHY_bLk4MT6S8H-mEVLzUl4q3xEsvuM2-Wcpwe/s1600/Pasta+Boil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boil Pasta" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFnDlLMSVxX4FCO2j6ocUKDD13-3yKS98lZpBUlpLOd8mYBHuun_pHQa2edazfbz1X2iuTFcPxNOZQj_N0PmQWpHBswyOk2BJA_oMyrcHY_bLk4MT6S8H-mEVLzUl4q3xEsvuM2-Wcpwe/s200/Pasta+Boil.jpg" title="Boil Pasta" width="158" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> Extract the flesh of the avocado. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and a teaspoon of olive oil. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste in a mixie. Sprinkle the lemon juice over this to avoid the avocado from darkening and your sauce is done. Keep aside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bjGnpVKbssryXJehF__eahla5Xrk5Y_wM-VpO_FlHHO4eRSqOtk45VxEMqH-BrkjONhBc2grZD_xy7Wud1p1q_s3exc71XtE1aMrO2qO6eX8OGtWOeHfqdKsRfpKmCuKn3YqoM8dGEHq/s1600/Sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Avocado Garlic Sauce" border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bjGnpVKbssryXJehF__eahla5Xrk5Y_wM-VpO_FlHHO4eRSqOtk45VxEMqH-BrkjONhBc2grZD_xy7Wud1p1q_s3exc71XtE1aMrO2qO6eX8OGtWOeHfqdKsRfpKmCuKn3YqoM8dGEHq/s200/Sauce.jpg" title="Avocado Garlic Sauce" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Step 3:</b> Add the remaining olive oil to a pan and once it heats up throw in the sliced mushrooms. Add salt, chilli flakes and the dried Italian herbs. Sauté till the mushrooms leave out their moisture and are well cooked. Turn off the heat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe3RtAc2qu4tBcLC9XwWKPBQ4fxsh2qbKo9RxXdNrQYkOyVf4rJfIzg921jqLi4XtZUCjONBuVNRDWYKWMh8Z7xuZceK67cOjNpPqBTB6I6AQj98nUfDpBCq8ZOY8SP4rijs6HzQrq4ZO/s1600/Sautee+mushroom-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sauteed Mushrooms" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe3RtAc2qu4tBcLC9XwWKPBQ4fxsh2qbKo9RxXdNrQYkOyVf4rJfIzg921jqLi4XtZUCjONBuVNRDWYKWMh8Z7xuZceK67cOjNpPqBTB6I6AQj98nUfDpBCq8ZOY8SP4rijs6HzQrq4ZO/s200/Sautee+mushroom-001.jpg" title="Sauteed Mushrooms" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4:</b> By now your pasta would have cooked up. Drain and add to the
sautéed mushrooms. Next add the blended sauce. Mix well. </div>
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(<b>Tip:</b>
Reserve a small amount of the water that the pasta cooked in. If you find that
the dish is a bit dry to your liking you can add a few teaspoons of the reserved
water to make it smoother.)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs21U5PxF-hezOvbJAAmSZh891wnk7CPA42Z5ol5hTcQU-naklawpsi7P_ZWdR9u2jAASWvfOvC6Qtkdy5UeEQE9WfZcSbqTlFjK0DDHlgFtQKIG1j2rBzRImspxzkn3Bq_MMyuowXtgd/s1600/IMG_20150808_153126-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs21U5PxF-hezOvbJAAmSZh891wnk7CPA42Z5ol5hTcQU-naklawpsi7P_ZWdR9u2jAASWvfOvC6Qtkdy5UeEQE9WfZcSbqTlFjK0DDHlgFtQKIG1j2rBzRImspxzkn3Bq_MMyuowXtgd/s200/IMG_20150808_153126-001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfsPvZYMFa8qAuQUb_mNgJEwPJbNXslc26XnFXyqitg_kMqni2VxC_1wjPezQ1il_Ul7PNERd8AtdxMIOaPjeWzjinD5mUMHA4UqFkcJZLHTyRuQQoD2f53PnFxO5pA1akAImVV6eEgjQ/s1600/IMG_20150808_152942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs21U5PxF-hezOvbJAAmSZh891wnk7CPA42Z5ol5hTcQU-naklawpsi7P_ZWdR9u2jAASWvfOvC6Qtkdy5UeEQE9WfZcSbqTlFjK0DDHlgFtQKIG1j2rBzRImspxzkn3Bq_MMyuowXtgd/s1600/IMG_20150808_153126-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Serve garnished with fresh sliced tomatoes and a sprig of
parsley.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNS9g3X0U9zjckepfb1eYOVwYfC25Gy4UZoGaPflC7Hld4Fz22UhKTWEiH9OhpBx2n4BGaXVSccA0hMSwVBihEMpTQtmTSJ5QM1H__FmiW5dWxNWQvNOA1grZgqh_B8Hxr3VBhRGn5IOt/s1600/IMG_20150808_153701-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pasta with avocado sauce" border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNS9g3X0U9zjckepfb1eYOVwYfC25Gy4UZoGaPflC7Hld4Fz22UhKTWEiH9OhpBx2n4BGaXVSccA0hMSwVBihEMpTQtmTSJ5QM1H__FmiW5dWxNWQvNOA1grZgqh_B8Hxr3VBhRGn5IOt/s320/IMG_20150808_153701-001.jpg" title="Pasta with avocado sauce" width="320" /></a></div>
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Delightfully creamy and refreshingly light, this dish is
simply bursting with a buttery flavour tinged with just the right hint of garlic. It makes for a
fresh and satisfying meal and what’s more, I guarantee that you will not miss
the cheese!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLW8CCGJvI5I97TIdWq3sUfbCn5PIQvn6s_QPs5igtgacFJLO1KCQvuIPu8FT3N9norCR0knOPyLrLG8XtdQNlTbklvJFoSzrMi09QYfl-5XFbKL54dPZvwzpUq7ynFjNC3E1mDzMMYHo/s1600/IMG_20150808_154446-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pasta with avocado sauce" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLW8CCGJvI5I97TIdWq3sUfbCn5PIQvn6s_QPs5igtgacFJLO1KCQvuIPu8FT3N9norCR0knOPyLrLG8XtdQNlTbklvJFoSzrMi09QYfl-5XFbKL54dPZvwzpUq7ynFjNC3E1mDzMMYHo/s320/IMG_20150808_154446-001.jpg" title="Pasta with avocado sauce" width="240" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! (<b>Tip:</b> To make a non-vegetarian version, you can add substitute
the mushrooms with grilled chicken)<br />
<br />
<i>*This post is an entry to <a href="https://www.indiblogger.in/indistuff/17/" target="_blank">Indiblogger's Del Monte #ItalianEscapades contest</a>.</i></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-83145091847224771072013-12-11T12:52:00.001+05:302015-11-23T14:53:12.446+05:3010 Confessions Of A Bookaholic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH-LIJGj99Crih_Qs7foVJ_cC3IjsBtPQ0vJnpB8RMG6KFZbFUZyeUNNBFkWUI9H_wLGU3wzg1JS67ImGtFb-OM32OPl_OdkIqkmEcwxEGM5KbKnblz3Vx_6GxchMzNgpO_DlOSCUDcM-/s1600/Bookworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbH-LIJGj99Crih_Qs7foVJ_cC3IjsBtPQ0vJnpB8RMG6KFZbFUZyeUNNBFkWUI9H_wLGU3wzg1JS67ImGtFb-OM32OPl_OdkIqkmEcwxEGM5KbKnblz3Vx_6GxchMzNgpO_DlOSCUDcM-/s320/Bookworm.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know that
many people are embarrassed to be tagged as bookworms. However, I don’t suffer
from any such inhibitions. Yes I am a bookworm or bookaholic as some would say and
I don’t see anything wrong with it at all. As a bookaholic, here are 10
confessions which I am sure other bookaholics like me will be able to relate
to:<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People who
borrow our books and don’t return them are our enemies. We hate them and are
sure that there is a special place in hell reserved especially for them!<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We do not like
to lend books, precisely due to the above mentioned reason. Plus, even those
who do return our books – after much pestering and wheedling from our end –
tend to have handled the books badly and it saddens us to see our beloved books
rumpled or worse. <span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We feel guilty
about folding the pages of a book to mark where we have paused. It bothers us
because we almost feel as though we are hurting the book. We always try our
best to use bookmarks or atleast remember the page number in case a bookmark is
not to be found.<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We might hesitate
to splurge on designer clothes or high-end cosmetics, but we don’t think twice
about spending huge amounts of money on books. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, we say to ourselves, the money is
being spent on something useful.<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While some
people can spend hours at fashion boutiques, we bookaholics can spend hours in
book stores. To us, it feels exactly the same as a child might feel being let
loose in Charlie’s chocolate factory – or actually, even better. We love going
to book stores and it doesn’t matter if they are big, shiny ones or the local,
shabby one. Book stores are one of our all-time favourite places on earth – or
in paradise, come to think of it.<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We never fail
to list the smell of books under our favourite smells. Much like the smell of
freshly baked bread, the smell of a book talks to us, it calls out to us, it
enchants us and we don't care if you call us dorks because of this!<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We judge people
who say that they don’t like to read. We think everybody must read.<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We consider
books to be our best friends. We laugh with them, we cry with them and we dream
with them. That’s what best friends are for right?<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We always have
a book with us - one can never say when they will come in handy and we like to
be prepared for emergencies.<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We cannot begin
to fathom a world without printed books. Whatever studies and trends show, and
even if we begin embracing ebooks, we can never really give up on printed
books.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So, my fellow bookaholics, do you have anything more to add? </span></div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-82956094283406564692013-11-24T17:23:00.002+05:302013-11-24T17:26:40.652+05:30Where Have All The Humble People Gone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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spouts really lame life gyan with such superciliousness that I honestly feel
like giving him a good, solid whack on his head! And does he stop with sharing
his life musings? Oh no, not at all! He goes on to enlighten us about
ourselves, how we lead boring lives going to steady and stable jobs and
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you, his definition of old is 35 years. Okay mister! So you have a car and you
drive. Honestly, that doesn’t make you an expert on my life and nobody really
asked you for your opinion in the first place. Why do such people think that
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individuals such as me? Arrghhh!!! Why God, why! Somebody save me from this
jerk please!</span></div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-65309126929131753592013-09-18T11:59:00.002+05:302013-09-18T12:16:46.142+05:30The Expat Life: Food Club Master Class At Kempinski, Ajman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wMnu4bDDwsw2QbtRAODoFYo9sLlsNrnBjl8CM9-Lwm8e1JML8YxEezlk-UKqtO4IymuJUTYZr9WekpvLkTuMh7Aj0tmzCQ8nANjVUR-rfyD_HbmnTSGgcQpG7RU1VyhsTXZavT_Z5pq0/s1600/20130917_191452-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wMnu4bDDwsw2QbtRAODoFYo9sLlsNrnBjl8CM9-Lwm8e1JML8YxEezlk-UKqtO4IymuJUTYZr9WekpvLkTuMh7Aj0tmzCQ8nANjVUR-rfyD_HbmnTSGgcQpG7RU1VyhsTXZavT_Z5pq0/s320/20130917_191452-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>BBC Good Food Me's Editor Sudeshna Ghosh</b></td></tr>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
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</xml><![endif]-->As a member of <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfoodme.com/bbcGF/" target="_blank"><b>BBC Good Food Middle-East</b></a>’s Food Club, I was
invited to a cooking masterclass at <a href="http://www.kempinski.com/en/ajman/hotel-ajman/welcome/" target="_blank"><b>Kempinski hotel in Ajman</b></a> last evening.
Usually, most interesting events like this tend to happen in Dubai and I end up
not going all the way. When I heard that this one was closer to home, I jumped at
the chance! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uxLwvvnhs3tnxBhz49OrWfaOquE5J9B62QLa_OMnmmr-iXkkIT4XqRKgpzbZL6DmeE0cLo9OHFBBi2fCcma5d4NX1R15S3aMXJfC-HSHVslN0ildnAZ_Zqneqs1tvzHluh_pN7TVDBdE/s1600/20130917_190712-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uxLwvvnhs3tnxBhz49OrWfaOquE5J9B62QLa_OMnmmr-iXkkIT4XqRKgpzbZL6DmeE0cLo9OHFBBi2fCcma5d4NX1R15S3aMXJfC-HSHVslN0ildnAZ_Zqneqs1tvzHluh_pN7TVDBdE/s320/20130917_190712-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Welcome Drink: Mango Lassi</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The event was held at Bukhara, Kempinski’s Indian
restaurant which serves up delicious north-west frontier fare. Sipping on our
chilled glasses of mango lassi, we got to learn 3 recipes from Chef Manoj
Aswal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdb2NRFzWqbyKCJNG5_k6QDXU34lIUnKv-8mj2e56pI9hLPZ8tQGZlt7eM6wA2n6BV3qMRHNjedjqTcgIU0lf9j-4cPvJu96QDaKFCQRpm7VKP5Jn0KreJpWS3oHY1OTWcIC0ogT-S1C5/s1600/Header_Chef-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdb2NRFzWqbyKCJNG5_k6QDXU34lIUnKv-8mj2e56pI9hLPZ8tQGZlt7eM6wA2n6BV3qMRHNjedjqTcgIU0lf9j-4cPvJu96QDaKFCQRpm7VKP5Jn0KreJpWS3oHY1OTWcIC0ogT-S1C5/s1600/Header_Chef-001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chef Manoj
Aswal of Bukhara, Kempinski, Ajman</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He started off with a very innovative Dahi Ke Kebab with raw mango and
onion chutney. When I heard the name of this dish, I assumed that the chef would be marinating pieces of meat with yoghurt (dahi) before grilling them into kebabs. However, he totally surprised me by making kebabs out of yoghurt itself! One would imagine that the yoghurt would disintegrate and fall apart, but he added a secret ingredient to avoid this - roast and ground lotus seeds! Really different! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp02c1sdaJs8MdJ3W1014JtyInPZtkWscN89GH-UAor75aE7HVDXOB-437EdFqrR55XnFGJVvv-BfZDwhmCmbC6YrNJldMKUmFNRfZg5GfDHSuexKTzxvMnHvUoUwFIXWnmckXu8KgNX2h/s1600/20130917_194304-001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp02c1sdaJs8MdJ3W1014JtyInPZtkWscN89GH-UAor75aE7HVDXOB-437EdFqrR55XnFGJVvv-BfZDwhmCmbC6YrNJldMKUmFNRfZg5GfDHSuexKTzxvMnHvUoUwFIXWnmckXu8KgNX2h/s320/20130917_194304-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Veg Starter: Dahi ke Kebab</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sBfNxer-AGZCkbaG6fEerLZnLpeIVsPM8fs6xgEAGb2b4pZuAlr5VXsa1dn4StHUEJcAzoB3gcg2vJ9Bla4sGlV1yQX3vdRtk8W8EKS4zX_AKxwEfaaDtOcZh-E0V-e6skZ_338_zbEf/s1600/Chicken+Tikka-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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This was followed by the ubiquitous Chicken Tikka, which was
served with raw papaya relish. The chicken was tender and juicy. Scrumptious! Chef Manoj explained how we can incorporate the trademark smoky flavour of tandoori cooking at home, where most of us don't own tandoors. Want to know how? Simply ignite a piece of charcoal, add a dash of ghee (clarified butter) to it, place it in a heatproof ramekin and place the ramekin into the bowl of marinated meat. Cover and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the meat to marinate and the flavours to infuse, before proceeding with the cooking process. Voila! </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sBfNxer-AGZCkbaG6fEerLZnLpeIVsPM8fs6xgEAGb2b4pZuAlr5VXsa1dn4StHUEJcAzoB3gcg2vJ9Bla4sGlV1yQX3vdRtk8W8EKS4zX_AKxwEfaaDtOcZh-E0V-e6skZ_338_zbEf/s1600/Chicken+Tikka-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sBfNxer-AGZCkbaG6fEerLZnLpeIVsPM8fs6xgEAGb2b4pZuAlr5VXsa1dn4StHUEJcAzoB3gcg2vJ9Bla4sGlV1yQX3vdRtk8W8EKS4zX_AKxwEfaaDtOcZh-E0V-e6skZ_338_zbEf/s320/Chicken+Tikka-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Non-veg Starter: Chicken Tikka</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The demo was wound up on a sweet note with a
tasty and crispy Saeb Ki Jalebi. We were given samplings of the 3 dishes – my favourite
was the dessert, but the other two were pretty good too.Chef Manoj Aswal was very helpful in addressing our queries
and shared several tips and tricks for cooking Indian food. The dishes
demonstrated were simple with the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary
flavours.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugu4qmcA0rgBiZo8IV5JaFSTJJQrnaXBVgrDChRcOxGOAGNjlMSZ7B8UidjdFZPhFYQyo-pVyOnFm1c_TQK5_wANe32FBTgnRjcBpu9PX6UtY2T3RqiPJX5vySqwO-r0HIv3jgMHsC9Ve/s1600/20130917_193052-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugu4qmcA0rgBiZo8IV5JaFSTJJQrnaXBVgrDChRcOxGOAGNjlMSZ7B8UidjdFZPhFYQyo-pVyOnFm1c_TQK5_wANe32FBTgnRjcBpu9PX6UtY2T3RqiPJX5vySqwO-r0HIv3jgMHsC9Ve/s320/20130917_193052-001.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cooking away!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All participants were given goodie bags which contained a copy of BBC’s
Good Food Middle East magazine, a jar of raw papaya relish, printed recipes of
the 3 dishes and a bright red coffee mug, which proudly proclaims, "I'm a foodie!". I am definitely going to try out the
dishes at home and I am indeed looking forward to more such great events! If you are around the Ajman area, do consider dropping by Bukhara for a mouthwatering Indian feast. I'm sure you won't be disappointed! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Goodies!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-79572589814870067502013-09-17T15:16:00.000+05:302013-09-17T15:17:19.127+05:30The Lazy Minimalist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX1A6HFhg2vY6zy38i9d67xBAR3j4e9rZlt5rGrt1LA6CdV8jzJ78Zuo4mKoAHmfpV9seA1i5uzubKaP0sYSmPPgEJhfGleESWUaS6tqlsEOKiComkk7AP_LMMu42YBSbvE9bxQuvjk8c/s1600/1257046709_a2147964f9-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX1A6HFhg2vY6zy38i9d67xBAR3j4e9rZlt5rGrt1LA6CdV8jzJ78Zuo4mKoAHmfpV9seA1i5uzubKaP0sYSmPPgEJhfGleESWUaS6tqlsEOKiComkk7AP_LMMu42YBSbvE9bxQuvjk8c/s320/1257046709_a2147964f9-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigurd/" target="_blank">Sigurd Magnusson</a> (Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License.)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend has recently bought a new house and is in the
process of decorating it. She is busy putting up sweet family photos on the
walls, placing beautiful antiques in strategic corners and hunting for
one-of-a-kind knick knacks to add to the décor of her new home. I must say that
she has a good eye and fine taste from what I have seen and her home looks
lovely – cozy, stylish and welcoming. I looked at all the pictures and then I looked at
the walls in my house. Stark.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My walls are painted a neutral cream colour. Apart from
that, I have not put up any photos or paintings and neither have I beautified the
house with carefully selected artefacts. Strangely, whenever I used to dream
about my perfect house when I was growing up, I always imagined that I would do
it up with classy décor. However, thinking back to all the different houses
that I have lived in from the time I started staying away from my parents’
home, I notice one similarity. I did not do any sort of personalization to any
of my homes. Of course, the basics are there – furniture and the like - and I
like things clean; but beyond that, zilch. The only exception being our bedroom door, which has stickers of Disney characters that the previous occupants left behind and I haven't even bothered to remove.. If we were to move out tomorrow and
a stranger drops by I doubt if they would have any clue as to the kind of
people who were living there – except perhaps for a faint smell of Indian food and a misconception that we are parents,
maybe?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think one of the reasons behind my approach is because I
know that this is going to be my temporary home. Since it is rented and we have
really not been involved in actually designing or building the home, perhaps I
don’t feel that personal connect. Having said that, I do know many people whose
houses are so artfully done up despite them being in rented accommodations. Secondly,
I feel that more the objects around the house, more the dusting and cleaning involved.
And frankly, I am too lazy. I try to avoid buying too many things unless they have a specific use. I guess I would prefer to maintain a minimalistic
abode if it means less chores! Plus, when you need to move homes - or as an
expat even countries - there is lesser number of stuff to pack or dispose off,
which means less work for me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about you? Do you enjoy customizing your home or do you
lean towards minimalism?</div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-44484519749969581482013-09-01T21:00:00.000+05:302013-09-01T21:00:14.834+05:30Creating Happiness Through Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If you could take
your family or friends to any place on the planet, where would that be and how
would you make your trip the happiest one ever?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>This post is my entry to <a href="http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=86">Indiblogger’s contest Creating Happy Travellers</a>, in association with <a href="http://www.yatra.com/">Yatra.com</a>.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The year was 2007 and it was my birthday. It was a cold,
rainy day and I was standing inside Old Trafford, England. I had absolutely no
clue about <b><a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford/Museum-And-Stadium-Tour/Welcome.aspx" target="_blank">Manchester United</a></b> and only the most rudimentary knowledge about
football itself. Yet, there I was, in the dressing room of one of the most famous
football stadiums in the world, thinking, “So this is where Beckham sits,” as
he was the only English football player I knew and that too only because of the
movie Bend It Like Beckham. I even picked up an outrageously overpriced
souvenir in the gift shop and eventually gave it away to a friend because it
was not something which held a lot of importance to me.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8f09SR4TXBXVPA_WEf57LpGIWaVvi6RGUWRBRYYC9UM_cjCbvlM7mIT0S5BjkHnShVfL-yiSiEN597rUQ1rIUVoNnz2YmFTLBtOJNUbuQgi8wXdqF60qThTPXBlcz5sNmzBk7oys-mzr/s1600/ManUtd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8f09SR4TXBXVPA_WEf57LpGIWaVvi6RGUWRBRYYC9UM_cjCbvlM7mIT0S5BjkHnShVfL-yiSiEN597rUQ1rIUVoNnz2YmFTLBtOJNUbuQgi8wXdqF60qThTPXBlcz5sNmzBk7oys-mzr/s320/ManUtd.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Me @ Old Trafford, Manchester</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to 2009. Lo and behold! I found myself married
to a die-hard Manchester United fan. The sound of live sports commentary and a
cheering crowd became a constant background noise in our house. I sat glass
eyed through endless football matches as the husband whooped or cursed aloud
depending on how the “red devils” were performing. I got caught in the middle
of vociferous arguments about who is going to win, who actually won and who
really deserved to win.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did not miss the irony. Here I was - someone who didn’t
care two hoots about football and much less about Man U – and I had gone on a
tour of their turf, which hardly meant anything to me to be frank, and here was
my husband, to whom the same experience would have been a dream come true. Honestly,
if it was possible, I would gladly go back in time and trade places with him,
because I know that it would be one of the happiest moments in his life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMenY0CXN5S7Zi3N41KXnk2MqkOcAZz2PLmXJRym0J1ed6FTvEq-GMhI283eT_a9DBprCEl4LwdiXSls6ODuu6SpffrgxMEd6Off4N-Z2QxhUEw2Ohej6iZm8Qh2_6s16RzUcsT-YbkG9/s1600/DressingRoom%2540ManUtd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMenY0CXN5S7Zi3N41KXnk2MqkOcAZz2PLmXJRym0J1ed6FTvEq-GMhI283eT_a9DBprCEl4LwdiXSls6ODuu6SpffrgxMEd6Off4N-Z2QxhUEw2Ohej6iZm8Qh2_6s16RzUcsT-YbkG9/s320/DressingRoom%2540ManUtd.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>In the dressing room @Old Trafford</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, as far as I know, time travel has not yet come of age.
But what has come of age are online travel planning websites which make
life so much simple and quick! No more running behind travel agents and
breaking our heads over our travel plans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having said that, one also needs to
ensure that the online travel company that we deal with is trustworthy and
reliable. With a number of such ecommerce websites popping up, it is easy to
get swindled. One is then left chasing the company and thus begins a never
ending saga of calls to their so-called customer service. In the end, what is
supposed to become a dream holiday ends up becoming a nightmare instead. This is
why it is vital that we do our research and groundwork before zeroing in on any
deals. Sometimes, a deal might look really attractive, but remember, if it
sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A close friend recently got married and he spent a lot of
time comparing different travel planning websites, to pick a honeymoon package.
Finally he decided to go with <b><a href="http://www.yatra.com/">Yatra.com</a></b> because he was really impressed
with their offers and service. He and his fiancé settled on a lovely honeymoon
trip to Mauritius where they had a great time, thanks to Yatra.Com. Everything,
including the flights, hotel stay and sightseeing excursions went smoothly and according
to plan. They were quite pleased with Yatra.com and strongly recommended them
to us as well. I decided to check them out for myself and I could immediately
see why my friend was all praises for Yatra.com. Yatra.com offers a variety of
travel packages to a number of interesting destinations across the world. The
website is user friendly and easy to navigate. Whether you are looking for a
honeymoon package or a family holiday or something adventurous, rest
assured that Yatra.com will have the right options for you! You can plan and
book your holiday at the click of your mouse. Easy-peasy! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNqvFyqGZ_TgpZa3H1RCbtD_M58MYtELrciXa-SISpELnrqxxTr60USturilSMCnyoxt3JugWlu7tdJo-Ah0V-jR946pgH6xhqiIZUvownGYN_bJnEHtY66PalZ3VGtvEwTg1ZTntr8dP/s1600/ManUtd_Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNqvFyqGZ_TgpZa3H1RCbtD_M58MYtELrciXa-SISpELnrqxxTr60USturilSMCnyoxt3JugWlu7tdJo-Ah0V-jR946pgH6xhqiIZUvownGYN_bJnEHtY66PalZ3VGtvEwTg1ZTntr8dP/s320/ManUtd_Museum.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Old Trafford Museum</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our case, my husband’s sister is living in Manchester.
Plus, since I was working in England a few years back, I also have a bunch of
friends who would be glad to put us up for a few days. So we don’t really need
to worry about booking hotels. And with the current state of the rupee, not having to spend on accommodation is a great plus indeed! I would take care of the visa formalities and go
to yatra.com to book flight tickets to Manchester. Then I would book a
personalised tour of the stadium for my husband so that he can take his time to savour
the experience. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer0PrlPtuSBKopxgqLJETm_GxqYX_5JXOB1npsmwhYgW8crzVh_acsiQ4AXRhqC6Y3CtSPw12ES_6zaotRpdSIs-Ocxce-GQSJ0BycTiuZ9Bck3sg7bTWbpcQnlxA22jXJ8Xu8txQTv57/s1600/InTheStadium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer0PrlPtuSBKopxgqLJETm_GxqYX_5JXOB1npsmwhYgW8crzVh_acsiQ4AXRhqC6Y3CtSPw12ES_6zaotRpdSIs-Ocxce-GQSJ0BycTiuZ9Bck3sg7bTWbpcQnlxA22jXJ8Xu8txQTv57/s1600/InTheStadium.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Inside the Man U stadium</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The English Premiere League has just started. So I
would make sure to get front row tickets to a Man U match and give my husband the
opportunity to watch his football heroes in action right in front of him. As
the crowd erupts into a deafening roar, complete with stomping feet and waving
flags, I will sit back and bask in the glory of knowing that I was responsible
for creating one of the most memorable moments in his life that he will never forget
– even if he gets Alzheimer’s (God forbid!) This will be an experience that he
will cherish forever!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-25103685534102599352013-08-21T09:00:00.000+05:302013-08-21T23:03:04.984+05:30Blogging Today - Much More Than Just Writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bought my first laptop in late 2007 and started this blog
in early 2008. I had read a few blogs earlier and had always wanted to write –
and so I started off. Only a handful of my friends knew about my blog and a few
of them used to read and comment. I was thrilled with every comment and eagerly
awaited them after I wrote every new blog post. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to the present, my blog has gained a few new
readers – some of whom I’ve never met – and I am now a part of a few blogging
communities and groups as well. However, as much as I enjoy the actual writing
of posts I lag far behind in the other areas that has come to be associated
with blogging today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a few blogs out there that attract a large number
of readers solely due to the interesting and consistent quality of content.
On the other hand, I have increasingly noticed that a number of “popular” blogs are
actually popular simply because the blogger networks extensively. This was also one of the things we learnt at work - I work in digital publishing - that good content alone is not enough, marketing is as, if not, even more important. In fact, this
is also something which we’ve been noticing with authors nowadays. No longer is
it enough to write your book and be done with it. Today, you need to attend
book launches, signings, meets, give talks, market on social media, give
interviews, attend shows… phew! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The funny thing is, blogging is actually an activity that is
especially suited for introverts like me, who are nervous about meeting new
people and find themselves tongue-tied in large gatherings. The internet
provides us with just the right amount of distance and it is the perfect medium
through which we can convey our thoughts without succumbing to the inherent
fears and worries of an introvert. Blogging
was once considered to be only for geeky loners – and then suddenly it became
cool to have a blog and now with the advent of social media, blogging has
almost become passé!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that brings us to the point – whom do we blog for? Is it
for ourselves or is it for our readers? Sure, a blog’s readers are important. I
mean who doesn’t like comments and visitors who not only read but actually
agree with what you have to say? So at one point of time, I too jumped into the fray
and started socialising, albeit virtually. The number of visitors to my blog
increased, the interaction increased and my blog’s stats picked up and it was
all very exciting indeed. Perhaps because I also work for a commercial
magazine, I soon started thinking about what to blog about – from the readers’
angle. Gradually I stopped blogging for
myself. I was constantly worried about improving my blogs stats. While
this is definitely necessary for a commercial magazine, I think that one of the
charms of maintaining your own blog is that it offers you an opportunity to
write for yourself. You don’t have to adhere to word length constraints, or
worry about editorial guidelines or if what you write will be accepted by an editor and liked by readers. At your blog, you are the boss. You can give free
reign to your writing and write about whatever the heck you want – and I’ve
found it to be so liberating that sometimes I have to consciously remind myself
that my writing needn’t be constrained by any rules when I am blogging! If
people find it interesting enough to read, that’s great. If not, so what? I’ve
written something for the pure joy of crafting words. I’ve written something
for the unadulterated love of writing. I’ve written something simply for the
sake of writing itself. What could be
more fulfilling for someone who thinks words are her best friend? <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-76224793203766035502013-08-21T08:00:00.000+05:302013-08-21T23:02:10.044+05:30Runner Up: British Council's Madras Memories Blogging Contest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My post for British Council's Madras Memories contest won second place! Yay! The topic was 'An Iconic Symbol Of Madras'. Please go <a href="http://blog.britishcouncil.org.in/?p=1666" target="_blank">here </a>to read the full write-up.</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-44325673564572022312013-08-19T19:52:00.000+05:302013-08-19T19:52:17.317+05:304 Reasons Why I Would Never Backpack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently met an avid backpacker and we had a nice chat
about her adventures when backpacking. Of late, I am hearing about more and
more Indians who are lured by the magic of backpacking. So, I started thinking
if I would ever pick up my backpack and set off into uncharted territories, and
the answer was a resounding no. Although I admire backpackers and as much as I would
love to travel the world, backpacking is a definite no-no for me. Here’s why:</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I am a
control freak</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: I need to know all the answers. Yes, I know this is almost
always impossible, leads to a lot of unnecessary stress and is a major
impediment to attaining nirvana. Nevertheless, I do fall into this category. I
am that irritating person we all know who needs to know exactly when what is
going to happen. I plan things waayyyyy in advance. Never mind that half my
plans don’t work out, I’ve still not learned by lesson - I can be a pretty
stubborn ass if I want to be.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Backpacking involves kissing goodbye to
planning. It means not knowing how many days I am going to stay in a certain
place, where I am going to stay, how I am going to get anywhere - I could never
do that, it is simply not possible. I would drive myself crazy wondering about
all the unanswered questions instead of enjoying my trip. I would rather have
my hotels and tickets booked beforehand and my itinerary in hand, or at the
very least in my mind. I do not need to plan every single minute of the day but
atleast a vague plan must be in place.</div>
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2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I am a fuss
pot</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: The first thing I check out when I go to any hotel is the restroom. To
me, a vacation must involve functional plumbing and clean washrooms. Secondly,
I am a very picky eater. I subject even my mother’s cooking to close scrutiny
and I don’t eat half the things that my family members have no issues with; how
would I ever eat anything on a backpacker’s budget?! People often assume that
non-vegetarians are less choosy about food. The lady I met said that on
occasion she had had to eat scorpions, snakes and even, dog meat. I am a
non-vegetarian and sure, I could eat all that I mentioned – if I had a gun
pointing to my head. Else, please give me some “normal” food!<span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
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3. <b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I like my
privacy and space</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: A big part of travelling is meeting new people from
across the world. I am okay with that and I am as interested as the next person in learning about different cultures and customs. However, at the end of the day, I would
like to close the door and have my privacy. Dorms and sharing rooms with
strangers are just not my thing.</span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I like my
comforts</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: Call me a material girl but yes, I like my air conditioning, hot
water showers and a cozy bed and sweet smelling sheets to sink into. Slumming
it out is not my cup of tea.</span></div>
<br />
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So what about you? Would you backpack? Or are
you a lover of all things nice and comfy, like moi?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-42648810168504008852013-06-28T19:56:00.000+05:302013-06-28T19:56:55.173+05:30The Expat Life: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uCfFBEN941Yv2CRC13D9B53Kra_gWvFN63EHr6k-g8jB2iSkMyd_z685TmlixlrLbIrcrbFHj9fKErcNA2W7bfAfxTHOV1PyvtEFxiLyyjcDACbL2-lLnZgxJZkX5SYipo5mNose7JGF/s1600/DSC04634-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uCfFBEN941Yv2CRC13D9B53Kra_gWvFN63EHr6k-g8jB2iSkMyd_z685TmlixlrLbIrcrbFHj9fKErcNA2W7bfAfxTHOV1PyvtEFxiLyyjcDACbL2-lLnZgxJZkX5SYipo5mNose7JGF/s320/DSC04634-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just got back from a lovely trip to the <b><a href="http://www.meydanhotels.com/babalshams/index.htm" target="_blank">Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa</a></b>. It had been a few months since my husband and I had
taken a trip and we were looking forward to a nice break. Bab Al Shams means “gateway
to the sun” in Arabic and the resort is about 2 hours away from Ajman. We’ve
never been to a desert resort before and Bab Al Shams was offering some good
deals for the Summer, so we thought of trying this one out. We set off on a
rather hot Tuesday afternoon and we kept going… and going…. and going!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This resort is located off Exit 37 near the Dubai Outlet
Mall. Apparently, we missed this exit and kept driving. After several
frustrating calls to the resort concierge we finally figured out the mistake
and somehow managed to get to the resort – after spending nearly double the
time than was necessary on the road. After the sweltering drive, the
complimentary mint lemonade and the fresh cold towels that they offered was indeed
quite soothing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The resort is designed like an old Arabian dwelling and has a traditional
Arabic feel to it. The rustic décor and earthen colours were a welcome change
to the swanky hotels that one is so used to these days. It really felt like
being in an oasis with sparrows chirping away and the sound of water flowing enveloping
us. There are several sit-out spots scattered around the resort – with comfortable
swings and cushions strewn around. However as we went in the peak of Summer,
the idea of lounging around in the blazing heat was far from appealing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccdOe4Wz9dCPVbsf88n8jV9UGsynokAKfJDZYwLEK2vZtRNfKMd80sUaSHBbVf0IEXsOCzbvUM0ryCuAAsYmEEY4h7Oxx4smY8C1MBVWOl-Q3N1OEhU7uCzovs8ZHW3zjWl7HutaLCpHQ/s1600/DSC04609-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccdOe4Wz9dCPVbsf88n8jV9UGsynokAKfJDZYwLEK2vZtRNfKMd80sUaSHBbVf0IEXsOCzbvUM0ryCuAAsYmEEY4h7Oxx4smY8C1MBVWOl-Q3N1OEhU7uCzovs8ZHW3zjWl7HutaLCpHQ/s320/DSC04609-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Bathtub</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtRz49rMBFwKrmAGKA0dRLqTrfjFzH_KxRolh14fBFLVcDiFzZb8UXKG6zDWRRUB70uJXJ3ww5Z92-kYRhucWza96Hym1pPrg7dCkD1ntfBLeoOVLu0Az3r9_lwIIEUnoFmMkBnZuS39u/s1600/DSC04611-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtRz49rMBFwKrmAGKA0dRLqTrfjFzH_KxRolh14fBFLVcDiFzZb8UXKG6zDWRRUB70uJXJ3ww5Z92-kYRhucWza96Hym1pPrg7dCkD1ntfBLeoOVLu0Az3r9_lwIIEUnoFmMkBnZuS39u/s320/DSC04611-001.JPG" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wall Art</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ9UdIZ3APrGLxhdFv6dDFIOgNfjFU8uGyPj8zVanL_YPRxhPSYdcYaMaZaWwQAMbtKOMd9mVuRzLA35WqrRFXF01-NtlJGbRY-VEEgSfWRvqP-3wjHxIZRUU69lJMjxiw3bprqA29dx9/s1600/DSC04612-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQ9UdIZ3APrGLxhdFv6dDFIOgNfjFU8uGyPj8zVanL_YPRxhPSYdcYaMaZaWwQAMbtKOMd9mVuRzLA35WqrRFXF01-NtlJGbRY-VEEgSfWRvqP-3wjHxIZRUU69lJMjxiw3bprqA29dx9/s320/DSC04612-001.JPG" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A Painting</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0srGHLj8hSER8xS8N9FS09xO5GKD_KHSBPTgnrTwDGOVN_8uHk-gS39f7F7yIeBaxg7xU_9tJ7pWbO2DrT_kasA2qGogKcHcXHN8DXTGVnnpvXpZHWSrRVI88jxzxSKVDg7_7pUr_CXaM/s1600/DSC04614-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0srGHLj8hSER8xS8N9FS09xO5GKD_KHSBPTgnrTwDGOVN_8uHk-gS39f7F7yIeBaxg7xU_9tJ7pWbO2DrT_kasA2qGogKcHcXHN8DXTGVnnpvXpZHWSrRVI88jxzxSKVDg7_7pUr_CXaM/s320/DSC04614-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wall hangers</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTs8XWhWrK2F3YxXJyhsqkAyrRKbsRTjAMoYwPWWleKijxkogQd37rc0AzO6NPE_CV_bJmMkf2YIh6EWXm9WCqXJ-PHK8k60kBdKXRnfhlWAUh-QxZ9w9AzpbJW857LeJ-VLHclGoYlAz/s1600/DSC04615-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTs8XWhWrK2F3YxXJyhsqkAyrRKbsRTjAMoYwPWWleKijxkogQd37rc0AzO6NPE_CV_bJmMkf2YIh6EWXm9WCqXJ-PHK8k60kBdKXRnfhlWAUh-QxZ9w9AzpbJW857LeJ-VLHclGoYlAz/s320/DSC04615-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wall decor</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We retreated to the cool confines of our room. Our room was spacious and was well equipped with all basic amenities. We were greeted with fresh fruit, chilled water and a box of gourmet dates to munch on.<br />
<br />
My favourite part was the bathroom – which gave off an earthy aroma when wet due to the earthenware accessories and fittings! Later, once the sun had set, we took a leisurely stroll around the resort. It was beautifully lit up with Arabic style lights and lamps, which gave a golden glow to the surroundings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn27plLErUU8YVJfw8skz16xJIyPa4lKEhTHwkywy-0fA8vFpGitTECS1kWdltvbjZ7yUHD2uWhRuTqFy93Viig4b7N8cTZYqSxtFY0sccXlHgx9GtYE-uU4eLVEp9SBzmlsXtee20TMH/s1600/DSC04624-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>We started the next day with a satisfying buffet breakfast at the Al Forsan restaurant. With the sun beating down mercilessly, where else could we head to other than the swimming pool? Bab Al Shams has 3 pools – however the Infinity pool is the largest and also the only one open since the other pools were closed for maintenance.<br />
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The infinity pool looks out into the sand dunes of the
desert and is again done up in an Arabic style – with large vases and rough walls.
The entire pool is not too deep, for which I am thankful for since I do not
know to swim. At the end of two hours of splashing around in the pool, I was
blessed with slightly chafed knees and elbows – thanks to the rough floors
& a lack of swimming skills – as well as a terrible tan – thanks to forgetting
to slather on the sun block!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxPGhZOj7mk4zih3FCVelQRM__WwKtBBayE4UJdqq1457lONY_3mVochmjG7qGP11s35FLxOS3iKDYF7WIBbRo9kignB_60iBTmlOFoQDecKxZUwO0ksWf4zKGK4nCRmOFp3Og7tmXHoK/s1600/DSC04623-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxPGhZOj7mk4zih3FCVelQRM__WwKtBBayE4UJdqq1457lONY_3mVochmjG7qGP11s35FLxOS3iKDYF7WIBbRo9kignB_60iBTmlOFoQDecKxZUwO0ksWf4zKGK4nCRmOFp3Og7tmXHoK/s320/DSC04623-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A giant jug</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again, the mighty sun forced us to head to our rooms
and we decided to order room service. The Butter Chicken arrived promptly,
accompanied by steamed rice, roast pappad, raitha and chutney. It was lip-smacking
and I had to stop myself from licking my plate clean!<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After a short siesta, we headed out to the lawns where I
tried my hand at golf and table tennis. There was also a falcon show and a
complimentary camel ride. I wasn’t too keen on the camel ride and the falcon
show was a little too cruel to watch for entertainment – as it involved the falcon hunting and killing a pigeon; so we gave both a miss and instead settled
down into the sands to watch the sun set gracefully over the desert.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVd1XB3UhSlTGiT0KNJIpwDZ0-nLXK5wADZEqty9-An9IjG1Ao68Z0gix5jU-I3Aj6DrFXIdGeYNNp1aCaFqPYlFYNYB7UtOnjMCcL3Kgyz1t3H7NureKNLQEwvnv8HFzVwg1P5E0xHJO/s1600/DSC04624-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVd1XB3UhSlTGiT0KNJIpwDZ0-nLXK5wADZEqty9-An9IjG1Ao68Z0gix5jU-I3Aj6DrFXIdGeYNNp1aCaFqPYlFYNYB7UtOnjMCcL3Kgyz1t3H7NureKNLQEwvnv8HFzVwg1P5E0xHJO/s320/DSC04624-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful lamps</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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That night, we decided to check out Bab Al Sham’s Italian
Restaurant – Le Dune. We were served some complimentary bread sticks and garlic
bread along with a sun-dried tomato dip and a black olive dip. The bread sticks
were fresh and the bread was soft. We were waiting for our food when a lady who
was also dining at the restaurant walked up to us and gave us an extra coupon
that she had – which entitled us to a free main course! Thanks kind lady – that
was really sweet of you! We ordered Caesar salad, Spinach and ricotta
tortellini and Spaghetti with shrimp. The portions were generous and everything
was yummy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyFfwm1VxCqohR5mAuv3e4T_dGJVSL2TemnXLM-3SpmfdIa8UYVap0IPVKfWVo6SP97qD8dVpTHcwwlpwLacqBL4u1QWWPtOtLhLRJq9fSYA8mMxIhN-8nsCEnqnvd7K0nupjvCnXVUNn/s1600/DSC04667-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyFfwm1VxCqohR5mAuv3e4T_dGJVSL2TemnXLM-3SpmfdIa8UYVap0IPVKfWVo6SP97qD8dVpTHcwwlpwLacqBL4u1QWWPtOtLhLRJq9fSYA8mMxIhN-8nsCEnqnvd7K0nupjvCnXVUNn/s320/DSC04667-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bab Al Shams also has an Indian restaurant called Masala and a
rooftop lounge called Al Sarab. Plus it also has a couple of bars. In addition,
Al Hadeerah which is located a little outside the resort offers Arabic style
entertainment and food. Since we’ve had more than our share of desert safaris
and belly dancing, we decided to opt out of it.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the whole, I completely enjoyed our short break away from our daily
grind. I would definitely recommend Bab Al Shams to anyone looking for a
relaxing stay. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Negatives:</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The concierge staff really need to be able to
guide guests to the resort better. We wasted a lot of time, energy and money in
finding our way to the place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The resort was hardly full and yet we were told
that a late checkout was not possible. This was a disappointment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In my opinion, the activities at the resort
should ideally be free of charge for the guests. While golf, table tennis and
snooker was free, other activities such as archery, yoga and rental bikes were not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The lighting in the room could be better. Also
there is no wi-fi in the rooms – which is surprising in this day and age!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Positives:</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The staff were courteous and pleasant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Clean, neat and well maintained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Arabic style design and hospitality lends a
unique character to the resort. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A Desert Sunset</b></td></tr>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-76654684546608159372013-06-07T12:46:00.001+05:302013-08-07T15:45:42.865+05:30My Weekend Gourmet Party - With Kitchens Of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>UPDATE</b>: This post won second place! Yay! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><br /></i></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><i>This post is my entry to <b><a href="http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=78" target="_blank">Indiblogger's contest</a></b> in association with <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/">Kitchens Of India</a>.</b></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">If you were to host a party for your
friends or family, what would the theme of that party be?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I love experimenting in my kitchen and trying my hand at
various dishes. But at the same time, in today’s busy world when one is
juggling a hundred things to do, one doesn’t really have the time or energy to
plan and whip up elaborate meals. The idea of slaving away in a hot kitchen and
stressing over a grand meal is simply not appealing to me. But does that mean
that we always have to order food from restaurants or just completely skip entertaining
family and friends? Of course not! Having family or friends over for a pleasant
meal can be an enjoyable experience – with a little help from the experts.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">There are several brands of ready-to-eat
and ready-to-cook delicacies available in the market today. I have tried
several of them but I must say that the range of products from Kitchens Of
India are a step above the rest in terms of freshness, flavour as well as
choices. Their authentic Indian fare comes to my rescue quite often – be it for
a quick and tasty dinner on a busy weekday night or for mouth-watering fare at
parties and get- togethers.</span></div>
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<b>My Weekend Gourmet Party - Theme:</b><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">With
our wedding anniversary coming up in a few months, I started thinking about
throwing a memorable party for my dear ones. The theme that I would like to
choose is retro-Bollywood. So all the guests need to be dressed up in vintage
80s style. Just to paint a better picture, imagine the male guests with bell
bottom trousers and puffy hair while the female guests could really indulge in
their fantasies of imitating the yesteryear queens of the silver screen! How
about some short, form-fitting kurtis with chudidhars and the dupatta tied
cross-wise to the side, paired with huge sunglasses? Or colourful saris in
flowing chiffon with short pallus and hair done up in a big bun? Throw on some
bright lipstick, winged eyeliner and a diva attitude – and you’re all set to have
some fun! Let’s get the polka dots and loud colours back ladies!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9FFQVwK_lNk3YwOpsvJH1urDTCjhjy8BVLF1t1pvFUQkBiQxHKLBwPIVRIjYIoeIEsbeNCZrrb0oya_Plucv9Bq2RKJmRkue8Yb7GFELgui9skwl3VFG6qPvHli6CXkIvkUEv082mlBM/s1600/Retro-Movies-Of-Bollywood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9FFQVwK_lNk3YwOpsvJH1urDTCjhjy8BVLF1t1pvFUQkBiQxHKLBwPIVRIjYIoeIEsbeNCZrrb0oya_Plucv9Bq2RKJmRkue8Yb7GFELgui9skwl3VFG6qPvHli6CXkIvkUEv082mlBM/s400/Retro-Movies-Of-Bollywood.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Take a hint from Bollywood!<br /><i>Pic source: santabanta.com</i></b></td></tr>
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<b>My </b><b>Weekend </b><b>Gourmet Party - Venue:</b><br />
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I prefer having my parties at my home sweet home. I feel it gives me more freedom to experiment as well as more control over the arrangements. To set the ambience I would do up living
room with some cool posters of old Hindi movies in strategic locations. Antique
brass urlis filled with water and pretty rose petals, fragrant jasmine and
floating candles would add a warm glow to the entire room.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RFlA5Yis1PMuO-l_hw80PZoxRFvMt07PXN45H2CGMqutzwPBGerTx45AbOJVZSl3pjZ1J3ckPn_vCTF5WEt1AF6PkJuoMxwVuJFO1q96durTabdtmcTO6mcW8KeDOLtieBsqSQ83uIGR/s1600/Brass_Urli-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RFlA5Yis1PMuO-l_hw80PZoxRFvMt07PXN45H2CGMqutzwPBGerTx45AbOJVZSl3pjZ1J3ckPn_vCTF5WEt1AF6PkJuoMxwVuJFO1q96durTabdtmcTO6mcW8KeDOLtieBsqSQ83uIGR/s400/Brass_Urli-001.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/niyam/" target="_blank">Niyam Bhushan</a><br /><i> (Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License)</i></b></td></tr>
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All of us have a few old silk saris sitting
deep inside our wardrobes. We don’t really want to wear them any more nor do we
have the heart to give away such precious pieces. Why not repurpose them? A
party with an Indian theme like what I am planning now would be the perfect
opportunity to do so! One can use them as attractive curtains - just drape them
over the windows and when the zari catches the light from the candles and
shimmers it will truly be magical! Or we could also convert them into eye-catching
cushion covers instead. A couple of couches with comfortable bolsters to lean
on plus some nice chairs should complete the look.</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Of course, what is a party without some good
music? In the background, there would be classic Bollywood hits of the 80s
playing along softly to indulge all of us in ecstatic nostalgia. The lilting melodies of R.D. Burman and Kishore Da will transport us back to a time when life was simple yet enjoyable.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKelodb1rOS66yfmdP99E2urzC0n_zV5GAHYDPl0Fsk7bQ8HLRcrI7kxjXEqIRBE3QK_2UhGQfJ2tH_bDYBMf6U6ZXLHPWvWUuCdVJ91dqUtS6hLLxRmW8yZg-U_wdkLuANUphuOuyKvw/s1600/sari_cushion_red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKelodb1rOS66yfmdP99E2urzC0n_zV5GAHYDPl0Fsk7bQ8HLRcrI7kxjXEqIRBE3QK_2UhGQfJ2tH_bDYBMf6U6ZXLHPWvWUuCdVJ91dqUtS6hLLxRmW8yZg-U_wdkLuANUphuOuyKvw/s200/sari_cushion_red.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sari cushion covers from<i> <a href="http://www.indianselections.com/product/CC_CRNR_FB/Fire-Brick-Silk-Sari-Cushion--Pillow-Covers--Sham-Throw.html" target="_blank">Indian Selections</a></i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwXMz65YGcprjjeHDGJGFaE-C2jLmecDw9xyrhS6RUzuJE1vVQY9Fx_kG_b4OqJ9aS8_rJ-v0y3lcUBfJOyI0-L3Mz3eX1AfpwaurNRYfwkb1K0GTp3v45FUA0BrdrlA2Tcc9vw5nfL_V/s1600/red_sari_curtain-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwXMz65YGcprjjeHDGJGFaE-C2jLmecDw9xyrhS6RUzuJE1vVQY9Fx_kG_b4OqJ9aS8_rJ-v0y3lcUBfJOyI0-L3Mz3eX1AfpwaurNRYfwkb1K0GTp3v45FUA0BrdrlA2Tcc9vw5nfL_V/s200/red_sari_curtain-001.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sari curtains from <a href="http://www.indianselections.com/product/CTTTMFB/Tab-Tops-Fire-Brick-Poly-Silk-Sari--saree-Curtains-Drapes-with-Gold-Zari-Border.html" target="_blank"><i>Indian Selections</i></a></b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>My </b></span><b>Weekend </b><b>Gourmet Party - It's Chow Time!</b><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">And that brings us to the most important
part of any party! I don’t know about you, but for me that part is definitely
the food! While I want my guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves I
also want to join in the fun – afterall it is my party, isn’t it!? Trust me, if
I have spent the whole day sweating it out in the kitchen, by the time the
party rolls around and my guests arrive I am going to be tired and washed out –
not what one wishes an ideal hostess to be! Therefore I am going to make my
life a little easier and reach out for Kitchens Of India. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPZD8KYL6XjjHESVwH-0uBqmTTk8gwZ7k_BfTpbuTI9zCgcSdhEjnHaR9Bith9rF-CgmLep9BvKvdmpScZY3BfZJMNl7Nsufv_QA2zStJOp-QViecni-EqNziy7bne7dVjDl1OsLMBezV/s1600/Strawberry+mojito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPZD8KYL6XjjHESVwH-0uBqmTTk8gwZ7k_BfTpbuTI9zCgcSdhEjnHaR9Bith9rF-CgmLep9BvKvdmpScZY3BfZJMNl7Nsufv_QA2zStJOp-QViecni-EqNziy7bne7dVjDl1OsLMBezV/s200/Strawberry+mojito.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo courtesy: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisemattox/" target="_blank">niseag03</a><br /><i> (Used under the <br />Creative Commons Attribution License)</i></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhpkP8xNxwHBNoOW3qujrFS3kNtYQ5Cm5org1wSDGgfbdvIKKDvN8v-e8haO9mzYMg1PZSnrU2kDEHtu6pwu0L3BnfZXGcvsl9ejejcchWrDGueZx4SrIMYJccvWQkn7vAta3U0yxfDQB/s1600/strawberry_mint_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhpkP8xNxwHBNoOW3qujrFS3kNtYQ5Cm5org1wSDGgfbdvIKKDvN8v-e8haO9mzYMg1PZSnrU2kDEHtu6pwu0L3BnfZXGcvsl9ejejcchWrDGueZx4SrIMYJccvWQkn7vAta3U0yxfDQB/s200/strawberry_mint_5.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b>Drinks:</b> To start off, I intend to greet my guests with
a bright smile and a chilled glass of strawberry mojito.</div>
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A mojito is a classic
Mexican drink made with lemon/lime juice, fresh mint and rum. It goes really
well with Indian food and I would like to give my own spin to this refreshing
drink.</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">To make this delightful drink, add a few teaspoons of <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/strawberry-mint.html" target="_blank">Kitchens Of India’s Strawberry & Mint Conserve</a></b> with a handful of ice cubes and some freshly
squeezed lemon juice i</span>nto a food processor. Blend till the conserve is well distributed and the ice
cubes are crushed. Pour this mixture into glasses, top it off with some white
rum, club soda and ice cubes. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and place a
fresh cut strawberry or a wedge of lemon on the rim of the glass. Ta da! For a non-alcoholic version,
simply skip the rum and add more soda or some lemonade. Cheers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwwcoGxqzloqcRbnZLEvflwmkWUZakzdDBK9Vn8KAfMk_xNojDwgZZicqpJLWmiols7XVcrlS9r-c9CxDeyP5t1kQPsve7FksVDMGBfnVdfEHn5Sf2UBh-cJc_IejKXPR16MTfvqJZ_zH/s1600/mango-jeera-chutney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwwcoGxqzloqcRbnZLEvflwmkWUZakzdDBK9Vn8KAfMk_xNojDwgZZicqpJLWmiols7XVcrlS9r-c9CxDeyP5t1kQPsve7FksVDMGBfnVdfEHn5Sf2UBh-cJc_IejKXPR16MTfvqJZ_zH/s200/mango-jeera-chutney.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5NZg5naSAdsAKc74epWoWi8Djvsffvggj5kj19QK089a8_lFUVCQQbtFyzMuc6NN-M3uYbvrO5q8ERDP-ttzvDk5OXcbrT2r-mqWk4bf0fAfAjsK6iQuAI68VUixBbzu59C7WPT_3UgL/s1600/tamarind-date-chutney_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5NZg5naSAdsAKc74epWoWi8Djvsffvggj5kj19QK089a8_lFUVCQQbtFyzMuc6NN-M3uYbvrO5q8ERDP-ttzvDk5OXcbrT2r-mqWk4bf0fAfAjsK6iQuAI68VUixBbzu59C7WPT_3UgL/s200/tamarind-date-chutney_5.jpg" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Appetizers</b>: Everyone likes to munch on something as
they savour their drinks and chit-chat. This is where, appetizers come into the
picture. I think I will place brass platters of masala pappad on centrally
located and easily accessible tables.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Small triangles of crispy roasted pappads
topped with a zingy mixture of diced onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, green
chillies and coriander with a pinch of salt, pepper and chat masala – yum!
(Note to self: remember to deseed the tomatoes and cucumbers – there is nothing
worse than mushy papad! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>Condiments</b>: As an accompaniment to the masala pappads, I shall warm
up some of <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/mango-jeera.html" target="_blank">Kitchens Of India’s Mango Jeera Chutney</a></b> as well as <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/tamarind-date.html" target="_blank">Tamarind & amp;Date Chutney</a></b> and place them in brass bowls. The tangy chutneys will go quite
well with the crunchy masala pappads. Of course, I shall also stack individual plates
and napkins near the platters and bowls, no one wants double dippers!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>Main Course</b>: Moving on, the star
attraction of the party (apart from me, of course :P) would be the aromatic
biryani. I am going to stick with the vegetarian version this time and with
<b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/vegetable-biryani.html" target="_blank">Kitchens Of India’s Vegetable Biryani Mix</a></b> I cannot go wrong! All I need to do
is add basmati rice and fresh vegetables to conjure up a delectable vegetable
biryani. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>Side-dishes</b>: For the non-vegetarians I choose <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/mutton-kolhapuri-curry.html" target="_blank">Kitchens Of India’s spicy Mutton Kolhapuri masala mix</a></b> and the flavourful <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/murgh-methi.html" target="_blank">Murgh Methi</a></b>. As for the
vegetarians I think I shall go with creamy <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/mughlai-paneer.html" target="_blank">Mughlai Paneer</a></b> and the fiery <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/mirch-ka-salan.html" target="_blank">Mirch Ka Salan</a></b>. Bonus? I don’t even have to cook the Mughlai Paneer, Mirch Ka Salan and the Murgh
Methi –they come in hygienically sealed packs that are ready to heat and eat! Not
to forget, the comforting staple – a raitha to cool down all the flaming taste buds
around the room!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>Dessert</b>: To round off such a wonderful meal, I will
serve some vanilla ice-cream topped with a vibrant syrup of mango and saffron.
The syrup can be made by melting some of Kitchens Of India’s Mango &
Saffron Conserve with a few teaspoons of water on medium heat in a saucepan for
a few minutes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhztBpwUUCgN64oOXLuCJNXDp-YqD5RFaCzMedaSzC6ONExG9JtnH9zbUE4c-J9Mpafa-Hew80O6q-B8c1PfwP0TEk-2qAjJtprQJrpvFUK9Mk1K7niWWLBUyjH1DxlNzS-YZdvVRftUYz/s1600/mango-saffron-bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhztBpwUUCgN64oOXLuCJNXDp-YqD5RFaCzMedaSzC6ONExG9JtnH9zbUE4c-J9Mpafa-Hew80O6q-B8c1PfwP0TEk-2qAjJtprQJrpvFUK9Mk1K7niWWLBUyjH1DxlNzS-YZdvVRftUYz/s200/mango-saffron-bottle.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCezdW3erbWeTuC0t3Ev-Jbbx2Ckizu3qic8zPhGqNJUr0bSWfPvBfJnI8KdJJ7MJZIyBYob6P_5_MYwNlL0mypHAf117ZMt-SCUMqnfV6iHB5NBtNd1kLAW2VWoy2Pr8gvYy6pP-OUyR_/s1600/gwaw12001794_itc_dom_gift-pack_web-page_gift-pack-2_opt-2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCezdW3erbWeTuC0t3Ev-Jbbx2Ckizu3qic8zPhGqNJUr0bSWfPvBfJnI8KdJJ7MJZIyBYob6P_5_MYwNlL0mypHAf117ZMt-SCUMqnfV6iHB5NBtNd1kLAW2VWoy2Pr8gvYy6pP-OUyR_/s200/gwaw12001794_itc_dom_gift-pack_web-page_gift-pack-2_opt-2.jpg.jpg" width="125" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">The <b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/mango-saffron.html" target="_blank">Kitchens Of India’s Mango & Saffron Conserve</a></b> is made
with juicy Alphonso mangoes and sweet-smelling Kashmiri saffron for an exotic
twist. Once the conserve loosens up to a pouring consistency, just spoon it
generously over boring, plain old, vanilla ice cream and kick it up a notch!
The contrast between the cold ice-cream and the warm and tingly syrup – Ah! A
match made it heaven indeed!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>A Memorable Return Gift For The Guests</b>: Once everyone’s appetites are satiated I
shall present them with a thoughtful return gift to takeaway from my party. The
<b><a href="http://shopping.kitchensofindia.com/koi-gourmet-gifts-halwas-2s-pack.html" target="_blank">Kitchens Of India’s gift packs</a></b> are ideal for this. Each pack contains Jodhpuri
Moong Dal Halwa and Awadhi Badam Halwa. Perfect to indulge your sweet tooth! Afterall there is nothing wrong in
spreading the joy and sharing the pleasures of Kitchens Of India with my
friends and family right!? </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I am sure that my weekend gourmet party will be a
treat to all the senses! I bet my party is going to be a super-duper hit and
that my guests won’t forget it for a long time – thanks to Kitchens Of India! Now I'm off to draw up my guest list! </span></div>
<br /></div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-84936914437753295352013-06-02T01:00:00.000+05:302013-06-02T16:09:02.657+05:30We Cannot Afford To Ignore Those Warning Signs Anymore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is my second entry to <b><a href="http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=79" target="_blank">Indiblogger's "The Moral Of The Story Is...." contest</a></b> in association with Colgate. Check out <b><a href="http://www.myhealthyspeak.co.in/" target="_blank">My Healthy Speak Blog</a></b>.<br />
<br />
My first entry can be read <b><a href="http://abstractadmissions.blogspot.ae/2013/05/dont-ignore-those-warning-signs.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div>
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5 year old Raju wakes up with a start. For a second he
wonders what woke him up. Then he sees his father – his thin figure swaying
back and forth. He takes a menacing step forward and aims a kick at his
cowering mother, completely missing her in his drunken stupor. Enraged further,
he grabs the little alarm clock on the bedside table and throws it at his
wife. The clock strikes her on the forehead before hitting the floor and smashing
into a hundred pieces. Satisfied, he collapses on the bed and almost
immediately starts snoring. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Little Raju had been huddling under his
thin blanket with his heart beating furiously. Now, he slowly creeps up to his
mother and buries his face in her lap. His mother strokes his hair and whispers to him, “<i>It is okay Raju. He is drunk. He
is not in his senses. All men are like this – remember how Mani maama created a
ruckus yesterday? It is my fault, I should not have asked him why he came so
late. Don’t worry, everything will be fine in the morning.</i>” Raju nods silently and gradually falls into a dreamless sleep in his mother's arms.</div>
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10 year old Raju shouts frantically at Lakshmi who is sweeping the floor, “<i>Why are you not
wearing your uniform? Hurry up! It is getting late!</i>”<br />
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“<i>Your sister won’t be coming to school anymore Raju. You get
going</i>,” says his mother.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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“<i>Why not?!</i>” asks Raju perplexed.<o:p></o:p><br />
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“<i>Well there is a lot
of work to be done at home. I can’t manage everything all by myself can I?
Besides what is the use of her going to school? Anyway she’ll get married in a
few years; she’d better learn how to run a household properly.</i>”<o:p></o:p><br />
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“<i>But… but…</i>”
stammers Raju.<br />
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“<i>You’re going to be late. Run along now!</i>” says his mother, gently
shoving him out of the house. <o:p></o:p></div>
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12 year old Raju is walking back home from the market. He
hears someone shout, “<i>Hey Raju! Come and see what we’ve got here!</i>” He turns and sees that three of his classmates are kneeling in the dusty alley looking
at something. Curious, he goes over to find out what is happening. “<i>Oh my God!
What are you doing?!</i>” he shouts in horror.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The boys have tied the legs of a puppy with a rope and are poking and
prodding it with a sharp stick. The poor animal looks terrified and is obviously in pain. The sight moves Raju to tears. Noticing this Mahesh laughs,
“<i>Haha! Look at this cry baby! He is going to cry!</i>” Kanna chimes in, “<i>Are you
going to cry? Are you a girl? Go home and wear your sister’s skirt!</i>” Raju runs away with jeers of “You’re a girl!” “Cry baby!” ringing in his ears.<o:p></o:p></div>
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16
year old Raju is lounging in the tea stall. As he is about to take a sip of
the steaming hot masala chai, he hears his friend Kumar shout, “<i>Super figure! What is your phone number
darling?</i>”<br />
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The girl in the yellow chudidhar, across the street, stops in her tracks and gives him a hard stare. Raju and his friends break out into sniggers while Kumar
starts whistling. Disgusted, the girl turns and walks away. Kumar too joins in the laughter. He hitches up his shirt collar and says, “<i>These girls think too much of themselves
nowadays. How dare she give me that look? Everyone knows that she is a slut. I
saw her come home late last night – that too in a miniskirt. She deserves a bottle
of acid on that pretty face – that’ll teach her who is the boss</i>."<br />
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18 year old Raju is dancing in the movie hall. On
screen, the heroine is gyrating and moving her hips enticingly in the latest
item song. It is a peppy number with suggestive lyrics that has become a chart
busting hit almost as soon as it was released. Raju and his friends can not
stop clapping and jumping around to the beats. “<i>She is so hot!</i>” Raju thinks as the heroine gives him
a sly wink and bites her lip, seductively.<br />
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*******************************************************************************<br />
20 year old Raju is cruising in his auto looking for a fare. It
is quite late. Just as he is wondering if he should give up and head home, he
sees her. She is standing in front of that big, shiny building and looking up
and down the road. She notices him and waves her hand to signal him to stop.
She gets in. “<i>K.R. Nagar</i>,” she says and settles back into her seat. Raju
turns the meter on and starts driving.<br />
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Thoughts are racing in Raju's mind. “<i>What is she doing here so late? Surely, upto no good.
Otherwise why would she be wearing such figure hugging clothes? I’m sure she is
one of those snooty bitches who needs to be taught a good lesson.</i>” <o:p></o:p><br />
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He looks around carefully. There
is hardly anyone to be seen. He steals a glance at her in the rear-view mirror.
She has plugged in her ear phones and is listening to some music with her eyes closed.
A side road is coming up ahead. Raju turnes into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In December 2012 the entire nation was shocked to hear about
the brutal gang rape in Delhi. We all shuddered to think about the plight of
the young woman and we all wondered how men could be so cruel. Want to know how?
You have your answer above. While this is a much simplified version, it is by
ignoring such warning signs that we, the society as a whole, create such
monsters. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Raju’s mother must have told him that his father was a hooligan.
She should not have justified his actions, thereby validating that it is okay
if men use their physical strength to intimidate women. Instead of standing up
for him and accepting that this is how men behave, she should have taught Raju that
hitting a woman is wrong. She failed to see that the domestic violence that
Raju grew up with as a child was a warning sign that told him that hurting a
woman is acceptable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Raju’s sister should have gone to school with him and
studied just like him. Denying her an education and confining her to the hearth just because she is a girl, is a warning sign that implies to Raju that a women’s place is in the kitchen
and that she should be limited to the house. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When Raju found himself feeling sorry for the helpless puppy
and sympathising with it, he ended up being made fun of by his peers. In our
world today, boys are not allowed to express their true emotions because
it is considered too “feminine” to be sensitive. The message that is ingrained
in us is that men are supposed to be steely and strong – if not, they are not
man enough. Such gender stereotypes are
a warning sign to us – it places unnecessary pressure on boys to conform to the
restrictive idea of masculinity and equates masculinity with power. But we continue to ignore them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There can be no Indian woman who hasn’t experienced street
sexual harassment – or “eve-teasing” as it is lightly referred to. Yet, hardly
anyone does anything to stop it from happening. Public spaces belong to us too
and we have equal rights to be wherever we choose to be, with whomever we want
to be with, wearing whatever we want to wear. But sadly, this is far from
reality. A woman on the street is an easy target – to catcall, to bump into, to
brush against, to grope, to pinch, to whistle, to ogle at, to threaten… and the
list goes on. This deep-rooted social evil is again a warning sign – of how
deep the rot runs. What do men gain from it? Power. The power to intimidate a
woman, the power to keep her in her place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Movies – the most popular form of entertainment for our
masses. Movies are a huge industry in India and this industry regularly churns
out “fun” in the form of racy numbers with obscene lyrics which serve no other
purpose than commercial, cosmetic ones. Most of the songs - and often the entire
movie itself - are focused on objectifying women, reducing them to a sum total
of their body parts. These movies give out such loud warning signs as they
shape the public psyche; the guy who hounds the girl incessantly will
eventually make her fall for him, if a girl says no – oh she doesn’t mean it!
Keep trying and she’ll say yes! But we don’t see these signs. We continue
thronging to cinema halls and applaud the mindless trash that is churned out
religiously, we make our daughters dance to risqué songs and show off to our
friends, we take pride in our sons mouthing lewd songs and dream of them
winning in reality shows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The moral of this story is that it is high time we noticed these warning signs in our society. Remember, a man doesn’t turn into a monster overnight. It takes years and years
of social conditioning – subtle messages that permeate his consciousness – until
right and wrong becomes too muddled up and the day comes when he thinks being a
monster is alright. Being a monster is fun. Being a monster is the right thing
to do because it makes him feel like a "man" - not even realizing that there is a difference between being a man and a monster. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Spot the warning signs. Do not ignore them. Do your bit to prevent such monsters
being created so that India – and indeed the world – will never have to bear
witness to another Nirbhaya.</div>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-82955850142476313972013-06-01T21:39:00.001+05:302013-06-01T21:42:50.714+05:30Room<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V20VyOUjbExqW74iZK1ADzbSKLoZ_UAHfKqV1V8tjKLL1x5eysV7vklBep2NuEAcNOtGfimu249F3c8_Ut2y4FOiIaWSMhHEcLFEE80v1aoDrRbDFq_1ErtJ1ISs-hybcUqyvMXc2X8s/s1600/room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V20VyOUjbExqW74iZK1ADzbSKLoZ_UAHfKqV1V8tjKLL1x5eysV7vklBep2NuEAcNOtGfimu249F3c8_Ut2y4FOiIaWSMhHEcLFEE80v1aoDrRbDFq_1ErtJ1ISs-hybcUqyvMXc2X8s/s320/room.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Room by Emma Donoghue
is a unique and intriguing tale that unfolds through the eyes of a 5 year old
boy.</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How long will it take for you to go crazy if you are locked
up in a small room? Emma Donoghue’s <b><a href="http://www.flipkart.com/room/p/itmdfjyqx6wvhhuq?pid=9780330519021&affid=anneprinit" target="_blank">Room </a></b>is the impressive story of a little boy,
Jack, who lives in a small room with his mother. The story is narrated by Jack
and it is both sweet in its innocence as well as incredibly sad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The resilience and enterprise of the mother, called simply as ‘Ma’ is nothing short of amazing. Perhaps one’s survival instincts come to
the fore only when one’s ability and strength are tested to their limits. I was
thoroughly impressed by the author’s imagination. Anyone who has spent some
time with kids will tell you how easily and quickly children get bored and how
they seem to have boundless energy. To confine a child and his entire world to
a single room, then, and to spin a gripping yarn based on it is by no means a
simple task. I mean, just think about it for a minute: what on earth will you
do day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year with a
small child locked up with you in a tiny room with only a few bare necessities?
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Room speaks to the reader on so many different levels and
challenges our perceptions and perspectives. The contrast between a woman who
grew up in the outside world and is now confined to the four walls of a room
and a child who grows up only within the four walls of the room and is not even
aware that a larger, outside world exists is sharp. For instance, while Ma
wants the doors of rooms to be left open – because she can’t bear to see a
locked door after years of forced confinement – Jack wants the doors closed –
because that is what he is used to since birth, that is what he knows, that is
what is familiar to him and offers him comfort and safety. This simple example so
easily highlights the fact that we are afterall creatures of conditioning, who
will however, eventually adapt to changing conditions if we have no other
choice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It also subtly drives home the fact that different people are
entitled to have different opinions about the same entity – be it an experience
or an object or even, a way of life. It simply means that each of us and
thereby our thinking has been shaped by our own experiences and the conditions
that we were exposed to; that our brains come to a conclusion about anything based on our side of the story – because that it is what it knows and
that is our reality. It might seem strange to someone else, but that is because
their reality is different from ours. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Room is set in contemporary times and the language is
modern. There are many heart-in-the-mouth moments when you wonder if the book
is going to end in triumph or tragedy and it kept me turning the pages.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was while reading this book that the news about the
<b><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/06/us/ohio-missing-women-found/index.html?iref=allsearch" target="_blank">Cleveland abductor who held 3 women hostage</a></b> for many years in his home
surfaced. The coincidence was somewhat disturbing to be honest. Here I was
reading a work of fiction on one hand and the next thing I know, reality imitates
it! (Actually the book is inspired by real-life events.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Room was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2010 and is
one of the most memorable books that I have savoured of late. Definitely a must
read!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/room/p/itmdfjyqx6wvhhuq?pid=9780330519021&affid=anneprinit"><img src="http://img8.flixcart.com/www/prod/images/buy_btn_1-161e3e31.png" /></a>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/T8rj2otXNfM" width="560"></iframe></div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-66602217048577900542013-05-31T15:07:00.003+05:302013-05-31T15:07:39.983+05:30Don't Ignore Those Warning Signs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is my first entry to <b><a href="http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=79" target="_blank">Indiblogger's "The Moral Of The Story Is...." contest</a></b> in association with Colgate. Check out <b><a href="http://www.myhealthyspeak.co.in/" target="_blank">My Healthy Speak Blog</a></b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was past midnight. All the everyday noises of domesticity
had died down some time back. First the pressure cooker whistles that announced
that supper was ready had fallen silent, then the clanging of pots and pans as housewives
washed up the dirty vessels of the night had quietened, the soap opera on the neighbours’
TV had finally shut up; then the voices of men, women and children discussing
the mundane details of their day had ceased as people gradually surrendered
themselves to the night. I could hear a street dog howling in the distance and
the lone tak, tak of the night watchman’s stick as he went on his rounds, as the
10 year old me sat chewing on her pencil – like I had been doing for the past
hour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If Mala had 25 apples and Raghu gave her 10 more….” The words
were starting to swim before my eyes. Arrghh! Why did maths have to so
difficult!? Tomorrow was my maths exam and I had hardly finished studying half
the syllabus. I still had to work my way through algebra and geometry and
graphs and what not! My dad was looking at me, waiting for me to figure out the
solution, but after a 10 hour work day, I could tell that his patience was
wearing thin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was not a bad student but this was a common scenario at
home before each of my maths exams. First, my mom would try to teach me. After
I had used up all the reserves of her strength, my brother would chip in. After
I had irritated him too, my dad would try his best. And after a sleepless
night, I would walk into the exam hall dreading every minute of it. Once I had
finished the exam I would feel elated – Done. No more maths till school
reopens. Yay! And then of course, when the results are announced I would wait
with my heart in my throat and eye the top scorers with envy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My best friend Aruna, who was also my neighbour, was a maths
wizard. Maths exams were a piece of cake for her. While I would be breaking my
head, she would have finished prepping and would be happily lounging around in
front of the idiot box – and the next day she would be all bright eyed and
bushy tailed, while I looked like something the cat dragged in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maths was the only subject which I tried so hard – and yet
didn’t do too well. The funny part is my dad, my mom AND my bro are bankers! But
no matter how much hard work I put in I could never get my head around maths. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My feelings were exactly the opposite for my English exams.
I always looked forward to getting my hands on my English books during my
vacations and I would read all the books before school started. I waited
eagerly for the English period and was thrilled when the exams came around. I
loved writing long essays and was ecstatic when my papers came in with “Very
Good!” or ”Great Job!” scrawled on it with red ink. When my English teacher
praised me in front of the entire class, I had a wide grin plastered on my face
the whole day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess those were the earliest warning signs; but as it so
often happens in life, I failed to notice them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
<b>Warning bells are ringing!</b></h2>
Eventually it was time for me to choose my stream of study
in the 11<sup>th</sup> standard. Well, what was there to think about? Everyone
knew that the Maths & Science group was the best. There was huge
competition for it and Engineers and Doctors obviously had the brightest
future. Did I pause to think if this is what I was interested in? Yes I did. And
a little warning bell went off in a corner of my mind – Are you sure? It asked.
But I pushed it out. Afterall, if all the bright minds were taking up maths and
science then it must be the right thing to do, no?<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so life went by. Only, it got much worse. I could hardly
pay any attention in class. Maths and Physics and Chemistry did not excite me –
they simply bored me out of my mind. I found myself day dreaming with the page
of formulas staring at me. I went for tuitions and my mind wandered away.
Science group students face so much pressure that the weekly Sports period and - horror of horrors!- English period was almost always taken over by either the
Maths or Science teachers. But I had to get high marks. My friends were all
doing well and my brother too. They were constant comparisons and statements like “Look at him! Why can’t you study like him?” So I tried, somewhat
half-heartedly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here and there were a few rays of sunshine. My poems got
published frequently in our school’s magazine. Every time it happened, I pinched
myself to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, even if you aren’t Sir C.V Raman, hard work pays off
to an extent and I managed to get a decent score in my exams. I appeared for
various professional courses entrance exams too – but all with a niggling
thought in my mind. Do I really want to become an engineer or a doctor? Is that
what I really want to do? What about everything that you hear about following
your heart? What about chasing your dreams? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BA English Literature beckoned me. I secured admission in a leading
Arts college. I was among the top performers in the class and a bunch of us
were chosen to attend a specialized course in English. I was thrilled. When
many of the other girls bunked classes and sat around the cafeteria
chit-chatting I was happy to be in class – listening to my lecturers talk about
the classics. I savoured every moment of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But nobody could understand it. This is India. When thousands
of people are vying for an Engineering seat why would anyone throw it away for
an English Lit one? Whoever heard of such nonsense? Only dumb people who couldn’t
get admission into any other branch took up Literature. It was an absolute
waste of time. It won’t take you anywhere in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or so my critics said. My instincts warned me “No, they are
wrong! Stick to your decision!” But I ignored it – yet again – and spent four
mind-numbing years, earning my degree in B.Tech IT. The first year I was also
elected as the English Representative of my class but I was so relieved when
the last day of college rolled by.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No more Java, no more C++, no more Data Structures &
Algorithms, no more Digital System Design, no more Digital Signal Processing,
no more maths, no more numbers, no more calculations…. But wait! I had a job in
an IT company. Great! Air-conditioned offices, a big fat pay cheque at the end
of the month, overseas travel and the pride that comes with introducing myself
as a “software engineer.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you know that inner voice that sometimes just refuses to
leave you alone no matter how much you threaten to punch it? Well that voice
kept popping up now and again – warning me. “This is not what you are meant to
be doing,” it kept insisting as I tried to design a flowchart. “What are you
doing here? Why are you still here?”, it kept questioning as I took the late
night cab home. “Why are you chasing a mirage when your destiny lies somewhere else?” it repeated when I was stifling a yawn sitting in a client meeting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just as that tiny little cavity which you neglected to
get filled gets bigger and bigger until the entire tooth is eroded forcing you
to fix that long pending appointment with the dentist, one day the voice grew
too loud to ignore. I resigned.<br />
<h2>
<b>The moral of the story is...</b></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever had a bad tooth that was troubling you for a
long time? And finally when the dentist fixes it, you tentatively test it out.
You run your tongue over it gingerly and take a careful bite. Voila! No pain! Everything
is perfect! A wave of relief washes over you. You sit back and enjoy the ice
cream.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what is the moral of this looonnggg story? If you know what you want in life and if you know that you can be good at it - then don't ignore those warning signs. Believe in yourself and go for it. I traded in my settlement money and did a Journalism course.
Today I work with a women’s magazine and I love it! I might not make as much money as in my previous job but this work motivates
me and gives me complete job satisfaction. And it urges me to dream new dreams –
maybe write a blog post and enter a contest like this one… maybe write a book, someday? Who
knows, if only I had not ignored my warning signs maybe I would have written
one already!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-91287283891779181412013-05-25T13:50:00.002+05:302013-05-25T13:53:04.460+05:30Poor Little Rich Slum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAYGTWl9N05raoL6IqgcCoryAWvR_uLaYZFh3BrC8JF5N8r8LTgUqjt1ChjRAGnhuPuOi9swkLLXps57j6btD8LBBeMp8zJcGX3wQ2Y9BPDaV-skuF11fCKasdx0N15k_FRP3zLBgBMCH/s1600/Poor-Little-Rich-Slum-by-Rashmi-Bansal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAYGTWl9N05raoL6IqgcCoryAWvR_uLaYZFh3BrC8JF5N8r8LTgUqjt1ChjRAGnhuPuOi9swkLLXps57j6btD8LBBeMp8zJcGX3wQ2Y9BPDaV-skuF11fCKasdx0N15k_FRP3zLBgBMCH/s320/Poor-Little-Rich-Slum-by-Rashmi-Bansal.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Poor Little Rich Slum
by Rashmi Bansal and Deepak Gandhi offers us a peak into one of the world’s
most famous slums – Dharavi. </b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve never been to Mumbai (so many years since it has
been renamed and I still prefer calling it Bombay). It is the only metro in India
that I haven’t visited yet but I have heard so much about it that it is high up
on my wish list. I hope to explore it sometime in the future. However, I am
quite sure that I probably wouldn’t be dropping into Dharavi. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I really doubt if any Indian – except politicians, researchers,
the religious, social workers or those who live & work in slums and those
who avail of their services – would voluntarily step into a slum, unless forced
to and especially not on a vacation. Somehow, Westerners seem to be enamoured
by India’s slums. Call it an after effect of Slumdog Millionaire (a nice movie
although why it won an Oscar is puzzling!) the spotlight seems to be suddenly
shining on an entity which we Indians usually tend to ignore. Most of us are so
used to seeing slums in our cities that we are pretty much oblivious to them. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Mumbai’s famous slum has been covered a lot in recent times –
but almost always by foreigners. Hence it is interesting to note that <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/poor-little-rich-slum/p/itmd9fpg6emwu9hk?pid=9789381626184&affid=anneprinit" target="_blank"><b>Poor Little Rich Slum</b></a> has been created by Indians with a focus on the spirit
on entrepreneurship in Dharavi. Also, I think that the book is written specifically for an Indian audience too - because there are a lot of quotes in Hindi for which no translation has been provided. The book has a coffee-table-book quality to it –
although it is quite slim. It is made up of short, easy-to-read chapters, each talking about
the bigger picture of Dharavi through the smaller stories of its inhabitants. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The book is peppered with photographs – most quite
fascinating while some, well, how do you capture filth and dirt beautifully?
But the stories themselves and the enterprising people we meet during the
course of the book are nothing short of inspiring. There are days when we, the privileged,
seem to crib about the silliest of things in our lives; moaning that it is too
hot to get any work done or that our neighbours were too noisy to let us sleep
in peace. Therefore it is amazing to realize how much can be achieved with
practically next to nothing – except courage, determination and perseverance. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is clear that the soul of Dharavi is its people. There is
Jameel Shah - whose shoes are patronized by Bollywood biggies, Hanifabi and
Salma – crusaders who are help women battle domestic violence, Panju Swamy –
whose idli stall is Dharavi’s connection to South India, Faheem and Tauseef –
the bright, young founders of Be The Local Tours & Travels and so many more
resourceful people who have risen above the poverty, the uncertainty and the
chaos that surround their lives; people who have not let their hopes and dreams
to be overwhelmed by their circumstances. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps because the negative aspects of Dharavi have already been well documented in mainstream media, this time the authors have tried to portray a different side of Dharavi by showcasing its positive points instead. Poor Little Rich Slum shows us that Dharavi is a lot of
things to a lot of people; a place to call home, a workplace to earn a
livelihood, a school of life, a novelty for tourists, a curiosity for outsiders
and most importantly, a place that offers numerous opportunities for survival -
but one which also pushes you to test your inner limits. </div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/poor-little-rich-slum/p/itmd9fpg6emwu9hk?pid=9789381626184&affid=anneprinit"><img src="http://img8.flixcart.com/www/prod/images/buy_btn_3-8274fe91.png" /></a></div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100197730384305537.post-55709585195230351012013-05-22T19:27:00.000+05:302013-05-22T19:31:21.964+05:30Anger: Vice… or Virtue?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve always been someone who loses her temper easily.
Everyone who is close to me know that I can fly off the handle quickly – you can
say that my short temper is one of my flaws. I do think that I’ve somewhat learnt to
control it – although I agree that I have a long way to go still. Now, I
accept that blowing your fuse at the drop of a hat is definitely not a good idea, yes blind fury can be dangerous. However I also believe that the sentiment of anger has received far too much flak. It has
even earned a spot among the 7 deadly sins. True, too much of anger is bad –
but does anger by itself deserve to be tagged as an inexcusable vice? Is there not such a thing as "responsible anger"?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are times in life when one needs to get angry. Take
for instance the recent public outrage on women’s safety in India. It was only
because the people of India were angry at the injustice meted out to one unfortunate
young woman in December, that today women’s safety is being discussed at the
international level and both the people and the government are atleast
beginning to sit up and take notice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or let’s talk about the recent news about
IPL spot-fixing. Were you not angry that a few louts cheated an entire nation? Your
anger is justified. Or when you hear about child sexual abuse? When you see an
alcoholic husband abusing his wife? Or when you find out that your partner has
been cheating on you? When a rogue hand in a crowded bus sneaks up and pinches
you? Should one not get angry? Well, I think you should. You have every right
to be angry. You deserve to be angry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people may ask – what is the point of getting angry?
What is it going to achieve? Indeed it is anger that prompts us into action. Whether
that action is positive or negative is upto you. When someone passes a sexist
comment on you and you don’t get angry, it simply means that you are too
conditioned to accept sexism. You need to get angry. But if you get angry and
then declare to the world that all men are perverts, that is not only stupid
but it is also useless. Instead if you channel that anger and talk about it to
spread awareness about sexual harassment, that positive action validates your
anger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are stuck in an abusive relationship and allow yourself to be
exploited instead of getting angry that you are being ill-treated, it can mean
that you don’t love or value yourself enough. When you choose to leave a cheating partner,
there will be nights when you feel all alone and miserable; when the urge to
call him/her is eating you alive. But then, deep down, that tiny spark of anger
must burn – reminding you of all the times that the jerk has let you down and hurt
you and broke your trust. And that anger will give you the strength to help you let go of any self-pity or
remorse and move on with your life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or even getting angry with yourself. If you've set a goal and find yourself slacking simply due to laziness, get angry with yourself. Scold yourself . You don't have to put yourself down but you could give yourself a pep talk - by being angry at your laziness - and push yourself to achieve your goal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, I think more people should get angry. Angry enough to stop paying bribes and to report corruption. Angry enough to vote for responsible leaders and throw out the useless ones who have been looting the country forever. Angry enough to stand up and raise your voice against inequality. Angry enough to question wrong-doing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People say that we can achieve true happiness when we are
not affected by external stigma – but when you read about an 8 year old girl who
was raped by a 60 year old man – your blood should boil; you should be
outraged; your conscience must be troubled. Even the Gods get angry - Jesus got
angry when he saw that the sacred temple of God had turned into a dirty marketplace,
Kali is known for her fierce temper and Shiva’s temper is feared by one and
all. And if the Gods themselves can lose their tempers, surely we mortals are
allowed to get angry?</div>
</div>
Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261842014085692477noreply@blogger.com0