The word is Dee!

Day 94…#100daysofhappiness #100happydays An ode to ‘Leap Day’ - to live and celebrate! It’s fascinating to be able to cherish a leap day and have your 100 days in this leap year. What I write now, will be revisited 4 years later, so this makes this memory far more exciting. A tradition of the past, one that not many people know about, but a leap day was a day attributed to women once in 4 years (the last day of the shortest month in a leap year), to have the liberty to propose to a man they choose to woo. Marking my 10th anniversary this year, I find this tradition thrilling and hence choose to revive this tradition of proposing to the man who makes my heart dance with every little beat! Fairy tales are unreal and am, glad mine is not one. So on this day, February 29, 2016, cheers to ‘real marriages’ that are far more fun with adventure and learning, surprises that can make you teary eyed, moments that hold you for life, seeming imperfections that become romantic and acceptance...

Day 93.. #100daysofhappiness #100happydays Tears were flowing uncontrollably and I almost thought that I would bawl. People around me were choking on emotion and I was sure that everyone was grateful it was dark and no one was visible. It was not just tears, but smiles too. It was not the filmy bollywood entertainment from any angle, but had a story that had to be told. Thankfully, it was a story that was narrated in perfection, had the impact that it deserved and left the audience, heart broken and motivated all in those couple of hours. While it inspired many even for a couple of seconds, it was a meaningful cinematic experience and a biopic that is lasting. My 100 days has tributes of people or experiences that are meaningful in my lifetime, so this definitely fits the criteria... a true story from my lifetime, when I was 6 years old. So here’s to Neerja – the brave heart who ruled hearts in silence. This true story took place in 1986. At that time, I definitely have...

Day 91…#100daysofhappiness #100happydays The best words I have read have been by her, so starting my Valentines Day post is justified if I quote her. Maya Angelou, the American Author and Poet once said, “If you have only one smile to give, give it to the people you love.”  So on this day, I smile at the ones who love friendship, innocence, care, respect and honesty. I smile at the family I am born to, married to and friends who became family. So here’s to celebrations that matter for hearts that care! With my history of celebration, naturally Valentines Day has always been a high. From the longest time I remember celebrating and wishing mom, because my honest belief is, since it’s the day of love, then wish everyone you love! After meeting Arya, I remember our first Valentines’ was before we got married. He had sensed my ‘paw’fection being so strong that he had gifted me our loving Fawn – a heartwarming basset hound. The concerned mum and in laws smiled, cherished ...

Day 90… ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ A parent’s nightmare is attempting to make the right decisions and then feel grateful for the choices made. Well, my learning curve has been adventurous, but the choice of schools for both my girls is undeniably 100% the best choice for my kids. It’s not a trendy and modern international school, neither is it a new age open concept school. With my ideologies set in traditional methods, I was thrilled that my kids have been to schools that conform to these ideologies. Advertorials and surveys have probably said enough on the ranking of the school pan India, but that is not my priority. Opting for my Alma Mater would have been an option, but in my mind I was clear that I wanted blend ‘Incredible India’ with a global mind and that equation is achieved here in perfection! I love the fact that the schools blend modern with tradition; Indian with global, academics balances extra curricular and national sports achievers are b...

Consumers understand responsibility: The industry has grown manifold and with every passing decade, a new trend takes precedence. The changing trends had to witness a sea change, so a growing demand for handmade products was expected with the variety seeking consumer. The consumer is more conscious of lasting trends, engages in a lifestyle that holds a greater meaning, willing to be socially impacting and believes in the ‘eco’ sense of things for a better planet. Every decision will be backed by a story that touches hearts and knowing the origin of their purchase makes them more aware of their lives. In essence, handmade is on everyone’s minds. The beauty of this modern twist called handmade is that it does not let a past fade away and finds a way to be accepted in the modern minds. Handed with perfection: Handmade is a mantra that was inevitable primarily individualistic and not the answer to the masses. Quantities will be limited but the exclusivity and quality is...

Day 89..  ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ 'It is believed that a man who treats his woman like a princess, is born and raised in the arms of a queen'. Having seen this philosophy come alive, I can endorse every word said here and proud to wish the queen - my mother in law - a very happy birthday, from the princess who is grateful for raising the prince in my life, with character, love and respect. 10 years later and its fascinating how some relationships don't change. She continues to be supportive, encouraging, warm, non interfering and cheerful. We have shared a decade - short enough to look forward to building lasting memories and long enough to share open heartfelt conversations with perhaps debates too and yet not be judged. She has embraced me with all my good and shortcomings, with a smile! I still eagerly wait to bring out complain trolls about mother's in law or participate in these bash discussions online but i seem to be amongst the few...

Day 88.. ‪#‎ 100daysofhappiness‬   ‪#‎ 100happydays‬ A fantastic experience.. a true reflection of 'Be the change' and a fabulous initiative by The Ugly Indian, for their selfless and inspiring campaigns that hope to change the face of our city for a better tomorrow! Neighborhood charms rekindled with a splendid team effort of all volunteers, who chose to glamorize some unfinished creations into work of art, that will always be a joy to our eyes. The clean up drive was a drive tow ards radical India, that our kids deserve to be a part of! The sea of 300 volunteers, splitting their responsibilities in different stretches, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of adults and kids, whose eyes lit up with pride on being explained about the initiative and the immense contributions they were making. They not just learnt about 'be the change' they were the change, remarking a new direction for this generation to take forward. The best part of this entire activity ...