lamyabhatri

Bombay (yes, that’s what I still call it) is my home and always will be, no matter which part of the world I live in. It’s sights and smells, the chaos, the sheer insanity that rules its roads, the noise of incessant honking, the smell of drying fish along the seafront. I love this city for its contrasts. A steaming hot 7 rupee vada pav or chilled cocktails on the 34th floor of luxury hotel – here, you’ll find it all.

But what’s extra special about this country is its monsoon. I live in Singapore now, where it rains through the year, almost every day. I’ve also lived in London, a city known for it dreary wet weather. But there’s just no comparison! When it rains in India, it really does rain! The skies open up and the resulting downpour lends the city a newly washed, sparkly air. And the smell of wet earth? Unmatched!

As much as I love the monsoons, I’ve also hated them. The train rides on the 08:04 Bandra local to college carrying a heavy backpack were made quite tricky on days when the rain just wouldn’t stop. Or when I’d get caught in a sudden shower while walking my 4 month old baby along the seafront. Ever tried looking for a rickshaw or taxi when it’s pissing down? Seriously, medal worthy!

Here’s a list of thing I’ve absolutely love about the rains in India. And just so that you don’t think I’m an impractical, hopeless romantic, I’ll balance out each point with something I really really don’t like about my beloved monsoon.

1. Home And Abroad

Love: Sitting by the window, watching the rain, curled up in a blanket reading a book or watching a romcom on TV. Some serious ‘me time’!

Hate: Being stuck indoors when all you want to do is go out for a run, or finish off errands or have an important meeting that you just can’t be late for.

Smart tip: Ditch the run and try some surya namaskars at home instead for a great full body workout. If you can’t avoid stepping out, make sure you leave earlier than you normally would to budget for delays.

2. Rainy Day – Holiday?

Love: We all crib and cry about the city flooding, but who doesn’t wish for those few days of super heavy rains with high tide warnings to boot. Day off from work, yay!!!

Hate: Getting stuck when it’s flooded and having to wade home in knee deep gross water. Remember the nightmare of 26/07 when Bombay came to a standstill because of the insane floods?

Smart tip: Watch the news for weather forecasts. If high tides are predicted, make sure you’ve got an easy route home or an alternative back up plan. A fully charged phone battery, a spare set of clothes will come in handy if you do get stranded somewhere. A couple of small ziplock plastic bags will help save your phone, wallet and cash from the rain in case getting soaked is unavoidable.

3. The Romance Of Rain…And The Aggravation!  

Love: The romance of the monsoons. Shared umbrellas and sneaky little moments and a bit of a jig in the first rains of the season. Somehow the weather just makes everything so much more romantic, doesn’t it?

Hate: Everyone is always late for everything during the monsoons and you can’t really say much when they say “Madamji paani bhar gaya thaa” or “train cancel ho gayi” or “Sorry, my car broke down”. We’ve all been there!

Smart tip: If you’re running late, make sure you call and notify and apologize for being tardy. If you’re the one waiting, take deep breaths, look out of the window, grab a cuppa joe and enjoy the beautiful monsoon!

4. Raindrops On My Face

Love: Rickshaw rides in the rain!! Or long drives out of town. And walks along the sea face. Ever experienced the waves crashing against the rocky shore and spraying jets of sea spray on your face? Aaaah!

Hate: Walking home from work and get splashed by a passing car. There’s very little that can be as annoying as getting soaked from head to foot by a speeding driver. And the laundry bills just seem to sky rocket during the monsoon, don’t they?

Smart tip: Let the clothes dry out completely. It is easier to brush off the muck when it is dry. Once you’ve scraped all you can off, make a thick paste of Vanish Stain Remover and rub it into the fabric and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Now wash as you normally would in the washing machine (preferably in warm water) with an equal mix of your regular detergent and Vanish. Tadaa!

5. Chai Aur Pakoda Time

Love: Crispy, crunchy pakodas, piping hot masala chai and a bowl of steaming khichdi! Comfort food at its finest, courtesy our ever indulgent mums!

Hate: The flies that get everywhere!!! OMG, just leave us alone now, will you!

Smart tip: Put 3 whole lemons in a glass and top up with water. The flies seem to seriously dislike the smell that this emits and you’ll be rid of the pesky flies. Though this only works in the immediate area that the glass is placed in so you may need a couple spaced over the room.

6. Hop, Skip And Splash!

Love: Splashing in muddy puddles! Oh c’mon, admit it!! As much as you deny it, splashing in puddles on a rainy sunday morning brings back such strong childhood memories and nostalgia, you really can’t resist!

Hate: Ruining a fresh pedicure every time we step out! Bright pink nails to cheer up the gloomy weather, great! Mud stuck everywhere, yuck, not so great!

Smart tip: Soak your feet in a mix of warm water, a little soap liquid or shampoo with a squirt of conditioner every couple of days to keep your feet clean and mud free during the monsoons. Don’t forget to throw on moisturizing balm and socks before you go to bed for baby-soft feet in the morning.

7. That Chill In The Air

Love: How the weather just cools down and you somehow just forget the long hot summer. The scent of the earth after the first rains is just magical, isn’t it?

Hate: What the monsoon does to our hair! Frizz, frizz and more frizz!! The humidity is our sworn enemy!

Smart tip: Use a gentle shampoo to wash out your hair regularly. Conditioner and deep treatment hair masks are your new best friend for these few months. Remember to seal your hair with a shot of cold water and avoid blow dryers to make sure your hair shaft stays smooth and silky. A coat of finishing spray, leave-in conditioner or Moroccan oil are a must.

*This is a sponsored post for Vanish. Don’t miss the chance of creating some beautiful monsoon memories just to avoid the nightmare of mud stained clothes. With Vanish at hand, you’ve got no more worries! #StainsVanishMemoriesRemain!

We’ve grown up with clichés all around us (thank you Bollywood!)… from monster incarnate mothers-in-law to docile bahus and ‘bubbly’ chachis…you get the point! And bosses? Always mean, horrid task-masters who’d inspire terror in the the most brave-hearted. Office life? Unhappy, stressful and soul sucking. A bit unfair, we think! In today’s fast-changing world we’re seeing these stereotypes busted, and it’s high time! The professional world is so much more open, fun and rewarding than it used to be and we’re going to take joy in celebrating every little thing you thought you can’t do in the workplace, but actually CAN!

1. Form Lasting Friendships

With the amount of time you spend at work, it’s only natural that you form connections with like-minded colleagues. No one’s going to judge you for being social, share a joke and a few laughs over a cafeteria lunch. What’s great is, when you’re having a bit of a downswing at work, your friends will be right there to hoist you back up. And quick lunchtime shopping jaunts, sharing lunch dabba’s, post work drinks – all easily do-able!

2. Be Friends with the Boss

While respecting your boss (AND colleagues AND juniors) is a given, you may find yourself having a great personal equation with your boss based on shared interests. While a few years ago, you’d be seen as someone purely trying to ‘maskaa maroh’ the boss, no one’s going to blink an eyelid now!

At POPxo we can definitely vouch for this! We’re constantly socializing as a team, with the bosses included! Helps that they’re young and hip!

3. Flaunt your Personal Style

If tailored shirts and trousers aren’t your thing, you’re not expected to stick by it like a uniform! You’re free to express your personal style, as long as it is office appropriate. No more boring brown-beige-grey-white-navy-black colour palette either! Feel free to add a heavy dose of colour to your wardrobe without feeling like a misfit.

4. Accessorize Right

Jewellery in the workplace was earlier considered flashy and distasteful. While we’re not suggesting you wear chandelier earrings or cocktail rings to work, smaller pieces are totally acceptable! If anything, they add heavily to your style statement. We love Tanishq’s MIA’s range of urban-chic jewellery, created specifically for the working woman. Discreet, without compromising on design, they’re perfect to add a touch of class and sophistication to your look. And at prices starting at INR 2999, it’s the perfect little gift for yourself when you close a big deal, or ace a presentation or get a raise, or just feel like some jewellery!

5. Don’t Fear Judgement

So you like a couple of cocktails to take the edge of the work week? Or are in a live-in relationship with your boyfriend? 20 years ago you’d probably be labelled ‘loose’! No one’s going to judge you as long as your personal life doesn’t affect your work!

6. Experiment with Hair and Makeup

Red lips is for saturday night parties and shaadi’s only. Errrr, NO! Have an important meeting or presentation and need a boost of confidence? Putting on some make-up helps heaps in making you feel better about yourself. Keep the smokey eye and bronzer for post work, but there’s no need to hold back on all makeup.

7. Encourage Extracurriculars

If you’re a salsa dancer, or take vocal training lessons over the weekend, or are doing a part-time diploma to widen your horizons, most organizations will happily encourage you! A happy, more stimulated you means a fresher and more productive mind at work.

8. Take Sabbaticals

If you feel like the daily routine is getting to you, and you just want to get away for a while to explore the world, or learn a new skill, or just spend more time with your family, take a sabbatical! An extended leave of absence is just what you need to open up your mind and come back with new, fresh ideas and tons of new experiences. The best thing is that no future employer will question the gap in your CV. They know that you’ll probably be wiser with the experience.

9. Be a Lady Boss

If you’re assertive in the office, that’s because it’s your job! You’re in a senior position and just because you’re a woman, no one’s going to think you’re bitchy because you are not afraid to speak your mind.

10. Balance Family and Career

Yes, it is a juggle and a struggle, but most organisations are understanding of personal situations. If you’re recently married and need time off, or are having a baby, Human Resources will be more than happy to be accommodating and allow you to work flexi-hours or take a longer unpaid maternity leave. Some larger organisations also have a creche in the office so new mummies can work stress-free!

Images: Shutterstock

*This post is sponsored by “Mia by Tanishq”

​Mia by Tanishq has been particularly designed for today’s urban, independent women, who until now did not have much of a choice with formal jewellery. Inspired by the individuality of each woman, it truly projects power, confidence and taste. All the pieces are crafted in 14K gold, making the collection of over 300 designs durable and lighter on the pocket.

Just ‘coz u can’t be asked to move your butt from that same spot on the couch for hours on end, and all your weekends pass in a blur of sleep induced fuzziness, you’ve still got to make it seem like you’ve made some effort to keep yourself looking good, right? We get ya! So this post is dedicated to all the #LazyGirls out there who, like me, need a cheat sheet to looking good with the least possible effort made! After all, the sofa snooze fest is just too precious!

Here are some tried and tested tips and tricks that I promise will make you look and feel glam!

Multitasking Masters

A regular beauty product loving girl will have an array of products, a different one for every inch of her face. But you, my lovely lazy girl, can make do with just a handful! The trick lies in picking products that are masters at the art of multitasking, just like us!

This Nivea Visage Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup claims to do not one, but 5 wonderful things to your skin!

Get yourself a tinted moisturizer of BB cream (depending on how much coverage you need) that contains SPF of 30 and over. No matter how lazy you are, you’re NOT allowed to skip the sunscreen!

Benefit’s Bene Tint Lip & Cheek Stain has seriously changed my life! Yes, it is pricey, but it lasts for ages! I’ll probably lose or break the bottle before I finish its contents!

Then there’s the trusty bronzer palette! Every celebrity’s favourite makeup product! Can be used as an eyeshadow or to contour your cheekbones or to highlight sexy cleavage.

And don’t forget good ‘ol Vaseline! Works as a lip balm, holds unruly eyebrows in place, adds a bit of sheen to your legs on a party night, rescues dry heels; this one’s a true magician!

On days I’m super lazy to get around to putting on full makeup for a night out, I take the easy route. BB cream, generous lashes of mascara and bright red lipstick! A red lippy just brightens up the face and immediately makes u look glam! The shade I absolutely swear by is MAC Viva Glam 1, totally perfect for the Indian skintone.

Get the Goop Off!

One thing I absolutely hate, and am guilty of skipping way more than I should be, is taking makeup off.  You come home with feet aching from wearing heels all night and a lot more wine in your system than there should be, you just can’t be bothered!  You know what I mean, right?

So what I now do is, plop on my comfy bed, use makeup removing wipes to mop up all the goop on my face, concentrating most on the eyes. Then a quick rinse off with water and I’m ready to hit the sack. My little trick is, I now keep a pack of wipes in my bedside drawer!

I’ve tested several brands, but I’ve found that Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Towelettes can handle all levels of waterproof makeup, without having to rub and scrub too much. Handy tip: I’ve found that the oil-free ones don’t work as well so stick with the regular blue packet. And as with any wipes, you’re better off buying smaller packs to make sure the towelettes don’t dry out once it’s been opened up.

Hair Heroes

Too much effort to wash your hair? While we’re totally anti gross-ness, postponing a hair wash for an extra day is something we’ve all done. Often! It’s easy enough to get away with it if you’ve got access to a good dry shampoo. I prefer the sprays to the powders; somehow feel like I can control the residue better. I’m using the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo that I bought after reading several fab blogger reviews, but I’ve seen many other brands that are available in India like Dove and Tresemme which should do the trick too.

And if nothing else, just put your hair up in a cute little bun and spritz a bit of body mist and no one’s going to know (and we’d never tell!)

Once you do get around to washing your hair, while it is still damp, tie it up in a loose braid or bun before you go to bed and wake up to soft beach curls the next morning! Work in some curl enhancing serum and you’re done!

Grooming Gurus

Sloppy grooming habits? This one we’re not willing to let you get off easy with! In India, it’s easy! Just call your trusty ‘parlour waali‘ for treatments in the comfort of your own home on days when you just want to watch back to back episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. It’s far more cost effective that going to the salon and no one’s going to try sell you extra products or memberships that you really don’t need (so annoying, right!). But the most important thing, that sofa loving butt need not budge an inch!

Hard as Nails

Opt for long wear nail paint and don’t forget the top coat to make sure you don’t have to end up spending time changing your nail paint every few days… I’ve just tried the Sally Hansen nail paints and I’ve got to say, I’m impressed! It’s been over 8 days now and no sign of chipping or fading!

If you want an even more foolproof option, get a Gelish manicure. It’s not great for your nails so don’t do it too often and always make sure you go to a salon with trained professionals to do this for you. Remember to slather sunscreen on your hands before you expose them to the UV light used to set the nail paint.

Lifestyle Changes That are Guaranteed to Make You Glow.

I could tell you to eat your spinach, drink coconut water, get regular facials, treat your Cleanse-Moisturize-Tone routine like a mantra. Yes, we’re sure your skin will glow. But how do you make sure you shine while you are in a crowd? How do you ensure that the peace you feel within translates into an aura that encapsulates you always?

1. Be good. Stay true to your values. If you are at peace with yourself, it is guaranteed to show.
2. Be happy. Surround yourself with people who make you smile. Those who know you need a hug before you know it yourself.
3. Listen to music. Read books. Travel. Learn a foreign language. Try new cuisines. Open your mind and palette to different cultures. Keep yourself open to new experiences. Never stop learning.
4. Learn to appreciate the silence. Stop. Breathe. Relax. Unwind.
5. Love. With all your heart and soul. Freely. With no fear.
6. Give. Openly. Wholeheartedly. Generously. Give without expecting anything in return. Not just money and gifts but time and knowledge too.
7. Find something that gives you peace. Whether is is mediation or prayer or watching the stars or the sound of waves.
8. Respect not only your parents, elders and teachers, but your peers and those not as fortunate as you too.
9. Be an inspiration. Be a role model. Be someone who inspires others to be a good human being.
10. Help those who need you. Charity and doing good deeds give you more of a high that any martini or shopping spree ever will. But do it because you want to, not to chase the high.
11. Spend time with children. Their innocence and boundless energy will leave you invigorated.
12. Spend time with elders. Their life experiences will teach you more than any Ivy League college can.
13. Spend time with your parents. That’s the most solid relationship you’ll ever have.
14. Chase your dreams. But don’t sacrifice your youth chasing material wealth and success.
15. Spend wisely. Buy what you really need. Indulge yourself once in a while. Save for emergencies.
16. Don’t take your body for granted. Health really is wealth.
17. Sleep peacefully. Dream. With your phone switched off.
18. Age gracefully. Gray hair and wrinkles brought on with age are natural and beautiful. Embrace them.
19. Ditch the stress. Nothing is worth it.
20. Finally, SMILE. And you’ll glow!

Who is your special someone? Who brings your inner radiance out to the front? Is it your mum, who puts you above everything else? Or your bestie, who knows you inside out? Or is there a special someone in your life who you think about and smile? 

This post was published on POPxo.com on Wed, 11 February, 2015

This post was published on POPxo.com on Thu, 01 January, 2015