The A to Z of my life

Thank you for your wishes.. Thought of doing a fun post today! I have come across quite a few bloggers who have done such posts and it's always fun reading them - cause they are simply random things/thoughts from their life!
Here is my take -

A - Ambitious - I am quite ambitious. However, family comes first. Any day!
B - Blessed - I believe I am blessed. Blessed to have the best parents, best husband and the best family in the world.
C - Cats - They get drawn to me (not sure why).. Read more here
D - Dress-up - I am very fond of dressing well. And don't understand why people these days take dressing up so lightly. Sweatpants/PJs are meant to be worn ONLY inside the four walls of your home!
E - Exercise - Yeah baby!! Do I need to say more??

F - Food - More than eating, I love cooking. It's such a therapeutic activity. It calms me, soothes me and makes me happy!
G - God - I believe I have a strong connection with him.
H - Health - The MOST important aspect of my life. If you are not rich with health, nothing else matters in your life!
I - Inner voice - I always listen to it. And it is never wrong.
J - Joy - I find joy in everything and enjoy as much I can. My husband plays a big role in that.. he can make me laugh even when I am fuming with anger!

K - Kindness - Just 'being human' is all the kindness needed from all of us. That should do it. Sadly these days people are not that in to 'humanity'..
L - Live - I 'LIVE' every moment of my life. And when I say 'LIVE' I mean every letter of it!
M - Music - It gives me energy, brings a smile on my face! Loving the "I'm happy" song lately..
N - No-nonsense - I am a very straight forward person. I say what I feel (with out being rude).
O - Optimistic - I am quite optimistic. To me, everything is POSITIVE or has a positive side.. it all depends on how you look at it!

P - Pictures - I love taking pictures. They speak more than words.. They always take me back to that moment when they were taken! That's how I re-live the moments whenever I look at my pictures..
Q - Queen - My husband fondly calls me his 'Queen'. Love hearing it from him :)
R - Romantic - I am quite romantic at heart.. I don't believe in fairy tales though!
S - Sun - I love Sunshine. Days when Sun doesn't shine, are gray (sad) days for me too.. Boo!!
T - Thai Food - My favorite cuisine of all.. Love Thai Fried Rice!

U - Understand - I am not someone who would make perceptions with out understanding the whole situation. I like to know it all before I make a perception about anyone/anything..
V - Vacation - Who doesn't love a vacation? I love how that word sounds! It's music to my ears..
W - Words - I choose my words very carefully. It's wise to think before we speak! Hurting someone's feelings is something I dread..
X - Expressive - I am big in expressions. I can't hide my emotions (even if I want). It's right there on my face!
Y - Yourself - Believe in yourself. I do. And it always helps!
Z - Zzzz - I love my beauty sleep..

So.. how was that?? Did you enjoying reading the A to Z of my life?? Share.. Share..

Cheers!
Ritika..

One plus One

It’s that day of the year again!!!! The mighty blog turns 2 today…
How about that! I know.. I know.. it’s nothing much but it is for me. So much has happened since last year.. For instance I grew out my hair (though not much, but still.. haha), moved to a different city (where it snows even during the end of March.. like really??), got promoted at work as a team manager (now that’s quite interesting I tell you), not to forget more places I traveled to.. I am thankful to God, to my friends, family, to all my fellow bloggers, my lovely readers (stalkers included here hehe)..
I already baked a batch of egg-less chocolate cupcakes today. Oh and we have home-made veggie pizza full of crunchy fresh vegetables for dinner tonight. We are celebrating at home!!!!
There is only so much you can do on your blog’s birthday when you are a team manager at work who has tons of job responsibilities and when the birthday falls right in the middle of week!

This year brings so many more opportunities for me… I don’t know if you do, but I certainly feel a change in my personal style.. What do you think? I love to take new challenges now and try something which I never thought I would have otherwise.. That’s big enough for me.. I am working on experimenting more.. and more and more.. That's kind-a never ending journey..
And the lovely travel opportunities life gives me! I can never be thankful enough for that.. It would not be wrong if I say that’s the most interesting part of my life which I just love to LIVE. That being said.. I wish a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BLOG.. It's the beginning of another fun-filled super awesome year.. Yuhooo!!!

Thank you and love you all..
Cheers..
Ritika..

Everyone does not need to workout!

The biggest workout myth I have ever come across is when people tell me that I don’t need to workout, mainly because I am slim, and not overweight and so on.. Frankly, I really get annoyed with such people, who themselves (almost) never workout and have no interest in living a healthy life, however they are ready to make judgments on other people’s life who are actually making a generous effort!
Anyways, my answer to all such people is – My dear friends, please get your facts right! Each and every one of us need to workout. It does not matter whether you are slim, or overweight. Both ways, you must adopt a healthy lifestyle which includes eating fresh, home cooked food and exercising regularly. After all nothing matters without good health. Am I right or am I right?

I have had my share of ‘overweight’ days (you know it..!!), however, I managed to get out of that phase, but trust me it was not easy. It required a lot of dedication and commitment. You have to be committed to your body for your whole life. It does not matter if you have too many problems in your life (we all do!), or you suffer from mood swings or you crave comfort food – to me, all these are mere excuses! Your body deserves more than that! If you treat it with love and care, your body rewards you with good health and a toned figure. And who does not want that?

source

So the big question is why do slim (or not overweight) people need to exercise?
It’s because exercising reduces your chances of falling ill, boosts your metabolism rate, enhances your stamina, makes you feel light, look good and feel confident about yourself. Do you seriously need more reasons? (cause trust me, I have more than you can count)!
Hope now you get it.. everyone should (read ‘must’) workout. Factors like gender and age do not matter. Depending on your interest, your likes and dislikes you may choose your favorite sport (like boxing, aerobics, yoga, tennis, football, cycling, running etc.), but it’s really important to stay active. Specially in winters when people tend to become lazy about everything, you must not neglect your body and it’s needs. And this applies to everyone reading this (even to those who are not reading this article..)!

I have said this before and I am saying it again - Our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it.
So do yourselves a favor - Get-up and Go. Workout. Leave your lazy self behind and do something for your body. Your body will find a hundred ways to thank you.
Stay Fit.
Stay Active.

Cheers!
Ritika

In Spotlight: Tommy Hilfiger

Do you suffer with a feeling of looting a store? I do. I strongly do, and that too only for one single brand – Tommy Hilfiger. Remember here when I talked about the sizing problem and the t-shirt issues I face in day to day life? Well, it seems God answered my prayers! He listened to me and showed me the way of Tommy Hilfiger! (too dramatic ehh..??)
Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a little, but people you got to check out their stuff (if you haven't already). It won’t be wrong if I say I love everything they make.. now and forever! The thing is whenever I enter their store, there is not ‘one’ thing which I dislike! I love everything there.

I am falling in love with stripes all over again. I think no one does stripes better than them! And more than that, they make really, really good stuff for women with curves (of course, they make small sizes too). But what I mean here is – their t-shirts fit me like a glove! I recently bought myself tons of them – since I just cannot get enough of it! Their dresses, pants, blouses all are made to be worn in real life (unlike many other brands which look good only on the models or mannequins)..

It is growing like an addiction for me, I feel this instant urge of driving to the store and just checking the stuff every 10 days. I am usually the first one to know about their new designs and collections in the stores! It won't be wrong if I say the Phoenix store crew has started to recognize me! Ha ha..
I am a true TH fan!

I'm a designer of more than clothes. I am a designer of a very creative concept. ~ Tommy Hilfiger

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. All views are my own. Yes, I love TH that much, just decided to write it all!

Cheers!

Ritika

Fast Fashion: Is it Worth?

There is something that I need to share with you all. Since this is my personal blog where I share all my personal experiences, I decided to share this one as well. And even in future, I promise to be honest about the stuff I plan to put here. So last week on Wednesday I was browsing a few websites online. I love window shopping at Asos and Zara when I don’t have anything else to do. And suddenly I remembered that a Zara store was about to be launched in my city in the month of September.
I got fully excited thinking how come I forgot about it since I have been waiting for this store to open here in Phoenix for months now.. The store construction began back in May and I have been keeping an eye on the launch date, but then somehow I missed it. Anyways, better late than never! So I decided to go to the store and check out their fall collection.

Now before we go any further in this present day story, let me give you a background scenario here. If you are a regular at my blog, you would know that I moved to Phoenix no more than 14 months ago. I was living a happy life in New Delhi when this big move happened. And if I remember clearly, a Zara store launched in New Delhi a few months before we moved. Well, back then, I was new to blogging and had heard a lot of good reviews about Zara.
If you must know, in Indian market, brands like Zara, Mango and Forever 21 are considered to be high-street and expensive. We, the current day generation grew up buying local Indian brands, shopping from flea markets etc. And now with the introduction of international brands like Zara and Mango, we are also getting to taste international fashion. Since these brands have already marked their presence all over the world, we take them as it is, without giving much of a personal thought about is that hype really worth it? So now you know, that an average Indian fashion blogger would consider it a treat to shop at Zara considering the expensive stuff they sell, and the way we Indians like to show-off our expensive purchase items!
Undoubtedly high-street brands like Forever 21, Benetton etc. are doing a pretty good business everywhere, and the story is not different in India too.

On that note, not quite a long ago, Leandra Medine from the famous Man Repeller, wrote quite a good article on her blog about Zara, how they copy designs from the designers collection and sell them at retail prices. When I read that post then, I thought how can she write such a thing for such a big brand specially when the whole world is going ga-ga over the stuff they make! May be I was wrong then.. We shall come to that..

Anyways, so what I am saying here is I had a lot of hopes and expectations from Zara. So I finally gave in to the urge and went to the mall to check out the store on a first-hand basis. I really loved the interiors and the merchandise collection in the store. But when I tried a few pieces, I was really, really.. really disappointed. Now, I am not saying that everything on the racks was useless, I am just saying that I could not find the balance between the quality/fit of the clothes and the high price they were tagged for! I tried three different skirts from their latest collection and none of them fit! Since they sell products in alphabetical sizes (S,M,L etc..), they should consider putting some sort of stretch in the fabric of skirts, pants etc. I am usually a size M in U.S. but even their Large size skirts did not fit me – it was either too lose or tight! The fit was not at all flattering. And that happened with most of the clothing I tried that day.. Nothing worked for me. Of course the models make everything look so good in the catalog, but in real life it's not always the same!

Well, all my eagerness and excitement faded at that very moment.. I was so disappointed. Anyways, there were few good pieces too, like their leather jackets etc. but since they were priced so high, I did not make an effort to try them on..

source

So I guess, Leandra was actually right. Only imitating designer pieces is not enough. Quality and fit is important too, at least for me.. And what’s wrong in asking, if I am ready to pay for it! Fast fashion means nothing if the brands are compromising on the quality of their stuff. We love what's new, we get obsessed with it and then we abuse it for a few months and then we are ready to throw it off, just when a new collection is launched? Is that all fashion is about? What happened to the timeless and evergreen fashion pieces? What happened to re-using stuff.. over and over again?
Not only this, fast fashion has also resulted in over expenditure. We tend to spend more than we need on clothes, shoes etc.. We have to have that particular skort, or that pink coat or those loafers everyone is wearing! And as soon as something new comes in the market, the center of attention jumps from one to another so fast that we hardly get enough time to shelve off that skort or that pink coat in some hidden corner of our closet! Now the question is - Should 'WE' be leading the trends or the 'TRENDS' be leading us? Thoughts?

How to Avoid and Lose Post-Marriage Weight Gain

I have been wanting to write this post for quite some time now. All the views are my own and here I am penning down all the thoughts and ideas based on my personal experiences.
So, I got married two and a half years ago. And it’s no big news to the world how big and magnificient Indian weddings are! From food to lights, clothes to crackers, everything shines, dazzles and is over the top!
We Indians believe in showing off all that we have! We have to show off to the whole world that our son and our daughter is getting married! The celebration may go on for weeks or even months..

Anyhow, so coming back to my story, I was exercising quite well before marriage and was at a moderate weight and height proportion. But then marriage happened, a big lavish wedding followed by week-long honeymoon and many, many weeks of lunches and dinners with the extended family and friends. It was a big change for me, in so many ways. Emotionally, I was on the ninth cloud with all the special attention, all the love and all the affection of my new family. It was all new to me, I was trying to absorb as much as I can! I wanted to seize every happy moment life was throwing at me..and well.. all my happiness started to show – not only in my eyes but on my body too. I started gaining weight, and fast! It’s another thing that I have a tendency to gain weight as soon as I start neglecting my healthy habits. And right then, I was just enjoying every bit of the newness life was showering me with! My lifestyle was changing, my body was changing, my habits were changing, I was not cooking for myself, I was not a regular at the gym anymore, and obviously all of this was not helping. Now when I think, all I did in the initial months of getting married, was eat, eat and eat since food is a medium of showing love in India. My husband is a foodie and so are my in-laws, which acted like a cherry on the cake!

In India, people show their love by cooking and serving delicious food, our very special Indian delicacies and it does not end here, they even make you eat more than your appetite (of course out of love). Politely and lovingly they will keep serving you that last (extra) helping just when you announce that you are full! And since you are new to the family, you can’t just say no and hurt their feelings! And since I was new in the family, I was shy and nervous to even think of saying no, or hurt anyone's feelings! As a result, I gained quite a lot of weight. I started disliking the face and body I was seeing in the mirror. I was just not feeling myself. And then I decided I was done with all of it. I decided to step up, for myself.
I then joined my office gym. I drafted a plan for myself – like how much to eat, when to eat, what to eat. And I started working on myself, my diet, increased my physical activities, walked more, worked out fiercely and what not! I did this with full dedication.

Of course results started to show! I also learned to say ‘No’. We all must learn that. And there is no harm in saying no – in a polite and firm manner, after all, its your body and not a dustbin!
Well, in a matter of 4 -5 months, I was back to my normal self. My confidence was back and I was enjoying my married life like never before! Nonetheless, I even motivated my husband and in-laws to follow the healthy way of living life!
So after all this brain storming, I have come up with the below few solutions which may help you to lose weight or even avoid gaining it.

• Learn to say NO – Stop feeding your mouth when you clearly know you are full! Say no to others generously, when they offer you that extra helping which you clearly don’t need. Say no to yourself when you know you are done!
• Cook for yourself – I know this might be tough for working women, but you should still try to make an effort. Nobody understands the needs of your body more than you.
• Eat home cooked food – as much as possible. No explanation needed.
• Workout – Last but not the least, work the hell out! Even if you are not over weight, or fat, you still need to work out, to keep your heart strong! Do anything that amuses you – be it dancing, running, cycling or yoga!

So that’s my story and a few suggestions! I also tried putting up my before and after pictures! It feels like I have come a long way.. Though this is a never ending journey :)

Cheers to healthy living!

Ritika..

Twirling through Town

After traveling to so many places, I feel this is one of the best places I have ever been to.. Let's just say this city is a unique mix of people from around the world.. The architecture, the buildings is a beautiful mix of Parisian and American culture.
Living in a hotel located right in the heart of the downtown is a good experience in itself. I walk along the sidewalks, simply breathing and taking in all the beauty of this city I could. 7 days seem too less now to absorb all the wonderfulness this city has to offer me..

Evenings just fly while I watch people, beautiful people, amazingly dressed, walking along the sidewalks of the busy roads.
The people here are so compassionate, so warm and so welcoming is the least I could say.. Though I did not come here on a vacation, but I definitely would not mind spending a few more days here.
The weather plays wonderfully too. It's cold, cold enough to wear a nice leather jacket! It's overwhelming to feel the chilly breeze brush through my cheeks, making my nose and cheeks all blush! I hug myself tightly at that time, enjoying every bit of it, after all, this is all I have been wishing for a long time living in a desert. And the mornings are cold enough to not want to get out of the bed!
I feel I am God’s favorite child. Just saying that 'I feel I am lucky' is not enough. I feel He has bestowed me with all the best things in this short life of mine, for which I shall be forever grateful..

The only part where I feel sad is when I miss GM, my loving partner in all things good and bad. His mere presence could have doubled the joy I feel while walking down the streets, looking at the magnificent and beautifully crafted houses people live in, the parks where people take their pets for an evening walk and the malls where they indulge themselves in..
I wish to come here again someday when the time is right, when the weather is the same, and when I have him by my side...
I believe the charm of this city will always remain burning in my heart. Oh, if I did not mention before, I am in Ottawa, Canada. Hope you remember when I mentioned about this trip before.

And if you are wondering, these pictures were clicked in Phoenix. Obviously I wouldn't dare to wear a cotton jumpsuit in this super cold weather here.. Though these pictures were taken only 4 days ago!

Cheers!
Ritika

Jumpsuit: Forever 21 | Sandals: Franco Sarto Glinda via DSW | Clutch: Aldo | Sunglasses: Aldo | Watch: Michael Kors

This & That - 1

Few random things I wanted to share with y’all ~

1. I am missing India a lot lately. Well, it has been more than a year since I was last there.. And more than anything I am missing my hometown - Kanpur - the place where I grew up – my city!
2. I am on a working out spree these days. After I come home from work, I eat something (I am usually super hungry at that time), then after an hour I go for a run! It feels great post workout.. I am feeling so 'light' these days..
3. Weather is still not good here. It’s very hot all the time.. I miss the rains. On that note, it’s raining cats and dogs in the northern part of India.. (you see.. how much I am missing India)..
4. I am growing out my hair.. plan to keep it shoulder length.. umm.. like a long bob.. Let's see how that goes.. (And for that I am eating a lot of proteins now-a-days, so they grow faster).. haha..
5. Travel is on the cards again! But I can’t spill the beans yet.. Though this time I am nervous (and not excited) – and that’s all I can share for now! Fingers are crossed..!!
6. I pampered myself a Swedish body massage yesterday.. And it felt divine.. truly..
7. These pictures were taken today in the afternoon. It was an unplanned quick iPhone photo-shoot to be precise (hence the picture quality).. My husband and I love eating pizza at Peter Piper Pizza. They don’t over-do cheese and they make these crunchy veggie pizzas which are drool-worthy! Did I mention they have lunch buffets? Yeah!!
8. I am quite active on Instagram (@rising_colors)... follow me if you like!

Happy Weekend you all...!!

Cheers!
Ritika

Blouse: Gap (similar) Love this playsuit | Capri pants: Tommy Hilfiger | Shoes: Ross (similar here and here) | Sunglasses: Forever 21 | Watch: Invicta

Last August

This August completes my one year in Phoenix, United States! Remember when on my birthday I shared with you all for the first time that I was moving to the States with my husband.. Well, it still feels like yesterday when I left my job in India, packaged all my stuff and came here to start a new life! And not to mention, I have loved every bit of life has offered me in this past year.. I have grown in so many ways.. traveled to so many places, learned so many things..

Today I was looking at my archives and thought of doing a recap post of how my last August went (style-wise)..
And those of you who have joined me recently, can look at these previous posts! I love reading my old posts during leisure.. It takes me back to the time and the mind state in which I wrote all of these...
Thank you all for being on this journey with me ~ the journey of life!
Happy August, you all ~ ~ ~

P.S. Click on the link below the picture to view the full post.

Kingdom of Dreams

Just Being Neutral

How to Style Harem Pants

You're Beautiful!

Less is More

Things are different today

20 Fun Facts about me

Cheers to life!

Ritika

Beauty isn't make up

I ask this question to all my married girlfriends and female readers - Has it ever occurred that you have to go to a party and you get all dressed up in a sexy short dress, put on your photo-ready make-up, glam up those eyes, slip in to high heels and as you are about to leave the house, your beloved takes a rough look at you and snaps - 'Hey, you are not looking beautiful today.. and are you wearing make-up?'
Well, yes, that moment is what I am talking about. Though it happens very rarely, but it does..
To me, this happened last Friday when we had to go to a party.
Now if you are thinking what was my response, well I was definitely not happy to hear that (like any other woman), since I spent like 20 minutes on my dressing table decorating my face! So much of hard work goes in to that.. isn't it?

Anyways, then I asked him - 'Why do you say that? I think I am looking just fine..'
Then he said softly - 'You look good with out all the make-up. You are beautiful naturally, you just don't need to apply make-up!'
And the very next moment I find my (angry) self going to the washroom, pumping two drops of the facewash and washing my face off with it!
And just like that all the make-up was washed down the drain..
On that note, while I was lathering my face, watching my reflection in the mirror, I thought to myself - is this why I buy all those jazzy expensive foundation bottles, eye shadow pots, shimmer and what not - to simply wash it off? Well, he wants natural and so will he get it!.

I told him to wait in the living room for me. I came out of the washroom, pat my face dry, switched my little black dress in to a simple pair of jeans and a chiffon blouse. To finish it off, I applied my favorite pinkish-red matte lipstick from Smashbox (that's my go-to). And that was it! I barely took 5 minutes and I was ready! As I said, he was waiting in the living room. The moment I entered, he exclaimed with joy 'Wow! Now you look beautiful!' (At this time I was still furious knowing he was lying just to make me happy.. since I was determined that I was certainly not looking that party ready since I was wearing a pair of jeans, and, in my blogger dictionary, a pair of jeans is my last option if I am in the mood of dressing up..  i'ts just too casual for me!)

Well, anyways we left for the party. The venue was about 10 miles from our home, so we had plenty of time (red lights) to talk on the way..
While driving,  he kept saying it over and over again 'You are looking so very pretty - 'au naturel'.. trust me you don't need any make-up.. etc. etc..' And I kept listening to him, making faces that I don't believe him! Then to prove his point, he took out his phone and clicked a picture of me sitting next to him in the car and said 'See for yourself - I am not lying.' The moment I saw the picture I smiled and said 'Yes, may be you are right..'

And there it was - the truth of all our lives.. We really don't need make-up to make ourselves look or feel beautiful. We should accept ourselves the way we are!
Well, there was my moment of awareness. Now I will (literally) trust my loving husband every time he says that I look beautiful because I know he will mean it!

“Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself on the inside and out.”

P.S. I am seriously 'this' close to throwing away all my foundation bottles, eye shadows, compact etc. Any takers??

Cheers!
Ritika

Blouse: The Limited | Jeans: Levi's | Watch: Fossil | Clutch: Gifted

Nerd Chic

As described in Wikipedia, a nerd is a person, typically described as being overly intellectual, obsessive, or socially impaired. I was never a nerd in my growing years, not even when I was a student or when I started working. I have always been a very outgoing person.
I can strike a conversation with a complete stranger with complete ease. Though I don’t do it all the time (obviously), I am just saying that being conservative was never really my style.. I was very liberal..

And for this, I would like to give all the due credit to my mother. I still remember how my Mom always taught me to be very open and frank with my thoughts. Even when I was in school, she used to encourage me to talk to new joiners in the class, help others with studies, be a volunteer for various activities etc. For obvious reasons, I used to be teachers’ favorite!
Well, over the period of time, this habit has developed in me, and again, all thanks to my mother, I make friends very easily!

Anyhow, for today’s post I thought of dressing up like a nerd ~ in a good way! These reader glasses complete the look perfectly. The red lips add that extra oomph to the otherwise not so special outfit.
Need I say it's a perfect work wear outfit?
P.S. Love these Forever 21 shoes (wore here before), however they are not very comfortable. Hence I wear them specially when I know I would not be doing a lot of walking – and today was one such day!

Cheers!
Ritika

Tank Top: Ann Taylor | Linen Pants: Tommy Hilfiger | Shoes: Forever 21 | Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters | Watch: Fossil

Let it Rain

It was 5 in the evening. I sat in my car. It was dark and cloudy, it looked as if the clouds are about to touch down earth! Tiny drops of water started falling on my windshield. I was amused to see it.

Sitting in my car, I called my husband (who was still working in office) – ‘Honey, you won’t believe it! Guess what?”
And before he could reply, I snapped, in a very cheerful voice – “It’s raining outside! Though very tiny droplets are falling, but still everything is looking so beautiful. When are you gonna come home?”
(Yes, you are allowed to become so happy when you live in a desert. Rain is very special to us)!

Husband: “Yeah, I know It’s raining. I can see from my office window. Looks pretty! But I can’t leave right now. I have work to complete.”

Me: “Oh! Well, then see you at home! Love you. Bye!”

I turned my car ignition on and plugged in my iPhone to the music system tuning in to my favorite rain song and drove the car off the parking lot. I was enjoying every bit of the moment.
As I was about to reach home, a sudden urge of drinking a hot mocha came through! And before I knew I  was driving towards the Drive-through lanes of Starbucks.

I reached home finally. It was pouring by then! Like they say – it was raining cats and dogs. I parked my car in its usual parking space and called husband again – “Hey, where are you?”

Husband: “I'm at home. Where are you, since you left before me?”

Me: “Yes, I did, but then I went to grab a cup of coffee since the weather is so pleasant. I wanted to have one!”

Husband: “Ok, so where are you now?”

Me: "I am right outside. Sitting in the car.."

Husband: “ What? Well, then why are still sitting in the car? Come inside! I am missing my lovely wife in this lovely weather!” (right, he never fails to let go any chance to flirt with me)!

Me: “Yeah, I love you too, but I can’t come in! It’s raining so hard, I will get drenched the moment I step out of the car!”

Husband: “So what! I thought you loved rains and you will look hot too!!” (see, flirting again)..

Me: “I do! But I don’t want to spoil this nice dress that I’m wearing plus these shoes are definitely not made to be soaked in water!”

By this time he came out in the patio and was laughing hard looking at me – as I was running in my heels towards the house. He was enjoying it!

I entered home, dropped my bags, threw my heels in the air, changed in to my sexy shorts and a tee. In less than a minute I was out of the house again! He was still in the patio enjoying the rain.. I finally got to get drenched! I danced, sang and laughed! It was amazing.. loved it!

Husband was still standing, laughing at me and clicking pictures from his phone! I was singing, dancing and sipping my favorite mocha! What’s not to love!

There are very few unplanned things in life make that you smile, make you happy! Don’t let go such moments! Live them.. to the fullest.
I love rains and I loved that evening...

~ The best thing you can do when it's raining is to Let it ~

Cheers!
Ritika

T-Shirt: American Eagle (also styled this t-shirt with a formal skirt) | Shorts: Thrifted

Guess who's having a Birthday!

It’s that day of the year again – it’s my birthday! Birthdays feel special. The whole day feels very special.

I am feeling too good and too happy to express right now! Husband went out of his comfort zone and surprised me with a few little things! All my family and friends have been showering me with their love and blessings.

Life is good!

Since my last birthday, I have grown, I have changed (okay, you are allowed to count on the haircut here), the way I think, the way I act to critical situations in life – everything has changed.. And it keeps changing day by day, everyday.. I am more mature, more patient, more content, more happy, more calm and there is a long list here.. So I guess I am new every day! We all are, aren’t we?

I feel blessed. I feel so blessed – to have this beautiful life, to be able to live this life with over-enthusiasm.

I am blessed to experience all those small and unplanned quirky happy moments that life throws on me.

I am blessed for all the travel opportunities I get, just so I could learn more and experience all kinds of different worlds.

I am blessed to be born to such amazing parents who brought me up so well and made me what I am today!

I am blessed that the love of my life, my better half loves me unconditionally and gives a meaning to my life.

I am blessed to have this blog, where I can express what I feel, pen down my thoughts.

I am blessed to have you all – my friends, my readers, (not to forget a few stalkers, and the silent ones)!

I am blessed to be – where I am today! I don’t have anything more to ask for!

 

Thank you would be an understatement right now!

 

It’s been such a wonderful year - that's all I can say!

Celebrations are on! You are invited :)

 Cheers!

Turning Bohemian

There is one thing that I have not tried yet – being a fashion blogger. Not that I don’t want to, it’s just that, I have yet to figure out how can I do it well, so that it suits my personality and my style! What I am talking about here is – the bohemian style. The more I see it, the more I like it. There are so many wonderful bloggers rocking the bohemian style with élan, and I just can’t help myself but feel getting drawn towards it, day by day. But the only glitch that is holding me back is – I am not sure if it would be able to pull it off that well! And other questions like – will it look good on me? Where do I start from?

Well, I have been fighting with this inner voice of mine for a long time now. And finally that day while shopping, when I came across this beautiful tunic (which caught my attention instantly), I knew I have taken the first step to try something I have always wanted to!
As much as I am excited about giving myself a project, I am a little nervous too, since this is new to me! I haven’t given myself a chance to incorporate a bohemian look in any of my styling diaries. But now I want to, and I will! I want to come out of my comfort zone, like we all do, especially now, after blogging for one good year, I want to try new things, new styles, like large sunglasses, flowing skirts, boots and loose jumpers, something which I thought I never would! Oh well, I have a long list for that, will share soon.

I don’t know why but the bohemian vibe, the unkempt look attracts me towards itself a lot! Stacking too many rings or bangles was never my thing (but never say never, right?). Hence, I want to explore that route too! And I keep asking myself – Why not? And that’s what fashion is all about – doing the undone! Isn’t it?

So here I am – with my own version of Bohemian Rhapsody (okay, not literally, but still). And I have a secret to tell – This bohemian thing is growing on me, in all ways – inside and out! Sometimes I have this strong urge of simply leaving everything behind and setting myself free, live life like a long lost wanderer..

Cheers!
Ritika

Tunic: Tommy Hilfiger (now available in white)
Pants: Fame Forever, India (similar by Free People)
Shoes & Earrings: From New Delhi (many designs available here)
Scarf: Forever 21 (similar)
Belt: Thrifted, India
Solid Copper Ring: From an antique shop in Sedona, AZ
Cuff: Claire's

Drops of Neon

Sometimes, situations are only black and white in life. No color – just black or white. Few things happen in life which make you wonder – what plans does God have for you? If he is our biggest well-wisher, then why something bad ever happens? And specially to those who are so good, and do good to others!

Well, my questions can not be answered by anyone as of now, since I am not ready to accept defeat so easily, or so soon! I will try again, once again, for sure. And this time, He will have to give me what I am asking for!

Wore this outfit yesterday on a coffee date with husband. Keeping all the focus on Neon. To see the colored pictures, check the blog's Facebook page. Shall update the pictures there tomorrow! Do not forget to stop by..

Cheers
Ritika

T-Shirt: American Eagle Outfitters
Skirt: Incense, New Delhi (similar here)
Shoes: Levity Austin via DSW (earlier worn here)
Watch: Michael Kors
Sunglasses: Forever 21