The List

Last week I asked you all to help me make a 'List' in order for me to find my motivation back. And boy! did we all make a list or what! After reading this anyone who doesn't exercise or thinks being 'lazy' and stuffing food down their throat is cool, gotta feel a little ashamed of themselves! This is what I had said...

1. I like how I feel when I exit from the Gym
2. My skin looks a lot better when I workout regularly
3. I like how my clothes fit me when I am in good shape
4. I truly cherish my current tiny waist [which was once as big as whole of ASIA!]
5. I do not like paying medical bills [which accumulate due to poor health]
6. I enjoy the confidence fitness gives me
7. I feel more at peace and in sync with myself when I workout

And this is what you all said ...

8. I can wat whatever I want when I workout regularly [ Ritcha & Shuchita]
9. I'm hot. Not just temp wise. Mind, body and soul wise. [Dusk]
10. I have the sexiest shoulders in the blogosphere [Dusk]
11. I'm Fabulous. Fullstop. [Dusk]
12. It is the only form of pain which is a gain [Anita]
13. I do not feel guilty when I indulge in all things SUGAR [Anita]
14. I enjoy getting the compliments which make my heart grin [Anita]

15. I am happy when I exercise, thus far more patient with other too! [Upasna]

16. It is a good [& healthy] time pass [Mom]

17. Need it to stay the 'Fashionista' of the town [Mom]

18. Good to set new challenges for yourself [Mom]

19. Helps me make new friends [Mom]

20. 'Coz I look so badass that I can kick anyone anywhere ...but I am still awesome [L1L2]

21. I feel more energized, fresh & ALIVE [Pookhie]

22. My overall endurance and stamina increases and I sleep well at nights [Poohkie]  

23. Helps me have a flatter tummy [Tanya]

24. Working out can also be FUN [Sherin]
25. It is a great "ME" time [Cat]
26. I feel graceful and calm after workout (Yoga) [Geeta Mahesh]
27. I look longer and leaner after workout (Yoga) [Geeta Mahesh]

28. I put my body in better state for long-term [C'n'C]
29. The feeling of accomplishment lasts beyond exiting the gym and resurfaces when I like what I see in the mirror! [C'n'C]
30. I feel so good after exercising that it feels silly not to [March Musings]

And now I have something more to add ...

31. I like when I am able to motivate others

32. I like when I stand in front of the mirror and see muscles forming on my body
33. I like how flexible my body is now
34. I like how my balance has improved due to regular Yoga & Pilates
35. I like when members at the gym mistake me for a Personal Trainer

Do you think it is possible to add something more 

or is this rather an elaborate list already?

-- X --

Also, last week Leia had asked me a few fitness related questions. 

I think this is a good time to answer them. 

- Firstly, why were you overweight? Had a stressful situation led to overeating? Was it genetic? What factors led to the fact that you were a weight at which you didn't feel comfortable?

I was overweight due to bad eating habit and absolutely no form of exercise or activity. I was a lazy couch potato and had no inclination towards any form of sports either. I liked my books, television, and writing neither of which required to move my a$! However, when I moved out of home and went to college I relied mostly on snacks instead of real food and eventually when I started working I relied on quick & easy food instead of cooking.

I had a very supportive circle of friends and family who never made me feel 'fat' but I did feel uncomfortable when I went shopping and had to try all the 'big/large' sizes or when I saw skinnier/fitter girls and felt terrible about myself. I never felt confident in public and was always over-concious of my existence altogether on this planet!

- What made you decide you wanted to lose weight? Did you just want to be slim? Was it a health issue?

I have answered this question in numerous posts. I wouldn't mind repeating it again but wouldn't it just be easier for me to direct you to those posts? [Lazy, eh? I know, thats me!]

1. My Fat to Fit Journey
2. My Fit to Staying Fit Journey
3. My Happily Ever After

P.S. I do not have a problem with the word 'fat'. I never did. It is hurtful, but so is overweight/healthy/chubby and all the other synonyms. However, people who have excess fat stored in their body which makes them overweight are called FAT! And I WAS FAT. Period!

- And finally, HOW did you do it? How long did it take? What habits did you have to change?

This question is also answered on the above mentioned links but to summarize it I HAD TO CHANGE MY LIFE! I started with working out 7 days a week and eating only salads & vegetables ... and slowly I reduced the workout to 4 to 5 times a week and increased the food to everything in moderation. I am still not my perfect self [I would want to be and stay at 18% Body Fat!] but travel and life keeps coming in the way of me and my abs! *sob.sob* Hopefully I was able to answer your questions, Leia. 


I do not mind discussing fitness-fat-food with anyone. The only reason I do not post on this subject frequently any more is because I believe I had exhausted this topic last year. If anyone has more questions for me contact me on my Facebook Page

As hot as a Jalapeño!

I am not a big foodie. I am really not. I like what I like but my life does not revolve around food. At the end of the day it is just a means to fuel my body. I do have cravings for something spicy or a delicious chocolate every now and then but besides that I am good to go! But I luurrrvvvee to play host! In ideal world I would cook and people would eat and praise my delicious cooking! [Heaven!]

Jalapeño Bread Rolls

Today, I have been proactive enough to write the recipe 

before anyone has to ask me [Hi! Rubecka :)].

Ingredients

4.5 teaspoon Yeast

1 Jalapeño Pepper (deseeded and chopped)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons honey

2/3 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour

1. Place the yeast in a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons warm (98˚F) water. Stir until yeast is dissolved. 

2. Place the jalapeño pepper in a medium bowl. Add 3/4 cup warm (98˚F) water, the yeast mixture, the oil, salt, honey, and Cheddar. Stir in the flour until the dough comes away from the side of the bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until double in size (about 40 minutes). 

3. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Dust the dough lightly with flour. Knead the flour into the dough for about 2 minutes. Cut the dough into 12 pieces. Place 1 piece in each muffin cup. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 20 minutes). 

4. Preheat over to 450˚F. Uncover the muffin cups. Bake until golden brown, 7-10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes; carefully cut around the inside edges of the cups with a knife to remove the rolls. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm 

Voilà

This is how I had dressed yesterday for a random afternoon out!

Dress - Mango [09']; Jacket - Esprit [08']

Shoes - Local Boutique [10']; Socks - Tommy [10']; Hairband - Target [09']

I was having my own little catwalk. Could you tell?!?!?

Guest Post at "Beautifully Invisible"

Source - http://re.pn/92Wk2D

Check out my new guest post on 

10 Essential things to pack while traveling

posted today on
Beautifully Invisible. 

You might remember her from earlier this month.

She was the very first Guest Blogger at 

www.tanvii.com - Here! 

-- X --

I recently opened a Facebook Page for my Blog!

Come say Hi! to me there ...

P.S. I would like to Thank Annie for passing me this award here.

P.P.S. And also Thank Jemina for giving me another award here. 

Bowling Weekend

My husband has the craziest sense of humor. The only time he is 'genuinely' serious is probably when he is in la la land! Life is a one big comedy series with him. It can be a little testing sometimes but there is definitely not a single dull moment in my life. 

He is as filmy as me, so to my any 'real' question there is always a funny or 'filmy' retort. I really should record it one day [just for proof!]. No one would believe he is a scientist if they met him. 

I can't believe I ever thought that serious men were sexy! Mysterious, may be but how long can you enjoy the 'serious-ness'? I guess in hindsight I realize how naive and unreasonable I were. Having my own version and belief about things which clearly I had no experience about. Everyday living with him I learn to smile about the stupid mistakes I make [instances where you go - O.o!], reducing the tension by smiling and joking about it and always living and enjoying in the moment. 

We went Bowling this weekend with some friends! This is how I dressed ...

Top - French Connection [09']; Cargos - ASOS [10']; Shoes - Steve Madden [09']

Belt - Husband's ; Necklace - Gift [Mother-in-Law 10']; Earrings - Gift [Mom 10']

Husband to Me - "Laugh like you have stomach ache"

Me *wondering.while.laughying* Who laughs when they are having a stomach ache?!?! 

Husband - Mine since 07' [haha!]

Me to Husband - We need to stop eating so many carbs. My kamar is becoming kamara [Translation - My waist is becoming the size of this room!]

Husband to Me - Does that mean you won't be baking any more breads?

Agree to Disagree?

It's been quite sometime that I haven't told you what I have been thinking ... So here's what I have been thinking [duh!]

We'll start with a small religious history lesson ... [Why? Just 'coz I want to! Duh! again!]

Lord Ganesha is the one whom we pray to whenever we begin something new. Prayers to him are offered in hope of luck and prosperity. However, back in the mythological times one day Lord Ganesha and his younger brother Kumara were arguing over who is greater in knowledge. That's when their parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were called upon to settle the argument. Their parents set them on the task to go around the 'Brahman' [The universe and beyond] and whoever comes back first is the greatest. While Kumara ran away immediately to win the 'contest', Ganesha simple took a rotation around his parents and touched their feet as in Hinduism the world [universe] is in the feet of your parents! Hence, Ganesha won the title of being the greatest and is prayed first before any other God in all prayer ceremonies. 

Now here's why I narrated this story! It might not make any sense to you but thats how my brain works! What to do? ... 

If you were to ask any of my friends before this blog, they would not have know a lot about my likes and dislikes and interest and ambitions [unless we had a specific discussion about the topic!]. I do not go around telling what I like and dislike, simply because it always end up in an 'unnecessary discussion'. 

I am someone who takes a lot of time and passion before deciding what I like, whom I like ...etc. etc. I do not need to discuss or defend it. If the topic arises and someone cares for my opinion I will share it, else I prefer to keep my mouth shut. Personally I do not not mind if people have different opinions from mine, but I do mind when they disagree with me and won't give up till I agree with them! 

Why is it so hard for people to exist knowing that someone thinks differently from them? Why do we all have to convince the other person we are right? Why the judgement?

The only people I feel deserve any reasoning or justification are my parents. They gave birth to me [hey! literally made me!] so they have the right to know why I made the decisions I made. Everyone else, I can choose to share with them, but I do not have to! 

An ideal world would be... 

when we all can amicably agree to disagree! 

Wouldn't you agree?

Anyhoooo 

This is how I dressed on Friday to go to Austin for some work with my husband!

Tank - Target [10']; Skinnies - J. Brand [10']

Shrug - Gift [Brother 10']; Shoes - Shelly's [London, 07']

Heart Pendant - Macy's [08']; Ring - ASOS [10']

Clearly, I thought it would be a good idea to do some squats while I was posing!

Two birds ... One arrow? 

Secrets to Healthy Hair

Sonali had asked me to do a post on a hair care several weeks back and I am finally getting around it. For the record, I do not have the best quality hair on earth. They are verrrryyy fine, unbelievably straight and with no bounce/volume what-so-ever. But like everything in life, I have learnt to love what I have and maintain it to the best of my ability. But what is great about my hair is they are naturally shiny and healthy and grows at a decent rate. I cut my hair real short every 2-3 years and then grow them till they reach my waist and then cut them again! So much fun! *big.smile* Also, having straight hair means that I do not require to use any harsh hair products or chemicals on them ever. 

My Magic Hair Potion

My Hair transformation over the years

I used to maintain them much better up until my college days with a weekly oil treatment, deep conditioning and regular hair cuts. However, with time I have become a 'little' lazy and the maintenance has fallen down to monthly deep conditioning instead of weekly. However, I recently started making amends and getting back to my old (and good) habits. 

1. I apply oil once a week 

2. I use my 'Magic Potion' once a month

3. I use hair serum to detangle my hair before combing

4. I do not use hair dryer/straightener 

    [except on special occasions which are rare in my life]

5. I get a hair cut/trim every 8-10 weeks!

Also, Anika from Sweetfaced Style featured me yesterday in her Spreading the Love Series, here. [She has a thriving on-going debate on her blog about fashion, women, shape and self worth. Read this to know more.] Check out her blog!

Food & Fitness

Cheese & Chicken Quesadilla

Food

Ingredients
Low Carb (High Fiber) Tortillas
1 Cup Fat Free Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Half White Onion
Thin sliced Chicken Breast
Chopped Basil Leaves
1 Cup of Salsa

1. Sautée sliced chicken breast and onion in Olive oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top.
2. Foil a baking tray and place one tortilla on top
3. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese and salsa on top and place the second tortilla on top.
4. Broil on middle tray for 3 minutes and cut into 6 wedges.
5. Transfer sautéed chicken and onion on top.
6. Garnish with Basil Leaves and few drops of Hot Sauce [optional]
7. Husband doesn't like sour creme so I served with cottage cheese.

Fitness

Lately I have had to try wayyyy much 'harder' to get my a$$ to the gym. It could be the lack of motivation, or working hours coming in the way, or may be God is being her usual 'difficult' self! So I have decided to make a LONG list of reasons why I like to workout to motivate myself. 

Time to get back in the Game!

1. I like how I feel when I exit from the Gym
2. My skin looks a lot better when I workout regularly
3. I like how my clothes fit me when I am in good shape
4. I truly cherish my current tiny waist [which was once as big as whole of ASIA!]
5. I do not like paying medical bills [which accumulate due to poor health]
6. I enjoy the confidence fitness gives me
7. I feel more at peace and in sync with myself when I workout
8. 

9.

10.

Anyone wants to add anything to my list? 

P.S. For the record, that was Husband's meal (above) and not mine!

Guest Post by "Holly & Sally"

Today, I have Holly & Sally from Hippie by Heart. Thinks Fashion is Art! taking over to share their enviable knowledge and collection of jewelry. I have been ogling at some of the pieces they wear for almost a year now. If they ever have a robbery and only their 'jewelry' is missing, it wasn't me, just for the records! Take it away, girls...

Jewelry Must-Haves for Every Girl!

Those of you who read us will know that we’re rather big on jewelry! For those of you who have never chanced upon our little corner of the web, Hello there! We are Holly and Sally and we love jewelry!

When Tanvi, very sweetly, asked us to do a guest post on her fabulous blog, we thought we’d write about some must-have types of jewelry that every fashionista simply must own.

Let’s get to it then!

Simple, Everyday Pieces

These are the simple, clean-cut, can-never-go-wrong-with pieces that you can effortlessly throw on and wear with everyday work or play outfits. The most fail-safe spread under this category is to own some silver/silver-tone items and some gold-tone ones. That way, you will be covered for every coloured outfit in the spectrum (and in your closet!).

Go for classic items like simple hoops in every metal- tone: silver, gold and oxidised, and you’ll never find yourself with nothing to wear. Hoops with a twist (such as the ones seen below) are a great idea to wear with almost anything. Similarly, pendants with minimal engraving, clean, geometric lines are a good option for everyday wear.

Bangles and bracelets are a great way to add colour and character to any outfit. Not everyone loves chunky bangles, so pick the kind you know you’ll actually wear. Stacks of thin barely-there bangles in all colours and textures is a good bet- they are lightweight and perfect for work. We love these bangle stacks from Painted Metal’s Etsy store. 

Elegant, Evening-Wear Pieces

When you feel like dressing up fancy or have a dinner date at a fancy place, these stunners in your jewelry box will enhance the overall oomph factor of your outfit.  Go for medium to large bejewelled pieces in gold and silver-tone; boldly wear semi-precious stone encrusted earrings, necklaces and bracelets for that easy touch of glamour!

Statement Pieces

On days when your outfit feels not-quite-there or you are racing against time to get out of the door, a few well chosen statement jewelry pieces are a life saver! They help take an outfit from drab to fab in a heartbeat! Here are some of our favourite statement pieces...

Traditional Pieces

Every girl should own something old as much as she owns many things new! Traditional items of jewelry automatically add a touch of elegance to even the most basic outfit. Cherish those pearls that Gradma left you, pick up vintage pieces and style them with contemporary outfits.

Zany, Over-The-Top, Mad, Fun Pieces

We are big fans of these- of the mad, fun, zany pieces! Here are some of our favourite items in this, ahem, category...

Don’t restrict yourself to large and loud necklaces, go for large, funky rings..

Don’t shy away from owning fun and funky jewelry, they are the best mood modifiers and add-ons on those blue and blah days.

Irrespective of the kind of jewelry you own or prefer, it is essential that you have fun with your jewelry! Enjoy what you wear and wear what you own with élan! Don’t follow any rules, make your own. Mix and match as your heart pleases. Combine colours, textures and metals, combine quirky items with sedate ones. Dress up plain tees with colourful beads and cute pendants. Add a dash of colour and fun with the right jewelry to those drab work outfits. 

Basically, go on and have fun with your jewelry! We sure do! 


P.S. All images (and jewelry) are courtesy Holly & Sally's personal collection