Project 365 - Leap Year (February 29, 2012)

Leap year eh!  Which means my project 365 is actually going to be a project 366 this year.

Some people go crazy for such days.  So many people long to get married on February 29th and make it memorable; which seems pretty stupid to me.  I mean why would you get married on a day that is going to come by four years later.  I suppose it is better for husbands in this case, since they wouldn't have to remember their anniversary date for four years.

So what did I do on this "not to significant day" ?  I was at home, relaxing with a face mask on!  Yes, my first try of LUSH face masks!  So, in a way I made the day memorable I suppose; won't you agree? :p

Project 365 - LUSH (February 28, 2012)

My visits to the city used to be all about platters.  Don’t get me wrong, they still pretty much are; but now, another obsession has taken over my life.  I proudly introduce to you my latest obsession, LUSH products! 

Lush carries organic products with no chemical added and they are very skin friendly.  I have to admit that this obsession started off from YouTube videos; but once I tried out their products, I was convinced within the first try.  Ofcourse some credit is due to the convincing Sales people at the store; but mainly it is due to the quality of the products. 

Slowly but surely, all of my favorite cosmetics brands are starting to be replaced by LUSH products.  

Project 365 - Seedlings (February 27, 2012)

Spring is approaching fast and I cannot wait to be indulging in one of my favorite hobbies, planting and gardening.  Although everyone makes fun of me on that, I cannot leave my plants behind.  It’s one of those few interests my mom and I share.  In our house, everyone is pretty much annoyed by our love for planting. 

Since spring is on its way; we have already started preparing for it.  The seedlings have already emerged and in a few weeks they’ll be ready to be planted outside.  

Project 365 - That Feeling! (February 26, 2012)

If I had to name my favorite jewelry item, rings would be amongst the chart toppers.  I remember visiting the mall back in December with a friend of mine.  She had to purchase a gift for a friend and I tagged along to the jewelry cases.  Ofcourse being a girl, there is a natural tendency to be inclined towards jewelry items. 

While we were looking for a suitable jewelry item, my eyes stopped on this cute pink ring.  It was one of those rare moments where I suddenly wished I could buy that ring.  After trying out the ring and finding out that it was my birth stone (Sapphire), there was more of a reason to buy that ring.  Unfortunately, at that moment, it was sort of out of my price range.    

Every time I went to the mall after that time I made sure to check the ring prices, if it was on sale yet or not; and I would tell myself “not yet! Don’t worry if it is meant to be yours, it will be.”  You know telling yourself this line and waiting patiently is probably the hardest thing and you can only imagine how my face had turned out when I went to the mall and saw the ring had been purchased by someone else.  Just like any other person would, I said “see you should have just bought it then,” but another voice emerged “it’s ok, at least now you know it wasn’t meant to be yours; so why be sad over someone else’s fate?” 

Call it a coincidence or mere fate; my friend handed me a bag and said “Happy Valentine’s Day.”  I looked at her in shock, we don’t really buy each other valentine’s days gifts; but coincidently enough this year we both planned to give each other a gift and kept it a secret.   I opened the bag and to my amazement, there it was! The ring! The ring I had wanted for the past three months.  The ring I had happily accepted to be not in my fate.  It was the most amazing feeling ever, Alhumdulillah. 

There are very few moments in life, when you truly smile; your eyes shine, your heart’s content and you cannot help but to be in that magical state of mind.  

Project 365 - AC (February 25, 2012)

Road trips are always a fun way to enjoy some time with valuable people around you.   An opportunity to make memories, have fun and relax at the same time.  No matter what the content of the visit is; neither does it matters how long the trip lasts.  All that matters is that you are with someone, who is worth your time. 

A trip to Atlantic City is definitely one of those treats that one cannot have very often.  

Project 365 - Nail Color (February 24, 2012)

Nail color is the hottest trend these days.  Every now and then, a few colors become the colors of the season.  All the top brand names compete against each other to produce a better quality shade.  A few of the name brands will always rule the market whether they are more versatile in shades and the quality of the product or neither. 

This spring, the more recent trend is either bright neon or coral colors.  Nail polishes are the one thing that isn’t going to be out of fashion anytime soon.  Also, the more classic colors; such as: Red, black and purple are proving to be in style year after year.  

Project 365 - Fruits (February 23, 2012)

How can I write everyday blogs and not mention my favorite fruits.  I am the biggest advocate of eating fruits, when it comes to eating habits in general.  I am not claiming to be a healthy eater, nor am I trying to project a healthy image.  I have my fair share of junk foods (For those of you who know me, have closely observed my bad habits); but fruits have a very special place in my heart.  Be it picking fruits, or eating them; I love it.  Oranges and apples are a definite winter favorites of mine.

P.S.  I honestly cannot wait till the summer comes by, so I can get to pick strawberries and peaches!

Project 365 - Candies (February 22, 2012)

One’s love for candies never really dies out.  When you are kid, a piece of candy seems like a winning prize.  Once you grow up, you never really let go of those old habits.  You remember your favorite gum, candy and even chocolates.  Our childhood memories depict our image in the future years.

Just like we learn to pick up language, habits and personal skills; we pick up our likes and dislikes earlier in the age as well.  I remember Airheads was one of the few candies I enjoyed having, along with Recess; its weird how all these memories make you realize how life is going by so fast and you are adding on years to your life much faster than you had once anticipated.  

Project 365 - Just a Few Weeks (February 21, 2012)

Passing through these flowers reminded me of how spring is only a few weeks away.  My favorite time of the year.  When all you see is different colored flowers, greenery, birds, and the amazing food markets.  Everyone is out, everything seems happy, and even the sun smiles everyday.

Project 365 - Crystals (February 20, 2012)

Sorting through my jewelry box, I came across a piece of beads' strand.  It's funny how everything you ever own, or anything you ever come across leaves this little memory and history on your mind.  Immediately, I could remember the moment I was so excited to buy it.

I remember those days I was going through a phase of redecorating my room and wanted a chandelier; instead of taking a normal person's route, I decided to make one on my own.  Yes, I get these random off tangent ideas pretty frequently.  Although I did purchase all the beads and the flowers to go with it; I ended up changing my mind with the theme and instead used crystal circles.

Hence, the beads sitting around; reminding me of how I need to put them to a good use (a crystal heart is definitely not a good use for them, but then again I was going for this whole symbolic theme - which is for me to know and you to find out).  

Project 365 - Do Something for yourself (February 19, 2012)

Sometimes we all need to learn to give ourselves a little time and a little dedication.  It doesn't hurt to treat yourself once in a while; even if it's as little as taking out 5 minutes from your busy schedule and taking a walk down the street.  Yes, I came to that conclusion myself.

I signed myself up for this monthly subscription of beauty products called MyGalm, they send you a bag each month filled with different products.  It is a fairly cheap deal, considering the fact that there is no shipment and you do not have to spend time sorting through the aisles of beauty products at shops.  Every month you receive a package right at your door steps.

It honestly feels good to do something nice, something that you know only you will do for yourself and something that you won't have to rely on someone else for.  So give it a try and you might just agree with me :)

Project 365 - Favorites! (February 18, 2012)

No food compares to the food that your mother prepares.  All of us have our favorites, but there are certain dishes that no one can make it better than your mom.  Those few signature dishes, that no matter where you go or who prepares them; they just cannot taste the same.  Since I am a huge sweets fan, most of it is because of my mom.  All the Meetha (sweet) dishes she makes, no one and I mean no one can make it better than her.

Be it zarda, kheer, halwa or my favorite Mutanjan; they just do not hold that same sweetness.  Even though I have to request it a few times, at which my mom suggests I learn to cook it myself;  but my answer remains the same "But mama no one makes it better than you! :)"

Project 365 - Pasta (February 16, 2012)

We all have different ways of dealing with the stress in our lives.  Whenever I feel stressed or frustrated about something, the first thing I think about is cooking a new dish.  I don't mean a huge meal, I just mean trying out something new.  That way I forget about the worries I have at the moment and focus my attention towards coming up with a new dish.

I would not call myself a good cook, but for an average person; my dishes do turn out reasonable or maybe my parents and siblings are good pretenders.

Project 365 - Brownie & Desserts (February 15, 2012)

I have the biggest sweet tooth ever; if I was given only sweet things to eat as meals, I doubt I would ever complain.  I came by University today and the first thing I saw was the Bake Sale sign; I smiled and then suddenly realized that I had no cash on me.  With a very heavy heart I walked pass it and told myself to forget about the dream of having brownies (Yes, I can get a bit dramatic when it comes to brownies).

About a few hours pass by and two girls pass by us (My brother and I).  Suddenly the girls stop and ask "would you like to purchase some desserts, it's from the bake sale we are having."  I with a sad face replied "I would love to, but I am really sorry I don't have any cash on me."  My brother sitting besides me says "oh I have some cash, what is it that you would like?"

Now you can imagine, I had the hugest smile on my face; apparently he only had a bill of $5 and they did not have any change.  So we ended up getting more than just the brownie I had hoped to get earlier.

Project 365 - Notes Writing (February 14, 2012)

Throughout University days, I have always dreaded assignments and homework.  I was the type of person who would wait till last minute to do everything and then stay awake all night to complete that one 15 page paper or even an assignment.  I always thought I was the type who works best under pressure, clearly there is no correlation between my procrastination and getting things done last minute; it's merely my laziness.

My brother, sitting besides me in school, looks up and says "can you do me a favor?"
I casually say "What is it?"
He mumbles "Umm can you copy down homework for my friend"
I look back with a confused face and say "huh? do homework? for your friend?"
He repeats " Yes, do homework for my friend"
I am like "but why? and you do know that I am not an engineering student"
He assures "No, he is out of the country and wants me to hand in homework for him.  Since our professor wants it hand written; can you please write it out since your hand writing is different than mine."

I had to give in and write down the homework for his friend.  Not to mention, how my hands were hurting after copying down 6 pages of God knows what.

Project 365 - Swedish Fish (February 13, 2012)

One of my favorite hobbies is to study and snack, minus the studying of-course.  I am very particular about the things I like and the things I do not like.  Once I find that favorite thing, it is very hard to convince me otherwise; most of my friends, that sort of know me, will say that I am the most difficult person to convince when it comes to trying out something new.  My immediate answer is always no; if I say yes, consider yourself very very lucky.

One of my all time favorites has been Swedish Fish.