Oooh! What's that Smell Boss?

March 11, 2014 5 Comments

Imagine, a day when you in all your fine spirits, good mood and a raring to go and live that brand new day. You get up and get going..the shower way off course! You take an indulging hot water aromatic bath in your heavily invested Jacuzzi with that exotic bath salt, mineral loofah and dash of UD Cologne in your bath water. Post it, you prep yourself with a fine towel and step out of shower feeling fresh and energetic. Ah! That Shower gel smells just too good.

Your penchant for refreshing fragrances doesn't stop there. While you dress up, you douse yourself left, right and center with your favorite body mist and wear your crisp cotton, well ironed cloths and venture out of your room in happy jolly mood. Its then you encounter a foul, sweaty, stinky smell greeting your nostrils and sending it to the moons of a wicked place somewhere deep down in the deepest Burroughs of the earth. #WhatsThatSmellBoss you think. It is your younger brother and his "legendary socks" that is smelling threadbare, right up from it's stinky linen- tip to Toe. Aaargh! You squeeze your nose up in disapproval and rush through the main door to escape.

Bang you cross the door and on the street to catch a vehicle to reach your office. You seem to have missed your office bus and next best option is a public transport. Auto, Auto..hey Bhaiyaa...stop...all in vain. It is then you realize that you get to catch a bus. Ok fine. You take hurried steps to the nearby bus stop, only to be greeted by a strong stinky smell of myriad hues and blues. Pop goes your eyes widened and nose closed to combat the smell. #WhatsThatSmellBoss you think! A look around and it is that over loaded garbage bin that it littered with all kinds of waste, unattended. Damn rain makes it much worse. A look around, to see if the road is cleaner on the other side [grass may not be greener] but your gaze is stopped by the road divider that proudly displayed all the garbage thrown by locals. Damn these locals, why do they have to dispose their waste on road and not in dust bin. A look at dustbin and areas around makes you withdraw your own question and with bated breath, you wait for your bus to come.

Honk, honk! you have your moment of great relief when you see your bus coming. The crowd in it is little too much to handle and quite discouraging but you never know when next bus will come and how better that would be? Sigh. Suddenly an army of boarders come from no where and ensure that your boarding the bus is no lesser a challenge. You almost boarded a bus full of people and some stinking people. Somehow you managed to find space to fit in your feet and in a little while a seat to rest your load. You heaved a sigh of relief and were about to thank God, it is then something that made a fierce and forceful entry in your nostril, making you wanting to puke. Yikes! #WhatsThatSmellBoss you think. You turn your head around to b welcome by a stinky armpit holding the support rods on mid pathway of the bus. The sweat was so dense and so thick, that you hurriedly pick your bag and rush out of the bus before it was about to land on your nicely ironed shirt. Eeks...some people have no civil sense...Gosh, They stink and how. Never heard of deo? Yes, they sure did not indeed.

Some how you reach your office and calls for the elevator. It seems ten more people were waiting for it and did not mind squeezing themselves into it as soon as it stopped at your floor. A look at lift board and it read- max 8 people at a time. Before you step out, your pushed to extreme corner of the lift with few stomping on your well polished shoes. oops, apology is such a vanity and when did it helped cleaning the stains off your shoes. You feel struggling for breath and while you still manage, another acute, breath strangulating smell reaches your poor nose and makes you go dizzy. #WhatsThatSmellBoss ask your self. It is the "Cigarrette" that your "ah so considerate" lift mate smoked before boarding the lift and breathing through your neck. Stinky that is. Deal with it, you tell yourself until your floor comes and men! Such a relief.

You reach you desk, while cursing all the stinky , smelly people right under your breath. Before you could settle in, you are summoned by boss' secretary who called in regarding attending a meeting in a shortwhile with cross functional team. Cross functional team? You wonder. Yeah cross functional team i.e. a team of all kinds of stinky, smelly set of people. May be you are wrong today, may be they took bath today. You think. While you gather your thoughts, your concentration is broken by a loud, garish scent. #WhatsThatSmellBoss you think. Aha! it is boss 's secretary wearing an otherwise loud deodorant that could be best served as alternate to chloroform that makes people unconscious and heady.

Sigh! such a tragedy. How much you wish that one of the job qualification while scrubbing candidates should be- devoid of any foul smell and which perfume do you use, to be added in the candidate evaluation and recruitment form. Anyways, the meeting is in that large, AC conference room and that would be a good breather to entire "foul" routine thus far. Your short lived dream is really short lived when you enter the conference room that is laden with people and an AC that needs severe servicing, on an "Intensive Care Basis". #WhatsThatSmellBoss you text to your admin lady and pat comes reply- I will check post this meeting. Post this meeting? Gosh that is a day long meeting and whole through out, you were made to  bear through nasty orders, long presentations and some really stinky, smelly people whom you would like to ask- #WhatsThatSmellBoss!

Well that smell is someone burping and burping so loud that your appetite for next two days is killed. Then another colleague who perhaps have never seen an ad of bathing soaps and deodorants in his life. If that was not enough, here comes that most dreaded smell when someone really chose to let a little air out and wear a perfect "whodunnit" face. Disgusted you are! You rush to washroom to freshen up your face, only to realize, One Mr. Smarty Pants has used it without feeling the need to "flush" the room or wipe the water off the seat. eeeks...#WhatsThatSmellBoss and you realize someone forgot to clean the "mess" they created in washroom as if it was a great memento to display and leave thereafter. This time, instead of asking, #WhatsThatSmellBoss you rather wanted to ask- what did you eat, you monster. What did you eat last night, oops a day before that or even a week before.

The cruel saga of #WhatsThatSmellBoss continues for the whole day and by the time you reach home, you feel so pissed with yourself. You are so disgruntled that you may not have time to pick a glass of water for your throat but you rush immediately to the washroom to get yourself cleansed of and rid from all those stinky, smelly things and memories that you had throughout the day. 

Nothing, nothing can sooth your agony as better as that "hot shower bath" could. 

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This post is written for Indiblogger and Racold contest. to get connected to Racold, visit their facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/racoldthermoltd



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Tips to Travel Smart to Singapore

March 10, 2014 24 Comments

What would you say when I tell you that my last vacation was in 1999 December at Goa and never traveled outside India? What would you say when I tell you much I yearn seeing pictures of my friends and family visiting exotic locations and console myself with their trip pictures? Writing for a travelogue is indeed a feat for me But Ahoy! Wait! dreaming and planning to travel for a vacation is indeed interesting. Following the belief process of Author Rhonda Byron and her bestselling- The secret, here I am, sending my wishlist to the virtual wish cloud, hoping it to come true.

Yes, even my almost blank passport is dreaming along with me too!

So when Skyscanner and Indiblogger asked me about a destination where I wish to travel in 2014, I could not help but the very first name that came to my mind was- Singapore! Yes, I would love to go outside the country once, and what a great way to begin then beginning with a beautiful, bustling cosmopolitan city like- Singapore!

Why Singapore?

I would love to visit Singapore for its many flashes of brilliance. Brilliance spreading from Arts and culture to Heritage, Entertainment, Nature & wildlife, leisure cruises, Marine life park, underwater sports, Nightlife, Sports and recreations, and many more.

Places to visit: There are a plethora of things I can do, see and relish while traveling there. I would go to places like Merlion Park, Universal Studios, Adventure Cove, Gardens by the bay, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Wave House Sentosa, and many more.

#TravelSmartWithSkyscanner
The key to memorable trips is not merely the place that you visit but also the way you plan your trip. Planning is the key, especially in International travels. I would leave no stones unturned while planning that prestigious trip, anywhere in the world. After all, it is the efficiency of my planning that makes me live the worth of my expenses, time, and energy. Besides well-planned trip is the one that creates the best memories than haphazard ones.

I call it- travel smart! To travel smart to my favorite destination, I would pay due attention and tend to the following factors-

1) Planning the Itinerary- Like I said above, the key to a fruitful trip is "how well have you planned". This includes everything beginning from time to travel, travel, and stay arrangements for local knowledge to sail through in an unknown country and still make the most of it. They say- "A job well began, is a job half done". When I say planning, I meant not just the dates and time of year but also everything else including the no of days I want to spend there, the local weather at that time [so I can carry stuff accordingly], languages are spoken [so I can take a handbook] and much more.

2) Budget- There is no limit to splurging money. However, having a good idea about the upcoming expenses helps you plan and relish better. I would not go to a destination that I cannot afford immediately. I would rather go to a place where I can have a pleasant stay and comfortable too and ensuring that my purse does not turn privy purse.

3) Research- yes, research is the keyword when you travel to a foreign shore. Before finalizing a destination, I would do all research. In this case, for Singapore. I have my own interest areas and to see what the city could offer best, I can explore and match my interest with its offerings. While Google and dedicated sites are my best bet, I could not deny the importance of research through my friends and acquaintances who have been to Singapore or already staying there to understand the city better.

4) Mobile App- What will our generation do without a cell phone? well, nothing. Even the tourism department understands its importance and hence created a special mobile app- Your Singapore Guide for beginners like me. The app is available on app stores and supported by Android too. With this and google map, I am sure I would not get lost anywhere.

5) Selecting the right airline- There is no limit to the upper range of flight tickets. While traveling comfortably is important, it is also vital to match comfort with the price. I am not in the mood to spend through my nose for over the top expensive tickets. Hence the right "online ticketing platform partner" plays a vital role here. I have recently discovered a beautiful website called- Skyscanner.co.in and seeing it's a range of flights and price option, am sure to use its services to book my tickets and plan my accommodation too. Know what? It also offers "car hire" for intracity movement. Wow.

6) No Middlemen Please- With the advent of Internet technology and wifi, I wanna travel hassle-free. No more ticketing agent is required. Skyscanner and its flexible planning tool will help to find the right flight, right hotels, and city cabs directly. So, I need not have to be on the mercies of travel agents for planning my trip and charging me exorbitant in name of cheaper packaging.

7) Traveling lite- I prefer to travel with less baggage and more cards...Lolz. One of my funda to travel smart and enjoy all the places at my dream destination and equally enjoy shopping the local stuff is, to travel lite..maybe with a big suitcase but fewer clothes. Two pairs of jeans and a few tops and I am sorted. If I need something else, well what a good excuse to shop and shop till you drop?

8) Camera- Never forget to carry your camera, charger, additional batteries, and all that is required for its functioning when you are traveling to your destination. I would like to capture all shades and all good memoirs of the city, so I would ensure my camera is not left behind.

9) International Calling card- Singapore is outside the vicinity of domestic roaming and hence it has different sets of rates and tariffs for voice and data charges. before embarking on my trip, I will ensure that I turn international roaming on my phone and use the most conducive bill plan while I am away. If it requires me to carry an IC card, I will. In the meantime, I will inform my cellular service provider about my trip so that they will inform me before barring my number while traveling abroad, just in case, my bill value exceeds my credit limit while on roaming.

10) Local currency- It is another must and being a financial freak I am, I would ensure that I have enough cash [Singapore Dollars] or means of applicable payment mode [read handy] with me when I am into a new country. The good news is that they have many points apart from Singapore Changi Airport to facilitate the currency exchange. And they also accept a lot of main credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, etc. Ahoy! Do you know that the ATM available at all places as well? #TravelSmart indeed!

11) Survival Kit- Well do not let your imaginations run wild. A survival kit can be of many kinds. The one that I am talking about here is simple, mostly an extension of a first aid box where I carry simple bandages, anti-allergy medicines, etc to combat any unsuitable condition at the new place. Having a reference of some local doctors comes in handy too.

12) Singlish Guide- Yes, Singlish may yet to be recognized in the world as a formal language, a bit of its knowledge comes in handy especially when you are traveling to Singapore to understand and respond to local, not so grammatically strong language. Singlish is a blend of English, Chinese, Tamil, Malay, and some local dialects. For example- "Can, Can" means "yes definitely".

13) Tax Refund Via eTRS- As a tourist in Singapore, one may claim a refund on the 7% goods and services tax aka GST paid on their purchases [made at participating retail outlets] before leaving Singapore. This GST refund can be applied and availed at Changi Airport. Isn't that wonderful? It is. Hence I am going to apply for it as well.

14) Singapore Visa- Well, interesting news. Visa is not a mandatory requirement while visiting Singapore. It can be done via Social Visit passes. knowing is receiving. hence I am prepared to apply for it rather than biting my nail worrying about Visa entry status. Ain't that's all about #TravellingSmart? :)

15) Weather Check and other local regulations- It pays to know well in advance the weather condition at a new city and also their local rules and law. Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with minor variations throughout the year. So it is imperative to pack according to the weather. Even though it's December in Delhi, I will not carry more than one woolen on my trip to Singapore.

Well, that's all were my few tips on my idea for #TravelSmart. Indeed I will choose Skyscanner for all my flight, accommodation, and local conveyance needs to #TravelSmartWithSkycanner. Isn't that a smart move folks? :) SO I am going to #TravelSmartWithSkyScanner... how about you?

So Singapore, here I come!

A little more on Skyscanner that I stumbled upon at their beautiful, clean, well-organized website. Here's sharing it with you-

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Go Play with #DovePlay

March 05, 2014 47 Comments

Hair is the only thing in our whole appearance that we can change anytime we want. Anytime we want and anyway we want it to. Curl, straighten up, tweak, style, volume blow up, play down sleek, rollers and even a simple hair cut can do many a splendor things to your looks and confidence.

Yessss! I love playing with my hair. I love when it dance to my tunes, my loony tunes and make me look prettier every time. I so much love my hair..I so much love to play with them.

So when Dove in association with Indiblogger asked me how do I #Play with my hair, I went little sulky as my mane is no more the silky self and I fear experimenting with it any more. No more worry, said #DovePlay. It didn't just speak but it sang to me. It said, If I just crawl, how would I be able to run? Also, whenever I fall, I shall stand and look at the mirror which says- You are beautiful! Do not believe me? Well you will definitely believe Dove then. Here's Dove Play Song, exclusive for you-


The video put rest to all my predicament and Here I go Vroooooom playing with my hair.

Lets #GoPlay #HairWay with #DovePlay
Vroooooooom

Here I come, Hair I come
Time to be United, lets be one
Together we weave, together we pleat
together we curl, together we swirl
together we braid, cause its all fun

I can grow you to new lengths
and chop into a small bun
I will let you loose, let you fly high
You can romance with winds
when I let you leave open

Hair, my beautiful hair, Lets try a new style today
Cause you have that magic, to transform often

I would go for a hike
and ride a carefree bike
and not without your help, So lets be united
Lets celebrate fun!

Dust and grime, I am so done with your crime
I will wash you away anytime
oil you out, you crazy dryness
gel, spray and mousse- enough of your after-effect nuisance
The above all kept me at bay,
when i wanted to #HairPlay
I worry no more, split-ends you bore!
Cause I have my own #DovePlay


Hair I come, Here I come
Time to play with you, time to have fun
I leave you open, without a fear
You are my crowning glory, Mane my dear.

Come to me baby, let's style you love
Lets nurture u O' Tresses and then pamper with #Dove


Styled them, fine! So what's next that I wanna do? Color, color and experiment with some funky colors..what say? Yes how about full curls? Ummm, adding on my wishlist.

So, that's a lot of wonderful things that I intend to do with my hair. Look above my images to know more. They say- "hair today, gone tomorrow"? I say "A Thing of Hair, is a joy forever". Let us nurture it enough that we do not fear to play. Let us #DovePlay!

My hair, a sure shot winner!

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This entry was to celebrate al the beautiful things that we can do with one of our greatest gift of beauty, our hair. Courtesy Indiblogger and #DovePlay

47 Visitor's Comments:

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The Gypsy and The Lion

March 02, 2014 , 39 Comments

The Sleeping Gypsy, 1897, by Henry Rousseau 
The night was young
the moon was white
on a desert sand
slept the gypsy tight

Unassuming, a lion came by
why did it come?
I don't know why
It's a picture prompt, so am giving a try

So lets' swing and imagine
what was the reason of visit
for the lion king

Truth is, the desert that was
once upon a dense forest
the wildlife lived there
it was their habitat

The human that began for his need
deforested animal's abode
to meet his own stretching greed

their kingdom was shattered
their folks were scattered
while some didn't live to see next day sun
some found place in zoo
Oh Man! still you do not rue?

Human sings their own tune
they call it an art of music
to make a flute, a mandolin
they strip off many tree

forests uprooted
deserts flourished
oasis is a mirage
O' man spare that
otherwise your generation will end as a pitiful adage!
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