Wedding Anniversary Special :)

I wore this outfit two weeks back during our wedding anniversary. Actually, I planned to dress myself in an altogether different attire for a cozy dinner in a charming restaurant to celebrate our special day. 

Unfortunately, there was prediction of snow and rain in the evening, but surprisingly, the climate was sunny and bright (after many days) during the morning. My husband and I promptly decided not to take chances and went for brunch in a nearby (not so great) eatery.

Knowing the chilling temperature outside, I wrapped myself well in this thick fur jacket (hubby’s surprise gift for our anniversary) and layered it over a round neck, black, full sleeve pullover and the essential thermal wear.

The medium length outerwear is decently fashionable and the fur collar gives the right amount of warmth to comfort during winter season. The jacket is warm reddish in tone (it suits my complexion) with a slight hint of black and yellow here and there. Its sash belt is also of the same shade. The big black buttons in the front almost camouflage with the tinge. The subdued hue is perfect for a daytime informal outing.

I teamed it with similar color pants and dark ochre yellow suede boots. Even the shoes have a touch of fur.

We were in a hurry, so I pulled my hair to do a quick ponytail. I also wanted to flaunt the fur around my neck; hence this hairstyle seemed the appropriate choice. Makeup was kept minimal considering the time of the day. Finally, I threw all the necessary items (multiple scarves, thermal beanie and woolen gloves) inside my spacious black leather handbag and I was all set.

Certainly, the planned dress is shelved for now, but this outfit is not bad either. What say ??

The Niagara Falls Experience

N. B : The content and the pictures are not to be used by any person or organization without my prior written consent. Any use without permission is illegal.

We were at the magnificent Niagara Falls, USA last year. It was during fall and the weather was extremely pleasant. As we approached more towards the destination the sky became slightly overcast. 

Upon reaching Niagara Falls we got our tickets and entered the magical place. It wasn't a bright day at Niagara Falls State Park though. But that didn't deter our enthusiasm a bit. I rushed to see the falls and was awestruck to see it's grandeur. 

The fresh air & the sound of Niagara falls doubled my delight. I gazed and gazed...

Sometime later we were called to board the Maid of the Mist Boat. I could feel the excitement around. We were handed the famous blue raincoats as protection from the rushing water of the cascade. Don't I look funny putting that on !!??

Gradually we were taken near the falls and I was enthralled to feel it's magnitude. Without wasting any time, I started clicking pictures. The gushing water of the falls blurred my vision. Everyone was almost drenched in spite of being wrapped in raincoat.

The boat trip was sort-lived though. It was a 20 minutes round trip which seemed to be over within blink of an eye. 

Another prime attraction of Niagara Falls is the Rainbow Bridge. It's importance lies in the fact that it connects both USA & Canada. 

Then I headed to explore the entire Niagara State Park. The park is vast, nicely maintained with well-groomed grass & plants. In between I had burgers for lunch too. 

The day seemed to pass very quickly and as night creeps in, the falls looked different. The colorful lights on the water made the Niagara night view equally appealing.

To be honest, if you are planning to visit the Niagara Falls, make sure to watch both the day & night view. Only then will the experience be complete!!

Have a look also at the massive Niagara river !!

We returned with a content heart & great memories...

Photo Credits : Joydip Dutt

Hope you enjoyed the article. Please do share your feedback.

N. B : The content and the pictures are not to be used by any person or organization without my prior written consent. Any use without permission is illegal.

Mini Movies - Mehrooni

I am incurably romantic but is that the only reason why I liked this short film? Probably not !

'Mehrooni' is more than just romance...very soulful and hence strikes a chord with us easily. I also loved the title track by Rekha Bhardwaj. It blends so well with the film.

Watch it and do let me know your views. Happy watching !!

hindi film rain songs

Hey there !

The monsoon season is here. I feel, rain and romance are inseparable in Hindi film songs. Don't you feel the same? 
So which song is in your mind? Sharing with you all some of my favourites...do also share your opinions. 

The very first track that comes to my mind is...

Rimjhim Rimjhim Rumjhoom roomjhoom
Bheegi bheegi ruth mein tum hum hum tum

A superb romantic rain song from "1942 A Love Story". Sweet lyrics, melodious music of R.D. Burman &  appealing cinematography has immortalized this number. Undoubtedly, it is beautifully sung by Kumar Sanu & Kavita Krishnamurty.

How can I not include "Choti Si Kahani Se" from Ijaazat in my list. Ashaji & R.D. Burman's creation will continue to mesmerize the audience...

A timeless song, "O saajna barkha bahar aaye" from Parakh deserves special mention. Music maestro Salil Chowdhury's composition & India's nightingale Lata Mangeskar's voice created a gem ! The simple cinematography further lends more beauty to the song.

Lataji's name brings to my mind another outstanding song "Jooti Mooti Mitwa" from Rudaali. A desert woman's reactions to rainfall, as it is her beloved !! Bhupen Hazarika's commendable music composition takes the song a notch up.

Subha Mudgal's fresh & energetic voice made "Ab Ke Sawan Aise Barse" an anthem for the monsoon season. The video is well shot & the words are power packed. 

Another song that comes to mind is "Boondon Se Baatein" from the film Takshak. A.R. Rahman's music combined with awesome lyrics create a beautiful impression in my mind. I enjoy the video very much and while watching Tabu getting drenched, I also feel like going out in the rain.

Dahek's "Sawan barse tarse dil" is definitely on my list. It beautifully portrays a young couples' sweet romance in heavy shower .

"Nahin Samne" from Taal is another track which definitely comes to my mind in this respect. Though not a typically rainy number, yet would like to include this one. Speaking of Taal & rain, I can never miss out on "Taal Se taal mila".

Oh yes ! "Gila gila pani" from Satya attracts me as it has beautifully used the sound of rain drops to create the monsoon mood.

The list is endless. So what's your choice friends ??

Lagan lagi re - Music review - Trishna

Lagan lagi re tose piya re, Balam keseri tose piya re
Lagan lagi re tose lage re Balam Keseri tose lagi re
Jeene se jaise basei jaadu sa kya kar diya hai, mogre phool si mei khili
Lamha har pal juda, tumse yeh ranginiyan hai
Saundhi si khushbuyein mehki si...

An extraordinarily sweet love number composed by Amit Trivedi. The rustic element in Kavita Seth's voice blends superbly with Shreya Ghosal to create a gem.

Lyrics are simple, sweet and full of romantic thoughts.

Lagan lagi re tose lagi re Balam Keseri tose lagi re
Aanch si, jagi, nainon mei neend na, abhi
Tumse jo, mili, umang lat jaagi hain
Saath jo tera hei saanwarey, dhola re
Nain sawera hei saanwarey, dhola re
Chunri meri udey, paichiniyan ithraaye
Saanjh dulhan si, dekho saji
Lamha har, pal juda, tumse yeh ranginiyan hain
Saundi si khushbuyein mehki si
Lagan lagi re tose lagi re Balam Keseri tose lagi re (Repeat)

I believe most of you have not heard this number. Hence, sharing :)
Please share your views about the song. Would love to hear from you !

By the way, has any one seen the movie?

O Rangrez - Music review - Bhag Milkha Bhag

"O Rangrez" from Bhag Milkha Bhag is my current favourite. The tune by Shankar Ehsan & Loy has a vintage rural flavour & is quite melodious. Popular Indian instruments has been used effectively by the trio. Prasoon Joshi's lyrics are essentially romantic. 

"O Rangrez..
O Rangrez Tere Rang Dariya Mein
O Rangrez Tere Rang Dariya Mein
Doobna Hai Bas Tera Banke
Haye Nahin Rehna Dooja Banke

Ek Bhi Saans Alag Nahin Leni
Ek Bhi Saans Alag Nahin Leni
Khench Lena Pran Is Tan Ke
Haye Nahin Rehna Dooja Banke"

Javed Basir's voice lends the song depth and meaning. The bubbly tone of Shreya Ghosal is a complete contrast to Basir and adds a playfulness in the song. The voices amalgam well, which makes the song intense and sweet at the same time.

"Apne Hi Rang Mein Mujhko Rang De
Dheeme Dheeme Rang Mein Mujhko Rang De
Saundhe Saundhe Rang Mein Mujhko Rang De
Rang De Na, Rang De Na, Rang De Na.."

The song beautifully captures the budding romance of Milkha Singh (Farhan Akhtar was outstanding in the film) and his sweetheart (played by Sonam kapoor).

Music such as these is rare these days… *sigh*

Please leave your comments about what you feel about the song. I would love to hear your voices :)

Disclaimer : This is my personal opinion and not intended to hurt anyone's sentiment.
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Kodaikanal - A dream realised !

We went to this enchanting place few years back. The memories are still fresh, as if we visited yesterday :)
It is in southern part of India , a romantic hill station...
Below is our experience and some pictures of our memorable trip..enjoy them !

Please leave your valuable comments. I would love to hear your voices :)


Our trip was for 3 days. On the first day, we mostly spend time in beautiful hotel we stayed in. If you are looking for an accommodation close to nature, choose this one. The view from the lawn is breathtaking!

After having lunch, we went to Coaker's Walk for a stroll, which is just a stone's throw away from the hotel. It offers spectacular view of mountains and greenery. 

The second day was hectic. We had a scheduled tour from the morning. After covering few regular spots, our driver cum guide suggested us to take a walk (as cars can not go to that place) down a rugged path to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. At first I was skeptical, but later I thanked the driver for proposing this one.

Undoubtedly, it was tiresome to trek for an hour, but worth the beauty!

The picture below is of Dolphin's nose, which we saw on the way...

As we reached the end point of the trekking route, layers of blue mountains offered a pleasant sight. As you can see in the picture below, there is nothing beyond those rocks. Three guys were sitting there and one of them was strumming a guitar - the tune was faint and soothing, complimenting the calmness that prevailed there...
To be honest, words are insufficient to express the kind of serenity we experienced there !!

Later we did boating at Kodai lake :)

Our next stop was Bryant Park, a botanical garden.

The second day went smoothly but we returned quite tired...ordered our favourite dishes (north indian dishes were also available in the hotel) and went to bed soon after taking dinner.

The next morning I happen to get up quite early, almost at dawn. I looked outside and saw the glimpse of sunray...it was magical !

Isn't this a perfect beginning of a day !?

I sat by the window with a hot cup of coffee as the day breaks slowly. The view of the mountains, mist on the window glass and the chirping of an unknown bird (in the picture) overwhelmed me...

It was our last day of the trip, we took a quick shower and got ready. At about 9.30 am our car came to pick us for sightseeing. Our driver took us to a pine forest. What an outstanding place it was ! 

It seemed, the pine trees were whispering sweet nothings to me... ! Got a glimpse of the clear blue firmament as I looked up :)

Our next stop was a location from where you get to see the view of small villages & mountains. Isn't this wonderful?

After covering other places like Guna Caves, Berijam lake, some devotional institutions etc., we were dropped at the hotel safely. Yep, the days passed in the blink of an eye. 

The holiday came to an end, and after having dinner we retire for the day with sweet moments...

You all must be wondering, where this place is after all. 
Any guesses??


Well, it is KODAIKANAL :)


Information - 

• Kodaikanal is a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India 
• We stayed in Villa Retreat Hotel -  www.villaretreat.com/
• Sightseeing spots - 

1. Kodaikanal lake (aka Kodai lake)
2. Coaker's walk
3. Pine forest
4. Bryant Park
5. Dolphin's nose
6. Pillar Rocks
7. Guna caves,previously called Devil’s Kitchen

N. B : The content and the pictures are not to be used by any person or organization without my prior written consent. Any use without permission is illegal.