#atozchallenge #blogboost 10 Day You Blog Challenge 31 Day Blog Challenge a to z challenge blog boost blog challenge blog content ideas blog party blog post ideas blogging challenge

Last summer I took part in the 10 Day YOU Challenge to see if I could actually blog 10 days in a row.  I did and it felt good to know that I had been a part of a ‘community challenge’ – I came across some fun blogs and got to know a few new people on Twitter.

Then at the start of this year in January – I participated in the Ultimate Blog Challenge – where the rules stated that one must write a post a day or a total of 31 posts in the month of January.

This month, I’ve been taking part in a small ‘photo-a-day’ challenge that my friend Sabu put together on FaceBook and we are 11 of us just doing it for fun.  I’m so thankful to my mate for doing this ‘cos it has kept me on my toes and its made me accountable for actually taking a photo a day and sharing it with the group.

Somewhere in between these challenges, I came across something called the A to Z Challenge and it caught my attention.  So much so that I had even prepared in advance and scheduled some posts in anticipation of participating in the challenge and not falling behind on schedule.  That was until my laptop died and I had to get a new one – which meant that none of my posts got saved as I had written them on live-writer.

Today, I came home after an amazing spa day with my girlf and decided that I need to stop procrastinating and just prepare myself for this blog challenge in April … and so this post is there to sign it off in black and white into blogosphere that I’m gonna do this !

That’s right folks – in the words of Barney Stintson ‘Chalenge Accepted’ I’m going to take part in the  A to Z April 2012 Blogging Challenge !

#blogboost blog boost blog challenge blog party blogger friends blogger voice personal opinions personal reflections ultimate blog challenge

I love this cartoon ! It describes the ultimate hug ! One of those hugs that just makes you melt and leaves your legs all shaky … It’s been a while since I’ve had one of those and I reaaaaaaaaaaaaallly want one of those hugs right now !

Since my dating diary is kinda drab – the best hugs I’ve gotten lately are from my boys (and alas these are the best friend kind).  There are some days (especially with the week I’ve just had) I reckon a a hug that makes you want to just let yourself go into another is just what I need for the ultimate pick-me up. 

You know the kind of hugs I’m talking about.  Alright folks – raise your hands if you like hugs ? Gimme a loud ‘hell ya’ if you fancy a good hug right now ?

p.s. I think I deserve a hug right now for completing Day 6 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge !

p.p.s if you are taking part in the challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

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Saw this on FB a few days ago and thought it was quite apt and went in line with my New Year Resolutions and #MM post ‘Just Say It’ 

I’m the kind of person that will call / email / SMS just because I thought of someone or if something reminded me of someone.  I’ve been known to ask a lot of questions; and been told off for speaking my mind a bit too much (but hey that’s just me).

I don’t see the point in mind games (which too many people seem to enjoy playing) and if I’ve got something on my mind – I spill it out whether it be for my personal life or in business.  What’s the worst thing that could happen ? Someone might not agree with what I have to say ? Or they would be a bit taken aback by whatever it was that I said ? Or maybe they get slightly offended ?

When it comes to relationships of any sorts – friends, potential boy friend / girl friend, family – I just find that people beat around the bush too much.  I can barely tolerate it and I definitely won’t be doing that in 2012.  I call the people I want to talk to; I invite those I want to meet (in fact I just ‘tell’ them – don’t leave them a choice lol); I explain as best as I can when I need someone to understand where I’m coming from; I’m pretty damn clear about my likes and dislikes ..

Every action has a reaction – and there are always repercussions to do the things we do and say … life would be boring if there weren’t right ? 

Oh and this post marks Day 5 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge ! If you are taking part, don’t forget to share your link below:

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Diva Hits The 500th Blog Post Milestone

Would you believe me if I told you that for the last few days I’ve quite literally sat at my laptop just ‘waiting’ to write this very post ?  I can barely keep up with the excitement ! This lil’ post marks the Diva’s 500th Blog Post !! That’s right – 500 ! and all of this amidst the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in (today is Day 3)

Honestly, when I first started this blog, I never thought I’d reach a stage where I’d still be ‘blogging’ 3 years later.  But I am, which is cool and its become a part of me.  I look back at some of the things I have written and I think ‘wow did I actually come up with that’. 

My blog (and me) have grown.  I’ve come to realize that there are some subjects I’m very passionate about and that I have something that could be useful to others.  I feel like I’ve come a long way since my first 100 posts back in July 2009; 200 posts in May 2010; 300 posts in March 2011 (and the biggest surprise); 400 posts in Aug 2011 !

Despite a really hectic schedule with my business, I try to blog whenever I can – and am happy to say that over the past year – I’ve actually averaged about 17 posts per month ! That’s a lot ! The #MM & #WW memes that I’ve been participating in have definitely helped inspire some really deep insights.  Sometimes I also feel like I don’t have enough time to blog about all the things I want to blog about but that doesn’t quite stop my blogger voice !

I’ve gotten to know so many new bloggers, built a rapport with them online & offline and it feels great being able to connect with so many like-minded individuals.  I just want to say a big Thank You to all of you out there in Blogosphere for taking the time to read my very dazed and sporadic reflections; and for sharing a piece of you with me by way of your comments and tweets.  It means so much to me. 

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

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Happy New Year Everyone ! I can’t believe we’ve already hit 2012 ! I’m still recovering from an extremely insane night out with my mates at the Royal Terrace and my feet are in pain !!

I don’t tend to make New Year Resolutions (not because I can’t keep them but because resolutions change depending on circumstances).  However I did come across this image with lots of key phrases and I thought – yeah that makes sense and pretty easy to manage. (oh and today also happens to be Day 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I’m taking part in)

Sometimes we need to take in the simple things that life has to offer us and step back to see just how much of a smile it leaves on our face.  I tend to be a very hyper (and aggressive) individual so I keep hearing my mates tell me that I should be more positive or smile more etc.  It’s not like I don’t – I do – but at times I feel like Bombay just tests every ounce of energy & patience that I have.

Looks like I’m just gonna have to turn that around for 2012 ! Do you have any New Year resolutions ? Any tips on how to stick to the ones you do make ?

p.s. if you are taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, don’t forget to share your link below

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Some of you might recall that a few months ago I participated in the 10 Day YOU Blog Challenge which was quite a bit of fun and it really got me focused on ensuring I churned out one post a day (every day) for 10 days.

Then in October / November I came across something called the Ultimate Blog Challenge (and being the rock star that I am) I decided to sign up for the January 2012 session.  Little did I know that I would actually get an email informing me that the challenge was about to start and whether I was ready to get my blog on ! 

There are few simple rules to follow :

1. Post every day for 31 days (duh !).  Doesn’t matter if you post twice a day and then skip a day – but you have to hit 31 posts over the entire month of January.
2. Each post must have a minimum of 100 words to count – so you can’t just put up a picture or a video and leave it there
3. Once you’ve posted, then tweet your post with the tag #blogboost so other participants can find you, and come comment on your blog
4. Go to the #blogboost page and take the time to read other participants blogs (and don’t forget to comment!)
5. No adult blogs – so keep it PG
6. Have fun whilst you blog !

1. 

Now I just have to figure out how on earth I’m going to manage 31 posts in 31 days given my extremely hectic schedule for the coming few weeks … Wish me luck folks !

10 Day You Blog Challenge blog party blogger friends blogger voice just for fun random rambling

As you all know, I'm taking part in this blog challenge, where I am going to write 10 posts in 10 days.  It’s Day 5 and I’m pretty chuffed that I got through the last few days without any delays.

Now that you already know my secrets, my loves & list of fears (don’t hold it against me) and my wants, it’s time to spill the beans on the 6 places I want to visit (I’m assuming they mean places I want to visit)

1/ Hawaii … beautiful beaches, beautiful people, volcanoes and sharks – who doesn’t want to go there ?

2/ South America … Hot men, hot women, salsa dancing, the rain forests, the parties ! oh and I know this might sound nuts – but I’m kinda hoping when I do visit – I get to spot an anaconda !

3/ Africa … given my fascination with wildlife, Africa is definitely a place on my bucket list.  Two friends recently went out there and the photographs they have are just unbelievable ! I would love to be able to watch the migration in Masai Mara (and I really want to just be able to spend time getting close to the big cats !)

4/ Leh & Ladakh … Ever since I moved to India, I have wanted to go and visit this picturesque mountain region – but alas opportunity seems to pass me by.  I’m hoping that before I leave the country I get to visit here.

5/ Central & Eastern Europe … I’ve done most of Southern Europe but there are still so many more places to explore ! My cousin moved to Russia for a year but unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to go and visit her – so I’m hoping maybe in the next few years I get to go.

6/ Actually I want to visit every country on the map. I love to travel, and love exploring new locations – so perhaps a world tour would be perfect for me.

Have you been to any of the above places ? Do you have any suggestions of what other locations I should add to my ‘Places to Visit’ list ? What about you – what are the Top 6 places (countries / cities) that you would want to visit ?

blog challenge blog party blogger friends blogger voice just for fun

I’ve decided to take part in a blog challenge as mentioned previously, where I am going to write 10 posts in 10 days. Today is Day 2 and I’m about to share all the things that top my love list  !

1/ Dessert.  To say I have a sweet tooth is an understatement.  I would rather have dessert all day than have an actual meal.  I would pick chocolate mousse over a cheesy pizza (and then eat the pizza after but you get my drift).  It’s definitely one of my guilty pleasures !

2/ Photography.  I am a self proclaimed cameraholic.  I’m permanently attached to my camera.  My friends get often get fed up of my constant need to capture all moments; but afterwards they end up appreciating it.  We only live once, and if I want to capture all the things I want to look back – then so be it.  I already have 8000 pictures from January till present date.  My record high has been 18,000 in 2009.

3/ Water. Doesn’t matter if it is in the pool, sea, river, a lake, a small creek or even a waterfall -  I am an out and out water baby, true to my sign – Aquarian.  Water in any form fascinates me.  I can spend hours floating on my back in the pool, watching the sky and losing myself in my thoughts.  There’s something so soothing about listening to water flow.  For those of you who haven’t been to Rishikesh then you must go and camp out by the river !

4/ Massages & Spa Treatments.  I absolutely love getting massages.  Who doesn’t right ? Alas, it appears that I end up giving more massages than I am getting in return.  I must change that.  Having said that I’ve just booked a chocolate massage for myself (see I really can’t resist dessert in any form) and can’t wait for that divine experience !

5/ Nature. From lush green landscapes, to desert terrains, sunsets and night skies.  I love to watch the sunset whenever I can, especially over water or between mountains.  I love watching clouds and discovering a pattern, object or animal in cloud formations.

6/ Wildlife.  I’m an animal person, and have always been enamoured by wildlife.  Something about them draws me to them and their natural beauty (especially the big cat family) takes my breath away.  I would love to spend 6 months or a year out in the wild just being around the various wildlife and have my camera on hand to capture moments that I might never be able to see again (without the help of Nat Geo or Animal Planet).  This particular advert gives me goose bumps ‘It’s In Our Nature’ – so do check it out when you get a chance.

7/ Dogs.  I grew up with a German Shepherd & a Doberman.  At university I got myself another Shepherd.  I’ve always been surrounded by dogs.  After my dogs passed away, I haven’t had any pets and feel like something is missing.  I can’t wait to get a dog again !

8/ My Family & Friends.  Admit it – you were wondering when this would show up on my list of loves hehe  Mine is a small house – parents, younger sis & bro and only about 30 odd cousins (including their spouses) and 20 nieces & nephews (and that’s just my Dads’ side of the family!) My Friends are my lifeline and support system.  Without them life would be dull and predictable.  I know of women who envy me on seeing just how dashingly suave my boys are ! And my girls – Dee, Nomiswamii, Nat, NC, Vixen, Goldie, NB – they deserve a whole post dedicated to them if not more !

9/ My Life.  Yes, I love my life.  Everything about it.  I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world – growing up, university, work, and for pleasure; a family that cares about me; friends that mean the world to me; a flourishing business of my own.  I’ve had my ups and downs like any other person, and fortunately I’ve kept my feet firmly planted in the ground to stop me from sinking into a bottomless pit-hole or from getting to far above myself.  Damn right I love my life !

That’s my list of loves for you – now it’s time to share yours.  Feel free to list them out in the comments or share the link to your own blog post on the subject.

blog party must have mood enhancers natural mood enhancers random rambling random thoughts

My BBBFF The Fabulous Bitch wrote a fab post on Must Have Fab Bitch Mood Enhancers and I couldn’t agree with her more !  I’m pretty certain that you (yes you turning around) have a special something that totally boosts your mood and helps turn your day around …

Sure in this day and age – some things we desire are superficial and materialistic .. such a damn shame they are the cause of pleasure in our lives !  I could probably rattle off a never ending list of things, people, places that lift my mood but for the purpose of this post (and so as not to lose your interest completely) I’ll just stick to the top 7 (don’t ask me why its 7 – ask The Fabulous One as I’m just following her post)

Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior

This is one perfume that gets my hormones in over drive and makes me feel like a true Diva ! I don’t know any true blooded man who can resist this scent … If I feel good and smell good – there’s no stopping the diva in me on a night out :)

If you haven’t already tried this – then I highly recommend it.  And if you don’t feel like a diva – then I’ll change my name (ok maybe I won’t but still – try it!)

A Full Body Massage

Ok so it’s not like I have a boyfriend who can drop everything to give me a massage – but  I’ve found the best pick-me-up comes in the form a body massage.  It could be a back massage, a foot massage, a head & shoulder massage – any or all of them make for a great mood enhancer.  

No boyfriend means that I have to find an alternative … my mum has found a lady who comes home for massages – and I manage to spoil myself with one at least 3 times a week :)  Now that’s the way the Diva rolls ! I just have to reach her how to manage a Thai massage and then I’m sorted !

Skype

Yup that’s right – I said Skype.  I can’t begin to describe what a buzz it is to hear that ringing sound and knowing that within a few seconds I’d be able to ‘see’ my friends who live overseas.  Its quick, easy and best of all FREE (ok fine not really fully free since I do have to pay internet bills – but its still better than paying an arm & a leg for a phone bill).  Besides, having an ex compliment you face-to-face always creates a mood lift :P

Wine & Cheese 

Like The Fabulous One I do like me a nice chilled glass of sweet white wine.  Throw in an assortment of divine cheeses; some grapes and crackers and I’ll be on my way to the heavens :)

If you’ve never had a W&C party before – then do check out the article Wine 7 Cheese by John St Mark

Chocolate

Give me white, milk or dark chocolate and you’ll see the smile across my face for the whole day.  It’s one of my guilty pleasures !  The past few weeks – I’ve been going through various mood swings and I find that the only solution to them is either Galaxy or Toblerone chocolate.  I love the way Galaxy pieces melt in your mouth.  I break off a piece, and leave it in my mouth to melt away – and let those mini orgasmic waves take over my senses ! Damn I want some Galaxy right now !

Cold Coffee / Coffee Milkshake

With the summer coming along in full force here in Bombay – the only thing that lifts my spirits in the morning is a tall glass of Cold Coffee or Coffee Milkshake.  It’s not as strong as a regular cup of coffee nor is it too sweet .. its just the right blend and teases the palate … and I find it more addictive than regular coffee.  It’s extremely refreshing – there’s the buzz of caffeine combined with a cool taste – a perfect morning mood lifter.

 

Hot Eye Candy

Of course the real deal would make soar into the sky – but I believe in reality – so will be happy to stare at my laptop or phone where I can have numerous hot men stare right back at me !  It just seems to me that Bombay is currently lacking severely in the ‘hot men’ category and since I’m not a Bollywood celebrity stalker – the regular guys aren’t quite cutting it for me … So eye candy it is – all on my laptop and just for moi :)

Now that you know my must-have mood enhancers – what are yours ? Do you crave the same things that The Fabulous One and I seek out ? Or must you have something that would put our must-haves to shame ?  Don’t forget to leave a comment; and if you decide to create your own post – make sure you share your link !