The Spicy Truth

I have learned through the years you have to take the good with the bad. You have to learn to balance the highs with the lows. For every moment you spend sad, and angry are moments of happiness you lose as well. So, for every moment you spend sad or angry... just know things will get better because they always do. Letting the little minute stresses reflect your day to day happiness is just not worth it. Don't let a past love dictate your present love. Never let the actions of a past lover control your emotions of today. People from the past are examples of what you don't need in your future. People are often in our life for seasons teaching us lessons putting us through trials of reason. Accept change because face the facts we all change. This is life... so, take as many pictures of your everyday adventures as you can, and laugh a little harder than you cry because often times... laughter really is your only remedy.

Until the next time keep it Spicy,

Pooja

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”

Truth is... I lose myself in music almost everyday, and there are days where free hand doodling loses me in a world where creativity blends artisictially and allows me to express verbally where my state of mind is...

Music is my soul... we all know that or well, I do... but music is also love.. and without love there is no music at least that is how I see it.

So... this is me expressing myself lyrically... and artistically. I saw this image while browsing online, two doves holding a heart up, and then I added a bit of a twist to it... my hearts shown to be broken, but its being held by two doves... I will let your imagination tell the story, but I added one to the image... I call it... "Gaurded heart of mine..." I am a woman of many talents... and this is me sharing one of the many... in time.. I'll eventually figure them all out... anyway, hopefully you like my creative thought behind the image...

until the next time.. keep is spicy :),

Pooja

P.S.- I know I said I was going to post a blog with pictures from my birthday... I will get around to it this week.. just been busy with real life problems. I'll get to it, promise!

*Blog title credit goes to American cartoonist Scott Adams.*

Wasn't supposed to make it past 25... jokes on you because i'm still alive!

Wow.. so I just celebrated my 26th.. and yes I said... 26th birthday on December 13th!!!! Bless every soul that had no clue how old I was and told me I did not look a day older than 22... seriously bless your generous hearts!!

First and foremost I would like to shout my parents out... they chose life for me, and I cannot be anymore thankful than that choice because that choice was a gift given to me by them! May they continue to rest in paradise!

Special thanks to everyone involved!! I will be posting a blog next week in further detail once all of the pictures are taken, sent, and delivered to me! The weekend holds more celebrations with friends from out of town!

I am truly blessed, and thankful for every real individual in my life! You all are a blessing!

Until the next time keep it spicy,

Pooja

Creative minds think creatively all the time

For my brothers birthday I was having the most difficult time trying to figure out what to get him. The man has almost everything he needs, and could want that I could afford. I had to think outside the box for a bit. Then a lightbulb turned on, and I saw the light!

I purchased a deal off a living social from the Star registry, and decided I was going to make a memorial star for my deceased parents, and also a star on behalf of my brother.

I did not want to get them framed, but wanted to give them to him in a creative way. Even though the gift in itself spoke volumes of creativity, but I needed to add my flavor to it.. I needed it to have some spice in it.

So, I ventured to Michaels and came to the conclusion I was going to make it a message in a bottle from the moon, and here is the finished product of what I made...

I picked up some added stuff for decor on the bottom to give it more spice :)! The closed top is actually spray paint gold & gold glitter, and then the certificates for the stars is the message, and the little yellow are also messages which are quotes that relate to both stars made for my brother.

The first quote is, "Best friends are like star you don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

The second one you probably read in the post about my mother, but in case you missed it, it said, "Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

On the bottom were my idea of moon rocks, hehe. I had to keep them spicy too! I love gold.. so why not add a little bit of me in this gift.


It brought down the waterworks, but he loved it, and that is what truly mattered to me. It was worth it because now.. we both know.. we have a memorial star on behalf of our parents, and when we are not around one another and miss each other we can look up at the sky knowing we are close at heart.

In case you were wondering... I'm already a star... my best friend bought me one for me :)! Thanks Nayela... I still am, and always will be so appreciative!

Until the next time. Keep it spicy,

Pooja

Happy Birthday Punit!

Another year has gone and you have grown so much.
I grasp onto your hand and hold it tight like a clutch.
You are my savior, my hero, best friend.
And I wish you the best until the very end.
My big brother I love you so much.
Even through the bad and ugly stuff.
I am so proud of the man you have become.
Every obstacle in front of you, you have over come.
I know you miss mom and dad as much as I do.
I hope you know I don't know a man stronger than you.
You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
A year older has only made you bolder.
Fear not of what our future holds.
We will put it together piece it mold by mold.
This birthday I wish for you to find love and success.
Of course worry free and a lot less stress.

I love you more than all of the worlds words. You are my big brother, and best friend. Happy birthday from your baby sis!!!

Until the next time... keep it spicy,

Pooja

Your body is your temple.

Nowadays something we all face as individuals is weight loss. I know I, myself… face this challenge on a day to day basis. This is why the story I wish to share will motivate others to take the step to making the change.

Anyway, some of you may be wondering what my post is about or who it may be about. It’s about my neighbor back home in Ocala, FL. She is not just my neighbor, or friend, but truly a family member. When we purchased our home back in 2008, and moved in… we built a bond with her family that is as strong as an ionic bond, and I am thankful to have the wonderful opportunity to share with you her story.

I introduce to you Nena… she is the C.E.O of her home, raises 2 beautiful daughters, cooks warm scrumptious meals for her hubby, and still has found the time to put herself first.

Before picture:

When I saw how hard she has been working toward attaining her goals I immediately seized the opportunity to share with you her story.

Nena what motivated you to lose weight?

“My kids... it is important for me to be fit, and to become youthful for my kids! Especially because they are so active.” Nena has two beautiful daughters both filled with exuberant amounts of energy!

Nena now:

Her advice to other women:

“Crash diets are a NO-NO! If you go for the crash diet you will end up gaining back the weight you’ve lost and maybe even more. Set a goal for you and call it a lifestyle change it tends to be more realistic and it is applied as an everyday routine.”

“A change in diet is an absolute way for one to gain or lose weight. If you eat less processed foods, junks foods, and carbohydrates, you will lose weight, and if you eat more you will gain.

“If you do not feel comfortable working out in front of strangers or are self conscious, start off by walking outside, it’s just as great as long as you keep a pace where your heart rate is up.”

I asked her initially what made her realize she gained weight and this is what she said:

“I noticed I put on weight after I had my 1^st child. After that I just super sized up year after year.”

Nena dedicated 5 days out of her week for an hour and a half to her workouts. She says that is her time to where she turns off her cellular device, blocks everything out, and focuses on her.

She feels it is an advantage having the support of family, friends, or loved ones. She says, “For someone to just say great going, good job, you look great. Keeps the motivation going and makes you feel that each little bit you lose is noticed and people care for your victory.”

Well, Nena… keep up the good work and best wishes to you! I know you will attain the goals you wantJ! Your story is motivational to so many different people out there that are scared to take the step, but now will. Thank you again for allowing me to share with everyone!

My mantra is: In order to BE THE CHANGE… you have to MAKE THE CHANGE.

Until the next time keep it spicy,

Pooja

A little this, a little that, and a lifetime of memories :)

So, this past Sunday I was given the opportunity to do the hair and make up for my cousin-n-law Dharminis pre-wedding pictures, and it was a blast. I have to shout out my room mate and friend Mariah for coming along and helping me throughout the day.

I am use to getting called for work to be done last minute. I wasn't asked to do her hair and make up until late afternoon on Saturday, and I jumped all over the opportunity. I don't do make up and hair for a living, but as my dear friends and family members know its something I hold a high expertise in.

Dharmini explained how she wanted to look natural, and flawless during her shoot. I gave her the most natural look to her make up, and also gave her loose curls in her hair. Her hair and make up looked flawless all day, and yes... there were moments where I touched up, but the Florida heat is no joke. We were blessed with a beautiful day in St. Pete and the pictures below will show you that. The pictures will also how a simple hair style, and natural looking make up can make any style stand out.


Photo credit goes to Mohini Bedi. Please feel free to email her with any questions! 

Alok and Dharmini are a beautiful couple. From the moment you see the two of them together you can see not only are they deeply in love, but are also each others best friend. It was honestly a lot of fun to be involved with these pictures that will forever remain timeless. Best wishes to the both of them!

Buy Care & then Take Care

 

 

So clearly, anyone who knows me knows there is one man other than my brother that I support whole heartedly... which is Aubrey Drake Graham. This is his THIRD album, "Take Care." I have been anticipating this album more than any album ever! I have been anticipating this album from the moment I got word that he started working on it. I have so much respect for this man, and you can call me a fan, and a true supporter. I feel as though this is his best work to date. You can tell how much love, thought, passion, and care went into the making of this album. I appreciate the instrumentals in this album. Without a doubt... I can listen to instrumentals ALL DAY.

Honestly, I know it leaked, I knew it was going to leak... effing leakers! Why doesn't my generation appreciate music, and just purchase it?! Damn... if you truly support someone... this is just one way of showing love, but haters are going to hate on the fact that, its more money in his pocket, well... isn't music what he does for a living? So, why not?! Whatever, I still refused to listen... I had to show not only my friends, but people who look up to me, sometimes... somethings are worth the wait... it makes it that much more magical. Especially because I did NOT put any doubt in the fact that this album was going to be phenomenal!

Anyway... I am still spending time listening to the album, and taking in each song for what its worth. I honestly have to say, "Look what you've done" touches my heart.. it reminds me of my parents, may their souls continue to rest in paradise. I can't say its my favorite on the album... I have yet to have a fave on the album... the whole thing is magical... I can't find the perfect words to describe the depth of this album, but that is also because I haven't sunk into it, and am still connecting to it. 

Unit the next time... keep it Spicy ;)!

Times just can't heal all wounds...

In my lifetime I can say I have dealt with many heartbreaks and heartaches. I have also given a good share as well. I don't say that proudly, I say it to admit and accept my mistakes, and am content to know I forgive myself, and don't regret a thing. In fact, I am thankful for the mistakes made because it has proven that through hardships success follows, and I am thankful for the lessons I have learned.

If I die... not finding love... I will be content because my parents showered my brother and I with unconditional love. They showed us the true meaning of love and I am thankful I witnessed it.

Today... marks 6 months since my mom passed, and I have never teared up so much in my life. Time is supposed to help heal wounds, and well, time has helped cope, but some wounds can't be healed. I still miss my father just as much as I did when he passed.

I wake up everyday and wish I embraced him a little longer on January 24th of 2008 the day he left for his trip to India. I will never forget that hug, and I will never forget how close our bond was and well, is. I truly believe he lives within me.

I go through my days and remember all of the life lessons my mom instilled in me. She was the kindest, most giving, wonderful woman I have and will ever know. She always spoiled me even when it was out of our means. I will never forget the many different conversations we had and am thankful that I was blessed with my parents. They truly were the most amazing individuals anyone could have ever came across. I truly believe she lives within me.

I reflect back on the past year and cannot believe how difficult it was not just on me, but also my brother. To a certain extent... it still is.


The loss of my parents has been the most difficult thing I have had to deal with and will have to deal with. I think about the future and the many events that have yet to take place in my life and realize that they won't physically be here with me. I find this the most difficult to deal with, but find contentment in the fact that spiritually they will always be here to guide me and help me accomplish goals we all saw together.

I thought I'd be ready to speak about what took place, but I am just not ready yet. I'll be able to write about it sooner than later... one day.

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. -Unknown

Music speaks to my soul

I love music. Music defines every beat of my heart. I was devastated when I heard of the passing of Jagjit Singh. I am blessed that I got to see him in concert on one of his first American tours. I hope he rests in paradise to the best of his ability. I am happy that he will always live on through his music.

Jagjit Singh was a famous ghazal singer, and had an eclectic singing style. His voice, the moment he spoke was defined. No one has a voice like him, no on has his ability which is why I say it was and is devastating news.

One of my all time favorite songs by him is, "Honton se chu lo tum...."  below you will find a link to the song...

The first line in the song says, "Hothhon se chhu lo tum mera geet amar kar do, ban jaao meet mere, meri preet amar kar do." ***Translation to English*** "Touch my song with your lips, make it immortal,
be my beloved, make my love immortal." So beautiful... we truly lost a legend, but he left his legacy that many will know for years to come.

Rest in Paradise Jagjit Singh (8 February 1941 – 10 October 2011)

Spicy dances....

At the beginning of fall term I told myself I wanted to try something new, something different, but something I was still familiar with that I had a passion for. I decided to enroll in beginning ballroom, and thus far... have thoroughly enjoyed it. I must thank my room mate Veronica for that she did persuade me some what to enroll... it was either ballroom at noon or boot camp at 8 AM... clearly ballroom won :).

Thus far I've learned the Bachata, Merengue/Merengue hustle, Foxtrot, and will be learning the Argentinian Tango, Waltz, and Salsa.

Dance is something that shouldn't die out... no form of it... I honestly love listening to Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé and love how I can dance the entire night away to their songs now, before... I would probably do a little two step number by myself, but now... after learning the Foxtrot I can do a very elegant, and sexy dance with a partner of course.... in which prince charming needs to come find me sooner than later :).

I leave you with one of my favorite Sinatra songs.... Fly me to the moon