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