What's in a Bag?

Lately most of my assignments and endeavors have had me running all over the city. I've been crazy busy, but loving this change from the usual rut of college lectures. And just as fate would have it, the temperatures in Bangalore have never seen the heights they are at now. I kid you not, I'm tempted to jump into a cold shower every few hours. I'd be squeaky clean too, considering all the dirt and muck I've been picking up.

It seemed appropriate to commemorate this traveler's thirst quenched, with a What's in my Bag. These are essential tools, apart from the obvious phone and keys, that I always have with me when I'm out, and that have proved their worth on several occasions.






Water & healthy snacks - I prefer metal bottles to plastic ones. Better for the environment and you. Be sure to wash this bottle twice a week at least, Hygiene is utmost when in India. Being a FitFoodie is not easy. Therefore, I also keep a zip lock of nuts or an apple, to make sure I don't ever get hangry.

Charging port - This piece of technology has saved me from oh so many troubles. Being a person who travels by buses for the better part, I rely on Google maps whenever I'm in a new area or need directions to the nearest bus top. This takes up battery real fast, and these ports are small and can hold a few days worth of charge. Keeping one of these will never prove worthless.


Pick-Me-Up - This is a personal preference. I would say keep whatever can pick up your mood instantly. Maybe koehl or mascara. Or even a perfume. Whatever would make you feel like Queen bae, you keep that. For me its a lipstick. Currently favoring StreetWear's Pink Pirouette.

Wallet and ID - Wallet = money. No explanations there. Valid ID can save you, give you entry and justify your presence in so-many-situations-that-I-cant-seem-to-put-them-on-my-fingers. Its a plastic card of 4x2 inches citizens. Not that heavy. No excuses then.

Sketch book - This is the center of all activity for me. I write, I sketch, I record. If you are the kind of person that draws inspiration from travelling, this is a good thing to keep. Whenever you're craving some inspiration, just a flip through these pages will exceed Pinterest and Tumblr.

Earphones - Good music and the wind in your face. Complimentary things that just make walking or spending time at waiting areas that much better.

Face wipes - Yes, those insignificant face wipes they give in floods on flights. This is worth stashing in your purse for later use, like when you have sweat dripping down your face or when you couldn't resist petting that dog just before lunch.



I hope this was helpful. I'd love to know what your bags look like. Comment below, and happy travels. :)

All Tied Up

Been super busy between college assignments and event planning for our fest. I never realized how much I like event planning until I was knee deep in it though. All the talking, promotions, running around, planning every last detail and making it look exactly the way you imagine it. Although with all this work on my plate, and craving any sleep I can get, I am so glad I am doing it. And to top it all off, I have restarted my dance classes. I'm sure you'll see dancer like poses in today's shots. Guilty.

Along those lines, I recently met a guy at the bus stop. He asked me directions and that, smoothly, got a conversation going. There was a point when I asked him whether what he does at work is something he truly enjoys. Putting aside the late meetings and overworked weekends. I simply want to know whether the work you do, do you do it for results, or for the enjoyment of the mere work itself? For me personally, enjoyment of the work is crucial. If I don't long for what I'm doing, I find it hard to put my all into it. I'll try and try and burn myself out trying. But the ease with which I would be able to do the task I'm passionate about, is what I feel would propel me to move forward. And that's why I'm in design and not in engineering. Its just not my thing.

I read in the Gita once, that true sacrifice could be anywhere from giving up worldly lust to having a feeling of gratitude for everything by giving up your work as sacrifice to the universe. Look at it like this. Imagine you are a screwdriver. Now, without the hand putting in the effort, the screwdriver would be useless. However, if the hand keeps making the effort, without the screwdriver, nothing would be accomplished. Now, how can the screwdriver think that HE is the one doing all the work, and that any failure or accomplishment is HIS to own? Its his part to simply do his job, and feel content within it. Its only when the screwdriver is in this state of mind, that he can be the best screwdriver around. As a student of the spiritual journey, I have found that only when I have left the results of my work up to the Force, that I have performed better than ever. Its a step on the soul's journey forward, and man has been known to love moving forward. I only hope to keep growing.

As for my OOTP, I tried something new with a relatively new, black maxi skirt I had lying around. The real news is that - I got brogues! I've been saving up for these for a few months and I can't wait to style it in every way possible. Being petite, heels were a better way to go I felt, since it really adds that extra dimension. I paired them with visible white ankle socks, to bring that quirkiness in. And this khaadi printed jacket is such an Indian twist to the outfit, that I absolutely had to finish it off with a big black bindi. 

Nude brogues - Myntra
Black maxi - Forever 21
Khaadi printed vest - Fab India

Septum-sempra

A decision that I've been struggling with for the past month or so has now become an everyday routine. Its always at the back of my mind, you know, behind what is the meaning of life and what is God. Yeah, that far back. You'd think that after I've introduced you to this focus-threatening decision, it would be about what university I'm going to join, or something along those mature lines.

Its a decision about whether or not I should spend money on the entire collection of Harry Potter music, as played by the Philharmonic.Yeah. Priorities.

Its not about the need for it because believe me, its needed for intensified focus and motivation. A lot of reminiscence of course. But mostly just love for that wizarding world. But should I spend that much money for it? What if I find something else that I need more a few minutes later? Its that damned extensive menu all over again. 

So I guess that's where this OOTD stemmed from. Like I told you, its been at the back of my mind for the longest time. I guess it was only a matter of time before that inspiration surfaced and showed itself. The brogues though, I've had my eye on for the longest time. And when I finally found the right size and enough money saved up, I took great pleasure in ordering them. Be ready for a long stream of brogue donned posts.

Plaid dress -  Levis
Brogues - Myntra
Rings - Travel finds

And no, I haven't actually pierced my septum. I like change and experimentation, and piercing just seems so.. permanent. So there's a reason to design some rings of my own. I'm starting to think they might just be my new favorite accessory. Not to mention Ranveer Singh sporting it on a magazine cover is any less beautiful. That man can pull off anything.

Geometric danglers - Charming Charlie
Septum ring - Handmade

Until my next post.

Stay true.