Sidewalks

Category: Entertainment

  • Thoughts Everyone Has While Rewatching ‘Gossip Girl’

    Thoughts Everyone Has While Rewatching ‘Gossip Girl’

     

    I’ll never forget being a fashion-obsessed teenager when Gossip Girl first aired. It was love at first watch. Set in New York City, following the scandalous lives of elite high schoolers from the Upper East Side.

    I have to admit, it’s toxic, but oh so addicting! Back then, I wasn’t interested in watching characters grapple with morality. I lived for the drama, the scandal, and the fabulous lives of the rich, the hot, and the unapologetically evil characters on the show.

    Now, I’m knee-deep in my Gossip Girl rewatch and am just as obsessed as the first time. Something about this show pulls me in. Maybe it’s the consistently fabulous costumes or the because of such iconic cast. I mean, I can just look at Nate Archibald all day. The show has always held me spellbound, and I’m revisiting it for that exact reason.

     Rewatching the show as an adult in my thirties was completely different from watching it in my teens or early twenties, and here are all my thoughts.

     

    Note: I’d say spoilers, but if you haven’t seen Gossip Girl yet, that’s on you.

     

    1. The biggest WTF moment was trying to portray the Humphreys as poor. Come on, they live in a spacious loft in DUMBO, and Rufus was a successful art gallery owner and band member! With two kids in private school, they definitely aren’t struggling. Humphreys are at least solidly middle class, if not upper middle class.

     

    2. I couldn’t stop laughing during the pilot episode when Nate and Chuck were seen riding a public school bus. It still bothers me to this day! I mean, can you really expect me to believe that Chuck and Nate would ever ride a public bus to school? It made no sense at all, and they never did it again!

     

    3. VANESSA!!! Need I say more? I just don’t understand why Vanessa was part of the show. After watching the show again, I realized that if she weren’t in it, it would still be the same show. She did nothing but make me irrationally angry at all times and managed to get on every single one of my nerves. Honestly, she really should’ve just stayed in Brooklyn.

     

    4. Jenny Humphrey is the worst character ever. I just can’t get over how terrible Jenny Humphrey was in Season 3. She turned her back on her friend Eric to become queen bee and then threw yogurt on him! And then starts dealing drugs and stealing from Lily, who has always been there for her. And let’s not even get started on how she tried to steal Nate from Serena, who has always been accepting and supportive of Jenny.

    The worst thing Jenny did was just everything in Serena’s teacher plotline. Like, okay, Serena was mean to you one time, so you conspired with a crazy stalker to ruin her life, get her kicked out of college, and (unbeknownst to Jenny) roofied and framed for a drug overdose. That was really the moment I was done with Jenny and Vanessa.

     

    5. I will never forgive the writers for destroying Rufus and Lily!!! They were the only couple that made sense and should have ended up together.

     

    6. Nate and Serena were endgame. Why didn’t they end up together? It was literally SO obvious from the very beginning that they were meant to be together. I hate even pairing Nate with such a morally questionable character because he somehow happened to be the sweetest character. Still, they got along so well and had similar attitudes towards their lifestyle, and most importantly they had such a meaningful friendship.

     

    7. The show really did Nate dirty. His character had so much potential, but the writers just kind of dropped the ball on his development. Plus, let’s be honest: Nate is beautiful to look at. Sure, he may not have been the most exciting character, but at least he never betrayed anyone for his gain. But imagine if Gossip Girl turned out to be Nate; it would have added a whole new, dark layer to his character, especially considering his feelings of not belonging.

     

    8. I couldnt believe how unrealistic Blair’s wedding look was in Gossip Girl’s season five? With her impeccable fashion sense, her mom’s fame as a fashion designer, and all her wealth, it’s hard to understand how she ended up looking like that on her wedding day to an actual prince! I was expecting something more Grace Kelly-like from her, not the loose hair with a strapless white gown.

     

    9. Can we talk about how they suddenly stopped going to university? Like, why is no one attending classes?

     

    10. I don’t think Dan and Blair were thrown together for shock value. In fact, upon rewatching the show, I noticed they had one of the most refreshing friendships/relationships. They took the time to build a solid friendship in seasons 4 and 5 before getting together at the end of season 5. This kind of slow-burn development is rare in the show. When Dan wrote Louis’ vows, Blair said it was like he peered into her soul! Their friendship was more mature than many others on the show, and most importantly, they made each other genuinely happy in a healthy way.

     

    11. Serena and Dan’s endgame was rushed. It was like he was madly in love with Blair, and then five minutes later, it was Serena again.

     

    12. Can we just talk about how they’re like 15, and they’re drinking martinis at a hotel on a school night?? I can’t believe how much alcohol they consumed throughout the series, especially since they were all underage for the first few seasons. It’s pretty wild!

     

    13. Chuck and Lily’s relationship is the series’ highlight. I adored their relationship.

     

    14. In every episode, the things that go down are absolutely outrageous. Chuck Bass’s predatory behaviour is off the charts. And yet, despite all the toxicity, you find yourself inexplicably rooting for him. It’s like he’s that reformed bad boy who’s a total jerk to everyone except his one true love. Honestly, it’s like something straight out of a Wattpad fan fiction. Even as a teenager and fully aware of how toxic Chuck and Blair’s relationship was, I couldn’t help but cheer them on.

     

    15. Blair and Chuck may not have been innocent, but their character development was absolutely top-notch. Their storyline was hands down one of the most gripping and authentic in the entire series.

     

    16. Serena is the only character who never changed throughout the entire show. And every episode and season-ending, there she was, insisting, “I’m trying to change”!!!!! The way Dan portrayed her in his book as a shallow socialite seems accurate. I mean, having an affair with a politician at 20, not attending college, and not even working – just living off her family’s wealth? She should have stayed in LA and focused on her film career instead.

     

    17. I’ve always thought that NYC was the most important character in Gossip Girl and the one that continually saved it and made it interesting. Specifically, it was the elite bubble of NYC. The real estate and fashion porn, specific to NYC, in the show, is really what kept people hooked and coming back for more. The fantasy of it all, more so than the actual storyline, made the show the cultural zeitgeist that it was. People didn’t want to be Serena, Blair, or Chuck because they liked them as people; they wanted to be them because they loved how and where they lived. The same show, with the same storyline and characters, wouldn’t have worked elsewhere outside of wealthy New York.

     

    18. The strongest thing about GG was that all lead actors made their characters much more than they were on paper…every single actor/actress in Gossip Girl gave this story life.

     

    19. Blair Waldorf is hands down the most captivating character ever written for TV. She’s sharp-witted, manipulative, and unapologetically entitled. And I love her for it. BLAIR was the backbone of the show; every teen drama tries to replicate a “Blair” character but falls short.

     

    20. Let’s talk LOOPHOLES. Who was Chuck’s mother? What happened to her? And remember Lily and Rufus’ son, Scott? Whatever happened to him? He just…disappeared.

     

    21. Dan should never have been revealed as GG. The Gossip Girl should have always been Kristen Bell sending a text, breaking the fourth wall by winking at the audience, and then walking away down a busy NY street because she really is nobody and everybody.

     

     

    Have you re-watched a series like Gossip Girl that blew your mind, even though you’d already seen it? Let us know in the comments below <3

     

     

    xo

    Yachna

  • Venus in Pisces: A Romantic Playlist

    Venus in Pisces: A Romantic Playlist

     

     

    Hey everyone,

    I’m super excited to kick off my zodiac-inspired playlist series! I’ve always been passionate about both zodiac signs and music, so curating playlists based on zodiacs is a dream come true for me.

    I’m starting this series with a playlist inspired by my least favourite placement, Venus in Pisces. Having a Pisces Venus myself, I can tell you it’s not my top choice!

    Being a Venus in Pisces means I’m a total softy. I always try to see the best in people and am willing to go the extra mile for my loved ones. However, I also tend to get a bit too dreamy and overly romanticize my relationships. It’s a lot of “empathy without boundaries is self-destruction.”

    I love and struggle with having a Venus in Pisces because I tend to be a bit of an escapist, finding solace in books, movies, and anything else that can transport my mind to a whole new world.

    So, this playlist is about embracing the magical symphony of romance, love, and fantasy, just like my Venus in Pisces placement.

    I hope you enjoy this playlist as much as I do!

     

     

     

    xo

    Yachna 

     

    Are there any specific zodiac-inspired playlists you’d like me to create in the comments below?

     

    P.S.

    The 20 best Lana Del Rey’s greatest songs

     

  • Characters to Channel For Confidence

    Characters to Channel For Confidence

     

    Sometimes, I find myself in situations where I need a little confidence boost. You know what I mean? When that happens, I look up to these fictional badasses for inspiration. I love channelling their cool demeanour, sharp wit, and commanding presence. It might not always work, but it’s worth a shot, right?

     

    1. Ko Moon-Young from It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

     

    I mean, come on! It was love at first sight. Ko Moon-Young is a children’s book author with an antisocial personality disorder. She’s a total badass!!! She doesn’t care what people think or say about her. She’s a boss, confident, bold, and owns every room she walks in. Fiercely unapologetic, she prefers walking her own path, even if she’s alone. She’s sexy, sensitive, mature, and immature at the same time, and she’s both strong and soft. And let’s not even talk about her outfits; they’re to die for! 

     

    2. Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada

     

    Do I even need to explain? She’s literally everything I aspire to be! Sure, she might come off as cold and distant, but in reality, she’s just confident and in total control of herself.

    “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking,” she says sarcastically to an editor in one of their meetings. How hilarious is that?! Cheers to brutal honesty! 

    She is ruthlessly competitive, dominating, direct, task-oriented, meticulous, demanding, and brilliantly clever. In my work, I channel Miranda because she knows what she wants and goes for it, period.

     

    3. Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl

    Queen B is the moment. The definition of iconic. She rules the Upper East Side with an iron fist and my heart at the same time. I mean, she is THAT bitch!!! Her intelligence, wit, and eloquence are unmatched. 

    She’s the dictator of taste and always knows what’s in and what’s out. You know she actually suspended a girl from school just because she wore tights? Hilarious!! For Blair, “tights are not pants!” 

     Nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody, can mess with Blair. When she sets her mind on something, nothing, and I mean nothing, can get in her way. 

    She doesn’t believe in putting her fate in anyone else’s hands and has worked hard for her dreams. As Blair once said, “Destiny is for losers. It’s just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen.” She’s a force to be reckoned with, and I have no doubt her impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.

     

    4. Jo March from The Little Women

    Have you watched The Little Women? Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of Jo March in Little Women has really stuck with me. I relate to Jo so much. We are both writers. Just like her, I often struggle with self-doubt about my work. Do you ever feel like that too? 

    But what I love about Jo is that she’s brave, independent, unapologetic and confident. She marches to the beat of her own drum. She’s determined to make her own way in the world and not follow in the footsteps of what people think a woman’s life should be. She strongly believes there’s A LOT more to a woman’s life than finding a man and marrying rich. 

    My heart shattered for her in that one scene where she said, “I cared more to be loved. I want to be loved.” It was such a powerful moment that reflected my inner world. 

    For the longest time, I thought being fiercely independent meant I didn’t need anyone else, especially a man. But as I started tackling everything on my own, I realized how empty and lonely it was to not be loved and have someone care for me. Thank you, Jo, for being you and shining so brightly. 

     

    5. Arya Stark from Game of Thrones

    Long live the greatest character of Game of Thrones– Arya Stark. She’s a tiny ball of fury who doesn’t want to follow the conventional rules of being a lady. That’s not her. Instead, we watch her take up lessons on sword fighting, crushing all the rules of patriarchy. Even as a child, she’s an inspiration. She knows what she wants and what she’s good at and is unapologetic about it. 

    I mean, she spent a VERY LONG TIME training to fight without her vision, which she knew would make her a better warrior. And in true Arya fashion, she ruthlessly slayed all her enemies and avenged the death of her family like a total badass!!! Could your fave even????? 

     

    7. Elle Woods from Legally Blonde 

    I love it when a woman can do impressive things in a movie without giving up her feminine traits. She can be unique and loves makeup, fashion and be incredibly smart at the same time. Elle Woods taught me that!!!

    I remember the first time I watched Legally Blonde as a teenager. I was completely mesmerized by Elle Woods. Her fashion, confidence, kindness, and boldness were so infectious that I couldn’t help but admire her. 

    What to do when your boyfriend dumps you????? Be your best self ever !!! After getting dumped, instead of being miserable, she made a goal to apply for Harvard Law School, and only Elle Woods can make getting through Harvard look like a piece of cake. 

    When she applied for Harvard, she created a controversial and iconic applicant video showcasing her unique personality. 

    Instead of trying to fit in or conform to what she thought the admissions team wanted to see, she embraced her individuality and let her true self shine through. 

    Thanks to Elle, I learned the invaluable lesson of having faith in people and, most importantly, having faith in myself. Her timeless wisdom will forever be a source of inspiration for me.

     

    …………………………………………………………………..

     

    How about you? Who do you look up to for a confidence boost? Let me know in the comments below :*

     

     

  • Art I’ve Consumed and Loved Recently

    Art I’ve Consumed and Loved Recently

     

    Hey there! 

    The pleasant winter days here in India have been an unexpected thrill!

    It’s such a refreshing change from Canada’s harsh, bitterly cold winters. How have you been enjoying the weather lately?

    I am absolutely loving that the sun’s out daily! Sometimes, I take cozy naps under its warm rays, soaking up the peacefulness of the moment. 

    I apologize for not posting as frequently as I’d like to. I have  100000 things on my to-do list, which is growing longer by the day, leaving me overwhelmed and struggling to keep up with my posting schedule. 

    So, I decided to take a step back and focus on things that bring me balance and joy. One of those things is art! Whether I’m creating it or consuming it, art has been a thrilling escape for me lately.

    Creating art helps me channel my thoughts and emotions into something tangible while consuming it takes me on a journey of imagination and inspiration.

    ………………………………………………………………………………

     

    MUSIC

     

    Black Atlass

    Recently, I’ve discovered an artist who’s about to change your life, and I’m not exaggerating! 

    If you haven’t heard of Black Atlass yet, you’re missing out on some serious ear candy. This guy is so underrated; it’s criminal. 

    I can’t believe he’s not as popular as The Weeknd, because, in my opinion, he’s just as talented, if not more. His voice is like a warm hug, and his music is like a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter night – pure bliss! Trust me, once you’ve listened to his music, you won’t be able to get enough. 

    My personal favourites are “Beautiful Stranger,” “Lie to Me,” and “Sweet Summer” – I’ve had them on repeat for days now. Go check him out, and thank me later!

     

    Karan Aujla

    Another incredible artist I wanted to share with you is one of my recent music discoveries that I’ve been absolutely loving – Karan Aujla! 

    His latest album, “Making Memories,” has been on repeat for me lately with its chill vibes.  Even though he’s been a popular artist for the past several years, it’s surprising that it took me this long to get into his music, but hey, better late than never, right? 

    I have a few favourites from the album that I can’t stop listening to – “You,” “Try Me,” and “Bachke Bachke.”

     If you’re ever looking for some great music to jam to, I highly recommend listening to Karan Aujla!

     

    ………………………………………………………………………………………

    ESSAYS

     

     

    I recently came across an article by Susan Sontag called “The Double Standard of Aging,” and it really struck a chord with me. I mean, every other line felt like it was written just for me! 

    As a woman, I know firsthand how tough it can be to navigate through society’s expectations of beauty, body image, and sexuality. We’re constantly being told how to look and act just to be accepted. It’s not fair.  

    It’s wild how, even though the article was written ages ago, it still rings true today! Reading this essay was jolting reminder that we still have a long way to go when it comes to breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. 

    One particular passage from the article that really resonated with me was…

     

    “For women, only one stan ard of female beauty is sanctioned: the girl. 

    The great a vantage men have is that our culture allows two standards of male beauty: the boy and the man. The beauty of a boy resembles the beauty of a girl. In both sexes, it is a fragile kind of beauty and flourishes naturally only in the early part of the life-cycle. Happily, men are able to accept themselves under another standard of good looks — heavier, rougher, more thickly built. A man does not grieve when he loses the smooth, unlined, hairless skin of a boy. For he has only exchanged one form of attractiveness for another: the darker skin of a man’s face, roughened by daily shaving, showing the marks of emotion and the normal lines of age.

    There is no equivalent of this second standard for women. The single standard of beauty for women dictates that they must go on having clear skin. Every wrinkle, every line, every gray hair, is a defeat. No wonder that no boy minds becoming a man, while even the passage from girlhood to early womanhood is experienced by many women as their downfall, for all women are trained to continue wanting to look like girls.”

    ……………………………………………………………………………………

     

    MOVIES

     

    Psycho (1960)

    I was introduced to the world of Hitchcock earlier this year, and since then, I have been compelled to dive deeper into this work. Psycho was the first Hitchcock movie I saw, and ever since, I have watched several other films of his and can’t get enough.

    I’ve said this before, but I am a sucker for a good horror/thriller movie. This one hits differently because, when it was released, horror meant being scared off by the scary-looking ghosts or monsters hiding under your bed. 

    Psycho was ahead of its time in portraying the real terror lies in the people. That’s what makes it so refreshing and a breath of fresh air. 

    The terrifying shower scene killing the main character halfway through the film sent chills down my spine. It’s likely the most famous and analyzed sequence in film history.

     I would sell my soul to watch this movie again for the first time. If you haven’t already, watch this movie. You are in for a treat. You can thank me later!!!

     

    Rear Window (1954)

    While “Psycho” is my favourite Alfred Hitchcock film, his 1954 classic “Rear Window” is a very close second as it’s a masterclass in audience manipulation. 

    It has tension, suspense, humour, a good storyline, acting and cinematography, all the ingredients of a movie masterpiece.

    Rear Window is the story of a news photographer who finds himself confined to his apartment for six weeks after an accident leaves him with a broken leg and a cast on his foot and in a wheelchair. 

    While adjusting to his dreadful and monotonous new routine, he starts to look out his rear window, and through his voyeurism, we get a peek into the lives of nine of his neighbours.

    What surprised me the most was the style of the storytelling. The story is told from Jefferie’s point of view, which turns us into voyeurs and has us believing what we see. 

    It’s awfully hard to shoot an entire film in one room and also build an intriguing story, full of mystery, stuffed with a lot of characters and weaving in their stories. 

    It is a cinematic masterpiece from one of cinema’s most outstanding and widely respected directors.

     

    …………………………………………………………………………………….

     

    BOOKS

    As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

     

     

    One of my daily rituals involves writing affirmations reminding me of my inner strength and capabilities. I find this practice incredibly empowering and helps set a positive tone for the rest of my day.

    Our thoughts are the most powerful tool we have in life. This incredible book is a gentle reminder that everything in the world is an outcome of thought, so it’s essential to be mindful of our inner dialogue.

    It was so inspiring that I finished it in just one day! 

    After reading the book, I set some personal goals that aligned with its message, and it’s been amazing to see the progress I’ve made. I even carry a pocket-sized copy of the book in my bag, so it’s always there when I need extra motivation. 

    The best part is that the author’s writing style is so poetic and beautiful that I could get lost in it for hours. 

    I could go on and on about this book, but the main takeaway is to spend time reading inspiring books and see how your attitude toward life changes for the better.

    Ultimately, our goal in life is to grow and become the best version of ourselves.

    So why not give it a shot? You won’t regret it!

    …………………………………………………………………………………

     

    Thank you so much for reading. Sending warm hugs to each one of you because we all could use it. Also, the sun’s still out here in India!!!! so brb going to take some more cozy naps 😛

     

    xo

    Yachna

     

    Featured Image Credits – Pinterest 

     

  • A Heartwarming Japanese Series I Am Obsessed With

    A Heartwarming Japanese Series I Am Obsessed With

     

    Like all good things, I accidentally stumbled upon the Midnight Diner at my cousin’s recommendation. I instantly fell in love with the show and couldn’t stop watching it.

    As someone who doesn’t speak or understand Japanese, this series charmed me to the point that it inspired my trip to Tokyo.

    Why is it so special?

    The show is about a late-night diner inside a busy, narrow street in Tokyo that’s only open after midnight while most people are asleep. “When people finish their day and hurry home, my day starts. But sometimes, they don’t want to go straight back home. So, they drop in somewhere else on the way home.” the restaurant’s chef, known only as “the Master,” explains.

    While his menu is very minimal—usually just pork miso soup, beer, and sake, he’ll cook whatever you want if you supply the ingredients. But most of his regulars, a diverse group of people, such as sex trader workers, celebrities, LGBTQ, Yakuza, and immigrants who are sad, lonely, or restless, looking for a quiet place to take the edge off, come for the company.

    A very humble, sincere and stoic Master greets them all with a mysterious scar on his face. He’s an excellent listener and is well-respected and highly regarded for his cooking by all his customers.

    It’s particularly touching when regulars ask him to make their childhood favourites—a reminder of the essential comfort that his diner provides.

    Midnight Diner is like stories from a place I’ve never lived in or known. Yet it still somehow manages to feel like home. Every episode involves a story that is so beautifully crafted and is so human and universal based on the dreams, wants, hopes or fears of a regular customer of the diner.

    It might not be something you’d want to binge on all night, but savour one bite at a time, just like the food the Master cooks, which always looks exceptionally delicious.

    The intro makes me feel nostalgic for a place I have never been to, but it still feels comforting. The only bad thing about this show is that it’s not long enough 🙁

    Master, more episodes!

     

    Have you watched The Midnight Diner? What shows are you watching these days? I’d love to know 😀

     

    xo

    Yachna

     

    P.S.

    11 Best Anime Series for Beginners 

  • 11 Best Anime Series For Beginners

    11 Best Anime Series For Beginners

    Ngl, I was that person who would say, “I wouldn’t watch any anime in a million years!” I have grown and matured since those days. It all changed when I started watching The Spy Family last summer. I was instantly hooked.  Now that I am deep in the anime rabbit hole and cannot be saved, here are the 11 best anime for all the beginners like myself. 

    Note: There are various genres, so Keep an open mind because you never know if you’ll like them if you don’t try them.

    1) Death Note

    Watch if you like: Mystery Psychological thriller, Supernatural thriller

    A teen boy discovers a mysterious notebook that can kill people by writing their names. The captivating storytelling instantly pulls you into its dark world like a moth to a flame. This is anime at its best with its slick, clever, and witty death note is a refreshing change of pace. Click play. You won’t regret it.

    2) The Garden of Words

    Watch if you like: Romance/Animation

    Thoughtful and touching, this movie is a marvel to watch. An unlikely friendship strikes between a 27-year-old teacher and a 15-year-old student one rainy afternoon in a garden. This movie will pull at your heartstrings and is a real tear-jerker. Anime fan or not, it’s a must-watch.

    3) Attack on Titan

    Watch if you like: Action Fiction

    An anime masterpiece!! It gives you everything you want: spectacular action scenes, stellar character development, unforgettable animation and a captivating storyline full of suspense and mystery that puts you on edge. A highly recommended series indeed.

    4) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    Watch if you like: Action Fiction

    After losing their mother to a terminal illness, two brothers try to resurrect her using alchemy. But they must pay the price. One loses an arm and a leg; the other loses his whole body. Now, the duo embarks on an incredible and dangerous adventure to recover their whole bodies. Without a doubt, the most incredible TV show of all time, not just for anime.  

    5) Fruits Basket 

    Watch if you like: Romantic comedy, Slice of life, Supernatural fiction

     This anime will work as your therapy if you feel down or lost. Get ready to go for a ride on an emotional roller coaster, and it travels deep into your heart, making you cry with laughter, joy and sadness. Why are you still reading this!? WATCH IT!!

    6) Your Lie in April 

    Watch if you like: Romance, Drama

     A life-changing beautiful story about a talented pianist musical prodigy who has not played the piano in years due to trauma from an abused childhood. And then, one day, he meets this girl under full-bloomed cherry blossoms and his dull and monotonous days turn colourful. The story, characters, animation, and music all blend to create a wonderful symphony. 

    7) Black Butler 

    Watch if you like: Action, Mystery, Comedy 

    A young boy who’s also the last surviving member of an aristocratic family sells his soul to his demon butler in exchange for the ability to take revenge on his parents’ murderers. A perfect mixture of dark themes balanced with good humour, this anime simply cannot be skipped. 

    8)  Nana

    Watch if you like: Comedy, Drama, Animation

     With compelling characters and a heart-piercing soundtrack, NANA is an anime series that everyone should watch at least once. Two opposite women, both named Nana, meet coincidentally in Tokyo only to become roommates and grow inseparable while chasing their dreams. Touching, addictive, and heartbreaking. Do not miss it!!

    9) Sailor Moon

    Watch if you like: Girl Power, Action Fiction, Adventure

    The story centers around Usagi, an ordinary teenage girl who discovers her destiny is to be the legendary warrior Sailor Moon. The series follows the magical action adventures of Usagi and her fellow Sailor Scouts to defend the Earth and Galaxy.

    We watch the girls mature into young adults as they deal with friendships, school, romance, and family matters and develop their bond with one another. 

    10) Yu Yu Hakusho

    Watch if you like: Action, Comedy, Supernatural 

    It’s the story of a 14-year-old boy who suddenly finds himself dead after he saved a child. His sacrifice was acknowledged by the spirit world.  As a gesture of gratitude, the boy is appointed as a spirit detective, one assigned to protect all three worlds from evil. Before he knows it, he is swept up into being a spirit detective. The story, the characters, the plot, and just everything about this anime are masterpieces.

    11) Spy Family

    Watch if you like: Action, Comedy 

    Last but not least, one of my favourites. This is such a cute, funny and wholesome anime, and I recommend it to everyone. It’s such a different and unique concept. Since the first episode, I have been hooked and couldn’t stop watching it. 

     

    Have you ever watched anime? Would you add anything else to the list? I’d love to know!

     

    xo

    Yachna A

     

    P.S.

    11 best K-Dramas that’ll get you in your feels <3

     

     

     

     


  • Lana Del Rey’s 20 Best Songs: Editor’s Pick

    Lana Del Rey’s 20 Best Songs: Editor’s Pick

     

     

    Hi Readers,

    This is our first music post. In the coming months, we will be going through different music artists that we love and adore around the world & telling you about their music in detail. We hope you enjoy these.

    Love,

    Sidewalks

    If there’s one word I could use to describe Lana Del Rey’s flawless discography, it’s poetic.

    Her music is a painting brush, and our minds are the canvases. Her voice, aesthetic vision, and lyrics take your mind into this dreamy unknown destination.  You keep walking until you’re lost but still feel found. Her intoxicating music makes me want to be a 1960s rebel girl.

    Today, we pick the 20 best Lana Del Rey songs whose beautiful, damned aesthetic changed the course of pop music forever. It was extremely difficult for me to make a limited playlist because I love ALL of her songs. Still, I made a playlist of the best Lana Del Rey songs that I could play on repeat forever.

    20. This Is What Makes Us Girls (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    One of my all-time songs by the queen of melancholy. Through her lyrics, she portrays the complexity of women: the innocence, the heartbreak, the sexy, raw and dirty side all in one song.

     

    19. Venice Bitch (Norman Fucking Rockwell!, 2019)

    The magical blend of surf guitars and Lana’s voice. This song sounds like reading poetry under the cherry blossom trees. Not that I have done that. But that’s what I think it would feel like. 

     

     18. In My Feelings (Lust For Life, 2017)

    This track makes me never want to cry over a man ever again. When she says, “could it be that I fell for another loser,” I could relate to that deep in my soul. 

     

    17. Happiness is a butterfly (Norman Fucking Rockwell!, 2019)

    This Song is how poetry is written. It makes me sad in a strange way. I haven’t heard a more painful line: “if he’s a serial killer, then what’s the worst that could happen to a girl that’s already hurt? I’m already hurt.”

     

    16. Love Song (Norman Fucking Rockwell!, 2019)

    This song makes me want to write deeply melancholic romantic poetries and stories. If you have this song on your playlist, there’ll always be magic in the world. Lana is love <3

    15. Let Me Love You Like A Woman (Chemtrails over the Country Club, 2021)

     This song stirred something really strong within me. It taught me to embrace my soft and gentle femininity as a strength, not a weakness, and I love Lana for that.

     

    14. Brooklyn Baby (Ultraviolence, 2014)

     Without a doubt, Lana is the greatest storyteller ever. I lose myself in Lana’s fantasyland when I close my eyes while listening to this beautiful melody. My favourite lines from this song are: “well, my boyfriend’s pretty cool, but he’s not as cool as me.” ICONIC.

     

    13. Cherry (Lust For Life, 2017)

    I love the poetic style and lyricism of all her songs, especially this one. This song is so sexy, sultry and alluring. One of her best songs EVER!!

     

    12. Hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have (Norman Fucking Rockwell, 2019)

    I keep coming back to this song like a moth to a flame. It’s simply divine. It’s such a heartbreaking song. It’s so raw and poetic. It includes some of her finest and most chilling writing. As a fan of the work of Sylvia Plath, I love how Lana incorporates Sylvia’s work into this song. 

    11.  Young and Beautiful (The Great Gatsby)

    I am pretty sure this song is where my love for Lana Del Rey started. The beautiful lyrics, how her beautiful voice flows with the lyrics and translates them into this exquisite art meaning that no other artist has ever done. 

    This song explains the inner longing of women: to be loved unconditionally by a man who will stick with them their whole life. This song makes me feel nostalgic for love I haven’t even experienced.

     

    10. Doin Time

    Fun Fact: This Song was initially released by the American ska punk band Sublime in 1997.

    Lana Del Rey’s version is technically a cover. Either way, this song is seriously hypnotizing. I listened to it a million times, yet it still feels new and fresh. And it feels better than the original. 

     

    9. Dark Paradise (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition,2012)

    There’s something so heartbreaking about this song. It puts me in such a painful feeling of nostalgia. Lana is singing on edge between depression and mysticism with this track. With the words like, ” all my friends tell me I should move on. I’m lying in the ocean, singing your song,” Lana knows that feeling of being stuck on somebody even when all our friends tell us to move on. This is a song about death, heartbreak, and grief all in one. 

     

    8. National Anthem (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    This whole song is a masterpiece. There’s something so unique and captivating about this masterpiece. I am obsessed with the video. I keep coming back to it over and over again. I am yet to see such divine goodness anywhere else. It’s beautiful, sexy, and alluring, especially in the video. The monologue at the end is so heartbreakingly raw, vulnerable and poetic. 

    7. Video Games (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    The fact that this is her first song, and she filmed herself on a webcam and created this video, is legendary. This is a pure poetic masterpiece and an instant classic like her entire discography. 

     

    6. Stargirl Interlude (Starboy, 2016)

    Lana and Abel’s voices love each other. When they sing, their souls are making love to each other. The way she says “starboy” gives me chills. 

    5. Groupie Love

    Unpopular opinion: This is one of the best Lana Del Rey songs. Her vocals in this song sound like silk and honey. I’d love to hear your opinions on groupie love. Am I the only one with elite music taste?

     

    4. High By The Beach (Honeymoon, 2015)

    The way her voice blends in so well with the melody of this song gives it a very hypnotic vibe.

    Lana has never been more relatable than when she was lounging around in her nightgown, saying all she wanted to do was get high by the beach. There’s something about this song that’s… haunting and mesmerizing. You can’t help but put it on repeat. 

     

    3. Summertime Sadness (Born to Die: The Paradise Edition, 2012)

    Did you know summertime Sadness was written about Lana’s best friend who committed suicide? It’s so beautiful, raw, and painful. It makes me feel less alone that I am not the only one who feels this strange and unexplainable sadness during summer. It gives me a feeling no other song can. 

     

    2. Lust For Life (Lust for Life, 2017)

     The best duet of all time. The Weeknd’s and Lana’s voice together is the sweetest harmony. Their voices are soulmates, especially with these notes. There’s something so tragic and dark in the tone and music, but at the same time, it’s so calming. It gives me the vibe that you only get one life, so f**k it and do all that your heart desires. 

     

    1. Watercolor Eyes (Euphoria Season 2)

    The words of this song dive deep. Lana sings about how loving someone feels so good even though the relationship in question is toxic. The line, “your love stings like blood and a lemon.
    Why do you leave me with watercolour eyes?” Watercolor eyes represent crying, a poetic way of expressing tears.

    Another line: “So what if you taste just like heaven? That don’t make it right,” saying that just because you love someone doesn’t mean you have to put up with the toxicity that comes with it.

     

    If you had to choose, what are your all-time favourite Lana songs?  I had no idea my personal list would be so Iong. I just love a lot of her music! 

    You can now listen to the playlist on Spotify.

    xx

    Yachna



  • 6 Powerful Life Lessons Blair Waldorf Taught Us

    6 Powerful Life Lessons Blair Waldorf Taught Us

     

    She’s the best of the best. Never predictable, dull, or one-dimensional- Blair Cornelia Waldorf, otherwise known as the Queen B of Constance, Upper east side, and our hearts!! 

     The enigma of Blair Waldorf was in the complexity of her character. There’s no one as ICONIC as her. My life has never been the same since I watched Gossip Girl for the first time over a decade ago. I’ve always said that Blair is my spirit animal. Here are SIX powerful life lessons that have always stayed with me-

     

    1) Be ruthless and unstoppable in working towards your goals.

    Ladies, if you have a dream, don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of it!!

    Blair is notoriously driven, goal-oriented, and an influential leader willing to do anything it takes to accomplish her goals. Despite being a child of privilege with power and influence, she didn’t want things handed to her.

     For instance- going into fashion would’ve been a piece of cake for her. It would have been easier for her to ride her mother’s wave of success, but she didn’t want to lurk in her shadow and be labelled as a nepotistic girl. So, she chose the more challenging way up the ladder and proved herself worthy of her mother. 

     Her unstoppable drive to become a powerful woman was BEYOND comparison. She was a force to reckon with and was cut-throat and ruthless in getting what she wanted. You must be relentless and leave no stone unturned in making your dreams a reality.

    2) Never put your fate in someone else’s hands. 

    Blair imparted her powerful wisdom to me early on in life: You can’t leave your success to the moon and the stars. There’s no elevator to reach the peak, you have to climb up the mountain. Success is made up of blood, sweat, and A LOT of tears!!!

    She hustled with hard work, dedication and, of course, A LOT of scheming to make her way into the most exclusive clubs, sororities, and societies that would give her the power and status she desired. After all, “destiny is for losers. It’s just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen.”

    3) Know your worth. 

    Ladies, know your worth and recognize how amazing you are. Her magnetic presence and powerful energy charmed monarchs from across the globe. 

    She’s one of the most self-assured and confident fictional characters ever to grace our televisions. However, that wasn’t always the case. She struggled with deep insecurities, low self-worth, and an inferiority complex that led to an eating disorder. Yet, she knew her worth and wasn’t willing to settle for anything less. 

    The powerful essence of her story was rooted in the quest for self-love and being her person. Her quote: “I’m not a stop along the way. I’m a destination.”  has left a deep imprint in my mind. 

    4) You don’t need a man to fulfill you.

    Without a doubt, Blair was an inspiring role model for young girls, especially when she respected herself as a woman, embraced her sexuality and fought for her dreams. 

    Blair was always so passionate about being an independent young woman. She refused to let any man of her past or present define her. 

     Make yourself your top priority and focus on what you want from life before love or marriage is an option. How can you be happy with someone else if you aren’t happy with yourself?

    Blair had the love of Chuck Bass, a very powerful and wealthy man. But, she wasn’t happy being a trophy girlfriend or wife. She desired to create her path in life, make something of herself, and then stand shoulder to shoulder with Chuck as an equal.

    I loved that she refused to commit to Chuck until she accomplished her goals because “I have to be Blair Waldorf before I can be Chuck Bass’ girlfriend.” Ah, yes, feminism. 

    5) Never, ever give up

    Blair lost her acceptance to Yale, but that made her only more determined. She wasn’t the one to accept defeat. She was the writer of her destiny and still got into an Ivy because of her courage and perseverance. She took over her mother’s company. She started her fabulous fashion line. Let’s not get started about the legendary Chuck-Blair bond, which of course, wouldn’t have been epic without her love, commitment and sacrifices. 

    6) The art of fashion

     Blair Waldorf is famous for many things; her killer style is on top of that list. She used fashion as a powerful tool to show the world the woman she passionately desired to be. Her fabulous outfits made me want to throw away my wardrobe so I could make room for a style like hers. 

    Through her trademark headbands, bold and dramatic patterns, and ridiculously high-fashion pieces, she quickly became a force in the fashion world. 

    Her style exudes power and influence while also possessing a softness similar to her personality that not everyone sees, which is a trait I love about her most. She never failed to make a fashion statement, even when her world was falling apart, and she felt deeply sad and heartbroken. 

     

    What is your favourite life lesson from Blair Waldorf? Would like to add anything to this list that I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear in the comments below. 

     

    P.S.

    11 Romantic Kdrama that’ll make you swoon xo

     



  • 11 Best Romantic K-Dramas That’ll Make You Swoon!

    11 Best Romantic K-Dramas That’ll Make You Swoon!

    For all the hopeless romantics in this cynical world, here’s a list of 11 best romantic K-Dramas (in no particular order) GUARANTEED to make your heart swoon and ache at the same time. Here goes-

    1) Boys Over Flowers

    Is there anyone that’s not in love with this fun and fluffy binge-worthy K-Drama? With the endless romance and swoon-worthy moments, instantly dubbed a classic, it was one of the first Korean drama that took the world by storm and rightly so. 

    With a fabulous display of emotions, this series will take you to an adventure of a lifetime that’ll make you laugh, cry, and feel immense butterflies leaving the viewers at the edge of their seats in desperate anticipation of what’s next?

    Since its release, the show has been remade several times in different languages. My favourite one being the Chinese remake of Meteor Garden. Click here

    2) Legend Of The Blue Sea

    Utterly beautiful and one of the best Korean drama ever!!

     Legend of The Blue Sea is a kind, beautiful love story about reincarnation and a love that transcends time. The chemistry between the two main leads was off the charts. This show has all the fantastic elements- romance, comedy, suspense, fantasy, and an engaging storyline that’ll keep you hooked from the first episode. 

    From the beginning until the last episode, the continuity is strong, and the slow character build-up from different centuries makes the show even more enticing.

    3 Something in the Rain 

    MY FAVOURITE!!!

     Something in the Rain is one of the shows that’ll forever stay with me because of the beautiful and heartwarming chemistry between the two main leads. This show is for those who have not felt the sweet beginnings of love for a long long time. The characters got me hooked within 15 minutes. A heartwarming love story with slow and beautiful character development, impeccable timing, effortless comedy, and heartfelt music built on a forbidden yet deep romance. This series is guaranteed to make your heart flutter and ache simultaneously!!

    4) Wok Of Love

    Wok Of Love is a beautiful story about love, friendship, and lots of delicious, mouth-watering food. The details given to the food preparation are simply impeccable, while the chemistry between the leads is just irresistible. Simply a mood refreshment with a storyline that’s fresh, light, and delightful. The flirty playfulness and love of the show will leave you wanting for more. Every episode is exciting. The concept is a mix-up of love, romance, career, passion, acceptance and striving hard for what you want to get in life no matter what. This is totally a BINGE!! 

    5) Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

    Breathtaking is the word for this pure and soulful show. Everything of the drama, including the story, songs, background music, dialogues and especially everyone’s acting, was terrific. Some very emotional scenes in the series are bound to pierce the heart of even an unemphatic person. It made me feel some way; it’s almost godly in my mind. Every single episode of the series was glittering. This is seriously one of the most powerful series I’ve seen so far. I will always remember the emotions this series gave me.

    6) Coffee Prince

     This one-of-a-kind quirky, full of humour, light romantic comedy will steal your breath away. Watching this show felt like sipping a delicious hot cup of coffee. The clumsiness, fun, touching and heartwarming moments made me fall in love with it. The charisma and charm of all the actors are to die for. Beautifully made series with such simplicity yet such longing, it left a hole in my heart.

    7) Descendants of the Sun 

    It’s one of the Most Exquisite shows that I’ve ever seen. A complete package of Comedy, Romance, Action and Lots of emotions in a single series is rarely seen. 

    With a fantastic background & a fabulous display of emotions, values & relationships, this series keeps you excited throughout all the episodes, from the start till end, while pulling out various emotions from within you & making you eager to look forward to seeing ‘what’s next & how?’. 

    8) What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim 

    If you’re looking for a quarantine and chill series, consider adding this one to the mix. A cute, feel-good, light and funny rom-com themed series that will make your heart smile. The leads have their chemistry bang on- they are funny and quirky yet “super hot “as a couple. There is a good storyline with suspense that will keep you guessing till the end. 

    9) The Heirs

    The Heirs is the series that’s guaranteed to lead you down a life of watching endless Korean Dramas. One of the best romantic series that I’ve ever watched; it covers many different emotional facets of life, including depression and social acceptance. This series is full of top gun actors who play their roles well with sweetness, jealousy, humour, and some silliness. Overall, very entertaining series with rarely any dull moments.

    10) I’m Not A Robot 

    Imagine living in a world where you have to isolate yourself from everyone because it is a possibility you might die if you come in contact with them? This drama isn’t your everyday love triangle; it delves deeper into human emotions and the beauty of companionship, both platonic and intimate. 

    The writers have done an exceptional job writing the story and goosebumps-inducing scenarios that relate to one another in an entirely unexpected way. The ending of the story is beautifully and leisurely written, which warms your heart.

    11) Rain or Shine 

    It is a beautifully executed story focusing on real people, emotions, tragedy, and how it can impact lives well into the future. A simple yet beautifully profound story that sends a strong message to the audience. As the story unfolds, you enter into a different world. It feels as if you’re watching someone else’s life story for real. It makes you fall in love with every character. The leads certainly deserve some love and attention for the superb acting! The story ended exactly how it should have. If only we could get a season 2 🙁 

    Do you have any recommendations to add to this list? Have you watched any or maybe all of them? Do you have any favourites? Let us know in the comments below 🙂

    xx

    Yachna