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  • The Book Club Review

    The Book Club Review


     

     

    Yesterday was my first book club meeting ever!!

     Our book is, A Gentleman in Moscow, and I am excited to discuss it with you. 

    What would you do if you, at 30 years old age you were sentenced to house arrest?

     At the beginning of the book, we find the main character, Count Alexander Rostov, sentenced to house arrest in a grand luxurious hotel, the Metropol

    Even though we just read up until the first 100 pages of the book, I have loved this book so far. The Count feels like a real person as we accompany him in an epoch of his life’s journey.

    He is irresistibly charming and effortlessly cool. He instantly pulls you into his classy and sophisticated mind and world. 

     If there’s a word to describe the feeling of the book until now, it’s nostalgia. Nostalgic to feel romance, not between lovers. But, the romance of life and ideas.  

    We discussed how sentimental we felt as we observed the time passing in The Count’s life as he became a witness in his own life. It’s heartbreaking to see The Count’s life unfold. At only 30, everything in his life is already in the past tense. 

    Lastly, we discussed quotes from the book that moved, inspired, and enlightened us—sharing some of these quotes with you too. Here goes-

    “Adversity presents itself in many forms; and that if a master his man does not master his circumstances, then he’s bound to be mastered by them.”

    “…Imagining what might happen if one’s circumstances were different was the only sure route to madness.”

    ” The count took pride in wearing a well-tailored jacket; but he took greater pride in knowing that a gentleman’s presence was best announced by his bearing, his remarks, and his manners.”

    “…Perhaps a mirror will suddenly serve its truer purpose-revealing to a man not who he imagines himself to be, but who he has become.”

    “A slouching posture tends to suggest a certain laziness of character, as well as a lack of interest in others. Whereas an upright posture can confirm a sense of self-possession and a quality of engagement.” 

    “A sad but unavoidable fact of life…that as we age our social circles grow smaller. Whether from increased habit or diminished vigor, we suddenly find ourselves in the company of just a few familiar faces.”

     

    Have you read it? Or would you like to? We are discussing it next Saturday (a week from now). Please comment below if you’re on board! We’d love to have you. 

     

    xo

    Yachna


  • 21 Iconic Celebrities Who Changed Fashion Forever

    21 Iconic Celebrities Who Changed Fashion Forever


     

    Fashion is an ever-changing industry that has evolved through the decades. From powdered hair and cardigan sweaters to yoga pants and high-fashion streetwear, the evolution of the fashion industry has been nothing short of remarkable.

    This incredible evolution of Fashion is the result of several once-in-a-lifetime looks and garments that celebrities of different eras brought forth. Let’s now look at 21 such celebs (in no particular order) who changed fashion forever.

     

    1. Marilyn Monroe 

    Glamourous. Lavish. Iconic. Probably one of the first names that comes to mind when you think of fashion is Marilyn Monroe, an icon of femininity and sexuality that embraced her seductive figure fashionable. Her flowing skirt from the movie “The Seven Year Itch” is a legendary dress that still influences the world of fashion even after 65+ years.

    2. Rihanna 

    Everyone’s favourite bad gal!! A fashion muse, a trailblazer, and always iconic. When it comes to style, she’s in a league of her own. Rihanna has always understood the power of fashion to shape perception and express individuality. Fearless and versatile, she has the talent to express and reinvent herself with strikingly bold silhouettes at every appearance. From her bold MET gala looks to her edgy Bottega Veneta pieces, Rihanna has proven she’s the ultimate fashion powerhouse. While pregnant, she once again pushed fashion boundaries and opened up new conversations about style. 

    3. Bella Hadid

    Bella Hadid is one of the most daring fashion favourites and the ultimate fashion icon of the modern era. She’s able to embody a vision and bring to life creative imagination by using her body as art to display the most iconic fashion trends.  

    Her influence is undeniable- bringing back retro 2000s fashion such as micro-sunglasses, Y2K graphic tees and bucket hats making her one of the most-watched street-style stars worldwide. By bringing cutting-edge fashion trends to the red carpet, she’s pushing boundaries and stepping outside the box every time. Through her style, she’s sending a powerful yet essential message to women worldwide: don’t listen or follow the stereotypical rules of the fashion world. 

    4. Zendaya

    Is it even a red carpet if Zendaya isn’t there? 

    Zendaya’s fashion transformation since her Disney days has always been bold and NEVER boring. Whether in archival fashion or fresh-off-the-runway looks, she has consistently kept her fans on their toes. She’s the moment with her striking red-carpet looks and high fashion shoots, proving that she isn’t afraid to experiment. With her versatility, she can do a playful and casual look one minute, then turn around and pull off high glamour the next, all while turning heads. 

    5. Harry Styles

    From a teenage heartthrob to a fashion powerhouse, Harry Styles expresses his unique vision and flamboyant personality through fashion and beauty. Through his style, he’s making a powerful statement: be whoever you want to be and don’t worry about what others thinkHis eye-catching, gender-fluid, and unconventional fashion taste have inspired people worldwide that they should be able to wear whatever they wish without any fear of judgement, making him one of the most influential celebrities in the fashion world. 

    6. Madonna

    Madonna’s influence as a fashion leader has been consistent since she first appeared on MTV. Her trend-settling style created a signature eighties look and launched a strong attitude among women. With her eccentric and fierce choice of clothing, she uses fashion as a form of rebellion and expression. During the 80s, when the world wasn’t as open and accepting as today, she exuded power, boldness, and fearlessness, inspiring a whole generation of women to show up as their genuine selves. She said just because you are strong doesn’t make you a bitch or slut, and if people call you that, so what? Who says it is always a bad thing? 

    7. Audrey Hepburn

    The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when we mention Audrey Hepburn’s name is, of course, the little black dress. Hepburn’s simple yet powerful look from Breakfast At Tiffany’s inspired a new generation of women who broke the shackles and started expressing themselves freely with ultimate class and sophistication.

    8. Lady Gaga

    Weird, Outrageous, Amazing, Unbelievable! These are not the most common words when describing a fashion icon. With her various outfits through the years, Lady Gaga has taken the fashion world by storm and opened the doors for today’s youth to express themselves through their fashion without fear.

    9. Princess Diana

    A global fashion icon that’s gone but never forgotten. The memory of Princess Diana and her iconic fashion choices will forever live on in photos. Whether the head-turning John Travolta dress or the unforgettable revenge dress, each outfit has a story behind it and stands out as an important pop culture moment.

    10. Elizabeth Taylor 

    Although some may have considered her outfits outrageous at the time, Elizabeth Taylor certainly paved the way for the fashion industry to evolve significantly. Her larger-than-life dresses paired with dazzling diamonds made her a force to reckon with.

    11. Vivien Leigh

     A woman of great style and taste. Vivien Leigh’s extravagant dresses in the movie, Gone With the Wind (1939), were memorable and timeless. They made displays of pomp and wealth more fashionable.

    12. Jackie Kennedy

    Jackie Kennedy popularised the collegiate look in the early 60s. After becoming the first lady, her influence on fashion grew even more, with each public appearance of hers evoking a sense of awe in the media for her remarkable fashion sense.

    13. Michael Jackson

    Michael Jackson’s fashion influence is quite literally unparalleled. With an eccentric, creative and sparkling sense of style, he was the first pop star to define fashion on his terms. A fashion pioneer, every spell-binding costume he put on became a part of his legendary legacy. Her most iconic accessory is his now-legendary single white glove.No matter what Jackson wore before or after he introduced the white glove to his aesthetic, it would be the defining fashion moment in his career full of groundbreaking style.

    14. Humphrey Bogart

    Confidence, body language and being cozy in your skin are essential for pulling off any look. Fashion is not just about what you wear but also how you wear it.  Humphrey Bogart managed to exude confidence even with the simplest of looks.

    15. Pierce Brosnan

    Although Sean Connery may have been the first James Bond, Pierce Brosnan’s clean-shaven, slightly ruffled but tidy hairstyle combined with bold coloured ties and classy watches certainly made him stand out as the most stylish James Bond ever. He certainly changed fashion forever.

    16. Jennifer Aniston

    No list of revolutionary fashion icons will be complete without Jennifer Aniston. Her “Rachel Look” is the craze of millions of women. Her look, demeanour and especially the hairstyle from the show Friends were so iconic that the hairstyle was even named ‘The Rachel’ in honour of Jennifer Aniston’s character.

    17. Charlie Chaplin

    Not many would think of Charlie Chaplin as a fashion icon. However, he certainly brought new meaning to the old 19th Century look with his trademark bowler hat and stick. Almost a century later, the mere sight of the hat and stick brings the image of the iconic comedian to everyone’s mind. Revolutionary, indeed!

    18. Clark Gable

    Not mentioning one of the greatest fashion icons of the early 20th Century in this list would be a grave sin indeed. Clark Gable epitomized the True Gentleman look that many strive to imitate even today!

    19. Clint Eastwood

    Clint Eastwood’s looks as the man with no name in the classic Wild West movies of the 60s are truly notable in the world of fashion. He single-handedly made looking rugged fashionable for men all over the world!

    20. Kanye West 

    Love or hate him, Kanye West is a visionary who made a name for himself as an artist, designer, and trendsetter. There’s no doubt Kanye’s footprint is strong wherever he plants it. Looking back at Kanye’s style moments, it’s clear he doesn’t play by anyone’s rules, nor does he ever conform to societal norms. Along with his friend Virgil Abloh, Kanye West successfully paved the way for streetwear to become a part of high fashion.

     

     

    21. Kim Kardashian

    Last but certainly not least, Kim Kardashian is certainly the most influential fashion icon today. Her glam is inspiring millions in this smartphone and social media era of instant fashion!

     

    What did you think about our choices? Did we miss any that you had in mind? Feel free to share your icons with us in the comments section below.

     

    Post Credits

    Co-Written by: Yachna Atthi & Mohan Raj

    Mohan Raj is a Senior Editor at Swag Swami, an online portal and blog for fashionable printed t-shirts in India. An avid gamer who spends his free time logged into Steam. He also practices Yoga and meditation regularly and teaches Yoga at the Cosmopolitan Centre in India.

     

     



  • 36 Questions To Fall in Love

    36 Questions To Fall in Love


     

    What if dating was as simple as getting to know another person?

    Dating doesn’t have to be a game. It can be as simple as getting to know another person. Discovering the depths of another person is only possible when we show up as our true selves, but we must be willing to let our true selves be seen too. 

    How honest are your dating experiences, really? Lose the games. To make it easier, we’ve compiled 36 honest questions to fall in love 🫶

    Now, take turns answering and asking each question. How do you win? Stay honest. 

    Level 1 

    For what in life do you feel most grateful?

    What are you feeling a lot lately?

    Who in your life do you feel most yourself around? Why?

    What is something new you’ve learned about yourself recently?

    What part of your job energizes you the most? Leaves you the most drained?

    What about you has felt repeatedly misunderstood by others, if anything?

    What are you overthinking right now?

    What’s a non-negotiable in your life?

    What does friendship mean to you?

    What did the people who raised you teach you about love? How has that shaped your views on love today?

    Which one of your parents’ personality traits do you want to keep? Let go of?

    If you could change anything about how you were raised, what would it be? Why?

     

     

    Level 2 

    How do you define dating?

    Describe your worst heartbreak. What did it teach you?

    Has sex ever been a deal breaker in your past relationships? Explain. 

    Have you ever considered an open relationship? Why or why not?

    Do you have any unconventional opinions when it comes to romantic relationships?

    When was the last time you ghosted someone, and why?

    What was the worst date you’ve ever been on?

    What dating advice would you give your younger self?

    What’s the hardest part about dating you?

    How has your view on love evolved, if at all?

    What have you tolerated from others that you no longer have space for?

    What has being single taught you about yourself?

    I know I really like someone when (fill in the blank)

    Share something you typically wouldn’t do on a first date. 

    How emotionally available do you currently feel? 

     

     

    Level 3 

    What do you think I was like in high school?

    Just by looking at me, what do you think I do for a living?

    What was the first thing you noticed about me when we met in person?

    What are your three favourite physical features of me? Write them down and read them out loud. 

    What about me intrigued you besides my physical appearance?

    What do you think my type is? Describe in detail. 

    How many relationships do you think I’ve been in? How many times have I been in love? Explain.

    What do your friends know about me, if anything?

    For what in life do you feel most grateful?

     

    Share this with someone who needs it <3

     

    xx

    Yachna

     

    (Pics in the order they appear: Pinterest, ‘Hands’ by Tony Belobrajdic, Sundays are for lovers.)

     

     



  • City Food Guide: Calgary

    City Food Guide: Calgary

    Calgary! So many places to eat and so much time frozen in deciding where to go. To help, I asked my friend Vaibhav, who’s also an awesome photographer, to share his personal and detailed list of Calgary can’t-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. Whether it’s a delicious brunch spot, a cool old-fashioned cocktail bar that makes you feel like Don Draper, late-night munchies, or a cute spot for a date night. We’ve got you covered. 

    Bakeries

    Beebop Doughnut Shop

    Wow Bakery

    Glamorgan Bakery

    Pie Junkie

    Double K

    Breakfast/Brunch/Cafes

    Vendome

    MAVEN

    OEB

    Queens Breakfast Cocktails

    Brekkie Cafe

    ZCrew Cafe

    Manuel Latruwe

    Amaido Cafe

    Benny’s Breakfast Bar

    Regrub

    A Ladybug Bakery & Cafe

    Namo Cafe Bistro

    Chix Eggshop

    Yellow Door Bistro

    Park By Sidewalk Citizen

    Snowcapz

    MobSquad Cafe

    Brouhaha

    Flores & Pine 

    Treno Coffee & Prosecco

    And Some Flower Cafe

    Bubble Tea

    The Alley

    Bubblemania Cafe

    Yummy Q

    Jusfruit

    The Moon Tea House

    Don’t Yell At Me

    Tsujiri Japanese Tea House

    Gong cha

    Royaltea

    INCHA Tea House

    Burgers/Sandwiches/Fried Chicken

    Alumni Sandwiches

    V Burger

    Peters’ Drive-In 

    Zilford’s Fried Chicken

    Wow chicken

    Popeyes

    K Town Fried Chicken

    Lil Empire Burger

    Boogie’s Burger

    Briggs Kitchen+Bar

    Charbar

    Clive Burger

    Casual Eats & Drinks

    Craft Beer Market

    El Furniture Warehouse

    Loco Lous

    Free House YYC

    Avenida Food Hall

    The Banquet

    National

    Eighty-Eight Brewing Co.

    Cocktail Bars

    Proof

    The Wednesday Room

    Caesar’s Steakhouse x Cocktail bar

    Sub Rosa

    Winebar Kensington

    Leopold’s Tavern

    Lulu Bar

    Shelter Cocktail Bar & Lounge

    Betty Lou’s library

    Milk Tiger 

    Untitled 

    Ricardo’s Hideaway

    Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

    The Nash

    Bar Annabelle

    Cleaver

    Escape 60- Escape Rooms & Cocktail Bar

    Sensie Bar

    Major Tom

    Different Restaurants From Around The World

    Afghani/Halal

    Deyar Kabob

    The Halal Guys

    Asian Bao

    iBaoza

    Chinese/HotPot

    Shangshangqian

    Diner/Delis

    Blue Star Diner

    Red’s Diner

    Grumans Catering & Delicatessen

    Diner Deluxe

    Belmont Diner

    Filipino

    Barrio Fiesta (MUST TRY!!!)

    Greek

    Greek Next Door

    Santorini Greek Taverna

    Grill/BBQ/Pub/Bar

    BBQ Chicken

    Indian

    Rasoi

    Indie Counterculture

    Royal Paan

    Italian

    Olive Garden

    Pacini

    Annabelle’s Kitchen

    Cardinale

    Bonterra Trattoria

    The Italian Farmhouse

    Lina’s Italian Mercato

    Mercato

    Luca

    Japanese 

    Shimizu Kitchen

    Ikemen Ramen Bar

    JINYA Ramen Bar

    Ajito

    Kim’s Katsu

    Koji Katsu

    Wami Ootoya

    Fusion Sushi

    Sushi BBQ Inn

    Ki Sushi

    Ke Charcoal Grill & Sushi

    Big Catch Sushi Bar

    Sho Sushi Bar & Kitchen

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    Monsoon Izakaya

    Boom-Boom Ramen House

    Fuwa Fuwa

    Korean

    Stone Bowl

    Meshi Sushi & Ricebowl

    K Street Food

    Moon Korean BBQ

    Baekjeong Korean BBQ

    Mediterranean

    Kama

    Mexican

    Anejo 

    Blanco

    Native Tongues Taqueria

    Con Mi Taco

    Thai

    Tuk Tuk Thai

    Pad Thai

    Taiwanese

    Just BBQ

    Vietnamese

    Thai Tai Vietnamese Sub & Grill

    And, finally, ending the list on a sweeter note…

    Desserts

    Made by Marcus

    Village Ice Cream

    Snowy Village

    Cafe du Centre

    D Spot Dessert Cafe

    La Diperie

    Chapman’s Icecream

     

    Where do you love eating in Calgary? Please Share

     

    xx

    Yachna

     

     

     





  • Thrifty to Luxe: 4 Best Boutiques & Stores in Vancouver

    Thrifty to Luxe: 4 Best Boutiques & Stores in Vancouver


    There’s something about Vancouver that just feels so easy. Maybe it’s their cool art galleries, cinematic theatre experiences, splendid music scene, and the local food. And, don’t even get me started on their shopping scene. They don’t call Vancouver “the Manhattan of Canada” for nothing. 

    The last time I was there, in early September, I was lucky enough to check out some local shopping boutiques in the neighbourhood close to my hotel. 

    From unique vintage thrift stores to luxury boutiques that carry rare archives from iconic designers, here are the four best shopping places I wouldn’t want you to miss in this epic city. 

     

    1) Once More: Luxury for less

    A candy store for the ultimate fashion lover. If you’re short on time and only have the time to visit one store, then let it be this one. 

    What’s so special about this store, you ask? 

    You can find plenty of exciting vintage pieces from legendary fashion houses like Versace, Gucci, Comme des Garcons, Prada, Burberry, etc.  Everything about the store screams luxury at affordable prices, from classic and chic attire to their jaw-dropping shoe collection. I scored a steal deal on practically new red crystal-covered Valentino stiletto heels for half the retail price. 

     Melissa Dhu, the owner and the founder of the boutique, was so kind and welcoming. She took the time to explain the story behind every item in the store, most of which were from Melissa’s personal closet. In speaking with Melissa, I realized that the clothes, shoes, and bags we own have had a life before us, and if we take good care of them, they have a life after us. 

    Sharing with you some pictures that I captured while at the store-

     

     

    2) MINE & YOURS

     Dying for some red-soled little pieces of art or Jimmy Choo in your size? Voted as one of the Best Consignment Stores in Vancouver, keep Mine & Yours on your radar, and I promise you that you won’t leave disappointed. If you LOVE fine-quality things and don’t want to spend a fortune, then this is the store for you. I felt like I was in a fashion museum as some of the things at the store dated back to the 1920s. So cool!!

    As you enter the store, you can feel a high-end boutique’s warm and chic ambiance. The shop is filled with cool pieces from every iconic designer you can think of at affordable prices. Thanks to this iconic boutique, our closets have never looked better!!! <3 Sharing some pictures that I took at the store-

     

    3) Wildlife Thrift Store

    An iconic family-owned & operated, Wildlife Thrift is a breath of fresh air and a cult favourite among the locals. Chic, a picturesque thrift store in the middle of Vancouver, you are guaranteed to find a unique variety of things, including clothes, video games, furniture, books, art, and other trendy finds, at shockingly low prices. I can promise you will find treasures that you might not have expected.

    A brand with a strong philosophy of protecting and preserving mother nature for generations. In describing their brand values, they say, “we believe in one, single, simple concept: by recycling, we are not only able to preserve our environment but are granted the privilege of giving back.” 

    If you’re still not sold on it, they donate to local charities that help those experiencing Homelessness & Mental Health issues. So if you feel bad about spending money on retail therapy, at least you are giving back to people.

    4) Community Thrift and Vintage Frock Shoppe

    Founded in 2011, Community Thrift & Vintage Frock Shoppe is a not-for-profit thrift store based in Vancouver. I loved quietly browsing all the beautiful one-of-a-kind vintage clothing and jewellery, which made it impossible to leave empty-handed. 

    Even though prices on some items were high for a thrift store, it’s still worth checking out because you do find special and unique pieces that are hard to find in the malls.

    They employ women in need from the local community to work in the business. And, since all their profits go towards supporting at-risk women in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), shopping here felt so sustainable and fulfilling at the same time. 

     

    Are there any other stores that you would add to the list? Comment below I’d love to know and check them out on my next visit. 

     

    xx

    Yachna

     

     



  • My Beauty Cocktail: Mehaik Bhasin

    My Beauty Cocktail: Mehaik Bhasin

    Mehaik Bhasin. A strong independent boss babe, curious reader, travel fanatic, and a source of endless inspiration to empower women to be comfortable in their own skin. “Don’t dull your sparkle to fit in. Go out there, own your art and your voice,” she says. Today on Sidewalks, she shares the best beauty she ever received and the best career advice for women.

    What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from running a successful restaurant?

    The quality of food is more important than the presentation… for the long run. A restaurant is only good as its team. Not a single role is less important. If the dishes aren’t clean, we can’t serve our customers. 

     What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?

    Evenings and weekends socializing as that are the busiest time. I’ve missed family weddings or functions. I have to prioritize socializing and really ask myself, is it that important for me to attend every gathering, or can I skip some? Lots of sleepless nights, as creative ideas generally come to my mind at 3 AM, so I quickly take out my journal or laptop, so I don’t forget it the next day. 

    What’s the biggest learning experience in your career? 

    It’s best to learn and adapt to every role in the business to be truly helpful to your team. If someone is not feeling well – help them out and learn what they do in case you need to do it yourself. 

     When are you the most inspired?

    I’m inspired by authenticity, individuality and a person being themself!

    What makes you feel the most like yourself?

    I love and enjoy wearing Indian ethnic wear. I feel my best self in a suit or a lehenga.

     What’s the best career advice you’d share for women?

    Don’t dull your sparkle to “fit in.” Go out there, own your art and your voice. There is only one of you. And you are irreplaceable! 

    What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

    I love to travel. I’ve booked a flight to Paris within a 24 hr window from when the flight took off – all because you only have one life to live! We work hard (whether that’s at home or in the office – it’s important to treat ourselves too =)

    What’s your current favourite piece of clothing that you own?

    My light blue ripped jeans! They are comfy, and it’s been a summer staple for me. 

    What’s the one thing you wish you knew at age 19?

    Take life one day at a time. Don’t stress out about where you’ll be in 5 years. Just do your best with the day ahead of you. Everything will fall into place. 

     Besides your phone or wallet, what are some of your must-have purse items?

    I carry the Black Opium Purse-sized perfume spray, Revlon’s Ultra HD Vinyl lip gloss, Tampon, Advil and Gum!

    Favourite piece of clothing you own?

    All my Indian clothing! 

    Must-have clothing item everyone should have?

    A white dress for women. And a crisp ironed white dress shirt for men.

     How do you like to start your mornings?

    Pray & say thank you to God, Read a page from the “daily meditations” Language of letting go by Melanie Beatle and make myself a cup of coffee (Coffee’s got to have hazelnut flavour with Oat milk) =) 

    What’s your go-to bed ritual?

    Drink Vanilla flavoured sleepy-time tea, write 3-5 things I am grateful for and listen to Jason Stephenson’s guided meditation to unwind and slowly drift off. 

    What do you do to relax?

    Play calming spa music at home & put on a face mask if I am at home. Or I’ll go soak in a hot tub at my gym. 

    How do you define beauty?

    How you behave when no one’s watching. It’s what on the inside that really matters.

     Best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

    Do what makes YOU feel confident and beautiful. Everyone has their own perceptions of beauty. Ignore the noise and just do you! 

     What did your mom teach you about beauty?

    Don’t compare yourself to anyone around you. Everyone has their own style!

    Let’s talk makeup. What’s your everyday makeup routine?

    I usually wear the Mac foundation as the base. Then, I blush my cheeks with Glow Play Blush from Mac with Revlon’s liquid eyeliner in the colour black on my top eyelid and finish it off with L’oreal’s Blackest Black Mascara. On the odd day that I’m feeling lazy – I’ll wear only tinted moisturizer from Nars and some blush.

    What about lips? Do you prefer lipstick or lip gloss?

    Matte Lipsticks for the camera & lip gloss for off-camera.

    What’s your favourite lipstick?

    I love Velvet Teddy from Mac. 

    What about lipliner? 

    My go-to is Spice from Mac. 

    Vintage or new?

    Vintage, no questions asked!

     Style-icon?

    Esha Gupta – Bollywood

    Blake Lively – Hollywood

    What’s your daily skin-care routine?

    I cleanse my face once in the morning using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cleanser. After cleansing, I moisturize my skin with the Garnier Active moisture rescue. I cleanse twice in the nighttime (just to make sure my makeup is completely off) and moisturize. Most importantly – reminding myself to drink tons of water! (I’m still working on that).

    How do you care for your hair?

    I use Pantene’s Rosemary sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. And I apply coconut oil once a week (usually Sundays). 

    Lastly, what’s your best advice for women?

    Learn to embrace change, don’t live in a victim mindset and say “I don’t know” when you don’t know.

     

     

    Thank you, Mehaik!!!

     

     

    P.S.

    More Beauty Cocktails, including a pastry chef, a travel fanatic, and a fashion stylist.



  • 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



  • 14 Self-Care Rituals To Nourish Your Sensuality

    14 Self-Care Rituals To Nourish Your Sensuality

    If you’re struggling to find time in solitude and stillness for yourself or desire to do more self-care- because, let’s face it, life can get real hectic sometimes- you’re not alone! You’re drained, overstretched, and life is too busy.

    And then you need to squeeze in time for dating and sex too? Ha! In your dreams!

    So what if I told you today’s post would guide you into deep bliss of sweetness that will boost your libido and desire to be intimate with your honey? What if I also told you that self-care could be deeply sensual and yummy too?

    Ladies! To make this accessible and easy for you, we’ve created a 14 day-challenge to dive deeper into your sensuality. We hope you find value in this just as we did. 

    Day 1

    Luscious Vulva

    Look at and feel your yoni and see precisely what your beautiful flower looks like. Find your outer lips, inner lips, and vaginal opening. Touch it with tenderness. Study the colours, shapes, and textures of your unique flower. Take time to appreciate your yoni’s unique beauty and her amazing potential. 

    Day 2

    Treat your yoni well.

    Make your yoni a chemical-free zone. No soap or feminine hygiene around the mucus membrane or inside the vagina. Soap and all forms of hygiene products are harsh for your yoni. Treat it with love, care, and lots of tenderness. 

    Day 3

    Blossoming Yoni

    Place your fingers firmly on either side of your vaginal opening and press down, feeling through the skin and fatty tissue to the muscles and the bulbs beneath them. Explore the different ways you can rub, squeeze, and stimulate them, discovering what inspires them to enlarge. Take a look in the mirror and notice how the whole shape of your vulva is altered. Enjoy!

    Day 4

    Be Here. Now. 

    Right now, our world is moving faster than it has ever before. We are navigating new technological spaces and connecting virtually more than ever; in between these spaces, we often plan one thing to the next without really being present in anything. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    When your body and mind are at ease when you are not planning for the future or thinking about the past, that is what is truly special; those are the moments we feel- in our body, with our mind, a pure connection. 

    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Day 5

    It’s okay to want to be alone. 

    It’s okay to say no to a gathering you do not feel like spending your time. It’s okay to need some space and take time to yourself, give yourself the gift of giving, and schedule it even if you have to. Permit yourself to take care of your soul.

    Day 6⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Listen to your body

    Communicate with your body to align with your needs and desires. Create a conversation with yourself and ask your body, the most intimate parts, what they have to say. Allow the parts of you that often go unnoticed a space to be heard. 

    Dedicated time for stillness in your body and mind. You’ll discover new ways of touch or old ones continuously hitting the spot. After all, this is the time to awaken and be in your most divine feminine truth and sensual power. ⠀

    Day 7

    Take the time to learn about your body.

    We do self-pleasure in secret by staying quiet, performing quickly, and taking as little space as possible. We rarely give ourselves the time to notice the small things about how we like to receive pleasure and want intimacy when we are not with a partner. 

     Connect with your desires. Set aside some alone time. Take a relaxing bath. If lighting up candles, playing relaxing music, and putting on sexy lingerie gets you in the mood, then do it. Make sure to turn off your phone, lock your door, and be present with yourself. 

    Day 8

    Breathe

    Focusing on your breathing helps build a deeper connection with your body and calms down the nervous system. It brings your awareness back to the present and helps you escape distracting thoughts. Just concentrate on deep inhaling and exhaling, and your body will take care of the rest. 

    Day 9

    Nourish 🌹⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Sharing with you this delicious recipe for Golden Rose Latte, my favourite thing to be sipping with a dose of adaptogen love and soothing colours as we transition to fall. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Brew in Milk:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    2 cups Organic Regular, Oat, Coconut or Almond⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp turmeric, ground⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp cinnamon⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp ginger powder or fresh grated⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    pinch black pepper⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/4 tsp cardamom powder⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    1/2 tsp rosewater (add at the end) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    few strands saffron⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    pinch of rose petals to garnish⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    honey or maple syrup according to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    xo

    Day 10

    Move those hips 🤸🧡⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Pelvic rigidity is a common condition affecting the free flow of energy in the spinal cord and throughout the body. The rigidity cuts off a direct flow of energy into the pelvis and creates stagnation and a lack of fluidity, emotion, and pleasure.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    This rigidity is commonly due to gender conditioning- boys are taught to control the sway of their hips as it’s too feminine, and women are condemned to swing their as it suggests being provocative and naughty.⠀

    No wonder there is such a massive gap in our connection to intimacy. It will feel weird at first if you are not used to it, but get a hula hoop, dance in your bedroom, practice making circles with your hips, and open the portal to what is your greatest power and pleasure source you have!

    Day 11

    Inhale ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Take a breath in through your yoni, and let it travel up your spine to your navel, all the way to your heart.

    Expand the ribs, drawing the breath up the throat. Exhale. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Release the breath out through the mouth. Let the breath flow like sweet, fresh waterfall water.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Repeat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Until.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    Bliss.

    Day 12

    Let’s talk self-care!!

    Most women usually have some form of routine or nurturing, although it could always be more intentional, and we often forget key body parts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

     Do you massage your breasts? Do you care for your breasts the way you rub your legs or spend time rubbing the suds out of your hair? Our breasts, located right around our hearts, serve as beautiful reminders of our femininity, and they love to be cared for. How do they like to be touched, held, and cupped?

     Rubbing in a circular motion towards your heart increases circulation, awakens the heart chakra, and softens your nervous system allowing for more pleasure and presence. ⠀⠀

    Day 13 

    Sacred space.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    It‘s essential to have a clean, inspiring, beautiful and inviting space to call yours, whether in your bedroom, a meditation corner, or a room where you can work out, pray or nap in the sunshine.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    This is key to also having the pleasure time that you want. Just like our mind when it’s full of things we can not center, we can not find the clarity to ground and sink into deliciousness. 

    Day 14

    What is Pleasure Mapping? How will it transform your sex life?

    Pleasure mapping is a practice, like yoga or meditation, to better explore your body on a deeper level and expand your ability to receive more pleasure. 

     It’s the practice of getting to know your body and how it responds to various touches, sensations, and potential emotional stories held in those areas. In pleasure mapping, we’re just noticing everything. 

    Where do we feel resistance? What do we enjoy the most? How can we change up our routine to experience more pleasure? It’s an incredible way to practise slowing down and savouring the journey. 

     

    Your friend cannot miss this.  Share it with your BFF right now <3

     

    This post was written in collaboration with The Pleasure Plus. I’d highly recommend you check out the courses and other services that are offered by Simone Farschi, the founder of the brand. 

     

    xo

    Yachna

     

    P.S. The ultimate guide to becoming a sexual goddess

     

    (Picture Credits from top to bottom- Pinterest, Fertility Awareness, Alexasha_zmi, Valeriya Komarova, Vintage Feeling, Badass Limited, The Pleasure Plus)

     

     

     

     

    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

     



  • 15 of The Best Quotes From Our Favourite Books

    15 of The Best Quotes From Our Favourite Books

     

    Hello Readers,

    Today, Aug. 9, 2022, is National Book Lovers Day. This unofficial holiday is observed to inspire book lovers to celebrate reading and literature. Today, as any other day, you are advised to put away your cell phones and every possible distraction and pick up a book to read. Here’s a list of books we are reading this year.

    In honour of National Book Lovers Day, here are the 15 best quotes from the most hauntingly beautiful books we’ve read-

     

    “That same night, I wrote my first short story. It took me thirty minutes. It was a dark little tale about a man who found a magic cup and learned that if he wept into the cup, his tears turned into pearls. But even though he had always been poor, he was a happy man and rarely shed a tear. So he found ways to make himself sad so that his tears could make him rich. As the pearls piled up, so did his greed grow. The story ended with the man sitting on a mountain of pearls, knife in hand, weeping helplessly into the cup with his beloved wife’s slain body in his arms.”

    ― Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

     

     “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”

    ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

     

    When you compare the sorrows of real life to the pleasures of the imaginary one, you will never want to live again, only to dream forever.”

    ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

     

     “I hate this life of the fashionable world, always ordered, measured, ruled, like our music-paper. What I have always wished for, desired, and coveted, is the life of an artist, free and independent, relying only on my own resources, and accountable only to myself.”

    ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

     

     “. . .sometimes one feels freer speaking to a stranger than to people one knows. Why is that?” “Probably because a stranger sees us the way we are, not as he wishes to think we are.”

    ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

     

    “Remember me, even if it’s only in a corner and secretly. Don’t let me go.”

    ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

     

    “I don’t know what’s worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you’ve always wanted to be and feel alone.”

    ― Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon

     

    “Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”

    ― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet

     

    “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they’re busy doing things they think are important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

    ― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

     

    “Then you must teach my daughter this same lesson. How to lose your innocence but not your hope. How to laugh forever.”

    — Amy TanThe Joy Luck Club

     

    “‎I know you’re still young but I want you to understand and learn this now. Marriage can wait, education cannot.”

    – Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns

     

    “You can be lonely even when you are loved by many people, since you are still not anybody’s one and only.”

    ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

     

    “If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: in love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”

    ― Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

     

    “Even though I’m often in a mess, inside me there’s still a calm, pure harmony and music. In the poorest little house, in the filthiest corner, I see paintings or drawings. And my mind turns in that direction as if with an irresistible urge.”

    Vincent Willen van Gogh

     

    “Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and being alone won’t either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You have to risk your heart. You are here to be swallowed up. And when it happens that you are broken, or betrayed, or left, or hurt, or death brushes too near, let yourself sit by an apple tree and listen to the apples falling all around you in heaps, wasting their sweetness. Tell yourself that you tasted as many as you could.”

    ― Louise Erdrich, The Painted Drum

     

    Comment below if you have a favourite quote you turn to — whether it’s from a book, a famous person or someone in your life? <3

     

    P.S.

    What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever read?

     

    (Featured Image From Pinterest)



  • 12 Sexy Ques To Spark Your Date Night

    12 Sexy Ques To Spark Your Date Night

     

    Are you too guilty of spending too much time mindlessly scrolling through your phone? A few days ago, I went out for dinner at a restaurant and noticed so many couples out for dinner, sitting in silence, faces lit up by the screens of their phones. 

    I am guilty of doing the same with my family or friends. It made me realize that my phone addiction is taking so much time away from being present in my life. It’s easy to get lost in other people’s stories while forgetting to live and love our own.

    We are slowly losing the art of communication, creating deep loneliness within us. I miss my flip phone days. No mindless scrolling that often leaves me uninspired. Now, texting is much easier than picking up the phone and calling someone. I hate that I am guilty of it.

    We are all secretly craving time to slow down. To feel a lot more calmer and relaxed. To have more time to sit and read a book. Reconnect with your people. And to be creative.

    Conversations are so important. Whether you’re a couple or just “close friends,” spark up your date night with these 12 sexy questions- 

    1. If we were role-playing an intimate evening, what characters would we be?
    2. What part of my body do you like the most?
    3. What part of your body are you most proud of?
    4. What is something better than sex?
    5. What would you do if you could take off a month of work and responsibilities?
    6. What thing about me turns you on the most?
    7. Does size really matter?
    8. What does food porn mean to you?
    9. Tell me a time when you felt really close to me.
    10. What was your first impression of me?
    11. What song puts you in a sexy mood?
    12. Other than your lips, what is your favourite part of your body where you like to be kissed?

    Thoughts? Would you ask any of these? What are your tips to spark up a date night? I’d love to know in the comments. 

     

    P.S.

    14 questions to get to know your crush on a deeper level <3

     

    (Pic Credits Itzan Escamilla and Ester Exposito)