I saw Dilwale! But I missed Shahrukh and Kajol. AndJanam Janam was everything

Immediate thoughts on seeing Dilwale in theaters yesterday in hashtags:

#NeedmoreSRK&Kajol

#ToomuchJohnnylever

#VarunDhawanwasrobbed

#IheartSRK

#OMGKajol

More coming soon

Until then 

{Throwback Thursday} Gerua & Other All time favorite SRK and Kajol songs

I think its safe to say we are all gripped with #gerua fever. If you haven't watched the video, have a look here:

All this Shahrukh - Kajol chemistry of course got me thinking about my all time faves of this jodi. Here a few nostalgic favorites below

Tujhe Dekha To yeh Jaana Sanam - Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Suraj Hua Maddham -Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

Tere Naina - My Name is Khan

Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai - Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 

Baazigar O Baazigar - Baazigar 

{Throwback Thursday} Mandy Moore in India + Cry from A Walk to Remember

Hi Suhanas,

This throwback Thursday is a bit different- I was scrolling through on of my regular bollywood movie sites this week and came across this wonderful picture of Mandy Moore in India. She was visiting some rural areas in Bihar to lend support to a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supported NGO- PSI.

There is something soul stirring about seeing women across cultures connect on the most basic levels of sisterhood. You can read more about Mandy Moore's first visit to India and PSI on their website 

And for throwback Thursday bit here is Cry from A Walk to Remember. I was a teenager when this movie came out about a  North Carolina preacher's daughter who falls in love with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. This star crossed love affair pulled on all my highly sensitive teenage heartstrings and emo me didn't even know I would end up living in NC some day. 

30 Day Little Black Dress Challenge- An alternative to Burpees + Rest Day 1 Recap

Hi Suhanas,

Wanted to post a quick recap and update on how the 30 Day Little Black Dress challenge is progressing.

Day 1: Fairly simply and I did the exercise straight through
Day 2: I was uncomfortable with doing burpees, so I changed it to Full body extensions (See below) and a few pushups. I did the rest of the exercises according to plan. Did a short 15 minute dance workout
Day 3: It was my hardest day yet. I had one hour of Bollywood/Masala Bhangra workout and didn't get home until really late. Almost didn't do the workout but forced myself to do the reps and was very proud of myself for doing it.

Only regret is I didn't get a #stayingstrong selfie last night.

How to do a Full Body Extension

Although this looks easy, I promise it gives a great burn after a few reps. I definitely did not feel that I wasn't getting a good workout. Given my muscles are not used to intense exercise I felt that burpees would be too strenuous on my knees  

You can read more about my 30 Day LBD Challenge here. You can also follow the challenge on my twitter @NainaDG

Shaandaar Preview + Title Song!

I am a huge fan of Shahid Kapoor, even before his Jab We Met days and of course I love Alia Bhatt from 2 States and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. To me she is definitely the millenial Kareena Kapoor! So of course I am super excited about this Zany Comedy from Dharma Productions directed by Queen Director Vikas Bahl. Music is by Amit Trivedi, another favorite

Official Trailer

Title Song - Shaam Shandaar

Pumpkin Spice for Indians and Other Desis

Happy Fall Suhanas!!! My local starbucks now has PSL aka Pumpkin Spice Latte on the menu now! 

If you live in North America then you know rules: The first real day of fall is when there is pumpkin spice latte's at starbucks, pumpkin spice muffin mixes at trader joes, basically pumpkin spice everywhere. But have you seen these delicious pumpkin spice recipes with a desi tadka? Even though I am no baker, I am going to have to try and make the pumpkin bread.

Curry Pumpkin Soup from POPSugar

Indian Spiced Pumpkin Bread from Someone Left the Cake Out In the Rain

Indian Spiced Pumpkin Seeds | Marietta Spice Mill 

Also See:

Pumpkin Seed Brittle | Lindsay AnnBakes

Indian Spiced Pumpkin | Annaslarder

The Many Bridal Looks of Drashti Dhami

Drashti Dhami is one stunning, gorgeous woman and she has been lucky enough to be married not just in real but also reel life. I have to say, all her bridal looks have been amazing and every bride can definitely find some inspiration in her many bridal avatars

As Gayatri from Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani. The long layered necklace is lust worthy.

As Geet from Geet Huyee Sabse Parayee. My favorite piece in this is the upper arm bracelet

As Madhubala from Madhubala-  Ek Ishq Ek Junoon 

Drashti Dami on her real wedding day. I love the simple elegant look with the statement necklace and maang tika. Very different from the reel versions. 

30 Day Little Black Dress Challenge- Or how I'm getting ready for wedding+festival season

So no secret that I'm the biggest wus at working out and its really hard for me to make the time to workout. I do a Masala Bhangra/Bollyworkout once a week , zumba once a week and maybe a short walk on a weekly basis.

But given that I want to look nice at my friend's wedding on the beach and also to shape up my arms for the new designer blouses, I decided to start something ASAP!

So today I started the 30 Day Little Black Dress Challenge! What I love is that its
-a short commitment. You know its only 30 days and hey, we can get through anything for 30 days.
- no equipment or any special gear required. I was able to do this in my bedroom late at night.
- No need to drive to the gym
- Lots of built in rest days
- handy format and there are videos of the moves on the website

photo from 30 Day Fitness Challenges

I will try to post updates on how this is going on the rest days. Will probably post more about this on twitter and instagram

Have you done this workout? Did you like the results? Please share in comments 

Jazbaa Official Trailer - Irfan Khan is Boss and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

No the title isn't a typo. I think this movie looks amazing.... How can it not be amazing if Irfan says lines like "Teri Amma ne jiske baare me tujhe nahin bataya main woh baap hoon." I'm on the fence about Aishwarya in this but I am going to keep an open mind about it

Here's the preview

Weekend Inspiration No. 10 Becoming a stronger self

This weekend's inspiration is simple. I always start the morning determined and some days I continue on my way to be #girlboss but some days I fail. I tell myself life keeps getting in the way so this weekend I will be stronger than my biggest excuse! 

Happy Weekend Suhanas! May your weekend be beautiful! 

{Throwback Thursday} Sushmita Sen, Sarees + Amazon Prime

Hi Suhanas,

If you have followed this blog then you have seen my previous posts about early 2000's Sushmita Sen awesomeness. I re watched Main Hoon Na last weekend and of course this Thursday's throwback song is "Tumhe jo Maine Dekha" 

She takes looking good in a chiffon saree to a whole new level! Of course Shahrukh can't stop singing everytime he sees her. 

Her intro scene in Main Hoon Na 

None of my teachers looked like this 

Speaking of sarees though, if you are in the US Amazon prime now has some sarees and some of  are quite stylish.  I mean desi wear available with free two day shipping! Yes Please!!!

I am particularly taken with 

Amazon Prime | $26

Amazon Prime| $28

Amazon Prime| $55

Now if only I can find a chania choli for garba by sep 23! 

The one where I gush about Kalki Koechlin's Twitter feed

Okay confession-  Right after Frieda Pinto, my next biggest #girlcrush is Kalki Koechlin and silly me I just started following her on twitter!

Let me just say it does not disappoint- I found so many cool things that I must share!

1) Mantra - The movie currently under production stars Rajat Kapoor, Lushin Dubey (yup Lillete Dubey's sister), Kalki Koechlin and Shiv Pandit. I am on the hunt for the preview of the movie- if anyone has seen in, please let me know

I love this cool graphic-

Angry Indian Goddesses- A new film starring Frieda Pinto to premier shortly at TIFF

I know right!

Kalki in a saree is also pretty amazing! I love the styling on the simple artistic saree by Anavila AICHI film festival

I think we can all agree that Kalki's twitter needs a twitter of its own. Next up Kalki's ig

Obsessions

On my Mind

Bai Bubbles

I am convinced I go to Super Target (the farthest grocery store from my house) just to buy this drink. I have tried the bottle version, but this is what I adore. Favorite flavors are Gumbi Grapefruit, Peru Pineapple and Waikiki Coconut


Priyanka Chopra's Curls from Dil Dhadakne Do

That hair is "on fleek"

This is the hair she had in the Galla goodiyan song. Loved the extreme side part

Sunset on the Seine Wrap bracelet

I have worn this 3 days in a row now. $48

Lays Masala Chips

 I cannot stop eating these and i really should! I have increased trips to the Indian grocery store since I found these.

Phulkari

I saw the phulkari (an embroidery from Punjab) embroidery on a friends salwar suit and I am in loooooove! I absolutely need to to get one for my collection.

When you hear that Garba Tune....

this happens !!!LOL!

Happy Monday Suhanas! I had to share this one because it popped up in my feed today. Festival season is just around the corner and we are all feeling that kid's excitement.

Its been a lazy Labor day around here and that's all I have for now.

Sunday Funday No.2 Movies + More

Well Suhanas,This sunday funday post is a little late because I just rolled home from a party in Chapel Hill. So really, its Monday! But given its a long weekend we can roll with it right?

First things first- today was the first day I wore my Chloe and Isabel jewelry out about town- when I went to go see Shaun the Sheep with Bun and also to a desi party tonight

The pieces I wore were

Earrings Chloe + Isabel $48 | Bracelet Chloe + Isabel $48



I had a bit of a lazy saturday yesterday. So between a lazy friday and a lazy saturday I binged on a few movies. I go through phases of watching bollywood and taking long breaks, this weekend, I embraced it all the way. On Friday night I watched ABCD2 and Dil Dhadakne Do. Saturday I rewatched an oldie Main Hoon Na.

ABCD 2

Prabhu Deva's dancing is awesome! Varun Dhawan is a super hottie and does the Mumbai Tapori schtick really well and his dancing was definitely on par with Prabhu Deva. I didn't think Shraddha Kapoor had the dancing skills of the boys but still did her part well and her mini romance arc with Varun was cute. Definitely a sweet disney movie, I might even let Bun watch it sometime

Dil Dhadakne Do

The two best things about this movie was the beautiful mediterannean riviera and Priyanka chopra's pin curls. Girl was rocking that hairstyle like a boss. Anushka and Ranveer had great chemistry and I felt like the Rahul Bose/PC arc was handled poorly, there should have been more depth in their misery. It ran a little too long at almost 3 hours but it was definitely timepass

Main Hoon Na.

So this was my favorite movie of the weekend. Its no surprise that Farah Khan can really make a satisfying commercial Masala movie. Shahrukh was "on fleek" with his shahrukh-ness in this one. I actually felt bad that Amrita Rao and Zayed Khans careers petered out, because they both had oodles of charm and charisma in this movie. Sushmita's sen's Sarees are going to get their own post soon. This movie was just one long ::squee::

RIP Aadesh Shrivastava

Thank you for the music Mr. Shrivastava. Your music, your talent and your gift has touched thousands.

Some of your compositions have been my favorite over the years.

Especially Kya Ada Kya Jalwe tere Paro, which takes me back to my early childhood in India when the song would play on the Phillips Top 10 list on Zee TV

As a teenager in the states Say Shava Shava became an all time hit at all our desi parties. My cousins and I still play it at every family gathering

And of course his very grown up semi classical number Mora Piya from Rajneeti has resonated with throughout the past few years of my life 

Janmashtami - The Birth of Krishna and my Saturday Songs

Today for Hindus all over the world will celebrate Janmashami- the birth of Krishna. Krishna is one of the most important icons in hindu mythology and folklore symbolizing the epitome of human nature at its best.

Bun and I celebrated by watching this sweet little video about the birth of baby Krishna

I also have an old favorite - Krishna by Colonial Cousins playing today to get me into the mood of the festival

And of course for some masti and fun a Dahi Handi number - Go Govinda danced by Prabhudeva and Sonaakshi Sinha

{Weekend Inspiration} No.9 The Last Days of Summer

Its the last few moments of summer and this weekend we are trying to squeeze out those last few carefree days. Arsenal Prints captures those fleeting moments beautifully in the print below and even has an inside look at the creative process in this piece

This print was featured on Artcrank a poster shop featuring art that loves bikes

Happy Weekend Suhanas!

The Last Days of Summer | $45

Winner Winner....

So I never win anything....except for an awesome jewelry collection! I kid

But seriously, I never win raffles, or grand prizes, sweepstakes or giveaway, but ever the optimist, I always enter, especially if its something I'm really excited about like Melissa's awesome blogging and social media classes.

I used to follow Melissa when she wrote adventuroo and of course followed her blogging blog Blog Clarity and now I get to take one of her wonderful courses because I won the draw! Woo Hoo!!!!

Please check out Blog Clarity for great blogging tips   - especially the 10 minute Fix

I will be taking her class on Pinterest titled Pinning Perfect! Cannot wait until my first lesson shows up!

{Throwback Thursday} Kangana Ranaut in Fashion - Mar Jawa

LFW 2015 Festive Winter Posts + Katti Batti Promo posts = Ultimate Throwback Thursday- Mar Jawan from the movie Fashion. Ha Ha! Enjoy our very fierce Ms. Kangana Ranaut 

Miss Ethnic Contest by Craftsvilla

Miss Ethnic 2015 is a pageant with a twist- Miss Ethnic wants recognize the rich traditional arts and crafts heritage that india offers- food, dance, music, art, yoga, and so much more. Share a high quality picture of you in indian ethnic wear (salwar kameez, saree, lehenga) and explain share what indian tradition is your forte. This competition is open to residents of Indian and globally.

What are you waiting for? Enter here

Craftsvilla is one of the largest online retailers of Indian Ethnic wear

If you are thinking of entering the competition, what traditional attire will you wear? Share in comments!

Katti Batti - Preview for some Kangana Ranaut Style

I just saw the preview for this movie and I'm charmed! But more importantly how fabulous does Kangana look as the free spirited Payal!

Boho glam:

And this cheery yellow embroidered bustier dress + upper arm cuff. Is there a hindi word for it?

Check out the full preview here:

Wooo Hoooo

100 posts for Love Suhana today

Hrithik + Sonam Dheere Dheere Se Video Remake

Wordless Wednesday indeed. Beautifully shot with two of the most beautiful people on the planet

Follow Your Arrow >> -------------->>>>>>

Hello Suhanas,

Happy September! Is it Fall you are smelling in the air?

I have big news today! I am doing a launch! A big big launch of my new online Jewelry Boutique! Every since I was a little girl, I have loved the idea of having my business. I would spend hours "selling" by books and toys and baby clothes to my grandparents. I would lay out all my wares and talk up the product and now I finally get to do what I love as a grown up!

I am launching my Chloe+Isabel business this week. I am going to be posting about the company, the jewels and why I chose this company over the next few days, so make sure to check in!!!

#girlboss

Takin' Care of Business....Errr...Ummm...Shoes

Its Monday, you have the blues. You get to work, check your email, see there's a shoe flash sale and ::boom:: just like that your week is off to a great start! So many choices- Aldos, Louboutins, Choo's but guess what pretty girl...With beautiful things comes a great responsibility- taking care of them.

Here 's a handy infographic from The Walsh Brothers Shoe company- A handy, dandy full scale guide to women and their shoes.

Remember to Pinit for all those online shopping orders

To see the full version of the infographic click here

#NoHate Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 - Day 5 +Grand Finale- Anushree Reddy, Arpita Mehta, Sonaakshi, Divya Reddy, Neeta Lulla, Tarun Tahiliani, Sangria, Gaurav Gupta

Anushree Reddy

Florals and chiffon are the ultimate combination

Dreamy, yet luxurious

Arpita Mehta

Its a glamorous silhouette, yet, the styling and cut makes it very fresh. Perfect for a debutante, a young girl getting her first lehenga

Pefect for the Ingenue 

Youthful yet edgy 

Sonaakshi

Love this outfit! I can see either Priyanka Chopra or Deepika Padukone rocking it for the red carpet

Divya Reddy

Its a lovely outfit, but I really just wanted to post Ms. Shilpa Shetty looking stunning!!!!

Neeta Lulla

So feminine and pretty 

Tarun Tahiliani

Sombre, sleek and edgy, not what I was expecting

Patters, bright colors yet still edgy 

Jabong Presents Sangria

I want this look from head to toe

The boxy shirt with the vibrant skirt is a new play in seperates 

This cheery print puts a smile on my face

Love the silhouette especially with the oxfords

Grand Finale by Gaurav Gupta

Sculpted shapes for an ice queen 

Lovely Red

Show stopper in every sense of the word! Ms. Kareena Kapoor Khan -Diva Extraordinaire

To see more designs by these designers visit Lakme India Fashion Week's Facebook page
To learn more about Lakme Fashion week and the designers visit their website
*All photo from LFW Facebook page