Three Things Thursday: Book Edition

I'm not much of a reader and it's always been a secret goal of mine to change that. When I was in college and grad school I always used the excuse that I read huge textbooks all day long. So, when I had any downtime I was much more interested in catching up on Grey's Anatomy or One Tree Hill episodes. Reading wasn't something I considered a hobby.

It's been a long time since I completed by graduate degree, yet it wasn't until my Jamaica trip this past summer that I picked up a book and actually finished it! I've read one book and listened to three on my Audible app. And I really can't believe I'm about to type this, but I'll be starting my fifth book this week. Go me! :)

So for today's #3TT I thought I would share three books that have really inspired me over the past few months.


One: What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

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This book was recommended by Aileen from Lavendaire. I am so glad she introduced me to this book because it's so simple yet so inspiring. I listened to it on my Audible app and I have to say hearing Oprah read this book gives it a totally different feel versus if I had read it on my own. She has such a great way of telling stories. This book is sort of like a glimpse into her journal where she shares stories that have all taught her something that she now knows for sure. It's great advice that's not so much in your face, but just honest. I learned so much about myself from listening to this book. I've actually listened to certain parts of it multiple times now and every time it has lifted my spirit, inspired, and motivated me to be the best version of myself.


Two: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

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I picked this book up on a whim. At first it I thought that the book would be about buying less material items, but after listening to a short excerpt I realized this book was about much more than that. Greg McKeown talks about how in order to be the best in whatever we are trying to achieve and be great contributors to the world, we first need to decipher the essential from the non-essential. We live in a world where we are programmed to think that the more we do, the more successful we will be. But Greg goes on to explain how that's actually counter intuitive. He shares true stories of various highly successful people to explain how by doing less actually enabled them to achieve their goals and become so successful.

This book has already had a great impact on my life after just a few weeks of finishing it. It has made me ask myself, on multiple occasions throughout the day, what is important to me? And what is essential in order for me to accomplish this? It's not only helped me in my professional life, but also has had great impact on my personal life.


Three: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin 

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Although I've mentioned this book in a previous post, I just had to include it here. I can't recall where I first heard about this book or why I was drawn to pick it up and determined to finish it on our trip, but I'm so glad I did. In this book, I saw a lot of similarities between Gretchen and I. She takes us through her methodical approach towards her Happiness Project. Each month she tackles a set of resolutions that helps her understand that there are many different layers and forms of happiness. This book made realize that although I thought that happiness was just something that should come naturally, it's also something that we have to consciously be aware of and sometimes have to work at. And that's ok! There is something positive that happens every day in my life, no matter how rough the day may be, and I need to make a conscious decision to focus on those positive moments. I believe that over time, doing so becomes natural and that's when happiness seems effortless.


I'm sure you can tell there has been a common theme among the types of books I've been reading/listening to. I tend to gravitate towards books on self-growth and self-improvement. This month, all three of these books (plus a few fellow bloggers) have inspired me to start a gratitude journal. I have already seen how taking 5 minutes at the end of each day to be thankful has had a positive impact in my life. [More on this later].

This month, I'm trying to decide between two completely different books: Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari or I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. Although I've heard great things about how inspiring Malala's book is, I'm leaning more towards Aziz Ansari based on my current mood. Have you read either of these books? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites. #3TT is a great way to share anything and everything that's on currently on your mind. So be sure to check out Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blogs to find out more about how you can join the link-up.


What are you reading/listening to currently?

Three Things Thursday: My DVR Line-Up

Here we are again... almost at the end of another week! I really can't believe how fast this month is just flying by.

Unless you've been living without a tv for the past few weeks, you know that this week is all about the season premieres for some of our favorite TV shows for the Fall.

So for this week's #3TT, I thought I'd share the top three shows I will be watching. Just FYI: I tend to stick with what I know... so these aren't the newest shows this season, but I know these are a few from my tried and tested bunch.

Let's set the DVR, shall we?

One: Modern Family

This one has almost become a classic show for me. It's like Friends from back in the end... I can pretty much watch each and every episode over and over again and not be bored. Just like Friends, it's also very hard for me to pick my favorite character... Chandler or Ross? I may have to go with Phil or Cam here... but it's just too hard to decide! This season I can't wait to see what happens with Haley and Andy. I call him mini-Phil. Each and every character is so unique and I love that the show always demonstrates that it's ok (if not great) to be different. It screams, be different and own your true self!

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Two: Scandal

I'll be honest, I didn't watch this show when it first started and didn't think I could get into it. But after watching one of the very first episodes one evening, I was totally hooked... Chirag and I pretty much binged watched all the episodes on the weekends and last Fall it was so hard to wait a whole week for the new episodes. Towards the end of last season, when I wasn't sure I'd be interested in the show anymore, Shonda Rhimes pulled me in again. I think this season is going to be filled with unexpected surprises! 

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Three: Big Bang Theory

So, I know I'm late to this party... as I always am, but I've been watching old re-runs of this show lately and I think it's really funny. Sometimes, you just don't have a whole hour to devote to watching a show. I haven't caught up with all the episodes yet, but I'm still looking forward to the newer ones coming up. I love how my nerdy, star trek-y side can totally relate to this show. But honestly, it's a great show for anyone to watch. I'm slowly seeing Chirag get into the show too. He is anything but scientific! 

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Three + 1: Game of Thrones

What can I say? I'm a rebel at heart, but I just couldn't leave Game of Thrones out. Does this one even need an explanation? Peter Dinklage is seriously one of my favorites and I was so excited to see him win his second Emmy this week!

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I really wish I had the time to watch so many other great shows I've been hearing about. How to Get Away with Murder is definitely on my list and I'd love to read about some of your favorites. So be sure to check out Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blogs to find out more about how you can link-up and share your top Threes (or Three + 1) this Thursday. ;)


What show will you be seeing your DVR to record?

Three Things Thursday: Tech Edition

Hello, September! :) I don't really consider myself a Fall/Winter girl... I tend to gravitate more towards warmer weather, but this year I'm excited for Fall. I'm ready for a change. It's time pumpkin spiced lattes, layering up with cozy sweaters, and feasting around the dinner table with family and friends. I think every season is a great time to re-boot and freshen things up a bit...from my home, to my closet, and even my computer.

This #3ThingsThursday, I thought I would share some ideas to freshen up the technology in your life.

One: Re-format & Re-organize

I have had my Macbook Pro for over 7 years now. It was the first major purchase I made for myself after graduating pharmacy school. I absolutely love it. It has never once crashed on me and has severed me well. However, last year I did notice that it was starting to get a bit slower. So, I decided to back-up all my important files, purge my pictures, and get rid of any and all files or applications that I had never used. Then I totally re-formated my hard drive. 

It was a nice clean slate and my computer felt like new! It was running faster, smoother and I was able to stretch it out for another year. However, last week Chirag surprised me with my brand new Macbook Pro and I'm so excited. Right now there are some great deals for students looking for a new computer or laptop. I also recommend looking for coupons you can stack on to make the most of the savings available.

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I already have a new game plan for organizing my files, pictures, etc. I also spent a few hours the first day and went through all my contacts. I deleted people I hadn't spoken to in years or couldn't even remember, merged additional profiles I had on the same person, and also added notes and categories for groups of people. For example, for my in-laws, I added notes like husband's/kid's names, addresses, and birthdays! Sneaky ways to impress the in-laws. ;) I also recommend making it a point to review your photos. I love taking pictures and just in the last 10 days I have a ridiculous number of pictures of my little nephew. So, I've been deleting duplicates and being very selective on keeping just a few. I also synced my google calendar, photos, and in-boxes. This way I can keep track of everything, no matter wether I was updating it on my phone or on my laptop. 

If you are not in the position to purchase a new laptop, I think re-formating and re-organizing your computer is a great idea for a fresh new start. 

Two: Mint

I can almost remember the day I was first introduced to Mint. It was like angles were singing in the background. It wasn't very well-known then and I was very nervous about entering all my information in one place. Since college, I have been very good about documenting my spending habits and keeping track of student loans, etc. I would do this by using an Excel file on my laptop, but it was a very tedious job and yes, I would get lazy and not always keep up with it like I should. That was until Mint. 

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I absolutely love Mint. I like how you can set budgets for different categories, roll over your savings or spending, and have a safe place to track all your finances. Every quarter, I like to re-visit my budget categories and make adjustments for upcoming events (i.e. Christmas shopping). 

I would highly encourage any college student to start their school year using Mint. It's a great tool to learn and take charge of your finances as well as your future.  It's also a great way for couples to have everything tracked in one place so that both parties can be involved in their finances together. 

Tip: The best advice I can give when using any sort of on-line program like this is to keep your password complicated and change it frequently!

Three: Unroll.Me

Speaking of Christmas shopping... I'm sure many of us having our email boxes flooding with Labor Day sale notifications from our favorite stores. I use to get very overwhelmed with the amount of emails I would get from stores. There have been times in the past where I have unsubscribed from all of them, but only to resubscribe when I needed a coupon or needed to know when something on my wish list was coming on sale. 

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Un-roll.me as totally solved my problem. I have been using it for a few weeks now and I think it's a genius service. It basically takes all your subscriptions and rolls them up in one easy to navigate newsletter.  You can choose the at the exact time you would like to receive your Rollup each day. When you're done you just have to one email to delete. It keeps my in-box looking clean! If I need to re-visit an email or newsletter I just log on to Unroll.me and search my archive for that email. It's so easy and convenient! 

Although I'm still burning up in this Dallas heat, I hope you're having a wonderfully cool Thursday where ever you are! Be sure to checkout Salma, Raj, or Nisha's for blogs to find out more about how you can link-up and share what's on your mind this Thursday.

What's your favorite tech tool or app?

Three Things Thursday: Childhood Faves

It's time for #3ThingThursdays and this week babies and parenting has been on my mind. Why, you may ask? Well, I just became an aunt last Monday! :D

On our way to catch an early 6am flight back to Dallas after visiting my family in Georgia, Chirag and I received a call that Chirag's sister was in labor! Luckily, our flight was on time and we made it to the hospital just in time for the little guy's arrival. Both Mommy and baby are doing fabulous! 

Having this little guy in our lives now has got me thinking about what I would be like as a parent? I'm sure I'd be a little overbearing and protective at first, but I hope that as I get more comfortable in the new role that I would also be fun and relaxed. It's great to be able to try this role out as an auntie instead! ;)

So, besides just good moral values and excellent manners, this week's #3TT is about the three things I'd hope to teach my newphew (maybe my own kid someday) as he grows up. 

One: Ride a bike

I'm sure that hoverboards and segways will soon be taking over the streets and maybe bikes will no longer be cool, but I think every kid should learn to ride a bike. Even if it's just as a back up plan.... you know, in case the battery runs out. ;)

When I was home a couple of weeks ago, my entire family and I decided to go on a bike ride along the riverwalk. It took some convincing to get everyone excited to go, but in the end everyone couldn't stop talking about how much fun they had and that maybe we should make it a tradition! 

I was especially happy for my mom because she had never rode a bike before. She planned on just walking while we all biked, but luckily the rental shop actually had an adult tricycle. I thought my mom would be a little embarrassed, but she absolutely loved it! It was her very first time on a bike all by herself and I think she had the most fun of us all. 

Seeing my mom ride the tricycle made think of two things. 1) How did she had manage to make it through her entire life without riding a bike. 2) Why didn't we get her an adult tricycle sooner? There had been so many times where my Dad, sister and I would take bike rides on our vacation when I was younger. I actually don't ever recall my mom there with us. 

Riding a bike, like any other sport, teaches kids to be fearless and encourages them to try new things very early in their life. 

I can't wait to teach my nephew and hope to go on many bike rides together. 

Two: Learn to swim

One of our close friends, Jay, takes his daughter to swim class every Saturday. I believe she started about the age of one. Since then, it's always been something special they both do together every Saturday morning. Aside from bonding and spending time together, I think it's great that she's learning a skill that I believe is a really necessity. 

My auntie and uncle (mami & mama) actually taught me and my sister how to swim at a local gym in Bombay before we moved to the States. I remember going with them on a daily basis and always looked forward to it. I learned all types of strokes and different breathing techniques, but what I remember more than anything else is just the fun of being in the water. 

I've heard of some people who are really afraid of water. In fact, my mother-in-law use to be one of them. It's one of the reasons that Chirag is not much of a swimmer. We have gone jet skiing on several occasions and one he will never let me forget is when the jet ski capsized on our in the middle of the ocean! Chirag loves the water, but I know he would feel much more confident and have more fun if he truly learned how to swim. As I've mentioned before, my Dad actually thought himself how to swim in his late 30s. I'm so proud of him for doing so and it just goes to show you that you're never too old to learn something new. 

So, maybe our little nephew and Chirag will learn how to swim together!

Three: Let's play cards

First, by no means am I referring to gambling here! I'm talking about simple card games that I have grown up playing with my family around the dinner table. A few of my favorite card games are: Kachufool (aka Judgement), War, 7-8 (saat aath), 3-card (teen paati), and B.S. Recently, our family has also discovered the card version of Monopoly that's also lots of fun and more convenient to carry around on a car ride or a picnic. 

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I know these days there are interactive video games that you can play together that are very engaging.  But there is something about sitting around the table with the family, playing cards, sharing stories, laughing, and having a good time that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside every time I go home.  

I'm sure one of the first card game we'll be teaching our little nephew will be Go Fish. 

As much as I can't wait to do all of these three things with the little guy as soon as he gets a bit bigger, for now I'm also just enjoying holding him in my arms and making silly faces to get him to smile again... and again. 

Be sure to check out Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blogs to find out more about how you can link-up and share what's on your mind this Thursday.

Are you a fan one of these childhood activities?

Three Things Thursday: Favorites Lately

Yay, for Thursdays! That means the weekend is right around the corner and I can't wait! I'll be sharing what I'm so excited about in my next #3ThingsThrusday but for now let's focus on some of my favorites this week.

One: Yummy Veggie Falafels

I have been so busy lately with my new job and several side projects that it's been a little difficult to make a decent lunch or dinner. I was intrigued when I discovered these veggie falafels from Veggie Patch a few weeks ago at my local Kroger. I was a little skeptical at first since I'm not familiar with the brand, but I'm so glad I gave them a try. They are super quick and easy to make and you can even freeze them in case you want to stock up. Chirag and I are both hooked! So far, I've been a hummus & falafel wrap, a pita bread sandwich with a yogurt sauce, or sometimes I just eat them by themselves! They are really satisfying and seem to be quiet healthy... win, win! :)

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Two: Mid-Week Date Night

When Chirag and I first moved to our new house, we had decided that we would try to have mid-week date nights. Sometimes, weekends are full of errands and plans with friends or family. So it's nice to do something with just the two of us to get over the mid-week hump. We typically try to go to the park, watch a movie, or try a new restaurant. A few months ago, we had been slacking on making mid-week date nights a priority, but summer has been a perfect time to get back on track.

I have several restaurants bookmarked on Yelp! that I've been meaning to try, but this week we actually went back to an old favorite - Pei Wei. Seems like they have really changed up their menu. I tried out the Sesame entree with steamed tofu and it was delish! As much as I like trying out a new place, it's also nice to revisit an old favorite.

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Three: Favorite Movie of the Summer

Fast and Furious 7 set the bar pretty high kicking off the summer movie season. However, I feel fairly confident in stating that Mission: Impossible - Rouge Nation maybe my favorite movie of the summer! Ethan Hunt had me at the edge of my seat within the first 5 minutes and Benji's sense of humor really cracked me up throughout the movie. I love a good action movie, but it gets a bit boring for me with a splash of comedy. I'm not very good at reviewing movies, so you can check out the full review on IMDb. If there is one movie you go see in the theater this summer I make it one of these two.

As Chirag and I were leaving the theater, he mentioned the crazy idea of making a movie with both James Bond and Ethan Hunt. Then show how the events of the movie unfold from two different views. How cool would that be?!

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p.s. If you're wondering about my review for Trainwreck. I would give it like a 6/10.


Be sure to check out Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blogs and find out more about how you can link-up. It's super duper easy!



What are some of your favorites lately?

Three Things Thursday: An Audio Book, A Funny Movie, & A Good Wine

Happy Thursday, everyone! It's that time for one of my favorite link ups: #3ThingsThursday, hosted by Salma, Raj, or Nisha. Be sure to check out their blogs and find out how you can join!

One: A World of Audio Books

I've just been introduced to the a new world of audiobooks! So if you're not much of a reader like me, this is a great option to get you started. I recently finished the audio version of Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.  Although her methods seems a bit drastic and I don't think I'll ever be talking to the items I own... I do think she has a great point to make in this book. You have to tackle an entire category in one go. In today's world, we have the luxury of having living in bigger houses and items tend to be spread all across the house. I'm not sure if I can follow her methods to a T, but she has definitely motivated me to ask myself time and time again... "Does this spark joy?". 

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If you are interested, currently there is a Groupon for Audible. You can check it out here.

Two: A Funny Movie

Sometimes a hilarious movie is all you need to get you out of your daily funk. I've been working quiet a bit lately with hardly any time to unwind at the end of the day. So I'm really looking forward to kicking back and catching a good movie this weekend. Trainwreck, starring Amy Schumer and Brian Hader seems like it may fit the bill. 

I'm kinda selective when it comes to comedy movies, but this one looks like one I'd really enjoy. This has really been an amazing year for Amy Schumer and so I have some pretty high hopes. I'll keep you posted!

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Three: A Good Wine

Although I love a good happy hour, there are days the end of a long work week when I'd much rather go home and curl up on the couch in my pajamas with my hubby and a good bottle of wine. I'm not much of a wine connoisseur, but I had to share one of the most inexpensive and amazing tasting wines I've  come ever across! I find myself coming back to this one time and time again - The Cabernet Sauvignon by Three Wishes. Ready for the best part? It's merely $2.99 from Whole Foods!

For me it's a super smooth wine that pairs well with almost anything, but if you'd like a more detailed description of the flavors, I'd refer to you this old post from the Bottle Report. I've tried the Merlot in the past, but I have to say the Cab is my favorite. 

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What three things are you sharing this Thursday?

Three Things Thursday: July 4th Rewind

This week I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming vacay and also been reminiscing about our last July 4th. long weekend. I have to say it was one of the better ones for sure. So, for today's #3TT I thought I'd rewind and share three of my favorite things from last July 4th.

Are you interested joining #3TT? Please visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup.

One: Kaboom Town

Last year we celebrated July 4th. by going to Kaboom Town with our friends K&V. It sort of ended up being a little last minute, but we had a great time! It's a big outdoor concert in our local area with fireworks, funnel cakes, and an awesome air show.... oh, yeah!!! :D
I think this is one of the best ways to celebrate the 4th. Just grab a picnic blanket and head out to have enjoy the fireworks with your friends and family!

Two: Rent a Cabin

A long weekend is always a great time to get away. Last year after Kaboom Town we rented a small cabin in the hill country and enjoyed a little time away from the busy city life with our friends M&A. Road trips and little get away with friends is always a great way to reboot yourself. We had such a fabulous time doing wine tastings, spending a day out on the water, and exploring another side of Texas.

Three: Red, White, and Blue Spirit

Going through my old pics from the last July 4th, I came across this instagram pic of planning my outfits for the long weekend. This was probably one of the first times that I actually wore red, white, and blue on July 4th... I paid much attention to these little details before. I have to say... something about wearing these colors did make me feel a bit more patriotic!

Although I'm a little sad that we will be missing out on Kaboom Town and watching the fireworks this year with our friends... I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm dying to hit the beach in Jamaica!!! :)


What will you be doing this July 4th weekend?

Three Things Thursday: Foodie Edition

This week we have been stuffing our faces with delicious home-made food since Chirag's mom was in town. It was mainly all Indian food because that's her speciality. However, we did go out a couple of times to some pretty cool places around the Dallas area that I thought it'd share with you today.

One: Old Time Creamery

My MIL is a huge fan of kulfi - a type of Indian ice cream. So when we discovered Old Time Creamery, we just knew we had to take her there.
They have tons of Indian flavors... a few that I can recall are: paan (bettle leaf), chikoo (sapodilla), sitafal (custard apple), and of course mango. They also have your American flavors like: red velvet, birthday cake, and amaretto... so it's really great for the whole family. What I liked most about this ice-cream shop was that even though they had these exotic flavors, none of them really tasted "artificial". Now, I'm not saying they are all natural... I'm not sure about that, but they sure did taste good!
In addition to the yummy ice-cream, they also have a super friendly staff that will let you try all the flavors and give you some great suggestions. They just seemed happy.... which is always a big plus in my book!
My in-laws loved this place! It took them back to their childhood in India. Our favorite flavors were kulfi (of course) and falooda. If you are ever in the area, I would highly recommend it.
Currently, there is only one location in Plano, TX. If you or someone you know is a lover of Indian ice-creams then this place is a must!


Two: Pizza Hut's Sweet Sriracha Dyamite

You may not have Old Time Creamery near you... but I'm sure there is a Pizza Hut right around the corner.
For a long time, I had given up on Pizza Hut.... I think I just got bored with it and just started to prefer other speciality pizza shops or even Papa John's over Pizza Hut. That was until I tired one of their new speciality pizza - the Sweet Siracaha Dynamite.
Now, if you don't like spicy, then this pizza is not for you. My in-laws couldn't handle the heat... but my mask (aunt) kept going back for more even though her mouth was a bit on fire!
The pizza comes with their honey Sriracha sauce, jalapeño peppers, Peruvian cherry peppers, pineapple and grilled chicken. I'm a veggie... so I get mine without the chicken. The combination of flavors truly is dyamite! ;)

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Three: Bahama Bucks

I grew up in India until I was about 10 years old. Even though sometimes I complain that Dallas heat is worse... summers in India are really something else. It's almost unbearable! One thing I remember during those days is my grandparents taking me snow-cone street vendor (barf-no-gollo) to cool us off a bit on those days that we just couldn't take it anymore.
Nothing too fancy... the street vendor would shave up some ice and load it up with some sort of flavored syrup. I'm not sure which one was my favorite... I just remember it being red.
Well, this past weekend we stopped by a Bahama Bucks location that just opened up next to my SIL's house. I was immediately taken by to those hot summer days. I have to admit, I did start missing my grandparents a bit.

They have so many flavors it's really hard to decide... plus they save their ice super thin which makes it just melt in your mouth. We all tried a different flavor and let me tell you... they were all amazing! I tried the Tiger's Blood and Passion Fruit flavors together (both were red... go figure!) and they put a little bit of cream on top. O-M-G!!
There are a ton of locations around Texas, but they are also expanding several locations across the states. If there is one near you... I would highly recommend it!


It's always fun to share new types of food and places to eat whenever our parents are in town. They don't tend to venture out too much on their own and it makes us so happy when we find something they really enjoy.


Are you interested joining #3TT? Please visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup. It's a great way to meet some incredible bloggers and share any three things you'd like... the rules are super simple, so be sure to join in!


I'd love to know... Do you have some new food/restaurant recommendations?

Three Things Thursday: It's Our Anniversary!

Today's three things Thursday post is a little special and personal because today marks our 4 year wedding anniversary!

My husband and I were friends for about a year before we started dating. And we dated for 2 & 1/2 years and were engaged for about a year before we got married. No matter how long you have been in a relationship with someone, marriage is definitely a whole different ball game!

All of a sudden you are sharing ALL of your space with someone 24/7. You are sharing future plans, bank accounts, design ideas (or lack therefore), grocery lists, laundry, etc. Even though Chirag and I are both Indian (Gujarati) and come from similar backgrounds, I didn't start to notice the little differences in the way we were raised until we go married.  Even though his family has been in the States for a lot longer than mine, my in-laws are slightly more traditional than my parents. It's nice because they really withhold a lot of Indian traditions that my parents don't (as much). But it can also be a little harder to relate to them and understand where Chirag is coming from sometimes having been brought up slightly differently. I'm sure he feels the same way about me sometimes. But I guess this is probably true for most marriages.

Even though Chirag was born and raised in the States, he has a very traditional side to him as well. I think that's really what attracted me to him at first. To me, he somehow encompasses the perfect balance of the "traditional Desi" and the modern husband.

So for today's three things Thursday, I wanted to share three reasons as to why I'm so lucky to be married to my wonderful husband. (Stay tuned for some cheesiness!)

One: He is practical.

I tend to live on cloud nine and think a lot with my heart versus my brain. Chirag is the total opposite. He really thinks things through before acting on them. Sometimes when I ask him for advice, I almost get so annoyed because it will be something so practical and easy, but something that would have never crossed my mind in the first place. When I'm ready to buy a super extravagant teal colored sofa for our living room, he sways me towards practical, yet stylish grey version instead. He definitely keeps me grounded!

I have learned a lot from him over the years and I think he has learned to be more spontaneous and live a little on the edge with me once in a while as well. ;)


Two: He is very helpful.

Traditional Indian husbands are seldom very helpful to women. I really can't blame them entirely because it is in the way that they were raised and what is "norm" to them. They are raised to be the breadwinners and the woman is in charge of the house the kids.

However, in this day and age that is no longer the case. Lucky for me, even though my MIL is quiet traditional in some ways, she has raised her son to be super helpful around the house.

I have never really had to ask my husband for any help. He just automatically does it. He will help with all different types of chores in the house and is especially understanding when I have long hours at work. He also spoils by making breakfast on some weekends with his delicious omelette. He has even been a positive influence on my Dad and my Mom is always thanking him of that! :)


Three: He is understanding and caring.

Chirag and I are total opposites and it all became even more apparent after we got married. So, it wasn't always easy for either of us to truly understand where the other person was coming from.

Over the years, I have really seen my husband put in the effort to better understand me. He has come to realize that just because my thoughts and feeling don't make sense to him, doesn't mean that they aren't important in our marriage. It's not always easy for him, but I do see him trying and to me that's what love is all about.

We have both had to learn to adapt to the needs and wants of the other person.... learn to agree to disagree... and pick our battles. Marriage is a journey together and with each passing day we come to understand each other slightly better than we did yesterday.

Let's be real... I haven't been on cloud nine for all four years, but I truly have enjoyed our journey thus far. I believe that a marriage  does take a lot of work... whether you are consciously putting in the effort or whether the effort just comes to you naturally. It takes two people to be fully involved in building a loving, happy, and lasting relationship together.

For all these reasons and many more, I feel very blessed and happy to be celebrating four years with this wonderful man today. We both try to be a positive influence in each other's lives and like a good challenge... so I'm looking forward to celebrating today by running our very first 5K together!

Here is to many more healthy and happy years together.



Are you interested joining #3TT? Please visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup. It's a great way to meet some incredible bloggers and share any three things you'd like... the rules are super simple, so be sure to join in!

Are you celebrating something special this week?

Three Things Thursday: Exciting Summer Events

Better late, than never... am I right?! Where has the time been going lately? The weeks are just flying by. Yesterday, I was so exhausted that I took a nap after getting off work and didn't wake up 'til midnight! It was just one of those days. Before you judge me for sleeping half the day away... let me just say that I didn't quiet hit the bed til 4am the previous night and I had to wake up at 6am to make it to work on time. Anyways... on to my top 3 this week. I've been getting ready for some exciting events coming up very soon!

One: Baby Shower

I'm in charge of the decorating for my SIL, Avani's baby shower coming up in two weeks! I've been trying to get a head start on several DIY projects I have in mind to make sure I'm not panicking at the last minute. Plus, I wanted to make sure majority of all the work is done before all of our family comes into town. Then I'll just be putting them to work for some finishing touches. 

I might have gone a bit over board

The theme is "Rock-a-bye Baby" and I have to say it's a super cute idea! Plus, there are tons of ideas on pinterest, so I didn't have to re-invent the wheel too much. The colors are going to be baby blue, black, and white. I'm still decided on whether I'll be adding hits of silver. This past weekend, we went on a little shopping spree. I went to several different craft stores and Walmart and let me tell you... Walmart won all the way!! They had a whole section with everything I needed. I was surprised because I thought the craft stores would have better products and selections, but Walmart really surprised me. 

The banner is complete

Two: Katy Trail 5K

June 11th is actually our wedding anniversary and we will be spending it this year by running the Katy Trail 5K.  When we use to live in uptown, we ran (or Chirag ran and I jogged/walked) on Katy Trail all the time. It was easy to hop on since it was walking distance from our apartment. We are both super excited because we've been wanting to do a 5K for a really long time and this will be a great one to start with. 

I've really been "running" a lot since December and it's really something I've come to enjoy. You can read more about it in this post. Unfortunately, with the all the traveling and our hectic schedule this past month, I haven't been running as much in the month of May. I finally started back up this past week, so I hope I can get back to my previous time. I'm really wanting to finish it in 30 minutes, but so far it's taking me about 35 minutes. In any case, I think it will be great to do something fun and different for our anniversary this year, plus we will be joined by some of our friends as well AND... there some amazing local foods at the end of the 5K! 

Three: Jamaica Vacay

Chirag and I haven't taken a trip since we went to Chicago as summer. We had a blast in Cancun a few years ago for our 2nd year anniversary. We love all-inclusive resorts and so we finally went ahead and booked our trip this past weekend... We are going to Jamaica! 

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We were trying to decided between Negril and Montego Bay area... in the end it just came down to selecting the better resort and we ended up going with Monetgo Bay. I'm looking forward to beautiful weather and relaxing beaches. We may do a few excursions too, but mostly it will be a relaxing trip. If you have been to Jamaica before and have any tips or suggestion, please do share!

I'm always trying to "get back in shape" anytime we decide on going to a beach vacation. Why wasn't I born with an extremely high metabolism or zero taste buds?! So again, I'm trying to be better about my diet and fitness. So more salads, more running, and more shopping!!! ;)

Are you interested joining #3TT? Please visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup.


What upcoming events or trips are you excited about this summer?

Three Things Thursday: Travel Edition

This week has been all about recapping our fun Memorial Day weekend travels. As I mentioned in my two previous posts, we traveled to 2 different states and 4 different cities for J & T's wedding festivities this week. It was quiet an experience traveling so much in such a short time and still being relaxed and able to enjoy it all. So for this week I wanted to share my three new packing essentials that I found super helpful this week.

One: A Steamer

I absolutely hate ironing, but I'm also very particular about having wrinkle free clothes. My mom has been telling me to get a steamer for some time now, but I've always been a little skeptical the smaller ones out on the market. So, when I was at Target last week buying some last minute essentials for my trip and saw this steamer on sale, I did hesitate a bit at first. 

However, I thought what better time to try it than now? I had to pack so many outfits for this trip and they were bound to get wrinkled no matter now well I packed. If it didn't work then I knew the hotel rooms would have an iron anyways. I didn't even bother to try it out before packing it. I have to say, although it is a handheld steamer, it is a bit bulkier than others. But since I was planning on checking in a bag anyways, it didn't matter much to me. Plus, I love Target... I know that if I don't like it I can easily return it.

Conair Steamer via Target

I pretty much ended up using it to touch up most of my outfits, plus a couple of Chirag's. My brother-in-law loved it as well. You have to be a bit careful using it on Indian clothes since steam than sometimes tarnish the embellishments on your outfit. It worked well for me overall, however some of the reviews stated that it stopped working after a few tries. So far, I have used it on 6 different outfits, and it's priced really well compared to other handheld steamers out there. I probably won't pack it for every single trip, but I do think if you are traveling for a special occasion then it's a must. So if it continues to work I do plan on keeping it. 

Two: Packing Cubes

I have been hearing about packing cubes for sometime now. I've been wanting to give these Eagle Creek packing cubes a try, but I just never got around to ordering them online. Luckily, trusty old Target had a great alternative I was able to purchase in store, literally the night before our trip. I bought these on the fly. I didn't have as high of expectation from these, but they did the job. These are slightly more flimsy than the Eagle Creek ones, but I do like the mesh top and the different sizes. 

Packing Cubes via Target

It really made packing so easy and really helped when I had to pack and re-pack so much during our trip as we went in between different cities. I was able to keep one of the packing cubes strictly for "to wash" clothes and so it was nice to keep clothes separated once worn. I also think these would be super helpful if you have kids and planning on packing for them all in the same bag. If you haven't tried packing cubes before I would definitely recommend giving either one of these version a try. I plan on ordering the Eagle Creek ones for my next trip.  

Three: Outfit Pictures

I'm sure this may sound silly to some people, but for me this was extremely helpful this trip. I laid out each and every single outfit, with shoes and accessories and snapped a quick picture on my iphone before packing it up. See this post. It really helped me be well prepared and a lot less stressed when getting ready... especially since most nights we were going to bed around 1-2am and getting up around 6am! As you can imagine my brain was not functioning very well on less than 4 hours of sleep a night. The night before, I could easily look at the iphone picture and know right away what I had planned on wearing and feel relieved that I already had thought of all the little details. I would highly suggest trying this out on your next trip... I promise you, you'll be glad you did! :)

FYI: None of the links in this post are affiliated.

So, those were my top three from this week. I hope you found it helpful! Are you interested joining #3TT? Please visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup.


What are some of your travel essentials?

Three Things Thursday: A Few Favorites

One: A Cheese Plate

I really didn't have much going on this past week... I did get a chance to hang out with my friends K & V on both Friday and Saturday night after a long time. On Friday, we went to Proof + Pantry for some drinks. When I was asking K where we were headed... the whole time I kept hearing "Poop and Pantry". I'm pretty sure an 80 year old woman probably has better ears than me! 

Anyways, when we finally got there I understood the "Proof" part. They had some amazing drinks... too bad I can't remember the name of the one I had. However, what I can remember is this amazing cheese plate! Doesn't it just look so perfectly balanced? K & V actually gifted us an awesome slate cheese plate set just like this one as a house warming gift to us last year. I absolutely love it because it's something I would have never thought I'd use a lot, but now that I have it, I use it all the time!

We have used it several times for a "wine & cheese get togethers" at our place. I typically use 2 to 3 different types of cheese and this Hot & Sweet Pepper Jelly from Trader Joe's. It's delicious... you must try it! Typically, I use crackers, but I really enjoyed the cheese plate at Proof + Pantry with the crostinni breads... it was a little more filling. I love the art of displaying the perfect cheese plate, it just makes the whole evening feel a little more fancy and sophisticated.

Two: A Movie

On Thursday, Chirag and I went to go see Pitch Perfect II. If you loved the first one, I don't think you'll be disappointed at all. I do think the first one was better overall, but isn't that the case with majority of sequel movies? One of my favorite characters in the movie is 'Fat Amy'. I think she is just amazing! She has so much confidence, knows totally who she is and doesn't apologize for it. She's not afraid to be honest and tell is how it is, but at the same time she also does it in her own funny way without being rude or mean. She totally owns herself. I'm not trying to be a big feminist here... but I do think that in today's society it's important to have women characters like 'Fat Amy' to teach our younger generations to not be afraid own who they are. It's ok not to be cookie-cutter and fit into what everyone else classifies as "normal". Be different and totally own it!

Three: A Mom

Speaking of an amazing lady... I really do think that I have one of the best mom's in the world! I haven't always made this job easy for her... I've been known to push her buttons several times! But somehow, she has learned patience and survived my crazy childhood years. She really knows how to perfectly balance being there for me, but also give me my space and make my own mistakes when I need to. She has ran to come see me when I've just needed her to be here for a hug and emotional support and she's also been a phone call away at anytime of the day to just listen when I've needed to vent.

She took this entire past weekend to drive up to Atlanta with my sister to help her get settled into her new apartment. Plus, she took time out to listen to me and my crazy emotional ups and downs this past weekend as well. She even tracked me down at my new job on Tuesday when I was too caught up with work and forgot to text her back... just to make sure I was back to 'normal' and that everything was ok. That's just what moms do!

My mom has always worked a full-time job and it's not always been easy for her to make sure to give the time and attention both me and my sister have always demanded of her. She has taught me to be strong and determined in whatever I set my goals to be. As I get older and have my own responsibilities and obligations, I've really come to appreciate how my mom has balanced her career and family life. Many people say that I'm a mini version of my mom... I'm proud to say, "Yup, I sure am!" :)

Interested joining #3TT? Please visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup.

What were some of your favorites this week?

Three Things Thursday: Time for A Reboot

I almost missed the linkup this week! I've been a little busy with my new job and once I'm home, I'm just looking forward to catching up with some Ellen and not having to study. These past week and half has been very hectic. Last week, I was cramming any last minute info I possible could into my tiny little brain, took my certification test on Friday, and spent the weekend with my friend D, who was visiting us from India! And Monday, I started my new job... during this time, I've really let myself go. Here are three ways I plan on rebooting!

One: A Diet Reboot

Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I have a major sweet tooth!! Anytime, I'm in full on study mode I tend to eat very poorly. Either I'll survive on black coffee for days and hardly eat a proper meal or I'll totally pig out, putting whatever junk I can possibly find into my body. Well, this past week it's been a little of both. Not only has this bad for my body internally, but it's also resulted in a havoc on my face! Yes, I still deal with adult acne until fortunately. :( I have used countless creams and gimmicks, but honestly I think it all comes down to your diet. 

A few months ago, I discovered this awesome salad kit with kale and brussels sprouts. I know exactly what you're thinking... but actually tastes amazing! Plus, I love how everything is included in perfect portion. I just pop up the bag, mix it all up and usually eat the salad for lunch. I find that when I typically have a salad and yogurt for lunch, I tend to healthier throughout the day. When fuel my body with all the good stuff, I definitely feel a difference internally and can see the difference externally as well. So, this week I'm totally rebooting by trying to eat more salads, fruits, and healthy snacks. I still need my coffee to wake me up early in the morning, but I'm trying to limit it to one cup and setting a goal to finish at least one bottle of water throughout my work day.

via

Two: A Class

How would a class help me reboot after completing months of studying, you say? Well, I have been wanting to take a photography class for quiet some time now. Chirag and I invested in a fancy DSLR about two years ago. Sure, we've taken it with us on plenty of trips and shot lots of pictures, yet I know I could take amazing pictures if only I learned to utilize it properly. This past Christmas, my brother-in-law so showing me favorites tricks and techniques to take pictures. I snapped this picture below. It was the first time I learned how to blur the background... I was excited to show everyone my picture like a little kid! :) I've been wanting to take classes for a long time, but somehow I always found an excuse as to why I couldn't do it. I think having a hobby and learning something new is a great way to reboot yourself and find something new to be excited about. So, I've decided that before the end of this summer, I'm going to take a photography class and hopefully be able to share higher quality pictures here on the blog as well!

Three: A Vacay

The last time Chirag and I took a trip was back in September of last year! Ever year we try to take one international trip around our anniversary. Last year, we ended up going to India around January to visit family, so  instead of taking another international trip, we went to Chicago instead. By the way, it's one of my favorite cities! If you haven't been yet, I would highly recommend it! We stayed in 2 different hotels and in 2 different parts of the city during our time there. I really loved how pedestrian friendly it was, plus we were able to take the train into the suburbs to visit Chirag's family for a day and come back to the city... all without renting a car! Biking around the city and having a picnic in Millenium park was my favorite part of the trip. It feels like years ago now... so, needless to say I'm ready for another one!

We've played around with a few ideas. As much as I would to tour a new city though, I'm really ready to go somewhere close to the beach, sunny, and all inclusive! We've been playing with the idea of Puerto Rico, Jamaica, or maybe even Brazil. What's better than a vacation to help you reboot, am I right?

I'm feeling re-charged just thinking about these things already! Time to make a healthy dinner for tonight. Are you interested in sharing you top threes this week? There no hard and fast rules... just share any three things you'd like. Visit the hosts: Salma, Raj, or Nisha's blog, for all the details on how to join the linkup. 

How will you be rebooting this weekend?