Thoughtful Thursdays

• Happy Independence Day India! ॐ

So as yall may know, I am a proud Indian and yesterday was India's 66th Independence Day.  Therefore, if yall did the math correctly and came up with 1947, you are correct!  India achieved her independence from British rule and finally became a sovereign nation.

Brief history sesh::

The British East India Company gained control over internal affairs of India.  The spirit of nationalism started mid 19th century.  It became strengthened by the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.  The authoritative and indifferent attitude of the British towards the Indian sentiments led to a national movement gaining drive.  National leaders, like Mahatma Gandhi, fought for political and administrative rights of the people.  The British were ruthless in handling with those who fought for rights of the IndiansBy 1920s the national movement had become very aggressive. Mahatma Gandhi began several movements against the British. The Non-cooperation Movement, followed by the Civil Disobedience Movement. It was hoped that the British would leave India after the Second World War, but the British did not give in Then Mahatma Gandhi began the “Quit India Movement” in 1942. The British eventually realized that they had to leave India for good.India is a now a sovereign republic and is a force to reckon with in world politics. It is the largest democracy in the world. It has retained its secular identity despite communal flare-ups.  Eventually, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, which led to the formation of India.
To read more:: http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelpregion/asia/india/indianindependence/index.html

DID YOU KNOW?! Facts about India::

• India is only about 1/3 the size of USA, YET it is the SECOND most populous country in the world!!
• Many Indian wives will never say their husband's name aloud, as it is a sign of disrespect; instead, they will use "ji" or other pet names
• India is the largest democracy in the world
• The Kumbh Mela (or Grand Pitcher Festival) is a HUGE Hindu religious festival that takes place in India every 12 years.  In 2001, 60 million people attended, breaking the record for the world's BIGGEST gathering! So if your wanting to travel to India, make sure to witness this festival!

Here is my favorite version of the Indian National Anthem taken from the movie, Khabi Khushi, Khabie Gham:

Happy Birthday India! God Bless Everyone! 

Remember not to forget thy Golden Rule::

ps, much love and don't forget to =) on this joyous day!

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OOTD:: HOW TO-- Mixed Prints

Floral and Polka Dots

So I was at a flea market the other day trying to find some vintage things to put in my apartment when I came across this huge frame.  Because of my countless hours on Pinterest, ideas came rushing through my head about what to do with this frame. Since I'm still not yet home, I obviously couldn't do much with it so I put it aside only to realize it is great for photo booth  pictures! If you ever want to try something fun and creative with your pictures, simply get an empty frame and snap away! =)

Onto the outfit of the day, mixing prints can be one of two things:: dangerous or playful. 

I mixed floral and polka dots to give a fun and flirty statement.  The flowy skirt helped bring in its playfulness while floral is always a classy, timeless look.

 Heres some dos and don'ts of mixing prints::

DO::

• when in doubt, choose a neutral base 
• mix loose and fitted prints
• pick colors in complementary fmailies
• use same prints in different scales
• mix neons with prints

DON'T::

• be sloppy with fitting 
• pile on too many trends at once
• mix animal prints in same colors
• add too much accessories to your style when already having a lot go on by mixing prints
• fear clashing

Here's how celebrities mix prints::

How daring are you today?
ps, don't forget to =) !

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Mani Monday:: Magnetized

Magnetic Nail Polish

Today's nail art is one my sister found at a local drugstore.  It is called magnetic nail polishes.  It can get confusing so you may want someone else to help you.  It is a simple process and completely different than anyone else!

First, you want to remove any other color off your nails.  You may also file and cut your nails now as well.  Now, paint your nails with the desired color.  Start off with one finger at first for practice.  Next, use the top of the cap where the magnet is and slowly move in the direction you want the magnet to go; I went from bottom straight up.  

If you mess up or don't like one of the looks, you can simply take nail remover and start all over.  TIP!! You want to do the magnet effect as soon as your done, while the polish is still wet so it works.

Down below are some other colors you may like.

This design is one that looks like it took a while to do and not so common.  Wow your friends with it!  

ps, don't forget to =) when showing off your nails! 

Happy Monday!

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Friday Favorites:: Olympics

In honor of the 2012 Olympics going on this past week, this segment of Friday Favorites are going to be all about the Olympics!

Favorite Olympics Fact::

Did you know?

The tradition of lighting an Olympic Flame started with the ancient Greeks.  The ancient Greeks idolized the power and fire.  In Greek mythology, the god Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to the humans.  To celebrate the passing of fire from Prometheus to man, the Greeks would hold relay races where the athletes would pass a lit torch to one another until the winner reached the finish line.  This started the tradition of a sacred flame lit from the sun's rays at Olympia, which stayed lit until the games were over.

This flame represented the "endeavor for protection and struggle for victory."  It was first introduced into our Modern Olympics at the 1928 Amsterdam Games.  Since then, the flame has come to symbolize "the light of spirit, knowledge, and life."

Source:: http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/olympic-torch1.htm

Favorite Olympic picture:: How beautiful does the moon look under the rings during sunrise?

Favorite Olympic collaboration:: Call Me Maybe??

Favorite Olympic quote:: well said

Favorite Olympic funny:: You can help but laugh :)

Favorite Olympics Nail Art:: These athletes don't let anything pass them, not even their nails!

The Olympic rings on British archer Amy Oliver

American flag mani on Missy Franklin

More flag nails on German tennis player Angelique Kerber

Favorite Olympic unity::  Amazing how the whole world can come together in an (almost) perfect sounding harmony, with a little help from John Lennon that is.

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What's to Eat?? Salsa and Chutney Lovin'

So this past weekend, my sister had her housewarming party, which means nonstop cooking!  It was a success so all the cooking was worth it!  Here's a very cute pullout cupcake cake in honor of their house someone made! 

Here is only A THIRD of how much food was made! Almost everything was made by us.  My sister loves healthier food, which means cooking yourself and that way you can see what goes in it, unlike if you bought it elsewhere.

Our family, especially, my sister and I, LOVE condiments, ESPECIALLY salsa; and that's a bit of an understatement.  We have found over the years different recipes to have tastier, fresher salsas.

Mint Chuntey::

This indian condiment is the perfect blend of mint, peppers, and cilantro.  It's minty smell makes the whole house smell amazing.

What you will need::

• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup teaspoons of lemon Juice or squeezed lemons
• Equal parts of mint to cilantro (we did 1 bunch each)
• couple of chillies (we love our food spicy, so we add 4-6, but this will differ depending on your spice tolerance)

Make sure to wash the cilantro, chillies, and mint thoroughly.

Start by adding the mint and chillies into the food processor.  If you aren't sure about your tolerance, add one pepper at a time and taste to your liking.  Next add salt and lemon juice.  This too varies to tasting.  Add any extra peppers.  Last, put the cilantro in to give it its nice green color.
Also, some people who do not like the spice as much, or even if you want a colder, yogurt-y taste, mix in some regular yogurt with some of this chutney.  Try it out to see if you like it as well! We usually mix 2:1 of yogurt to chutney and just keep adding more to taste!
 Enjoy!!

Tomatillo Chutney::

 This is definitely my favorite type of indian chutney.  Its blend of tomatillo and peppers is the perfect condiment to my indian dishes!  Mixed in with some chole or samosas, and you will not stop eating!

What you will need::

• handful of tomatillos (how ever much you would want to have)
• couple of chillies (again, to taste, depends on your tolerance.  I usually add 4-6)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of lemon juice of squeezed lemons (again, this as well is to taste)
• salt to taste (1 -2 teaspoons is the amount I usually do)
• 1 bunch of cilantro

Make sure the thoroughly was the tomatillo, cilantro, and chillies.

Start by slowly adding the tomatillos until liquified.  Now add chilies to taste.  You may also add salt and lemon juice now as well.  Blend all together and add more chillies, salt, and lemon juice to your preference.  Finally add the cilantro and mix well.  You may now serve!

Tomatillo Salsa::

This roasted salsa is a nice alternative to regular salsas found in the grocery stores.  I've found that it is healthier too!

What you need::

• 8-10 tomatillo
• 2 jalapenos
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1/4-1/2 of lemon juice or lemons squeezed (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (to taste)
• 3-4 garlic coves
• 1/2 red onion

First, you want to place the tomatillos and jalapenos in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 mins to be roasted.  Halfway through, you want to turn them over.  Then you will put them slowly in the food processor  until liquified.  Add onions, garlic cloves, salt and lemon juice as well and blend together as shown in the picture below.  Last, put the cilantro in and blend in well.  This salsa is now ready to eat!

 Enjoy these salsas and chutneys with your meals and chips!  Which one did you like better?

ps, don;t forget to =) when your mouth is spiced up! 

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OOTD:: Black and Cream

Today's outfit of the day is inspired by neutrals.  Black and cream is just a classic combination that it could work for just about any occasion.  I love that I could get my favorite nautical look in the cardigan but still keep it toned down to classic, non-overwhelming colors.  Some may think that black and cream could be either dull, old, or formal looking, but here is a great way to play these two color combos together and get a fun, yet classy look!  

I added a simple bow necklace from Forever21 paired with a BCBG necklace.  The white/creme shine paired with the gold accents from the cardigan buttons works perfectly.  Add some black sandals to complete the look!

ps, don't forget to =)

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Mani Mondays:: Simple Glitz

What's a girl's best friend?? GLITTER!! As many of yall have done, I am just loving the one nail being different  look! And nothing to glitz up your nails like some glitter power!  Also, this is a great look for summer days and nights, when you want to shine in the sun and lights!

Are you going to sparkle this summer??

ps, don't forget to =)

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