Happy Hour For Yourself - Living Local

This post has been published by Living Local Magazine, July 2015. 'On the 30ish Slope' is going to be a regular feature for their upcoming issues. 30ish steps out of the virtual world, the joy of connecting with my readers in the real world :D is super!

Check the link and read the post online - http://www.livinglocalmag.com/articles/happy-hour-30ish-slope.html

Happy Hour For Yourself

We are so scared to live the life we love. Somehow, we seem to have accepted that it’s perfectly fine to shrink our ambitions and be mediocre.

Can you imagine a moment where you are neither thinking of the past nor future. Your present is the most important, yet ignored state of mind. You only live once, and 3/4th of the things we worry about do not even happen. In this world of crazy timelines, fast food, complicated relationships would you like to reserve a “happy hour” for yourself.

There will always be distractions and responsibilities, but you need to protect your magic. Think about it, if a person expects you to give up on the spark you are born with, then he/she is anyway not worth it.

#Life Hack - Every time you find humour in a difficult situation, you win. So SMILE

Few “Happy Hour “ cheat codes:

Create - We did this as kids, and as adults we just follow routine. Creating* is a self expression of things you like, your aesthetics and spirit. If you give yourself an hour to create something it will give you imaginary wings.

Activate - Age begins to show at 30, you will suddenly feel that all the late night madness is not working for you. Invest time in taking care of your pulse. You could try running, our hood has some great parks and running tracks. Any form of physical activity will help you focus and detox all your negativity. Compete with yourself, take a path that challenges your mind.

Learn something new - Make travel plans, go to a new place. Meet interesting people, know their stories. When you are in an unknown environment your senses automatically sharpen. The excitement of the unknown will make you think and and feel deeper. Everyone you meet, will know something you do not know.

Mental snooze - We ignore the importance of this magical activity, but trust me sleeping makes you forget all your worries and bounce back. Your happy hour can be all about “dreaming” and waking up with a smile.

30ish is a slippery slope, you are pushing yourself emotionally, mentally and physically. Everyone has their own way of coping with stress, and this article is not going to make you forget about your worries. All I wish is that it makes you realise that you can “do more, be more and love more.

Living Local, great effort. Our hood has tremendous potential. #LivingLocal
  

Australia you are such a BEACH!

If you ask any of your friends, what’s your hobby they will pick a couple of these options- reading, listening to music, dancing, watching TV, travelling, playing cricket. If you ask an Aussie, the same question their reply will be surfing, skate boarding, making gluten free cookies, beach volley ball. That’s the difference between us in the most non controversial way. Everything they enjoy is outdoor.

#Life Hack : A day without the Sun is a waste of soul, if you need some vitamin “SEA” head to Australia.

Australia is a place  where everyone expresses them selves exactly as they feel. I spent lot of time in Sydney, it has almost 100 beaches. Even though it was cold I did make a brave attempt to try surfing and boy it’s a sure adrenaline rush. You HAVE TO TRY SURFING. 

To make life simpler I am going to compare 3 of the most popular beaches in Sydney.

Bondi – I was the most excited to visit Bondi but the first sight was enough to shatter my dreams. ‘Bondi’ I am sorry but you disappointed me. I was all set to buy my Bondi Hoodie and flaunt for the blog cover page but the crowd scared me. It is very busy and very unlike anything you would imagine an Australian beach to be. Think of a beach called “Bindu” in Mumbai, Flash Flash Flash .. thats it, don’t imagine further. The only nice place is a restaurant called Ice berg club, great view and coffee.

Manly Beach – It’s a 45 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, the whole atmosphere is very calm and relaxed. Manly hosts a surfing for beginners tutorial. You can learn how to surf with a professional instructor and hire the surf suit and board at a very nominal rate. The turquoise water currents are good for a swim. Pick your “Fish and Chips to-go” and chill on the beach, true Aussie style.

Tamarama Beach – This is for the fancy swimmers and sun bathers. Its very down town LA, where you assume every couple belongs to hollywood.  Tamarama is all about  glamorous bikinis, branded sunnies, models, gays, house music and gorgeous waves. Carry you own wine and food, they have very limited options to eat.

Most important tip, before you plan a trip down-under, make sure you are in great shape. Everyone is good looking and super fit. To avoid heart break, run extra, cross train, lift some weights, eat healthy and you are good to scream, "Australia, you are such a BEACH".

My travel photo blog has been awarded the 'Blogger Badge of Honour' by Vir Sanghvi and Blogmint', so excited :D

Wish you sunshine and smiles

xoxo, PhotoblogHER

  

Confessions of an IPL superfan

Indian's have a PHD on our cricket squad. Everyone has a proven theory which makes complete sense to themselves. I challenge none of you. This post is based on my personal experiences.

With sheer luck and the case of right time right place I got this fab opportunity.The craze was obviously insane during the initial seasons with everyone wanting to know everything about cricket, cricketers, scandals, after parties, owners etc.

#Life Hack: You can question India's PM in court but not Sachin Tendulkar -Sidhuism

What has working on IPL taught me?

• No matter how cool and unaffected you pretend to be, the moment your favourite cricketer appears, you behave “juvenile”. Giggle, lose all your snobbish SWAG and behave like a retard. He (The Wall) asked me in the most charming voice, "No makeup, is it fine for the interview" and I just looked at him like an awestruck idiot. My reply “Oh you want me to wear makeup” EPIC Disaster.(And see how brave am I, to put it on 30ish)

• When he (The Spin Wizard) calls his lads in a thick aussie accent to the pool for a warm up, you drop everything and pretend to work.. “Obviously by the pool”. That man is charming in the most unconventional way and redefines brat.

• There’s a reason why after parties earned the “wicked party tag”. You have to experience them to be convinced that they were not required. Every team has their own mellow version of post game celebration which is quite acceptable.

• Cricketers are as human as us. They experience fatigue and disappointment, have post game show-downs and lose heart after a tough defeat but the next game is always a new opportunity. They party, have a drink, shop and chill by the pool and that’s absolutely fine.

• As young cricketers they are exposed to so much money, pressure and stardom. It’s really tough to stand still. That knock of glamour can blind your game. In the last 8 years IPL has seen so much talent appear and disappear.

• IPL will collapse without its support teams. So much heart and sweat goes into managing this giant logistics nightmare. The amount of work put in by the management teams is most unnoticed.

• 

Working on this project has been my careers sweet spot. I travelled to South Africa, Dubai, most of the home games and collected crazy memories. If you mention a cricketers name, I have an after party story/trivia ready to entertain you. T20 is not the traditional cricket format and lot of fans are very touchy about the dynamics of this tournament, but as an IPL superfan I love all the entertainment.

As I gear up for the coming season, stay tuned for my next post. My perspective is that of a fan who got lucky, nothing more than that. 

PS: I have left enough clues to guess the cricketer. Did I take any names?? Nah!! and the pics are of a fan with their fav cricketers, no big deal ;)

30ish wants to be your quirky friend, are we doing a good job? leave your comments, we have exciting official IPL merchandise for you.

  

When 30ish seems complicated - Yoddhas, a true story.

This post is a part of the #madeofgreat contest hosted by #indiblogger and tatamotors

Check their page: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com

#Life Hack: Nothing makes you feel more alive than your world turning upside down.                                                                                                Malcolm Gladwell.
Now keep this quote in mind as the story unfolds…

Title: Yoddha
Main Protagonist: Rahul Yadav
Supporting Cast: Wife and Close Friends
Actors in Negative Role: Cancer Myeloma, Chemotherapy & Emotional Turmoil
Statutory Warning: All characters are real and as inspiring in person. This might make you question your purpose in life.

Scene 1(2013) – Rahul has just got married, is in between jumping jobs and looking forward to a blissful future but is diagnosed with Myeloma Cancer at the age of 28. SCREACHIINNGG BREAK!
Scene 2 – Self-doubt, a feeling of the entire world sinking, uncertainty. He definitely did not plan this for his 30ies. So what happens if being 30ish seems complicated and uncertain?

"It was like being hit by a 300 mph train. I had never even heard of the name Myeloma before. I was lost and trust me at this moment the internet is the worst place to be in".                                                                                                                              Quoting Rahul.
Everyone looks up to Rahul as being a survivor, an inspiration to thousands but how does it feel to be absolutely vulnerable and scared. He faces the world like nothing happened, but trust me lots happened within. He challenged his fears, his tears, and his life.

Meet the Real Yoddha, someone who is as human as us, yet a terrific personality to learn from.

• Rahul is an IT professional. Believes technology should be used to simplify life, not complicate.
• Rahul is passionate about his social initiative, Yoddhas
• Rahul loves Bollywood, he gave me an example from the movie “Border” to explain his state of mind, and we connect instantly in true filmi style.
• Rahul adores his wife (A rare quality in husbands)
• Rahul is inspired by Lisa Ray, she not only fought the dreaded disease but also is actively supporting cancer survivors.

Meet the Super Hero

• Rahul recently celebrated his 100 days, post Bone Marrow transplant.
• Rahul won the People's Choice Award as well as the second rank for projects at the Unesco Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition for his efforts via Yoddhas.
• Rahul wants to be a pillar of strength by building communities that center primarily on promoting cancer awareness among the youth and providing a platform for Indian patients to connect with each other for information and emotional support

One of the main issues is, lack of “constructive emotional support”.  They want the right human touch and not a self-help mobile App. Rahul’s story has been covered by various publications and websites, he specifically asked me to not go the regular way. This is my humble attempt to write about a soul that deserves a standing ovation for his spirit and audacity. He is a survivor in more ways than we know.

Rahul is 30ish and a game changer, Respect! #WATCH Rahul's message to 30ish followers

If anyone of you would like to support Yoddhas being a donor or pitching in as a volunteer connect with me. You can also tweet and spread the word. 

Visit - Yoddhas official Facebook page

** Rahul Yadav, needs a matching donor for further treatment. Leave a comment on the blog, team Yoddhas will reach out to you.

Follow me :

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/30ish.blogging

Twitter - https://twitter.com/30ishblogging

Instagram - http://instagram.com/poojakochar2013/

WTF, Where's The Food?

I am not a foodie if you dare me to have carrot juice for 4 meals, I will. But street food is like a lover I can not resist. Will run extra for a week but its so worth it. So what if beef is banned #Beefban, we can connect on something everyone enjoys.

#Life Hack: The most dangerous food??? err.."The Wedding Cake".

Will be fun, identify your street food personality!

Vada Pav- It belongs to the heart of Maharashtra, a mighty ball of fried potatoes snuggled in soft buns! No I am not writing for Playboy, although my description is fantasizing the street delicacy. This is the official desi veg burger– spicy, hands free and on-the-go.

It goes best with fried chillies and chutney, and of course a chilled Thums-up. You have to tell yourself "Darr ke aage jeet hai" to digest this combination of food. Don’t bother looking at the pool of hot oil in the wok, it’s our comfort food.

Cutting Chai – Just like a vodka shot, it’s the right amount of strong, extra sweet and boiling hot concoction. There’s a typical way you consume this mighty mix, long slurp followed by a loud sigh.. Sounding like a sweet alarm for your brain. aapphh..

Typical day of a workaholic– chai break – work – loo break– chai break – work –chai break –work –. Its for those people who like to socialize briefly at the tapri, discuss cricket/bad-boss/gf tantrums and return to their respective desks/lives.

Pani Puri/Puchkaa/Golgappa – Oh boy, these are the big guns. It’s for the real risk takers, they take life head on. "Meetha ya Theekha", doesn't matter they just keep gulping the fire ball. Nothing stops them, watery eyes, running nose, tongue on fire, not even watching someone punching the puri with nails that could stab your tummy. PS: This does not apply to the ones who have pani puri made in bisleri (#snob)

Chocolate Sandwich – After eating this you will have a feeling that Nutella was invented for bread. Chocolate, butter, carbs, peanuts and tastes like heaven. All those calories just make you bounce for hours, total energy booster. Someone wise said "after all chocolate doesn't ask silly questions, chocolate understands".

Street Food is a great way to know a place, it will give you cues about various aspects of their culture and people. Food brings out the best and the worst in people, on that thought if someone says something badass when "HuANGRY" just forgive them.

I am a Poo*chkaa.

Follow me :

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/30ish.blogging

Twitter - https://twitter.com/30ishblogging

Instagram - http://instagram.com/poojakochar2013/

Related posts:

Bananas about you

How ancient does this expression sound? Don’t know who invented the term but I guess it means falling in love over and over again (with the same person).We live in a generation that carelessly flirts with love and lust. Actually one is supposed to be an extension of the other but the sequence differs based on your experiences and preferences.

Love at 13 and love at 30, seems poles apart. You expect different things. Your focus has changed from chasing someone to "be your love" to "buy you the latest Louis Vuitton". LOVE is a part of LOUIS VUITTON, well almost....

#Life Hack: Never make eye contact while eating a banana ;)

Bananas about you has changed to “Are you Bananas?”

It’s a short post, because I don't believe in loving someone for a purpose. When Love is unconditional its intoxicating.

Coming back to bananas, we have a fabulous healthy recipe by Muahh. 

Muahh believes in sprinkling kisses to everything they bake. And guess what, its sugar free unlike Love

 Banana Oats Pancakes 

Cooking time 3-5 minutes (depends on your efficiency in kitchen. I take 10 mints, you get the point)

Ingredients – 1 Banana, 2 Eggs, 2/3 cup oats, vanilla essence and 4 tbsp. milk

Step 1: Blend all the ingredients in a mixer till smooth

Step 2: Spread on a non-stick pan and cook

Have it, with a chilled glass of milk and fresh fruits.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Muahh/135923669891697

Love for Food is the yummiest*.Muahh xoxo

Have a Great #VDay

Follow me :

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/30ish.blogging

Twitter - https://twitter.com/30ishblogging

Instagram - http://instagram.com/poojakochar2013/

Running is power, redefine yourself

You don't need a pitch, no fancy gear, all you need is the power to FINISH STRONG.

I run when I am sad, tensed, happy, confused, anxious, excited. It’s just my way of finding peace. 

There’s a road in front, you can either look at your goal and adjust your pace or look down and take it step by step. Compete with yourself, take a path that challenges your mind.

#Life Hack: Your reason to run is you, do it for yourself.

Successful runners are tenacious, you have to be determined to reach the finish line.

It’s not about finding who you are, but about creating yourself. Your mind will bargain with the body, your body has to support. Your mind alone will not put you through a tough run but it will guide your body to manage fatigue, hydration, and strength. All the full and half marathoners finishing the race had only one emotion, Pride. 42km or 21km does not define you, but your determination does.

Running is a tough sport in India with no formal financial backing but we need to stand for our athletes. This post won’t make you run faster, it will only make you think that running is worth giving a chance. Get Inspired, by these very humble Mumbai Marathon Indian Elite Athlete winners. 

Men: 1. Karan Singh 2:21:35, 2. Arjun Pradhan 2:22:22, 3. Bahadur Singh Dhoni 2:22:41.

Women: 1. O.P. Jaisha 2:37:29, 2. Lalita Babar 2:38:21, 3. Sudha Singh 2:42:12. 

Mumbai Marathon: Real Hero, A*RUN

We met in the elevator, on our way to the Mumbai Marathon 2015 launch press conference. His elevator pitch was “Hi I am Arun’ emphasizing on A*RUN, running is in my name. I smiled at his sheer guts to introduce himself, as if he belonged to the family of PT Usha.

I was so wrong, classic case of never judge a book by its cover. Not exaggerating, this man has zero body fat, average height, humble dialect, follows a vegetarian diet and an infectious enthusiasm to maintain his ultra-marathon runner title.

 #Life Hack: Marathon belongs to the one who run's for a cause beyond himself.

Arun started running at the age of 31, after the birth of his daughter. She is his motivation to run, he want's his daughter to be proud of him, so simple and true.

 Previous Records – 

• Ran from Kargil via Leh Ladakh to Kanyakumari (4100 km) the toughest terrain in 61 days. He candidly mentions, the Military posted on the boarder were worried my lungs will collapse but I kept running, they would get tired cheering for me but I did not stop.

• Arun is one of the first internationally acclaimed endurance racers from India. In 2009, he won the 567 km George Archer 6 day race in South Africa.

• In December 2010, he ran 186.4 km in 24 hours in Kolkata and thus beat his previous best of running 177 km in 24 hours.

According to Arun what differentiates a marathoner from an ultramarathoner is that they don’t stop. Its all about your mind, and that’s what I do, “I keep telling myself, Bhaago Bhagoo, Bhagte raho”. These are true inspiring stories, Arun Bhardwaj is a symbol of endurance and will power. He fought tumor at the age of 14 and emerged stronger.

This post is a part of the #madeofgreat contest hosted by #indiblogger and #TataMotors. 

Check their page: http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com

Like us on Facebook

Tweet us

Follow us on Instagram

#2015 Fitter

Fitter 2015# will be the most common New Year resolution.

Most of us believe that we have out grown the “new year resolution scene”, but secretly we set goals for ourselves. Eating clean and staying fit is one of them. An unhealthy lifestyle kicks you harder with age and that’s when it tops the New Year resolution chart.

Everyone has days when your track pants read Juicy Couture BUT* your ass screams Dunkin Donuts. 

#Life Hack: Dear tummy you aren't empty, you are just bored. Learn the difference.

There are two kinds of people, first category who wants to get fit and the second one that gets fit no matter what. It’s all about your motivation, if you associate it with something positive you will kill it. But if it’s associated with pain, boredom and TASK then trust me donuts are your only escape.

Make exercise a part of your routine like brushing your teeth and drinking tea. So your brain is trained not to attach any emotion to it and just roll with the flow, this trick works for me.

There is a fundamental mistake that people make, fit is not skinny, fit is strong. Do this for yourself. Your body is the only thing that sticks with you during bad relationships, crazy lifestyles, tough economies and unhappy moments. Start investing in yourself.

I respect the bulky boy running, I respect the underweight girl building strength by lifting weights, I respect the 50 yrs old staying healthy. Every time your workout makes you proud, you will respect yourself more.

Stick to this resolution forever.

Follow me :

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/30ish.blogging

Twitter - https://twitter.com/30ishblogging

Instagram - http://instagram.com/poojakochar2013/

Age doesn't just begin at 30, it begins to show

I have been working out since a decade and it’s the most liberating and peaceful “me time”. Everyone needs some motivation to stay fit. Yours could be crop tops, low jeans, winks, smirks, short shorts, whistles, insecure girlfriends, being calm, gymstagrams, anger, or the last movie you watched. Whatever the reason just tie those shoelaces and start chasing your goal.

30ish is a slippery slope. You tend to go easy on yourself and sometimes let go. You are probably concentrating on your career or planning a family but at times it’s important to listen to your body and bracket some time for its well being.

#Life Hack: Age shows in ways you don't realise. Eat-Sleep-Workout accordingly.

Pick something you like, and one step at a time start building on your mental and physical commitment towards a healthier lifestyle.

Mission -AK 36-26-36, girls this is for you.

• Girl sweating on the treadmill is hotter to the one pouting on the dance floor.
• Eat whatever makes you happy then think of the actress who gets you the most jealous.Your next meal will automatically shrink.
• Lose weight not your charm! size zero is a myth, be curvy and happy.
• Set goals and kick em …REPEAT.

Everyone is very conscious about their health which is a good sign, as long as you are self-motivated it will work. You don’t have to workout for hours, a focused 30 minutes session is good enough.


Follow Me:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/30ish.blogging

Twitter - https://twitter.com/30ishblogging

Instagram - http://instagram.com/poojakochar2013/

<metaname="google-site-verification"content="LiDhE7evO6OFo1CGFhvngScghVpfjUVYizjFtRfUErI" />