Category: lifestyle

Where To Find The Best Candles In Bombay

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Anyone who knows me, knows that my perfect evening includes: candles, my cats (Leo & Bagheera) and a good book (usually a fantasy novel – this is what I’m currently reading). The second two items on the list are easily acquired in Bombay (not a spelling error). The third, however, has been more of a challenge since I moved here over 4 years ago.

The perfect candle is equal parts visually appealing and strongly (but not overbearingly, allergy inducing) scented. Having one without the other is a disappointment… and unacceptable. My favourite candle brands in the whole wide world are Diptyque, Byredo and Cire Trudon. Buying these candles in India, however, comes with its own challenges – limited options and exorbitant prices (usually twice the USD value). Which  means, for the last ~4 years I’ve been asking my parents to ship these candles to me from the US — no hefty Indian import duties can come between me and my candle relaxation time. So, I thought that this is the way of the Bombay (candle) world and the only way to pacify my olfactory sense.

And then, Jo Malone opened their first Indian store in Bombay. And within that same week I discovered an the Maroma candle range at Good Earth.

Jo Malone candles stay strong throughout their burn time – Bergamot & Oud is my jam. Can’t say the same for the Good Earth candles but the scent is a-mazing for the first 8 hours so I’ll take it. I tested the Maroma Sandalwood Pillar Candle and I was sold (can the good folks at Auroville do any wrong?). These options are wayy  more affordable than shipping my usual faves so my wallet is definitely happy.

Moral of the story: Yes, the Universe does listen.

Supplements that REALLY work

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I am obsessed with self improvement and I try almost anything that is a) safe b) recommend by the internet c) comes from a reliable source. As a result, I’ve tried almost every supplement out there and continue to take the ones that prove their efficacy over time. Here are the supplements that have really worked:

  • Zinc to prevent colds. This is an absolute miracle pill. I pop one as soon as I feel the sniffles and voila – after a good night’s rest I am virtually sniffle free.
  • Fish oil is amazing for my hair, my skin and my brain. Enough said.
  • Marine collagen makes my skin glow, my hair grow faster & thicker AND reverses all the damage done to my nails through the numerous acrylic nail sessions. I drink it first thing in the morning but it’s also a popular addition to my smoothies.
  • Magnesium – I take it right before I sleep and wake up feeling ah-mazing. 

What supplements have worked for you guys? Would love to hear from you in the comments!

The Power of Single Tasking

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So I was in yoga class yesterday struggling in a balancing pose after an especially challenging day. It was one of those recovery days after a really horrible day. A lot was on my mind when I was trying this particularly challenging balance pose. My mind was everywhere, jumping from one thought to another and like it usually happens at these times, I was also looking all over the ceiling while in the pose. So unnecessarily stressful and challenging. And that was when my yoga teacher suggested that we keep our vision fixed on one point. That changed everything. I found a spot on the wall, focused on it, and suddenly gained all the balance that I was so desperately looking for.

Focus on one thing at a time. It’s just that easy.

At work just like in life, we have so many thoughts rushing through our minds. Mostly everyone I know thinks right now about what they’re going to do 5 minutes later. That 5 minutes later never comes.

In this world where people are always hustlin’ and doing so many things, there’s real power in doing just 1-2 things at a time and doing them well. This jack of all trades mentality to life isn’t making anyone better at what they do. In fact, I have found that it stresses people out. All. The. Time.

Just like we need to focus on the moment, we should also focus on specialising in one thing at a time. Work on something, get really good at it, shine.

Make your life less complicated:

  1. Work intensely on something you love for 3-4 hours everyday.
  2. Listen to music that makes you happy.
  3. Organise your room – clutter can have a serious negative emotional impact on your mood.
  4. Make a list about what you want to achieve in the next week.
  5. Eat well – my doctor recommends 2 fruits and 1 green vegetable a day. And lots of fibre.
  6. Develop a hobby – it can be reading 1 page in a book or building a coffee table for your living room. The goal is to work at it regularly. Self achievement is the best kind of achievement.
  7. Make your heart pump for at least 30 minutes every day – go for a walk, a jog or take it all the way to HIIT.
  8. Don’t fight your feelings. Let them happen. Go through them, accept them and then release them.
  9. Talk to a friend, family member or anyone else who brings out the best in you.
  10. Buy some flowers and put them on your desk or anywhere else that you spend a lot of time.
  11. Every night, before you sleep, write down 5 things that you’re grateful for.

It’s difficult to focus sometimes. Your job might demand that you work on a zillion tasks and complete them today. For you, the best way to begin is to set realistic deadlines. If the number of tasks for the day stays the same, focus on one task at a time. Accept that other thoughts might cloud your mind while you’re working but every time that happens bring your focus back to the current job. Without reprimanding yourself for getting slightly distracted.

Your day is made up of minutes. Make every one of them count towards creating a day full of happiness.