Hari Chai

If I cut my veins open there will be more chai in them than blood. However, with my wedding right across the corner, I decided to cut my unhealthy habits and add more greens in my life. And it’s not fresh veggies that green but I decided to switch to the lighter side of chai. That is the less doodh pati and more green tea.

But gulping down green tea on daily basis is not everyone’s cuppa of tea. I usually am not very fond of the original green tea taste but since I had to had it on daily basis I decided to try different flavors. Tapal green tea came to my rescue! I tried their flavor selection pack and got other flavors as well, was completely hooked to their Apple Cinnamon, Lemon and Mint Flavors. The peach flavor is good too if you want to make iced green tea which I do with honey in it!

What has happened after me switching to green tea?

Green tea is not a magic potion which will magically make me lose weight overnight but it is a lifestyle change. I have cut down carbs from my diet, increased my physical activity and have started consuming green tea which is actually making me feel good about myself. I am not lethargic all the time, my skin is brighter and I have shed few pounds as well. Overall it has been a win-win situation for me. Ab wakai fit hongi mein ;)



#FitHongiMein #TapalGreenTea #GreenTea #HealthyLiving 

Reel On Hai: Promoting Art on the Streets

Go to any metropolitan across the globe and you will see it brimming with art and culture. Every popular street or corner will have a certain artwork present which people associate with that city. However, in Karachi, we lack such art on streets. In past few years the trend of creating art for city streets have picked up though and thanks to some brands it is getting visible as well to common people.

Pakistan Cables in partnership with Karachi Biennale Fund decided to bring art to the streets and different popular landmarks of Karachi. The idea was super simple, Pakistan Cables provided their cable reels to different artists to utilize them to create art and place them across the city. Fifty-seven local and international artists were part of the project.

The results were stunning. From different painting styles to utilizing the reels for recreational purposes, each and everyone was a masterpiece representing the rich culture of Pakistan. Some of the interesting locations of the reels are Moin Khan Academy, JMPC, IBA, Zamzama park and Karachi zoo.

To give this project, even more, life Pakistan Cables Limited announced the launch of a coffee table book, ‘A Reel On Karachi – Art Installations in the City’ at the Alliance Francoise de Karachi in an event which was widely attended by members of the business, art and social communities.

The launch event included a stimulating panel discussion hosted by renowned Karachi based actor, Mr. Sajid Hasan who engaged with the panelists recollecting Karachi’s evolving history and the impact of Reel on Hai to the city’s landscape. Panelists included Ms. Marjorie Hussain (Art Critic), Mr. Arif Hasan (Urban Planner and Activist), Mr. Mohsin Sayeed (Public Outreach Committee and Journalist) and Ms. Masuma Khawaja Halai (Chair, Public Outreach Committee).

“This book captures the story behind the project and takes its readers on a journey through Karachi brilliantly!”, stated Ms. Halai.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Fahd K. Chinoy, Executive Director, Pakistan Cables Limited who commended the Karachi Biennale Trust for setting up an exemplary partnership based on a shared purpose of honoring community trust and of giving back beauty to Karachi.

 A free e-book version of “A Reel on Karachi” is available at the Company’s official website: www.pakistancables.com

#ReelOnHai #PakistanCables #Art #Karachi 

Mental Health

On world mental health day, I am writing for you to understand the importance of mental health. This is not only for the people who suffer but also their loved ones.

 To live, to be with a person who has depression not only requires courage but also understanding and patience. To be the support one has to be strong enough to endure what is coming towards them. So on this day, I will acknowledge those loved ones as well who have been a tremendous support to the people who have had any mental illness or are currently suffering from it.

If you at any given point recognize the signs and symptoms of depression or any other mental illness please don’t ignore them. If you cannot get professional help don’t feel shy to talk to a loved one or a person you trust.

Few things I know that have helped me when I have been depressed are

1. Diversion. Be it in any positive form, listening to music, reading a book or watching Hallmark movies. It helps a lot.
2. Talk. Vent it out. Don’t hold it all in yourself. Cry if you want to. There is no shame. But don’t rely on it. Once you have cried your heart out, pick yourself up and start working on yourself.
3. Work out. It helps
4. Meditate, in any form you like. It surrounds you with positive energy
5. Travel if you can, even within the city explore any place you have never been to.
6. Have a hobby. Something that you like to do. Anything constructive, anything random, it is totally up to you.
7. Eat well. Don’t overindulge on junk. Eating fresh and healthy makes you feel good within few days
8. Wear bright colors, lipstick or perfume. It’s a small step but again it helps
9. Do mindful sessions (Search on YouTube for videos)
10. Don’t forget to sleep. 8 hours. Get up and take a nice shower
11. Never stalk anyone on social media and compare your life with theirs. You don’t know what their story is.
12. Spend some time with nature (Animals or Plants). It soothes your soul
13. Dance. With friends or alone doesn’t matter. Turn the music up and dance

If you are having mild depression these things might help you. These might not be suitable for clinically depressed people or people with any other chronic mental illness.

Parents, please educate yourself if your child is showing any unusual behavior. Friends, please start noticing your loved ones. It’s not necessary that if you have gone through a trauma you will be depressed or will have any other mental illness. Everything in one’s life can be perfectly fine yet one can be suffering through it.

If one can’t see mental illness it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. It is not a joke. It is not something to be taken light-heartedly. Educate yourself, acknowledge its existence and help yourself and others around you.

1

Apney Dil Ka Rakhain Khaas Khayal

Tabba Heart Institute creating awareness through #ProjectDKL on World Heart Day

Project Dil kay Liye or in short #ProjectDKL is an initiative taken by Tabba Heart Institute to create awareness on heart healthcare this World Heart Day. As a part of the project, Tabba Heart Institute conducted an activity at LuckyOne Mall from 22^nd to 24^thSeptember 2017.

Not many people are aware of the fact that Cardiovascular diseases account for nearly half of all non-communicable diseases mortality. Over 17.5 million people die every year due to heart diseases.It is vital for people to know the importance of a healthy heart and thus reduce the risk of heart diseases.

World Heart Day is celebrated on 29^th of September all over the world to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading cause of death.To further amplify this noble cause and continue with their promise to celebrate World Heart Day each year,  Tabba Heart Institute takes great pride in initiating Project Dil Kay Liye this time. Tabba Heart Institute is one of the best and most comprehensive cardiology services providing institute in Pakistan, recognized by American College of Cardiovascular Diseases for its efforts and contribution.#ProjectDKL serves as a platform to create awareness about heart diseases encouraging people to focus on their heart’s well-being and keep it healthy and happy.

https://www.facebook.com/Tabba.Heart.Institute/videos/10156625404643452/

Project DKL is a way of life, it aims to create a healthy environment, encouraging people to switch to a healthier lifestyle through exercising, eating healthy, quitting smoking & getting regular medical checkups done.

During the activation of #ProjectDKL at LuckyOne Mall, thousands of people were engaged in healthy activities and games.People were given several giveaways on answering a health-related quiz and playing healthy games.

Moreover, the hashtag #ProjectDKL was one of the top Twitter trends on Saturday, 23^rd September 2013 with Twitteratis, Journalists and even nutritionists like SaddafFayyaz sharing positive tweets on the hashtag.

You can also join in the conversation on the hashtag.

Don’t forget to keep your heart healthy.

For more follow Tabba Heart on:

www.facebook.com/Tabba.Heart.Institute

www.tabbaheart.org

Coke Studio 10's Finest: Naina Moray

What makes a song unforgettable?

The music of it, composition, powerful lyrics, melodious
vocals and the feeling it leaves you with.

Naina Moray has all of it. One of the few songs which stole
my heart in first go. With multiple layers of different instruments and fusion
of two songs, not even once I felt the song is out of sync or any part is
forced in. Every instrument, every word, every sound in the song is seamlessly coming
together to make a master piece. I only wish Aamir Zaki’s solo was a bit longer
though.

If you are a fan of classical music this song will leave
your soul in ecstasy. It unquestionably is Coke Studio’s finest produced song
and is at par with Chaap Tilak and Paar Chana Dey.

#CokeStudio10 #MusicForSoul #NainaMoray  #FilmyJoyo #OnRepeat

Life Needs Flavor

Kabhi saada, tu kabhi namkeen, zindagi main har maza zarori hai.

Kisi ki theeki batain jo meethi lagjati hai, kisi key khatey khatey andaz. Ye sarey suad milkar bantey hain life ko aur bhi mazeydar. Kya tu zindagi hoti jis main koi flavor na hota. Boring aur mundane. Har kisi ko chahye life main excitement. Aur ye excitement srif flavors hi lasaktey hain.

Jab logon key itney different flavors hum sab ko pasand hain, tu is chatori zaban ko bhi tu kai flavours ki adat hai. Ek du sey kaam nahi chalta ab. Roz kuch different dil ki pasand hoti hai. Kabhi khatas tu kabhi mithas.

Lays laya har dil ki pasand, har din ki pasand key liye beshumar flavors. So your favorite crunch of yummy potatoes Lays with many different flavors makes your life full of excitement.

Have you tried different flavors of Lays? Tell me which one is your favorite.

#LifeNeedsFlavor

Film Review: Jab Harry Met Sejal Non Spoiler

When you watch the trailer of an Imtiaz Ali movie, you know that there will be a beautiful nonlinear journey and you know that there will be strong character development.

Harry Mets Sejal fulfills the first expectation of Imtiaz Ali’s movies however it lacked majorly in the second aspect. There is literally no story arch, no highs, and lows and no character development. The songs, although they are really catchy, are thrown into the film without making any sense in the narrative.

Not only the songs but a lot of things are thrown in the film without any context e.g. the fight scenes, Anushka Sharma’s accent and Shahrukh Khan’s split personality. If the director had worked more on the narrative itself rather than these nitty gritty it would have been much better.  

Khan & Sharma’s chemistry on screen was horribly off. The love story failed to make me feel anything for them as a couple on screen. The film seemed to be too much inspired by Tamasha in terms of the love story however it was nothing like it. Tamasha had a strong narrative, background story and characters Meanwhile JHMS failed in all.  JHMS lacked the depth.

The only two good things about the film are

1.       Beautiful locations

2.       Good music

All and all the film sold itself just because of the charisma of Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma’s pretty face and lots of Europe in the trailer.  

I wouldn’t recommend you to waste your time and money on it.

#JHMS #JabHarryMetSejal #FilmReview #MovieReview 

What makes Eid so special?

Eid is not as fancy as it looks like especially in summer in Pakistan. With so many ‘darzi key chakar’ for the perfect dress, chand raat mehndi rush drama and not to forget that never being able to get that perfect pair of chapals. Eid is so much stress. For the ladies, it’s even an added burden with so much cooking in the heat. Eid is totally unbearable, right?

Wrong. That is what makes Eid so perfect. In its little tensions and hustle and bustle, Eid brings us all together to create wonderfully sweet memories.

When little kids run to their grandparents for Eidi, Mothers handing over thanda thanda Rooh Afza to all the family and friends, Fathers and brothers wearing neat Shalwar Kurta and coming back from Eid Namaz. Everything is delightful. A gift of Allah for the month of Ramadan.

Eid truly is the most beautiful celebration of all. <3 br="" nbsp="">
#RoohAfzaEidMubarak #Pakistan 
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<3 br="" nbsp="">Picture Credits: Google 

For the Captain - JS Bank Honors Sarfaraz

Wo kehtay hain na.. Sau sonar ki ek Lohar ki.. Bilkul theek kehtay hain..

The two giants, Pakistan and India, when they face off each other on ground in a battle of cricket is the time when people across the globe are holding their breaths. Once it used to be a brutal battle with casualties heavy on both sides. Difficult chases, breathtaking catch outs, soaring sixes. Both countries stood proud and firm.

And then came the dark times for Pakistan. The era where there were no home ground matches, fixtures & countless failures. The gloom was set in the hearts of all Pakistani Cricket fans but it was not the end of hope.

It started with conquering the Tests and went on with successfully organizing PSL two years in a row. The murky waters were about to clear. Then is the time when Misbah ul Haq, captain that the team was looking up to announced his retirement. The hope that was building up was again about to shatter.  

But then finally from the ashes rose a phoenix, our captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, the one person who knew that there was nothing to lose but only to gain. His encouragement, trust and confidence lead a team of young lads lift the prestigious cup of ICC Champions Trophy.

To honor our national hero JS Bank presented Sarfaraz Ahmed with a brand new BMW. The beautiful gesture by JS Bank will not only motivate our captain to work harder for the team but inspire young players as well. They would know that hard work and determination will pay off. It's not the car that matters but it's the respect they received which matters. 

#JSBankHonorsSarfraz 

Say it with a Smile

When words fail then only a smile can weave the magic. Lays Pakistan this summer brings 25 unique and beautiful smile packs for all those who want to bring a little extra sparkle in their smiles.

These unique 25 smiles are inspired by different movies and characters which can literally fit in any situation and scenario. Be it a comical smile to cheer your angry mom, or your better half can receive the romantic Lays smile. All you got to do is get the Lays 'Say it with a Smile' pack! 

The best part is our very favorite Lala aka Shahid Afridi wants to give us all a Lays Smile as well!! Check him out here

I almost forgot the best part. Lays is not only spreading smiles through packs but surprise. You can win a brand new Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge daily by simply scratching the code on the pack of Lays and SMSing the code to 9005. Each SMS counts as an individual entry. So keep on spreading smiles with Lays.

#LaysPakistan #SayItWithASmile 

Love Thy Neighbors

I was in grade 1 when I became friend with a boy in my neighborhood. We went in the same school which made us even better friends. He had no siblings and I had a lot of them (elder sisters). We had no brother, so the bond with him was immediate. He was just like our own brother. Soon we became fast family friends as well and his parents considered us sisters as their daughters as well. Though I changed my school in 5^th grade we still are friends. He has a daughter now (though I haven’t met her yet) but that little girl has given me the chance to be a phupoo.

I used to spend all my summer and winter vacations at my Nani’s apartment in Karachi ( I grew up in Hyderabad). Those days were the best as I had a gang of girl friends on the same floor. Although all of them were from a different religion than mine but never once my mother or any family member stopped me for being friends with them. I went to a temple with them and once Ami took us all to sea view. We used to play on all the floors and go buy ice cream together.  They were like sisters to me.

Just a few days back on Shab-E-Barat our neighbors sent us Kheer, Biryani and Zarda.  I had just gotten back from office after a hectic day and the food made me so happy. My neighbors cared about me, that’s what made me happy.

That’s how strong neighborhood relationships are. Although we aren’t related by blood but we treat each other as family.

The recent Shan’s ad Khaana With Parosi, that triggered so many childhood memories. Though we didn’t have Chinese neighbors back then but I remember how on every festive occasion we used to send Biryani and Meetha to our neighbors.

I was recently staying at my sister’s place and my niece who is 13 years old has a best friend in the neighborhood as well. But her friend never stays for dinner. My niece Fatima told me how her friend loves Haleem. Guess what? I got all the Haleem essentials, lentils, Shan Haleem Masala, Chicken (YES I DON’T EAT BEEF HALEEM) and asked our cook to make Haleem for us. That day Fatima’s neighborhood best friend came as well. Her eyes literally shone when she saw Haleem on the table. She couldn’t resist saying no to it and we all had it together. It reminded me of my childhood and all the beautiful memories with my neighbors.

#KhaanWithParosi #ChildHoodMemories 

Picture Credits: Google because I took terrible Biryani and Haleem pictures

Burning Brownie

When I asked people which places are a must to visit while in Islamabad they all had one name in the list i.e. Burning Brownie. They said Burning Brownie serves best desserts in the capital.

I visited the one in F-11 and chose to sit outside after a quick peek inside. I loved the thematic décor & the friendly servers. The menu was limited so after quick consultation with the server, I settled for cheesecake. My friends ordered chocolate fudge cake & some other chocolate cake ( can’t remember the name).

The cheesecake though looks super plain but don’t literally don’t judge here the book by its cover. Hands down it is one of the best cheesecakes I have ever had (& I have had one from The Cheesecake factory, this one is WAY better). Paired with strawberry sauce this baby is a slice of heaven.

The chocolate cakes were delicious, moist & fresh.

Loved the overall experience. If you are planning a trip to Islamabad soon do enjoy desserts from Burning Brownie.

#Islamabad #BurningBrownie #FilmyJoyo #F10 #cheesecake#desserts #Foodie #Sweettooth #love #chocolate #cake

Chapter One: Karachi Heat

My alarm rings every weekday thrice in the morning, 8:20 am, 8:30 am and 8:40 am. But this was not the case since the beginning. Khair, we will talk about that some other time. As every other day I kicked sheets, A.C was already off (I have set a timer so it automatically closes at 6 in the morning, bijli ka bill itna kon dey ga?) so the room was already getting warm. I opened the door of my bathroom and then only realized that this day is going to be really hot.

It’s not even May yet and the temperature outside is already 41C. I turn on the tap and jet of steamy water pours. I had to wait for a few minutes to adjust myself to the warmth of the water. Fast forward 15 minutes and I was on my way to work.

The car was blazing as always. Bosco (my office driver) has a different (read weird) sense of car décor. Black leather seats, tinted black glasses, black velvet cushions and a plush tiger (which needs to be washed) on the dashboard.  I sit uncomfortably in the stifling car and open the window. A polluted pale blue sky welcomes my gaze. One could feel that they are inhaling dust and one could see sidewalks begging for cleanup. Withering shrubs and limp trees are all one can see. 

Inside the office, there is no relief as well as the chillers stopped working cause of the intense heat. From 9:15 till one my eyes are glued to a laptop screen occasionally flicking on the phone a well.  Two back to back meetings are setup after lunch. That means I will have to go out again.

I could see sweat trickling down the neck of the tea boy as he was carrying a heavy tray full of tea mugs. He swiftly moves across the hall handing everyone steaming mugs of tea. It feels like even he wants to end his shift as soon as possible.

I close my eyes at 4:30 for a minute and dream of diving in the sparkling blue pool outside( our office has a gigantic pool which we never use). I wonder how cold the chlorine filled water would be.

It’s 6:20 pm. I pack my bags, sling them off my shoulder and dump them in the car. It’s not so hot anymore. The car has it's tinted window rolled down. I can hear hundreds of birds chirping, heading back to their homes as the dusk approaches. Sun is set low in the sky and the wind is now a welcoming friend. I can feel it on my face and in my hair. I can smell the salt from the sea. The sky has an explosion of colors. Blues, pinks, oranges, reds and faint purples. The traffic sounds fade in the background as I drink in what mother nature has to offer. 

Karachi is not so suffocating anymore.  The heat is bearable. 

Criteria of Pride in Pakistan

Child will qualify for Pride Certificate if he/she converses in English all the time. The criteria of good education in Pakistan is only English.

This child who is in grade one has more than 6 books for English and 3 different exams for the same subject. This convent school encourages to cram as much as possible and doesn't give 2 cents for concept building.

Why we cannot have one centralized education system in Pakistan with addition of languages according to the region? Why do we have to give importance to one language only? Why aren't we questioning our government? Where is our ministry of education? Why isn't there any regulation?

We as a nation are in such deep complex that while am writing this I won't dare to write this in Urdu or Sindhi because that might not classify me as a person with a sane opinion. That might make me sound as a 'paindu'. We are still in the colonel mindset. English is only a method of communication. It's not the communication itself.

Hamari zahanat ka mayar srif angrazi hai.

#Education #Pakistan 

Tu hai Kahan?

I tried to find Him on the Christian cross, but He
was not there; I went to the Temple of the
Hindus and to the old pagodas, but I could not
find a trace of Him anywhere.

I searched on the mountains and in the valleys
but neither in the heights nor in the depths was I
able to find Him. I went to the Ka'bah in Mecca,
but He was not there either.

I questioned the scholars and philosophers but
He was beyond their understanding.

I then looked into my heart and it was there
where He dwelled that I saw Him; He was
nowhere else to be found.

- Rumi

#NathiaGali #Rumi #WanderingSoul #Darvesh#Wanderlust #Church #Pakistan #LonelyPlanet #Travel #FilmyJoyoTravels 

Shield Your Smile

My sister is a dentist and on daily basis, she tells us the horrors he faces in the hospital.  She faces people with their teeth literally falling off because of plague. Imagine living without teeth. How on earth will we be able to flash that amazing smile or eat all the yummylicious food.

In a place like Pakistan where people usually are not careful about their hygiene Shield Pakistan took an initiative on World Oral Health Day i.e. increases awareness about oral hygiene in different schools & hospitals. A lot of people don’t take care of their oral hygiene because of lack of awareness or they believe that it is too expensive. However there are many government run programs in hospitals where dental checkups are affordable. One of such hospital is Hamdard University Dental Hosptial

Shield Pakistan broke the myth and educated people specially children how easy it is to

actually take care of their precious smiles. Hands on tooth brushing activities were conducted to encourage children to brush their teeth on daily basis. I also attended a camp they set up at Ziauddin University Hosptial where people came in for a free dental checkup.

Some tips to take care of your oral hygine

1.       Always brush your teeth twice in a day

2.       Use a good toothpaste as well as tooth brush such as Shield for proper clean up

3.       Use a medium sized tooth brush with soft bristles  

Also watch the video for a detailed question answer session on oral hygiene conducted by Shield Pakistan.

https://www.facebook.com/ShieldMuskurahat/videos/1504055939614682/

No Men without Women

I shared a post which angered many men out there. They thought the statement ‘No Men Without Women’ is to demean men. I ask them all to resolve a simple query of mine, Is it ok for men to let women not take control of their health & bodies? Is it ok for women to bear children one after another & risk her life? Is it alright if the mother cannot fully take care of her child and herself because she is expecting another one?

Though it brings immense joy that today girls are more empowered, they are more educated and they are leaving a positive mark in the society more than ever. But on the same side, many of them are deprived of the basic right of having a control over own body and planning her pregnancy. Not only the society pressurizes her to have a child as soon as she gets married but also wants her to have another one even before the first one is able to stand on his/her own two tiny feet.  

The purpose of this campaign ‘No Men without Women’ by Greenstar Pakistan is to raise awareness in favor of planned pregnancies so the health & safety of the mother and child can be assured. And not only health but also mental peace, were the parents can give all their love & attention to one child at a time.  This campaign highlights the fact that a decision of women should be trusted & respected. If she has a say in her own health and body then in no way it is wrong or it should be ignored. 

#NoMenWithoutWomen