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BOOK REVIEW: Forever and a Day by Anthony Horowitz

Books & Reading

As far as I can remember, I’ve always been a James Bond fan. The love affair started with the action-packed movie franchise but soon the love of the written word steered me towards the books.

Love of Bond

Hurdled in front the television set with a ton of snacks, I remember catching every Bond movie that came out with Pa (and of course he brought home the edited versions). As years passed by, my obsession with old movies ensured I turn back the clock and catch all the ones I missed. And then one-by-one devoured the books. To date, a James Bond movie thrills me to my very core and even though I have severe hots for Pierce Brosnan, I always been overly-critical of the movie adaptations. Especially when they ruin the book altogether. Ian Fleming is one of my favorite authors and when I read on Twitter that Anthony Horowitz was coming out with a James Bond novel, I had a list of reservations already prepared.

Anthony Horowitz

My brother has been a Horowitz’s fan for years (thanks to the Alex Rider Books and the Gatekeepers series) and up until last year when I read the Magpie Murders (2016), I had never experienced a Horowtiz story before. And I was pleasantly surprised when a wonderful Christie-esque murder mystery lit up my holidays. Having said that I was skeptical of the idea – I mean James Bond in the hands of someone other than Fleming? The horror! The horror!

How James Bond became 007?!

And then it happened – I read “Forever and a Day” in July and knew I had to take back my initial verdict. Surprisingly this is not the first James Bond novel by the author. Somehow I missed Trigger Mortis (2015) by him but none the less the origin story of James Bond was exciting but with a bit of predictable plot line. But may be that’s only because I’ve read almost all of Bond literature out there. And since this was Bond’s first mission (the book takes place before the events of Casino Royale) you can’t blame him entirely can you?!

Excerpt from the Book

“There is one more thing.” M reached for his pipe, although he didn’t light it. “You’re going to need a number. You’ll be working with 008 and 0011. I don’t know why, but 009 sprung to mind. What do you think?”

Bond had been getting to his feet but he sat down again. “If it’s all the same to you, sir, I’d like to take over the 007 designation.”

M raised an eyebrow. “Really? Why?”

“Well, I suppose there are two reasons. The first is that I knew Richard Blakeney. The man who used to carry that Double-0 number.” Bond named the man who had died. “I’d go so far as to say we were friends and I’d like to keep his memory alive, flying the flag, so to speak.”

“And the second?”

“I think it sends out a message. You can take one of us down but it changes nothing. We’ll come back the same and as strong as ever.”

My Review

On the goodreads.com scale, I gave this book 4 stars and I would’ve been a little more generous but shades of Vesper in a similar character forbid me to do so. Some fans might disagree but many similarities do surface here and there including the ultimate evil plan of the villain. One thing that I am grateful for is a different Bond, we see a different man, we see him make mistakes and watch him often rescued by others. This is exquisite because we see how he was able to develop as a spy in the following years.

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One of my favorite moments was when we discover the origin of Bond’s signature line — “Shaken, not stirred” and yes you will be surprised (I wonder if Fleming would’ve agree with it or not?). A few favorite, reoccurring characters to the series are obviously absent but are handsomely replaced by similar figures. You’ve a couple of scenic destinations and to my sheer surprise almost no sex. I mean well there is but compared to the book/movies – I should say nothing.

I don’t even feel the need to comment on the action because we can all trust Horowitz to create a series of igniting events. If you enjoy thrillers and have absolutely no idea of Bond’s history, you will still thoroughly enjoy this book. Just be warned you will find yourself predicting a few elements but the easy writing style and an entertaining lineup of characters won’t let you put it down.

For those of you who are interested, ‘Forever and a Day” is available in Pakistan.

My Minimalism Journey & 10 Things I No Longer Buy

Minimalism & Sustainability

Hello & welcome to another instalment to my minimalism series.

Today, I am going to share my minimalism journey and how it has affected my lifestyle and well-being.

What is Minimalism?

The very first thing that one needs to understand about Minimalism is that it is different for everybody. It holds a different meaning and a different motive for everyone. People are under the impression that minimalists are all about white walls and monochromatic clothing but that is not the case. Whether you want to delcutter your life in general, save money for personal investment, reduce your carbon footprint or just travel around the world with a backpack, Minimalism is about what you ultimately want out of it.

If you like to put it into words, it is an intentional lifestyle whereby you reduce unnecessary possessions to bring more meaning to your life. People often assume that it is about throwing away everything you own, no, its not. It does not mean you can never shop again, it is more about being self-aware and making conscious decisions regarding what is important to you.

How Did I Discover Minimalism?

Honestly, I don’t remember but I can tell you this – I had never heard of this concept but back in 2012 with no sense of understanding, I began with my minimalism journey when I gave up writing on paper. More on this down below.

Is Minimalism for You?

Minimalism is an extremely versatile life choice, one can shape and bend the rules quite easily. All you need to remember is one basic rule – if it does not serve a purpose in your life, it is best to let go. If you are moving into your new place, it is the perfect time to declutter and bring only the important things into your new home. If you are starting a new job in a new country, best would be to let go of all the excess and gain more freedom. Minimalism is often associated with materialistic possessions alone but in reality it can also be also be used to cut out fear, negativity and guilt from your life. It is all about simplifying. Any and every thing!

10 Things I’ve Stopped Buying As a Minimalist

In the years, I’ve come to adopt this lifestyle, I’ve found myself using it as a tool to identify what brings me value and eliminate the superfluous. And today, I am going to talk about the 10 things that I no longer with my simple living approach.

Diaries & Notebooks

I have been scribbling in a diary since the age of 9 and all of a sudden in the year 2012, I asked my baby brothers to help me declutter 18 physical diaries that contained my inner most thoughts, dirty little secrets and every aspiration from almost 2 decades (they decided to have a bonfire). I sincerely believe that is the moment where the planets aligned and I started my minimalism journey. You know all those cute notebooks you see at Miniso and other designer stores? I no longer feel the need to add more paper to the landfills and yet continue to share my love of the written word using Google Docs or my Blog.

Handbags

And this is coming from someone who at one point in her life, owned a collection of almost 50 bags! Bags and books have always been my jam, something I have come to love from a very young age. And no doubt even today, it is quite easy for a well-constructed crossbody or a luxe clutch to take my breath away but I’ve chosen to invest in a few, fine pieces as opposed to a wardrobe full of low-quality and high-maintenance bags. Investing in 4 excellent quality pieces (1 handbag, 1 crossbody & 2 clutches) has fuelled my passion for this accessory and yet helped in downsizing immensely. In fact, I am happy to report, I haven’t spent a single penny over an evening clutch in over a decade.

Costume Jewellery

Curating a collection takes time and a budget and I know this isn’t for everyone. One must take absolute care when making expensive purchases and I did make that choice just a couple of years ago where I donated and gave-away 99% of my costume (imitation) jewellery in favour of a few fine pieces. Once again, yes, replacing expendables with indispensables does require you to invest a little but the value that it brings over an extended period of time is beyond measure. That is exactly why today, my entire jewellery armoire is just a 1″ x 3.5″ box from Pandora but holds more value (literal and sentimental) than my entire closet.

Makeup & Skincare

You know Bill Gates wasn’t fooling around when he said, wearing the same clothes helps him focus on what is more important. And thus I’ve chosen to set a makeup routine that works wonders for me and I stick to it. With already my handbag and jewellery collection downsized, I take less time to get ready in the morning and spend more on the breakfast table with my baby brother watching morning cartoons. I have one of each makeup item that I need and repurchase only once it is fully utilized. Who needs 25 lipsticks and 20 nail lacquers any way?

And don’t get me wrong, I do take care of my skin but instead of a cluttered bathroom counter, I’ve selected a few organic options that are great for the skin, easy on the pocket and excellent for the planet (Top Tip: Organic Coconut Oil does it all – cleanse, moisturize, protect and sooth).

Magazines, Cookbooks & Subscriptions

As hard as it was to leg go of a few favourite publications (RD, I am talking about you) I’ve chosen to opt for online reading and leisure-time browsing. Remember all those subscriptions, you clicked ‘yes’ to just because you were in a hurry to enter the website? They not only clutter your inbox but also lead you to tempting purchases. Today pretty much everything under the sun is available online and unless there is a specific medical journal that is available only through mail order that you require to complete your residency there is no need to add more trash to the bin.

DVDs

Now here’s an option that you can adopt right away as the trend is already dying out. And now that you’ve so many multiplexes and online video-on-demand subscriptions there is no need to hoard over 300 DVDs in your home. I decluttered my family’s collection 2 times in the last 3 years and today we are DVD free. Not to mention the money you can save on yearly subscriptions as opposed to purchasing new movies every Friday.

Ornaments, Kinck-knacks & Home Decor

This is something I’ve been very strict about and have had the most success with till date. I no longer spend money in buying decorative items, mantelpiece add-ons, antiques, artworks, faux flowers that in the end only add to the clutter around my house and most of the time are lost in translation. I’m extremely happy with a clear house and less items to dust every day thus making it extra easy to stop myself from buying things.

Single-use Plastic

Now this is more aligned with my attempt to leading a less-waste lifestyle but yes it has helped me much in saving money, and sending less and less trash into the oceans. But this takes time and change will not happen overnight but if you are looking for ways to eliminate disposable items from your household, here’s a quick guide for you and your family.

Snacks -The Munchies

And Woah! Did it help me get in shape or what! I belong to a family of kids who refuse to grow up when it comes to snacking. You would, at any given time, find at least 7 different kinds of snacks at my place. I no longer add any kind of sugar-based or oil-based treat to my cart and have noticed a sense of gratitude from my heart and body. Plus I save a tremendous amount of money along the way, every time, I say no to Pringles and Oreos.

Disposable Batteries

When you decide to settle for software and digital solutions you in turn make more, and more purchase in terms of batteries and chargers with all the power use. I have made a point of buying rechargeable batteries at home and in the office. They work just as good and you can find them in a variety of options. Less trash and more value.

Often when I share my minimalism journey with my friends or peers the very first thing they pick out of the entire story – is the investment. And I do not refute that at all. Few first-time investments are certain when you decide to opt for intentional living. But the key here is to remember that minimalism is a process. You do not have to turn around your entire life in a day. My advice is to take it easy. look at me, its been 6 years since I recycled my diaries but I still have a long way to go.

With minimalism you have the luxury to design your life of less and more. More of what you love and less of what you don’t. So breathe, decide and declutter.

And Good Luck!

The Strange Boy at a Distance

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships

It wasn’t that he seemed out of this world or even one-in-a-million and yet he was not a fraction of the multitude of a race that only believes in keeping oneself different from others. And I stood at a distance thinking how wonderful it would feel to have and hold.

Obscured under the blue, blue sky, he preferred solitude and for him she was nothing more than a mere stranger with an unhealthy obsession for words.

This boy is running but from what? Seems like from everything and probably nothing.

Focused; in his own world, yet cautious not to fumble over the cracks in the slab of pavement.

Above all they are his, as he glides over, one after the other.

He is like the calm to my eternal chaos.

He offers a smile to his invisible audience, whose cheers are still audible over the waltz of traffic and a cliched betrayal. Strangers who share his same verifiable reality remain indifferent, slouching over their steering wheels.

Though this boy does not care.

He fails to notice, in fact. He gallops home, ignoring their guises of this lacklustre steel town.

The rolling clouds bow over to him, allowing him his rightful throne. He wallows in the fire cast by the mysterious deity; sovereign. He advances but remains put. Nothing more, nothing less.

His mind is a fortress. Impenetrable.
He continues home, but to no one in particular.
And not to his home.
Then to where, and to which home? I could not tell you, and nor could he.
His destination has yet to present itself.

The boy does not care – I admit finally. He continues to run.

Feel my words let them create the mood for our very first encounter; shall we be friends of the word or strangers or more let my words please you and fill your every need you assumed never existed.

I sense your needs feel your loneliness your emptiness. I offer you – let my words to embrace you, ease your pain give you comfort and let the emptiness evaporate create the world you want.

You believe in logic and I prefer the cadence of rhyme but perhaps together we can conceive a marvel beyond this realm. For I would like to come closer, a little more than you are comfortable with but I promise to grant you confidence.

Once our minds are sated and the glow of this past-present interweave begins to illuminate, we shall part with contentment. Knowing you will always have my words and I will forever treasure your touch.

Welcome to Plastic Free July and Zero Waste Lifestyle 101

Minimalism & Sustainability

Two of my closest relations claim that I am not a Minimalist. And that is true because I’ve just begun and there is a long way to go.

I would say, I discovered this very approach to life probably in late 2014 but I continue to struggle with it till date. And my recent haul from Mango and Khaadi isn’t helping either. But I am opting to talk about my Minimalism journey for another day. Today, I am coming to you with a sense of realization that dawned on me just over a year ago.

My carbon footprint on planet Earth – a simple, straightforward thought but with consequences that transcend generations. I exert day and night to build a future for myself and my family but with my planet under threat – there wouldn’t be much of a future to work for.

As time passed, I learned more and more about the Zero Waste Lifestyle and with #PlasticFreeJuly here, I thought it would be best to indulge in this further.

What is a Zero Waste Lifestyle?

Above all, a zero waste lifestyle is simple living whereby an individual continues to reduce respective eco-footprint in the long run. The basic philosophy is designed around the practice of sending less and less trash to the landfills and the ocean.

Explore the “WHY” Behind it All

Before you even attempt to feel accountable for the trash you produce, you need to establish a “why” thus strengthening your zero or even less waste lifestyle passage.

This “why” has to be black and white because it in turn becomes your motive, it is exactly what keeps you going back to your commitment. Because trust me committing to such a lifestyle is like a crash diet, one weekend is all it takes and the rest is a blur.

For instance: Did you watch the sea turtle struggling with the plastic straw and it horrified you?

Did you notice all the single-use cutlery piled in the corner at the local food court?

For me it was my toothbrush, one humid morning, I stood there brushing my teeth and all of a sudden, I had an epiphany. It terrified me estimating the number of toothbrushes I threw in the garbage in my lifetime. And I knew I was onto something big.

Discovering the Zero Waste Lifestyle & the Obstacles

There I was hardly a Minimalist; just learning about the horrors of the oceans and now I find myself in a country where locating a compostable toothbrush was equal to finding an honest business partner – impossible.

Resourcing cleaner alternatives wasn’t even the hardest part!

If I had a dollar for every time, I politely asked the waiter to not add a plastic straw to my drink, well then let’s just say, I would have had enough for the vacation I just lost (another story, another day).

Producing awareness and relevant collateral is one thing and expecting people to understand and/or act on it is other. Drinks continued to pour in with plastic straws and a sweet, forgetful waitress helped me dispatch more plastic to the Indian Ocean.

I knew from day one, I wasn’t going to find a stainless steel straw or a package-free shampoo bar but what I didn’t realize is that I will have to protest my rights in favor of bringing in an empty, reusable cloth tote to the local supermarket. And I am not even exaggerating.

Asses, Prioritize & Replace – At a Turtle’s Pace

Instead of giving up entirely, I realized a basic mistake. Just because there is a hole in the ozone layer, it does not mean, everyone around me is suddenly going to help me save Mother Earth.

So, I went back to the drawing board and decided to start small. I read online that doing a ‘Trash Audit’ helps assess areas in need of improvement and I did just that. My trash mostly consisted of takeout packaging, leftovers, freebies and plastic water bottles. It was time for me to prioritize and focus on perhaps just a couple of areas and I took the most logical first step – refused freebies, marketing collateral and promotional merchandise. And made sure, I was carrying a reusable water bottle at all times.

I have contemplated creating my own toothpaste and mouthwash but I’ve been back and forth on the idea. If only ‘Package Free’ decides to open up in Pakistan. I did however convince my family to buy in bulk and avoid packaging as much as possible.

Minimalism & Being Zero Waste

I think the one step that benefited me the most in adapting to this new lifestyle is making sure to add or replace only when necessary. Something that is also fundamental to Minimalism. This automatically produces less trash and de-clutters life in general. But in doing so I also made a point of up-cycling as much as possible and not start throwing away like a crazy lady. The goal of zero waste living is to keep matter out of landfills. Just ask one of my best friends, I forced her to accept many of knick-knacks and even a part of my library.

Above all, I told myself that this is all a process, one step at a time and change will happen but not overnight. One must understand that everyone’s zero waste journey is different. Instead of weighing out triumphs, it is best to acquire inspiration and draw up your very own blueprint.

I learned to focus on one area at one time and take it from thereon. You just need a standpoint to pledge and soon a commitment turns into a habit and you will be saving Mother Earth in no time. For most of us, it is simply switching out bottled water with a reusable water bottle.

And if you are looking to start on your zero/less waste lifestyle or were taken back by the “Planet or Plastic” Cover of the National Geographic Magazine, here’s the ideal opportunity to start making a positive difference.

Welcome to PLASTIC FREE JULY

In the year 2011, a group of Australians came together to establish #PlasticFreeJuly and today it is a worldwide movement with participants from more than 150 countries worldwide. This year’s theme for the International Plastic-Free July campaign is “Beat Plastic Pollution” and you too can become a part of this revolutionary movement. After all a habit takes 21 days to form and after an entire month of saying no to plastic, you just might help clean up the oceans.

And this is precisely the starting point; you might be looking for and with the “International Plastic Bag Free Day” falling on Tuesday, July 03, 2018, you have every opportunity to promote more sustainable alternatives. I myself signed up, and received much literature and artwork to help me embark on my mission with clearer motives. Take the pledge today on plasticfreejuly.org and reduce the number of single-use plastics from your homes, office, and community.

Be part of this incredible transformation and contribute towards a safe tomorrow for our future generations.

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Book Spine Poetry – Origin & First Attempt

Books & Reading Inklings - Poetry & Prose

Origin of Book Spine Poetry

In the year 1993 artist Nina Katchadourian gave birth to the concept of ‘Book Spine Poetry’ that coupled the art of photography with poetry and was displayed as a stack of books in a particular sequence in order to create a sentence or story. The ‘Sorted Books’ project spread quickly but continued to dominate photography and creative platforms alone. It wasn’t until a decade later when Tumblr showcased the hashtag #BookSpinePoetry that this art grew in its popularity together with contributions from the Book Riot & the Huffington Post. Now that is what many refer to as Internet Legacy and since I am a 90s kids – being part of this movement thrills me.

Discovery & My First Attempt at Book Spine Poetry

The following is a set of random selections that just caught my attention, when I stood in front of my personal library. I did not have a plot or ploy for a specific book spine poem. But what I loved about the experience was it was innate. Meaning of all the books in my collection these are the ones that caught my eye thus elucidating on my inner most thoughts. I think, I can safely say these help express my feelings at-best.

So here goes nothing…

Evidence of Love
City of Lies
Girl Boss
Working to 9 to 5
It’s Kind of a Funny Story
And this is True
Reckless
Voices of the Heart
The Sun & Her Flowers
Fun & Games
Of Mice & Men
Nothing Lasts Forever.

Wouldn’t you like to tryout this unconventional but incredibly creative medium? I’d love to see your constructions, remember the stack can be read from top to bottom or left to right. The end result can be humorous or dramatic but the overall venture is brilliant and engaging. Why should Tumblr have all the fun? Just tag me on Twitter and/or Instagram and I will see you there.

Good Luck!

MID YEAR WRAP UP 2018 – Best & Worst Books So Far

Books & Reading

If we are being completely honest with each other, I am not having a very good year in terms of reading. Half way through 2018, it would only be appropriate to execute a mid-yearly, reading wrap-up and shed some light on the hits and the misses.

It is June 18, 2018 today and so far I’ve managed to read 29 books which is my standard average each year. I strive to read at least 30 books by the time June closes and then look forward to another 30 during the colder months.

Summer is in full swing but it has never been my peak-reading-season, partially because it is associated with beach reads, and chick literature and I cannot get my head around the genre. Although one can opt for other genres but I prefer to keep my favorite (Mysteries & Murder Mysteries) for the second half of the year but this year, I did find my preference for the blazing sun, suburban books. Small town – everything is not what it seems kind of stories.

Time to rewind…

Best Books of 2018 so Far

Autumn (Seasonal #1) by Ali Smith

Fist installment of a quartet by Ali Smith, I began my reading year (literally) with Autumn and it was gorgeous with a capital G. If you prefer to read more of a linear plot then look away this one is not for you as it is multi-layered and talks about everything from love to friendship and from art to ageing. This is considered to be one of the first Brexit books and does focus on the geo-political atmosphere of our times – if that isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to skip this entirely.

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The novel moves back and forth between past and present and indulges in the friendship between a little girl, Elisabeth (with an S) Demand (from the French, Du Monde) and elderly gentlemen, Daniel. At first you have no idea what is going on or what you are reading. It took me almost half the book to get a grip on the symbolism and requires a bit patience and perseverance from the reader. But once you are committed, you will be face to face with a potent story of changing times, growing old, art and discovering feminism. If you are into British Pop Art, you will absolutely devour this book!

I gave this book 3.5 stars and at the risk of sounding criminal, I think this is more like Wuthering Heights, one time isn’t enough to understand its true beauty. I think you’ve give it due time to let it sink in while peeling each layer with great sympathy and honor.

Publisher: Penguin
Available in Pakistan

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag & Translated by Srinath Perur

Up next we’ve a book by Vivek Shanbhag that blew my mind from the word go! I discovered this treasure cove thanks to Ariel Bissett and I am so grateful to have this in my collection. It explores the journey of a close-knit family from nothing to everything and in no time at all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BedB4j0FOuk/

First published in 2013 in the South Indian language of Kannada and with only 115 pages this book is a powerhouse dealing with money and how it runs through our veins like blood, affecting each and every thread of our very existence.

It’s all Ghachar Ghochar – a tangled mess and as a reader I found the mess quite enthralling. This story is told from one of the family member’s point of view, which remains unnamed throughout the book, and recollects his thoughts in a single day at a local coffee house in modern-day India.

If you are into short but powerful stories, this one is definitely for you. I gave it 5 stars and here’s hoping you’ll be inclined to pick this one as your next read.

Publisher: Harper Perennial
Available in Pakistan

Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan

As I mentioned earlier, I am not into ‘chick literature’, I cannot stand female friendships and the drama that surrounds these relationships, but did Kevin Kwan took me by surprise or what?! This book is addictive and downright dramatic, if you enjoy family dramas and the entire gossip central then this is for you.

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It was rib-tickling from page 1 and gets you hooked like some aunt at a wedding who just unearthed a filthy secret about the bride. You will find yourself among filthy, rich Asian families in Singapore with priceless jewels, extravagant backdrops and soiled secrets plus a couple of sordid escapades here and there as well. Over 400 pages but you will find yourself hungry for more as soon as you hit the last page. Thank God for squeals, right?

The book-to-movie adaption is ready to hit the theatres in August but I implore you to read the book first, trust me, the trailer says it all, they destroyed the book. How can Kevin stand to see such a disaster? But I guess this is a debate for another day.

I went with 5 stars for this one as well and if you are looking for a funny book and some light literature, make sure this is your seasonal pick. You can thank me later on Twitter perhaps!

Publisher: Corvus
Available in Pakistan

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

OH My Lord! I can finally talk about this book!

When you wait to get your hands on a book for over 12 months there is a certain kind of expectation that grows and this book made sure I was delighted to my very core. In the last year or so, whosoever has read this book has waxed lyrical about it and I am about to do the same.

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Small-town plots and politics seem to be my beach reads for the season, Little Fires Everywhere is packed with vibrant and vivid characters that make it very easy to connect with, and quite possibly be horrifying as well. You will find yourself amongst situations that are too close to reality for your own good. With a backdrop of child adoption this books takes you through many upheavals of society and makes you question your choices at each turn. And as a surprise, a small mystery at its heart left me smitten with her words.

The author writes with great empathy making it raw and all the more convincing. If you are looking for a story that delves into the intricacies of love, sacrifice and resolve then this will be surely a treat. I gave this one 5 stars and very much excited to read Ng’s other novel, Everything I Never Told You.

Publisher: Abacus
(Finally) Available in Pakistan

Holding by Graham Norton

Another small-town setting and a village guard who has to plough through heaps, and heaps of gossip to uncover answers that just might save his career and his life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi9Z_uTFiHG/

I was pleasantly surprised by Graham Norton with this one and did not expect beautiful narration of troubled relationships of this remote, Irish town. If you are looking for a book that is driven entirely by characters then this is the read for you. You will find the suspense to be a little off but nonetheless the characters will ensure your attention throughout.

Although this is an easy, one-sitting book, at times, it does get dark but the brooding atmosphere does not take from the overall enjoyment. Holding makes for an excellent ‘book club’ read as there is plenty to revel about and cook up conjectures along the way. I went with 4 stars.

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Available in Pakistan

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

I just finished reading this book and was delighted to see young adult fiction talking more about than just soul mates and coming of age milieu.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkC99U8lAzM/

This is basically a murder mystery set in a high-school with four suspects who are about to discover more than just the truth. The author did something incredible with stereotypical high-school characters and gave them substance. I cannot talk more about the book without ruining the plot but I will say this – considering the turbulent times we are experiencing makes One of Us Is Lying a truly relevant and addictive read.

If this book turns into a TV show, it will be ruling charts and hearts alike. I gave it 4 stars. And also this one is perfect for weekend-binge-reading!

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Available in Pakistan

Unfortunately, other than these mentioned titles, I was left with many good but mediocre books and if you are still reading this, I think it is only wise to talk about a couple others that left me speechless and not in a good way.

Worst Books of 2018 so Far

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

I never thought I’d be alive to see this author under this sub-heading but sadly Christie left me no choice.
I am going to make it short and unpleasant; bland plot-lines, bored characters and a dishonest protagonist makes this for a disappointing read. Period!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be-yr5VlwUo/

Publisher: Harper Collins and/or Fontana
Available in Pakistan (Mine is a Pre-loved Copy)

Artemis by Andy Weir

I never knew disappointment like Artemis before and that is just sad. After The Martian, I anticipated science and space, and all I found was welding, some more welding and an annoying protagonist. And don’t even get me started on the forced and unnecessary details.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgL2WURnTI-/

Publisher: Del Rey
Available in Pakistan

And that’s all folks!

Here’s hoping for a more exciting and enlightening second-half of 2018 preferably with some memorable books. Until then…

Happy Reading!

5 WAYS YOU CAN ADOPT RIGHT NOW TO GO GREEN (& SAVE MONEY)

Minimalism & Sustainability

I don’t remember feeling accountable for the amount of trash I produce as an individual before I discovered Minimalism. And during my Minimalism journey, I was introduced to a concept generally known as the Zero Waste Lifestyle.

2 years in my Minimalism approach and I still cannot fathom how one can lead a complete zero waste lifestyle, although, I know a few on the Internet who do it quite successfully (check out Lauren Singer for some hardcore inspiration). But a few concerns still haunt me, I mean, what about the packaging that comes with meat and dairy products? Do only vegans get to live this approach? And how can you possibly avoid pharmaceutical trash? Do I give up on aspirin or ibuprofen for when I have the chums? I’ve yet to find answers for many concerns like so and I am myself just learning the basics of producing less and less trash.

Whether you are a minimalist or not, I sincerely believe that most of us would like to treat Mother Earth a little better. Perhaps you’ve never had a trash audit at your residence but most of us have freaked out a little after having seen those documentaries on Netflix or the Discovery channel. But sometimes, especially in a county like ours where alternatives are hard to find, going green isn’t always the easy choice.

Many of my friends and colleagues believe that an environmentally friendly lifestyle is just too expensive. And while I am not going to refute the stance, I am here with 5 inexpensive and easy ways to go green that will help you from day one in sending less and less trash to the landfills and our oceans. You can adopt most of these right away and I can promise you one thing, going green saves you money along the way, something you will realize when you start on your zero/less waste lifestyle journey.

Avoid Drinking Bottled Water

It doesn’t get more basic than this – when you purchase bottled water, it adds to plastic pollution causing more damage to the environment than one can imagine. Opting for a reusable water bottle will help you save money plus its all the more convenient and let’s admit it makes you look cooler.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle to Work & Save on Bottled Water

In Pakistan, you’ve plenty of options to choose from including BPA free (a plastic linked to cancer) plastic water bottles, glass water bottler and stainless steel water bottles. One can easily shift to a reusable water bottle especially at the office or during those hot, humid days at the university.

Bonus Tip: While we are on the subject of reusing, wouldn’t it be the easiest thing ever to switch to a reusable cloth bag for your weekly groceries? Mother Earth will thank you for it.

Turn Everything Off

The easiest of them all and saves you plenty of energy and money along the way. When stepping out of a room, simply switch of all the electrical appliances including the ceiling fan, light bulbs and help contribute to the future of the planet.

Unplug After Charging – Save Energy

Even unplugging your laptop or mobile devices once charged saves you energy and much room on monthly utilities.

Use the Cloth Line or a Laundry Drying Rack

Most of us have seen this as growing up as part of our household but many homes have now upgraded to dryers. The amount of energy a dryer takes up is immeasurable and quite frankly unnecessary.

Avoid the Dryer – Save Energy & Money

By opting to dry your clothes using a traditional cloth line or even a contemporary laundry drying rack you will save a tremendous amount of energy. And plus the equipment will last you longer!

Say “NO” to Freebies

Everything from promotional pens to decorative party boxes will probably find a way to your rubbish bin even before completing a life cycle. Besides we all have enough mugs, pens, tees, caps and key chains to sustain one lifetime. By simply saying no to an unnecessary freebie, marketing giveaway or even an extravagant party favour, you will directly contribute towards creating less and less trash in the landfills.

You’ve Enough Pens & Notebooks to Last a Lifetime

Bonus Tip: Perhaps you say “no” to a plastic straw at your favourite restaurant next time and just sip away.

Avoid Gift Wrappings or Even Gifts Completely

I understand that half the fun of a gift comes with personalised gift wrappings, ribbons, bows, tags etc. but how about we change things up and chose not to wrap it in additional paper anymore? Perhaps you can present the gift itself in its natural state? Gift wrappings contribute to wastage of paper, say no and help save world’s trees. Or better yet chose to gift an experience instead of a tangible object. Trust me, your special someone will appreciate a day at the spa and your niece/nephew will cherish membership to the library for years to come.

Gift Experiences Not Objects

Bonus Tip: Sometimes, it becomes difficult finding the right kind of experience in your local area, create an at-home experience, a baking/cooking day or a movie night in and that special time will prove to be far more valuable.

It would have been easier to suggest – switching to stainless steel straws and a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush. I would have asked all the ladies out there to switch to a menstrual cup and eliminate almost 12,000 pads/tampons per year from ending up in landfills. But I understand that finding these “cleaner” alternatives isn’t always that easy in the country. So, why not opt for easy, green choices we can make in our homes right away without breaking the bank!

And perhaps begin your Zero Waste Lifestyle journey today.

10 Things to Know to Dating a Developer

Love & Relationships 1 Comment
Are you a Programmer’s Girlfriend?
 
Did your Boyfriend profess his love to you in Python?
 
Does he change Coffee into Code?
 
Then I suggest you continue to read on.
 
First of all, allow me to congratulate you on your brave, brave feat, I mean you agreed to Date a Developer, you must be one strong woman.
 
Whether you call them Developers, Programmers, Coders or Software Engineers, they all have one thing in common, we love them unconditionally and they don’t deserve us. I mean don’t get me wrong, they are probably the most intelligent people on Earth but they sure hell don’t…well let’s not make it emotional. If you are a Proud Girlfriend to a Programmer then you need the following 101 in your life.
 
10. You are not their first love, not even the last.
He might say, you are his only girl but believe me he loves his laptop (or in this case his Alien ALIENWARE Work Station to be specific) more than he could ever love you. You will often find him smiling to himself looking at his screen, don’t worry, it’s not a female, it’s a new feature.
 
09. All they do is Code. Not even you.
Yes. Get over it. It’s a cycle, midnight coding, 03:00 AM coding, Friday night coding, just before a party coding. Even Victoria Secret cannot help you there!
 
08. They don’t have time for you.
The sooner you accept this the better it is. Get yourself a hobby. Focus on your career because even breaking your wrist isn’t going to get you the attention you probably deserve. He does not have time for you and he will make zero efforts about it. He expects you to understand his schedule, which is his ‘every day’ by the way.
 
07. No one else! 
The best thing about being a programmer’s girlfriend is the top-notch security that comes with the relationship. It’s not like he does not ache down there or has never surfed porn, or followed chicks on Instagram/Facebook, he just doesn’t have the time to cheat on you. That’s all!
 
06. Friends are the most important thing in the world.
So you thought, he’d spend the Saturday night with you because he completed his sprint? Ha Ha how naive of you! The only time he will ever message you is to tell you he is going out with his friends. His coder pals are more attractive than you could ever be! Best you hear it from me girl than him! 
 
05. He is very happy. Probably without you!
The thing with Programmers is that they are passionate about what they do and thus extraordinarily good at their jobs. They are successful, and make a lot of moolah and are completely satisfied in their lives. They often forget you are part of their happiness. You will be taken for granted and often forgotten.
 
04. Don’t expect a diamond. Ever!
If you like yellow roses, pearls or books or chocolates, I suggest you buy yourself a treat. It’s not about the money, they’d be happy to spend thousands on you but don’t ever expect a gift. But you know what? He’s creating you apps and websites all the time. Imagine having a boyfriend who gifts you a website, just think about all the money you’ll save on hosting! 
 
03. Patience is a virtue.
It’s also what’s going to help you live with a programmer. Breathe in. Breathe out. This won’t make things any better but it’ll help you get through the day! And mind you, countless of hours of debugging, they develop an astounding level of tolerance, a quality much valued in relationships.
 
02. You will soon be talking in programming languages.
You might never ever understand Laravel but you will surely start to understand HTML and may be even PHP. And you know what, when you do something relatively technologically competent, he’ll be all over you; he’d love you for loving what he does.
 
01. He is probably the worst boyfriend in the Milky Way Galaxy.
But believe me when I say, he is the best thing that has ever happened to you! Nothing in this world even compares to the love he has for you. I mean come on, remember the one time, when he left a text for you, “You are the CSS to my HTML”, I mean even Shakespeare can’t beat that!
 
No matter what happens, don’t stop loving him, even when loving becomes difficult and hating becomes easy. 

 

I AM YOURS

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships
In case the air in my lungs runs out…
I wanted to make sure…
You hear this out loud…
Just to make it clear…
Before time runs out…
Before you decide it’s not worth it anymore…
In case I lose my voice tomorrow…
Or apocalypse arrives…
While we are sleeping…
And I haven’t said it enough already….
Before we both get into an argument…
And my actions fail to corroborate…
Before you look the other way….
And a doubt crosses your mind…
Or your friends tell you otherwise…
I want you to know…
Today…
Tomorrow…
Forever…

I Am Yours…! 

Love Is.

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships

Do you believe in love at first sight?

 
For as long as I can remember, I’ve done so with all my heart. Granted expecting violins and saxophones was something I knew was never going to happen. But somewhere deep down hoped the skies would clear out, birds will chirp and there will definitely be a breeze of sorts. 
 
I was pleasantly proven wrong.
 
Do you believe in soulmates?
 
Hell to the yeah. I mean when you grow up shipping Mondler (Monica + Chandler) how can you not? See what I did there?
 
I know. I know. I was sadly mistaken.
 
I hold no authority on dictating what love is but having spent 3 decades on Earth, I can certainly differentiate between love and something-like-love.
 
No matter how much we love to detest Edward’s sparkly skin, we all have wished for a love that stops time. We all crave for a moment when time stands still and the beauty of love shines through every space of our existence. Somehow all that – just does not exist! And for all the right reasons…
 
We yearn for chemistry.
 
We wish for harmony.
 
We pray for physics, biology and sometimes mathematics too. But have ever hoped for nothingness?
 
Our predefined quotients of love and relationships have led us nowhere but to a pool of arguments, fights and breaking points. I am not at all in any way suggesting that a more compatible human being is in any way less suitable match for you but books, movies and writers like yours truly have set human experience expectations. Like running a call centre and setting customer experience expectations is our number one priority.
 
How much he makes?
 
How good she is at going down?
 
Will he be a good father?
 
Will she get along with my mom?
 
Is he reliable?
 
Is she the faithful kind?
 
So many brackets, so many prerequisites and no manual! I mean, let’s not be skeptic, all of this is important, after all we are planning (or at least hoping to) to spend an entire lifetime together so a small checklist isn’t all bad. But nowhere do we find a manual to get to a conclusion. I mean, did anyone define a baseline for LOVE? (If you are reading this and you work at my office, I know what you are thinking, this is a feeling Ifrah – not a process that you can analyse and set during a quality management meeting). This might sound crazy but aren’t we all doing the same? Critically scrutinising every relationship in our lives and expecting a few baselines to be met?
 
And yes, I was one of them. Showing no flexibility, I had preconceived notions about love, friendship, loyalty, fidelity and all. And in doing so, I focused more on meeting the parameters then living the relationship itself. I understand that overnight, all cannot go away. But along the way, I’ve learned to deviate and be happy. I grew up thinking meeting someone by accident and falling in love at the very spot is romantic, I failed to take into account the laws of attractions (I suck at math). I looked up to Mondler thinking how can two people be this perfect for each other? I failed to navigate the thin line between just perfect and almost perfect. In real life there are no soulmates only people who are in it for the long run. In real life there are no goals and objectives only the desire to be together. 
 
What we fail to realise is that the struggles, the compromises and the many nights of wonderment is what truly makes a relationship last. Sometimes, two people have to work at it to make it work and some lucky ones don’t have to work at all. Some of us get lucky, and I am happy for you but others need to put in an effort.
 
This very effort makes a relationship look like work and I hate this kind of work. There came a point in my life where I refused to produce any kind of effort, initiative or even blink to ensure it kept running. This happens when everything becomes one sided, whether we like to admit it or not but you need more than a single cog to keep the heart running. So, does this tell us that sustaining a healthy relationship is a two-way street? Right on! And that’s why the #OTPs on the Telly make it look so damn good. But predetermining every single thing takes the real fun out of it all!
 
A few habits, perhaps the lifestyle or two completely opposite philosophies to life are truly deal-breakers. But we need to look beyond those and give the other person a chance to compensate otherwise. Am I making it sound like a transaction? That’s precisely what a love is. An exchange of respect, trust and care, and the only place where I totally support and encourage interest!
 
Bend a little, believe me he’d appreciate it (in and out of bed).
 
A relationship is only beautiful when it wears and tears with time. Allow yourself to evolve. You do love your iPhone7 don’t you? Imagine carrying a 1.1 Kg mobile phone from 1973 in your clutch from CHANEL?
 
The preconceived bubble is a comfortable to place to walk but eventually you need an old, mouldy, spring mattress to settle down. Love works in mysterious ways, allow yourself to be surprised and even fooled at times. Only then you will be able to truly embrace love in its totality. It’s easier said than done but taking a chance only helps you grow as an individual. Why enter a relationship with expectations? Allow him/her to come to a point where taking a stand comes from the heart not from the circumstances. I understand that many of us face the fear of uncertainty, and not everyone enjoys the luxury of time and space but I also believe that good things come to those who uphold faith. All these words make love look like a scripture to be followed but it is exactly the opposite. In spite of the encumbrances of family, religion, culture and peers, only the two individuals involved can truly understand the dynamics of a relationship. 

Playing safe won’t get you much. True love is all about contradictions and yet somehow striking a balance. True love is about finding the least compatible person on Earth and smiling every time he/she walks into the room. True love never comes easy, it has its own unique set of obstacles and challenges. Knowing you are totally screwed and looking forward to the goddamn trial is what makes it worth it!   

Instead of focusing on ensuring a tomorrow, focus on today. What you choose to do today, defines your tomorrow. I know it scares the fuck out of you thinking it might not work in the end but just for a second imagine – what if it does? A healthy relationship does not just happen, its takes time, patience and two individuals at it like mad (again in and out of bed)! True love is not intoxication. It is a deliberate choice, a decision that knockouts every single belief you ever had about relationships. 

Break free from the norms set for relationships by others. No two love stories are the same. And no two people are the same. Those partisan notions of love might give you a wedding but not a marriage. They might bring you commitment but never a relationship.
 
And the choice ultimately lies with you…would you rather opt for a commitment or a relationship?
 
Love is not about sharing the same toothbrush.
It is about sharing everything else!
Love is not about insisting to pay first.
It is about keeping a track of whose turn it is.
Love is not about ordering what he likes.
It is about making fun of her garden salad.
Love is not about sharing a hobby.
It is about experiencing life in time away.
Love is not about finding the sweet spot.
It is about discovering the worst lava cake in town.
Love is not about the perfect anniversary present.
It is about the random love notes he leaves on your desk. 
Love is not about knowing every single thing about him.
It is about knowing just how many hours it takes her to finish a murder mystery.
Love is not about that perfect first kiss.

It is about those habitual pecks on the cheek.

Love is not about falling asleep together.

It is about that java run in the morning.
Love is not about a perfectly tabulated family planning chart.
It is about those monthly freak-out sessions by the toilet seat. 
Love is not about risking it all. 
It is about knowing when to raise the stakes and when to step back.  

Love is not about being whole together.
It is about two complete individuals coming together.