Real Girl - Page 5 of 15 - Unfiltered Lifestyle Blog By Smriti Notani

#KaamDekhoNaamNahi: Meet My New Favourite Brand

April 25, 2017 By: RealGirl2 Comments

If you know me at all, you already know that I’m a major stationery junkie! My idea of fun as a child was to go to a stationary shop (yes, I’m aware that sounds a bit sad, but you know what? I’m owning it!). Not much has changed truthfully, because my idea of fun now is to browse Pinterest and drool over pretty stationery along with scour Indian brands that make pretty stationery.

WORD

Now just imagine my glee when Vidhi and Krina from Kaam Dekho Naam Nahi sent over a pretty hamper full of ahhh-mazing stuff just for me. I think I died and went to stationery heaven! No seriously, it felt like Christmas came early and brought with it beautiful goodies in my brand colours no less!

Look how gorgeous!

Kaam Dekho Naam Nahin is a super cool brand that is the brain child of these talented ladies. They are both trained in commercial art and left lucrative careers in advertising to follow their passion for design. (I for one think that that’s a great idea) 😛

KDNN designs and customizes almost anything you can think of.

Although, here’s a list of things they predominantly do:

Personalised stationery
Packaging
Hampers
Event styling
Customised designs for all occasions
Cake and cupcake toppers

Their stuff has just the right amount of quirk combined with a generous dose of class. Maybe I’m biased because I can see their end product, but at least you know I’m saying it as it is!

My favourite thing out of everything is the customized REAL GIRL sign that looks great at my work station. I know that no matter how much my office grows, and no matter which work desk – it’s a permanent fixture now and will be part of my desk, always always! (Wow, I got emo real quick!)

I can’t begin to describe how excited I am about the customized stirrers. They are gold and glittery, and are just the statement accessory your house party needs! I can’t believe I get to own one that says ‘real girl’. I feel like this has been one of those ‘achievement unlocked’ kind of situations for me!

The luggage tags are so me and I can’t wait for people to stare at them at airports. Oh come on, you know it’ll happen!

PS: How beautiful is that quote? It’s one of my favourites.

The customized floral envelopes are what dreams are made of. I’ve really never seen something so pretty in my whole life.

The customized letter heads are something every business owner needs, IMHO.

I love the fact that they’ve used a line that’s close to my heart on the bottom of the page along with using my logo at the top.

Pssst! Please don’t miss the subtle details that add elegance to their design. It’s the little things you know? It’s always the little things.

Oh, and FYI, my gift wrapping game just levelled up because can you even get over these bows?! They’re perfection! (There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say!)

They didn’t stop at bows, they’ve given me personalized gift tags (wait, does this mean I have to gift people things now? Sheesh!)

ACTUALLY, speaking of gifting…the wonderful girls at KDNN have arranged for a giveaway for the Real Girl Fam! Follow my Instagram for all the deets but don’t you think it’s awesome that you can own something from the brand?! I think it’s tres cool.

Btw, I totally forgot to mention that all these wonderful goodies came in a gorgeous pink trunk that is totally reusable and they added some hay to make it look rustic-chic. Pinterest GOALS for daaaayyyysssss!

I’m very convinced that these hampers are the ultimate birthday present. Like, who is not going to feel special receiving an impeccably designed, perfect assortment of personalized goodies?

I know I’m feeling on top of the world! And it’s not even my birthday! Thanks Kaam Dekho Naam Nahi 🙂 You’re helping me keep it real in style!

More power to you 🙂

You can follow KDNN and drool over their design aesthetic on Instagram and Facebook. You can email them on kaamdekhonaamnahi@gmail.com to place an order. You can contact them at the following numbers: Vidhi 9820404630, Krina 9819547548.

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Eating Out in Bandra: Mini Review of Kitchen Garden

April 12, 2017 By: RealGirlcomment

Very often I eat out at new places but don’t end up reporting back to you guys. That’s not because I’m lazy (Ok Smriti, tell yourself that) but because I’m not sure trying out one or two things constitutes as a review. As I’ve mentioned to you before, these are not paid reviews and I can’t just order everything on the menu! So I keep thinking I’ll go back to the place and then do a more detailed review – but that never really works out!

So I’ve decided to report back on restaurants that I try out, irrespective of it not being comprehensive. I’ll just give you my honest (obvs!) first impression. I’ll tell you what I thought about the vibe, the crowd, the service, and the food.

Let me know what you think of this idea?

Meanwhile, let me begin with Kitchen Garden by Suzette in Bandra.

So this one’s been on my list for a while because a friend had recommended it. Only problem? I’m not a huge fan of overpriced organic food that may or may not be tasty. (You know I’ll always say it as it is!)

This weekend, I managed to drag myself out on a sunny Saturday to go check the place out finally.

My first impression is that it’s hella cute! It’s pastel colours and garden vibe fit right in with my relaxed weekend mood. It was full inside so my friend and I had to wait out for a few minutes. But they were very quick to arrange a table for us, and very courteous while we waited too.

The crowd here is as hipster as it gets. I spotted expats and celebrity designers, and lot more model-types I wouldn’t know the name of. Everyone was lounging about in linens and whites, sans makeup. I don’t know why this information is important to you. But I’m trying to paint a picture here – so stay with me!

The menu has only organic food with an array of options like salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts, and juices. Needless to say, it’s limiting for a vegetarian but both of us found things we’d like to try.

You have to go up to the counter yourself and place your order, which I feel is a little contrary to the relaxed vibe of the place. You know? The whole decide what you want and then stand in line to order – doesn’t fit the scenario. Or maybe I’m just being lazy. Very, very likely.

The food arrived soon and was very Instagram worthy, if I might add! My Greek salad looked (and tasted) super fresh. It had a giant block of feta cheese – perhaps the best I’ve ever had. The salad was deceptively large and pretty filling on the whole. My friend’s red bean hummus sandwich was delicious too! I’d rate the restaurant very high on taste and quality.

The prices are on the higher side though. My salad came up to Rs 400 after taxes. This also explains the very eclectic and well behaved crowd; it is obviously attracting a certain demographic.

Personally, I liked the place. Nice addition to the hood. I will go back for some berry panna cotta that I had to forgo because I was feeling full. I’m one of those people who feels very accomplished when I eat a healthy meal. I also feel superior to other people for that one day. True Story! (Real Girl Fun Fact #461))

So, to summarize, I’ll go back – but not when I have more month left at the end of my money!

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March Favourites: Of Eye Glasses And Beer Bottles

April 3, 2017 By: RealGirlcomment

Summer is officially here…and how! Since that warrants a whole new wardrobe (obvs) I shall have a lot more favourites to share next month once I’m done shopping. This is my very creative excuse for not having too much to say about the month that went by. Although, now that I have you here – just stay for the whole post? Please? *Puppy eyes*

Here are all the things I used, loved, ate, and enjoyed in March:

New Spectacles

Saying spectacles automatically makes me feel like an old person. What do you kids call ‘em? Glasses? Why is that seeming weird too?! I’m so confused.

Anyway, my previous frames (as epically retro as they were) had overstayed their welcome and I needed new ones desperately. I also had to get my number checked because I was convinced it had changed. (It hadn’t)

My friend suggested I go to Lenskart (yeah, the same website wala Lenskart – they have a store in Bandra) so I decided to check it out. I have to say I got quite a sweet deal because the frame was absolutely free; I had to only pay or the actual lenses.

Though I must forewarn you – the collection isn’t all that great. Some of the nicer pairs are in their ‘designer section’ which means the prices run high. Luckily, I was in the market for classic cat eye frames and they happened to have just what I was looking for. So check it out if you’re in need of new frames but keep your expectations in check.

PS: I’m super happy with the case they came in. Always like my inanimate objects to have some personality. That’s a weird sentence, but I shall not take it back.

Bira

It’s beer season gaizzz! I’m definitely one of those people who can’t decide whether they love or hate beer. I’d say I’m a moody beer drinker. The mood totally depends on the weather and current levels of gassiness. Was that TMI? I’m clearly in the mood to overshare! Anyhoo, my friend brought over some Bira Blonde recently and I loved it. It’s definitely my Ale of the month.

Again, the packaging makes me happy. Funky, no?

GIRLS

Lena Dunham made this awesome show called Girls. It came out a few years ago, and there have been a few seasons since then. I watched the show when it first came out, but couldn’t keep up with downloading etc (there was no online streaming option then) but now that I have access to all the seasons on Hotstar, I’m hooked again. It’s a show about 4 girls in New York City minus the fluff of Sex and The City or Gossip Girl. It’s very “real” and you know I take that word seriously. I’m a huge fan of Lena Dunham who not only stars in the show but has also created and written it. If you don’t know she is, look her up. Also, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never seen a single episode- just sign up for a free month on Hotstar and catch up. It’s currently on its 6^th and final season. I feel like not everyone will like it, but I also feel like you can check for yourself and decide? Because #RealGirlLoves.

Image Courtesy: India Today

Kettle and Keg

This newly launched restaurant in Bandra – it’s kind of cute and non-descript. The decor etc are nothing to write home about, but I just liked the easy breezy restaurant+bar next door vibe. And the food is amaze! I shared a post on my Instagram too (Follow me there if you aren’t already). I really want to make some proper food recommendations so will do a full restaurant review soon. But yeah, it was my favourite new local find!

It's Monday night, but when did that ever stop me?! ? Although, I jest. This is an old picture taken a few weeks ago at Bandra/Khar's coolest new joint, Kettle and Keg. I don't know much about Michelin Star Ratings, etc but #RealGirl has her own scale of judging restaurants and this came out with flying colours. You'll know more soon because I plan to do a detailed post on the blog. Till then I leave you with this stunning image of their white wine Sangria as I think back to the contented haze it left me with. ? #RealGirlEats

A post shared by RealGirl™ | Smriti Notani (@realgirlco) on Mar 27, 2017 at 8:51am PDT

NYX Lip Suede

I bought this a few months ago but hadn’t used it enough to review it yet. This is the much talked about ‘Sandstorm’ liquid lip suede by NYX cosmetics. It’s supposed to be a dupe for some famous lipstick I can’t quite bother to remember the name of. So it glides on super smooth and the colour payoff is great. I find myself reaching for it every time I want a ‘my lips but better’ situation; basically a very wearable, everyday kind of nude shade. It is a little drying but then most matte liquid lipsticks are, no? I’ve been reaching for it a lot last month because I’ve been in this minimum makeup phase. Let’s see how long that lasts though!

And that sums up my March Favourites. Let me know what you’ve been loving recently (could be anything, really) or if there’s something particular you want me to review for the blog. I’d be happy to oblige! 🙂

Have a good summer my loves. Stay strong. Make hay while the sun shines – whatever that means!

Real Girl

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#RealGirlsRock: In Conversation With The Eloquent Sanjana Chowhan

March 8, 2017 By: RealGirlcomment

What made you want to dabble in writing erotica?

It was quite accidental really. My Editor and sounding board Trisha approached me because she had read some of my work and thought I’d be a good voice because she felt (rightly so) that there was no urban erotica that was being dished out. Let’s face it, we all want to be mills and boon but all we have is Kamala mills.

(We are one question down and I’m already in splits!)

What’s the best part about your job?

Erotica: I didn’t think it would liberate me, but it has. It’s given me a voice and personality that I didn’t know I had (like all my personalities weren’t enough already :p). I am far more observant, more open minded and innovative (especially when people ask me what I do)

Journalism: There’s nothing as rewarding than sharing someone else’s experience or witnessing the inception and unfolding of a good story.

If you weren’t this awesome-writer-lady, what would you be?

Bed and breakfast owner of an arts residency in the mountains/beach.
(You know what? I see it!)

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows.

I have an old school side ?

One thing you would never endorse?

I won’t stop at one…

Yoko height increase, slimming belts and Fairness creams obv!

What does being a Real Girl mean to you?

Being true to yourself.

Any advice for those who want to become writers/journalists?

Don’t.

Joking.

Do it. Do it often. It builds character

What’s the toughest part of the profession?

It’s mentally and physically exhausting. Something that probably struck a chord with you subconsciously can bite you in the ass when you least expect it, on the job.
Tell me something dumb a reader has said to you…

This is not erotica.
How was it facing the camera when you worked as a broadcast journalist?

In the newsroom it’s strangely calm because it’s just you and the director’s voices in your head ! I am a fidgety, anxious person so I often think I’m the wrong person for the job because I can’t sit still and not make funny faces.

What keeps you motivated?

My sense of humour ? I cry and whine a lot, but I laugh at everything and look forward too.

Someone you look up to?

My mummy and close friends Aviral and Mansi. All ballsy, sassy chics who love the things about me that I hate the most.

Describe your personal style in one line.

“it’s not in the wash”

What would you tell a young girl who’s not too sure what career path she wants to take?

Do everything ya. But do it well. And don’t ever ever be scared.

What’s your idea of unwinding?

It’s illegal. But a run and reading always helps me.

.
What feeds your soul?

Good food against a picturesque setting. Damn it’s got me smiling even now.

How addicted are you to social media?

Instagram I can’t live without. Facebook and twitter are meh.

What’s your take on feminism?

Equality always. But first, level the playing field.

One thing that “growing up” has taught you?

ALWAYS EAT BREAKFAST. It helps combat even anxiety. Trust me.
(I really need to try that one!)

Complete the following sentence for me;

www.realgirl.co is —— refreshing.

Leave us with a message for women since it’s Women’s Day!

Gosh, hard one.

Be the best version of yourself possible.

Thank you so much Sanjana for being unabashedly real and for just being this inimitable brand of awesome. You make a great case for Real Girls everywhere. 🙂

(Apart from being someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for a long time now, Sanjana is a writer, journalist, and multimedia author. You can find her writing on Juggernaut (download the app) and her @sanuchow on Instagram)

*This is the third part in a 3 part series of interviews to commemorate some awesome, badass, inspirational real girls on Women’s Day.

You can read the first part here.

You can read the second part here.

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#RealGirlsRock: In Conversation With Boss Lady Neha Sahu

March 8, 2017 By: RealGirlcomment

Tell us a little about what you do…

So far I’ve been following my heart (without giving up my mind) and I hope it always stays that way, as cliché as it sounds.

As of today, I run a sports education not for profit organisation where we teach children (boys and girls) life skills through football in underprivileged schools across India. It’s called Just For Kicks (www.jfkindia.org).

What made you want to start Just For Kicks?

Letting children do what they love most – play, and learning to become strong, independent and successful both socially and professionally through it. I put together the Just For Kicks model (with my thought partner/ co-founder) while I was a teacher myself, and started with coaching my own football team. Teaching the boys football on the field was a a win-win situation for everyone – kids had a blast, they developed essential life skills (critical thinking, coping with emotion, self awareness), schools realised the importance of sports and learning beyond four walls of the classroom, and parents experienced something new to them – their children succeeding in different ways and earning respect for themselves and their families.

My best stories are those where children report their life changing experiences from really stressful, adverse life situations (violence, drugs, poverty, self belief and educational struggles) to personal, family and community victories.

This was it – the intersection of my passion, power of sport, love for kids and that urge to change my country’s education system into a holistic one for all types of children (irrespective of gender, race, socio-economic background). Hopefully we churn out some big star players in the future too. Watch out for that!

If you weren’t this awesome-entrepreneur-lady, what would you be?

Food critic, where I’d get to eat unlimited quantities of all types of food and get paid to talk and write about it.

Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows.

I’m pretty sure I fall under the open book category of people, so honestly nothing comes to mind!

One thing you would never endorse?

Unethical Behaviour (and Diets)

What does being a Real Girl mean to you?

Know yourself better than anyone else. Dream. Chase your dreams.

What’s the toughest part of the profession?

Scaling up for sustainable impact. We’ve been thinking about million kids from day 1, we’ve been talking about changes in urban as well as rural India and other countries. We are doing everything we can to make that real.

Tell us something cute one of the kids said to you?!

Will you be my valentine?

(I’m pausing this interview to deal with my heart which has become a puddle)

Debunk one start up myth for us?

24/7 working day

Starting up does mean working hard. But it also means – setting your goals, working creatively and smartly to achieve them and refreshing as much as possible – in a day/ month/ year and so on.

At the end of the day you’ve got to remain excited, energetic and happy about what you’re doing and innovate at a quick pace without burning out.

At Just For Kicks, we do have compulsory vacations and no laptop days for our crew.

What keeps you motivated?

Change

Seeing is believing. I’m easily bothered by problems and like a true optimist know that there are solutions. You’ve got to put in the effort to realise/create the best one and then run with it. Social problems perturb me the most and keep me going to change them around.

Someone you look up to?

My father. Aarti (teacher/ school owner and mother of a child I taught in a municipal school in Mumbai). Michelle and Barack Obama. Roger Federer. Didier Drogba. Audrey Hepburn, Indra Nooyi. So many friends.

I love looking upto people and making them role models. I could go on.

Describe your personal style in one line?

Go with the flow; Don’t worry be happy

What would you tell a young girl who’s not too sure what career path she wants to take?

Be good and keep enjoying your present life and I’m sure you will figure it out.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Binge watching bad TV shows.

Not getting out of bed for 23 hours.

How addicted are you to social media?

It’s interesting.

What’s your take on feminism?

I’m more for human rights than focusing exclusively on female rights and advocacy. Unfortunately our world has shaped up in a way that women are usually second. So I stand up, speak up and act up for all the times male is not equal to female but should be. What I do keep in mind is that both genders have some differences so one will be better and worse at some things. Use that to complement, not contest.

One thing that “growing up” has taught you?

You can get away with most anything if you want to. But do you want to?!?

Complete the following sentence for me;

www.realgirl.co is ——– an inspirational reality check.

(That is just the nicest way of putting it! I beam but don’t show it for fear of Neha judging me)

Leave us with a message since it’s Women’s Day!

To the Women – Decide what you want and live it up every single day! Don’t ever give up your right to choose.

To the Men – Get with the above Program.

YAAASSSS QUEEEEN! Can I just say, my thoughts exactly! Thank you so much for who you are and what you do. You make a great case for Real Girls everywhere.

(Apart from being an inspirational girl boss and dear friend, Neha is the Founder of Just For Kicks www.jfkindia.org. You can follow her @nehasahu on Twitter)

*This is the second part in a 3 part series of interviews to commemorate some awesome, badass, inspirational real girls on Women’s Day.

You can read the first part here.

You can read the third part here.

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