Book Reviews. 2017. 8

Reviewing the books that I read in 2017.

36. Why does the world exist? An Existential Detective Story - Jim Holt

The question of why is there a world rather than nothing at all? remains the darkest and most enduring of all metaphysical mysteries. Jim Holt enters this fractious debate with his lively and deeply informed narrative that traces the latest efforts to grasp the origins of the universe. He leaves us with the question Stephen Hawking once asked but couldn't answer, ‘Why does the universe go through all the bother of existing?’. 4/5.

37. Harry Potter and the cursed child: parts 1 and 2 - John Tiffany

Before you start reading this book, separate your mind from the fact that this is going to be an exemplary continuation of the previous seven books. Aside from being a play, this book is also a more mature, character-driven, less magical story. I liked it. 3.5/5.

38. The first fifteen lives of Harry August - Claire North

Replay is a great book with a similar storyline, I highly recommend Replay but did not like the first fifteen lives of Harry August. 2/5.

39. Very Good, Jeeves! - P.G. Wodehouse

"Very Good, Jeeves" is a collection of 11 short stories featuring everyone's favorite valet ("a personal gentleman's gentleman," as Jeeves describes himself) and the ongoing scrapes of Mr. Bertie Wooster. In each story, either Bertie or one of his friends and relatives is in a bind, and fortunately for everyone, Jeeves is always there to advise and set things right. 5/5.

Delirium

In many parts of the world, women are distinctly seen as inferior sub-humans, who should stay confined at home, behind a veil, cook, produce children, take care of the in-laws and entertain their husbands. It becomes intolerable for men with male chauvinist mindsets when young women begin to challenge such stereotypes by stepping out and surpassing them in education and employment and by asserting their independence, opinions, financial freedom and demanding equal treatment.

Some men do not even stand close to the merit, strength, intelligence or grace of the women in their life and yet they live in a delirium of being a better species. Tch. Tch.

2 combos:

Joke again...

A wife woke up in the middle of the night to find her husband missing from the bed. She got up and checked around the house. She heard sobbing the basement.

After turning on the light and descending the stairs, she found her husband curled up into a little ball, sobbing. 

She asked, "Honey, what's wrong?" worried about what could hurt him so much. He answered: "Remember 20 years ago I got you pregnant and your father threatened to send me to jail for 20 years if I didn't marry you?"

She replied: "Yes, of course!" He then said, "Well I would have been released today."

What makes us happy?

They are right when they say happiness is just a state of mind. And yet I do feel agitated, anxious, stressed, sad and unhappy at times, over the years I have figured out six things that keep me in my default happy status -

1. First and foremost is good health. If I have bad health, I stop being myself, I stop enjoying anything that goes around me. Any ailment, however trivial, deducts from my happiness. So I work hard on staying healthy - as much as I can. Bad health is also a waste of time... already in our short lifespan.


2. The second is, being able to earn. Working and mainly earning for myself gives me a sense of pride, joy, and confidence. I saw a shift in my personality after I finished my masters and started earning. I have seen this happening with other people as well, shy and introvertish people start walking with an erect spine as soon as they start earning.


3. Money, in general, does provide happiness because it provides for your basic comforts, for recreation—travel, holidays, hobbies or in time of ill-health. A couple of years ago there was an article based on research conducted by Princeton University - on how much money one needs to earn to be happy and the magic number was 75,000$ per year (for the USA). I guess the number would vary for people living in different states/cities and also the number of dependents in the house etc. Money has a dangerous and unhappy side to it if it turns into greed.


4. The fourth is definitely family, friends, and people, being around them makes me happy. Companionship, camaraderie, socializing is rejuvenating, but at the same time, I stay away from the negative people as it robs me of my peace of mind.

5. The fifth is hobbies. I feel a void, big dent in my life if for some reason I am not able to spend time on stuff that I like to do, be it reading, writing, painting, dancing, biking or being with nature.

I feel going to clubs or parties every single weekend, gossiping, criticizing, watching TV constantly, or just being a lazy bum is a criminal waste of time. Social service and such also provides happiness. Basically, it’s important to concentrate on something that keeps you occupied meaningfully.

6. And last but not least is sunshine... Places like Seattle - which are constantly cloudy - are not meant for me. I felt low, gloomy and depressed in Seattle. I see a whole new shift in my mood and energy since I moved to the Bay Area. I feel back to my own self.

Blogging

Blogging is a tricky medium. There is no guarantee that your post will be taken in the spirit that it was intended, it can be misunderstood by someone or the other.

I do not share names so there is no way to tell who it is written about or if it really happened (could very well be a figment of imagination). Also, I have had all sorts of experiences sad, bad, ugly, good, ecstatic and whatnot, I have known many vampires/ bullies/hypocrites/gossipmongers/male chauvinist pigs/negative/ beautiful/positive/amazing/ smart/intelligent/ warm/ welcoming/ terrific people. So the opinions expressed here are not based on one person or one thing, it can not be.

If the blogger is being sarcastic some may think they were upset or angry, sharing your opinions on human behavior can turn into debates as people might think you were targeting them if you are making a valid point some will ignore the point and argue about something trivial that was expressed in the post and how it hurt them.

I have learned that no matter how clear, valid and simple we keep the posts there will always be an element of perception and interpretation, which again is subjected to the people who are reading it, their backgrounds, experiences, culture and sometimes their relation to me. I cannot control all this. So I have no option but to continue writing what I believe in. The only thing which is in my control is - I can make sure that the names are never mentioned anywhere, even my immediate family members do not know who I have written about (they have never asked me who the post was about too), there is never a personal vendetta or evil intended against anyone.

This blog is a reflection of my thought process, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily right or wrong, true or false it is simply my perception and interpretation of the world around me.

The world of blogging

I have been writing a diary ever since I remember, even before the blogging world. It was simply my way of venting out my thoughts (and opinions). One day in 2006 I started blogging. This was my first post. I didn't have any expectations or any agenda from this activity. 

Then sometime in 2015 I started clicking pictures of my outfits every now and then and posted them on a new blog that I named as lifestyleandallthatjazz - basically about life, style, lifestyle, and everything under the Sun. 

When it comes to blogging I want to stay away from the herd mentality of gaining followers or having numerous comments and whatnot. Every blog has an aim and reason for its existence. Mine just happens to be for personal satisfaction & personal expression. 

The idea of this blog is to show some creativity with clothes and again to express myself. Be myself. Be honest and voice my opinions. Yes, I am an opinionated person, just like every other person I have an opinion on books, movies, art, god, religion, war, pollution, population, diet, exercise, equality, and everything. While doing that I may have made a connection with a few, or offended a few. Who knows? I am just following my own rhythm. I appreciate you all coming out here and being part of maniacal world of my opinions but don't forget that everything I write here is only an opinion about stuff be it Food, Fitness, Films, Fashion, Family, Friends or F-ilosophy! and I do not expect you to agree with anything that I express. 

Science Trivia

(Read it somewhere)

Love - Oxytocin is the hormone which is associated with the feeling of ‘love’. Its importance is widely demonstrated in acts of orgasm, maternal behavior, and friendliness towards a person. It is, therefore, commonly referred to as the ‘love hormone’.

Longevity - There is some belief in the scientific community that we all have a certain number of total heart beats at our disposal. For example, mice have a faster heart rate but a shorter life span. In comparison, humans and elephants have a slower heart rate but a longer life span. Hence, one way to longevity would be to slow down the resting heart rate. Anxiety and stress can increase the resting heart rate, whereas, meditation and sleep slows it down.

Memories - Prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that is associated with making short term memories. It is located right behind the forehead. Short term memory loss as seen in the popular movies Memento was a result of an injury to this part of the brain. [I highly recommend Memento if you have not seen it yet.]

Top: Old Navy, Shorts: American Eagle, Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

Skin Care

Know your skin type - is it dry/ oily or sensitive?

If you are here to note down a list of any fancy fast working skin products then you will be disappointed, I have none.

1. The secret to keeping the whole body soft and healthy-looking lies in moisturizing.

I have a dry skin type, which means my skin feels very tight after bathing or any contact with water. I have a dry hand and dry lip symptom too, I get chapped lips all the time.

So what do I use?

a. I do not use soaps in public restrooms - restaurants/ theaters, etc. they are by default harsh and do not suit me. I always carry either a soap bottle or sanitizer/wet wipes in my purse.

b. Almond oil - it is excellent for the skin - it makes the skin look healthier, reduces dark circles, it cures skin problems like eczema, acne.

c. Cetaphil and Vaseline are my all-time favorite moisturizers, vaseline is best for lips too.

2. The secret to good skin is NOT using loads of skincare products

Skincare products claim to be working fast like magic but they do more harm to the skin than anything. Go for the natural fixes instead. For example, before going to bed massage your face with coconut oil for at least 20 seconds - it takes away any makeup products used and keeps the face moisturized throughout the night.

Aloe Vera, castor oil, honey, cucumber, and sandalwood powder are excellent for the skin.

3. The secret to glowing skin is EXERCISE

I have seen many people who do not necessarily have spectacular skin - but when they start working out, running, biking and whatnot - their skin starts to glow! The reason is simple - exercise increases blood flow and blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the entire body including the skin. Marathon runners, bikers and generally people who work out regularly have radiant skin.

4. The secret to healthy skin is DIET

French fries, hormone-laden meats, fried food, chips and generally all types of junk food is ALSO bad for the skin. A simple and nutritious diet does well to the skin too (as much as it does good to the entire body).

5. Drink ….WATER

Drink at least 8 glasses a day, it helps to rid the body and skin of toxins.

6. Last but not least - SLEEP

Sleep strengthens your immune system, it keeps your heart healthy, it boosts your mood, it is important for your physical and emotional well being (as much as exercise and a good diet are). Seven to eight hours of sleep is required by the body. If you want good health - sleep, if you want to lose weight - sleep, if you want to live long - sleep and if you want good skin ---- sleep!

I hope you find these tips useful.

2 combos:

Skirt: United Colors of Benetton, Top: Old Navy, Shoes: Kensie

Shorts: American Eagle, Top: Old Navy, Beach Sandals: American Eagle

Random Inputs

1. Value your time. Don't confuse being as busy as being productive.


2. Pick your battles. Just because you choose to be quiet doesn't mean you are wrong. It means you are smart enough to save your energy for what matters more.


3. Don't let anyone else decide your self-worth - not social media, not your followers, friends, not your family. You decide your own self-worth.


4. Standing up for what you believe in doesn't always mean going out on a protest march. Simply continuing to live the way you want to is action enough.


5. People will continue to surprise you. Sometimes in a good way and sometimes not. Try and keep an open mind. Even with buffoons.


6. Just because someone is intelligent doesn't mean they will produce quality work and vice versa.


7. No one has it 'all' figured out, no matter how sorted they look. Everyone is just doing the best they can.


8. Let go of the fear of missing out. No one is having more fun than you are. If you are happy where you are, then that's what matters the most.

Jeans: American Eagle

Top: Old Navy

Shoes: Lifestride

What the health: Part 6 - Lame excuses continued

This is part 6 of 'What the health' series. You can find earlier parts here - part1, part2, part3, part4,  part 5

15. It hurts my body

If you have never worked out then yes, it would hurt for the first few days. But go past that and then you would get addicted to that 'good' pain. Stretch before and after a workout, get a massage once in a while, soak in warm water with Epsom salt.

16. Exercise make me more hungry

Yes! That happens. The best solution to that is to have a protein shake right after your workout and have a lot of healthy snacks - fruits, salads, nuts. Munch on them every 2 hours even if you are NOT hungry.

17. I don't know where to start

That's fine. Just start with walking for 30 mins, do yoga at home, what helps the most is joining classes - you pay for it so you show up and then it is easier to work out in a group of people...the atmosphere keeps you motivated.

18. I am already skinny (thin)

A lot of people are skinny on the outside and have unhealthy fat reserves inside, some are skinny and have no energy to do anything, you can be thin but chances are you are not fit … so exercise and eat healthy home-cooked food!

I hope this helps and gives you a kick in the butt... exercise today if you haven’t already.

Skirt : Gap (12 years old)

Top: Old Navy (7 years old)

Shoes: Nine West (4 years old)

What the health: Part 2 - Excuses we use for not losing weight

Here are some common (and lame!) excuses that we use for not doing what is right.

(in this post I am covering the top 3 excuses)

1. I am too busy.

You have work deadlines, sick kids and you eat what is handy, you can barely bring home takeout, and you have time for nothing else.

Our body is the only thing that we have from the time we are born till the time we die and if you are too busy to spend time to take care of it then, well, you should not be spending any time reading this post.

Everyone gets 24 hours a day, no more, no less. We all live busy lives, no one is gifted with more time!  Being busy does not imply that you are being productive - you might very well be spending time on social media and calling it being busy. I have always said this - it is never about time, it is always about priority. As they say, where there is a will there is a way.

Hone your planning, prioritization and organization skills. I have seen CEOs, VPs, and directors of companies working out every single day because living a healthy lifestyle is a priority for them. I am a proud employee of one such company.

Sticking to healthy behaviors like making time for meals and squeezing in exercise throughout the day, even when your life feels like it's going 100 miles a minute, is actually the key to long-term health. When the downfall of health starts it takes a long time to recover, your body is constantly giving you signals if there is something wrong, don’t wait for your body to give up, start a healthy lifestyle today. Don't be one of those who lose their health gaining wealth and then spend their wealth to gain health.

2. I have kids

Even more of a good reason to start working out... ever since I remember - I have exercised. I don't really remember the time when I didn't. You know why? because I saw my parents working out every single day... till today.  So I did not know any other lifestyle, I thought this is what people do... they exercise every day like they brush their teeth every day. Set a good example for your kids. Better yet, workout as a family - ask them to join you in biking, hiking, swimming, dance, rock climbing, and whatnot.

You can not tell kids 'go and exercise' because... they are watching you! Are my parents engrossed in binge-watching TV shows all day long? or are they living an active lifestyle? As they say 'Raise yourself before you raise your kids'.

3. I don't have time to cook.

But you have time to commute to a restaurant - order food - get the food on your table - or even food pick up from a restaurant takes at least 20 to 30 minutes of your time, isn't it? It hardly takes any time to cook if you plan well.

I have allocated a fixed amount of time that I spend on cooking each day - so even if I have a leftover from last night I still spend that allocated time on food preparation for the next day - like kneading dough, cutting vegetables or just make some supplements like soup, koshimbir, snack items, and whatnot.

Just to clarify I hate to cook but I do not use it as an excuse, there are many things one might hate but has to take care of - that is what growing up and living a healthier lifestyle is all about.

One more option is to get cooking help - whichever part of the world you live in you will be able to find cooking/cleaning help. Plan your finances accordingly - for example, spend less money on shopping material things and instead spend it on a cook/help and essentially on your own body!

Studies show that people who cook meals at home tend to eat more healthfully and weigh less than those who don't.

To be continued...

Skirt: J crew factory

Top: Old Navy

Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

Less is more

I got a comment on this blog a while ago, it said ‘I have way too many clothes in my closet, half of my clothes still have tags on them, if I remove the tags and decide to use everything then I will be wearing something different every day for at least a year, without worrying about mix and match like you do.’

I wouldn’t know how this kind of closet looks. For me ‘Less Is More’ - not just in shoes and clothing but also in personal items, be it groceries, home goods or what’s in the fridge. I like to know what lies in every drawer every corner of the room and if it is not useful to have it around I donate it... It is harder than it sounds - We live in the world of consumerism, there is a constant temptation to change, upgrade, add more or buy options, we go on acquiring ‘stuff’ for no apparent reason.

Why invest in owning so much stuff? Try minimalism, stop hoarding. When it comes to dressing one can still be well dressed without really owning too much quantity… One can still wear a new outfit every day with just a little bit of creativity and planning...

My reply to the comment from the girl is - spend that money instead on upgrading yourself - join a gym, dance class, kickboxing, yoga class, learn to play an instrument or buy books and read!

Skirt: Ann Taylor Factory

Top: Old Navy

Shoes: Steve Madden

Truly Madly Guilty

Shoes: Etienne Aigner

Skirt: Gap

Top: Old Navy (also worn here)

My new post Truly Madly Guilty is available here

Wonderstruck

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch

Top: Old Navy

Jacket: J Crew

Shoes: Kelly and Katie

My new post wonderstruck is available HERE

Backside Front

I realized last week that the buttons side is actually the backside of this dress (that is where the label is) and I have owned this dress since last 6 years :-). It is definitely better than inside out which I have done a few times in the past  (some other clothing items) and trust me no one noticed!

As my theory goes... no one gives a shit what you wear... no one but we ourselves.

Dress: Jcrew

Leggings: Old Navy

Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger (from DSW)

Baggage

I am not a purse person, I don't want to carry any baggage (pun intended ;-)). I will try to include some on this blog.

Dress: Loft

Leggings: Old Navy

Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger (from DSW)

Legging affair

I like to wear all short dresses with leggings, it is almost always cold in office, outside and let's be honest Seattle is a windy place!

Dress: J crew
leggings: old navy
sandals: Tommy hilfiger (from DSW)

Modcloth

Modcloth is my best find this year ;-)

Skirt: Modcloth 

Top: Old Navy

Sandals: Etienne Aigner

Worn at another ocassion with j crew jacket and Guess nudes