NBsakura
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The chessboard we didn’t sign-up for
Everyone’s Playing Chess. You Just Didn’t Know You Were the Piece. Ever feel like life’s a giant chessboard and you’re just… part of the game? Look around. People are making moves, strategic, subtle, sometimes ruthless. But instead of rooks and bishops, they’re using us. For someone, you’re the pawn they push forward. For someone else, you’re the knight they rely on to leap over chaos. And if you’re lucky (or powerful), maybe you’re the king they protect, or the queen they fear. It’s wild when you realize: we’re all pieces on someone’s board. But here’s the thing, we get to…
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10 Cups of Creativity: A Forgotten Reminder
Found this gem deep in an old folder from my Creative Thinking course. The assignment? “Draw 10 cups.” That’s it. No brief, no model, just 10 different ways to cup.Looking at them now, it’s wild. There’s the cracked, detailed one; the fluffy, blue, on-fire one; the messy scribble one; and the structured grid one. They’re all over the place, and that’s the point. At the time, I was just doing the work, probably stressing about the grade. But the prompt was actually asking: “What does creativity look like to you?” Looking at them now, it’s wild. There’s the cracked, detailed…
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3 Days 2 Nights: Jawadhu Hills & Yelagiri Hills – First Solo Trip in 2025
Jawadhu and Yelagiri Hills challenge your preconceived notions about boredom. My unexpected solo camping trip led to unforgettable adventures, genuine connections, and a heartwarming moment with fireflies—the ultimate bucket list realization.
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The Tragic Beauty of Weekends & Leisure Time
In my pursuit of precious freedom, leisure time becomes my sanctuary. I fragment these fleeting moments into rejuvenation, family love, cherished friendships, and growth. Each experience enriches my soul, be it meditative stillness, laughter-filled family moments, or skill-building endeavors. I strive to live fully, embracing life’s beauty without regrets.
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When We Pack Our Life Into Two Days A Week, My Love…
When we pack our life into 2 days a week,we’re not just folding clothes into a bag.We’re creating memories – with the people we love,and for the people we love. A little bit of pamperingwith food, laughter, and love.A little bit of funplaying around like kids with badminton rackets in hand.A little bit of rest and relaxationjust lying down, letting the world slow. A little bit of staring at the sky,singing your favorite song,watching your favorite shows.Skimming through a comfort bookas the sun tans your skin further.And later, staring at the stars,wishing for a life with ease. And then you…
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Ladders Never Touch Mud
The ladder gleams, but never rustsit’s never met the soil. From polished heights, they summon contracted ghosts, specters in suits, hollow hands that sign but never build. Greed wears a tie, apathy seals the deal. We, the handlers, catch the crumbs of their lazy feasttardy briefs, half-baked decks, pixels that scream “we didn’t care.” You never want to call out the rot. You want silence, compliance, a nod that costs us sleep. Are youyou hypocritethe one who preaches excellence while outsourcing mediocrity? They say you’re vile. They whisper bribes. They count the favors you never earned. But a corner of…
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The More More More
Why don’t you go easy on me, Life… why don’t you? It’s the same old Sunday night, and my chest grows tighter, tighter. The same old Sunday night— but I’m not hoping for a Monday on the other end of my blink. Work stacks up— a weight beyond what even a camel can bear. Capitalism never bothers. Corporate never flinches. I stand in the center, bound by threads pulling me apart, day by day. I shed my skin, showed my bones. But all eyes turned blind— because I’m known as the camel built to carry and wither. They said: You’re…
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Being the living
It’s always the living that has to carry the brunt left by the dead… It’s always the living that has to live the rest of the life staring that the vacuum left by the dead… It’s always the living that has to pull themselves together and move on… Is that the cost that comes with being the living? –A Solivagant’s Shoes
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My Top 6 Favorite Drinks (Non-Alcoholic, duh)
The author shares their favorite drinks, including pomegranate juice, lassi, and peach iced tea, highlighting each drink’s health benefits, nostalgic feelings, and personal significance in their life.
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The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call – Kdrama Review
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call offers a humorous yet poignant look at trauma care’s challenges through Baek Gang Hyeok and his team, exploring hospital disparities and character dynamics in a captivating medical drama.
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A Break from “Caring What Others Think About Me” and “Me Caring To Much About Others Feelings Over Mine”
The content reflects on the struggle of individuals in prioritizing others’ opinions over their own desires, highlighting how societal pressures can hinder authenticity. The author seeks freedom from these constraints, aiming for a life uninfluenced by external judgments.
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Iron Family – Kdrama Review
If you’re a K-drama enthusiast like me, you know the struggle of committing to a long-running series. Will it be worth your time? Will it drag? Will it keep you hooked? These questions are even more pressing when the drama crosses the 40-episode mark. But sometimes, you stumble upon a show like Iron Family that, despite its quirks and occasional cringe, manages to hold your attention till the very end. So, was Iron Family worth the watch? My answer is a resounding yes. I won’t lie—when I first saw that Kim Jung Hyun was starring in a weekend family drama,…
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Nothing Can Be Hidden
Two years tomorrow,Since the day we first met.One year, eleven months—A lifetime of regret. You spun your web so carefully,Web with the sharpest blade.It ripped open the fragile mind,While you hid yours instead. I didn’t know your story,Or the shadows in your past.I didn’t know the truth of you—How long could the act last? But fate has a funny way,Of tearing down the lies.One month after you were gone,The truth fell in my eyes. A stranger came and handed me,The pieces of your life.Your history, your family,The chaos and the strife. I saw your youth right in front of my…
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Today Ain’t My Day
The day started with the continuation of my fever that started from Saturday. The head ache… Felt like millions of minions banging hard inside the right side of my head. Hardcore pain. Still, I took some meds, packed my bag and started to work. Like always, pre-planned the tasks to be completed for the day. There was some hurry burry works, waiting to be closed and buried. That’s the primary reason that I didn’t take a sick leave. But… Well well… Day didn’t turn out the way I wanted. Entire day my vision was dark tinted. Felt like my entire…
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Who Is She? K-Drama Review
Yes! Finished watching the last episode of “Who is She?”. And here is my take on the series. K-Drama writers have a knack for weaving tales that resonate deeply by mixing it with a little bit of fantasy and heartfelt narratives. Who Is She? is no exception, offering a story that explores the themes of regret, family bond, dreams deferred, and the magic of second chances. Who Is She? Plot Overview: A Twist of Fate The story centers around Oh Mal-soon, a 70-year-old grandmother who has dedicated her life to her family, especially her daughter. Their relationship is strained, filled…
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Hear Me: Our Summer – Korean Movie Review
Hear Me: Our Summer is a beautifully crafted Korean film about love, youth, and communication. It uniquely portrays a love story involving a hearing-impaired woman and highlights emotional connections through sign language.
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Top 5 Things I Do For Fun
List five things you do for fun. When you are in your late 20s, doing something fun is often looked at as being irresponsible. In India, trust me… I guess we as adult, having fun is like a once in blue moon thingy. But as long as you own up your life and strictly spend a part of your day for something fun… You will live a life without regret. Trust me on that. When it comes to having fun. It doesn’t necessarily have to be extravagant. Things I do for fun! That might not sound fun to you! My…
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A World Without Plastic
If you could un-invent something, what would it be? Without doubt – Plastic. If I had the chance, I would give everything to un-invent plastic. I would journey through the corridors of time to find those people, every single one — who dared to plant the seed of this idea. Though Leo Baekeland is credited with creating the first fully developed plastic, my search wouldn’t stop with him. I’d go further back, peeling through the layers of history to uncover the mind that first envisioned this synthetic curse disguised as innovation. And look where we are now… This so-called marvel…
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In the eyes of my Dogs
Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved? Being a human has made me lonesome the moment my door of consciousness opened. The human-human connection. The longing to be loved by fellow humans has always been beyond my scope. It’s just a facade. Or should I say a mirage. The love I am talking about is not the one that fits just as romance. Love is never a one size fits all. We all know that. To be accepted for who you are is the purest form of love. Every time I watch anime, I love the…
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The Echo of Discourse
It lingers still,those fractured frames of memory,etched in the static of my thoughts.Your cursed cryptic wordsencrypted, fragmented, staying alive in me… Through me…still haunt the algorithm of my discourse. Some nights,the void stares back harder,a black hole swallowing the lastof my certainties.But I know,it’s just my past reflection fracturing,a glitch in my solitude. How often have I scrolled,paused at your pixelated silhouette,searching for proof of existence,a breadcrumb of your now,as if that image could patch the cracks. What ache,what unbearable ache,a virus in the system,a loop of trust corrupted. And then the whispers came,warnings disguised as wisdom:“Never trust shadows that…
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Dandadan Anime Review- Aliens, Ghosts, Folkore and Everything Inbetween
Dandadan is a captivating anime combining supernatural folklore with modern struggles, featuring strong characters, humor, action, and stunning animation. A must-watch!
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5 Must Watch YouTube Talk Show Channels Hosted By South Korean Celebrities – Review
Discover the joy of Korean talk shows, where witty hosts bring laughter and chaos, revealing celebrity secrets and creating an unforgettable viewing experience perfect for any mood.
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December Newsletter
The year-end newsletter expresses gratitude for 2024, announces a blog revamp with the Twenty Twenty Five theme, and wishes everyone happiness in 2025.
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5 Reasons Why Spigen Is The Best Backcase For Google Pixel Phone! (Review)
Spigen offers exceptional protection for Google Pixel phones, combining style and durability. With an array of fashionable designs and sustainable practices, it’s a fantastic investment for long-term care.
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Never an Admirer of a Pot
Never an admirer of a pot,Pots on the street or pot on the gallery,Never bothered by its presence either.Pots are of types…The outcome of the clay and the potter.Either sits as a show-off,Speaks with a deformed voice,Or ends up storage of the needs of human kind. I came across one such pot,Never an admirer of this pot.Looked neat… Looked clean…Looked spotless… Looked as if it could hold on to the waterI seldom poured in any before.Everything on the outsideWell and fine. She thought, he thought, and I thoughtThe pot is bought.It lays on that table idle.Should I use it to…
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Light Shop – Kdrama Review
“Light Shop” is an 8-episode series exploring life, death, and connections beyond mortality. Directed by Kim Hee-won, it weaves intricate narratives while offering deep emotional and philosophical insights set within a mysterious light shop.
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Learning: A never ending trail that keeps our life a little more interesting!
What skills or lessons have you learned recently? I always have a clear understanding about the difference between studying and learning. And that is why the word learning always excites me and it quenches my curiosity without bias. My greatest teacher in my life is life itself and myself. And my learning courses are always intense and annoying. I better split this blog post into two, first I talk about skills I learnt and next I’ll talk about lessons I learnt this year! The Tiny Little Skills I Learned Recently: I want to learn a lot more new skills in…
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12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy Impulsively!
Impulse buying entraps us in a cycle of regret, fueling waste and environmental destruction. Choose needs over wants; your wallet and the planet will thank you.
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The Starry Sky
We don’t usually get to see a starry sky. Well, there will be few visible stars here, but not too many to lie down and admire like it used to be when I was a kid. Back then we used to lie on the rooftop often. Eventhough our place and surrounding is not as polluted as the city, we live close to airport, naturally air pollution and light pollution is inevitable on certain days. But yesterday, I am not sure if its the calmness after the rain and cyclone that the city faced last week, I accidentally noticed too many…
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Echoes of Liberation
The one who beheld the true beauty of darkness knows the vanity of the moth. The one who feels the pain of self and the pain of others knows the true depth of suffering. The one who succumbed to the allure of flight has seen the terror of fright. And the one who has nothing to lose is honored with the strength of the fight. The one who felt the depth of affection knows the emptiness it leaves behind. And the one who can sense the soil beneath their feet knows the essence of freedom. If this is what it…
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November Newsletter
The month has went faster than we expected isn’t it. Or is it the entire 2024 that went faster? November Newsletter is here! A bit late again! But hope you guys enjoy reading it. Like I always say, if you have any feedbacks to improve this newsletter, feel free to mention in comment section below!
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Kozhikode Girls Trip: Foggy Mountain Adventure, Food & Memories
A long-awaited girls’ trip to Kerala turned into a beautiful adventure, filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
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5 Best K-Drama Starring Kim Sejeong
Kim Sejeong transcends the typical idol-turned-actress, effortlessly winning hearts and proving her undeniable charm in every role.
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Falling in Love with Flawed Mangoes
It all started accidentally, one of those moments when you’re not even looking. I was scrolling through Spotify late one evening, lost in the endless sea of suggestions, when I stumbled upon Flawed Mangoes. I didn’t expect much, but something about the name intrigued me. In a world that often expect you and force you to be perfect… I am someone who learnt it’s okay to be flawed. So the name Flawed Mangoes hit a home run right there. I clicked play, and before I knew it, I was falling into a world that felt like it was waiting for…
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10 Best Kdrama Starring Park Shin Hye
Park Shin Hye captivates with diverse roles, showcasing her talent and heart. Each performance is an emotional journey worth experiencing!
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Why EST Hilton, is My Go-To Place for Cakes: Review
Cakes invaded our celebrations, transforming traditions. EST Café dazzles with exceptional desserts, but feedback pressure dampens the joy. Worth it, though!
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Reclaiming My Garden
I removed the rose beds,Cleared away the weeds,I never wanted them to begin with.There was no one to help,It was just me,With bare hands.I dipped my fingers into the hardened soil,Plucking them one by one.The thorns cut my skin,Blood droplets painting the soil red.I put them in a box,Asked the mailman to send it to those women out there…Women who deserve those roses,Women who want those rose beds.I burnt the weeds to ashes.“Alone? Didn’t it take too much time?”They asked me…Yes, alone.While the sun rose and set…Fifteen moons passed by…I got drenched in the drizzles,Drizzles that swept from the darkest…
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Group Travel with Strangers: My Experience as the Only Female Solo Traveler
Who knew a solo traveler could thrive among retirees? This unexpected adventure in Thailand uncovered wisdom, surprising connections, and the reality that age is just a number in exploration.
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In Three Years: Living Like a Peregrine Falcon
In three years, the author aims to embody traits of the Peregrine Falcon, focusing on personal growth, confidence, meaningful relationships, and purposeful achievements in life and career.
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October Newsletter
The October newsletter of A Solivagant’s Shoes is here, celebrating five remarkable years! Readers are invited to engage by guessing a mystery quote and sharing feedback. Your continued support enriches this journey, making each edition a heartfelt connection. Dive in and enjoy the latest updates from the blogger!
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Dear Hyeri – Kdrama Review
“Dear Hyeri” explores grief, identity, and connection through Eun-ho’s journey as a news anchor with dissociative identity disorder, poignantly blending vulnerability and hope throughout its narrative.
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Allen Solly Handbag Review: A Candid Review for Practical Buyers
If you’re tired of subpar handbags, discover Allen Solly. They might just be your salvation in style and durability—because life’s too short for impulse buys that turn into disappointments!
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I Cried Today In Front Of My Mother
Today was that day for me. The day that we INFJs have… The day when all the worries which we have been ignoring and stuffing inside the closest inside our mind so that we make believe everything is fine and try to carry on with life breaks out. And today is the day for me… The day everything broke open overflowed infront of my mother – My source of existence. May be I was desperate to know how to steer past this part of my life that has been drowning me. Ofcourse both our paths are different. She is the bravest…
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Getting Around Bangkok: A First-Timer’s Experience
Bangkok defied my expectations. I, a city cynic, encountered a mesmerizing blend of tradition and modernity. From flavorful street food to welcoming locals, my brief adventure left me yearning for more. I’ll return, clear-eyed and hungry.
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5 Years Into WordPress! Life As A Blogger
WordPress reminded me it’s almost 5 years since I started blogging. It just put me into a nostalgia of where it all began and how much effort I have put into it. And I want to start with Thanking all of my subscribers who were part of this journey. If I think about it, blogging has become my identity even though I haven’t borne any fruit out of it except for satisfaction. Over the past 5 years, this space has been my comfort zone where I expressed my thoughts and opinions without barricades. I started it without an expectation. I…
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8 Top K-Dramas Starring Jung So-Min
Jung So-Min is a versatile actress known for her diverse K-drama roles, ranging from heartwarming to intense. This guide highlights her must-watch series, showcasing her talent and captivating performances.
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The Passing Breeze and Silent Mountain
There was a time when winter settled in,A mountain stood, untouched by warmth or spring,Content beneath the sky’s indifferent gaze,No need for change, no promise of new days. But then a breeze, soft as a distant hum,Wandered through the valleys, gentle, numb,A fleeting warmth, felt like a whisper through the frost,Not much, but enough to feel and show what had been lost so far. The mountain let the cold begin to melt,Not knowing yet the trick the breeze had dealt…For winds, they never stay, they only pass,Like sunlight flickering on broken glass. Pebbles in a stream, touched once, then left…
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The Colors Of Pattaya: A Travel Story from a First-Time Visitor
Pattaya offers more than nightlife; it features stunning temples, clean streets, and rich experiences. The city represents a blend of culture, adventure, and unique culinary delights.
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Colosseum of Time
I am aliveBreathing, laughing, loving,After years spent in shadowsAs a sick child clinging fear, and fight.Grateful for this fragile heartbeat,For the sunrise I never thought I’d see. I no longer chase the world,Nor care to please its fickle crowd.It’s okay to be oblivious,To stand alone inside truth.Let me be free from the weight of others,Their opinions, their fleeting praise. But still, things often makes me crossThe career, the grind,Responsibility that demand to protect who I love.We inherit no riches, no legacies,Only dreams of distant lands,Where I long to roam but need to earn.In this world, in this culture,The work is…
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How I Planned My First International Trip to Thailand: Pre Trip Essentials
First international trip require meticulous planning, especially as a solo traveler. Read more to understand how to do extensive pre-travel research and how budgeting were crucial for a seamless experience. Essential cultural dos and don’ts were also factored in. Stay tuned for my adventures!
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Taking a Leap: How Thailand Accidentally Became My First International Trip Destination
Taking a transformative trip to Thailand marked a joyous milestone for me, proving that dreams can become reality, even amidst life’s unexpected lows. Stay Tuned For A Series of Blog Post on Thailand!
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Life without computer looks like this…
Your life without a computer: what does it look like? After ages… Finally I am experiencing travel without thoughts occupied by work… ie travelling without my laptop. This is my first international trip… Most importantly, I realised this is how life would feel like without laptop in picture. Guess where…
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A Solivagant’s Shoes September Newsletter
Hey Readers! The September edition of A Solivagant’s Shoes is here, and it’s packed with inspiration, new adventures, and personal discoveries. Plus, check out some app suggestions for travelers to build an experiential itinerary and more! Ready to dive in? Download the Newsletter Now! Don’t forget to subscribe to A Solivagant’s Shoes to get a newsletter every month and share it with your friends who will enjoy reading this!
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Neeman’s Sandals Review: Stylish, Sustainable, and Comfortable Footwear
Neeman’s is a sustainable Indian footwear brand that prioritizes style and eco-friendliness. Their Ethnic Cross Strap Knit Sandals blend comfort, design, and customer satisfaction effectively.
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5 Must-Visit Places Around Tirusulam Airport
Explore the top 5 places to explore around Tirusulam. A transformed perspective on Tirusulam, appreciating its natural beauty, spiritual sites, and local charm despite development challenges.
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The Thousand Suns By Linkin Park – That Came To The World Way Ahead Of It’s Time
A Thousand Suns transcends mere music; it embodies a transformative experience, echoing teenage confusion and rebellion. Linkin Park’s artistry captivates with its emotional depth, while Chester Bennington’s haunting voice remains an eternal reminder of resilience and healing.
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What No One Tells You About Your First Corporate Job: 10 Takeaways
Stepping into the corporate world can be intense. Working smarter, finding support, setting boundaries, and prioritizing health are crucial.
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Food: The Motivation To Look Forward In Life
What are your favorite types of foods? Introduction: My Love-Hate Relationship with Food As a child, I was the kid who despised food in every form. My mom would often get frustrated with my refusal to eat, and some even thought I was being neglected. The reality, though, was quite the opposite—my mom tried her best. It wasn’t until much later that we discovered I had slight health issues that affected my appetite. With the help of Liv 52, my appetite improved, but my relationship with food was far from normal. I remained a picky eater, carefully choosing veggies and…
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10 Top K-Series Starring Jang Nara
Jang Nara, a versatile and talented actress, captivates audiences with her grace and skill in K-drama. From romantic comedies to intense dramas, she excels in every role.
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The Mountain’s Whisper – Poem
He says that Mountain never excites him,But he savors the views as he reaches the mountain’s peak.He always says he never love that Mountain,But he feels his best while exploring its thickest terrain,Amidst the echo of murmuring beasts. He says he never falls in love with that Mountain,But he always returns, drawn by an irresistible pull when loneliness knocks at his door.He says he is never meant to be a mountain person,But he always comes back broken,And leaves like a golden vase, whole again,As if that Mountain is his true home. He says he never loves that Mountain,But he cherishes…
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A Solivagant’s Love For Shoes: Puma Shoes Review
Shoes are our best friend and a powerful companion for travellers. Read about a Solivagant’s Review On Puma Shoes and how this leading brand became in integral part of her journey.
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A Kid with No Soul And Dogs That Were Soulful – Poem
A kid shunned and stoned by peers her age, Her name, a poet’s, who wished a world without outcasting cage.She spoke of kindness, yet was always shunned, But two four-legged angels, her heart they won. In 2007, they met as pups, their destinies intertwined from the start. One dark and beige, with coarse hair tufts. The kindest dog, she grew to be, and the favourite of god indeed… Another a round white fluff, like a polar bear, you see.With one blind eye, she stole her heart. She chose them to give her love so pure, And they returned it threefold,…
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The Face Shop: Review of Top Korean Skin Care Routine Products
The Face Shop, backed by LG, offers a range of K-beauty products. Their top 5 includes sheet masks, aloe vera gel, foaming cleanser, tea tree cleanser, and a 3-step skin kit, all with personal experiences and prices. Bonus lip tints and hand creams.
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Gingee Fort: A Short Trip Through Time and Stones in Tamil Nadu
The Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu is a hidden gem with a rich history and stunning architecture, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Chennai Photo Biennale: A Celebration of Photography in the Heart of Chennai
The Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing and supporting photographic art. Its 4th edition, running from Dec 20, 2024, to Mar 16, 2025, explores the theme “Why Photograph?”.
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Finding Comfort in Solitude: My Healing Journey at Kuuraku Japanese Restaurant
The last thing that excited me was indulging in Japanese delicacies at Kuuraku. Life’s uncertainties weigh on us all, and prioritizing well-being comes with a cost. Loneliness had become a familiar yet unwelcome friend, but by treating myself to a comforting meal, I found solace and learned to love myself. Embrace your strength and self-love—better days await.
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Pointers to Buy the Right Dressing Table (or Vanity): What You Need to Know Before Buying
Finding the right dressing table or vanity is more than just a purchase; it’s about investing in a piece of furniture that meets your needs, complements your style, and offers long-lasting durability. For the past two years, I’ve taken my skincare and haircare routines to a whole next level. What started with a simple aloe moisturizer from Faceshop has evolved into a full-blown collection of sheet masks, hair serums, face serums, nail polish, toners, perfumes and lipsticks. Though I’m not diving deep into color cosmetics, I’m all about setting a solid skincare routine. But here’s the thing—my ever-growing collection of…
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Top 10 Funny K-Dramas That Will Make You Laugh Hard
The reason I became a K-drama fan is ultimately because of one important thing. Which is to make me laugh so hard that I thought I’d die laughing. In this hectic life, people are constantly searching for reasons to laugh, and somehow, it has become a daily or even weekly necessity. Many K-dramas and shows have humor as their foundation, bringing joy to our screens. Yes, horror and violence might be the trend now, but there was an era filled with hilarious series that could turn any bad day into a burst of laughter. Now, here’s a list of 10…
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Pondicherry: A Short Weekend Trip From Chennai
Pondicherry Pondicherry, just the name brings to mind cozy cafes, sun-kissed beaches, and streets lined with bougainvillea. For folks in Chennai, it’s like our backyard, just a few hours away, perfect for a quick escape from the city’s hustle. Whether you’re looking to sip coffee in a quaint French cafe, gobble some dessert, get your tan on at the beach, or just laze around doing nothing to recover at Auroville, Pondy’s got you covered. It’s a destination that works for everyone—from wide-eyed kids to the ‘I need a break from life’ adults(that’s me). My Earlier Visits to Pondicherry Let me…
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The Jade Vine & Bee – A Poem
In emerald depths of tropic’s gleam,A Jade Vine, rare and pure, bloomed in silence. Her claws unfurled, a turquoise hue,Awaiting life, a moment of grace. A bee, attracted to her ethereal light,Drifted closer, a mesmerizing sight. He promised nectar, sweet and deep,As she opened her petals from slumber’s sleep. But his love was fleeting, a summer’s breeze,Leaving her heart adrift on restless seas. For in her heart, a world unknown,She bloomed for him, and him alone. Her emerald tears, a silent plea,For love that was, yet ceased to be. Oh, bee, obsessed with beauty and riches, Chasing his new honeyed…
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Flickering Flame
Raindrops whisper on my windowpane,Each tear echoed my silent pain.Across the street, a candle’s gentle sway,Teasing shadows, secrets in its play. My heart ignites, an unyielding fire,Seeking sparks in your eyes that never tire.But you? A distant star, aloof and free,Lost in desire’s labyrinth, just like me. Is this life’s cruel jest, our fate to burn?Bright flames in emptiness, thoughts yearn.I watch your play from the shadows afar,A silent spectator, guided by a bizarre. The night holds our breath, rain’s soft refrain,Melancholic melody, our sweet pain.Someday, I’ll unravel this mystery,Tending my flickering flame, a testament to me. Defiance in the…
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Ishwaryam Goodness: Embracing Beauty with Nature’s Charm – Review
The Unfolding of Ishwaryam Goodness On a day that celebrated the essence of womanhood(women’s day), I was part of the Singappennae event organised by The Underdogs of Madras team. It was there that I first encountered Ishwaryam Goodness. The brand was born from the shared vision of two college friends turned co-founders. Their story is one of camaraderie and ambition. They craft a line of skincare products that are not just concoctions but a labour of trust and care. From my first meet with their simple yet ambitious setup, I saw their rise. They became a best example of natural…
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Making Myself A Priority Again
Life is a journey with its ebbs and flows. Sometimes, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We feel lost and undervalued. Yes, people are scary and unpredictable. It’s okay to close the doors to your heart after getting yourself pushed to the edge of a cliff. It’s alright. It seems hopeless today. But this is also the sign that life is protecting you. It keeps things and people that are not meant for you away. It’s in these moments that we must remember to rank ourselves, to find our way back to self-love and self-care. It’s not just a way…
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The Quest To Happiness
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness? How to define happiness? We all define happiness differently, don’t we? Not everyone is made happy by the same things or people. For me, happiness feels like warmth and comfort. It’s like resting under the shade of a tree while watching big, fluffy clouds move aimlessly across the sky. Happiness is like breathing without difficulty. It’s the overflowing emotion I see in my dogs’ eyes when they catch sight of me as I return home. Some days, happiness is just a feeling that comes naturally. Happiness is the kind of emotion…
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Sink or Swim: Learning Swimming as an Adult
Picture this: A land-dwelling creature (Me) with lungs that occasionally protest. And then there’s water, the mysterious, liquid abyss that I have never understood, always seeming like it’s waiting to swallow me. Back in 2019, I decided to create a bucket list. List of – things that I wanted to do, things that I thought will give me a reason to look forward to the future, things that drifted me from the thoughts of existential crisis. My list had everything from “Seeing Fireflies” to “Travelling to Barcelona”. But nestled among those wishes was the granddaddy of them all: swimming. Yep,…
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Grandfather
I always want to shut my ears when someone talks about their grandparents, especially their grandfather. Maybe it’s because I don’t have them. That’s what I told myself when I was a kid. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t relate. That’s what I told myself when I was a teenager. Maybe it’s because I couldn’t change the past. That’s what I told myself today. The past me always looked in awe at kids who talked about their grandparents buying them this and that, giving them allowances and hugging them hard, cooking them their favorite dishes, telling them all the random funny…
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To Be Grounded
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? I have always felt like I am losing my grip with life. Even after a life-altering event that seemed to put me on track, I still have a part of me that is not healed. The next six months will be challenging for me, as I try to figure out how to be stable and grounded. I need to learn how to stop depending on others, stop hurting myself, quit anything that drains my energy and motivation, stop giving more than I receive and stop getting hurt…
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Top K-Dramas Starring Ji Sung
Ji Sung has always been my very first favourite Korean Actor in the world of K-drama. He was the first Korean actor who let me know that the Korean entertainment industry withholds actors who are veterans and actors who are extremely talented. My first encounter with Ji Sung was in Kill Me Heal Me (2015). Jaw-dropping performance. I still remember how much I laughed watching it. And that was the beginning of my craze for Ji Sung’s works. Plus he is so handsome and the way his eyes smile… that’s worth watching his shows more than twice. As an actor,…
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Being Weak: Personal Reflection
Weakness is a word that we often associate with our inabilities, negativity, shame, or failure. We tend to avoid it, hide it, or deny it. But what if we could see weakness differently? Weakness has two sides: physical and emotional. I experienced the extremes of both. Physical Weakness The first time I felt physically weak was when I was diagnosed with a health condition that affected my muscles, nerves and bones. I had to undergo several diagnostics, and treatments, and I spent months in the hospital and at home, unable to do the things… Things which I thought were not…
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The Crux Of Time (Poem)
The crux of time, the bleak disaster!When everything is weighed on a broken scaleOne always gives more than the other,While the other grows cold and frail…The scale has never been in equilibrium.The low tide hits hard, a harsh reminderOf how the sea can ebb and flow.One always waits for the other’s returnWhile the other seeks new shores to know.The light that shines only in the darkA faint and flickering star;One always hopes for the other’s sparkWhile the other drifts too far…That’s the timeline of starsLongest in your eyes… The shortest in the space…The crux of time, the bleak disasterWhen your emotions…
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Van Gogh Art – An Enchanting Experience In Namma Chennai
Art Experiences are quite minimal in a city like ours, we hardly have an event to immerse ourselves in and break free from suffocating side of our adulthood. Letting ourselves all out and sinking into experiences has become a luxury. In the eyes of the world, if we go out and experience something new, it’s more of a luxury. And we can’t blame it, we let the society to think that way. Isn’t it too much? – I asked myself when my friend told me about this immersive art exhibition. The immersive art exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s work which…
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For Some, Experiencing Life Close To Death Teaches Self Worth
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life? We are the sum of all the people we met since our birth, all the things we have seen, all the food we ate, all the books we read and most importantly all the experiences we had. Feeling Out of Place: How I Struggled With Fitting In From my childhood, despite having parents and siblings who loved me I found myself not fit in this world. I have allowed people to define who I am most of the time but I am always unclear what…
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Solo Trip To Poomparai, Kodaikanal
There is this thought that was running in my head during the entire November – “2024 is almost here, and I feel like I haven’t gotten the most out of 2023 yet.” When I say I didn’t get most it’s not related to my accomplishment in terms of my career. It has always been an experience. It has always been how much unfathomable beauty of earth I have encountered, how much art I have witnessed, how many people I have met, and how many people’s lives I have touched. That is when I decided to go somewhere… Somewhere alone, somewhere…
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When love for pets ends up paving way for new career!
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes it makes you wonder if it is already planned by someone. Since I was a kid, I have always doubted that some crazy person scripting my life. As a brand officer of a pet care brand, my education or qualification doesn’t make any sense, so is my childhood dream. I never had control over my life for the past 26 years. What could I expect?! I have always wanted to write a book based on all the craziest things that happened to me. I am pretty sure that it sells like a cake.…
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Escapade to Ramnad & Rameshwaram
Life is unpredictable, like that annoying kid in your neighbourhood who always throws something at you when you least expect it. For me, every month and every day brings a new challenge. Some people say that whatever happens to you is your own doing, but I don’t agree with that. Our life is influenced by both internal and external factors. Sometimes, the decisions of others can affect us in ways we don’t even realize. That’s what happened to me when my colleague quit her job, leaving me alone in a group of three. That’s when I decided to take a…
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