Entertainment

Befikre: Deplorable and Forgettable Cinema

12:54:00



WARNING: this review contains BRUTAL honesty and might contain some spoilers (not that this movie can be spoilt any further).


Befikre’s trailers and pre-release promotion and hype had already set the bar very low for me to expect anything from it. From the unnecessary adult content to Vaani Kapoor’s horrible French, I went into the cinema hall with zero expectations. And STILL, this movie managed to disappoint me. Now before I begin, yes, I have seen worse attempts of cinema, for sure. But the fact that this was a Yash Raj Films production just added to my misery.

Humour

How to Live the Desi Life like a BOSS!

02:50:00

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Growing up in a ‘desi’ household can be the most stressful yet entertaining part of one’s life. From multiple societal constraints (western clothes=instant downgrading of your character) to being in a constant (unrealistic) competition with far off relatives that you may have never even seen in your life (your GCE grades being compared to your phupo’s nand’s dewar’s wife’s cousin’s daughter’s MBBS grades…. what?!?). Every family will have their own sets of rules but there are multiple idiosyncrasies that are common to all; the following happen to be my favourite: 

Humour

7 Reasons Why We Love Miss Meera Jee!

03:54:00





Yes, you heard me right- this one is dedicated to the infamous Meera, a known celebrity in every desi household:  the actress never fails to amuse us with her manifold antics. My fascination with Meera began a century ago (or so it feels). And here are some of the reasons why she continues to be everyone's favourite:

Entertainment

My Take on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

07:51:00

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All Bolly-fans were going gaga waiting for this one and unfortunately it came with a lot of mixed reviews. To be honest, I'm a major bollywood romance fan but I was not intrigued by ADHM's trailer; I still went... for Fawad Khan and Ranbir of course! *all that eye candy*

Books

My All-Time Favourite Children's Books

15:11:00




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I have been a reader since the age of 7. By 9, I had compiled a collection of short stories with illustrations that I planned to publish whenever I would get the chance. Basically, I was fascinated with the written word and getting lost in an imaginary world has been my haven since my childhood. I may not read as much as a lot of my fellow bibliophiles around the globe but I not only understand the importance of an early onset of the reading craze, I highly advocate it everywhere I go, especially to new parents.  In the day and age of everything digital, I get asked this question by many concerned parents: "Which books should I get my child that would make him/her want to read?"

Beauty

My Soap & Glory Haul

07:13:00






Last week, I went to Ibn-e-Battuta Mall in Dubai just to kill some time while my cousin attended her university classes. I have to mention how I absolutely LOVE this mall because of its interiors. The mall is segmented into various ‘courts’, each representing a different country (I have half a heart to write a detailed post about it!). Anyhow, while casually strolling around, I stumbled upon a Boots outlet in the Egypt Court. Now, Boots, in UAE atleast, is home to some amazing offers on and off, which is why I love checking it out whenever I can.

Lifestyle

Tried and Tested De-stress Activities

11:29:00


Anyone who knows me, knows already that I am a VERY stressed and anxious person. It’s just in my nature to worry too much about the future and the past. In doing so, I often forget to pay attention to the present.  I make conscious efforts to not let stress get the best of me, sometimes all in vain.  And I am pretty sure I am that many of you will have a similar condition. Stress isn’t something one can get rid of magically to be honest. I do believe, however, that it can be curtailed to quite an extent. I have seen myself grow out of being a total nervous wreck to a relatively calmer (all emphasis on relatively) person and I thought I’d share my secret.

Books

Book Review: The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard

08:20:00




Before I begin, I must say that having access to your laptop after one whole week feels like a unique kind of blessing! Since I am mostly free nowadays, I have been doing extended ‘sleepovers’ with the cousins and that is why my poor blog ends up suffering.

Coming back to today’s post, I was recommended this one by my cousin; it is actually a part of his literature course at school. “The Road to Mecca” is a script of a small play written by South African playwright Athol Fugard and has nothing to do with Mecca or Islam. 
  

Humour

6 Grammar Mistakes that Make Me Cringe

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Before people shun me off for being too petty and judging others for their grammatical mistakes, let me clarify one thing. This is my PERSONAL opinion. It is something that upsets me, a pet peeve, just like someone who cannot stand messy work stations or someone chattering during a movie. SO read on ONLY if you are ready to welcome the Grammar Nazi version of me!

Entertainment

6 Binge Worthy TV Series that I Could Watch Over and Over

09:16:00



For me, watching TV shows trumps watching movies. I like building up an attachment with the main characters and of course it leaves me devastated (melodramatic much?) once the show ends. Sniff. To be honest, it’s a little difficult to keep up with the shows when you’re working full time. BUT. When you’re on holidays… Hallelujah!! I think I have made it in time for people to catch at least one of the shows I’ve listed below during the Eid holidays and if not then the winter holidays coming very very soon (only three months away, no big deal)! Alright so the following are my all-time favourite family drama (I am a BIG sucker for those), romance and comedy TV shows that I honestly could watch over and over again! And I’m sure that most people must have seen these, but those who haven’t, please get your hands on them ASAP!

Food

Pizza Mac & Cheese

09:07:00


I am a serious foodie but not really much of a chef. I am pretty good at it *modesty alert* mind you, but I am not fond of it. Many would criticize this statement. Cooking must come naturally to women in our society and if it doesn't all hell breaks loose. Yes girls, if you don't know how to cook, you may NEVER find a suitor for yourself *dramatic music plays in the background* . 

Books

Five must-read books that are not too mainstream (yet)!

12:56:00


Like the title suggests, this post is about five of my all-time favourite books that are actually not very popular (I don’t understand why though!!). These five are books that instantly clicked; once I started reading, I could not stop. If you’re looking for something light yet meaningful, the below mentioned should do the trick! Here goes:

Books

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- The Eighth Story?

11:25:00

So it took me some time (and courage) to pick this book up and read it. Why? I was reallllly looking forward to it and then a lot of people said its not the same at all, and a lot said its worth it.. I was basically scared of ruining the perfect Harry Potter ending.. And well.. To be honest, I have mixed emotions towards this book.. before I can share my opinion.. let me briefly write what this book is about.. NO SPOILERS I promise :) 


Brief Summary: 

The story picks off nineteen years after Voldemort's defeat; Harry works in the Ministry of Magic and has three children with Ginny: James Sirius, Albus Severus and Lily Luna (The names get slightly confusing at some points in the book, at least I felt that way!). The story primarily revolves around Harry's middle child, Albus; we get to relive the entire newbie Hogwarts journey beginning from our very own Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station on to the Hogwarts Express and yes the infamous Sorting Hat makes an appearance. 
Albus instantly befriends Scorpius Malfoy, son of Draco Malfoy, and this friendship doesn't get the approval of many. Let's not forget Ron and Hermione have two children: Rose and Hugo Granger-Weasley but they don't play very central characters in the entire story. 

Entertainment

The Purpose behind the Gallivanting!

14:13:00

Hello and welcome to all!
For those who know me, well, you know me. And those who don't, I am initiating this blog, coincidentally on the auspicious occasion of my birthday (YAY), in synchrony with my Instagram account which goes by the same title, i.e @thewhimsicalgallivanter.

 The purpose you ask? Well, I wish to document the little things in life (like every other blogger :P) and the idea is to write my opinions/reviews etc on:
  1. BOOKS
  2. Restaurants/Recipes  
  3. Other entertainment type thingies (attractions, movies etc)
  4. Travelling type reviews (which I hope will be A LOT)
  5.  Miscellaneous rants  (my favourite pastime) 
So follow my blog if you're interested in some light reading! I dedicate this effort to my mom (she's up in the heavens and i already write to her about the serious stuff, which you can access at letterstomymotherinjannah.blogspot.ae), my FRIENDS (I miss you guys :C) and my family! I would REALLY be obliged if you would leave your comments or suggestions either in the comments here or DM me on Instagram :D I look forward to this journeyyyyy!! :D 

Till further creativity kicks in, 

Au Revoir! 

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