3 Simple Steps to Declutter Your Closet

Needless to say I am a shopaholic. I have accumulated so much stuff over years. I never realized how much I had until I had to move recently. Packing and unpacking was a big task. So I decided to sort through my stuff as I was unpacking in my new apartment. It was hard to begin with. The decluttering journey was painful.  But gradually I was ok with letting things go. I know I have a long way to go still. But I am proud that I made huge progress. I was able to donate numerous boxes of stuff to a nearby goodwill store. I actually felt better about this whole process in the end.

The hardest phase was when I had to part with clothes.  Yes I am emotionally attached to my clothes. Also all the clothes were expensive, good brands and  rarely worn. The ones I had worn were also well maintained making it harder to let go. As I started sorting clothes I was astonished by the amount of clothes I had bought . But in the end my closet looked so much spacious and well organized.

So here are three simple steps I came up with  to declutter a closet -

1. Step by step approach

I first decided to get all my clothes out of my closet. But there was no way I could go through every piece of clothing in a day. I  had way too many clothes. So I started to scan one part of my closet and then another and then another. It took me few hours a day on consecutive days. But I was able to accomplish my goal in the end. Also it was not too tiring.  I was able to fill the donation bags slowly and steadily, one at a time. As I made progress I realized donation bags were being filled faster.

2. The 3 Box method

I had set up various bins that had following labels-
    "must keep"
                        "toss"
                                  "never worn"
In the end I realized I had almost the same amount of clothes in toss and never worn. I had a made a conscious decision to not have  a bin labelled - "may be". I knew I would never be able to sort through that  " may be " set of clothes later. So I decided to go with either "keep " or "toss ". It was very hard initially to put anything in the "toss" bin. But I had made up my mind.  In the end I sorted size wise through the "never worn" section. I actually now have new set of clothes to wear which I did not know even existed in my closet. Also I have some brand new clothes that I can use to give gifts and thereby save some money. And finally I feel good about donating brand new clothes. And through all this my mom was there who encouraged and helped me tremendously.

3. Act Quickly

I had a hard time sleeping the first night after I started this process. I kept thinking all night long about the "toss " bin. I was tempted to sort it again and transfer some clothes to "must keep".  I did grab one piece too. But then I stopped myself.  I was cheating. I was not staying true to my myself and my motive. So I decided to put it back in the "toss " bin. And with that experience I drove to the donation store that very day. I dropped off the bags full of clothes. I felt happy. I think getting rid of the donations the very next day helped me tremendously to overcome the temptation of holding on to stuff.

 These 3 strategies helped me remove unneeded clothes.  I challenged myself to get rid of as much as I can.  I was able to see my closet in a new light. There was a  fresh breath after the clutter was gone. I learnt so much from this experience.

I hope these 3 steps will help you declutter. But no matter how you decide to start this process it needs motivation, efforts and time. Trust me! nothing happens magically.  You have to take the leap.

Make a STATEMENT with a NECKLACE

We all have some outfits which we tend to wear often. A particular dress for a cocktail party. A suit for job interview. We tend to wear these outfits again and again when these right occasions pop up. But I get bored of wearing the same outfit. And when that happens I do not buy a new outfit always ( seldom I do - being honest ). Instead  I end up adding an accessory . Instantly there is a whole new look.

A statement necklace creates that drastic transformation. Just the perfect finishing touch to my outfit. I think statement necklaces make such a lasting impression. They speak so much about you. They portray confidence and boost self esteem. These necklaces add sparkle to any outfit instantly. If I had to pick one accessory , I would go for a statement necklace without a doubt. Statement necklaces are so in fashion right now. I think they are a must have. Check my previous blog post here.

Statement necklaces come in all colors, sizes, shapes, lengths and designs. The options are endless. The ones in unusual patterns and materials are certainly an eye catcher. The best part is they are available at affordable prices. I don't have to spend the big bucks to look stylish. I can achieve maximum impact by spending minimum money (win win situation ). I think it is almost impossible to go unnoticed  if you are wearing one of these necklaces. No wonder someone aptly named them  STATEMENT necklaces .

A statement necklace is such a versatile accessory. I am sharing some ideas to wear a statement necklace-

1.Getting ready for work? You can wear it around your dress shirt collar. 

2.Too flashy you think ? You may wear it peeping out under the collar for that understated interest . 

3.Going out on a date? Wear the necklace and you will be a head turner. 

4. Its winter time and you are wearing a polo neck sweater ? Add a playful twist to the classic sweater using a statement necklace. 

5. For a cohesive look tie in colors from a printed skirt/trousers with the necklace. Keep the top/blouse plain to show off your necklace. 

A statement necklace is just the perfect accessory to add  "pop of color" . It will  instantly brighten up any outfit . For work or for weekend, you can never go wrong with a statement necklace. 

Here is a picture of a shop literally flooded with statement necklaces. So would you wear a statement necklace ? Are you ready to go from boring to bold  - instantly ?

My Hospital Gift Shop Experience

My training and profession imply that I am in the hospital numerous hours a day. While in residency I walked through and across the whole hospital, visiting different floors. I took care of patients admitted in various units. Sometimes I had to run to the other end of the hospital in need of some caffeine ( to visit Starbucks ). I passed by the hospital gift shop numerous times but never visited the store.

Years ago I was shocked  when I spotted a gift shop in a hospital for the first time. I had a hard time seeing the necessity of having a gift shop in a hospital. But after my niece was born, the gift shop suddenly seemed a perfect idea. We were able to buy balloons as soon as she was born. We also had some visitors who brought flowers from the shop as they visited my newborn niece. And now years later I have completely embraced the idea of having a gift store in a hospital. These stores usually have everything. May be the selection is limited but they have everything. And by everything I mean balloons and cards, fresh flowers and pottery, candies and chocolates, books and magazines, stuffed animals and baby clothes. An exhausting list indeed.

Recently on my away rotation I finally visited the hospital gift shop. I had reached work 15 minutes before time. I never run late ( don't judge me !) but I never arrive before the scheduled time either. To conclude  I am always on time!  So to utilize those 15 minutes wisely I decided to visit the hospital gift shop before my shift began. As I glanced through the shop this is what caught my eye.

How aptly a simple mug was able to convey how I felt. I thought it was more than coincidence. I decided to buy it.  But as I made up my mind to purchase the mug I spotted this one ( below ) on the other side of the display pillar.

Now I was so confused. But this yellow smiley mug brought an instant cheer. It made me smile. It served as a boost to uplift my mood. I was suddenly better. I felt energetic. So I decided to buy the yellow mug instead of the green one. 

But when I walked to the register there were three people in line for checkout. I had only couple of minutes left before the shift started. Since I didn't want to be late I decided to not buy the mug . As I left the shop I was actually happy. My spirits were elevated and I had saved some bucks by skipping a purchase. Not a single penny spent but so much gained.   A win win situation for me indeed ! 

Fear of Being Judged and 3 Ways to Overcome it

We all fear about being judged at some point in our lives. Don't we? I sure do.

I also am aware that sometimes I do form opinions about others too suddenly. Without knowing a person and all the real facts I judge people too. I realize that people will be judgemental. I have no control over that. 

But I find it hard to get over it. I wish I could live in a world where we should not justify ourselves. I don't mind being honest about myself and voicing what I feel. But I think no one should judge me for that. In fact people should respect my opinions/thoughts.

This is however too good to be true. All of this is too realistic, idealistic. 

I started thinking as to how to overcome all this. So I came up with these three mental exercises. I will try to practice these three things gradually and daily.

1. Believe in yourself

I want to be strong mentally and have complete faith in myself. I have decided to never doubt myself and my abilities. But having said that I will be open to constructive criticism. 

2. Maintain positive energy

I plan to consciously avoid negative thoughts. I easily keep playing the same scenario in my mind again and again. That disturbs me and makes me angry. This negative energy affects not only me but also people around me. Hence maintaining a positive attitude will help nourish a good environment in my mind and around me. 

3. Forgive others

Despite of all the above there will be people who will question my integrity, directly or indirectly. Through actions or words people with limited vision will disapprove sometimes. But to be kind, forgive others and see above all this is the ultimate goal.

Life as a Teacher - 3 lessons learnt

I was reflecting on my past three years of  residency training. I was thinking of the tough times I went through. There were varying degrees of hardships and experiences ranging from sudden death of a co-worker, loss of loved ones to unexpected health problems .

These experiences were life changing. At times I was fragile but then learnt to stand strong and emerged as a confident person. I grew stronger personally and developed a  deep respect for life. I learnt to be mindful and developed gratitude.

Today I want to share some lessons that I learnt along the way -

1. Take a step back

At times you feel it is the end of the world. It is easy to think that way. But once you step back and give it sometime things becomes less hazy. May be you won't find the solution immediately but you start seeing hope.

2. Let it go

I am a person who liked to keep things in control. The things that I did not have a control over made me nervous and anxious. But I have realized that letting it go makes life so simple and easy. Sometimes we tend to complicate a situation when letting it go actually resolves it on its own.
( I am sure you all have heard the song" Let it go, let it go " from the movie Frozen )

3. Ask for help

I always try to be a superwoman. I am tough and strive to be tougher. There is nothing wrong in it. But  people called "friends" exist for a reason. Friends are always just a phone call away. Yes! Even if they live across the globe in another continent( Asia in my case ).The web of friendship that you have built over years will never let you down. Sometimes opening up about a problem to your beloved ones gives you the strength.

                                       
                                 " Life isn't waiting for the storm to pass,
                                    it's about learning to dance in the rain " - Vivian Greene

Bye Bye Macon

It is always hard to say good bye. Today as I leave you Macon I take a bit of you with me, in me. You have been my home during my residency, my karma bhoomi. I have lived here for 3 years. The city where I lived the longest during my stay in USA so far.

Thank you Macon for accepting me to the Med center as a resident

Thank you for making me strong and confident as I lived by myself

Thank you for my beautiful home( in the woods as I like to say) that was so comforting after those exhausting long hours at work

Thank you for Tobesofkee lake where I enjoyed some post call days 

Thank you for green beans, fried okras  and of course the blueberry cobbler  

Thank you for the warm Southern hospitality that I experienced living here

Thank you for being big enough for my needs but still with the small town feel

Thank you for everything

I will miss Y'all, like real

I ain't lying Y'all

        City life is millions of people being lonesome together- Henry David Thoreau

Journey in Medicine

After all these years "that day " has arrived. Graduation day -- end of my current training period. The day that I was looking forward to so eagerly and so desperately. It feels surreal. Yes I have achieved my dream. I always wanted to be a physician, since I was kid. I still remember the day when my grandmother gave a doctor play set as a birthday gift. 

I do not want to sound pompous. But as I look back I remember all the years of hard work and dedication. I know what "burning the midnight oil" means. I remember the sleepless nights before the exams and the relaxation after they were done. I remember the anxiety before the day of results and the excitement after moving on to the next year of medical school. I remember living in the dorms, away from my family. And I remember the last day of medical school, the good byes with a heavy heart.

Since I started medical school I felt I was climbing a mountain. I believed reaching the top of the mountain was my goal. Today I feel something different. I realize that the real goal is to survive at the top. A new journey  begins when I step into the "real world ".

During my encounters with patients I have learnt so much from my patients. I have grown not only as a doctor but matured as a human being. Patients and families have seen me through my learning years, stood by me and had faith in me. I have laughed with my patients and giggled with them. I have smiled with them and cried with them. My friends and co workers have seen me in the best moments of my life. They have also seen me struggle through some tough times. They have seen me healthy and fit, weak and sick. They have seen it all.

Hundreds and thousands of doctors have been on this path before. Thousands will be on this path in the future. It is not static. It is an ongoing journey. The same journey but different people, different paths, different experiences. But somehow woven together in the field of medicine.

Today I Thank God and my family and friends, my teachers and co workers for being so supportive and helping me achieve my dream. Completing my current training successfully makes me feel like a free bird. But a free bird who has new horizons to explore and soar higher and higher.

Class of 2014

3 Street foods in one day - everyday ! Turkey part 4

This post is a part of a series of posts where I share my experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey.


Exploring and wandering the streets of Istanbul became a daily routine for me. There was always so much going on around me. However I never felt lost in this city. Sometimes I just sat on a park bench or at a restaurant . I just observed the locals and tourists ,cars and  vendors around me. I tried to soak in the chaotic surroundings. The bustling city grew on me every single day. Apart from the history buff one thing that was remarkable was the street food. My observations led me to the conclusion that street food is a big part of the way of life here. It has its very own special place in Istanbul.

In a nutshell here are my top picks of street foods that I indulged in on a daily basis while in Istanbul - 

Kestane 

It was interesting to see the bright red carts everywhere on the streets. Curious I asked in English-- ''what is that ? " The answer was hand gesture stating no English. The cost was 5 lira for 100 grams displayed on a card in the cart. I decided to give it a try. It was the roasted chestnuts or ''KESTANE '' in Turkish. It is a popular snack especially on cold days. The weather while I was in Istanbul for just perfect for a handful of roasted chestnuts. I ate Kestane numerous times a day. The nuts are roasted on wood fire and this gives them a distinct taste. It was hard to resist the temptation especially when you passed a cart.

Handful Kestane

Misir 

There is no better street food than corn while walking along the Bosphorus. The corn is served either grilled/roasted or boiled. And of course with a dash of or even plenty of salt if you like.( P.S.  It reminded me of those college days with my friends at Rankala lake in my hometown. )

Me enjoying the corn

Salep

I had already heard about Salep prior to my trip. So when I saw a cart selling Salep I immediately ordered one. My first taste of the popular wintertime drink and it was the best. A generous dusting of cinnamon on top did not mask the taste of the drink itself. ( P.S. I did not ditch the Turkish tea even though I enjoyed the Salep )

Salep

So while in Istanbul the streets and narrower lanes, especially in the Sultan Ahmet area are worth exploring. You don't need to research online or check trip advisor reviews...the aroma will guide your way !

Tea Lovers Paradise- Turkey Part 3

This post is a part of a series of posts where I share my experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey.

What was offered as a conversation starter, more so as a welcome gesture at the hotel on arrival ended up being an addiction for me. Well you have heard about my love for tea here and here. But the ''Turkish Tea" was a whole different experience - a savory one indeed.

Turkish tea is served normally without milk. It is black tea, may be because it is cultivated on the Black sea coast??? I had this tea at so many different places during my stay in Istanbul. The taste was different every time. I was amazed by the varied taste of the same tea. As much as the taste is interesting the way the tea is brewed and served is unique too. It is served in a beautiful tulip shaped glass container with a saucer and a small spoon.  Sugar is always served on the side as cubes. And lastly it is made in a special two stacked kettle called "caydanlik." All in all a very particular way of brewing and serving tea.

Check out my pictures enjoying the tea.

10 Turkish words I learnt during my trip

This post is a part of a series of posts where I share my experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey.

giris- entrance

cikis- exit

girilmez- no entry

bay- male

bayyan- female

saray- palace

camii- mosque

fistikli- pistachio

cevizli- walnuts

su- water

Istanbul, Turkey Part 1

I will share my wonderful experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey in a series of posts.

I am back from my trip to Istanbul. I am tired and jet lagged. I have to be at work everyday for next 15 days. But the trip and the whole experience is worth all of this. This is one of the best trips I have been on so far. I wish my trip was longer.

This city is so much fun. The sheer magnitude of history that has taken place here is just beyond imagination. There are so many historic sites to visit, all over the city. Beautiful mosques, huge palaces and impressive architecture. I enjoyed the magnificent views of these places as I savored delicious food . I indulged in drinking the Turkish Tea every day , multiple times a day. I sort of binged on the Turkish delights and desserts even though I prefer spicy food over sweets ( hence the chubby cheeks ). And is it necessary to mention that I took full advantage of the immense shopping opportunities at Grand Bazaar and Spice bazaar.

The hustle and bustle, tourists and locals, shop owners and street vendors all made my trip a memorable experience. Definitely a must place to visit I say !

Concrete Words - My iPhone Dilemma

This post is part of a series where I choose and write about a particular "Concrete Word "

Concrete words are terms that identify things and events that can be measured and observed. Concrete words are tangible in some way. So I decided to write about such "concrete words ".

I came across the concept " concrete words" on the Internet. So I decided to choose a concrete word and write about it. I was excited about this but then could not decide on one particular concrete word. The door, the staircase, the car, the parking lot. Nothing appealed to me. I pondered over it for days but nothing seemed to inspire me for a blog post. And then suddenly I found one . It was sitting right in front of me,staring at me. It is always with me. It is in my purse, in my white coat pocket, in the car. It is besides me always when I sleep. Sounds like a riddle?  The answer is my iPhone.

My iPhone is certainly a huge part of my daily life. As I mentioned above it is just inseparable. But then I thought ...well I always complain about being technologically illiterate or may be being a 1st grader in that sense( no more a secret I guess ). Do I really need an iPhone?

In iPhone's defense I can check emails instantly which is so convenient. I can quickly glance at social media updates like Facebook statuses and twitter posts. I can chat with friends on what's app anytime I want. I certainly can use google maps for directions. At work I can check medicine dosages, drug interactions and pill pictures on apps. Many times I use the fancy calculator apps ( eg. osmolality or midparental height). I have numerous different apps to help me stay  fit, track my calories and log my exercise . I can google anything I want. I can take pictures and share them instantly with friends .The iPhone helps me wake up in the morning to whatever tune I like( or dislike ) and get going to start a new day. I can make numerous to do lists and edit them constantly. Last and most important I can text and call my husband and my family back home in India.  So all in all an exhausting list of most important, some not so important things in life that I use my iPhone for. 

However when I think of my pre- iPhone era which is not too long ago( 2 years to be precise ) I was doing all of the above back then. I used a GPS while driving around. I never had any trouble reaching the destinations that I went to. I had two cameras both of which took excellent pictures. I used a pediatric handbook to help me with my basics. I used desktops at work to access Uptodate, Lexicomp  and Epocrates. I did and still do own a laptop . I did and can use it for all the above listed things.

But my candy bar and flip phones( not so smart phones ? ) gave me much more than just sending texts and talking to people. I always had some ME time. As I would wait in line at Starbucks for an order I used to enjoy the wait. I use to love the aroma of fresh coffee beans being crushed. I was mindful of the efforts the barista put into making that perfect chai tea latte to my taste as I savored my chai . Now I just sip it without noticing any of the above. Why? Because I am busy checking facebook updates and twitter feeds. At home when I sat across the table for a Friday night dinner with my husband I loved his company. I felt his presence. We used to initiate a random conversation, laugh and giggle or fight and argue over a topic. Now we both are physically present at the dinner table . But we are engrossed in checking social media updates on iPhone. Ironically we are interested in what our friends are doing right now in different parts of the world while we hardly acknowledge the person sitting next to us. On weekends when we went on road trips I loved looking at the beautiful nature peeking out the car window and even feel the fresh air kissing my cheeks. With an iPhone now on our road trips I am bound to google outfit ideas. I don't realize that this should have( and can be ) done prior to our trip or later for another trip.

So why do I need an iPhone? Is it a fad? Is it peer pressure ? Is it that I don't want to be the only one at work without a smart phone ? Is it embracing the changing world and scientific advancements? Is it convenience and saving time ? The answer is YES to every single question listed above. But I believe that the most important question to be asked  is - can I still do all that I do without an iPhone?  The answer is indeed YES to this question too.

But let me be honest with you. At this point it is hard for me to let go of my iPhone entirely. I find it just impossible to switch back to a candy bar/flip phone.There might be somebody who can but I personally am not ready to make that change. However I can make a conscious decision. I am going to be mindful of the moment. Being obsessed with and addicted to iPhone I am loosing on these precious experiences. Experiences which once meant so much to me. These experiences which will create good memories for a lifetime looking back at which will make me smile. Years later I will remember the breath taking views on our drive up to the mountains. I will remember the picturesque fall colors. I will not remember that twitter feed from our trip to Smokey mountains. None of  the hundreds of facebook statuses I looked at sitting in the log cabin will mean anything. I will cherish the quality time spent with my husband. I will remember our dinner dates that made us feel like newly weds so much in love. I will admire the smile on his face and his witty remarks during our conversation that I fell for. The moments and experiences which are so magical and precious, rejuvenating and refreshing.

So it is up to me to make a choice. I can choose to be dumb by using the smart phone or I can be smarter and not let the Iphone ruin MY life. 

So Maxed Out

I was at the mall over the weekend (surprised?). As I made sure I visited each and every store on my list the beautiful window displays caught my attention. There was tons of new merchandise in different styles and vibrant colors, neatly showcased. However I noticed one thing in common in all the clothing store displays. All( all I visited aka all the mall had) stores included a maxi dress in the window display. Below are some of the pictures I took at the mall. What else in your wardrobe can translate into spring/summer than a maxi dress? 

Maxi dresses come in various styles. There is so much to love about a maxi dress.They can be sleeveless or with sleeves. Sleeves of various lengths like cap sleeves, elbow sleeves or even flutter sleeves look equally good. A maxi dress with halter neck or an off shoulder one is perfect for a chic look. A strapless maxi dress will make you look not only stunning but also very stylish. Maxi dresses have a flattering silhouette for all body types. They make petites look taller(now you know why I like them so much ). 

Stores currently are full of maxi dresses in various prints and patterns- bright colors, floral prints, stripes and color blocking. You name it and the stores have it. How can you ever go wrong with a maxi dress in floral print, even if it is for a lunch date with your gal pals or a trip to the grocery store. Wearing a maxi dress to a beach wedding seems very appropriate to me. Choose tropical blue and green ,colors to go with the ocean hues and you will never go wrong. A crochet or lace maxi dress is great for an outdoor wedding. It makes you look sophisticated yet comfortable. (you may even outshine the bride-no intention of doing so though). Speaking of beach and maxi dress - grab an over sized canvas tote, sunglasses, flip flops and you are ready to walk along the tide, enjoying the light and flowy feeling that your dress creates, perfectly in tune with the ocean waves.

Wearing a maxi dress makes me feel like a Bohemian queen. What are your ideas about a maxi dress? How would you wear it?

dont forget to check more styles at Chicos

be sure to visit Gap stores

My Starbucks War

Most of us at work walk into the hospital with coffee in our hands. I said MOST. I tend to have either Starbucks chai tea latte or homemade Indian style tea ( in a Starbucks coffee mug ). Apparently few people at work have noticed it. One of them said '' You always have Starbucks when you come to work. Starbucks is so overrated.'' In my defence I immediately replied ''Starbucks may be over priced but it is not overrated, not at all "

The discussion ended there. We got back to work. I am a Starbucks fan and that conversation lingered in my mind. It made me uncomfortable. So I asked myself a question ''Why do I go to Starbucks ?''

Here are the answers I came up with-

1. Caffeine helps me to wake up (no brainer ).So I need a morning dose of caffeine to start my day well.

2. Starbucks coffee shop is on my way to work. I do not have to take detours. Convenience is very important in life ( it matters a lot when you are an intern/resident )

3. Starbucks shops are omnipresent. They are easy to access and drive through makes your life so much better.

4. There is consistency as far as taste is concerned( my personal experience with smaller local coffee shops has been exactly the opposite )

5. Lastly knowing there are people(other than me ) who are at work so early makes me feel good. I am being honest and I admit I feel this way. (P.S. I am not mean ). Being a resident I am at work early, as early as 5.30 am at times. ( exception to this schedule is called elective rotation ).


Starbucks has never failed to cheer me. And I must say I love Starbucks even though they spell my name wrong . (Just in case you are  thinking I own stocks in Starbucks let me tell you that I don't ).

Trend is your friend

I like to stay trendy. Who doesn't ? I try every now and then (as time and budget permit ) to incorporate some trendy,  fun pieces into my wardrobe . Having said that I also like to be creative and use the existing clothing items in my closet . There is nothing wrong with it either. It is a good habit to save money. So I decided to go through my wardrobe and see what I have. Let me be honest here.  I admit it was part of my spring closet cleaning but was more like a treasure hunt in the end . I discovered some treasure ( read clothing items)  I had all forgotten about . Later that day I browsed online my favorite stores ( equals how you can waste time every single day ). After all this fun filled home work  (read  hard work)  I came up with the following list. It indeed was a task to narrow down and come up with a  list. You know its not easy when you have tons of great options out there.



SHOES
There are many shoe styles in the market but not all work for me. As mentioned in one of my previous posts , comfort is the deciding factor when I buy shoes . I will only invest in a pair of shoes when I know I can walk a mile in them with no problem whatsoever. I may not have to walk a mile but just in case I have to , I know shoes will not hold me back . ( P.S. you probably know by now that  "just in case " are my 3 favorite words ) I had to mention this just in case you had not realized this .Wait! Did I say it again ?

5 shoes for spring -

1. Ankle Strap heels 

2. Wedges

3. Boat shoes 

4. Espadrilles 

5. Flip flops

BAGS
Women always need a new bag, either big or small. There is a bag out there for every single one of you, for every single reason you need. Choose from vibrant colors,  structured or oversized bags to give you the edgy chic look this spring . 

5 bags for spring - 

1 .Cross body bag

2. Clutch

3. Cotton quilted bags 

4. Beach bag 

5. Satchel

NECKLACES

A right necklace can help draw attention to the neck . It also helps to enhance the neckline of  the outfit and make it prominent. A necklace or any accessory for that matter can make or break the outfit. 

5 necklaces for spring -

1. Bubble necklace 

2. Bib style necklace 

3. Fringe necklace

4. Chunky necklace with big beads

5. Long chain with pendants

So this is my short list of spring shopping essentials . How big is your list? What are your must have items for spring ?

A Perfect Post Call Day

No one likes to be on call. I mean we HAVE TO  take calls and there is no other option.  There are so many things that can go wrong on a call day. It can range anywhere from loosing your sign out sheet soon after sign out to a patient worsening just before shift change. You name it and I have had it all. However there is only one thing that can be right on a call day...no admissions, none at all ( dream big they say ). This never happens ,at least on my call days. (P.S. they call me am a black cloud when I am on call)

Anyways when on call I look forward to the post call day. All I care about post call is to go home and sleep, sleep and sleep.  My growling stomach is the only possible factor to wake me up. On a post call day I am immune to alarms, phone calls, text messages or even the sound of beeper going off for that matter ( tachyphylaxis ). My routine on a usual post call day is exactly like this ...As I leave the hospital I am yawning, sleepy , cranky and fussy ( I am in Peds you people ). I try to stay within the lane while driving ( I mean I try my best ). I have plans to eat on my way home but that rarely happens. As soon as I get home I change into my pajamas and I go to sleep. At times having no energy to walk past my living room to the bedroom I just crash on the sofa. I call it "living the dream on the couch ". I literally pass out till the hungry stomach wakes me up. At that point I am cursing myself for not stocking up my fridge. Or I am mad and angry at my husband for not being home when I am post call. 

This has been the scenario for most of my residency. However this past saturday (post call day ) was a totally different day, somewhat I mean. I took call overnight and was able to have interrupted couple hours of sleep (made me less cranky to begin with). It was 5 am when I thought -"Oh I can sleep for another hour " and pulled the covers over my face. It was barely 20-30 mins later that my intern called. She was in a total panic mode.  A patient was crashing. My heart skipped a beat. I jumped out of the bed and I ran to the patient's room(my only workout that weekend ). I need not tell you what followed. There was so much happening. Once everything was under control I looked at my watch. I had not realized that 2 hours had gone by. It was way past the signout time. I got the sign out list ready and left the hospital once hand offs to the day team were complete. 

As I was driving home I was WIDE awake. I did not struggle to stay within the lanes (yay!).Thanks to the couple hours of interrupted sleep overnight and the adrenaline rush from the early morning code blue. I was still in my grumpy post call mode when I reached home. As soon as I opened the door I noticed the lights were on. I realized that my parents were with me and I was not alone post call. I was overjoyed. As I changed into my pajamas, "adrakwali chai" was ready for me at the dining table. I drink tea everyday. But it is more like few sips here and there as I am getting ready to go to  work. Sometimes I get my first dose of caffeine while driving to work. But the cup of tea this post call day was a different one. It was the tea made by my mom, with love and affection. I was not just sipping the tea. I was enjoying it with my mom ( a tea lover and the best tea maker). I was able to relish the rich flavor. I was enjoying every bit of the moment, mindful of the cup of tea I was having. I could smell the aroma, savor the tea. I was soaked in the happiness of being surrounded by my parents on a post call day. A simple pleasure in life but worth a treasure. 

Should I mention that the tea was followed by hot sandwiches and then another cup of "adrakwali chai ". 
It was a perfect post call day. 

See the change, Be the change

My parents are currently visiting me from India. My parents are not thrilled at all being in USA and cannot wait to return back.  They enjoy  being with me, enjoy my company and that is the only reason they agreed to visit me. To stay healthy and fit ( real reason being to kill time as well ) they go on walks in the area around the place where I live. When I returned from work this past week all I  heard everyday was how clean the area is.  How well maintained the surroundings are.  How beautiful the neighborhood looks.  My mom whispered( loud enough that I heard it)" Kolhapur asa asta tar? '' Loose translation being - If Kolhapur ( my hometown ) was like this ?

Man is a social animal. We all have heard that million times. I remember reading this very sentence  in my history textbook while in primary school. I may have even used it in some essays I wrote in school years.  You must be wondering what is the context here? 

We all are social and live in a community. We are surrounded by people and we call it the community.( In this context  I want to refer to our apartment complexes and neighborhoods as "community").  We all have ideas and views about our community. We feel that people in the community should come together, share their views on what matters the most to them.  And then join hands together for betterment of this community. 

I think the same about my community, the area I live in.  Such thoughts always linger in my mind but are never translated into action.  I kept thinking  ideas are ideas and this rarely  happens in the real world until I came across this link....http://www.theuglyindian.com/

This changed the way I think.  I was amazed at what the coalition was able to accomplish.  These are  people from my motherland India. People just like me yet so different and unique I must say. People  from my ideal world who exist in reality. People who had the same thoughts, came together and took ownership to do their part.  People who work on a simple motto " Kaam chalu ,Mooh bandh " that is stop talking, start doing.

 To know more about this group, how you can contribute or be a part of this group, please visit their website.

Disclaimer---This post is not sponsored by theuglyindian group.  All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. 

My Easter Sunday

The resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated on Easter Sunday. I worked on Easter Sunday last year and was at work even this year. Yes, you read it right ! I was on call Good Friday and Easter Sunday ( P.S. story of my life on all holidays). At work I kept hearing conversations all about church and candy. So I started chit chatting with my co-workers about Easter . I asked them how they celebrate Easter ? What were their thoughts on being at work today? 

Starting with the most important people at my work...the kids. Unanimously they all complained ( and cried ) about missing the Easter egg hunt. They all wanted the chocolate bunny and chocolate egg( include me here). The kids kept me engaged by telling their experiences from previous years. Some told me about the giant candy filled egg they had found. Some told me about the empty eggs they had found. Some told me about the games and prizes they won while some spoke about the music and food. I got it! It was all about the Easter bunny, candies and Easter egg hunts.

Then I moved on to ask the family members about their thoughts. Every family had a different story. Some parents were relieved about not having to arrange an egg hunt this year in their own yard since their kid was in the hospital. Some families spoke about how grateful they were that their neighbors had joined forces to help with the Easter preparations while their kid was sick and being treated in the hospital. Moms kept talking about the entry way decors and fireplace decor, table decorations and wreaths. Parents told me how hard it was juggling spring cleaning, Easter preparations and spending time with their sick kid in the hospital,all at the same time. Neither of them had imagined ( or planned ) to spend the Easter weekend with us ( the hospital crew ) though they thanked us for taking care of their sick kids.

As this conversation was going on I noticed beautifully decorated Easter baskets and Easter bunnies in the patient rooms I was visiting. I found out that these baskets were sent from volunteers and organizations to the hospital. Some thoughtful generous people in the community who cared for those little souls took efforts to arrange all this. The baskets were filled with goodies and smile inspiring treats .The bunnies brought a big smile on those little faces. The tears rolling out of the tiny eyes seemed to sparkle now, those happy faces gleaming in joy. 

Check out my Easter pictures below .

Easter Egg Hunt at work-2013

Easter Bunnies we made at work -2014

Easter gifts sent from volunteers-2014

So did you have fun on Easter? How did you spend your Easter Sunday?

Boston Diary - Part 4

In my previous posts I shared some of my experiences living in Boston. There is so much to say and write about those wonderful years in Boston. I plan to conclude this series for now. I say "for now" because who knows what future holds for you? I may end up living in Boston again. Life has its surprises and I strongly believe in destiny.

So back onto our last day of this wonderful journey....My initial impression of the city was that only young ,college students live in Boston. I lived in the Allston area close to the BU( Boston University ) campus . No wonder I thought only young souls live here. I have heard remarks where people refer to  Boston as "city of youth ". Very true indeed. I closely observed people who lived in different parts of Boston during my train rides, during my conversations with some of them.

I realized people from that particular neighborhood are dedicated to their part of the town. I love Allston and will brag about it always. If you meet my  friend who lives in Jamaica plain( JP as I will refer to in future ) you cannot miss her devotion for JP. She takes pride in telling you all about JP.  Another friend will not fail to convince you that Bedford is the best place to buy a house in. I also lived in the Fenway area briefly during 2012-2013. The name "Fenway " speaks for itself. One word" Fenway" says it all. It was a whole new experience living here especially on those days when Red Sox were playing at Fenway Park. The electrifying atmosphere is never just limited to the stadium but spills out to the streets. The crowd, the overflowing cars on the street and the conversation about a game make it hard to tell if it is night or day. The spirit never rests. People here love Boston and live Boston.

As I have mentioned again and again Boston is a great place to visit. It is a major tourist attraction, no matter what the season is. I don't think of winter as an exception either ( keep reading and you will know why ). Like any other cities in the world spring season is the best for outdoor activities. You don't have to drive far away from the city to enjoy the spring . You could if you want to, but remember I did not own a car. ( P.S. read my earlier posts  ). I loved riding the "T" headed to  Boston Commons. But I always got off at Copley square and walked to Boston Commons via Newbury street( the word VIA is very important here ). I enjoyed window shopping on Newbury street ( I swear I never brought anything from any store off of this street ) . Those weekends when I spent hours walking by the Charles river with my husband were so magical.  Located close to downtown Boston Quincy market and Faneuil hall were one of my  favorite destinations on a gorgeous spring weekend. Hikes around the wooded area of Walden pond or just walking the Freedom trail going back into history kept me active and fit.

My Fenway apartment in spring 

 The beauty of fall foliage is beyond words. There are numerous spots in the New England area to enjoy the breathtaking views during fall. Places like JP,  Walden park  which are not very far from the hustle and bustle of the city have some splendid fall foliage. It is hard to describe in words the spectacular views. It is something you have to experience ( or check my picture below for a glimpse   ). 

Fall captured at Boston Commons 

Boston winters are harsh, can be brutal too. I don't disagree with that at all.  But I think there is beauty and warmth in this city in winter. As you see the snow flurries your heart is filled with romance. It gets dark early but with the soft snow on the ground and the street lamps lit up  the city sparkles. It is mesmerizing. The winters are not just for couples. If you decide to step outside ( P.S. assuming you are all layered up and covered up ) you can enjoy ice skating at frog pond. Wachusett is a great place to ski .If you are brave enough and have the courage you can join the speedo santa run. As holiday season approaches there are ample opportunities to take pictures with Santa, listen to holiday choirs, attend some theater performances. There is always cheer and warmth in this gleaming city.

Outside my Fenway apartment in winter 

And that is why Boston is the city of my dreams. It has a very special place in my heart. Thank you for joining me on this wonderful trip down the memory lane.

So are you making plans to actually visit Boston?

Boston Diary - Part 3

In my earlier post I wrote about LMA and my journey in Boston from academic standpoint. I know its boring to study all the time .Talk to me about it. I am a student of medicine for my whole life. Wait! I know what's going on in your mind this very moment  - "Gargi , is this you talking and that too about studies ?".  Well yes I am.  But you know I am very honest and I pen down my thoughts on this blog, with all sincerity.

So back onto our journey....My husband was a resident when we got married and later was in  Boston again for his fellowship ( thank God he is not in training anymore).  He was always busy and hardly had any free time at hand. Weekends when he was off were spent either studying or catching up on lost sleep. I was introduced to the concept of golden weekend and black weekend as I became familiar with his call schedule during training. So on one such "golden weekend " or may be I should say "diamond weekend" ( or even platinum for that matter )  we decided to just walk around in the town with no agenda in mind and spend some quality time together. 

We decided to take the "T" and get off at the last station, Government center . Once we were out on the streets station we just started walking around in that area. The weather was gorgeous. Hand in hand we walked down the roads, turning right and turning left along the sidewalks. It was a very pedestrian friendly area and we both enjoyed walking. It was so much fun just venturing out on the streets, no destination in mind. If we liked the name of a street we walked in that direction. We spotted something interesting far away and turned in that direction.

Our walking adventure landed us at the Hay market somehow. Hay market is a fresh produce market. It was not busy at that point but slowly and steadily was getting crowded. There were numerous vendors and many shoppers. And may be some were like me and husband, just taking a stroll through the city. I was very surprised by what I saw. There were open stalls and pushcarts. Some stalls were covered with canvas and some had plastic tarps. I saw stalls selling variety of fruits and vegetables, cheese and meats, spices and small goodies. You name it and Hay market has it. There were empty boxes everywhere and some stale rotten vegetables now letting out an odor. It was not unpleasant ( yet) by any means. I was shocked but thrilled by the cheap prices (especially in Boston ) . Gradually people had some serious elbowing going on to snap those bargains . I felt like you needed some skills to survive and shop there. It reminded me of the market back home ( Kapil Tirth Market in Kolhapur). The atmosphere brought back to my mind a flashback of  those childhood trips to mandai ( marathi word for market ) with my grandmother and mom. Oh I miss those childhood days !

We finally managed to navigate our way through the Hay market ( skills learnt from growing up in India clearly helped )  and were now in the North End area. We bumped into Mikes pastry by chance( you better believe me when I say by chance ).  It was our first time here. The place was crowded, jam-packed. It was a "SWEET" surprise to see the long list of desserts this shop had to offer. They say life is all about choices and making the right decisions. I am confident we had made a good choice by entering a pastry shop. The decision to eat desserts was not wrong either (those legs had got a workout already ) . The pictures of cannoli mounted on the wall helped me make up my mind. After much waiting and standing in the line we got our cannoli and a cake. Dying to know how it was?  Check out my pictures below. As I savored every bite of the cannoli I made a secret resolution in my mind to return here.Why not? I had a perfect day in Boston with my sweetheart.

At Mike's Pastry...smile says it all !

Cannoli was already gone before the picture was taken !

Boston Diary - Part 2

I wrote a post couple of days ago about Boston. I have been thinking about Boston since. So I decided to write a series of posts about this city. Posts where I can share my experiences living here. Posts where I can narrate the beauty of the city. Posts that will make you fall in love with Boston. So are you ready to embark on this journey to Boston with me  ? 

I did not own a car when I lived in Boston .We could not afford to buy one then.  I always took advantage of the great public transport, mostly the subway and sometimes the bus service. The convenient and efficient public transport makes living in this city a breeze.  I used to run across the street when I saw the "T" coming to the station across my apartment. Everytime I saw a "T " approaching the station I ran. The "T" driver saw me many times running and just smiled as I boarded  the train. It sort of became a routine. I used to hate waiting for the next train ( even though "T" came every 5-10 mins ).

At the green line "T" station 

 I enjoyed wandering on the streets, trying to hop in and out of the train  aka "T" aka the various lines(green, red, silver, blue, orange  ). I felt like a bird soaring high in the sky, flying from one tree to another. Then resting on a branch, looking at the view, soaking in all that beauty and then flying higher and higher. I started exploring all the new places, museums, malls and shops all on my own, all day long.

Sometimes my train rides were exhausting but I used to look forward to them. During one such train ride and exploring places along the train line, I landed in the Longwood medical area ( LMA ) one day. I ended up at  the Countway library of medicine which since became my second home. I studied there 7-8 hours a day, every single day, 3 weekends a month. The studious atmosphere in the library helped me gained momentum to study for my exams. Today as I am close to  finishing my residency I still remember my entire  USMLE journey. The journey  that started at Countway Library in Boston. 

Near HMS and Countway Library

I was a frequent visitor to the LMA .It is centered on Longwood avenue. HMS( Harvard Medical School ), Harvard teaching hospitals and numerous medical facilities are located in this area.  Hence the name "Longwood Medical Area" ( its obvious folks ). Last year I had an opportunity to rotate through Boston Children's Hospital as a pediatric resident for a month. It was fun being able to live in Boston again, this time in a different neighborhood. It was one of my best months in residency. The competitive spirit , doctors motivated by ambition, the discussions and conferences loaded with knowledge and the wonderful fellows I got to work with made this month a memorable experience in my professional life. It was like a dream come true. Prestigious academic institutes, world famous hospitals and genius doctors at their best, all happening right there, around me.

I lived in the " Fenway " area and could walk to work. (P.S. -I do not like driving and love to walk  ). As I walked to work everyday I saw doctors, nurses and medical staff everywhere. It was nice to see people in blue scrubs everywhere, in and out of the hospitals or even Starbucks for that matter. I took a different route everyday as I headed back home from work. I enjoyed my walk to and from work exploring the different streets in the neighborhood. Sometimes I walked along the BIDMC hoping that my husband may get off of work and might be exiting the building the same time I was there ( P.S. that never happened ). Sometimes I went to HMS , sat on the lush green grass and just stared at the building. I felt like the walls were talking to me, narrating the history of medicine. The landmark contributions in medicine have all happened here. Some detours ended up taking me to Jamaica Plain( JP ). I sat there enjoying the picturesque pretty view on one of the benches overlooking the pond. Days when I decided to take a longer route I went to the Museum of Fine Arts and then back home.

All in all I made the most of my stay in Boston. I enjoyed every moment of my days in Boston. This city  has so much to offer. It has something  for every need and every taste. Boston is the city of my dreams. It has a very special place in my heart.

Boston Diary

As a daily routine I listen to NPR on my way to work. I was about to step out of my car when I heard   " Boston healing - a report in 20 mins" . I paused for a moment. Then I realized I needed to be at work and walked out of the parking deck to my office. The words "Boston healing " kept resonating the whole day in my mind. I could not stop thinking about Boston. 

I lived in Boston from December 2007 to June 2009. I also visited the city on and off for a year from July 2012  to June 2013. This morning brought back fond memories of my stay at Boston. Boston is the first city I came to when I landed in USA. For me it is a very special city. It holds a special place in my heart. 

 I still remember that day when I landed at Logan  international airport with my husband, stepping out of the plane as newly weds. After immigration formalities and customs clearance , I was headed towards the parking lot. I was holding my husband's hand and a huge stroller bag in my other hand. The chilly wind blew on my face as I stepped out of the airport and I grabbed his hand tightly. Realizing I had not worn gloves my husband took off his gloves and gave them to me. He pushed the cart loaded with 5 more heavily packed stroller bags with bare hands(  no gloves ) till we reached the car in the parking lot. 

notice the snow and absence of a jacket and gloves

My married life started in this city. Back then we were renting a small studio apartment in Allston off of Commonwealth avenue . That studio apartment was very tiny but was like a palace of my dreams . I decorated every nook and corner of the apartment, mounted some wall decor and hung curtains on every window. I gave it some TLC ( tender loving care ) . As much as I transformed that bachelor pad/studio into a home , the city of Boston transformed me as a person. I landed as a newly married wife and found new life, going in a whole new direction.

homely touch to the apartment

bachelor pad