Our Favourite Books By The Age Of Three

I’ve been a bookworm from the time I was a little girl. I remember very clearly the first time I got a storybook to read and ever since, books have been a part of me in more ways than I can describe. It became a habit that has not left me from the first time I picked one up and flipped through the pages. I read whenever I could – those few minutes/hours that I got while travelling, while I waited to meet someone, and given a chance, while I was eating. I read myself to sleep daily and sometimes, I read into the late hours of night reluctant to stop the book midway.

Hence, it was only natural that while I was pregnant with the little one, I was looking forward to setting up a library for the baby and I dreamt of all those moments, where we would snuggle next to each other and read whenever possible. Even before the boy turned one, I was reading bedtime stories to him. It didn’t matter whether he understood a single word of it, but I knew it did hold his attention for a while. I read to him when he was bored of playing with his toys, I read to him before we dosed off, and I read to him when he was cranky as well. Now, even after the little boy has discovered screen time, the boy still loves books and there is nothing that can replace our story time. After all, like a friend told me, no one will ask you to keep down your book unlike a mobile/tab!

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The Ivory Throne - Chronicles Of The House Of Travancore

Title: The Ivory Throne - Chronicles Of The House Of Travancore

Author: Manu S. Pillai

Pages: 694

Genre: Non Fiction/History

Rating : 5/5

There are books that are a good read, you finish the book happy to have read it and you look forward to your next read. Then there are books that you can't put down, you spend every waking moment itching to pick it up, start reading right where you were forced to stop and get lost in it. You miss it terribly once it's over and you just can't get over it. This book is one that falls in the latter category.

The Ivory Throne records the history of Travancore in the most thrilling manner that could be written. The book, as it mentions, is a chronicle of the fascinating times, from the era of Martanda Varma to India's liberation from colonial rule, two centuries after his passing. Above all, the book tells the tale of a female monarch, who served her people during one of the most crucial periods and brought about quite a few reforms and policies, which played a crucial role in laying the right foundation for the Kerala that we see today, winning the approval and love of her subjects, even amidst much opposition and backstage politics to make her step down. Though the book records the life and tales of the house of Travancore, the book focuses majorly on the life and story of the Regent Maharani, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, whose tales you tend to hear very rarely when you hear about the stories of the Travancore royal family. A lady whose efforts and service to the people have not been given the due credit that it required, a lady who has not been given her due share of glory that she deserved. The book traces the life of the Regent Maharani from the time she was adopted to the Travancore royal family at the age of 5 along with her cousin, Sethu Parvathi Bayi (Junior Maharani, and mother to the subsequent ruler, Chithira Thirunal Maharaja) until her death. Along with the book, you will live the whole life of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi from the time she was adopted, to the time she ruled and served five million people, stepping down from the throne when the minor Chithira Thirunal Maharaja came of age, her later life after stepping down as the Regent Maharani and the harassment she faced from her own family, to leaving everything behind and leading a life that was a total contrast to her royal life, and her insignificant death.

The book, running to 694 pages, is huge but the size really doesn't matter. It is a well-researched (the footnotes and references itself runs to more than 100 pages) and very well articulated. In fact, it is really hard to believe that this is the author, Manu Pillai's first book and even harder when you know that he was just about 25 years when he published the book. Much respect and even more admiration!

This is one of those books that you don't want to keep down. I stayed away from all chores, even going to the extent of hiding from the husband and kid as well (in fear of being called for any help!), eagerly reading and looking forward to the next page. In fact, it was so difficult to put the book down that even the little one's bedtime story was replaced by this book that he now calls the 'Princess book'. At the risk of sounding weird, whenever he wanted to hear/read a story, we opened this book and I read this out loud to him just because I found it really difficult to keep it down. By the time I was done reading, I had mixed feelings - happy to have known about the other side of the royal family that I so rarely have heard about and a sense of missing not knowing or having met anyone from this side.

It is definitely one of my best reads and I can go on and on about how much I loved the book. I spoke to anyone who would spare me a little time about the book and I am sure this book is going to be my favourite gift to anyone who loves books and history. I would really love to have a long discussion with anyone who found the book as interesting as I did! 

This book is a must read for anyone who loves non-fiction and Indian history as well as for anyone else who wants to get hooked to reading or would love to read a good thriller story. I am not someone who likes to re-read a book, but I'm sure this book will be an exception to that!

P.s: You can click the link below to buy the book!

When The Maze Soul Tai Came Visiting

The first time I saw a Mei Tai, I was intimidated. Long tails, complex ties and no easy buckles. The first time I tried a Mei Tai, it was an altogether different story. I fell in love with it! So forgiving, flexible as per your style and you can tame it the way you want. Ever since, Mei Tai has been my favourite carrier.

Whatever were the reasons for me to be intimidated about it became my reasons to love it too! I love how I can play with the long tails and end with fancy looking finishes. I like how it fits me more perfectly than a full buckle one, because I get to tie it as per my comfort and spread out the shoulder straps for an even weight distribution, unlike a full buckle. Also, it is a definite head turner with people looking at it (and you) and wondering “how did she do that?”. Above all this, a Mei Tai helps in getting the boy perched high on my back as compared to any other carrier, which helps him see the world unobstructed and have lovely conversations with his mom as well, keeping both, mamma and baby, happy.

Soaking in the sun and early morning cuddles

On a slightly different note, I love black and white prints. I am a sucker for anything black and white. And hence, when Soul Slings brought out its Maze jacquard range, I fell in love with its black and white geometric print instantly. To top this, those who tested and tried carriers in Maze were gushing about how cushy and soft the material was. Each time I saw a photo of a maze carrier, I was slightly more in love with it. However, buying one more carrier would be at the risk of the husband sulking and cribbing about the number of carriers I own (though, in my defense, I don’t own that many) and the entire family supporting him. Adding to this, the Mei Tai I already own is a black and white print, a cotton ikkat print one, which I absolutely adore and have no plans of parting with anytime in the near future. 

So, while I satisfied myself by looking at the beautiful pictures of Maze carriers, one day, Soul announced its travelling carrier programme exclusively for the Maze range. I immediately signed up for the Maze Soul Tai and crossed my fingers to be selected. And voila, it happened!

After a long, impatient wait the beauty arrived finally on one Tuesday evening and I had a week to host and enjoy it. After coaxing the little boy, who, whenever his mommy wants to carry him runs away as fast as he can (what’s with these kids? Only if someone carried me in these pretty carriers!), and bribing him, we tried the Maze Soul Tai for the first time. I must tell you, the weightless feeling that a Mei Tai gives you is incomparable!

It was a saving grace when the boy was sick and we had chores to finish

The Maze Soul Tai, by the time I received it, was buttery soft and cuddle worthy. The jacquard was broken well and had lost all its stiffness. Also, it was very different from the jacquards I had used till now. One, it seemed very airy and really lightweight and secondly, the two jacquard carriers that I had was still a bit rough, material-wise, even after breaking it in, as compared to the Maze jacquard which was as soft as it could get! To the extent that, at times, I felt it was too soft for a Mei Tai. It might also be because of the fact that I am used to my cotton Mei Tai and it has a certain stiffness to it that I’ve come to love. However, I’m sure I would love to have this material in a ring sling or a wrap for the super soft, cuddly feel that it gives.

Also, as much as I loved the design, for the finicky person that I am, the Maze design needs a bit of colour co-ordination. The design is so beautiful that any dress that doesn’t co-ordinate with it brings down its beauty. True story of what happened to me the first time I wore it. That said, this carrier will definitely go well with a casual jeans and plain top and it is sure to give you a very stylish, classy look!

We took it with us for a weekend getaway too

It’s definitely a worthy buy for all those looking for a Mei Tai, considering that a jacquard Mei Tai is quite sturdy and strong. For me, I would really love to have this print in a sling or a wrap (once I get the perfect excuse to add one more carrier to the seemingly evergrowing collection), only because I am too deeply in love with my cotton Soul Tai and I am just not yet ready to replace it!

P.s: This post was originally published in www.mommypower.in. To read, click here.

Being Away From The Little One

The boy had his Dusshera holidays and my mother wanted him to spend a few days with her for some  grandmother-grandson time, away from their common enemy (that's me, right!), doing (and eating) stuffs which are otherwise not allowed by the villainesss (yes, again me!) and just letting the boy get pampered. Of course, I was happy to oblige since that would mean me getting some free time and living a few days like those pre-motherhood times. After a few calls and messages, I, along with my brother and a few family friends, planned a trip during those days and while the boy was looking forward to spending time with his grandparents I was looking forward to the trip.

It was not the first time I was going to be away from the little boy. Last year, when my brother and I went for a trip, the little boy stayed happily with his grandparents and once, he spent almost a week with his paternal grandparents while I got pampered at my parents' place. This time, though, the boy was a little more older, with an opinion of his own all the time. As much as I wanted to enjoy his time with his grandparents, I was apprehensive too. Would he be alright? Would he miss us? I kept asking the boy if he will stay with his 'Sheemallu' (my mother) and Muthassi without his Achan and Amma (the husband and I) and each time, he replied in the affirmative.

Two days after we reached Trivandrum, I was all set for my trip with the brother and friends. Compared to the last time that I left the little one with my parents, this time I fared a little better. The first time I was away from the little boy, even when everybody asked me if the little boy will be ok without me, it was the other way around. This time though, I was sure he was going to have a fun time around doing all stuffs that is otherwise restricted by me and being pampered to the core. Yet, I was worried deep inside. As much as I was excited and looking forward to my time away from the little one, as I kissed him good bye for a few days, deep down, I had a separation anxiety that I will never be able to explain properly.

While the boy had his fun-filled days with people at his disposal and daily outings, I had a lovely time too. It had been so each time I took time away from the little boy for having a little 'me' time. It gives me time to take a break from reality and rejuvenate myself. But, whatever said and done, nothing can be more bittersweet than being away from your little one. Every single thing reminds me of him, right from the mannequins at the kids store to random babies on the street. And each time you are reminded of him, you feel a tuck in your heart and you look forward to be back with him again. You have to hold yourself from not calling him every hour and let him enjoy his time. You wonder if he will be missing you and you feel a slight disappointment (though you don't want to) when you hear that he didn't ask for you. You look forward to the video call with him and you just want to grab him and give a tight hug. Every single photo of the little boy melts your heart and you can't wait to give him a kiss. Your eyes well up along with your heart each time you miss him and you don't want to let loose the tears in fear of people giving you the weird look (because, after all, aren't you the wicked one who left him back home to enjoy?).

However, inspite of all this, I will still do it and go through all these emotions again because I know the joy of spending time at grandparents' and nothing can ever replace it. All those stays at Ammumma's place when I was a kid, lazing around, being fed everything that you love and having absolutely no rules/restrictions to follow have given me so many wonderful memories  that I hold so close to my heart. And I want the boy to experience it too. Even if it means tearing away a piece of my heart once in a while!

4 Tips for ‘Working From Home’ Efficiently With A Little One Around

I was a stay-at-home mom until my little one was two years old and then I got an opportunity to work from home. One of the reasons why it was a dream job for me was the fact that I get to decide my work time while getting to spend time with my boy. No rushing late to school from office, just-in-time to pick up my little boy, no missing school celebrations because of important meetings that can’t be changed and no coming back home too tired to even play with him.

However, what seemed to be like a piece of cake was not as easy as it looked. In the initial few weeks, work got frequently disturbed and I had to struggle to keep housework away while I was working. Things became a bit too difficult and overwhelming and that is when I decided that I had to lay down a few rules for myself if I wanted to continue working.

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Bowing Before The Goddess Of Knowledge

A year back, around this time, I wrote my first post. About something that is very close to my heart. I never meant to pen down my thoughts. It had always been confined to the yearly diary that I keep. But, for the past few years, even that stopped and my mind became the safe keeper of my thoughts.

I still remember penning down the first article. Until the moment I put it in words, I had no intention of writing it down, let alone start a blog. I was in two minds about whether to post it or keep it hidden along with the many other scribblings of mine. But the words of encouragement that I got for it gave me the inspiration to write more,  and ever since, there has been no looking back.

Soon this little space of mine started, and I wrote (and still writing) about all that mattered to me. I started writing for a couple of other sites as well and after a two year break, I started earning. It may not be huge, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment, a sense of confidence. A feeling of I can. 

Writing helped me reconnect with quite a lot of old friends, who took effort and time to message me, just to let me know that they liked a post. It was through one such message that I connected with a junior of mine, who one day, out of the blue, asked me if I could edit a book for his publishing house, Lex Lab. I didn’t have to think twice before replying in affirmative, because, well, that's exactly what I wanted to do! By the time I finished the book, I had an offer in my hand to work as a Commissioning Editor for Lex Lab. Ever since, it has been a beautiful journey amidst words and books. I may not be earning as much as I used to in a corporate house, but this is more rewarding in terms of satisfaction and contentment, especially when you see your name in a book. Nothing could be more joyous than that. 

One year of writing. One year amidst words. I'm still taking baby steps and I have a long way ahead. But, it has been a really blessed year indeed!

Friendship Goals

From being in a class of around 50 girls who studied together to being a part of a gang of ten - 'terrific ten', we are now four close friends who never misses a chance of telling everyone how we know each other from the time we were mere five year olds (eight year old for one of us). Our friendship continued even after I changed school and then later, when all of us joined different colleges and got settled in different cities (and countries). One sentence found its way in all those christmas cards and birthday cards that we gifted each other and we went out of our way to hold it true - 'friends forever'!

The four of us have played a vital role in each other's lives at every step, starting right from watching out for each other at school, being the first ones to know about the love of our life, standing as a pillar of support for the 'meet the girl' function when the marriage proposals started pouring in, being the perfect bridesmaids to each other and even being there with each other through pregnancy and delivery - we've even heard each other's babies' heartbeats even before they were born! We've grown up together, literally sharing dresses and plates, making each other's parents our own and sharing secrets that we've told no one else. It was more joy when the husbands understood our friendship and accepted us as an inevitable baggage that comes along with the girl of their dreams. 

Though we keep spending time with each other as and when possible, it had been ages since the four of us spent time together - all four of us live in different cities with two in an altogether different country as well. So, a couple of months back, in between our frequent, daily whatsapp conversations we were talking about how we missed each other and it would be fun to go for a trip together. All of a sudden, the planning started for a trip with the husbands and kids. A dedicated whatsapp group for the trip was formed where we, along with the husbands, discussed on convenient dates and places to spend time together. After much deliberation, we shortlisted on spending two days at Kumarakom and finalised the dates as well.

We started dreaming and planning for the trip. While the husbands made a separate group to take a tally about the 'preferred drink' to be carried and the logistics, we fought for the pool in the villa and our timeouts without the kids. There was so much excitement build up and we just couldn't wait for the day to arrive, inspite of being scared that the whole thing might get jinxed if we spoke about our excitement. And then it happened. A couple of days before we were to reach Kumarakom, one couple had to back out due to a family emergency. It dampened the entire mood and we were in two minds whether to proceed for the trip or not. For the remaining three of us, it just wasn't going to be the same with one of us missing and the trip was not going to be perfect as we picturised. Nevertheless, we decided to proceed with the plan and I must say, that was indeed a good decision.

Considering the limited time that we had, we were holed up at the resort the whole time yet we had two wonderful days, spending time with each other and being one big, happy family. The kids were so comfortable with each other, the bigger ones bossing the younger ones, fighting for the baby's love, the younger one try so hard to please the older ones - it was so heartwarming to see them together, making memories. Though we are in touch almost on a daily basis and are well updated about each other's life, we still had lots to talk about. My favourite part of the trip was when we, three, got our time together sans the husbands and kids when the husbands volunteered to look after the kids while we relaxed at the pool for sometime. We held hands and spoke about random nothings while the husbands changed the nappies, fed the kids, soothed the babies and then finally decided to pull us out of the pool when they realised they needed a drink badly to stay sane amidst the toddlers and babies chaos. Later, while the husbands spent time together and the babies slept next to each other, hugging and kicking, we continued our chats late into the night, wishing time stood still. 

We gossiped, we cribbed, we spoke of the olden days, about our future and anything that came into our mind. By the time the two days came to an end, though we didn't want to, we parted with a lot of happy and fun-filled memories to cherish and dreams about the next trip together!

Though I couldn't be any closer to these girls than I am already, get togethers like these make me realise how blessed I am to have these three in my life. I don't have to speak my heart out for them to know what's going on in my mind. They know. There is a sense of belonging and we are just us - no masks and no pretentions. As time passed, I've made more amazing friends, who've stood by me and been my support system, but no one can ever replace what these three mean to me. Everything about this trip was a reaffirmation of that! Although the next trip is not going to happen anytime soon and we are yet to brainwash the boys about our next trip, I am already dreaming about it and can't wait for it to happen!