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Friday Stuff [#4]

written by Parita 2 Comments

Helllllooo Friday! Thought you’d never get here! I’m excited for this weekend because it’s the first after Vishnu started fellowship. He’s been working a lot this week, so it’ll be nice to spend time as a family.

With that, let’s get to it. Fittingly, this is my 4th Friday Stuff post, and I have four things to share.

The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix

Stop what you’re doing and watch this show! If you were a fan of the books growing up, this one is a must. I LOVE it, as demonstrated by the fact that I finished season one in two days!

The cast is perfect, the story lines aren’t too over the top or cheesy, and the modern twists are fun.

Question for you guys – who was your favorite character growing up? I’m nothing like her but I loved Claudia. She was so spunky and fun. But if we’re talking about who I was most like, it’s definitely Kristy (minus the tomboy part).

First week of fellowship

For Vishnu, this week has been busy and hard. He leaves the house no later than 6:45a and gets home between 5:30-7:15p. This is a very big change from his residency schedule the past few months, and while I miss him, I know he’s going to love the experience and that it’s going to set him up for success.

As far as K and I are concerned, we’re doing good. We have a morning routine we follow, and if it’s just the two of us, an evening one too. So far, I’m loving 3! Kaiden is so funny and his antics always make me laugh (for the most part). And I’m very lucky that he’s eager to go to school in the mornings. If that wasn’t the case, the whole thing would be super hard and a little miserable!

Nightgowns

Every time I got to my sister’s place, I end up online shopping after seeing her purchases. That’s exactly what happened after she showed me the Costco nightgowns she bought recently.

Our room has been super hot lately, and I don’t help the situation by wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt every night. I thought maybe these gowns would help me stay cooler. We shall see!

Tatcha SPF

I love my Drunk Elephant SPF, but I wanted to try something new for every day use. I know this is a bit on the pricier side, but I’m ok with spending a little more on skincare, since I don’t spend much in other categories (especially right now).

I went with Tatcha because it’s a clean brand known for really good products. And I have super sensitive skin, so I have to really careful about what I use. I’ve worked too hard to get my skin to the point it’s at right now!

I’ll share more thoughts once I’ve actually used this, but I’m hoping it’s nothing but great!

Well, that’s all she wrote! Hope y’all have a great Friday and weekend. 🙂

Written on July 10, 2020 Related:Friday Stuff, Updates

Friday Stuff [#3]

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Well, quarantine life put a hold on my random Friday posts. Hopefully I can be a bit more regular with these but no guarantees!

With that TGIF, amiright?! It’s been a good week, but I’m ready for the weekend and some quality time with Kaiden. He’s just SO FUN right now. As always, his cuteness almost always makes up for his outbursts. Almost!

Anyways, lets get to some Friday stuff…

Birthday Plans

It’s Kaiden’s birthday on Monday! Woo hoo! I feel like three is a big deal because he finally gets it…kind of! Since we cancelled our original plans for a party at his soccer school, we’re keeping it low key but also incorporating some of his favorite things into the day. First, Vishnu and I are going to blow up like 50 balloons and leave them all over our living room floor so he wake up to a pool of balloons! We got him a couple of gifts (more Magnatiles + dinosaur figurines). I’m going to order some delicious cupcakes, we’ll probably go to the park, we may watch Frozen or Coco, and finally, we’re going to do an immediate family birthday Zoom call. I CAN’T WAIT!

Gym Membership

I cancelled my gym membership last week. I’m so so so sad, but I really don’t see myself going to a gym anytime soon. More than me getting sick from going, I feel like with a kid in daycare and a doctor husband, I should probably avoid places where I’m in super close proximity to people while breathing hard. Like I said, it pained me to have to do this because I LOVED the classes, the facility, the instructors, etc. It was my dream gym in that sense.

What am I going to do instead? Home workouts (YouTube + Peloton) and hopfully some running + walking…

Lunchtime Walks

I workout during my lunch hour, so I do a home workout for 30 minutes and then I quickly head out for about 20 minutes of fast paced walking around our neighborhood. It’s so nice to breathe in some fresh air while getting my steps in.

Books

I’m almost done with The Whole Brained Child, and I can’t wait to share more. It’s probably one of the best parenting books I’ve read (and I’ve read a few!).

Next up will be So You Want to Talk About Race. I’ve heard so many great things, and I can’t wait to delve in. And then it’ll probably be Well Behaved Indian Woman. Fun fact – I know the author! She’s also from Atlanta, and my best friend is one of her closest childhood friends. I’m so excited for Saumya and can’t wait to read her book!! I also downloaded Maybe You Should Talk to Someone on my Kindle, so that will be consumed at some point!

Headbands

Headbands are my new favorite accessory. They take my hair from greasy and unwashed to sleek and styled. I wash my hair 1-2 times a week, and for those days where you just need to put it up, headbands give your look a little pizzazz. I’m telling you, this is a trend worth jumping on! I can’t take all the credit though. My sister got me hooked with her leopard print headbands, and then I got these solid ones. LOVE!

Pedicure

I got my first pedicure in over 6 months, and IT. WAS. GLORIOUS! My salon took a lot of precautions so I felt ok going in – a mask requirement, hand sanitizer up walking in, and barriers between all the stations as well as between you and the nail technician.

AND THAT IS ALL SHE WROTE! Hope you guys have a great Friday and weekend. 🙂

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Written on June 26, 2020 Related:Friday Stuff, Life, Updates

High 5 on a Friday

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Guys, how is it already January 17, 2020!? It’s really wigging me out with how fast this year is already flying by! And honestly, when I look at my calendar, it doesn’t look like it’s stopping any time soon!

Anyway, let’s get right to it – my five things this Friday…

One

My sister and I are headed to LA next weekend to visit my grandparents, and I could not be any more excited – to see them and spend some quality time with my sister! We don’t have any major plans…just trying to squeeze in some authentic Mexican food! My grandparents live with my aunt and uncle, so it’ll be so nice to spend some time with them too.

Unfortunately, I’m not taking Kaiden with me. He’ll get some good old quality time with his dada. I originally wanted to, but then thought against it when I realized I would have to do everything on my own. Of course, my sister would be there, but I don’t expect her to wake up two hours early (time difference) with us or go comfort a crying Kaiden in the middle of the night like I would of Vishnu. Not to mention all of his stuff, etc., etc. This would not allow for optimal quality time with my grandparents, and that’s the whole reason for the trip. Maybe I’ll regret this decision once I’m there, but I’m thinking it’ll be a-ok!

ALSO, on a related but separate note, I’ll finally get to try Nishi Mami’s Cookie’s when I’m in LA! I placed my order with the other day, and I’m so excited to do a taste test with the family! More to come!

Two

I owe you guys a 2020 reading/book update! I’m deep into the Nicholas Sparks’ book that I didn’t actually read (returned the other one to the library), and I’m really like it. It’s called Two by Two, and it’s a little different than his past books. Still very romantic and dramatic, but it has a different/normal feel to it. I’ll share more when I’m done!

Speaking of the library, two of the books I placed holds on are ready for pickup – The Next Person You Meet in Heaven and Ghosted! I’m so excited, but also a little nervous because this means I need to get my read on and fast! Maybe this is the fire I needed under my butt to make nightly reading a priority.

Three

Vishnu and I never got K a Christmas present. That was very intentional. He got so many new toys from his grandparents, so it was a little unnecessary. My BIL and his fiancĂ© got K a set of these Manve magnetic tiles. Kaiden did really well with them at first, and then he was getting increasingly frustrated every time they stuck to one another. It was getting to the point where I just had to hide them. I then noticed that K played with Magnatiles at school, so I asked his teacher if he gets upset when they fall apart or when things don’t go his way. Of course, he’s at school so he’s an angel. Ha! I asked Vishnu if he thought K would do better with actual Magnatiles, and he said, “Let’s find out.” So we got him this set and called it his belated Christmas gift. He still gets frustrated but not as much. I can that a win! Now Vishnu and I can play with the other set… 🙂

Four

I’ve talked about it a bit on Instagram, but Kaiden has been LOVING his weekly soccer class. We went to a free ‘tryout’ class when he was 18 months, and it was a disaster. But now? He runs around on his own and sometimes doesn’t even need or ask for us!

It’s kind of cool to see your kid excel and enjoy something without you having to push it. We’ll see how long this lasts, but for now, I really enjoy watching him concentrate, laugh, and have fun on Sunday mornings.

FIVE

I recently shared a post on Instagram about my workout system. Essentially, what I fall back on when motivation isn’t quite enough. If you recall, I shared a fitness challenge I did with my friends a while back. Well, now I’m doing that same challenge but with Vishnu, my sister, my BIL, my other BIL, and his fiancĂ©. It’s a family affair!

Essentially, we have to get at least 12 workouts in every month. A workout = 30 minutes of intentional activity. You can’t double up. If you don’t get 12 in, you owe each person who does $5. Simple!

Hoping this, along with my system, keeps me accountable all year long!

Tell me…what are you reading right now? I’m building out my 2020 list and want to include some good reads this year!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Written on January 17, 2020 Related:High 5 Friday, Uncategorized, Updates

The Post That Was Supposed to Go Out on Friday…

written by Parita Leave a Comment

If the title of this post doesn’t speak to the state of my mind right now, I don’t know what does. Edited to be in the right tense!

You guys, the past few months have been so go-go-go.  And while we’ve had some downtime, I still feel like I’m constantly playing catch up.  But that’s how this season of life goes I suppose.  Anyone else with me?

Anyways, I could go on and on about how fast this year flew by, but I’ll spare you.  Let’s get to my five things for today


ONE – We’re headed to Atlanta this Friday, and I can’t wait!  This year will be extra special because Vishnu will actually be joining us.  K and I will still fly down a little earlier, but that’s just a minor detail!  In addition to squeezing in some quality family time, I have plans to see some of my good girl friends too!  Like I said, I CAN’T WAIT!!

TWO – So that brings me to NYE. While K is still far too young to stay up until midnight, we found a solution to our ‘how do we celebrate this holiday in a fun way with a toddler in tow.’  A group of us (four couples) are renting a big house in Chicago.  All of us have two-year-old boys, so this is going to be a total blast!  The boys all go to sleep at the same time, so once they’re down, the adults can do their thing.  A win for everyone!

THREE – My work’s Chicago holiday party was last Thursday, and I co-organized it with another colleague of mine.  Let me start off my saying that I’m not an events person.  I can’t even organize a proper four person get together, never mind a 30 person one.  BUT, with that being said, it turned out beautifully.  The food was delicious, the overall mood was festive and fun, and most importantly, everyone had a great time.  Phew!

FOUR – I need to do a full review of this thing, but the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush (that’s a mouthful) is my favorite hair tool of all time.  It took me like a month of using it to finally figure out how to dry my hair smooth, but it works!  If you’re looking to put something on your Christmas list, this should be it.  You won’t regret it
and it’s currently on sale on Amazon!

FIVE – Kaiden had his first school performance last Friday, and I was stoked!  I loved seeing my little guy sing Jingle Bells and dance. This was the best holiday party to date that we’ve had at his school. Probably because he’s older now and has more fun himself!

HAPPY FRIDAY AND WEEKEND!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Written on December 16, 2019 Related:random, Uncategorized, Updates

High 5 on a Friday!

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Oh man, what a week!  There’s a reason why I haven’t blogged in a while.

While things were pretty up and down for the past 10 days or so, I’m happy to report that everything is fine now.

So with that, let’s get to my five things for this week


ONE – I’ll begin with the one that didn’t start out on a high note.  I mentioned in this IG post that I was experiencing a rash/hives of some sort.  I experienced something similar last April, so I knew what this could lead to which forced me to go to doctor sooner than later.  To make a long story short, I ended up having to go on steroids for this random episode of hives because none of the over the counter stuff was helping
at all.  After lots of itchiness and two major ‘attacks,’ I’m happy to report that it looks like this gross (you should’ve seen my skin!) episode is over.  I’m not thrilled about having to take steroids but am thankful to have found something that works for me.  I’m very well aware of the side effects and am definitely monitoring my state of mind, emotional responses to things, and my hunger levels.

You’re probably what the heck caused this.  Well, the short answer is we don’t know.  We couldn’t pinpoint an exact cause last April, and I don’t think we’ll know with certainty what brought on this episode either.  Vishnu and I think it’s our detergent, but again, that’s just an educated guess.  I’ve done the full panel allergy testing, and nothing out of the ordinary showed up.  My doctor thinks I may be one of those people who randomly breaks out in hives every so often. Yay.  I’m going to take the extra step and do a little more follow-up with my doctor before the end of the year because there’s a slim chance this could be more serious.  Here’s the hopefully getting some concrete answers!

Also, I should mention that while all of this was annoying to deal with, I feel very lucky that it was something we could deal with. #silverlinings

TWO – Moving on to happier things.  My in laws visited us this past weekend, and it was a blast!  Kaiden really enjoyed getting in person one-on-one time with his Achacha (grandpa) and Ammama (grandma).  The minute we opened the door and let them into the apartment, he was standing there swaying and smiling!  My FIL attended a conference Thursday-Sunday, which meant his time at home was a little more limited, but overall we got to squeeze in a few fun things and are really looking forward to getting some time together over the holidays when we’re in Atlanta!

THREE – You guys!  I think Kaiden’s going through a major development/growth spurt.  For one, he’s been a little moodier than usual, which usually means something.  But more importantly, he’s talking in full sentences now (for the most part!).  It’s insane.  Every time he puts a subject and verb together with the words a or the, my mind is blown! How is my baby old enough to be doing this already!?

K will also be moving on to the older two’s classroom at the end of the month, and that means he’ll be with older kids (2.5-3 yo).  I’m hoping this continues to help him grow, learn, and develop!

FOUR – The most exciting update I have today is that we leave for Cabo tomorrow!  YAY!  I can’t wait to spend 5 whole days with my family relaxing and reconnecting!  I’ll be sure to do a full recap post for anyone who’s interested (and so I can selfishly relive this vacation for years to come).  Kaiden is super excited about going on an airplane again and going to the beach (his first time!).  Now if I could just get a magic packing fairy to come pack for me!  😊

FIVE – A few days after we get back from Cabo, I leave for London (for another 5 nights).  But before I go, we are getting together with a few of my Chicago friends, their hubbies, and their babies to celebrate Diwali!  More than anything, I’m so thankful for the good friends I have in my life right now.  The friends that just get it and don’t judge.  These ‘normal’ friendships are everything right now, and I’m so thankful that Kaiden and Vishnu also get their own little crews as well. 

Well, you guys, that’s all I have for this week!  Be sure to follow along on Instagram for more behind the scenes type stuff over the next few weeks.  I’ll probably be more active on there. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Written on October 18, 2019 Related:High 5 Friday, random, Updates

High 5 on a Friday!

written by Parita Leave a Comment

I really expected this week to drag a little, especially because Vishnu’s on nights and I really don’t enjoy this schedule.  For some reason, him being on nights makes me feel unproductive and lazy.  I usually sit on the couch after putting Kaiden down and watch Friends, only to fall asleep on the couch by 9 pm.  This time around though, I’ve been semi-productive.  I think the ‘falling asleep on the couch’ thing only happened once.  Look at me grow!

Anyways, with that, let’s move on to the five random things I want to share this week


ONE – My youngest cousin on my mom’s side started college this week.  I was talking to my masi (aunt) about it and how they’re doing, and something she said really hit me hard.  She said, “Parita, I know everyone tells you this, but trust me, the time goes SO fast.  I can’t believe Milan is 18 and starting college.  I miss the days where I could just hold and kiss him whenever I wanted to.  It’s like I blinked, and he grew up.” 

Of course, that got me thinking about how K only has 16 years left with us at home before he goes off into the world.  I know 16 years is a long time, but if you think about what you were doing 16 years ago, I’m sure you’ll feel like it was yesterday to some degree.  Crazy! 

TWO – We have quite a bit of travel coming up in September – December.  I’m trying not to think about it too much, because when I do, I get really overwhelmed.  Here’s a little rundown


  • September – Vishnu in Germany for bachelor party
  • October – Cabo with the fam and London for work
  • November – Bahamas for a wedding.  Vishnu in Austin for a race.
  • December – London for work and Atlanta for holidays (hopefully!)

So grateful for all of these opportunities and to take Kaiden on some fun adventures.  It just feels like it’s happening all at once!  Woooo sahhhhh!

THREE – I did a ‘ask me anything’ type thing on my Instagram stories this week, and whenever I even contemplate doing something like that, I get nervous.  The thoughts that run through my head are – who cares, what will people think, who am I to do something like this, etc.  So silly given that I’m doing it for fun, but those thoughts come up every now and then.  A lot of the questions I got this time around were about being a new blogger, etc.  I think it’s easy to say that you shouldn’t care about what other think, but it’s a lot harder to conquer that fear.  I’m no exception.  But once you do, it’s amazing.  I got a handful of really good questions and loved answering them.  Even better was all the engagement after I posted.  So many fun DM convos!

This is all to say that if you have an idea, and it brings you joy, just do it!  You won’t ever know what YOU’RE capable of if you only think about what others think you’re capable of.  Prove them wrong (or right!).

FOUR

Since K turned two, I’ve started saying nightly prayers with him.  So when we enter his room for bedtime, I say, “Let’s say our prayers together.”  And he nods yes or says ‘yeah.’  Then we go on to pray for the world, our individual family members, and friends/family that need special/more specific prayers.  Then I sing a specific prayer song I really love.  Before putting him down, I always sing the first couple of lines from “You are my sunshine.”  I’ve been doing this since he was a little baby!  Well, for some reason, K starts giggling like a madman when I do this, which makes me laugh too.  It’s the best!  Probably not for getting him to sleep right away, but his giggles always make my night! 

As much as I want to pull my hair out sometimes, I really do love this age and the antics that comes with it!

FIVE

For those of you thinking about making a purchase or two during the Sephora summer sale, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites. 

  • My Drunk Elephant picks are all listed in this post.  I cannot tell you guys how much I love this brand and what it’s done for my skin.  My BIL’s girlfriend who was just here less than a month ago told me my skin has transformed.  It’s still not perfect, but she said it looks so much smoother.

    If you’re a newbie to DE, I highly recommend starting with the Littles kit, figuring out which products really work for your skin and purchasing full size bottles accordingly.

    The thing is DE is worth every penny, but it truly costs A LOT of pennies!
  • I’ve fallen in love with this Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder again (I use the shade Dim Light).  I used it all the time before having K and even afterwards but stopped using it when my skin started acting up last year and early this year.  Well, I’m bringing it back into my routine because I love how it adds the right amount of color to my skin as well as a slight glow (without the grease).  If you’re looking for a good setting powder, I would say this one is pretty perfect.  
  • And finally, if you need a good eyeshadow recommendation, I would check out Tarte.  I have a smaller palette from the brand with six shades, and I love it!  The formula is so buttery and it really doesn’t crease much at all throughout the day.  And the different palettes/colors are gorgeous.

Well, folks, that’s all I have today!  Until next week


Have a wonderful weekend!

Written on August 23, 2019 Related:Life, random, Updates

Vancouver Pan Pacific Hotel

Let’s Play Catch-up

written by Parita 1 Comment

It’s been a while since I’ve just typed and shared random thoughts.  Actually, it’s been a while since I’ve posted.  Something I hope to change in 2019!  I want to get back to a more regular posting schedule (at least 2x/week) because more than anything, sharing here on MIS is what brings me the most joy.

Between the blog and Instagram, I share lots of little tidbits about our life.  I’ll just let this be a free flow type post and see where it takes me!

LIFE UPDATES

A couple of weeks ago, I shared on IG that we were going to wean Kaiden off the pacifier.  I even asked for top tips.  Wellll…my grand plan didn’t go as planned.  I chickened out that weekend because Vishnu was on a 24 hour call on Saturday.  The following weekend didn’t make much sense either since K got sick on Friday, and I flew out to Vancouver on Sunday.  We plan to tackle this in 2019!

For anyone who is planning to wean soon, top tips were to just go cold turkey (expect a few days of sleepless nights) or to cut the tip and let your kid wean himself/herself off.  I think we’ll just go cold turkey because Kaiden seems to adjust better when he doesn’t see the thing we’re taking away.  

Speaking of Kaiden being sick, it turns out he had an ear infection.  I got home at 2 pm on Thursday, noticed that Kaiden had a fever, called the doctor’s office, and got an appointment for 3:15 pm.  So glad we went that day because my poor bub’s ear didn’t look great at all.  He’s on antibiotics now and on the mend!  Whatever he had must’ve been a beast of a sickness because it took down my sister, my dad, and Vishnu.  Fingers and toes crossed that I don’t get sick this time around!

Sick baby laying down

Vancouver was great.  The first couple of days were kind of rough for me because I felt horrible for not being home with K.  From a work perspective, our conference was awesome.  I had a few small speaking roles, and I think I tackled them ok.  From a food perspective, I’m pretty sure I ate my bodyweight in meals.  Everything was so fresh and delicious.  Some of the best vegetarian meals I’ve had in a long time!

Public speaking at HR conference

Vancouver Pan Pacific Hotel

In terms of other updates, Kaiden and I leave for Atlanta on Thursday.  I can’t wait!  This will be a bit of different trip because I’m off of work 100% of the time.  My mom also took some time off, so we’re planning to do some fun Christmasy stuff with K!  Vishnu arrives a week or so later because he has to do that dreaded thing called work. 🙁  We’re getting by telling ourselves that this is our last Christmas apart.  Fingers crossed!

STUFF UPDATES

I finished Pachinko on my way to and from Vancouver.  What an incredible book.  I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but the story really drew me in.  It’s about a family, four generations of Koreans, living in Japan and everything they endured.  Highly recommend it!

Pachinkdo

Next up, I’m reading Little Fires Everywhere.  Can’t wait to get engrossed in another great and highly recommended book!  

Vishnu got this toy chest so we can store all of Kaiden’s random toys in our living room without a huge mess.  I must say, I didn’t think we’d end up with elephant themed decor outside of K’s room, but I kind of like it!  

Andddd that’s about it.  Please send some healthy vibes our way.  Happy Monday!

No portion of this post is sponsored.  However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links.  Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Written on December 17, 2018 Related:Life, Uncategorized, Updates

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