| Product Price | $ 70.00 |
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| Product Price | $ 50.00 |
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I don't experiment much with food. If I love something, I have this habit of sticking to the same order everytime I visit a particular restaurant. Which is why I always order Jughead Special in Juice shop, chicken 65 at Topsee and Kaali mirchi kaabab at Asife brothers. So, when I had the opportunity to visit OMR Food Street to try out food from their various outlets, I acted no different.
OMR Food street has been in Thoraipakkam for more than 6 months now and given that it is quite close to where I live, I frequent the place. My favorite there is the filter coffee at the corner shop which I indulge in everytime I cross that place.
We were given coupons for Rs.300 and the idea was to try out the different outlets there. It was good fun given that we were exploring the place with other fellow bloggers. The first thing I tried was a nice, juicy Chicken Shawarma. Happy customer.
Was a good start to the exploration. Excitedly, went on to experiment with Mexican and tried the Mexican Chicken Wings from this menu at MEXIKHANA. To be brutally honest, it was not something that I savored and beyond a point could not eat it fully. Not sure if it was the preparation or the sauce, it somehow left a bad taste in my mouth.
I then went on to have a nice lichie Soda from SODA HUB and for 15 Rs it was quite a loot. Loved every bit of it. Being a frequent visitor to the Elliots beach, the fish fries have always been alluring, though I have never tasted them there. So, thought would give Fish Fry a try. The vanjiram fry from the Fish O Fish counter was yummy and is surely the pick of the day for me. The lady at the counter made it so easy for me by trying to understand how I would like to have it made. Yummy yummy for sure.
By this time, I still had enough coupons, but I was already done with eating. Blame it on my poor appetite. There was always space for some dessert and I decided to indulge in some chocolate delight at the OASIS.
While these were the only things I tried on that day, I have been frequenting this place and have also had the pleasure of tasting food from the other outlets.
Ajnabi has some amazing chaats. Have done takeaways few times.
Have ordered a birthday cake from CAKE PARK.
Kumbakonam Filter Coffee is my favorite here.
All said and done, here's what I feel about the place.
Pros
- The distance for me is an advantage.
- Given that Thoraipakkam is becoming a food hub, with mostly biriyani joints, this one offers good variety for me
- Price is also not so bad on the pocket.
- I have mixed opinion on the food, though my experience has largely been very positive
- Parking is not a challenge.
Cons
- Space. I find it difficult to take my kid here.
- Given that it is street food concept, it also raises question on the hygiene of the ambiance.
- The first floor, which I am given to understand was added due to increased requests, is quite congested. I avoided Level 1 outlets because of this.
- While the wash area was present, some of my friends left thinking there was no wash area. Maybe a cleaner space for this can help.
I was also told that they are opening up a bigger space in Navallur with exclusive space for kids. I guess it would then be nice if it also offers some entertainment for toddlers.
As for the thoraipakkam outlet, I would certainly keep going back for more.
As the saying goes, if you can make your passion your profession, there will not be a single day in life when you will be bored to go to work. This has always struck a chord with me and comes dangling in front of me every time I struggle to get up on a Monday. The least I can do at this point is be in awe with those that believe in their conviction and take the least treaded path of following their dreams. And when it happens with someone in a closed group that you are a part of, you can only be inspired and motivated. Am not a Jewelry person, but then it is this amazing entrepreneurial spirit of Minu Marie Mathew that makes me want to write this post today.
I think for most of us, many things start as a hobby. For many, it turns into a passion at some point. But only a few have the courage to go out of their comfort zones to make things work their way. I have never met Minu, but have always had this impression of her being this petite and pretty girl, which she is. And to know that there is creative acumen behind that façade and an artistic mind that would conceptualize a business venture makes it all the more impressive for me.
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| Minu Marie Mathew The face behind Art-ery |
She has only recently started her line of designer jewelry called ART-ery.
From a blogger, to a hobbyist to now a passionate designer is quite a journey. I may not be the most appropriate guy to really talk about fashion and jewels and style. So hear it from the budding entrepreneur herself,
From a blogger, to a hobbyist to now a passionate designer is quite a journey. I may not be the most appropriate guy to really talk about fashion and jewels and style. So hear it from the budding entrepreneur herself,
We think your inner self is beautiful, stylish and fashionable. We don’t want to do anything to change that, we wouldn’t dare! We’re here to help you find that inner self. There’s fashion in your blood, fashion in your arteries! And that is the message behind the name ART-ery.
I most certainly identify myself with her creative self and want to heartily wish her all the best in her new found endeavor. So folks, meet the designer and check out some of her works. Also, follow the links below and take a look at all her hand made beauties.
Minu, I am a day late. But trust me, while writing about you on this very day is incidental, it personally means a lot to me. And that is something I cannot share in a public domain. So whenever I get a chance to talk to you.
Minu, I am a day late. But trust me, while writing about you on this very day is incidental, it personally means a lot to me. And that is something I cannot share in a public domain. So whenever I get a chance to talk to you.
Connect with Art-ery
You can buy from here
Minu writes a blog here
The official Facebook page is here
The official Craftsvilla age is here
When I wanted a gift, so precious and fine,
For the one I know, for all eternity, is mine,
I realized,
her dazzling cheeks, like the rose’s bud,
paled the brilliance of the Ruby’s red.
her glistening eyes, that glittering sheen,
the Emerald beheld, and turned so green.
Her luscious lips, so gentle and grand,
is the reason Kohinoor hid in a foreign land.
Her sparkling smile, making my day,
is there anything more prized? Oh no way !
Her gracious heart, its virtues untold,
nothing came close, even the purest Gold.
Her beautiful thoughts, so kind, so humane,
the allure of Platinum now looked so plain.
So now,
tell me what I can get for this gem of a girl,
who is more precious than a valuable pearl.
I can only choose something close to her glory,
something exquisite, something like Stylori.
~ Somu
P.S. This post is written as a part of Stylori Contest in association with The Chennai Bloggers Club.
For the one I know, for all eternity, is mine,
I realized,
her dazzling cheeks, like the rose’s bud,
paled the brilliance of the Ruby’s red.
her glistening eyes, that glittering sheen,
the Emerald beheld, and turned so green.
Her luscious lips, so gentle and grand,
is the reason Kohinoor hid in a foreign land.
Her sparkling smile, making my day,
is there anything more prized? Oh no way !
Her gracious heart, its virtues untold,
nothing came close, even the purest Gold.
Her beautiful thoughts, so kind, so humane,
the allure of Platinum now looked so plain.
So now,
tell me what I can get for this gem of a girl,
who is more precious than a valuable pearl.
I can only choose something close to her glory,
something exquisite, something like Stylori.
~ Somu
P.S. This post is written as a part of Stylori Contest in association with The Chennai Bloggers Club.
Ever since I heard from a friend about the beauty of this
place, it found itself a spot in my list of “must-see places around the globe”.
When we were contemplating on planning a vacation this Christmas holidays, Sri
Lanka was the first destination that came in our minds. In spite of being
questioned about its safety, we decided to go for it.
We had our tour planned by Deepa Travels, Adyar. The agent
did a fine job organizing everything for us right from air tickets, visa and
hotel to local cab and tour guide.
With a lot of uncertainty about our travel itself (due to
work pressure and last minute plan changes), we finally left to Katunayake
Airport, Colombo on the 21’st. The flight journey was a short pleasant one that
lasted a little over an hour (Yes, Chennai- Colombo is a lot closer than
Chennai- any ports within TN). At Colombo airport, we were received by our tour
guide, Mr. Nilantha Fernando, an extremely warm, friendly person. Within
moments we were out on the Colombo- Kandy highway in our Toyota Prius (:-) We did spot many
high-end refurbished/ new Japanese-make commercial vehicles on the road). The
first thing that caught our attention in SL was the cleanliness and greenery
all around us. We felt as though we were in our very old God’s own country-
Kerala. And apart from occasional sights of police patrols, there were no signs
of anything but calm and peace.
The roads are well laid and it remained the same almost in
every place we went. It was quite a sight as we drove on the road nestled among
thick bushes and trees. The whole stretch had local vendors selling produce
from their vegetable/ fruit garden- Mangoes, Jack Fruit (SL has Mangoes and
Jack fruit grow in winters unlike TN/Kerala where the season is usually between
April- July. I envy them :-(),
King Coconut and what not. Nilantha was sweet enough to stop by at every store
and Somu and I ate our hearts full. A couple of hours later, we reached the
Pinnewala Elephant Park near Kandi that’s a sanctuary for over 80 elephants.
The park is open to the public daily for some
entrance fees. It was great to see a number of animals all in one place, well
taken care of. There are several shops attached to the park. One that caught
our attention was this :-p …
Rest of the story to continue...
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The sound of waves kissing the shore,
Sometimes even my loved ones snore,
The googoos and gaagaas a baby mutters,
Are bliss that can make my heart go flutter.
The creaking noise of the crickets in dark,
The twinkle I hear when her smile sparks,
The myna and even the cuckoo’s chirpings,
Have no bounds to the joys they can bring.
Music of Illayaraja, and his 80s hits,
Nothing matches up when she hums it.
Rustle in the leaves, whistle in the breeze,
Can you think of compositions better than these!
Every word that break out of her lips,
Her every word though it may have a lisp,
Even the sound of her inhibited silence,
all sent from heaven to fill up my sense.
~ Somu
Photo Courtesy : Thethingswesay
he is the moon I depend on,
to brighten up my dim mood,
and unlike its vanishing stint,
he is there evermore, his fondness for me
never diminishing.
Time of the day carries no meaning,
he is there when I need to talk,
give vent to my spleen and get things out of my system.
He speaks no word,
yet his listening compassion gives me
all the soothing effect I need.
His mere presence is magical,
giving me a sense of security,
a feeling of dependability,
and the assurance that he is there,
even when everyone else discards me.
So many years have passed,
and so many things changed,
yet this bond has stood the test,
gaining in strength with every passing day.
Even now when all else fails,
the only one I turn to is he – My pal,
My Best Friend.
Daylight follows darkness. Every dawn would swear.
If hope, faith and zeal can be your life’s spine,
your ambitions would one day see sunshine.
Oh Heart! Change. Have the nerve to face,
the mightiest of peaks and the tiniest haze.
A heart should never be broken into pieces.
Never should dim thoughts invade your peace.
Every man has his scar, hurting him much.
Time would one day heal, with its magical touch.
A stone unleashes a figurine, enduring chisel’s blow.
With hearts that persist pain, joy and bliss grow.
Everyone’s life is a struggle, so why grief in eyes?
Dream and daily drudge. Your vision would realize.
Oh Heart! Change. Have the nerve to face,
the mightiest of peaks and the tiniest haze.
Lyrical your life , and boundless your thoughts.
Breathe in hard work, from the bottom of your heart.
With eyes full of dreams, and a heart full of desires,
No one can surpass you, if, with passion, you perspire.
Comrade! Plant a seed in your heart, a tree would mature.
Shame and stalemates would become handy manures.
No history is without letdowns. So, why misery in eyes?
If you have a goal, and the clarity, you'd surmount the skies.
Oh Heart! Change. Have the nerve to face,
the mightiest of peaks and the tiniest haze.
Am not an SEO expert. That said, I try to use as much Search Engine Optimization as possible from the little knowledge I have garnered over the years. While we have our Facebook groups and Twitter following and other social media to promote our posts and bring in as much traffic into the blog, the power of search engine traffic should not be underestimated.
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| My traffic source overview - Google Analytics |
Here’s why :
- While referral traffic is limited to number of fans, followers etc…, direct traffic is limited to the number of folks who know your blog URL, the audience from search engines is “literally unlimited”
- If posted appropriately, search engines bring in major mass of the traffic into the blog, as can be seen in the above graph
- People who search and come into the blog are genuinely looking for the information) you have posted (assuming the content is relevant to the keyword(s) that brought in the hit). This is likely to increase the bounce rate.
- New posts may have only seasonal readership if promoted only through social media. However, posts in archives can be treasures and can continue to bring in more traffic than new posts if optimized for search engines. An old post of mine on decoupage still is the most read post every month. Thanks to Google.
So, if you say, “I don’t write for search engines”, think twice ! You don’t have to write for search engines. But if you can make your content friendly enough for search engines to pick up, there is much more readership your blog can enjoy. Agree ? Don't agree ? Leave me a comment.
P.S. In the pie chart that you see above, search engine includes Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask, AOL and few others.
Did you know you can use your twitter background to convey more information that you would want ? Personalizing your background enables you to move away from the default standard templates that Twitter has to offer.
Custom backgrounds can help your profile stand apart and also convey as much information as you need about your blog / site that you are promoting through your tweets.
Here is a template that you can use to modify and personalize your background.
Just download this image onto your desktop. Open it in mspaint. And just change the three shaded portions into whatever that you want. And you have your custom Twitter background.
Once you have your background, get into settings -> Design -> Change Background -> Select the image from your local PC.
Once you have your background, get into settings -> Design -> Change Background -> Select the image from your local PC.
While you are at it, do check out the other custom Twitter background that I made for my profile.
Which one do you like ? Do leave me a comment
When looking back, I come to realize there have been ups and downs, goods and bads, successes an failures, happiness and the otherwise, and I find it quite a task to be able to bundle the whole of it in a 6-word package. And so I thought, why look back, when I can look ahead and see how I want my life to be from this point on. I probably can learn from the past and script my future the way I want it to be. Given that, I cannot think of my life as being anything but a "brilliant, unforgettable, and a successful experience".
This is a poem I wrote 8 years ago when 6-word memoirs did not exist. But today, a one line excerpt from these lines have been used to fulfill the purpose of this tag :)
My achievements, I try recalling.
The ones noteworthy,
the ones that made a difference,
the ones that changed a life,
the ones that moved a soul,
the ones that made my parents proud,
the ones that made me stand tall.
To my shock, my memory fails me.
As I retrace my path,
I try looking
for the flowers in their full bloom,
from the garden that I nurtured,
for the adherents following my footsteps,
for the mark that I have left behind,
for the memories that I have been part of,
for the soul that could distinguish me.
To my dismay, the search proves futile.
Barren is the entire trail,
bearing no inkling of my stride through it.
A startling revelation it was.
Now,lies with me the challenge,
of making my life memorable,
of making myself treasured,
that I remain etched in the minds of my posterity.
As I take up this trial,
I vow ,to make my journey,
a brilliant, unforgettable and a successful experience.
Gomathi Shankar, it is now your turn... Go on. Let us know your life in Six Words.
~ Somu
My achievements, I try recalling.
The ones noteworthy,
the ones that made a difference,
the ones that changed a life,
the ones that moved a soul,
the ones that made my parents proud,
the ones that made me stand tall.
To my shock, my memory fails me.
As I retrace my path,
I try looking
for the flowers in their full bloom,
from the garden that I nurtured,
for the adherents following my footsteps,
for the mark that I have left behind,
for the memories that I have been part of,
for the soul that could distinguish me.
To my dismay, the search proves futile.
Barren is the entire trail,
bearing no inkling of my stride through it.
A startling revelation it was.
Now,lies with me the challenge,
of making my life memorable,
of making myself treasured,
that I remain etched in the minds of my posterity.
As I take up this trial,
I vow ,to make my journey,
a brilliant, unforgettable and a successful experience.
Gomathi Shankar, it is now your turn... Go on. Let us know your life in Six Words.
~ Somu
It has been quite some fun at home of late. With all the garden plants growing pretty wild in the balcony, a little pigeon has made a humble abode out of the cozy and shady space the outgrowth had to offer. The pigeon has a lone egg that it is protecting from our prying eyes and we are trying as much as possible to not disturb it.
But then, keeping ourselves out of the balcony is next to impossible because that is the only source of ventilation for us. Every time we open the balcony, the little pigeon walks out of its hideout, flies to a spot in the terrace parapet, and keeps a watch until we are back in.
There is so much fun in watching this bird pace up and down the balcony, day and night, and guarding its egg while it is waiting to hatch. There are some cons to living in the outskirts of Chennai. But such simple pleasures sure make it all the more worth it.
This is what happens when I learn a new trick in using a camera... I go click click click. I don't claim to be a photographer - professional, amateur or otherwise. Nonetheless, just loved how these clicks turned out and thought would share them here. All photos were taken in Thekaddy during our recent vacation there :)
She told him she wanted to watch Anniyan. He was too busy checking his statcounter that he hardly paid attention to her. She made a mention of it yet again, but his concentration was on his new template. She tried telling him about it during dinner, but he was focused on how to bring in more hits to his blog. She thought she could reiterate her request during bedtime. As expected he was transfixed to his laptop making his post for the day. By the time he was done, she was fast asleep.
Frustrated, she left a one-line comment in his blog.
He noticed.
Today they are going out for dinner,followed by Anniyan in Mayajaal.
LonesoME has M E,
SeclUded has U,
But a relationship is missing U S.
It’s surprising how
SinglE Man has M E,
Unattached has U,
But romance is bereft of U S.
It’s surprising how
UnMarriEd has U and M E,
But a marriage is devoid of U S.
Love to me is more like a word game.
If only I could play it right,
U would be in my soUl,
I would be in your lIfe,
And W E would be in WondErland.
~ Somu
P.S. Related post : Number Game
The kiss that you blow,
The peck that you plant,
The smile with which you charm,
And thoroughly enchant,
Your angelic language,
And the bewitching talk,
Your adorable crawl,
And the cherubic walk,
The hugs that you hug,
The excitement in your claps,
The softness of your butt,
And the way you wet my lap,
The gentlest of caress, that
Your tender fingers give,
The trouble-free, unpolluted life,
That you always seem to live,
The innocence that gleams,
In the corner of your eyes,
The questions you ask,
That take me by surprise,
The sweetest things you say,
The cutest things you do,
Are just few reasons why,
I completely adore you.
Personifying truth,
you inspired the disloyal.
Practicing simplicity,
you governed the affluent.
Advocating Satyagraha,
you suffered for a cause.
Exemplifying self-reliance,
you uplifted the dependents.
Demonstrating selflessness,
you preached the self-centered.
Carrying a vision,
you bound the masses.
Instilling a purpose,
you led your countrymen.
Implanting unity,
you ousted the Britishers.
Epitomizing peace,
you liberated the nation.
Being a Mahatma,
you still live in all of us.
Happy Birthday (A little advanced though)
A blast from the past - Written on 1/Oct/2004
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| Barfi - The oscar choice |
The disappointment on the choice of Barfi (not because the movie is not oscar worthy, but because it is lifted in parts) should only be directed towards the deciding authorities and not on the film maker who has all the while been open about drawing inspirations.
Anurag Basu has a point when he says that the alleged inspiration / plagiarism would have not come to light if not for his blatant interviews (much before the release of the movie) citing those specific inspirations.
There is a reason why movies like Vazhakku En or any other movie with a strong Indian flavor should be the frontrunners for Oscar. These are movies that draw inspiration from real life instances that no world cinema would have ever portrayed.
Ok. Am a crazy fan on Illayaraja. Even in the era of AR Rehman, IR's songs have not lost its sheen to me. The long drives and the lonely nights in the company of his melodies always enthrall and entertain me.
And so, NEP was something I have been looking forward to. IR, joining hands with Gautham Menon, is sure to spin some mesmerizing music. Or so I thought.
Now, after few times of listening to the songs, I can either pretend to LOOOOOVE the songs just for the IR factor, or accept the truth and move on. That is not to deny that the music is good. Just good it is. The teaser featuring Neethaane en Pon Vasantham or the Kanmani Anbodu scores only seem like a marketing gimmick. It created an anticipation in the kind of music that would eventually be rendered. Unfortunately, I do not know if the album was able to meet the hype that was always surrounding it. But for sure I can say that it did not meet my expectations.
P.S. If there was any music director who should have never ventured into singing, it is Yuan Shankar Raja. And Not sure why GVM would insist on featuring him. That was suicidal.
