August was a whirlwind month for me. More ups than downs, I would say. And that is always such a lovely thing. Here is how the month transpired:
An outing with friends: In the start of August, we did a roadtrip to Kabini with 5 families. It was so much fun spending time together in the lush environs of Kabini. From the beautiful scenic boat ride to playing and eating together, these are the kind of trips that really rejuvenate us and make us feel alive.
Husband’s birthday: This time we did a staycation at Taj Vivanta. Just a day to get away and have fun. That Coco was welcome to join us was the icing on the cake for us. A special word to Taj Vivanta staff who took great care of him and really hosted us well. We also visited Iskcon Temple in the evening to seek blessings of Lord Krishna. The Temple was not too crowded in the evening and we could sit and enjoy the tranquility in peace. As we sat for the aarti, it started pouring, the ambience was quite something. We ate piping hot khichdi (Prasad) and then walked in the rain to have dinner at Higher Taste, the high-end satvic restaurant at Iskcon. If you want some delectable vegetarian fare, you must visit here. The food is quite delicious and there is a good variety of dishes from all over India here. Overall, it was a good outing with family.
Cousin’s wedding: There was a wedding in the family as G’s cousin got married. Meeting with extended family only happens on such occasions as also dressing in heavy silks. The commute to and fro was a pain as always.
Health: August was a month that saw heavy rains lash Bangalore almost throughout the month. Sometimes, there was no sun for days and I absolutely hate that. It caused niggles like allergies, cold and cough. I also had a terrible time with sleep and headaches. Have started a supplement in the last week of August and luckily the sleep cycles have been on a mend.
Fitness: Been running regularly this month and also doing strength training whenever possible. I am really enjoying my runs in the green environs. We have also been working with Coco’s fitness who enthusiastically looks forward to the evening runs though he runs out of steam in about 4 kms. J Oh and the kids also run/walk with us. So, it has become a family vocation now.
Work: Work is going well and keeps me sane. I am starting a new project and am looking forward to that. I really enjoy my current projects and all the brand associations that I do. And guess what, I started doing a couple of courses. Always happy to update knowledge.
Children: The kids keep my life interesting. Elder son is up to his neck with studies and CCAs. We had 2 PTAs this month and both were good. Both the kids got positive feedback from their teachers. The younger son is reading more and is also studying more.
Leisure: I have 3 books with me now that I’ve been reading rather slowly. Hopefully, will finish them in September. The kids also have been reading a fair bit. Both the library membership and school library help. I have taken on big time to watching series on Amazon/Hotstar. Managed to finally complete The Mentalist. Took a smallish break before I started watching Castle just a few days back. So many series to watch and so little time. J Been not too active on social media as other activities keep me occupied.
Produce: Our avocado tree has given a bountiful harvest this season. Large avocados have given us a constant supply of guacamole, smoothies and salads. With very heavy rains and pest issues, the produce from the roof top garden has been hit though we are still getting a good supply of bhindi, beans, brinjal and chillies.
Festival: The festival season is upon us. We recently sought the benign Lord, Ganesha’s blessings and now look forward to Dasshera and Diwali. Rakhi was joyful as it is every year. I also ended up making some festive fare like pooris,halwa, chane etc. But, mostly I try to get back to healthy eating quickly. 🙂 Even if I don’t bring Ganesh home, just the festive spirit brings a cheer to all of us.
Lastly, I’ve nominated both my blogs, Food channel and the corporate blog I edit, Money View blog for the IBA 2017. Indiblogger Awards are special, as I won my first award IBA2013 in the Relationships category. If you like what I write, do share your comment at the links: Rachna says, Rachna cooks, Food channel and MV blog . Thanks a lot.
Overall, I am grateful for how the month went by. I am grateful for my wonderful family, colleagues, clients and friends for enriching my life and bringing me joy.
September seems like a promising month with two special birthdays coming up in the family and a short trip planned. How did August treat you?
Join me on Vidya’s gratitude circle:
How lovely of Vivanta to include Coco as well! These gestures go a long way in gaining a good reputation, whether you’re Taj or not.
I am imagining your beautiful experience at ISKCON, a beautiful way to bring in a new year indeed.
You’ve had a hectic , though fun, August. Wishing you a Super September, Rachna!:)
I know. We were floored too. My respect for them went up by many notches after this experience. And that ISKCON experience happened quite by chance but was just so enriching. Thanks for the lovely wishes, Mayuri. Wish you a happy September.
August was a rocking month for you, Rachna with so many things around, festivities, new projects, and road trip. There should never be a dull moment in life. Wishing that September is rocking for you and make double of what you enjoyed in the month that went by,
Thanks so much, Vishal. Hope you have a lovely September as well.
I miss Ganesh Chathurti festivities while I was in Mumbai. Roadtrip sounds fun. Glad that you had a good avocado produce. I am googling it now to check what kind of environmental conditions it need. I am very slow at reading books, always. Wish you good for the awards.
I am lucky to be living in Bangalore which supports growing most fruits and veggies. No extreme climate conditions here. Yes, I need to work more on my reading. Somehow, that keeps falling behind. Wish you a happy September as well.
Rachna, you had an eventful August ! Family and friends make life beautiful and pets are the icing on the cake. Glad to know Taj Vivanta welcomes pets, I hated leaving my Sparky behind while going on trips (One of us always stayed back with her). I like weddings only when they take place in the winters of Delhi 🙂 Your vegetable garden sounds delightful, avacados are my favorite but not easy to get from the local vegetable vendor. What are the three books you are reading? Great gratitude post. Best of luck for your IB awards nominations.
Oh I love the idea of all of you running together. Your commitment to fitness is inspiring. I am glad to report I’ve managed to work all five days this week thanks to you and Shailaja starting it off with those inspiring posts. Wishing G a very happy birthday. Staycations are great. I did one with the children – just to get away from home and it turned out to be fun.
Would love to know what courses you are taking. It’s always good to enhance your knowledge base, though it is harder to concentrate as we grow older.
You seemed to have a lovely August, Rachna. And I love the fact that you’ve made Fitness a family activity. I am trying to get my hubby to walk with me, but since we can’t leave the 5 yo alone at home, it almost never happens. And if we take D, then it’s just a constant stream of distractions. So as of now, we are going at it alone, but hopefully soon we can do it together. A partner helps you stay accountable on the days you want to quit.
Sounds like such a happy month. Glad fitness is a family thing. Health is so important and your family is a perfect ambassador. I love that your Avocados and greens are from your own garden. A lovely thing both for your family and heart. A joy indeed. I want to go to Kabini. Will reach out to you for ideas 🙂
Wishing you a lovely September, Rachna.
Overall a blessed August, save the weather front and health niggles, I see 🙂 Staycation sounds like such fun. I love iskcon food. We used to visit higher taste regularly when we lived that side of town. Glad to hear about the work front! Have a good September 🙂
One of the things I loved reading was that Coco was hosted by the Taj people so graciously! It’s a rarity hearing people treating dogs at five star hotels, you know? Good to hear about your fitness routine and your veggie garden, as also about your blogs nominated for the IB Awards.
Wish you the best, dear!
May you have a fabulous September!
I am so jealous of your avocado tree. I am having a hard time growing just a plant. Loved how dilligent you are with your fitness schedule. Now that winter is over, I am trying to be more regular with my schedule. You had a wonderful month with so much of family time 😀 Hope September is just as exciting 😀
How times have moved that hotels are being hospitable to pets too- that was great to hear! I have been loving your pics of the veggie garden and inspired by you, I hope to plant a moringa tree soon on my balcony in a bucket!
Your post has such a happy and content feel to it – more power to your Rachna 🙂
Your August sounds so fulfilling and awesome! Kabini is beautiful, isn’t it? I should go there sometime soon. Staycations sound interesting, and I have never done it till now. Maybe soon.
I had a wonderful August too, very satisfying 🙂
May your September be more awesome, Rachna.
Happy birthday to Gurdev, and now , Gautam! How nice to take time off especially in the same city! That the hotel was pet-friendly is great! ISKCON was one of our favorite outings as long as Vidur was at home.
How pleasant it was today–without the rains after quite some time.
Next time we meet, please do bring me an avocado from your garden! I love seeing photos of the produce from your instagram feed!
Glad to hear that your fitness routine is back on track and of course, always the best when family buddies along!
Have a blessed September, Rachna! Thank you so much for being part of the Gratitude Circle. Hugs!
P.S.: All the best for #IBA2017 – I am sentimental about it, too!
I want to go to Kabini too but maybe once M grows up a bit.
Happy Birthday again to both the Gs in your life! And I have to say I’m inspired by your staycation and want to go on one myself. Maybe soon.
Have a wonderful September, Rachna 🙂
Happy to read about your gratitude list, Rachna. Best wishes for your IBA 2017 awards.
Looks like quite a productive month. I want to go for a staycation too! Its my birthday month ?
Looks like you had some quality time this August. I guess the avocado festival is still going on 😉
It is over now, Shilpa. The season is finished.