Life Update!

Hello everyone!! It's been over 2 years I haven't written a single piece on this blog. I'm sure most of you already know that I got engaged in July 2020, right after I wrote my last article here, and since then I've been super occupied painting a new chapter in my life!

This was during the first lockdown when I met Vanshaj and chose to get married to him. I prioritised planning my wedding over fashion shoots, blog writing and building brands. To be honest, I didn't have the bandwidth to manage everything simultaneously, so yeah, the PAP blog went on halt.

I finally got married in November 2020, moved my base to Noida and resumed posting on Instagram. I also started setting up my new home, resumed working for a few clients back in Lucknow and while I was trying to balance everything, life had other plans for me. In less than 6 months of me moving away from Lucknow, in March 2021, my grandmother passed away and a month later my father passed away. So it's only my brother who's left in the family and it took me a while to let all of it sink in! With my husband and my in-laws being by my side, I finally gathered some courage to move on with life.

Nevertheless, I've missed writing and I had been thinking of sharing my life update and why I've been absent here. So here's all the information for you that's relevant!

In today's post, I'll be giving you a peek into some important days of my life from 2020 - my engagement and my wedding functions. Let's get started...

Our Engagement - 22.7.2020

I spoke to Vanshaj for the first time in the last week of June, met him in the first week of July and 15 days later we got engaged in the presence our families and friends in Gurugram.

We enjoyed a 4 month courtship and planned our entire wedding by ourselves with minimal help from our families. Our outfits, the venue, the decor, the food, so much! In the middle of the pandemic, when the world had limited resources to offer, we planned our wedding just like we had imagined since always - simple, minimal and just with our closest people being a part. We had 4 functions spread between Lucknow, Delhi & Gurugram.

My Mehendi - 20.11.2020 (in Lucknow)

Our Haldi - 21.11.2020 (in Delhi)

Our Youngsters Night - 21.11.2020 (in Delhi)

Our Wedding - 22.11.2020 (in Gurugram)

watch the complete wedding movie HERE

I would have never imagined a time in my life when nothing would seem more important than getting married to a guy who was an absolute stranger till a few months ago. But as they say, 'love comes in the most unexpected ways', I found mine when the world had stopped! 2020 was indeed one of the most special years of my life, and in all sadness and in health, I found my partner for life. Now, it's a crazy journey that's just begun! PS : This wedding wouldn't have happened if our families didn't show courage to meet and every single person who was behind the preparations to make our special days even more special. Thank you for being by my side through thick and thin then and now! Until next...lots of love.

~xoxo~

Lifestyle Update : Car Wash at Automate - Automobile Spa

A lot of you know that my family gifted me a a car last year on my birthday, and I have been driving the same for 1 year now. It's undoubtedly one of the closest gifts to my heart and I try taking care of it as much as I can, now. I don't have to bother for it's technical maintenance because that's what the men in my family get done. But some regular wishy-washy jobs are something I like to particularly get involved in. Say, the recent incidence was when I was invited to collaborate with AUTOMATE, offering me a free car wash. It's a luxury car spa that helps bring life to cars once again! Situated in the basement parking of Riverside Mall, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, this car spa is equipped with all car cleaning facilities and it's one of the top choices of all Lucknowites. Easily accessible and value for money. 

We all are aware that improper techniques cause unsightly swirls and scratches in the paint of the car. Hence, it's always recommended to get it cleaned by experts, at least twice a month. Automate has a step-by-step car washing process that not only removes loose dirt and grime but also removes contamination, securing it for further use. Vacuuming, Steaming, Washing and Greasing/Polishing are the four major steps used in the process of a car wash at Automate; along with thorough rinsing and Drying to make your car shine as new. It uses products that are expert recommended and are healthy to use. A huge kit from a brand called '3M Car Care' is used everytime which includes products like : Car Wash Shampoo, Tyre Dresser, Dashboard Dresser, Premium Liquid Wax and a Microfiber Cloth to make sure your vehicle is protected by UV reaction, leaving no greasy residue.

Before (side)

Before (back)

Steaming

Wiping the loose dust

Thorough washing

Cleaning the interiors and the exteriors

After

Just like our body needs thorough cleaning, similarly the body of our car needs a proper spa as well! A team of 2-3 men is involved in the process to make it quick and hassle free. The best part is that each one is superbly trained, meaning they exactly know when and how to do it. TBH, it's really simple, you go to Riverside, park your car at Automate, buy a movie ticket or go shopping in the mall, and by the time you get free your car is all done. Sounds cool? PS : You may choose to ask for different packages for car maintenance suiting your needs. I highly recommend this luxury automobile spa and detailing centre, considering they not only wash cars expertly, but also modify your vehicles like never before. #MustTry

For more details about Automate, click HERE.

Thanks for having me, Automate. Keep doing the super job!


~xoxo~

Women Hygiene : Stand & Pee FUD + Period Pain Relief Patch

For many many years, we women have got jealous over the fact that men can stand and pee, but we girls can't! Thanks to the inventors of the toilets who allowed the guys to just zip down, pull out their weenies and pee anywhere. Its actually so much unhygienic because they don't even care to wash it many a times like that! Whereas, we girls always have to sit on a toilet seat and pee (or for women who pee on the side of highways in emergency while travelling, have to sit as well, say hiding behind the bushes). I know, it might sound bizarre and so gross, but that's how it is, right?

On the other hand, men can pee sitting down, but few people realise that women can actually stand up while doing their business! If you’re interested, there are devices in the market to help you get done. PEE BUDDY is one such product site that sells these amazing Female Urination Devices (FUD) which help women to STAND & urinate in all public & common toilets; which helps minimize germs, is effective, and reduces the risk of coming into contact with your own urine.

Made in India, PeeBuddy is India’s first portable, disposable FUD. It is a revolutionary product for women who hate dirty toilets when travelling or work or leisure or those with medical condition. Using PeeBuddy, you can simple STAND & PEE and avoid all UTIs/Infections/Yucky Experiences at dirty toilets. It is made of cardboard, and comes with simple open-place-pee-throw instructions and is very convenient to use with no spills.

How To Use : 

Step 1 : OPEN

Gently Press the top front and back to POP open the PeeBuddy.

Step 2 : PLACE

Move panties aside. Place the open end of the funner / PeeBuddy between your legs right under the flow area.

Step 3 : PEE

Tilt hips / bend a little, ensure the funnel is tilted downwards. Relax and Pee.

Step 4 : THROW

Dispose off in the bin.

While the concept may be new to you, European women have used female urination devices for years. Peebuddy is India's first FUD, but not the first device of its kind. I myself have used it on my recent travel trips, and I have loved it. And I think you’ll agree it’s easily the best! Using PeeBuddy helps you stay away from infections, UTI etc. No more wiping of seat, no more squats, no more holding it in. 

Priced at Rs. 200 for 10 Funnels in 1 Pack - Check out for larger packs and prices on the website :  www.peebuddy.in!

Use code : WELCOME15  for 15% discount.

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The second product that I want to share about is a Period Pain Relief Patch by Sirona, available on PEEBUDDY. These patches are 100% herbal and are the must for women during those monthly troublesome days. Many of us during period pain tend to consume various pain killers in forms of liquid or tablets which after a while starts affecting our body miserably. I personally avoid consuming them because I know the ill-effects! You would suggest using a hot water bottle, but let me bring it to your notice that it's impossible for women to carry it everywhere, every time!

So, on my recent look out for something new and easy-to-carry, and easy-to-use to cure my pain, I came across this Pain Relief Patch that works on the simple formula - relaxing the muscles and providing discrete, continuous and non-messy relief from pain and muscle cramps.

How To Use : 

Step 1 : OPEN

Take out the strip from cover.

Step 2 : PEEL

Peel off the protective liner from the cuts in the middle.

Step 3 : PLACE

Place it uniformly over the pain affected area.

Step 4 : THROW

Dispose in the bin after use.

Well, I would highly recommend using this patch during pain in the lower abdomen or lower back, and cramps. It has done wonders for me and has made my life so easy, and I hope you can say the same for yourself after using it during your periods next month maybe?!

Priced at Rs. 292 for 5 Patches in 1 Pack - Check out for larger packs and prices on the website :  www.peebuddy.in!

Use code : WELCOME15  for 15% discount.

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If you liked reading this post and felt it's useful enough, please share it across with your girl friends and help them overcome some hygiene and pain problems. After all, that's what friends are for!

~xoxo~

Reviving Patriotism : Lucknowite Jatin Verma contributes Rs.11 lacs to Bharat ke Veer

A man is a patriot if his heart beats true to his country! - Charles Jefferson

We are all told in school about the freedom fighters, the soldiers, and the patriots. We are all sensitively inspired by the stories of all of them, and we pledge to do anything, or even die for our country whenever needed. But, how many of us actually find ourselves contributing to our nation and it's people, at all? Yes, we do shed tears when we hear the army men die of gun shots and bombs during wars at country borders, proudly referring to them as martyrs, showing them sympathy and saluting them for their courage for having saved us from misfortunes. But, then, that's it!

No, I do not insist you to join the army and fight for our county. Sure, you're going to ask, "what can we do apart from that?" Well, you could do just exactly what you've been doing all this while - saluting the martyrs, but a bit more for them by helping their families live a better life because they deserve it! Akshay Kumar, a well known actor from bollywood launched a web portal - BHARAT KE VEER : Indian Bravehearts, on 9th April, where we all could donate money, directly to the family of the martyrs who died fighting in order to protect us. Just like, a Lucknow based young businessman, Mr. Jatin Verma donated an amount of Rs. 11 lac to Bharat ke Veer on 18th May, 2017, which would eventually be distributed to the families who need it the most!

Bharat Ke Veer, as a website, was launched to help the armed police force and central para military forces of India. It is an initiative to pay homage to the brave hearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty, who fought for the freedom, welfare and progress of India and sacrificed their lives! Jatin Verma, in a conversation with me mentioned that he always aspired to do something for the country that actually counts. His inspiration behind the huge donation to Bharat Ke Veer was his consideration towards the military and para military forces. He wanted to give back to the society and hence contributed a handsome amount when he got to know about the portal!

Jatin, as an adventure seeker he is, and always eager to do something extra ordinary, recently experienced sky diving from 12500ft. He managed to take some shots from this colossal escapade and combine them in a video which he dedicated to para troopers of our country who do such tasks carrying arms and ammunition, not worrying about where they land, risking their lives, just to protect us. Jatin's gratitude towards the army is clearly visible in the video, and the selfless service is beyond the reach of words! Watch the video below :

Jatin Verma, talking about his donation, his love and admiration for the country and soldiers!

Shots from Jatin's skydiving escapade

Jatin says, "I'm not a hero, but our soldiers definitely are, and doing anything for them would not only make me happy but I will feel that I could give something back to them!" Well, it's clear that his only thought is to reach out to the maximum masses making them aware about Bharat Ke Veer (apparently the only website where you could directly contribute to the families of the martyrs, as you choose), and inspire people to donate! In the end, it doesn't matter what amount you donate (the website allows you to donate starting from Rs.10 to Rs.15 lacs max), but the intention you donate with, and the true feeling of patriotism!

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As I end writing this proud story of a generous man from Lucknow, I humbly request all of you to please visit bharatkeveer.gov.in and contribute directly into the bank accounts of brave hearts family. Please feel free to contribute in whatever capacity you can and express gratitude to Martyr’s kin. We can never make for the loss of life of their loved ones but our one act can surely make a difference!

~xoxo~

My First Meetup Session - #StyleCircle at Lifestyle Store Lucknow

Hello, my lovely virtual family! Belonging from different cities, states and countries, I still don't know what makes you come back here every single time and shower on me your love and blessings. But one thing I know for sure is, that you guys have been the whole sole support in my journey of blogging since day one, and it is overwhelming to see our family grow. Two days back (28th May, 2017), I completed 3 full years with Picker at Pace, and nothing would have been greater than hosting a personal meet up session, a day before, with my readers communicating with them in person. 

LIFESTYLE, one of country's top fashion brands recently launched their SS'17 collection featuring the new range that draws inspiration from the rich Mayan, Mexican and Oriental civilizations to create a bold yet intricate look, with a casual collection that has a Bohemian vibe with stylish palazzos, maxi skirts and printed dhoti pants. And, it gave me gave me an opportunity to showcase the stock amongst my followers, and interact with them, knowing them better and helping them with essential style tips and imparting knowledge about blogging as a career! 

A few months back, when Lifestyle Stores approached me asking me if I would be interested in co-hosting the Style Circle event at their outlet in Lucknow at One Awadh Center Mall, along with Kritika Khurana aka That Boho Girl from Delhi, I just couldn't refuse it. It was an amazing feeling to have been chosen as the first blogger from town to get associated with a brand this huge and co-host the event with one of country's favorite fashion bloggers at the moment. It was a win-win deal! And well, the day finally arrived and I was mesmerized to see the crowd that had gathered to greet both Kritika and me. Tbh, I never expected I had "fans". Nevertheless, the sensational feeling of being at the centre stage, surrounded by people who look upto you cannot be compensated with anything else!

Me with Kritika

The entire event was set up for 4 hours and I had the best time of my life during that time. Met around 250 different faces, hugged them, received kisses, got to know so much about their field of interest and their aims and aspirations in life! It made me feel super motivated and loved, because the energy was superficial. Most of them complimented me for my styling ideas, fashion and beauty tips and all that I write here on my blog, about travel destinations, restaurant features and even book reviews and the poem snippets. Oh yes, the compassion and kindness each one of them had was astonishing!

At the end, both Kritika and I were surprised to see how modishly the girls had styled themselves in the outfits from Lifestyle Store, as we had earlier asked them to do that, since we were giving out vouchers worth Rs. 2000 to two "best dressed" to shop from the latest collection at the store! I picked Kanika Chowdhary and Kritka chose Nainika Kalita as our personal favorites, and the smile on their faces seemed so bright and lovely!

Kanika, Me, Nainika, Kritika

Lifestyle’s Spring Summer collection has an extensive array of global trends, with striking patterns and glamorous silhouettes for the season. I love the brands Ginger and Code by Lifestyle, personally. In fact, the t-shirt I'm wearing in the pictures above, is from Ginger and I adore it completely! I highly recommend the clothing as they have the best of fabrics, styles and prints to offer.

To conclude, I would like to thank the entire team of Lifestyle Stores for having me at the event and letting me have "my moment". Also, kudos to Kritika for being a pro at the session, and guiding me along. I don't know what would have I done with out her, being all shaky and crazy!

Kritika and me with the team of Lifestyle Store Lucknow

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Thanks for reading! If you have your picture featured in this post, please feel free to download it for personal use, but link it back either to this blog or me on social media (facebook, instagram, twitter). I hope everyone who came to the meet-up had a great time just like I did. Thanks for dropping by, guys. Much love!

Photographed by : Yash Athwani, Saumya Kumar, Ashish Soni  |  Styled by : Lifestyle  |  Makeup by : Divya Vishnani

~xoxo~

Jewelry Game : Work from Home with Voylla.com

Hey there, hope all's good! I was just wondering if I could help you guys become your own boss, in some way or other since y'all keep asking me how do I work from home and manage to make money. Not that I'm telling you what exactly I do, but I've got something really cool and exciting for all you lovely girls out there who are passionate about fashion and love playing with baubles.

So, VOYLLA is an online jewelry store that offers an array of designer fashion jewellery and accessories for women, men and kids. With more than 15,000 unique designs, they strive to help you look your best with the latest and the finest jewellery. With more than 1,000 designs introduced every week, you have a vast variety to choose from every day.

Now, they have recently launched their ManiBag programme, which initiates you to simply sign up and tap into your network of friends, and personally suggest them with a sample collection from Voylla and help them choose from the stunning range. And, for every sale, you earn a 20 per cent commission which you can convert into cash or redeem against purchases on the site! Isn't that a win win? I too am registering myself in this new programme soon, to earn a few extra bucks, but before that, I'd like you to check out some of my jewley picks from their collection that has taken away my heart. The jewelry pieces are super trendy and so affordably priced. If you don't fall in love with these, I don't know what else would you fall for?! 

Exclusive Guitar Inspired Pendant With Chain (149/-)

Spring Designer Cuff Bracelet For Women (149/-)

Latest Classic Look Designer Oxidized Bracelet (239/-)

Combo Pack Of 6 Arm Candy Bracelets (161/-)

Fashion jewelry thrives when bold designs are in vogue and that is very much the case this season. The high fashion look is popular in necklaces and bracelets with natural components contributing to the designs. Theme jewelry in pendants, earrings, and charm bracelets has an appeal that goes beyond fashion alone because it identifies with what the wearer cares about! Incorporating metallic accessories doesn’t need to be a headache. Resist the urge and choose small metallic pieces instead, and you're good to go! 

Coming back to the ManiBag registration programme, you gotta follow a few simple steps and enrol yourself on the Voylla website to start working. Check them all out below : 

Step 1 :  Sign up for the Manibag programme.

Step 2 : Create a catalog of jewelry pieces you like.

Step 3 : Add products in the catalogue from suggestions, product page and offer category.

Step 4 : Save the catalogue. And preview the catalogue that you have created.

Step 5 : Share the catalogue on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter with your friends and family who may be interested in fashion jewelry.

Step 6 : You can also share from the offer category.

Step 7 : From every sale, you will earn a 20% commission of their sale.

Step 8 : Voylla cash is used only for online transactions or Once you have reached a target of Rs.1000, you can also transfer the amount in your bank account.

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I hope you liked this post, and it helped you in some way or the other! If you're looking for more details about the Manibag programme on voylla.com, please click HERE. Also, do let me know if you have any other questions, I'll be the happiest to answer them all. Until next, lots of love!

Photographed by : Yash Athwani

~xoxo~

The story behind Click Your Med with Entrepreneur Kareshma Khanna

"Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world." - Hillary Clinton

Hello everyone, and thanks for returning to my blog, everytime that you did to read something new that I feature here to share with you to help you in any way possible! Well, this post is something very different from what I generally write about. Today, I'll be sharing with you the story of a young, inspiring woman KARESHMA KHANNA who has taken the Lucknow city by storm with her newly launched venture CLICK YOUR MED, a hassle-free online pharmacy, delivering medicines all over the city.

Kareshma Khanna, a Lucknowite by birth, is a graduate from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University and did her Masters in Marketing Communications from Westminster London. A meritorious student throughout, she has a working experience in Ernst and Young, Gurgaon for 2 years as an Analyst and had a very brief stint at Ogilvy and Mather as a Strategic Planner too. For the few years that I've known her, she has come out to be as a beautiful soul, doing good to and for everyone around. 

She is one of the few women entrepreneurs we have in town who works for the people, to help them and to make their lives comfortable in any way that she can! 'Entrepreneurship' as she puts it, for her is like "an educational institution – that teaches you something new everyday. It grooms you, it shapes your value system, and it makes you who you are. It is the journey of learning, growing and creating! If you ask me what kind of entrepreneur I want to be, I’d say a value creating one!" With Click Your Med, she has tried bringing in an extremely unique concept of sitting at home and ordering your medicines online just as you order food and avail quick delivery with lots of discounts; and it also saves time. Having said that, while I sat down with her to talk more about her startup, below is the actual conversation we had. 

Q.1.) How did you come up with the idea of Click Your Med?

Answer : Honestly, it was not my idea, I don’t even know how it came up. I was studying in London when my dad called me and discussed this. I just saw a great business opportunity and did few months of research before I decided to leave aside my corporate job dreams and venture into entrepreneurship. We realised that people of Lucknow are becoming net savvy and they are adopting online culture. Moreover, due to heavy traffic and hectic work schedules it becomes difficult for people to go out and buy even essential items such as medicines. Thus, it saves a lot of time to order online and we deliver medicines. Plus medical bills are a burden for most of us and if we can offer consumer discount it would reduce the cost. Our platform helps consumers “save money and save time”.

Q.2.) What does CYM actually do, and how it helps people?

Answer : It is not about how unique or big the idea is. It is how much value it will add to a consumers life. I feel our platform offers a lot of value to its users.

* You save money – we offer various discounts and cash backs.

* You save time – you don’t have to go out of your office, home to order medicines.

* You can call/whatsapp/order online – it is the most convenient way to order medicines.

* You get computerised bills with all break ups, and you can return medicines in case the doctor discontinues.

* All medicines are genuine and given ONLY after verifying prescriptions. Cold chain is strictly maintained.

* You have an online store house of all your medical records. You get monthly reminders to restock your medicines.

* You get offers services such as physiotherapists on call, discounts on other online platforms

Infact, one can order from any city and we will deliver the medicines at your home in Lucknow. Our pharmacist will go the house and verify the prescription. And, this is the way youngsters can support their parents and grandparents. It hardly takes 2 minutes to place the order. A lot of my friends order medicines for their parents & grandparents from us, and they say it makes their family feel happily connected too!

Q.3.) What all marketing techniques did you apply?

Answer : Firstly, we are making consumers aware about the importance of prescriptions. That is of prime importance to us. We are focusing a lot on Pull strategy. We have a flat 12% off on medicines, upto 3% cash back, a customised account with ones medical records and a medicine reminder system. We are making our product as attractive as possible for consumers. We believe in well-being of our customers and have tied up with different online platforms, physiotherapists to provide our customers with something better each time they order. A lot of tie-ups are in progress, you can expect something exciting for both young and old. We are also doing a lot of BTL advertising. Basically, I want to create a trustworthy and genuine brand in the field on retail medicines!

I am already quite impressed by the concept of Click Your Med and the fact that it is being led by a woman, makes me feel highly inspired too. Women otherwise are generally perceived as home makers with little to do with economy or commerce. But I feel this picture changing. In Modern India, women are showing an interest to be economically independent. They are coming forth to the business arena with ideas to start small and medium enterprises, and they are willing to be inspired and to inspire as role models. 

While chatting with Kareshma, I realised that entrepreneurship for her wasn't too challenging as it might be for other women around, mostly because she has been very fortunate to be surrounded with the best of people. As she says, "Dad is my go to person. Also, I have found my mentors and have best of friends who guide me, support me and encourage me. There are few people without whom I cannot run this business!" From the name of the venture to website development, from hiring to sales – she discusses everything with people around her including her delivery boys. She believes "you should listen to everyone you know, you never know where the best idea comes from", and really that hits right!

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For all you women out there, if you read the complete post, I'm sure it did inspire you. If yes, do share this post across and help others to take some inspiration as well! After all, women inspire women, eh? PS : You can find CYM on facebook and if you're a Lucknowite, you should start ordering your medicines from www.clickyourmed.com because that's definitely a good idea to save on money and time, making your life easier. Happy ordering!

~xoxo~