Book Review: Simply Complicatd By Shreya Prabhu

So I finally got back to reading something and this time I picked up a book called Simply Complicated by Shreya Prabhu. 

Simply Complicatd By Shreya Prabhu

Simply Complicated is a story that revolves around 5 young adults who have just stepped into the world of complications that every young adult faces - thinking of advanced studies, finding a job, and the worst of all - unrequited love.

The two main protagonists are Aastha and Sameer. Aastha has had a traumatic recent past and Sameer stood by her like her knight in shining armor during all the turmoil. Aastha can only trust Sameer but, Sameer loves Karuna. 

Karuna is fighting her own battle trying to ward off a forced marriage proposal in Bangalore while she continues to long for support from Sameer in a long distance relationship. Sameer and Karuna cannot imagine a future without each other yet they have never discussed about marriage!

Aastha's best friend Padmini is in a relationship with Rahul since a long time. Padmini and Rahul are like two sides of a coin, totally inseparable despite their fights, mistrust and break ups. Padmini is having a hard time forgiving Rahul for letting into temptation with another girl while Rahul can't understand why Padmini is so possessive.

In a plot that takes you through the lives of Aastha, Sameer, Padmini, Rahul and Karuna I felt like I was inside an Indian version of the famous TV sitcom Friends. There is never a dull moment while reading the book and Shreya does a good job of helping you visualize every moment of the story. A very believable story which most young adults will be able to associate with, Simply Complicated is a nice read.

If you want to purchase a paperback version or the e-book you can do so at flipkart.com (Rs 135) or from http://www.amazon.in (Rs 110). The kindle version is also available for download from amazon

You can watch a trailer of the book in the video below that talks about how life is Simply Complicated!

This is Shreya's second book and now I am all eager to pick up her first book - Another Chance at Life.

*PS: affiliate links

World Toilet Day - How You Can Contribute To #ToiletForBabli

India is slowly being recognized as a nation of power. Today Mr. Modi is being welcome by nations all over the globe as a great leader for the country. Back home he is trying his best to develop India at the grass roots. With the "Swatch Bharat" initiative he is teaching us all that a little contribution from each individual can actually bring about the change we have all been looking out for.

At the same time on the side roads of a little village, young girls are seen defecating in the public. No they are not happy in doing so, no they are not shameless. This for them is a problem because their village lacks the basic amenity of a proper toilet. Not having a proper toilet or other sanitation amenities also leads to a lot of health issues for these young girls. Men and women are not spared and diseases spread like wildfire in such areas. Thousands of children die every day - yes every day - and the reason is something that we can all help eradicate.

World Toilet Day - How You Can Contribute To #ToiletForBabli

While in a lot of places it is simple neglect by the people themselves, there are other rural areas where lack of resources makes sanitation the last thing that people care about. What we need to understand and also help other's understand is that sanitation is imperative for good health. And without a healthy population no nation can every make progress. Our government and our people will always keep struggling with health if we don't focus on cleanliness and sanitation.

World Toilet Day - How You Can Contribute To #ToiletForBabli

#ToiletForBabli is an initiative started by Domex India - Hindustan Unilever's flagship sanitation brand. Domex runs the Domex Toilet Academy (DTA) programme. This programme was launched on 19th November 2013 with an aim to "become a sustainable and long-term solution to provide sanitation that benefits the local community and helps stimulate the local economy. The Toilet Academy makes toilets accessible and affordable, while promoting the benefits of clean toilets & good hygiene." The academy has already reached out to the villages of Maharashtra and Orissa where they have built toilets and have a target of building at least 24000 toilets by 2015 in rural areas which face the problem of open defecation.

Today is World Toilet Day (19th November) - the UN is fighting against sanitation issues all over the globe. On this day I urge you to be a part of the initiative started by Domex and help change the lives of millions of kids in India. Please do participate in the "You Click Domex Contributes" initiative. All you have to do is visit http://www.domex.in/ and click on the “Contribute Tab” - for each click Domex will contribute Rs.5 on your behalf to eradicate open defecation, thereby helping kids lead a dignified life.

Images are sourced from indiblogger.in and domex.in

Welcome To My Dream 24K Home With Porcelanosa

A dream home - your abode of peace and tranquility. I have always been a person who loves simplicity in her environment yet wants it to be absolutely chic and classy. This is my story of a dream home with 24Kliving that I would like to build one day. If I had the opportunity to source all my materials from Procelanosa then this is how my house would be. Welcome to my dream 24K home with Porcelanosa!
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A large gate led me into a driveway which was surrounded by a lush green garden lined by tall trees on the sides. Far away I could see the little house, shining brightly in the sun. As I walk down the cobbled path leading to the porch I notice the lovely flowers swaying in the gentle wind. Tiny butterflies flutter around the little pond and a beautiful tree house sits atop the largest tree in the garden.

Welcome To My Dream 24K Home With Porcelanosa

I step onto the huge porch and notice the gorgeous MULTIFORMATO TOSCANO ANTICATO natural stone floor tiles - I sit down on a step and take in the view before I notice the wicker chairs with cushions in a corner along with a fresh pot of coffee. I move inside, huge glass windows bring in the sunshine right into the living area. Here the floor transforms into a brilliant wooden touch with the OXFORD COGNAC tiles on the floor giving a sense of warmth. I can already imagine a Christmas eve sitting here with friends and family chirping away to glory!

Welcome To My Dream 24K Home With Porcelanosa

I walk along a corridor that leads to the kitchen, there are family pictures on the walls. The flooring has transformed into a lighter natural stone once again as I enter the kitchen, CEILÁN MARFIL tiles on the floors bring a brightness and make the kitchen appear huge. There are all modern amenities  in the kitchen, a cooking area separated by the dining area while a huge electric chimney would ensure that the eating and cooking experience is smoke free. A huge glass door leads you into the back kitchen garden where fresh veggies are smiling out in the sun.

My next stop is the bedroom, an abode inside the house where relaxation is of utmost importance. Spectacularly minimalistic yet modern - the adjoining walk in closet also houses the FOC LAMINADO ROBLE HUESO / LINO HABANA TEXTIL wardrobe with a natural wood floor finish done with ARTISAN 1L BLANCO. The plush bed with lots of feather cushions invite me for a nap but there are still more things for me to explore.

Welcome To My Dream 24K Home With Porcelanosa

I enter the bathroom - STON-KER Floor tiles in MADAGASCAR BEIGE feel just right under my feet. The bathroom looks spacious thanks to the LAJA BEIGE and XLIGHT Wall tiles. The glass ceiling feels like I'm right outside and the technically adept bathroom allows me to close the ceiling when I want to shut out the world outside.

I slowly make my way back onto the porch where my coffee is still awaiting me. I pick up my favorite book as I walk out to sit and enjoy the sun by the little pond.

One day, someday, this house will be mine and I will make it a home!

All images are sourced from http://www.porcelanosa.com/