October Essentials

Guilty! I'm one of those people that goes out of their way to step on crunchy leaves. Fall is a beautiful part of the year, and if you think anything otherwise, we can just go ahead and agree to disagree.
I've come up with a quick list of five essentials things we all need to add into our collections this Fall. Some may say it's a little to early for fall shopping but I''ll just label that a big "IDGAF." The earlier you indulge, the more time you have to wear it!

Black lace-up "tough" boots:

Close-toed shoes are ideal for Fall season, and since I'm hopelessly unattracted to flats, these are a great go-to! Boots are the epitome of fall, and black boots add a little bit of edge to any attire.
Tobi carries beautiful boots but for a hefty price. Target, on the other hand, offers an extremely similar make of the boot. If you really fall in love with Tobi's (and I can't say I'd blame you), decide whether the extra dollar is really worth your bargain. Either way, one of these pairs needs to be in your closet by tomorrow!

Target:

 Tobi:

Throw-on sweater:

Frankly, this was a bit of a tough find. A throw-on sweater should be something warm and comfy, something that doesn't interfere or take from the outfit. I personally enjoy oversized anything, but this find is unique because of its color-block of mostly neutral colors. I absolutely love it!!!
(Free People, btw, is amazing.)

Colored bag:

I'm not a label whore, I swear! Nor would I ever spend this much on a bag, but it gets the point across. Fall equates to a plethora of neutral colored outfits, so any colored bag will add a little pop. I love Tory B, and I love pink, so I chose this. But just to be clear- there are many other options, people.

Leather bottoms:

Brief summary- they make your legs look phenomenal, and they're not as uncomfortable as tight denim.
Really guys, leather (faux) is so in. You can put literally anything on top of this outfit and call it fashion-forward. Forever XXI has these in stock, so I will be grabbing them ASAP.

Bronzer:

It's about that time when everyone becomes paler by the day. Bronzer is good for two things. It makes you look tanner, obviously, but it also brightens your face so that you don't look deathly pale. It's fun to watch your face come alive with this wonderful application. MAC is also my favorite beauty store, but any CVS should carry a good bronzer for your skin tone. If you choose to get this product from Mac, I prefer the one listed here because it's nice and subtle. Apply to cheekbones, nose, and chin.
(Helpful hint: do NOT apply a surplus; a small shimmer goes a long way)

Happy Fall! 

XO Reema

P.S. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned.

N for NEWBEE!

Okay guys so this is an entirely new direction that I'm headed in! I wanted my trustee blog followers to know about this first because you guys are da BOMB.
I love you all, and I'm so so so excited for this! Comment so I can cater to you.

M for Make-Over

fad |fad|

nounan intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, esp. one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze:Synonyms: trend, fashion, mode, enthusiasm, passion, obsession, mania, rage,compulsion, fixation, fetish, fancy, whim, fascination; informal thing

Maybe it's because I'm spending too much time on Pinterest, but this past year, I've caught myself indulging in some of the newest "in" things. Fads are so much fun to keep up with because they're constantly changing and keeping you on your toes. No matter what your style (and I tend to mix it up), I think there's always a fad lurking around the corner for someone! And who knows? Some of these may become permanent settlements in our lives! 
In no particular order:

 1. Studs! My friends and I got really into this for the 4th of July. Well, I got a little too impatient, but their stud-making abilities were up to par so the shorts turned out really well! I think this style is really veering away from punk-rock to a more hipster trend which means I'm all up for it! Studs can be on anything from jewelry to iPhone cases!

 2. Thrifting. I can't tell you how many times I've seen students at school wearing neon Goodwill jackets. And there's nothing wrong with it! It's cheap, it's fun, and it's...thrifty! The excitement of getting a zip-up jacket for $3 is almost too much to handle. You can get so much more without hurting your wallet. I think yes!

 3. Okay, I've seen it on the Wii, I've seen it in the middle of a mall, and I've seen it offered at gym classes. Zumba is definitely a fashionable trend right now, and don't be mistaken, this workout WORKS. It's a great way to dive into the Latino culture and experience something new. So while you're trying to keep up, just keep in mind the amount of calories you'll be burning.

 4. So while you're working it off, you'll also need a little treat after, correct? The operative word here it "little." Frozen yogurt isn't nearly as unhealthy as a bowl of ice-cream, but it hits the spot dead-pan. Pinkberry is my personal favorite, but I'd settle for anything closer to home. Add a few slices of mango and some chocolate chips... on my way to Heaven.

 5. Peplum! This is actually a style of clothing shown in the blouse here. Peplum works for casual and dressy. I haven't quite gotten around to buying something peplum-styled yet, but I'm definitely looking into it. It works for most body-types simply because it's so flattering to the waistline, and let's face it, what's wrong with that?

 6. Nerd-glasses. This is something I've definitely splurged a little on, but definitely worth every cent! My RayBan glasses are actually prescribed, but I've used them copious times since I got them two years ago. My mom was afraid I'd grow out of this, but hey, look who proved her wrong? This fad is definitely a long-lasting one. And to grab a pair of these, they don't even need to be designer! Nerd glasses are available almost everywhere, and they add a little pep in your style.

 7. Slightly misrepresented...Instagram, Pinterest, and Path are all new social networks that are hitting the market hard. I have all three, so I can honestly say that Path isn't my all-time favorite, but I absolutely LOVE Instagram and Pinterest. There are so many things to see on Insta, and Pinterest has great ideas for every occasion. If you haven't already, indulge in this! No cost? Not a problem.

 8. Most commonly heard at raves, dubstep is a really cool new type of music. Well, maybe it isn't SO new, but it's definitely fun to jam out to in the car! Dubstep generally has a great base, and if you need to know authors, Skrillex is the only one I really listen to, although I'm sure there are plenty more. Great for car rides and getting pumped for the night! Ba-ba-ba-bam

 9. Not only in jeans, but also starring in button-downs... DENIM! Tricky to style? I threw on a pair of beige shorts and white closed-toe shoes. It's casual and cute, and it's definitely the new fad. Available everywhere, but I got my two extremely prized denim tops at Forever 21! And they're extremely affordable. Holllla!

 10. So I know Toms were the new thing a while ago, but if I look down in the hallways of Parkview now, all I see are Chacos! These are a bit of a splurge with the price from $70 to $100, but I know that they're super comfy and great for every-day casual wear. Anything good to walk in, and I know I'm down! Plus, who wants their feet to be tired by the time they bust out heels for night-wear? I prefer Chacos in more neutral colors, but I know you can ask AbbaDabbas to replace your straps for $15. Not too shabby, huh?

11. I know it would be a normal thing for me to stop at number 10, but I couldn't resist. Arm candy, commonly referred to as "arm swag" is up high on my list of fashionista wears. This adds so much spice to any outfit, I absolutely love it! Put on some bracelets and watch, you're good to go! Plus, arm candy doesn't even have to match! I love to have fun with this new fad, and to be honest, I'll probably still wear this even when it's not so in. Oops.

That's all I have for now! Let me know if there's anything YOU really like as new fads via comments. 

XO,

Princess Reema 

L for Long-Lost Love

                                                                                 

Hey all! So this weekend one of my best friends is leaving for Italy to do a study-abroad program. I'm really excited for her, but obviously I'm going to miss her tremendously. Let's all keep her in our prayers and wish her a bon voyage on the next chapter of her life!

K for Kaptain Krunch

Okay matees, it's time to turn off the enigmatic, dark and gloomy side and power up the 'ol happy-go-lucky kind of attitude.
A new school year has already begun at my local high school, and for you lucky late starters, you'll be catching up with us in no time! This year, I've decided to switch up the ways I keep myself organized. First and foremost, this keeps me on my toes ;), and secondly, I've discovered some really neat ways of keeping things simple and efficient. See below for pictures and ideas!
Although I've always been more alert in gifted/AP classes, I've definitely decided that I absolutely love college level courses more so than the average high school classroom. The workload may seem overloading to some, but I think the extra notices given in advance usually work in your favor, considering you'll have to plan out study sessions in college, anyway. Also, AP classes tend to have lots of things going on, ensuring that you never have time for a quick nap. It's been 4 whole days, and I haven't even touched my Iphone during school hours. Impressive, huh?
Speaking of AP classes, AP Lang is going to have a classroom blog of its own. My classmates and I will be writing opinionated pieces that I'm really excited about. I'll probably transfer some of my work onto my personal blog... I know you all want to know how formal and critical of a writer I can be.
I must get to bed for a big finish to the school week tomorrow, but I really wanted to share this one news. My father and I have been communicating lately! I'm taking it upon myself to keep a steady relationship with him. I also need to work on communication skills, so there's a great win-win for me.
Probably a blog about pops and I soon...
xoxo,
Daddy's Girl

Since I never hole punch and I am prone to dropping things, binders are the worst idea. I took a trip to Office Depot and found the cutest composition notebooks (strictly for notes). Then I found 4-pocket folders for each class. Every pocket is labeled, of course, but I generally keep sections for Classwork, Homework, Handouts, and Long-Term Projects. I use big office clips found at Target to ensure everything stays together in case I have a trippy moment (pun intended).

 I found a quiet place in the basement studio so that I am never disturbed. I keep the bare essentials and will add to my collection as I see fit. 

                                                    My little work area. ^^

Topped off with the BEST part of it all. A traditional calendar right infront of my face. Keeps me sane.

Take what you like and whatever you see fit. Pinterest is a good place to look for ideas, also!

J for Just Thinkin'

I lie awake at night. I think I have too much on my mind. If i could describe the feeling, i would sum it up like this- It's like a mix of excitement, wonder, hope, and guilt.  Sometimes my mom gets upset with me because I don't tell her things. I make plans on my own, appointments for myself, and I carry them out. I think a part of her wishes I would include her in my life, but a part of me likes to think I'm completely independent. I can handle myself, live life on my own.  With that thought in mind, I set out on a venture. I made some calls, drove myself, got what I needed to done. But then I sat back for a moment and thought. Is this because I want to prove myself capable? Or is it something else?  I think I'm truly afraid of failing. It's not because i dont want to include my mom. It's not because i think getting things done qualifies me as being an adult. I want to do stuff on my own so that i dont have to answer to anyone if it doesnt work out. If by some chance, i cant make it happen. I hate dreaming big because what is that for me? It's a bunch of hopeless excitement and failure.  But I can't help it. I'm a teenage girl who's reminded constantly to strive for the best, excel, and chase after what I want. It seems so promising, so fulfilling. A life full of pure happiness if you can just achieve your goals.  And so I lie awake thinking about when I should tell my mom. When there's more of a solid chance I'll succeed or now, when there's nothing but blind faith and hope? I know which one my fairytale life would be like. Problem is, this is reality. And I still hate not being good enough. 

I for Incredible

About Henna

Henna Ukani is a recent graduate of Parkview High School. Along with taking numerous AP classes and even being a member of a few honor societies, Henna took interest in drawing and sketching. Last year, Henna was the winner of an art contest held at the high school. She also did dual enrollment with Georgia Gwinnett College where she became captain of their dance team, Elaan. Henna simultaneously danced with Georgia Tech’s dance team, Saatrangi. With her sister by her side, Henna and Reema have both completed summer internships at a clinic. She will attend the University of Georgia in the fall with an intended major of applied biotechnology for a pre-med track.

About Reema

Reema Ukani finished her sophomore year at Parkview High School this past spring. Over the past couple of years, she has received many honorary academic awards and become a member in copious Honor Societies. Reema and Henna were the choreographers of Parkview’s Glee Club. While balancing many AP classes, Reema also did Track and Field and Soccer her freshman year. Next year, she will be a Varsity Football/Competition Cheerleader. Her hopes and dreams are to someday become a doctor and open a string of clinics for patients where she can actively help treat them.

H for Hardly a Summer

There's only so much time in a day; therefore, I type as I bike (that is, at a gym.) 

Biking is actually a seemingly lazy way to get a good leg workout. Usually, I'll head to the real deal treadmill and work up a good heart rate, but today, no-siree. I'm dead-beat tired, and so I choose the bike. 

I'm in bed before most of my friends, I tend to wake up earlier than most as well, and I work out more than I have in my entire life. Yes, arangetram season is definitely around the corner, and I am eating, breathing, and dreaming about July 15th. 

Some might think it's kind of sad to wake up to protein shakes and boiled eggs. It's sad to spend the most beautiful day of the year at Kruti Dance Academy, and it's really just pathetic to follow up with a good salad and gym time alongside more coordination with my cranky older sister in my basement studio. 

I willingly agree to all those who favor the depresso side, but when you look at the big picture (as I've been forced to do), I suppose a few weeks of Hell is worth it. I'm just now solidifying ten long years of rigorous Bharata Natyam training; therefore, I choose to pull through.

Really, it's not all that bad. I went out to CPK with dance girls last night. It was a really good time. The studio is fun when we're finished running through the itinerary, and I, more or less, have been finding ways to amuse myself. But between you and I, I've been sneaking in copious reruns of Grey's Anatomy, too, so take that Dina Aunty!!

I'll get a heads start on writing the MC speech and summer homework, so I'm looking forward to the two-day summer break before cheer camp. 

If I could enter every detail of this arangetram madness, it might take me a few hours that I really need to devote to catering and decorating services. Speaking of, I'm looking forward to handing out invitations soon! They're in the making. 

I've gone over my bike time, so while I enjoy a nice, steamy sauna, have a brilliant and fun-filled summer on my behalf! Adios! 

G for Grey Skies

For those of you who aren't aware, my favorite weather is when gray skies mask all traces of the atmosphere. The moment right before it rains, when you can smell and practically taste the rain coming? Yeah, the ideal time for me.
Today as I was noticing the weather, I got a bit upset. In Lilburn it's currently still bright blue skies with a few plain white clouds. The sun shines just the perfect amount aka not enough to give me a headache. Some would say it's beautiful weather, and I would most definitely agree. Although not my very favorite, there's nothing bad about a day like today. The birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing; it's pretty in Thrillburn. I was upset because as I looked up and around, I saw Georgia trees that I usually love- big and vibrantly green, but I felt something that I don't usually feel. I felt completely trapped. Immediately I tried to think of all the things there are here to do that no where else offers like us: sweet tea, country music, beer, southern hospitality, Helen, fishing, four-wheeling, Jeeps, accents. Those are all things that I consider a part of me, my everything. I looked up and almost felt like a misfit at that point. All I wanted to do was escape to two places, preferably at once (though impossible). First, I wanted to be at Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, California. Second, Times Square in New York City.
I suppose the places I want to go to are understandable. The beach is where I was born, and there's so much excitement in the ideal city lifestyle. There's nothing wrong with that, right? But I can't help but hate that I hate being here right now. What's worse is that there's no real reason why I should be opposed to Georgia.
It's so weird when the things you are most comfortable with become something that makes you cringe. Maybe I'm over thinking. Let's just write this off as a random moment of hatred and do what all girls do best...blame it on hormones. :/

F for Friendship

How broad a topic! I'm almost afraid to begin this post simply because there are so many places this train of thought can lead me to.

Friendship is a great thing. Sometimes we meet people that are pleasant to simply wave and smile at while other friendships can be so great that they last a lifetime. They can be spontaneous. They always change. The best part? Each friendship is unique in its entirety.

Each person treats their friends in a different way. Sometimes, it's hard to let down our guards. And other times there's just that instant 'click' where people can understand each other based on values and ways of thinking. The latter occurred with me recently, and I'm looking forward to the new memories that a new girlfriend and I are bound to make. 

My mom always told me to be very grateful that I had respectable friends who genuinely were good people. "Friendship is a gift from God." Cheesy? Yes. Do I believe it? Absolutely.

So, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? I don't think so. Befriend a person in the hall or in an elevator. Be open and willing to share thoughts and ideas. You never know what a small "hello" can become. Besides, what do you have to lose?

#friends #bestfriends #happy #ilovefriends

E for Epilepsy

    Sometimes I look around and wonder about people. Where did that scar come from? As I sat in a plane, I saw a military man fast asleep. How long had it been since he felt safe enough to catch a good amount of sleep?

And then I can't help but wonder what my life would be like if I wasnt... Me. What if I swam instead of danced? What if I had one parent? Would my life be much different if I had been diagnosed with epilepsy?

     I'm absolutely certain that we could learn so much if we had the power, time, and ability to walk in others' shoes, if only for a day. You couldn't honestly tell me segregation would have proceeded to such an extreme had white Americans the opportunity to walk in a worn-down, beaten-up pair of shoes. I say that because I watched a video that suggested the same notion this morning. There was a study in a small white, Catholic town with a population of less than 1000. Third graders were told that blue-eyed people were better than brown-eyed people, and they should treat them as lesser people. The study flipped roles the next day and eventually, students were torn up about the discrimination and even called each other "brown-eyes" or "blue-eyes". In the end, the white children learned not to pass judgements based on the color of someone's skin.

     So if third graders can throw out a life's worth of racism in less than two days, how much else can change with experience? To what extent do we have the ability to understand others? To see from different perspectives?

I wonder, if faced with the opportunity, who would you like to be for a day?

Would you be afraid to change the way you've seen/understood the world?

I'm not saying it's a good thing, but I just might. 

Dyslexic

Walk in someone else's shoes

Which one do you see? Old lady or girl?

D for Defeat

Have you ever wondered why things turn out the way that they do? Why sometimes, no matter how hard you try, things just don't seem to be in your control? Let me be the first to tell you. If you ever feel like the world is unraveling at a pace too fast to sprint with- you're not the only one. 

Recently, I was faced a problem that I didn't know how to repair, or where to even begin. It was beyond frustrating to feel like I didn't have enough knowledge on the topic and with limited resources, where did I end up? To be specific, at a graveyard. Some people say that grandparents have more knowledge than anyone. My grandma has always been a lady to look up to. So yes, I may have seemed like a fool talking to a stone in the middle of the day, but I'm okay with that. 

Just remember that sometimes when life is spinning out of control, you always have the ability to ask for help. And in the times that seem too hard to tough out, ask yourself. Are you going to fight or give in? 

I know I'd fight. 

"Dear Lord, in the battles we go through in life, we ask or a change that's fair. A chance to equal our strife. A chance to do or dare. If I should win, let it be by the code, faith and honor held high. If I should lose, stand by the road...Cheer as the winners go by. Day by day, I get better and better until I can't be beat, won't be beat."

C for Conundrum

The other day, my world seemed to be in a very stable place. Although much of my time is devoted to three basic things, school, dance, and the gym, I can usually find an hour or two in a lucky week to spare for the other things such as friends or sleep.
Living for the present is always entertaining, especially when the present consists of planning a very important photo-shoot with professional photographers (this is for my arangetram). I've already spelled out the time and effort it takes to get through such a time-consuming project. However, living for the present while simultaneously planning for the future proves to be somewhat of a challenge when both things require a hundred percent of your attention. In other words, attach running for class president, cheerleading tryouts, and a wedding to the unusually busy to-do list, and well, my sanity seems to evaporate into thin air alongside sleep. The feeling is almost...cluttering. Claustrophobic, even.
I'd like to point out something that really gets to me every time I think I might have to commit myself to a hundred rounds of meditation. Friends. To all those who have called me and offered help as I'm running around getting something waxed, colored, or further perfected, thank you so much. Although I cannot accept your gracious offer, it means so much that you would take your time to calm me down or lend a helping hand. I'm not only thanking those who have bluntly helped, but also those of you who have understood my priorities with dance this year and for the past decade, I appreciate your ability to be so patient with me. After July 15, I owe you all a one-on-one date.
So tell me how a workaholic can go from leading such a steady lifestyle to running a madhouse in the matter of minutes. Tell me how it is possible to be so all over the place that you forget to put on shoes and realize it only when you enter the dance studio. Tell me how the idea of "patience" seems like an inappropriate joke rather than a virtue. Really, it is a conundrum.

P.S. I'm using these photographers for my arangetram. They are absolutely brilliant at photojournalism photography, and it would be my pleasure to offer you their business as I'm sure you will not be anything less than ecstatic about their work. If you are not planning a wedding or arangetram, then look around their gallery anytime. Maybe it'll be an inspiration, maybe a good waste of time, or maybe you'll keep them in mind for a certain event in the future. Either way, enjoy!
http://www.thedecisivemoment.com/

B for Beach Boys

Spring is around the corner, and if you're not already traveling for the entirely-too-short break, then heads up- there's loads to be excited for! 

During the first week of April, I will not only be attending a wedding in Los Angeles, but also spending the last half of the week with my cousins, Liz and Lyza, as well as two best friends, Mehak and Ramsha, in Miami, Florida. Although removing henna tattoos (mehndi) from my hands on the lonely flight to Miami is not something I am ecstatic about, there are a few things that I cannot wait to do!

First and foremost, I am beyond happy that I will able to spend time with my family and friends. There's nothing like a good week of non-stop companionship to set you in the right mood.

Secondly, I can vividly remember the memories Liz, Lyza, Henna and I created on the cruise to Mexico last SB. Juggling with the idea of the things my friends and I would do together while we are spending quality time in a party city is almost too much to handle!

Indian weddings are so COLORFUL! In addition to the cultural beauty I will be surrounding myself with, I also get to look forward to performing a few dances for my loving Khalajaan and wearing a sari! I'm sure it'll be beautiful, even though I haven't picked it out yet :/

The 3 B's truly capture the entire meaning of Spring Break. Beach, babes, and bikinis. I've already started getting whipped into shape, and as crazy as this may seem, self tanner might be the highlight of being at the beach. It can be used for any skin color, and it really evens your complexion out!

On top of all the chaos with midterms, dance, cheer tryouts, and the photoshoot, it really is soothing to know that there is a break from the madness soon. Brilliant students and hard-working teens, take a deep breath! If you're not already laying back and tanning, you will be soon! We can do it!

There are just a few reminders that I would like you people to keep in mind-

Wherever you may be, be safe! Stay with a friend and always have pepper spray!

Take a camera, and don't lose it! For the majority, I'm assuming this may be your best bet of remembering the week, anyway.

Pack a few days in advance! Last minute packing usually means something remains forgotten at home, and who needs the extra stress, anyway? You may want to check the weather before you begin sorting outfits, also.

HAVE FUN! I know I will. 

A for Arangetram

An arangetram is a ceremony marking the end of a Bharat Natyam dancer's training. One of my best friends, Sapna Shah, has shown me how to take what I've learned at the studio and apply it to my every day life. Her words help me out by describing and further explaining an arangetram:

"Through my eight years of being a part of the academy, I have slowly ascended into the higher echelons of  dancing present at Kruti. By doing so, I've become a part of the Kruti family. As a senior in high school and at the academy, Kruti has reached its full potential of meaning in my life through the relationships, morals, discipline, respect, and abilities I've gained from attending every week. Dance is my escape from the world, and without it, my mind would never have a chance to clear itself from any stress or problems present. Kruti has allowed me to gain confidence in myself and pursue ambitions I would never have dreamed of before. I have been taught to work diligently and to push myself to reach personal satisfaction. The academy and its values have become a part of my persona and will remain with me as I take the next step in my life when I start college this fall. I would not be the person I am today without Kruti Dance Academy, and I will never forget the impact it has had on my life. Kruti is not just about dancing; it is about bringing alive a culturally rich art that many never have a chance to experience, and I thank the academy for giving me the rare opportunity to be closer my heritage and to find my passion in dance."

As trained classical Indian dancer at Kruti Dance Academy, I am proud to announce that after ten dedicated years, my arangetram will be on July 15, 2012.
Bigger than my wedding, the preparations for this joyous occasion began July of 2011. To give my beloved readers a brief idea, here's a glimpse of all that goes into an arangetram:
-Book the auditorium
-Order custom made outfits from India
-Design a langha and have it made by Indian designers
-Find and book a decorator
-Find and book a photographer
-Find and book a videographer
-Plan to have a pooja days before the big day (Bharat Natyam is a religious art form)
-Have a photoshoot (Mine is 7 days from today!!!!!)
-Get jewelry to match perfectly on stage
-Have stage make-up bought newly and done (multiple test runs required)
-Plan to have perfect waxed, threaded, facial-ed, flawless skin and teeth for the photoshoot and big day


...Get the point? The list goes on and on, and the best part- I'm loving every second of it! There's only one year of my life that I will get to spend ridiculous amounts of hours in the studio practicing and perfecting dances, and I plan to fully love (or hate) every second of it.


I'd advise you to heed this warning- 
Over the next five months, many arangetram and annual recital references will be made. Plan to be well informed about a very dedicated Kruti student (and soon to be alumni)!

The crew of six that was invited to go to India and perform on Chak Doom Doom- an internationally televised dance competition. Two days before our flight, Henna and I were unable to receive Visas because our parents were born in Pakistan. Still, the girls kept in touch from India and thought of us as a part of their team. You can watch how well they did on the show here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xKeuE3XwNM

Henna and I gave a speech at our best friend, Poulomi's, arangetram. Love her!

Another part of the best friend group, Rupal and I helped out at an arangetram that required their girls to have matching saris!

Post-2010 recital :)

During one of many performances!

With the recital and photoshoot coming up, there's bound to be tons more soon.


kruti.com <— explore at your own will.

First is the Worst

Perhaps the worst part in starting a new project is not knowing what to expect out of it. It's almost impossible to tell whether the outcome will be good or bad, worthy of your time or... not. But there's always that small part of you that tells you to take a leap of faith, to strive for the best, and to work that much harder at the new project, anyway. 

It's amazing what things we begin to do once we let go of that fear factor. We cliff dive, begin new relationships, and even start a blog.

My fear was once letting people read my imperfections, but not anymore. It may not be a new year, and I may not have a specific reason to start something brand new, but sheer curiosity takes over as I wonder what possible things I might let my mind publicly wonder about.

My name is Reema Ukani. I'm a small town girl, born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Lilburn, Georgia. I was once afraid, but not anymore.

Cheers to the new blog!