SoniaAndLife

Sunday, 25 January 2015

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Saturday, 4 January 2014

Beginning New Year 2014 with a Smile of a Sunshine...

They say a little Child's smile can illuminate the darkest of us. They definitely say it right.

I once flipped through an online link of the best old photographs of the 20th century... It was a post that highlighted on the fact that how one picture can evoke a thousand words and a milestone of thoughts into us. I scrolled through many of those lovely pictures that took me on a tour to history's great marvels. (here is the link to that wonderful historical journey and my favorite Pictures from The Past)

I saw Elvis in his young and hopeless days serving the US army, a woman and a boy standing next to the would-be-mantled statue of Liberty, the first impressions of a racist man bullying black people in a swimming pool, and so much more that looked like a story board of yesterday's lives and environment. All of these images made me think for a while about a world that existed many years before my birth and the age of internet, but the one image that captured my heart and brought a smile to my face was a picture of a boy between 6-8 holding a pair of new shoes.

I certainly cherished the other pictures but this specific picture took my breath away. This lovely picture of a little boy relishing over a new pair of shoes for the very first time in his life overwhelmed me with a variety of emotions. It made me react to the picture's contagious grip, it brought a smile on my face, and then it brought me to a state of sadness that most of us in this age would not relate to. I remember seeing my cousin whining over the fact that his dad got him a Scoda over the latest Mercedes-Benz AMG addition for his birthday, spoiled brats crying that they did not get the latest PS4 and a "call of duty" franchise for Christmas or Eid and, seeing a friend of mine sulking over a messed up nail art. If any of these ungrateful references ever get a look on this image and the story behind it, they would truly value their much "unwanted" possessions that their parents bestowed upon them.

I also remember not being able to lie comfortably in my bed that night when I first saw this beautiful picture. I just gazed the ceiling, and didn't realize until my dad called me from the next room that a thick line of tear had stamped my face. I responded "I am coming, dad", and then left to help him with something...

Its not like I was never given lessons on gratitude , appreciation and satisfaction with what we had in life, but the very thought that made me a stronger person was that 'giving was always nobler than taking. ' I always doubted this saying throughout my teen years (yes, I was always that shallow) but realized its significance by just this mere picture and the joy that crossed this young man, stuck in the middle of a damaged post world war 2 Austria that ripped him apart from his parents, confining him to an orphanage and depending on Red Cross funds.

And indeed, it was the initiative taken by the US Red Cross charity to supply goods to the helpless in Europe, that is how this boy got his first pair of new shoes and a smile that became contagious to not only me but to the many readers of Life magazine.

Now to break the ice, here is the little hero of gratitude and the picture that made me write this article:


Little Wendell with his precious posession

Just think about yourself, you may have lent someone 500 dhs, and in return you brought a smile and a relief from trouble that Mr Someone might have gotten into had you not stepped in to help that person; that relief alone could be the pleasure to your heart, or maybe just maybe, you may have given an Orphan girl the most most expensive doll, she might have danced in uttermost happiness just being so grateful for the doll; her happiness and smile could be your pleasure to your heart. If only our corrupted world foresaw the joy of bringing happiness onto others than themselves, they would then understand why God made us so special, powerful, intelligent, and civilized than animals, because animals live for themselves and we are made to live for others, to brighten the world of others, to share our wealth and good fortune with others, to maintain harmony and peace.

God bless you fellow readers, and here's to you, a very happy New Year 2014.

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. Johannes A. Gaertner

Saturday, 27 April 2013

A tribute to Vampira - Maila Nurmi <3

A tribute to Vampira - Maila Nurmi <3 by soniarose666 featuring a bright lipstick

Alexander McQueen rayon dress
alexandermcqueen.com

Gucci strappy platform sandals
net-a-porter.com

Alexander McQueen oversized clutch
couture.zappos.com

MAC Cosmetics bright lipstick
nordstrom.com

Zyanya Lorenzo If you never try (White)
inprnt.com

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

House of Chic - The Pop Store that came to Dubai for an uplifting event organised by UNIMONDE

Saturday, the 23rd of March was the day to be remembered when Manali and Heena, India's influential fashion merchandisers got their concept of a pop store to Dubai for the very first time. For those who don't know what a 'pop up store' is: It is a concept where merchandisers bring goods from other countries for a one day stop exhibition, so in that one day, you can have a look at the goods and buy them in that one chance or you lose the chance. A great marketing concept I must say! I got my mom hooked up on all those beautiful clothes showcased by India's top notch designers from Nikhil Thampi to Surily Goel, you name it. The clothes had a tense sense of eclecticism in them from deep neons to soothing neutral palettes, from enchanting saris to evening red carpet wear. The event was held at The Palace hotel in Downtown with Dubai's most elite on the invitation list.

Manali and Heena

House of Chic - The One day Pop Up Store

Me, Myself and I in a Nikhil Thampi Number

Me with Nida in a black number and the other lovely ladies who posed as Human Mannequins


Me and the lovely Nida during the day of the event

I was part of the event as a Human mannequin model along with my friends Shivangi, Nida, Shilpa, and the other lovely ladies, so it was quite a great social experience besides having us using props to showcase the collection by each designer. During the day, I wore the funky Indian label AM:PM and by night I was in Nikhil Thampi's off shoulder black velvet sari inspired by Greek Goddesses. Luckily for me, I got myself in Masala's online picture gallery for being part of such a heart warming and exclusive event. One of the best fashion nights ever. Won't forget this day certainly. Any queries or questions regarding this article, let me know dear readers :)