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The Essence of Thanksgiving It’s here, it’s here, it’s here!! Thanksgiving has arrived, and I couldn't be more excited! This special time of year is all about celebrating the fall harvest. The name itself reflects this beautiful tradition. It also marks the beginning of year-end festivities, which I always look forward to. As the leaves turn golden and homes fill with the comforting aroma of roasted meals, we gather with family. We share traditions, play games, and create memories. Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and count our blessings. It’s that one time of the year when gratitude takes center stage. Thanksgiving Around the World Thanksgiving is celebrated in many countries around the globe, each with its own unique customs and timing. In Canada, we celebrate on the second Monday of October every year. The United States observes it on the fourth Thursday of November. Liberia celebrates on the first Thursday of November, while Japan has its own Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23rd. There are many other countries that celebrate Thanksgiving or similar days, each with different names and traditions. Living in Canada, I’m thrilled to celebrate Thanksgiving on October 13th this year. It’s a time filled with joy and reflection. The Power of Gratitude As the name suggests, Thanksgiving is all about being grateful and thankful for everything and everyone around us. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling or a day of celebration; it’s a state of mind. It’s this quiet power that can transform our lives. It’s not about ignoring life’s chaos but about finding those little pockets of peace in between. Thankfulness shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. Let that thought sink in! Let’s try to imbibe this power in our lives daily. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on all that you have, all that you’ve had, and the life you’re living. Think about the people in your life and everything that might go unnoticed but is very much there. Personal Reflections This year, I’m thankful for change—even the uncomfortable kind. I’m grateful for everything and everyone I have, as well as for those I do not have. The ones we don’t have can also be blessings in disguise. I appreciate the people who showed up when I didn’t ask for help, the lessons hidden in challenges, and every new story I get to live and share on Living the Shriya Way. Gratitude as a Way of Life Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a way of life—one I want to carry into every day, not just on Thanksgiving. It’s about embracing the little moments and finding joy in the everyday. As you celebrate this season, take a moment to slow down, savor, and say thank you—not just today, but every day. Let’s make gratitude a part of our daily routine. Embracing the Spirit of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is an invitation to connect with our loved ones and ourselves. It’s a chance to reflect on our journeys and the paths we’ve traveled. Each year brings new experiences, challenges, and joys. Embracing this spirit can lead us to a more fulfilling life. So, as we gather around the table, let’s share our stories, our laughter, and our love. Let’s create a warm atmosphere filled with gratitude and appreciation. Final Thoughts Happy Thanksgiving!! May your heart stay full, your home stay warm, and your gratitude never run out. Let’s cherish this time together and carry the spirit of Thanksgiving into our everyday lives. Love, Shriya!

Da Nang in Vietnam is a mesmerizing destination. With serene sunrise, beautiful beaches, lush green mountains and a city vibe alongside, this place offers much more than just a tourist attraction. A 30-minute drive from here towards the south, is the Ngũ Hành Sơn , also known in English as the Marble Mountains . These are a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. The five mountains are named after the five elements of nature: Kim  (metal),  Thủy  (water),  Mộc  (wood),  Hỏa  (fire) and  Thổ  (earth) . Out of the five mountains, only the water mountain is open to travelers. With several cave entrances and numerous tunnels, the Marble Mountain makes to the list of one of the most sort after places to explore while you visit Vietnam. Several Buddhist sanctuaries are also present within the mountains, making this a tourist destination. I was staying in Da Nang and had rented a two-wheeler for local commuting. It took us around 15 minutes to reach the Marble Mountain from our apartment. Once you reach there, you will find ample parking spots that are paid and safe. The tickets to the marble mountain are available at its entrance. There are two ways to go to the summit, the elevator or the stairs. For both the options, you can buy the tickets at the entrance, after the parking. The elevator lines are generally long, and the stairs are a bit tedious (156 steps to be precise). But I would suggest opting for the stairs. Irrespective of it being strenuous, it’s an experience you must not miss. You just have to be careful with the marble steps, as they are slippery. Go for an extremely comfortable shoes with good grip and you should be good. However, opt for stairs only if you are physically fit, do not have any heart or blood pressure related issues or any other ailment that might get triggered or elevated with trekking or climbing. Visit early in the morning or later in the day to escape the midday heat and beat the crowds. The Marble Mountains are open till 5:00 pm and we went there at around 2:30 pm and we got enough time to explore it. I feel it was the best time as the crowd was less, and the weather also started cooling down as we went ahead. To explore the place leisurely, 2-3 hours should be enough. Also, to get inside the pagodas/temples, you must be dressed in fully covered clothes as it is the protocol there for temples. Once you reach to the summit, you will be welcomed by beautiful pagodas, statues and a wide panoramic view of the surrounding area and the other marble mountains. The Marble Mountains are home to several Buddhist and Hindu grottoes (caves). There are a number of grottoes, including Huyen Khong and Tang Chon, and many Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries, the temples of Tam Thai, Tu Tam and Linh Ung, and the pagoda of Pho Dong. The sanctuaries feature statues and depictions of religious scenes carved out of the marble. After exploring the summit, we headed towards the Huyen Khong Cave, the largest cave there, with sun beaming from the ceiling, illuminating Buddha statues. While entering the cave you won’t be able to guess the enormity of it but once you enter, its huge and serene. It houses a massive stone Buddha and two shrines. One of the shrines is dedicated to the god and goddess of matchmaking and is a popular spot for couples and singles to worship. The inside of the cave is made up of limestones which makes the place cooler and has a calming feel. A little history about the cave is that the Huyen Khong was once used as a secret base and later a field hospital for Vietnamese revolutionaries. Once we were done with the cave, we wandered around the mountain area for some more time and explored the other little caves there. There were some caves where we did not go because their entrances were way too narrow and since I am claustrophobic, I could not even attempt giving it a shot. But if you are can trek to narrow spaces, they are worth a visit for sure. Do carry your water bottles, some face wipes, a little snack or protein bar. At the marble mountain, you will get water and coconut water vendors but that spot comes after a good amount of trek and you would need some water before reaching there, so its always better to carry yours. Carry cash for water vendors and parking fee, cards will not work there, however, you can make card payments for your tickets. After almost 3 hours, we started our trek back to the parking spot. The stairs for sure are very slippery but worth it. I am glad that I could go to Marble Mountains and tick them off from my list. The Marble Mountains are just not about the views; there is something else to it. A feeling of calm, the magnificent statues of lady Buddha, the divine energy, it is all so surreal. This mix of natural beauty and human devotion creates a kind of peace that stays with you long after you’ve left. For me, it was a quiet reminder to pause, breathe, and reconnect — to let travel not just take me places, but bring me back to myself. If Da Nang is Vietnam’s coastal charm, Marble Mountain  is its spiritual heartbeat. Whether you’re chasing good views, culture, or just stillness, it has something for everyone. So when you visit, don’t rush it — climb slowly, take in the scent of incense, listen to the echoes, and let the calmness sink in. Because some places aren’t meant to be seen — they’re meant to be felt. Love, Shriya!

Staycation, Vacation, Holiday!! Every time we listen these words, all we can then think of is beautiful views, fun, good food, amazing rooms, lovely stay, Well, we too thought of something exactly the same when we planned to go to Delhi NCR for a few days. The story starts here. We decided on the dates when we wanted to go and the next thing we did was, started looking at places to stay. We looked at some hotels and since we knew it was going to be a longer stay and would want it to be more comfortable and homely than a hotel, we though of exploring some options on Airbnb! To our surprise, we found plenty of options on Airbnb in and around the areas we were looking for. After deep research and filtering through a numerous amount of reviews we finalized on an Airbnb. We booked it and thought it to be all sorted and started preparing for the trip, until the day came. After a 10 hour long journey to Noida, we landed at the Airbnb at around 10:30 pm. We reach the apartment complex and to our surprise we were welcomed with dingy entrance, under construction parking area and a weird vibe altogether. Not to mention, the hollows of the lifts that were to be installed at the parking area which had absolutely no taping or marking of any sorts to caution the visitors. Unsure and disappointed, we head to our apartment. We opened the lock and entered the place. Our first reaction, WHERE HAVE WE COME? WHAT IS THIS? That was exactly our reaction. We were shocked. The house was dirty, unkept, the restroom was unclean and unhygienic. The kitchen and all the appliances were filthy and the upholstery and the entire house was not live able. We called the host of Airbnb and requested him if he can provide us with any other property that is cleaner. He did not have any property available but he also refused to believe that the house was dirty and this was after we had shared the pictures and videos of the house and the dirt. When we asked him that the pictures online are different than they are in real so he very casually said that we enhance the pictures with editing before putting them online. Well, we knew that we were not going to be living there. We called up Airbnb requesting them for a refund and cancellation of the booking. To our surprise, yes, another one, Airbnb was inclined towards the host more than the customers. While on the call, we decided to leave the place and continue the discussion with Airbnb later. We started looking for a hotel around and finally got one at 12 am. And after days and days of back and forth of pictures, videos and all the proofs, Airbnb refunded us the booking amount but we somehow did not have a good experience with the customer service of Airbnb. Lesson learnt, always have a back up plan! Love, Shriya

Hello my lovelies! Its here, Its here!! The time of the year when all one can think of is everything refreshing and cool, yes, Summer is here!! As summer sets in and the Sun showers its glory, it becomes absolutely necessary for us to keep certain things in mind and bring them to habit to beat the heat and not let it get on to our health. I am personally quite sensitive to heat and my body reacts in its own ways when exposed to the warmer temperatures. This is why, I have made a list of the top 5 essential things that I use and habits I follow to stay at best during the scorching heat. Hydration I can not emphasis enough on this one. Having enough water in summer is like oxygen to our bodies. Water, fruits and food with high water content are the best for the season. My recommendation, always carry a water bottle with you, weather you're at home or while stepping out. Sunscreen Sun protection for the skin is another crucial step that we often forget or do not give much importance to. Sunscreens are not just essential when we step out in the Sun but they need to be applied even while we are at home. This is because the ultraviolet rays from the Sun can penetrate through the walls of our houses and can literally damage our skin even at home. Clothing Breathable, flowy clothes should be the wardrobe must haves for the summer. Cotton and linen garments are highly absorbent and breathable fabric, ideal for hot weather conditions. They promote sweat absorption, air circulation, are gentle to the skin and reduce the risk of irritation and allergies. Bug Spray The rise in temperature directly gives an extremely comfortable environment for bugs and flies to survive, breed and be present in abundance. These small insects, at times can be harmless, however, being exposed to them can cause serious allergies, bug bites or rashes. To keep these conditions at bay, carrying a bug spray at all times is a must and applying them every time we step out is highly recommended. Food Food also plays a vital role in staying happy and healthy in summer. Try consuming foods that are not heavy on stomach. Avoid heavy, spicy, fried and sugary foods, instead replace them with options that are high in water content like watermelon, cucumber, coconut water. Leafy greens, smaller meals, yogurt, citrus foods and berries too should be included in the diet. That's my list for this summer my readers. Do let me know if you need more of these. Love, Shriya!

The Royals streaming on Netflix from 9th May, 2025 The Royals, released on Netflix on 9th May, 2025 was on my watchlist since the time I saw its teaser. My instant reaction to its first look, "I can't wait to watch this!" This weekend, I finally binged The Royals on Netflix and here is what I think about it. I will not call this a complete review of the series rather my opinion on it. The Royals depicts the existential crisis of a royal family in the modern day India and how a hospitality start - up, in an attempt to survive in the industry, aims to give the commoners a taste of the royalty via a bnb. Ishan Khatter is the Maharaja/ King of the kingdom and Bhumi Pednekar is the CEO/ founder of the hospitality start - up. They decide to work together wherein, Bhumi proposes a deal to Ishan to use one of the sections of his palace for the bnb and as much as he is opposed to it, he accepts it as the family is also going through a financial crisis and loads of debts. The visual appeal of the series is incredible. The sets are lavish, the costumes; extravagant, the styling; exceptional. Every thing in the series is extremely pleasing to the eyes and aesthetically remarkable. The performances of each of the actors is good, however, Ishan Khatter totally stole the show for me. His acting, dancing skills, charisma and performance is a perfect depiction of what a perfect act is about. The chemistry between the protagonists does lack that spark though. Zeenat Aman and Sakshi Tanwar are the breaths of fresh air in the series. The Royals is a light, pleasing watch and might be a try for you if you are looking for something less intense with a hint of drama, romance, comedy and extravagance. I feel a lot could be done in it and for me it did not meet my expectations and my excitement that was there after seeing the trailer did dampen after watching the entire series. Let me know how did you guys find it? Love, Shriya!

During our growing up days, especially when we are in school, all we think of is, when are we going to be adults? Well, that's because we see the adults around us enjoying freedom, living their life, making decisions on their own and that was fascinating for us. Little did we know that childhood or till the time we do not get into the stepping out of the home phase, is apparently the best time of our lives. At the age of 17, I graduated from my school and joined a University in a different state, away from my parents, all on my own. It was primarily my parents' decision to send off my brother and I once we are done with grade 12 because they wanted us to be independent and get the exposure and confidence that we could not get if we lived under the protective shield of the family and I agree to this completely. I think, this was one of the best decisions my parents took for me. It made me better in so many ways and I can not be thankful enough to them for this. They supported me through everything but never ever overstepped my decisions. All they said was, you decide for yourself and if you face any repercussions, we will be there to help you out. Well, all of this worked in my favor and here I am. Now in my 30s, I realize that there are a lot of things that no one tells us about being in our 30s. This is why, I have listed out some of the things that I wish I knew! Suddenly you're an adult, like literally! No one tells you to do certain things, you just know that you have to do it. You become a responsible one. You are suddenly juggling work, family, chores, kids, relationships, outings, me times, and the list goes on. Some of the most weird things start happening to your body. A peculiar spot at the back of your shoulder will start aching out of no where. Back pain and leg pain is a constant. Your need for regular spa days increases to a new degree. Vitamin supplements are the newest additions to the cabinets. But somehow, you try and make yourself better and better each day and that's how it should actually be. Parents, the most important part of our lives, our pillars, our lifelines, suddenly start ageing very quickly. It shatters you from inside every time you see a new wrinkle on their face or the skin loosing its hold from the hand. You come to realize that you can't do much about it because life and age will take its course but you somehow want to stop this time, you just want to have that ever young parents always in your life because no matter how old you are, with parents you become just their little kid that you are used to being. :'( Friends drift apart. In your 30s, all of your friends are at different stages of their life. Some are married with kids, some are married, some are bachelors and most of the friends stay in different cities and countries. All of these lead to different priorities, different time zones and gaps in all means. This does not mean that you don't still love them or miss them, you still love them immensely and miss being with them or meeting them and they do too but when life happens, often friendships take a back seat and that's sad. I miss my friends way way too much but everyone is spread across the globe and life is happening to each one them like its with me. Sad but true! Career shifts and changes are a thought that come to your mind all the time! You constantly want to learn new things and get involved in new careers because you feel that this age and time is the one where you can work the most and have a good life later and I agree. But trust me, life will take its course like it has to. The control is not in our hands and its never too late to start something new or evolve something old. Its all about the determinations, goals and intentions. Well, I think this one's got too long. But this is what I feel in a nutshell. There is a lot that I'd like to share about my learnings, may be some blogs later. Till then keep looking up at the blogs and send me your love and feedback! Love, Shriya!

Fall is here and so is the season of red, maroon and yellow leaves. The crisp air, the pumpkin spice, the transition between summer and winter, shorter and cooler days - its a whole mood shift. In terms of trends, its about cozy chic vibe, effortless glam, browns and flannels. With so many trends popping by, it becomes very important to know what trends to lean to (and what to leave behind). Here’s your ultimate fall 2025 in/out list to keep your lifestyle, wardrobe, and routines on point. Fashion & Style In: Oversized blazers + Tights Chocolate brown + Deep burgundy tones Ballet flats & Mary Janes Textured knits (cable, chunky, ribbed ) Out: Neon shades Micro - mini bags Overly ripped denim Logomania Lifestyle & Aesthetic In: Romanticizing slow mornings Fall resets & “Sunday routines” Cozy cafes over nightclubs Reading corners & home libraries Out: Hustle 24/7 mentality Overdecorated spaces Overpriced “aesthetic” gadgets Following every  TikTok trend blindly Travel & Experiences In: Local weekend getaways for leaf-peeping Boutique stays & Airbnb cabins Curated travel itineraries (focus on experiences, not just destinations) Train travel aesthetics Out: Overcrowded tourist traps Long-haul flights just for a weekend Cookie-cutter hotel stays “Do it for the ‘gram” only travel Food & Drink In: Matcha + chai lattes Cozy bakes (apple galettes, cinnamon rolls) Charcuterie boards for casual nights in Seasonal cocktails (spiced margaritas, apple ciders) Out: Overhyped pumpkin spice everything Complicated 10-step recipes Energy drinks overload Fast-fashion food (quick viral fads that fade fast) Fun & Pop Culture In: Fall playlists with indie & jazz vibes Movie nights + cinema dates Manifestation journals & affirmations Mindful content creation Out: Overconsumption of social media Toxic “that girl” routines Outdated influencer trends Generic inspiration boards Fall 2025 is all about slowing down while still living beautifully. Which of these ‘ins’ are you already embracing — and which ‘outs’ are you ready to let go of? Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your own in/out list with me on Instagram @livingtheshriyaway!”

“Change is the only constant.” The smaller this phrase is, the bigger and deeper interpretation it holds. Our lives change, we as individuals change and embracing the changes live throws at us makes it worth enjoying. Similarly, seasons change. Spring brings the bloom, the flowers, their beauty, colo rs. Summer brings the sunshine, perfect outdoorsy weather, the heat, the warmth. Then comes the rain, the much-needed respite from the sun, making the scenery green, lush and soothing to eyes. Arrival of the fall after the rain marks the beginning of brown and red leaves, the nature preparing itself for the colder days ahead, embracing the change.    As the leaves change, many of us feel the pull to realign our routines, refresh our spaces, and re-energize ourselves for the rest of the year. Whether you’re craving cozy vibes, chic style updates, or a mental reset, this Fall Reset Guide along with fall wellness tips for 2025  will help you embrace the season in the most intentional (and stylish) way possible. 1. 🍁 Mind Reset: Cultivate Calm & Clarity As the nature resets itself for the next season, it’s also a good time for us to reestablish our mind set, our routine. Fall is a good time to reflect on the months that have gone by and plan the months ahead. Introspection and analysis often helps us grow in multitudes. Spend some time with yourself for that clarity and reflection. 2. 👗 Wardrobe Reset: Chic, Cozy, and On-Trend Shuffling season is here. All those summer outfits, accessories, swim wears go in the summer closet or boxes making way for the ultimate classy fall wear. Invest in timeless layering pieces like oversized blazers, chunky knits, and neutral scarves. Add a pop of seasonal color: deep burgundy, forest green, or warm caramel tones. Clean out your closet and donate what you don’t wear — a fresh start for you and for someone else. 3. 🏡 Space Reset: Create a Cozy, Minimal Haven Linen revamp is also a things guys. Swap out summer linens for warm, textured throws and candles. Flannel sheets make a comeback for those cozy Netflix and chill evenings. Declutter surfaces — minimalism boosts mental clarity. Add seasonal accents: pumpkins, dried florals, or chic ceramic pieces that feel cozy yet elevated. 4. 🥗 Body Reset: Nourish & Energize No matter the season, nourishing food, healthy diet should be a staple in everyday life. Stay hydrated, keep your hygiene levels on top gear. Shift in seasons often leads to stomach infections and disbalances. Keep your stomach light, prepare for the change. Opt for seasonal diets focusing on foods like pumpkins and leafy greens to support immunity. Shift towards warming, grounding foods: soups, roasted veggies, and spiced teas. Try a gentle seasonal detox — think herbal teas and whole foods, not extremes. Keep your body moving: nature walks, yoga, or pilates to align with the slower fall rhythm. 5. 📅 Lifestyle Reset: Routines That Work for You Update your daily routine to reflect shorter days and longer evenings. Some autumn self-care routine that we must follow is soaking the sun . Get that vitamin D before the winter spreads its feathers and envelops the sun. Create a “cozy evening ritual” — skincare, reading, or a calming playlist. Prioritize experiences: fall picnics, local markets, or weekend getaways. A fall reset is about more than candles and cozy sweaters — it’s a chance to realign your life with what truly matters. By refreshing your mind, wardrobe, space, and routines , you’ll step into the season feeling grounded, chic, and renewed. What’s on your Fall Reset 2025 checklist ? Share your favourite fall rituals in the comments below or tag me on Instagram [@LivingTheShriyaWay] with your fall reset moments. Let’s inspire each other to make this season intentional and unforgettable!

Travel is fun, exciting, meditative and introspective - but only if you're well - prepared. Travelling takes a lot of planning, searching, listing and researching, all of this becomes a success when the execution is achieved. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway, a luxury holiday, or a soul-searching solo adventure, having the right requisites can make your journey seamless and stylish. Here’s my curated list of travel essentials every modern traveler needs: Comfortable Footwear: No matter how amazing your destination is, if your footwear is not comfortable, you're not going to have fun. Travelling and exploring majorly involves walking, trekking and sightseeing which again entails around walking. Therefore, an appropriate footwear is a must and one of the top most items to keep. Check the norms: Before you head out or at the time of planning, do research about the culture and rules and regulations of the place you are visiting. Many countries and cities have quite different norms which might be absolutely unknown to you. Make a List: Listing for me is one of the most essential part of a trip. Lists are many, a to - do list, a things to pack list, a food to try list, restaurants to go list, etc. Once you list our all of the things and plan your days and packing according to that, the hassle gets reduced, in turn making the entire experience an enjoyable one. Hydrate - Hydrate - Hydrate: One of the most important lessons that I've learnt in my travelling experiences is to stay hydrated. We often get so engrossed in our explorations that we forget to to drink water to maintain our energy levels. My biggest learning is to always carry your own water bottle wherever you go. Not only it helps having water handy but it also reminds you to keep sipping on water every now and then. Health and Safety: A small pouch with the essentials like sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, first aid, personal and basic medicines, few throat soothers, Vitamin C and electrolyte sachets add the extra precaution needed while away. Travel Wallet & Essentials: Keep all your documents in one place: passport, ID, credit cards, some local currency, and a digital backup of everything. A sleek travel wallet adds an extra layer of organization and style. Pack light but smart. Travel in a way that will give you the best of comfort and least of stress. That's all for this one. Please do drop in your comments in the comment box. Love, Shriya!

Luxury, its very definition says that its the enjoyment of expensive beautiful things; a very comfortable and enjoyable situation. Each to their own, the meaning of luxury varies to every individual's personal choices and experiences. However, in the current times, its connotation has become merely confined to just one word "expensive". Anything expensive these days is equivalent to luxury. I have different thoughts on this and for me luxury is something totally different than it's actually believed to be. Luxury for me isn’t just about designer bags, business-class flights, or staying in a five-star suite—it’s about having the freedom  to spend my time the way I truly want. We live in an age where “busy” has become a badge of honor. But what if the real badge of success is having slow mornings, spontaneous afternoons, and evenings spent with people who make your heart feel full? Well, I love these. For me, I can not trade in any kind of wealth or luxury with spending time with the people I love. Being with my parents, having coffee with my husband, travelling with my family, teasing my brother, remembering my childhood times with my cousins, going for walks with my husband, travelling with him, these are the luxuries that no amount of money can buy. The luxuries of today are mere wealth powered materialist commodities that are now just a symbol of presentation of affluence, irrespective of how much chaos they must be going through for those materialist luxuries. The uncertainties around the world today, especially after COVID definitely gave us a wake up call that nothing is permanent. Everyone is here for a limited time and we do not know the length of that time, not even ours, because age does not define that. We get caught up in running after the luxuries so very much that we discount spending time with the ones who matter, the ones we love, even us, we simply do not have time to spend with ourselves as well. And once we lose someone we love, all we have is the regret, to have spent some more time with them. A simple wish to talk to them on phone, a little video call and at times when we are even ready to trade in every luxury we have for that one hug, one call with that person. Sad but true! Now, for me, time is the most precious investment. I love to make time for people I love, people who mean to me. I love to spend occasions with them, go for little brakes, enjoy the little beauties of life. But in return, I also do not expect them to do the same for me. This is simply because how important they or their occasions are for me does not mean that I also hold that same importance in their life and for me this is perfectly fine and understandable. It never gets in between my relationship with them or love for them. If we do something in return of something, then its not love, its a transaction. I myself got this clarity after going through some of such experiences but now I am better and at a much happier place. This makes me feel content, at peace and works perfectly for me and I think it would do for a lot of people of they follow this consciously. I’ve stayed in gorgeous hotels, gone to beautiful places, and worn beautiful clothes—and yes, they bring joy. But the deepest feeling of abundance comes from things that are not materialistic, that money can't buy. In the end, luxury is the freedom to choose what to do with your hours —and the wisdom to spend them well and who to spend them with. 💭 Here’s my question for you:  If time were currency, how would you spend it differently starting today? Drop in your thoughts in comment box. Love, Shriya!

We currently live in an era of digital world. Internet, social media, trends and virality are the crux of what makes the existence and growth of digitization. Social media is a great platform for a lot of things. Business, expression of oneself, catering to fans or growing your visibility, social media has proved time and again that it indeed is a successful tool. With this also comes the role of influencers, who not only connect with their audience via their content but at times also create trends that get viral or follow a viral trend that gives it more and more visibility. Trends can be about anything. Fashion, food, makeup, skincare, dance, songs, motivational thoughts, anything. There was a time when I used to closely watch the trends and try and follow them, until one day I realized it was a total waste of time, energy and money. Trends are never forever, they come and go but what remains is how you are and what suits you. Here I am listing out a few reasons why I no longer follow trends anymore. Not Every Trend is Meant for Me Trends are attractive, fancy and pleasing but that does not mean that its for me. Something that looks good on someone or suits them does not mean that it will have the same effect on me. Certain kind of fashion wearables might work for someone with a certain body type but it might not just work for mine and that should be the differentiator. What suits me will leave a mark on my personality irrespective of it being trendy or not! Chasing Trends = Wasting Money With time I have realized that the cycle of trends is honestly exhausting and expensive. Following trends blindly is totally not my cup of tea. What I have learned is that personal style never expires. I am sure there might be a lot of clothes, jewelry, footwear, skincare products, cosmetics and much more stuff which is just lying around somewhere in your closets and what prompted you to buy them was the trend, the reels and the influencers. Well there is a reason they are called influencers. That is why, the more I focused on what truly suits me and works for me, the more I got rid of the unwanted. Now I like investing in quality over quantity, brand over local, versatility over trendy. Confidence comes with Authenticity For me, confidence is in being ME!! Not in what I wear or the brand I wear, its about how I feel when I am wearing it. When I wear what I love , regardless of trends, I automatically feel more confident. Trends are fun, but confidence is magnetic  — and that’s always in style. Something might be trendy but might not be for me and that's what I have learned and accepted over time. I don’t follow trends blindly anymore because not everything or every trend is meant for my consumption. Trends should serve  your style, not define it. And when you stop chasing everything new, you make room for something way cooler: your authentic self . Be you, now and always!! Love, Shriya!

Vibrant Coastal scene of Vietnam with fisherman wearing the signature Vietnamese hat and going for fishing. Recently, I travelled to Vietnam with my husband and it surely was a trip to remember! Vietnam holds a special spot for us and this was our second time there. We first travelled to the beautiful country in 2023 and even after our second trip, we are not done yet. The love for this little gem is absolute real!! We have been on our India trip from Canada since March 2025 and we thought of going around the country for a vacation. But the rain was playing havoc in all directions and we had limited to no options left. That's when we decided to take a trip to our ever favorite Vietnam. It was a super spontaneous decision and we applied for our E - visas. It took nearly 4 - 5 business days for our e - visas to arrive. Once we got our visa, we booked our tickets from Varanasi to Ho Chi Minh city, our very first stop. The flight from Varanasi to Ho Chi Minh was a long and tedious one. It was Varanasi - Kolkata - Ho Chi Minh with a 9 hour lay over at Kolkata. We reached Ho Chi Minh around 1:30 am (Vietnam time). It took us around 1 hour to clear immigration and collect our bags. After that we booked our cab (Grab app) and reached our hotel 30 minutes later. It was super late and we were starving. With all the eating joints closed and very few online vegetarian options available, we ordered a Vietnamese curry and rice and a margherita pizza for dinner. Post our very very late dinner, we called the day and went off to sleep. Next day we planned to go around the city but only after we had slept well. Stay tuned for more of the blogs on Vietnam series. I will also be sharing tips and tricks for travelling to the country and all the essentials details along with fun experiences and more about the different cities. Love Shriya!