Wanna Wanna Wednesday... My 35th Birthday Wish List

Happy Halloween, Lovely Friends!! The most exciting thing about the end of October/beginning of November is that my birthday is rapidly approaching! I cannot believe I am turning 35 years old this year! I still feel like a teenager most of the time... which I haven't determined yet if that's a good thing or a bad thing, to be quite honest! LOL

As is my usual custom, there are a couple of items I'd love to have for the big 3-5 this year, so today's Wanna Wanna Wednesday is very special as it contains my Top 5 Birthday Wish List!!!

              

Joe Brown's Fur Collar Coat  Years and years ago, I had a very similar coat that I scored from Tar-jay, and it's regrettably waay too big for me now. So the fact that I stumbled across this coat seems like the most delicious kismet. It's meant to be, I tells ya!! LOL

Tickets for "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" on November 13th  I've been wanting to see this movie for most of the year, and when it was announced that it was releasing a few short days after my birthday I knew that part of my birthday celebration will have to include me droolin... I mean watching Shah Rukh Khan in this film.

As an added bonus, I recently discovered that the Madame Tussaud's in Times Square has a Bollywood section (including an SRK wax statue), so perhaps I will make a night of it by going to see the film and then head over to Madame Tussaud's to see the statues up close! Add dinner at a great Indian restaurant to the agenda, and my night would be MADE!! LOL

ASOS CURVE Top With Wide Straps And Peplum I don't own a lot of white tops. There's a very specific reason for this... I'm a klutz. I'm older now, and with age comes a certain degree of grace (I'd like to think and don't you dare ruin this delusion for me!), so I think it's time I invest in a nice white top. You know, like a grown up who doesn't need a bib to wear white.

I.K. Jewelry Indian Necklace Set I've been a fan of I.K Jewelry's Ebay Shop since the summer, and when I could, I've purchased a couple of pairs of earrings from them. When I saw this necklace and jewelry set I knew that I needed to add it to my collection. I am very happy to share that this item is one from my list that is presently on its way to be from India!

Lots and Lots More Hindi Films It's not secret that I'm ga ga for Hindi cinema. So much so that my Hindi Cinema collection has grown from one film to around forty something (no jive!)... and I'm all about adding to the collection! I have a killer wish list on Amazon.com and every few weeks snag an item from the list to add! Above are just a few I really really want to get from the wish list!

DearCurves Multicolored Knee Length Skirt It's also not a secret that I'm wild about all things wax print, and I've been searching and searching for months for a lovely wax print skirt. The skirt is not in my present size, but if I keep the Get Healthy momentum going, I predict I could rock this by the spring!!

Yummm! Satisfying Soups: Low-Fat Seafood Gumbo

Happy Tuesday, all!! It's the last week in October, so I thought I would end my feature on satisfying soup recipes with a bang!!!

This delicious (albeit complicated-sounding) recipe has all the ingredients to make me go "Oooh!": Seafood, Spice and it's low-fat on top of it all!!! Score!!

Low-Fat Seafood Gumbo

Recipe Courtesy of Emeril Legasse, Food Network

Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium onions, chopped
1 poblano pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups clam juice
8 ounces fresh okra, tops trimmed and halved lengthwise
3 bay leaves
1/2 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
3 blue crabs, quartered, optional
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 dozen shucked oysters, liquid reserved
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 pound lump crabmeat
Serving suggestion: cooked white rice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put the flour on a baking sheet and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flour is a dark nut brown.

Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil with the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, pepper, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, crushing them through your fingers into the pot with their juices and cook for another 5 minutes. Gradually sift the browned flour in the pot until the vegetables are coated, cook for 2 minutes more. Slowly pour in the stock and clam juice, stirring constantly. Add the okra, bay leaves, lemon juice, salt, cayenne, thyme, and crabs. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Add the shrimp, oysters with their liquid, green onions and parsley; cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Add the lump crabmeat and season the gumbo, to taste. Serve with rice.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind... let it be something good."
~ Author Unknown

" Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."
~ Corita Kent

" Begin today. Declare outloud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy."
~ Sarah Ban Breathnach


Eight weeks into my Creative Visualization Challenge, I am so very happy to share that I got a job!!! And a damn good job at that!! Whoo Hoo!!

Due to Hurricane Sandy hitting the east coast, my first day isn't until Wednesday (Yay! Halloween) but I am filled with an overwhelming sense of  excitement and happiness for my future. It's an amazing (and legal!) high to accomplish something you set out to do. I have two more goals to accomplish for the year, and I will do my best to ensure they are manifested as well!!

I'm feeling so fabulous right now, is there any other song that can best articulate these feelings than "Feelin' Good" by Nina Simone? I don't think so... so sing along with me!!



Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feelin' good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feelin' good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean

And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feelin' good

A Little [BARENAKED LADIES] for a Saturday Night

Okay, it's Saturday night! So of course, I'm bringing you another song from one of my favorite male performers. And you're in luck, because this time there's five guys to groove to!!

This is one of those songs I heard in a store somewhere and had to find out who the artist was. And once I copped their album, I would play this song on a loop and sing along... LOUDLY. As a matter of fact, I am singing along as I type these words!! LOL

So I hope you all will join me in singing along to "It's All Been Done" by Barenaked Ladies!!

DOPE: "Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main" from "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995)

In honor of the 17th birthday of "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (This past Saturday, October 20th), today's DOPE post is probably the most catchiest tune from the film. This week's post is also very special, and is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Yash Chopra, who passed away this weekend. Anyone who has ever rented or viewed a Hindi film under the YRF banner has this passionate man to thank for the (no doubt) beautiful film they watched. Condolences and gratitude for the Chopra family for allowing us to remember and share our love with them.

This song is always on heavy rotation here at Casa di Miss Moon, and is liked a great deal by my family, especially my new fur baby (named after the star of the film, Kajol). The Hindi lyrics of the song are courtesy of STLyrics.com, and the English translations are courtesy of my DVD, remote control, and nifty typing skills! :)

Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main

May I have a jig?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Zara Sa Ghoom Loon Main 

May I try a pirouette?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Aa Tujhe Choom Loon Main 

How about a kiss?

Arre Na Re Na Baba Na 

Oh Goodness! No!

Main Chali Banke Hawa 

Let me fly with the wind!

Rabba Mere Mainu Bacha 

God! Help me!

Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main

May I have a jig?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Zara Sa Ghoom Loon Main 

May I try a pirouette?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Aa Tujhe Choom Loon Main 

How about a kiss?

Arre Na Re Na Baba Na 

Oh Goodness! No!

Main Chali Banke Hawa 

Let me fly with the wind!

Rabba Mere Mainu Bacha 

God! Help me!

Dhandi Dhandi Pavan 

The chill in the breeze

Jalta Hai Ye Badan 

Sets my body afire

Jee chahta Hai Bana Loon 

I feel like

Tujhko Apna Sajan 

Making love to you.

Hua Nahin Ye Pehle Kabhi 

This never happened before

Meri Jaan Badal Gayi Abhi Abhi 

I've taken my first step

Main Chali Banke Hawa 

Let me fly with the wind

Rabba Mere Mainu Bacha 

God! Help me!

Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main

May I have a jig?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Zara Sa Ghoom Loon Main 

May I try a pirouette?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Aa Tujhe Choom Loon Main 

How about a kiss?

Arre Na Re Na Baba Na 

Oh Goodness! No!

Jaati Hai Tu Kahan

Where do you think you're going,

Jaaneman Jaanejaan 

My darling, my love?

Ladki Hai Tu Khoobsurat 

You're a pretty girl

Ladka Main Naujawaan 

I'm a handsome young man

Tujhe Gale Laga Loon Aa

Come into my embrace 

Palkhon Mein Bitha Loon Aa 

Let me hold you in my eyes

Ho Gaya Mujhe Nasha 

Oh, I'm drunk

Rabba Mere Mainu Bacha 

God! Help me!

Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main

May I have a jig?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Zara Sa Ghoom Loon Main 

May I try a pirouette?

Arre Na Re Na Re Na 

Oh No!

Aa Tujhe Choom Loon Main 

How about a kiss?

Arre Na Re Na Baba Na 

Oh Goodness! No!

Ho Gaya Mujhe Nasha 

Oh, I'm drunk

Rabba Mere Mainu Bacha 

God! Help me!!

Shah Rukh's Facial Expressions.... Priceless!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays.... Isaac Mizrahi Live! Ikat Jacquard Shawl Collar Blazer

Hooray!!! Today's my 1,000th post!!!! As I've mentioned before... I cannot believe the weather has changed so dramatically here in NYC. It went straight from fall to early winter!! And it's with this time of year in mind that I have to think about transitional outwear that's both functional and fashionable. And boy is my face red that I had NO IDEA that Isaac Mizrahi is selling stuff on QVC! I mean, look at this JACKET, y'all!!! LOOOK!! LOL

The jacket ($77.00, QVC) has everything that makes Audrey go "Oooh!": Ikat Print, Blue, Cute little shawl collar!!! I would rock this jacket with all of my favorite scarves: my bright yellow scarf, my leopard print scarf.... It would kill!!!

Although I am and will always be ::In Olivia Newton John voice:: Hopelessly devoted... to blueeeeee..... I have to admit that the jacket is pretty cute in the Sand/Black combo as well. 

Yummm! Satisfying Soups: Kale and Roasted Vegetable Soup Recipe

I'm back with another satisfying soup recipe that is sure to stick to your ribs and warm your spirits. If you have a soup recipe you'd like to contribute, be sure to drop me a line!

Kale and Roasted Vegetable Soup

Recipe Courtesy of SimplyRecipes.com

Ingredients

3 medium carrots, peeled and quartered lenthwise
2 large tomatoes, quartered
1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges or 4 or 5 slices
1/2 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick wedges
6 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp olive oil
6 cups or more of vegetable broth*
4 cups of finely chopped kale
3 large fresh thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
1 15 oz can of Great Northern white beans, drained
* If cooking gluten-free, use gluten-free broth.


Directions

1 Preheat oven to 400°F (reduce heat by 25°F if using convection oven). Brush rimmed baking sheet with a thin coat of olive oil. Arrange carrots, squash, tomatoes, onion, and garlic on sheet. Drizzle with more olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast vegetables until they are brown and tender, stirring occasionally  about 45 minutes.

2 Cut squash and carrots into 1/2 inch pieces; set aside. Peel garlic cloves; place in food processor. Add tomatoes and onion; puree until almost smooth. Pour 1/2 cup broth onto the baking sheet; scrape up any browned bits. Transfer broth and vegetable puree to large pot. Add 5 1/2 cups broth, kale, thyme and bay leaf to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until kale is tender, about 30 minutes.

3 Add carrots, beans, and squash to soup. Simmer 8 minutes to blend flavors, adding more broth to thin soup if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
Can be made a day ahead.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

“The Gods cannot help those who do not seize opportunities”
~ Chinese Proverb

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”
~ Charles R. Swindoll

"There will always be a Frontier where there is an open mind and a willing hand."
~ Charles Franklin Kettering


I love those moments in life when you receive confirmation from the Universe that you've made the right choice.

In my last Music Therapy with Miss Moon post, I was feeling a bit defeated after several set backs, but was convinced that I should continue with my Creative Visualization Challenge, because giving up and stopping would seem foolish, and frankly, a waste of the time and dedication I put into the whole thing in the first place.

So I continued expressing gratitude, I continued focusing on my goals, and I continued applying to jobs, convinced that there is a job out there with my name on it. And... I have several promising job interviews scheduled this week, including a second interview! Yay!!

I've learned something tremendous during this process. I've learned that the moment I feel like I should give up, and throw in the towel... is the possible moment that I'm on the threshold of the changes I desire coming into my life, so it will auger well for me to continue on the journey. And this lesson I gratefully share with you all in this week's song choice for Music Therapy with Miss Moon. I hope you all will keep on keepin' on with me to "The Climb" by No Doubt.


Step by step
I've come closer to reaching the top
Every step must be placed so that I don't fall off
Looking down to see about how much higher I am
Another cool wind comes through and brushes my skin
The harder I push the tension does grow
I gather my thoughts the further and further I go
With some luck I just might keep on climbing
So better to climb than to face a fall
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
So high the climb Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds

Pulling myself up by a rope
I better my view
The only thing in sight is what I must do
As I turned I could see myself falling
Which in return save me strength for the climb

So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds

Although many failed I must now prevail with no question
Have no time to stop
Onward to the top of the mountain
And I can't turn back now
Its so very high but I can't turn back now
If I keep it up, I'm gonna make it

I'm so very close can't you see
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
So high the climb
Can't turn back now
Must keep on climbing up to the clouds
I'm getting closer

A Little [VAN MORRISON] for a Saturday Night

And I am back with another song from one of my most favoritest (yes I know that's not a word) male artist. This song..... this song right here? This song.... is...... ::deep sighs:: LOL

Seriously, I have no words when it comes to this song, so instead of writing a more awkward build up, I will just say, I hope you all will enjoy "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison.

DOPE: "Dreamum Wakeupum" from "Aiyyaa" (2012)

This blog post is several weeks in the making, as I've been raving about this song on the Miss Moon's Musings FaceBook page for a while now. The hold up was I couldn't find English translations anywhere! This song has been such a fixture in my life that not only is it my ringtone, my newly adopted kitty (named Kajol, thank you very much!) even loves the song!! LOL

But all being said, I believe the timing is perfect, as I actually went to go see "Aiyyaa" last night. This movie is off the chain. If it's playing near you, be sure to check it out!!! 

And in the meantime, be sure to check out this tongue-in-cheek, naughty, wonderful song. The lyrics with English translations come courtesy of BollywoodLife.com.

Dreamum wakeupum critical conditionum

Dream, wake-up in critical condition

Earthum quakepum hil dool sab shake upum

The earth quakes, wobbles, trembles, everything shakes up

Face to faceum dharti putram

Face to face the son of soil

Thighsum thunderum downum underum

Thighs are thunder down under

Sizeum matterum thinkum wonderum

Size does matter think wonders

Jumpingum… pumpingum…

Jumping…pumping

Throbbingum.. thumpingum..

Throbbing…thumping

Wune runde mune naale

One..two..three..four

Heart beatnum dhol peetnum

Heart is beating the drum is beating

Love lust double kasht bada dheetnum

Love, lust double knot is big brave

Body heatnum hot seatnum

Body is heating, hot is the seat

Calling fire brigade bhi defeatnum

Calling fire brigade is defeating

Same to sameum dil me utarum

Same to same is trickling down into the heart

Thighsum thunderum downum underum

Thighs are thunder down under

Sizeum matterum thinkum wonderum

Size does matter think wonders

Jumpingum… pumpingum…

Jumping…pumping

Stealingum.. Pullingum..

Stealing.. Pulling

Wune runde mune naale

One..two..three..four

Ha!!!

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Meenakari Dangle Earrings

Hooray!! Another item off of my Wanna Wanna Wednesday Wish List!!!

One thing about being an avid watcher of Hindi films, is that if you are jewelry fan (Which I am!), you will drool heavily watching some of the gorgeous pieces worn by the heroines in Hindi film classics. Which I have!! And which is why I am so happy to have stumbled across these gorgeous earrings ($8.92, Dolls of India Art Store). You cannot beat the price for such a versatile pair of earrings... I can totally see myself wearing them with something dressy (It happens... on occasion!) and pairing them with jeans and a tee shirt for a quick trip around the corner.

Yummm!! Spicy Curry Noodle Soup with Chicken and Sweet Potato

I cannot believe it's gotten so bloody COLD here in New York City already. I feel like just yesterday I was sweating up a storm! LOL

But I have to face the harsh truth that summer is over, and Autumn is passive-aggressively letting Winter taunt us New Yorkers with it's early presence. And it's with this brisk weather in mind I've been looking into some soup recipes. For the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my Satisfying Soup finds for us all to create and enjoy!

Spicy Curry Noodle Soup with Chicken and Sweet Potato 

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious.com

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons chopped shallots
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons minced lemongrass* (from bottom 4 inches of about 3 stalks, tough outer leaves discarded)
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons Thai yellow curry paste*
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)*
2 13.5- to 14-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk,* divided
5 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)*
2 teaspoons sugar
3 cups snow peas, trimmed
2 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled red-skinned sweet potato (yam; from about 1 large)
1 pound dried rice vermicelli noodles or rice stick noodles*
3/4 pound skinless boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 red Thai bird chiles or 2 red jalapeño chiles, thinly sliced with seeds
1 lime, cut into 6 wedges


Preparation:

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add next 4 ingredients; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in curry paste, curry powder, and chili paste. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk (scooped from thick liquid at top of can). Stir until thick and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add remaining coconut milk, broth, fish sauce, and sugar; bring broth to boil. Keep warm. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover and keep chilled.

Cook snow peas in large pot of boiling salted water until bright green, about 20 seconds. Using strainer, remove peas from pot; rinse under cold water to cool. Place peas in medium bowl. Bring water in same pot back to boil. Add sweet potato and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Using strainer, remove sweet potato from pot and rinse under cold water to cool. Place in small bowl. Bring water in same pot back to boil and cook noodles until just tender but still firm to bite, about 6 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to microwave-safe bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Bring broth to simmer. Add chicken; simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add sweet potato; stir to heat through, about 1 minute. Heat noodles in microwave in 30-second intervals to rewarm. Cut noodles with scissors if too long. Divide noodles among bowls. Divide snow peas and hot soup among bowls. Scatter red onion, green onions, cilantro, and chiles over soup. Garnish with lime wedges and serve.

*Available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores and Asian markets, and online from adrianascaravan.com.

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

“ Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“ Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.”
~ Abigail Adams

" Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy."
~ Saadi

" If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.”
~ Buddhist Proverb

I'm six weeks into my Creative Visualization Challenge and as much as I wish I could be cheerfully announcing that I've finally got a job thanks to the process, alas the great job I've been working on manifesting has not made it's presence known to me just yet.

And I admit that I was a bit bummed about it for a while. I contemplated giving up on the challenge and treating myself to good old-fashioned pity party. But when it came down to the choice to quit or keep going, I decided to take the road less traveled and chose instead to keep on keeping on. Which is huge for me!

I am very much an optimist, and I know that circumstances change. I'm unhappily unemployed now, but I won't be forever. The situation I've been looking for is readying itself for me and when it comes (sometime soon, please!) it will worth the wait. So for now, I am keeping on my path and will patiently continue until I've reached my destination.

For this week's Music Therapy with Miss Moon song choice, I've picked a song that is perfect "traveling music" for keeping on the path with patience. I hope you all will enjoy Aretha Franklin's KICK ASS cover of the Beatles' "Let it Be".



When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

A Little [CODY CHESNUTT] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday, Everyone!!! I'm back and I'm sharing another fabulous song from one of my favorite male musicians. This week's artist is one I had the pleasure of meeting once, and his music always lifts my spirits and puts me in a peaceful place... which is precisely the type of area I want to be in this particular Saturday night.

So I hope you all will sit back, relax, and vibe out with me to Cody Chesnutt's "On a Joyride".

DOPE: "Pardesi, Pardesi" from "Raja Hindustani" (1996)

"Raja Hindustani" is a very sweet movie I was fortunate enough to get from Netflix a few weeks ago, and fell in love with the story. It's about a rich city girl, who falls in love with a simple but big-hearted boy from the country. The movie also touched a warm spot in my heart due to what I still believe is quite possibly the funniest entrance ever to occur in cinema, Hindi or otherwise!! Johnny Lever had me cackling!! LOL

But what's super dope about this film (Aside from the infamous kiss shared by stars Aamir Khan & Karisma Kapoor!) is the song that I'm of course sharing as today's DOPE post. I fell in love with the song... and I fell in love with the scarily beautiful makeup worn by one of the performers.... I definitely need to try to recreate this, just to see if I can. I don't think I'll be rocking this look to the grocery store, though! LOL

So I hope you all will enjoy this week's song, "Pardesi Pardesi", as I hope you have enjoyed all of the beautiful Hindi film clips I've shared in the past few weeks. If you have a suggestion for a Hindi film you think I'll enjoy, please be sure to post a comment! And as always, my fanciness in including the lyrics in Hindi & English comes courtesy of BollyWHAT.com.



Mai.n ye nahii.n kahatii ki pyaar mat karna
I won't tell you not to love
Kisii musaafir ka magar etabaar mat karna
Some traveller, but don't trust one.

Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me
 
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n mujhe chhoDke
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go and leave me.
Pardesii mere yaara, vaada nibhaana
Foreigner, my friend, keep your promise!
Mujhe yaad rakhna kahii.n bhuul na jaana
Remember me, don't forget somehow!

Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me

Pardesii mere yaara, vaada nibhaana
Foreigner, my friend, keep your promise!
Mujhe yaad rakhna kahii.n bhuul na jaana
Remember me, don't forget somehow!
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n mujhe chhoDke
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go and leave me.
 
Mai.n ne tum ko chaaha tumse pyaar kiya
I desired you, I fell in love with you.
Sub kuchh tum pe yaar apna vaar diya
I offered you everything I have, my friend.
Mai.n ne tum ko chaaha tumse pyaar kiya
I desired you, I fell in love with you.
Sub kuchh tum pe yaar apna vaar diya
I offered you everything I have, my friend.
Ban gaii jogan, mai.n ne priit ka jog liya
I became a (female) ascetic, I undertook the disciplines of love.
Na socha na samjha, dil ka rog liya
I neither thought nor understood; I contracted an illness of the heart.

Pardesii mere yaara lauT ke aana
Foreigner, my friend, return!
Tum yaad rakhna, kahii.n bhuul na jaana
Remember me, don't forget somehow!
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me

Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n mujhe chhoDke
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go and leave me.
Pardesii mere yaara, vaada nibhaana
Foreigner, my friend, keep your promise!
Mujhe yaad rakhna kahii.n bhuul na jaana
Remember me, don't forget somehow!

Har phal merii yaad tumhe.n taDapaa'egi
Every moment the memory of me will make you toss and turn.
Mai.n jaguu.nga nii.nd tumhe.n na aa'egii
I'll stay awake, and sleep will not come to you.
Har phal merii yaad tumhe.n taDapaa'egi
Every moment the memory of me will make you toss and turn.
Mai.n jaguu.nga nii.nd tumhe.n na aa'egii
I'll stay awake, and sleep will not come to you.
ChhoD ke aise haal me.n jo tum jaa'oge
Such is the state you will go and leave us in!
Sach kahata huu.n jaan bahut pachhtaa'oge
I speak the truth, love; you will regret it greatly.
Pardesii mere yaara, mujhe na rulaana
Foreigner, my friend, don't make me cry!
Tum yaad rakhna kahii.n bhuul na jaana
Remember me, don't forget somehow!

Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go
Pardesii pardesii jaana nahi.n
Foreigner, foreigner, don't go 
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me
Mujhe chhoDke
And leave me
Pardesi mere yaara vaada nibhana
Foreigner, my friend, keep your promise -
Mujhe yaad rakhna kahii.n bhuul na jaana
Remember me, don't somehow forget!

My first time uploading a gif to the blog.. I'm getting extra EXTRA in my old age! LOL

Wanna Wanna Wednesday... H&M's Peplum Top

Here is the thing about me and shopping.. I like it to be fast. I generally get an idea about the pieces I'd like to buy and go into a store with the hopes that I will find something that fits my vision. Here is another thing about me and shopping... H + M is not the type of store where one can accomplish such a goal!! LOL

I used to work around the corner from the one on 34th Street here in New York City, and I was fortunate enough to know the best times and days of the week to pop in and shop without raising my blood pressure. I mean seriously, shoppers... it's CLOTHES, not life-saving medicine!! Chill-lax!!

That being said, I do believe I will be making the trip to Manhattan in the upcoming weeks, because I really really need this top ($34.95, H+M) in my life. How adorable!! 

I can totally see myself rocking this top with a pencil skirt, or with jeans to dress it down a bit. How about this top with a pair of cobalt blue skinny jeans?!? Yasss!! How would you rock this top?!?

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

" Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."
~ Henry Ward Beecher

" We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
~ Thornton Wilder

" 'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding."
~ Alice Walker

Happy Monday!! Today I'm going to share a secret that has fueled my Creative Visualization Challenge..... Gratitude! How can you expect to receive more in your life without first recognizing the beauty that's already around you? When you focus on the great things in your life... and express gratitude for them every single day... you are bound to get more of it.

This is why I start the day... EVERY day, by writing down 10 things I'm grateful for. It could be something that happened the day before, or something I'm excited about in the day to come, but I make a point to recognize the goodness and be thankful for it!

My actual gratitude journal.. complete with the sloppy handwriting of someone who just woke up! LOL

Once I've completed the list, I read aloud what I've written, and repeat "Thank you... thank you... thank you....", a practice I've learned from reading Rhonda Byrne's book, The Magic, which has really helped to shift my attitude from negative to positive.

So for this week, I encourage you to join me in this practice. Take time out every day to think of 10 things you have been blessed with, feel fabulous about them, and express gratitude for them. Write them down in a journal, if you have one. If not, send yourself an email with your list. Read over what you've written and repeat "Thank you... thank you.. thank you...".  And for today's Music Therapy with Miss Moon song choice, I've picked a fabulous song to get us all in the attitude of gratitude. I hope you all will enjoy "Thank U" by Alanis Morissette.


How bout getting off these antibiotics?
How bout stopping eating when I'm full up?
How bout them transparent dangling carrots?
How bout that ever elusive kudo?

Thank you, India
Thank you, terror
Thank you, disillusionment
Thank you, frailty
Thank you, consequence
Thank you, thank you, silence

How bout me not blaming you for everything?
How bout me enjoying the moment for once?
How bout how good it feels to finally forgive you?
How bout grieving it all one at a time?

Thank you, India
Thank you, terror
Thank you, disillusionment
Thank you, frailty
Thank you, consequence
Thank you, thank you, silence

The moment I let go of it was the moment
I got more than I could handle
The moment I jumped off of it
Was the moment I touched down

How bout no longer being masochistic?
How bout remembering your divinity?
How bout unabashedly bawling your eyes out?
How bout not equating death with stopping?

Thank you, India
Thank you, terror
Thank you, disillusionment
Thank you, frailty
Thank you, consequence
Thank you, thank you, silence.

A Little [BEN HARPER] for a Saturday Night

Happy Saturday night, y'all!! I spent the past few weeks sharing hits from my favorite female performers, it's only right that I start a new month highlighting the hits of my favorite dudes. I cannot think of a better person to start with than the phenomenal Ben Harper, and I cannot think of a better song to begin with than his gorgeous cover of The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever". Enjoy!!

Miss Moon Gets Healthy: September Stats

I did it, y'all! I kept the promise I made to myself at the end of August. To paraphrase the song, I picked myself up, dusted myself off... and started all over again. I had a great month, to be honest.

This month, I am keeping momentum going. I've put myself to the challenge of walking at least 20 miles a week, and I aim to stick to that goal. I really need to improve the food I eat, as I've slacked more than a little bit. This month, I will work my arse off to improve this, too.

Me in my "Post Walk Un-Pretty" glory!! LOL

I am looking forward to the challenge, as I feel like I have the endurance required to achieve my goal for the year!!! Super duper close to it, can't turn back now!!

DOPE: "Jee Le" from "U Me aur Hum" (2008)

It's the first week in October, and of course, I am sharing another fabulous Hindi film scene! Today's song choice comes from quite possibly the most romantic film I've seen in a very long time. This movie will really make you strive to have a love as strong as our hero and heroine, real-life husband and wife, Ajay Devgan and  (my play-cousin) Kajol. Lyrics with English translations are courtesy of Hindilyrics.net. I hope that you all will enjoy "Jee Le".


venga ya, ahogate en este amor
Come right now, drown in this love.
muere si quieres, pero en este amor
Die if you want, but loving

hmm jinko jinko bhi milana hai likha, ishq milawayega
those who are written/supposed to meet, love will mingle them
dur durse dhund dhund ke, pas le aayega
finding from distances it (love) will bring them together
kahi bhi jake chupo, ishq wahi aayega
wherever you go and hide, love will come there
kitana bhi na na karo, uthake le jayega
no matter how many times u say no, it (love) will take away u by lifting
mano ya na mano, ye sari hi duniya isike dumpe chale
whether u accept or not, but the whole world run on it (love)
jee le, jee le, jee le ishq me, marana hai to ha mar bhi le ishqme
live in love and if you want to die, die in love

estoy enamorada, te quiero.., baila baila
I am in love, I want you.., you dance, dance

jate jate hum in palo ko bhi sath le jayenge
while going we will take these moments with us
bato bato mein jo bani hai wo baat le jayenge
the thing which is happened in all this happenings, will take this also with us
sara bhulakkad hai dil, ye bhul jaye agar
my heart has short memory, if i forgot
yaad dilana hume, ye paniyo kaa shehar
make me remember this city of water

ye pal kam na ho, kabhi khatam na ho,
this moment should not shorten, should never end,
ab dil kahi bhi chaley
let the heart go anywhere
jee le, jee le, jee le ishq me, marana hai to ha mar bhi le ishq me
live in love and if you want to die, die in love

¿Que pasa señorita?,
Señorita (Young woman), what's up?
venga y ahogate, ahogate, ahogate en este amor,
Come and drown, drown in this love,
muere si quieres morir, pero en este amor, baila baila
Die if you want, but loving. You dance, dance.
venga y ahogate ahogate, ahogate en este amor
Come right now, Drown.., Drown in this love.
muere si quieres morir pero en este amor
Die if you want, but loving

jab sahil pe hum pahuchenge to khidhar jayenge
when we will reach the beach/destiny, where we will go

apane apane ghar jayenge ya,
whether you will leave for ur home and me for my home
ho apane ghar jayenge
or will go together to our home
isi safar me se hi naya safar lenge hum
thorough this journey we will start new journey

jaha bhi bologe tum, wahi utar lenge hum
wherever you will say, i will drop there
gali bhi de do to, kabhi na chorenge, aise parenge galey
where you will say i will not leave it, like this i will follow you

jee le, jee le, jee le ishq me, marana hai to ha mar bhi le ishq me
live in love and if you want to die, die in love
ha mar bhi le ishq me
die in love

Jee lee...

Wanna Wanna Wednesdays... Evans Color Block Bubble Top

It's the first Wednesday of October, and I am very very happy to share another Wanna Wanna Wednesday item that is on my virtual wish list. How adorable is this top ($59.50, Evans)? I would rock it with a pair of colored skinny jeans (Imagine a cobalt blue, green or red pair?) or a nice pair of pants for work. How would you rock a top like this?

Music Therapy with Miss Moon

“ God is the Sun and when His rays fall upon your heart, not impeded by the clouds of egoism, the lotus blooms and the petals unfold.”
~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba

" The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy."
~ Henry Ward Beecher


“Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it”
~ Ninon de Lenclos

“These things I warmly wish for you Someone to love, some work to do, A bit o' sun, a bit o' cheer, And a guardian angel always near”
~ Irish Blessing

As much enjoyment I get from my night walks I must say that my favorite thing to do each day is to go out and feel the sun on my skin. It's getting cooler here in New York City, but there is still sunshine to bask in, if one takes the time out to look for it. Scientists have documented the effects sunlight has on improving one's mood, and from personal experience, I agree. I am definitely a daughter of the darkness, but I proudly admit to having a (not very) clandestine affair with sunlight!!

So this week, for the Creative Visualization Challenge I ask that you spend as much time as you can out in the sunlight. Feel the warm rays of the sun and feel fabulous about it. And to serve as a little inspiration, I hope you all will enjoy "Soak Up the Sun" by Sheryl Crow.



My friend the communist
Holds meetings in his RV
I can't afford his gas
So I'm stuck here watching TV

I don't have digital
I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want
It's wanting what you've got

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up
I'm gonna tell 'em that
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up
I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun

I've got a crummy job
It don't pay near enough
To buy the things it takes
To win me some of your love

Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up
I'm gonna tell 'em that
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up
I'm gonna soak up the sun
While it's still free
I'm gonna soak up the sun
Before it goes out on me

Don't have no master suite
I'm still the king of me
You have a fancy ride, but baby
I'm the one who has the key

Every time I turn around
I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you
That makes you act the way you do
Maybe I am crazy too

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up
I'm gonna tell 'em that
I've got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I'm looking up
I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun

I'm gonna soak up the sun
Got my 45 on
So I can rock on.