A change in seasons punctuates the air as November strolls by casually with its falling foliage and a dip in temperatures. It also brings to Delhi/NCR the much dreaded air pollution that’s become the bane of our lives since almost a decade now. After getting my morning walk routine on point, I had to stop because of the hazardous air. I did go out with the face mask for a couple of days but then gave up as I realized how strenuous walking was in this air.
⇐ You could catch more about this malady on my Monday Musings post ⇒
♥ Unexpected treats ♥
Went over to my cousin’s house and was pampered with conversations, family time and some yummy food. In fact we went out for dinner to a newly opened place in DLF Promenade mall and were sated with the food. And yes a pit stop was made at Big Chill for my favorite Vanilla Oreo icecream 🙂
Came back home loaded with some winter treats of rewari and gazak which had come especially from Meerut. So all set for some delish munching while writing, reading and TV watching.
The gorgeous Kachnar is in full bloom all around my colony and I delighted my heart in capturing them on the camera. Isnt nature simply the best thing we have on this planet? I am so very grateful to be living in this perfect little green corner of Gurgaon where I get to savor the changing seasons in full glory.
⇐ You could catch more about this gorgeous tree on my Thursday Tree Love post ⇒
♥ Nature walks ♥
Went for a morning walk for the very first time in the gorgeous Jahapanah forest and was absolutely blown away by it. I cant believe I have never gone for a walk here before now. The forest is marked by a 6 KM perimeter with inner trails crossing in between all the while. So one can meander or stick to just the trail. I chose the latter as I wasn’t sure where I will end up.
I was happy to see loads of pit stops made by the generous walkers to feed the birds and other animals in the forest. Water bowls and even blankets on the forest floor for these adorable puppies, gladdened my heart to no end. Bonus of it all was the filtered sunlight on the paths through the foliage-its such a happy feeling to get that on your face. I felt so alive and happy on this walk and was so grateful for the respite.
I am so grateful to have this beautiful park nestled in the heart of my colony where I go for my morning walk. Its surrounded by tall trees on all sides and inside is a happy mix of some flowering trees and shrubs that delight the senses.
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♥ TBR update ♥
I picked up The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield for a re-read and was totally immersed in it for three whole days. Its such a beautifully written book that just draws you into the world of books and their creators. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it for you.
Its been a while since I read American crime thrillers and dug into my cousin’s bookshelf to read some. She is an avid fan of Mary Higgins Clarke and Harlan Coben. Can’t believe I devoured 5 books this month, in this genre.
A random wishful tweet about books and plenty of people messaged me with a request to share my book wish list. The sweetest one has been Parul who just persisted and sent me these two books to brighten up my day.
♥ Culinary efforts ♥
Changing seasons calls winter goodies to be snacked on. Went back to Rachna’s blog to make some besan ke laddoo. Her recipes are just so perfect and easy to make. Also ended up roasting namkeen and other stuff as this season demands all such munchies.
Commenced the pickling series with these Jalapenos that we get in the markets in this season. I will also try and make my favorite pickle of Kohlrabi, carrot and cauliflower -I just love this one with aloo paranthas in winters.
♥ Green thumb ♥
A change in seasons brought out the gardener in me and I sowed some methi, palak, dhaniya in the bigger pots on the balcony. Trying my hand at growing micro greens for the first time and so far its been like this. I have been reading about their nutritional value and wish to incorporate them in my diet.
♥ Health & Fitness ♥
I have been a regular at my walks and been eating home cooked meals too. So all in all a good month for health and fitness.
♥ Blogging news ♥
I blogged a fair bit this month and am happy to see so many visitors on my blog. I am so grateful to them for reading and encouraging me in my writing process. In fact I realized that I had crossed the 50,000 visitor mark which feels really awesome!
So that’s all the news from me for November and now lets have a look at yours. Do share the links to your posts in my comment section please.
Joining up with Vidya for the Gratitude Circle Linky
Am so delighted to see that magical photo again ! And to think you walk in such a beautiful place every day. Jahanpana brought back memories of the days when my little one ( daughter) used to spend hours telling us stories of Akbar and Birbal . Hope you can continue to walk unmasked soon enough . Enjoy the Gazak …… happy December
Oh yes thats a magical photo for sure- I just loved the walk in this gorgeous forest. So grateful that I have this place to go to and pray no government gets it in their head to cut it off for development. Walking unmasked for now and praying it stays so. All finished with the gazak and rewari- just love these winter snacks. Bought loads of peanut chikki today which is again a hot fav for winters
Congrats for the consistent blogging and lovely November Shalz. Always a pleasure to read about the park near you, trying new dish and reading. I am sure December will be equally amazing.
Thanks so much Vishal-your wishes are always so full of love and encouragement. I am very grateful to have you as a friend 🙂
Ah this was a good month for you , Shalz. I enjoyed reading about each thoughtful bit. And please do send me which books you want . I would love to send you something. Liking those microgreens. And so glad about the laddoos. I have to prepare some homemade munchies and laddoos too. Waiting for red carrots to prepare gajar ka halwa. Waiting for the winter produce to appear here . Wish you a wonderful December.
Oh man thats so sweet-what have I done to deserve so much love? First Parul and now you!!!! Thank you my friend for the love. Truly grateful and floored by it.
I love your recipes and now its my go-to site for most stuff. I hate gajar ka halwa but will make the shalgam gobhi ka achar once the winter veggies start coming in full. Right now they are just the first blush- waiting for the really robust ones.
What a lovely and happy post! I’m smiling ear to ear after reading this!
I love Big Chill for its cheesecake, it is best I’ve had in the country so far! I love the natural and the simple life you live, Shalz! I’m in awe of how much you do every month.
Send me your book wishlist too, I’d love to send you some. Just for being the wonderful friend that you are.
Much love!
Awwww arent you the sweetest!!! Thank you for the book offer my sweet friend- I am so blessed to have so many of you in my life. Thank you! I think the instagram contest would have given you a fair idea of what I want 😉
Come down to Delhi soonest and I will treat you to Big chill as soon as you are here!!
Thank you for liking my life- it feels so good to read that!
I love your writing style, Shalz. Loved that first line of this post!
Good for you that you are taking better care of your health, and enjoying your walks, books, friends, and food. The air–I know, that’s one thing I wonder too about when it will bring some happiness in our lives!
Thanks so much Shilpa – I am happy to read such positive feedback on my writing 🙂
Fingers crossed for Mother nature to correct the course of destruction we are all set out on now.
So much fun in November, Shalz, except for the dangerous levels of pollution bits. I’m amazed at everything you do. Actually I have a goal for next year, I’m not buying any new books, I’m planning to just finish some of the books I have. However, the twist is this, I will gift books and receive only books for the whole of next year. So I’m waiting for you to share your TBR. I’d be happy to send you some. ♥️
Oh wow Jayanthy thats very sneaky 😉 I too have a no-book buying pact for myself but gift books and hope for books as gifts for Bday!! How sweet of you to want to fulfill my wishes. We must exchange our lists and do the deed for each other 🙂
It would be my pleasure. I’m texting you right away on Insta now.
You are such a doll!!!