Whimsical Connotations

Anastasiya Szabo: The challenges of raising a family abroad and the role of community

They say it takes a village to raise a child. All parents out there know this is true because let’s admit it — we are not superheroes, and most of the time we could use some help. Being a parent is a blessing, but it also comes with its share of challenges and they only…

5 books you should read this summer

The summer is officially here. If you are anything like me, especially as a mom, you are probably looking forward to a few quiet moments in between to get on with your summer reading. This year I moved to a place by the river with breathtakingly beautiful views. The blue sky and golden sun reflecting…

POV of a writer: In conversation with Suhaib Rumi

What’s more interesting than the mind?” he asked. It was rhetorical. I smiled, for we shared a sentiment. His conviction was clear in his voice; I couldn’t have convinced him otherwise even if I’d disagreed.

Have you watched a glorious sunrise from Fisherman’s Bastion?

If not, let me tell you why you should add watching the sunrise from one of its most incredible landmarks to your list of things to do in Budapest. For someone who loves the peace and quiet of the morning hours, I’m strangely not the type to jump out of bed at 5 in the…

Szentendre — Easy Day Trip from Budapest

If you are looking for some ultimate guide of Szentendre, let me tell you, this is not going to be one, but if you have been wondering if this quirky riverside town is worth a visit, I hope this convinces you! Last summer, we were slowly crawling out of our hidings, after spending our entire…

Anantara Kalutara — The Last Bawa Project

Growing up, I was completely oblivious to the soul-lifting visual delight of structures and spaces. In recent years, this has changed to a great extent. My awareness and love for architecture blossomed when I visited Europe for the first time. My ride from the Vienna Airport to my hotel in Stephansplatz was a splurge of…

My Favorite Perfumes of All Time

Let’s talk about something we all love – perfumes! Isn’t it amazing how shimming through our favorite scent can almost instantly lift us? We have all sorts of fragrances and smells we respond to from the moment we wake up. For instance, I love waking up to the smell of coffee. My mind associates it…

Declutter & Organize Your Closet

About a month back, I was looking for something to wear for a friend’s and family dinner party, but I couldn’t find anything nice. What am I supposed to wear? I have nothing that is appropriate for the occasion…It was frustrating. Has that ever happened to you? This has been the story of my life…

O Vienna, you stole my heart!

“Vienna wasn’t just a city, it was a tone either one carries forever in one’s soul or one does not. It was the most beautiful thing…”

In Conversation with Yogini Margarita: “What are we really achieving if our practice is alive on the mat but can’t find a place in our daily rituals?”

What is the first thing that comes to mind, when you hear the word yoga? For a long time, I thought yoga wasn’t for me. But…

Sustainable Fashion Designer, Justyna Lysak: Why is sustainable and socially responsible fashion important?

“Fashion has always been deeply rooted in me, ever since I was a child watching my mother tailor beautiful clothes for me. It’s always been my passion, and as a designer my goal is to transform the fashion world without leaving a negative impact on this beautiful planet.” – Justyna Lysak, Founder and designer…

Is it too late to make a career change?

If you’re thinking of reinventing yourself, you may be afraid of failing. Especially if you’re in your comfort zone doing something you’re familiar with. But that will only stop you from achieving great things. Is it possible that you’ll fail? Yes. Can something go wrong? Of course, it can. But what if it doesn’t?

Friendships— are we cultivating the right kind?

A recent conversation with a close friend got me thinking how important it is to surround ourselves with the kind of people that positively impact our lives. People walk in and out of our lives quite often but some…they stick around for a while longer(or a lifetime). With them, we share our life; goals, ambitions,…