Selectively Attentive: February 2014

Thursday 20 February 2014

Gawk. Drool. Ogle.

3 days ago, a friend of mine (Tanisha) from college came over to my house for a sleepover. She's an outstation student from Lucknow, who misses her doggy (Martini) desperately and craves a home-cooked meal. This is where I come in. Actually, where my dog (Oscar), and my Mother (Amma) come in. These sleepovers usually include several sessions of snacking, doggy-cuddling, long food-related talks (both of us being HUGE foodies) and movie watching (chick-flicks, and sometimes a little more sensible movie). And then, at night comes the best session. The Gawking. Yes. We sit and Google our favourite Hollywood actors and contemplate whether to put them on our LIST (You F.R.I.E.N.D.S fans must know what I am talking about. If not, then click here.)

Now that you know what The List is, here is mine. Please note that it might have more than 5 people.

1. Hugh Jackman

I mean, if you don't have him on your List, then you should get yourselves checked.

2. Jim Sturgess

Look at the guy! He can pass off as one of The Beatles. Plus, he actually sings. And did I mention that he is GORGEOUS?

3. Chris Messina

Crooked smiles, anyone? I think I just died a little. And as Mindy Lahiri from The Mindy Project rightly puts it, he's totally "bangable".

4. Adam Levine

Yes Adam, I will put my hands all over you.

5. Milo Ventimiglia

Jess Mariano, Gilmore Girls. Need I say more? If you still don't know who he is, then you should watch Heroes.

6. Mark Ruffalo

He is one of those guys who you just want to marry. And have loads of babies with.

7. Chris Pine

Those blue eyes just do a number on ya, don't they?

8. James Marsden

You can either dig him as the cynical journalist from 27 Dresses, or as the protective boyfriend and laser shooting mutant in X-Men.

9. Benedict Cumberbatch

I think in these times, it would just be unacceptable to not have him on the list. Gotta love a man who can pull of a scarf. Plus, British Accent ladies!

10. Colin Firth

This is just unfair to all the women on the planet. I officially declare him - Panty Dropper.

11. James McAvoy

I was openly drooling during Penelope and Becoming Jane. James, you've put a spell on me.

P.S. This article has been inspired by my sister's article on a similar topic. Here's the link.

Follow her on http://i-am-a-big-girl-now.tumblr.com/ and www.watermelonwedges.blogspot.in.

Saturday 8 February 2014

A Little Bit Of Paper, & A Little Bit Of Glue

Hi!
For this week's assignment, we had to interview any person (other than any family member) who is a professional. I chose to interview my neighbour, Mrs, Laxmi Pillai, an entrepreneur who started a small venture 5 years ago. Let's find out more..

1. Could you give me a quick introduction of yourself?
Hi. I am Laxmi Pillai. I am 39 years old and I started a small business called Paper Wonderz about 5 years ago. I basically make cards, photo frames, bookmarks, notebooks, etc.

Mrs. Laxmi Pillai, the woman behind Paper Wonderz

2. So, how did you start this project? What triggered your interest?

I have always been interested in arts and crafts. Papers and crafts fascinate me! Its my favourite hobby. I have also pursued Interior Design after my college. I always used to help my kids out with their projects. I think that's what got me started.

3. When did you decide to convert this hobby into a small business? And do you plan to expand?

I started making these products about 5 years ago, but I actually started selling them only a year after I began making them. I have had no formal training for this.
I am quite happy with the size of my business right now. I don't think I will expand.

4. What kind of raw materials do you use for making your novelty products?

I use a variety of materials. Acid free papers, stamps, ink pads, handmade papers, and other usual items like Fevicol, glue-sticks, scissors, etc.

5. That sounds interesting! Do you get all these materials locally?

I actually get them shipped from the USA. Stuff like acid free papers, stamps, etc, I order them online, from a U.S based website. Other materials I get from Bombay itself.

6. Could you enlist for me all the products that you make?

Ya sure! I make notepads, notepads with magnets (for fridges), scrapbooks, mini-photo albums, post-it holders, cards, bookmarks, and envelopes.

Purse cards

Photo frame

Jot-books

7. Where all do you sell your products? And how has the response been?

Usually at exhibitions. I have my own stall from where I make the sales. I have done quite a few exhibitions till date - World Trade Centre, Blue Sea in Worli, Ville Parle, Urban Haat and CBD Agro Society in Belapur.

I am very happy to say that people love my products! I don't really want to get into the sales figures and all, but there has been tremendously positive response about my products. I am also launching a new set of products, specially for Valentine's Day!

8. Okay Aunty, last question! What is your most favourite product to make?

I'd have to say the cards! I can't pick one type of card though. The never ending cards, gift-box cards, purse cards, popsicle cards, basically, all of them!