The capital of Virginia is one of America’s oldest cities – but that doesn’t mean it’s behind the times when it comes to nightlife.

 

Richmond is a vibrant community whose aesthetic borders on hipster. It’s also got a low cost of living, strong job market, and is an area with activities suitable for any taste.

 

If you are someone who appreciates a good nightlife scene, you’ll want to consider checking out Richmond houses for rent. You can sit down for a cocktail and a chat with a friend, or head to a raucous live show and jam to the music.

 

Live Music with Your Libations

There are plenty of live music venues on deck in Richmond, no matter your favored genre.

 

The National is a historic theater with wooden floors, brick walls, and seven full bars. The venue brings in acts of all kinds, from podcasts and punk acts to blues artists and big bands.

 

The Camel offers a wide menu to pair along with entertainment by local and regional acts.

 

If you like a place with niche horror decor on the wall, Wonderland will be your jam. This informal hangout caters to fans of punk and metal music.

 

The Tobacco Company is a restaurant that also hosts bands on the weekends.

 

Raising The Bar

There are a variety of bars in the Richmond area, whether it’s a jeans or t-shirt kind of night or one where you want to pull out a little black dress.

 

Poe’s Pub is an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired Irish eatery that offers food, drink, and entertainment. It’s also close to the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, so you can make a day of imbibing in all things having to do with the macabre writer.

 

Heavy metal band Gwar has interests that lie outside of their insane live shows, and that includes opening a restaurant with Travis Croxton, Richmond’s Restaurateur of the Year 2014. The bar is a well-known late-night watering hole that caters to clientele of all kind, not just the heavy rocking variety.

Dance It Out

If your aim is to shake your booty all night long, check out one of the many clubs in Richmond.

Godfrey’s (which also has a famous drag brunch) has been around since 1997 and has mostly LGBTQ+ clientele, though all are welcome.

 The Tobacco Company club may host bands, but it also houses a higher energy dancing space on its lower level.

Experience the Arts

If a quieter night seeing a theatre show or walking about a gallery is more your speed, Richmond still has a lot to offer.

Check out Coalition Theater for the best of the comedy shows in the area, or the Virginia Repertory Theatre to catch an energizing musical.

The Hippodrome Theater in historic Jackson Ward features many artistic acts and also a Speakeasy Bar and Grill.

You might want to kick off your night at Painting with a Twist, where you can sip a cool beverage or two while receiving step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful picture of your own.

 For majority of the people in this world, owning a home is a dream come true. Be it any strata of the society, almost everyone wants to buy or build their dream home. The rich aims for the bigger and swankier while the low to middle class aims to have a nice roof above their head; which they can call their home. No matter what the economic capability is, buying a home is a tedious task and requires a lot of money, in which financing is involved. That can be quite tricky and these days, the young and savvy generation are doing their math and opting for renting, instead of buying. Because some of them are digital nomads, who can't decide which city to settle in; while some are too smart to calculate that renting would be cheaper than paying the hefty EMIs. No matter what, buying your home is a matter of pride.

The first step in buying your dream home is taking the plunge.  Because no matter what strata of financial background we belong to, the property we dream of acquiring is usually more than our reach. Therefore it's usually a long process trying to figure out whether you are in the position to buy or should you continue to rent, and if you are planning to buy, how much do you need to start saving in order to pay the down payment.

During this process, you may need to be open minded about your budget. Often it happens that you have something is mind but you end up liking something more expensive. For example, you are in the market to buy a two bedroom apartment, but when you start looking, you fall in love with a three bedroom flat and all your budgeting goes for a toss. In such cases, something that helps estimating affordability, saves the day.

Owning a property is always like a safety net. No matter what the money moguls say about calculating whether paying rent is more profitable in certain scenarios (when investing the down payment gives you more return). Because a home is not like a dress, you just can't buy it from the mall the moment you want to; and this pandemic has really made us realise what Home Sweet Home actually means.

So when does one usually start looking to buy a property?

*The commonest reason is when you decide on settling down, whether alone or with someone. Usually when you live in a place long enough to fall in love with it, you start looking for reasons to settle down there. And if there is a partner you would like to start your life with, or you are planning to start a family, you always need a safe place for shelter.

* When you outgrow your current home. As family grows, so does the requirement for a bigger space. From a unit of three (couple plus pet) to having your first child, or going from two to three kids, the need for bigger space gradually increases. Earlier a three bedroom apartment may suffice , but now you may need a townhouse. This is also a major reason why families move from the city to the countryside. Moving to the country means more space and lesser cost of living; ideal for a growing family.

 This pandemic has definitely taught us the importance of a working space at home. So no matter how big (or small) your family is, a personal space is so important for growth. A dedicated home office means more productivity and less stress. Infact, people have started looking for bigger spaces since working from home became such a norm during this pandemic.

* A vacation home: Well, this one is really a dream of mine. To own a property at a beachside where I could unwind with my family during holidays. This is excellent from an investment point of view too, as the property is put up for rent for the rest of the year. Of course, like any other asset, there are maintenance charges, but eventually it pays in the long run.

*Solely for investment. When you have saved quite a bit of your earnings, you have spent in the stock market, you are not looking for a home upgrade but want to multiply your savings, buying a property is an excellent option. Even when you have to finance the rest of the amount after down payment, the property pays for itself in the form of monthly rent.

I along with my husband bought our first home 5 years back. Although it's a spacious three bedroom apartment in the heart of the National Capital Region, with every source of transport and facility nearby, we have outgrown our current home. However we refuse to move because we Indians are obsessed with living in the city centre in spite of lesser space and double cost of living!

What's your take on property investment? How many homes do you own? Or do you prefer renting? Share your valuable feedback in the comments!

 If this question had been asked 10 years before, eyebrows would have been raised. Though blogging or "ónline journaling" had started more than 20 years back. I mean Phew! Yes, the Blogspot platform was established in 1999 and then followed this revolutionary thing called blogging. The online world became more about sharing authentic experiences, people started opening up about the good as well as the bad. While a part of it seemed a bit narcisistic to some, it was helpful to the majority nonetheless. 

The global influencer marketing platform had a 6 Billion USD worth in 2020. So does it say something?

 As the world is slowly getting back to normal, our bodies need to get back too! Am I the only one struggling with a  'stay at home loungewear body' or there are others also? I am pretty confident we all have got addicted to wearing sweats at home and now our jeans won't fit us anymore.

So how to get back with a bang without breaking your back (literally, from excessive gymming) ? Well, while there are numerous solutions like working out, crash diet, etc etc, nothing is going to make you ready in a jiffy. Let's say you have a wedding to attend tomorrow, so how will you fit into your lehenga choli? I do have a quick fix for you all..wholesale shapewear. Yeah you read that right. 

So how does a shapewear help?

Made of a combination of spandex and nylon, this compresses the abdomen to give it a smooth effect and slimmer waist. The three layer design ensures to strengthen the control and has glued hem to prevent curling. And yes, I know what are you thinking about. How to go to the loo? Well it has an open crotch keeping that in mind. How convenient isn't it?

Also it is pretty comfortable as the shoulder straps are wide and adjustable, which means, no digging into the skin!

Now you want to wear a booty hugging dress and you are too conscious of your sagging butt (hello lockdown body!) You need a butt lifting shapewear. 

This one has a special buttocks lift design and has epoxy lace to prevent curling at the foot. It's easy to go to the washroom, and the two strong steel bones prevent it from curling. The nylon and spandex combination makes it comfortable and breathable.

Now that the tummy and buttocks have been taken care of, you have one more are of concern: saggy and flabby arms. Even if they are not saggy, they are not toned like that of Sharapova! So you want to don a stunning gown with full sleeves and you want your upper half to look seamless. This wholesale waist trainer will do the trick. These sleeves will flatter your arms and the plunging neckline won't interfere with the design of your dress.

  Now that you have the cheat code to that smooth, flawless and slim body, paint the town in style! Don't shy away from donning that bodycon dress or that derrière hugging skirt! You are beautiful!

 Firstly, I would like to start this post with a humungous "Thank you". Because I am able to write this post only and only because of you, my readers. Nine years back, even the people closest to me didn't feel that I would last, but it's the encouragement of you all that made me keep writing all through these years. Read about my thoughts on the first anniversary and second anniversary.

9 years ago, I hit the publish button on my website for the first time and my life has never been the same ever since! While I could go on and on about how my life evolved for the better, but not today. Because I want you all to gain something from my 9 years of experience. So here are 9 things that I have learnt from my 9 years on the internet.

This is my first ever blog post. Pardon the unprofessional editing and font :D 

1. You really have to be passionate about your content. If you yourself don't believe in the content you are creating, no one else will do . Just because everyone is doing it, does not mean you have to, too. You really don't need to shake your hips in front of the camera on a trending soundtrack just because everyone else is doing it. You should be proud of your work, not ashamed of it!

2. Be ready for change. Blogging world is ever changing. 9 years back, it was all about writing long articles on the web. Instagram was just a photo sharing app. Today, short videos are everything. Even Instagram has forgotten what's photo sharing. It's videos and videos. Hundreds of short video platforms have cropped up (though I don't have least idea about how those work). From blogging to microblogging to influencing, it has really evolved. There are new influencers coming up every day who are ready to work for a free lipstick. So you need to be really adaptable in order to thrive .

3. Consistency is the key. They say content is the king. But if you are coming with dope content only once in a month, you are not going to make it. Of course the content needs to be good, but it's consistency that's more important.

While I am pretty consistent on my Instagram, this first baby of mine has been suffering for the past 2 years. I need to write more of my 'passionate' content and not just sponsored posts. I plan to publish at one blog post per week.

4. Networking is the secret to success. This is where I lag the most. Besides my introvert nature and being overburdened with family duties, I am really hanging from a thin thread. Again content may be the king but if you are not getting the opportunity to show the world your 'content skills' then how is it going to work? You need chances and networking plays a HUGE role. I just hope the world becomes normal soon so that I can venture out and show my face to some new people.

5. Be open to communication: This point may be the continuations of the previous point of networking. One the biggest mistakes which I did when I started was that my blog did not have a contact section. So the only way to reach me was through comments. Of course there was no one to teach me.

What I am saying now is that, reply to that email even if it is not of your niche, fill that form.Who knows what you may land on from those database! 

I signed up for my first blogging community Indiblogger in 2014, exactly after one year of starting. And then I started getting invited for launches and events! So you just don't know what opening up might bring!

6. Don't think of money when you start. Back in 2013 when I started, it was pure passion for travelling that led me write articles after articles. I never thought I would make a penny out of them. But after a year of consistent writing, brands started noticing my work and emails started pouring in. Had it been only monetary motive, I wouldn't have survived at all.

7. Slow and Steady: Life is a marathon, not a sprint. the same applies for blogging journey as well. I am a no expert, but these days I see young influencers start, shoot off at rocket's speed and then extinguish. I mean that if you are really passionate about sharing or creating content (not just taking it up as a career) , then you have to be slow and steady so that you don't burn off.

8. Create content for yourself; something that you are really passionate about and not just 'trending' things. Expert say that create content for your audience, not for yourself. However, I beg to differ. 

If you are really passionate about your niche, your audience will find you. Back in2013 when I started, few expert blog owners suggested I write about men's fashion or ethnic wear for women because these topics got more hits that time. Had I listened to that, I don't know where I would have been. But one thing is for sure, I would have definitely run out of topics!

9. Last but not the least: You can't fake it till you make it. The audience is intelligent. And so are the brands. You can't claim to be something which you are not. It may work for few times but not in the long run. Authenticity is the primary highlight of this ''Influenzah" industry because the audience relates to the real world than that of the celebs. So we should always try to stay true to ourselves.

As I am highly emotional right now about my first baby, my website/blog, I am extremely thankful to you, my readers who have made me what I am today. I may not have hundreds of thousand followers or trillions of page views,  but I am content with what I am doing because I am really passionate about content creation. Whether it's writing, or taking nice pictures or creating a video, I really love doing that. I am extremely grateful that I have a job that allows to explore my creativity and get paid for what I love doing most...documenting life's little moments.

Signing off, I hope to continue creating content, irrespective of monetary benefits, for the rest of my life.

 India's favourite festive capital of India is mainly visited for its beautiful beaches and throbbing nightlife. But there's so much more to Goa than the sea and the party atmosphere. This Portugese capital of India has huge forts that are in ruins and gorgeous places of worship (both for Hindus and Christians). And even if visiting ancient churches and temples are not on your interest list, here are three non beachy places that must be on your list the next time you visit the smallest state of India.

1. Fontainhas: This place is located in the capital, Panaji and very easy to reach. Fontainhas in Goa, in particular, is the place where you just can't get enough of this beautiful state. Visiting Fontainhas should undoubtedly be on your list of things to do in Goa. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this place is visually breathtaking.

Whether it’s the houses that boasts of Portuguese architecture that are painted every year after the monsoon or the unusual Portuguese street names, it reminds one of the times when Goa was a Portuguese colony, thus making it a must-visit when holidaying in Goa.

 Fontainhas walking tours are also available. It’s a 2 hours trail that will walk you through the old Latin Quarter and take you back to the Portuguese era. These tours are available as a solo experience, couple experience, small groups and large groups so you could book the one that suits your need. Taking photos of this wonderful place and framing them can add an elegant touch to your home.

2. House of Goa museum. 

The museum itself is a stunning piece of architecture, as you can see. It's a glorious ship shaped building that is a photographer's delight from every angle. 

How to reach: It's located in Torda, Salvador-do-Mundo, Goa. We drove by car. You can rent a cab/scooty and reach there.

What to expect: 

The museum was designed and built by Gerard de Cunha and houses furniture, home decor items, door & window frames, railings, ceramic tiles, etc. from the bygone era when Portuguese architecture became a part of the Goan lifestyle. A definite must visit for history lovers. If you are detail oriented, it may take quite a chunk of your time. So you can just drop by and take pictures from the outside because you really wouldn't want to miss this stunning building. 

Ticket: 100 INR for an adult. 

PS Monday is closed. But then again, you can always take pictures from outside! 

I had no ide about this place for the past several times I visited Goa and that's why I am sharing with you all!

3. Betul Lighthouse: Now this place is possible only if you are staying in South Goa. 

If you are anything like me, you may have a fascination for lighthouses. Betul lighthouse is one of the three in Goa and is still functional. Located on Quitol, South Goa, it gives a spectacularly panoramic view of the Sal river, lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The 360 degree view at the top is jaw dropping with the wind trying to topple you and totally worth the sweaty climb along the hill with dry grasses. 

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, both for the hike as well as for the climb through the stairs of the lighthouse. The attendant expects a tip from you; pay him beforehand so that he treats you well throughout 😂

I always wanted to visit a 'real lighthouse' in India, and the Betul lighthouse experience turned out to be even better! Have you read Enid Blyton? Then you would definitely have developed a fascination for lighthouses!

Have you visited any of the three places above? If not, put them on your list for the next time. And if yes, which is your favourite?