My elder one just turned 11 this March. She's a proclaimed Potterhead ; something that we introduced her to last year and there has been no looking back ever since! Maybe it's the age group (imagination runs the wildest I guess in this phase), she got totally absorbed into the world of Harry Potter. So it was a no brainer when it came to deciding the theme of her 11th birthday, it had to be a Harry Potter one! Because this is the year when one gets accepted into Hogwarts! IYKYK! 

While we all were excited about this year's theme, I was anxious more, being the party planner. I am always looking for simple and budget ways to organize birth parties, without going overboard; because that's not who we are. 

So how to organize a Harry Potter birthday party on a budget? 

1. How to invite people? 

Well, invitations do have a major role in setting the mood for the party. So I got custom HP scroll like invites printed, which I designed myself. I also mentioned the dress code there. (Very important for a theme party) 

2. How to choose the theme colour? 

If you are familiar with Harry Potter, then you know there are 8 colour combinations of the four houses. 8 is a lot, so we zeroed down on Griffindoor colours (obviously) ie Maroon and yellow and of course black and metallic. For balloons, we stuck to maroon, yellow and black. Me and my husband wore black while the birthday girl donned yellow with a black cape and so did her little sister. 

3. How to select the HP theme birthday cake? 

If you look up on Pinterest, it can get pretty overwhelming. There are so many options. Also, I don't prefer full fondant cakes. Most of that goes waste. So I wanted something that used minimal fondant while keeping the theme intact. So we opted for a Gtiffindoor themed base with fondant sorting hat, spectacles, Snitch, wand and an all in one Harry Potter cake topper. My little Potterhead was pretty satisfied with how the cake turned out. The details were everything!

4. How to keep easy HP games? 

Harry Potter might not be familiar to everyone. So instead of going too complicated, we did a simple HP quiz and an HP memory game. For quiz, we sorted the groups in to 4 houses and for the memory game, I spoke out 40 HP related words, and the kids had to recapitulate and produce them on paper. Of course there were other normal games too, like Tambola and Passing the parcel. 

5. How to imbibe the HP theme amongst the guests? 

We got HP themed photo props for all and that was a hit with all! Of course there was snatching between Griffin door tie and Slytherin tie, Harry's cloak and so on. But what's a party without some hiccups! 

Mohi's best friend gifted her a Letter from Hogwarts and that was a cherry on the cake. My birthday girl loved the party and so did her Potterhead friends and non Potterhead ones too. It was one hell of a party to remember and cherish for the rest of our lives! 

Are you a Potterhead? At what age did you become one? 

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge with theme word (How).

You can check the full interview (including a detailed itinerary here. 

Last week, my interview as a traveller was published on Just Dial, about a place that has left a lasting impression on me. I could think nothing but Zanzibar, as it definitely is one of the greatest destinations of life. Here is the raw version of the Q and A. 

1. Let’s start with a little bit about you! How would you describe your travel style? Do you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or something entirely different?

OR

If your travel personality had to be summed up in 1-5 words, what would they be? Think of it as your personal travel tagline!

I am on a mission to explore new lands, learn new languages, mingle with the locals and taste new food.

It's a combination of both adventure and cultural immersion. That's why you will never find me chilling in a Maldivian resort island for a week. I prefer to stay on local islands with the locals. I might visit the resort just once during the entire stay to get a slice of that luxury, but can't stay away from local culture throughout.

2. What fuels your wanderlust? Is it the thrill of the unknown, the stories waiting to be discovered, or simply the joy of stepping into a new world?

All of the above! The thrill of exploring a new place or revisiting an old one (Goa/Malaysia Duh!) Wanderlust is fuelled by the new people, new landscapes, different food and of course different language and culture.

3. Every journey has a spark—what was it for this one? Was it the allure of breathtaking landscapes, the pull of rich history, the rhythm of the local culture, or something deeply personal that made this destination call out to you?

It was a combination of stunning beaches and culture. There's not much history of Zanzibar, it became a part of Tanzania in the 1960's. However it was the centre of African slave trade, and the museum literally brings tears to your eyes!

You can find the local Masai tribe inhabiting the island, which I was very excited about. I had never interacted with any tribal clan of Africa before. And Zanzibar has stunning landscapes. It's the most underrated island of the Indian Ocean.

It has pristine beaches like Maldives, luxury resorts like Mauritius, adventure like Reunion and marine life like Seychelles, all wrapped richly in culture!!

4. Did you have a budget in mind for this trip? How did you creatively manage your finances to squeeze every bit of magic out of your travel experience?

Of course, there's no trip without budget! The flights were the biggest expense and we got a good deal from Saudia Airlines. New Delhi to Jeddah, Jeddah to Dar Es Salam. While that flight cost us 45k, the 25 minute flight from Dar Es Salam to Zanzibar was 7k!

We rented a car for 7 days, and chose to stay in 3 resorts, 2 luxury and 1 budget, in 3 different parts of the island.

The activities and excursions were expensive, which can be customised according to one's choice and will.

5. What’s one fascinating fact about Zanzibar that sparked your interest? Was there a moment or place that truly stood out to you?

The fact that Zanzibar has not lost itself to ruthless commercialisation was a big magnetic factor. Also, the phenomenon of high tide and low tide is very prominent on every beach, every 12 hours.

I was ready to swim in the turquoise Indian Ocean, walk over the softest silver sand and eat sea food while immersing in the African culture. 

We went on a boat ride from Nungwi, the northern part of Zanzibar to an area called "God's swimming pool".

It was a vast area shallow water in the middle of the ocean, where we could wade on the sea bed and the water was crystal clear. Every grain of sand beneath was visible. All while being surrounded by turquoise water!

Our guide served us a huge fruit platter and we munched on them while relaxing in the crystal clear water.

On that very excursion, we swam with dolphins and picked up star fishes! It was a never before experience!

6. If someone had just a few days in Zanzibar, what are the top five spots they absolutely shouldn’t miss? Bonus points for any hidden gems!

If you know swimming and are not scared of the ocean, I highly recommend swimming with the dolphins. Also, you can swim with rescued sea turtles in a lagoon, it's not scary in Baraka Natural Museum. Visit Stone Town, the hub of culture and the birth place of Freddie Mercury of Queen rock band. Explore wildlife in Jozani Forest Zanzibar and experience dining or just even coffee at the stunning Rock Restaurant.

7. Food can make or break a trip! Did you dive into any must-try local dishes? Which ones stole your heart (or your taste buds)? Any tips for our readers?

Zanzibar food is a combination of Swahili, Arabic and Indian flavours. So even pure vegetarians like my daughter and husband didn't have any issue and enjoyed the culinary experience to the fullest!

Like their Pilav is similar to our Pulao and my family had it everyday while I tried sea food everyday. Be it octopus or lobster, pomfret or red snapper. It was served with rice with a side of salad and fries. It was very satisfying, both to the taste buds and tummy.

You get very fresh sea food there (obviously!) 

To dine in "The Rock" restaurant is on the bucket list of every tourist who visits Zanzibar. It's a restaurant situated on the top of a big rock, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. 

During high tide, you have to take a boat to reach there (it's complimentary) while during low tide, you can wade on the wet sea bed to reach there!

The view from the restaurant is to die for and so is the fresh sea breeze! It's a multi cuisine restaurant, however quite expensive.

We ordered a cold coffee and tiramisu because we were there for the experience and not for the food. It was beyond my expectations. Must do activity!

8. Traditional attire often carries cultural significance. Did you notice any distinct styles or customs in local dressing that caught your eye?

The Africans, especially the Masai tribe are extremely well dressed and fashionable. Think of bright colours, quirky accesories and the best hairstyles!

The Masai men and women would give the runway models a run for their money with their gorgeous head gears.

Zanzibar is an Islamic territory, so you will find little children in hijabs. 

9. How would you describe the nightlife there? Whether it is bustling bars, serene night markets, or cultural performances—what’s the vibe like?

Zanzibar is a Muslim island, so the public is conservative. However it's more open than the local islands of Maldives.

It's more open inside the resorts in terms of bikini, alcohol and nightlife.

There are a ton of bars and discos on the prominent beaches like Paje, Nungwi, Michamvi, Kendwa etc. All the big resorts host parties at night and really big ones during the weekend.

Our resort, Antonio Beach Resort hosted a fabulous party where they got DJ from Namibia and we danced the night away with the Masai people and other international guests.

10.How was your experience with the local hospitality? Can you share a moment when a small act of kindness or a heartfelt interaction made you feel completely at home, even miles away from your own backyard?

The Zanzibarian people are very kind and thankfully we have only positive experience with them.

Our snorkeling guide was very encouraging and it was because of him I gathered the courage to jump into the ocean to swim with the dolphins, despite being extremely sea sick. It was really not easy, yet he was very patient and encouraging.

11.In your eyes, who would make the most ofzi this destination? Is it the intrepid solo explorer, the romance-seeking couple, the thrill-chasing adventurer, or perhaps the perfect spot for a family getaway?

Zanzibar is perfect for every kind of traveller. A solo explorer as well as a n adventurer would have the time of their lives exploring this huge island. The abundance of luxury resorts with stunning beaches makes it an ideal honeymoon destination. 

We visited as a family of 3. Me, my husband and our 9 year old daughter and it's one of the most memorable experience of our lives till date. We not only explored the marine life like never before, but the interaction with the local Masai tribe has left a deep impact on her.

12.Would you hop on board for another round at this destination? If so, what fresh adventures or unexpected twists would you plan to make your next visit even more unforgettable?

Definitely want to revisit this place with the entire family. We didn't take our younger daughter as she was just 4 and we were unsure of the African environment.

Would love to go more on snorkelling trips, spend more time discovering marine life and try new sea food (just for me 😉) The next time, we would love to plan our stay in other parts of the island, just to have a novel experience, although I would love love love to revisit the previous properties.

13.Let’s wrap up with a rapid-fire ‘This or That’—

Road trip or train journey? Road trip 

Cosy coffee shops or sizzling street food? Sizzling Street Food

Stick to a map or get lost on purpose?Get lost in purpose 

Pack light or overpack (just in case)? Overpack any day! (Fashion blogger problems duh!)

Travel to escape or travel to discover?

Stay connected or digital detox? Digital detox 

DSLR camera or just a phone for photos? Both are equally important.

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Where there is sun and sand, then there should be options to venture out into the water too, what say? Goa is the epitome of leisure and luxury. It also happens to be the party capital of India. So how does partying on the water sound? While there are speed boats and cruise ships for the same, nothing beats the luxury and fun of a private yacht. 

I discovered the yacht Club of Goa on my 3rd visit to the smallest state of India. We were headed to Fontainhas and had crossed the Bardez bridge. We spotted cute looking Portuguese style houses and started walking through those lanes when I spotted the yacht Club. 

The Yacht Club is in Porvorim and almost 25 years old. They rent all types of yachts and catamarans for private purposes and epic celebrations. The prices are definitely not for the faint hearted. While I have been on a number of yachts and cruises, I have never experienced a private yacht. Speed boats, yes. But a yacht loaded with food and party stuff for the entire night, just for us, not yet. Maybe will get there someday. 

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Have you had a private yacht party? How was your experience? 

When we say we are secular, do we really mean it? Anyways, that was just food for thought. I am not here to get into any sort of political drama or hurt any religious sentiment. However, one thing is for sure. We love staying at home or not going to work or school on gazetted holidays, no matter what religious reason. 

Speaking from a very liberal Hindu point of view, I have noticed kids having extreme excitement for Christmas. Growing up, I used to wait for Santa to come with gifts. When my mom finally told me that there's no Santa, that was one of the most disappointing moments of my childhood. I kept celebrating the festival, nevertheless. Christmas is a huge deal in Kolkata, my mom's birth place. Hence she was also partially responsible for inculcating the penchant of Christmas in me. Back then, we had always celebrated with cakes, sweet treats and gifts. I was in Christian School during the first three years of my life, and that too contributed to my enthusiasm for the birthday of Jesus. 

During my school years, we used to have a Christmas party at the Ladies Club, organized by our moms. And my college circle had girls who had been educated in missionary schools. So the obsession grew bigger and bigger. 

Over the years (last 25 years) , Christmas has grown into a commercial extravaganza. Malls in Delhi and NCR started putting up humongous trees, surpassing every year, elaborate decorations and people partied away as if there's no tomorrow. Somehow I feel the essence of this festival got lost in the commercialisation. 

As my little one started growing up and younger one arrived top, I realized that I need to give them a flavour of this beautiful festival, sans all the artificial hoopla. So I started celebrating at home. I have always seen my mom put up a small (tiny rather) tree every year, which we used to decorate. So I also got one, 3 feet tall and started celebrating. 

In 2022, I decided to go big and bought a 6 feet tree. I set it beside the mantle, we decorated it and had dinner with the family of my childhood friend. And that's how started this tradition of ours. 

Ever since then, we have been trying to play around with the decor. We have dinner (cooked by me) exchange gifts and play games. This year, I did the viral bow Garland and was very satisfied. 

Festivals should be about bringing people together, and not getting shoved in some mall amongst the maddening crowd, trying to follow what the business magnates are trying to feed us. 

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You can either be one of these. Or both. What kind of hotel person are you? A 5 star hotel person (or 4 or 3, I mean a conventional corporate hotel) or an Air B N B Or boutique type of resident? Well, as much as I like big chains, sometimes I feel their properties are cookie cutter. Unless you book a very high end room, chances are that you get a very boring looking room with the same design and decor. While the property amenities are the reason you are paying the price, sometimes or (most of the time) I want a place that's closer to the culture we are staying in. That's usually very much achievable while staying at some one's apartment or a boutique hotel. 

It's a myth that Air BnBs are cheap. Actually if you open the site, you will realize that there are all sorts of accommodation, from very economical hostel like bunk beds to an entire house, prices varying. Then there are boutique hotels too, which are basically residential complexes turned into commercial properties. They are immaculately styled but doesn't necessarily have the amenities like a buffet breakfast and sauna and stuff. 

While searching for our

stay in Georgetown, for the last leg of our trip, we booked the White Mansion. It was exactly in the centre of Georgetown. Every important place was a stone's throw away and we really liked how it looked from outside. What we didn't anticipate was how whimsical the rules were going to be living there. 

There were big chain properties like Ibis and Tune Hotels which were offering the same price but no, we needed a boutique experience. 

The place belonged to a Chinese man who happens to be very finicky. You can't touch the walls, since the fingers would stain them. Our room was extremely small, yet it had everything a traveller could possibly need, including a Dyson Air purifier. We were given lockers downstairs to keep our footwear, as outside shoes were prohibited and you are supposed to use the house slippers which they provided. Actually that was a nice thing because then you know that the floors are squeeky clean. 

The wooden stairs were shining as if they have just been polished. The water kettle, cups and the hardware, all were golden. It was indeed a lesson for me, I took notes that how a place that small can be styled so thoughtfully. 

I don't recommend this place if you are on the heavier side. You won't be able to navigate through the stairs or enter the door of the room. I highly feel that these places should come with some kind of instructions as in suitable for only petite and all. Lol. I love taking the leap of faith while booking. Isn't what travelling is all about? What about you? 

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The internet is a weird place. I don't think this is said enough. It's definitely been a boon for me, because I am self employed and I work from home. Hadn't been the internet, I would have been slogging my entire day in the clinic. However I also feel that if I didn't have this social media job, maybe I would be having less depression? No matter how much you try, FOMO and comparison keeps cropping up. 

The internet pays you for being vulnerable. It's said that earlier (read before the era of 30 years) people used to get mad if someone read their diary. Enter the era of blogging, people started putting out their thoughts out to the world, they got mad when people didn't read the confessions/feelings.

Now with the explosion of Instagram, oversharing has become the norm. When people were writing blogs, it just used to be words with the occasional pictures. Now everything is video. People sharing their live updates, all the time. 

Many influencers have built their entire career on divorces and death. Books, podcasts, merchandise and what not. Read Amanda Kloots, Leslie Stephens, Chriselle Lim et al. Are they really "helping" others or they are monetizing their situation and making it a gimmick? 

Things are however different in India. When a celeb refrains from social media, speculations crop up and when they share something, then the media goes frenzy, trying to extract abnormalities from the minutest of things. 

How much is too much and where should we draw the line? 

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Every picture tells a story. And a piece of art, maybe a novel? Well for every picture I capture, I can go on and on about it, describing either the subject, background or the reason behind capturing it. Well in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown, Penang, where every wall is adorned with a stunning piece of art, there are a few specific works that have been listed by the UNESCO. This fact was not known to us (my bad) when we reached there. 

As a person who is fully vested in a places's culture, street art is one of the most attractive facets of a particular place. And when it's a place like Georgetown especially, then these pieces need special attention. 

What saddens me the most is that I didn't carry a map to locate all those listed pieces. I was so elated on seeing so many incredible murals everywhere, that I forgot the fact that some pieces deserved more attention than the others. 

The Armenian Street contains most of them and I literally got absorbed there. So much that there was no time left to think that there might be art elsewhere too. So we missed out quite a few, which required walking on another path. Although I don't regret that, but the amount of art I consumed on the trip was overwhelming and calming at the same time. One of the best walking experiences of my life! 

Have you been to Georgetown? Which is your favorite piece of street art? 

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