Weekend magezine 3 april 2016

april 03, 2016

Hey Weekenders!

CONTENTS 06. Around Town...

One party at a time!

42. What’s in Your Bag? Your everyday essentials featuring Tanya Salman Aslam.

44. Gulzar Lawn by IVY

The perfect floral outfits for spring.

50. Hot Date

Up close and personal with Babar Rashid Khan, co-founder of AUJ.

54. W’s Roving Eye

This week’s hottest looks! Who made the style A- list?

58. 8 Books We Have Lied About Reading

Reads that will make you instantly appear smarter!

64. The Edit

Style tips to elevate white pants.

66. The Dressing Room

Take a style tour of Zohra Rahman’s wardrobe.

68. 7 Days with QYT

Qasim Yar Tiwana’s unstoppable social calendar.

70. Technology: I Can’t Live, With or Without You

Sana Shah returns with her sage wisdom.

74. Travel & Cake

Cross the oldest bridge in Florence, Ponte Vecchio with Zainab Tariq

78. Love Struck

Weekend’s editors’ picks!

Chairperson/Publishing Editor: Rameeza Majid Nizami Editor The Nation: Salim Bokhari Editor-at-Large: Amal Khan Managing Editor: Shazay Salahuddin Features Editor: Foha Raza Sub Editor: Rana Faizan Hussain Fashion Correspondent: Fatima Ameer Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Talat Mahfooz, Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, Zeeshan Arif Photographer: M. Basharat Irshad GM Marketing: Bilal Mahmood For Advertising: Kherzan Zaidi - 0321 8976730, Ata-ur-Rehman - 0332 2427473, Khalid Sheikh - 0345 5130728

March brings the wonderful season of spring accompanied by the light breeze, pretty flowers and vivid colors! On this pleasant note, we are happy to tell you about the super busy week we have had! Our very own CEO, Rameeza Nizami got married this week amidst family, friends and of course, us. Our best wishes go out to the happy couple! Our busy social calendar led us to the launch of the latest lawn collections including Crescent

by Faraz Manan, Élan, Crimson

by Farah Talib Aziz and exclusive exhibitions by Outhouse and Esque. It was like taking a walk through the blooming spring garden. We also caught up with Babar Rashid Khan, co-founder of AUJ, for our hot date feature this week. Also in this issue, Tanya Salman gives us a sneak peek into the tips and tricks she uses for her every day essential items in our feature ‘What’s In Your Bag’. QYT returns with his unstoppable social calendar and Sana Shah talks to us about her life in the era of technology. We get exclusive access to Zohra Rahman’s fabulous wardrobe and we bring her very unique personal style to our readers, in our feature ‘The Dressing Room’!

All this and much more. Don’t forget to Weekend!

Sincerely, Team Weekend.

weekend | around town

Saad aziz, Sartaj Aziz & Ashar Aziz

Dancing The Night Away Rameeza Nizami and Owais Aziz celebrated their Mehndi night among family and friends in a ceremony to remember, in Lahore.

The event planner was Whimsical Parties by Sundus Mustafa.

Neelofer Chaudhry

Rameeza & Owais

The Aziz’s & Zakriya’s

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Zehra Qadir

Azmi & Zimmi

Imran Peracha, Rameeza Majid Nizami, Owais Aziz & Feriha Peracha

weekend | around town

Adil Bandial & Yousaf Shahbaz

Sana Shah

Osman Hameed, Ayesha Usman & Sana Hameed

Tom Reay & Louise

Nada Raja

Hissam Haider & Alyzeh Rahim

Tehseen & Shenaz Minallah

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Bilal & Saima Mehmood

weekend | around town

Aneela Shah

Resham & Fahad

Ayesha Naseeb & friend

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Zayna with a friend

Nadira & Arjumand

Saleha Waqar & Aneesa Agha

Shazay Salahuddin

Sahar, Maryam & Shiem

weekend | around town

Zainab Salman, Aleena Raza & Rushna Shahjahan

Rocking The Casbah Mahnum Kabir & Saleeha Shah

Fatin & Alyzeh

Khadijah Shah

Aneela Shah & Naz Mansha

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Aamna Taseer, Natasha Monnoo & Saleeha Shah

Khadijah Shah celebrated the success of her S/S’16 voile collection, Élan Lawn, in Lahore. The event was organized by Z&S Events and Public Relations for the event was handled by Lotus PR.

Minahil, Anaum & Mehak Ellahi

Amber Gohar

Gauhar Bano, Mehriene Qureshi & Meher Bano Qureshi

weekend | around town

Jehanzeb Amin & Rabia Laeeq

Mehvish Khan & Shazia Deen

Natasha Monnoo, Natasha Kamal & Purniya Awan

Mehek Rizvi & Shehab Niazi

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Kulsum Nabeel & Mishal Asad

Erum Ahmed

Rehan Bashir & Shehrbano Taseer

Hassan & Saad

Sadaf Zarrar & Amna Niazi

weekend | around town

Aamir Mazhar

Fatima Fazli

Hira Ali

Amna Babar, Abdullah Haris & Rabia Butt

Yasmin Shafiq, Mona Kasuri & Sophia Kasuri

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Noor Monnoo & Mahnum

Khuban Omar

Saher & Shazia

Momina Sibtain

Omayr, Alee & Natasha

weekend | around town

Momina Khyal

The Crescent Star Mehwish Khan, Shazia Deen & Sara Tanwir

Shiza & Saira

Faraz & Sundas Manan

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Amber Gohar

The premier fashion brand Crescent by Shoaib Shaffi launched their latest Spring/Summer voile collection in collaboration with Faraz Manan at the launch of their flagship store in Lahore. The event and PR was handled by Savvy PR.

Areeba Magsi

Zarar Shahjahan & Saif

Momina & Nael

Cybil, Racheal & Nooray

weekend | around town

Sheherbano & Aamna Taseer

Rizwan, Shoaib & Sana Bashir

Resham, Shahzad Raza & Fouzia

Tahir Saeed & Maria B

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Shazay

Naz Mansha

Rima Farid & Ashraf Feerasta

Maha & Hira Hashmi

Marya Javed & Sania

weekend | around town

Khuban & Khadijah Malik

Nazia & Sharmeen

Shahzad Noor

Erum Kamal

Nina Khan

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Fiza Gillani

Mahwish Mukhtar

Dr Shahida Khawaja & Amina

Amna Babar & Fatima Kasuri

Nazish Butt & Zahra Naveed

weekend | around town

Haute Cross Anisa Khan & Tehmina Khaled

Nazneen Tariq

Sania, Zobia, Saeeya & Sundus

Seemi Pasha & Ayesha Omar

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Hina Pasha & Maliha Rao

Cross Stitch launched its S/S’16 collection at Dolmen Mall, Clifton, Karachi featuring a fashion showcase.

PR for the event was handled by Take-ll and the event was managed by RAKA Associates.

Eshal Fayyaz

Marium & Mishal

Sadia Nawabi & Amina Malik

weekend | around town

Bannita & Suneeta Marshall

Areeba Habib

Asad & Mishal

Pinky Durrani

Misbah Mumtaz

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Amber Javed

Iqra Fayyaz

Saba Butt & Rose Muhammad

Marzyeh Kanga

Saim & Samra Khan

weekend | around town

Ayesha

Sunday Brunch Shahjahan Grill hosted a brunch to inaugurate their restaurant. The PR of the event was handled by Latitude CRS.

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Dr Ijaz & Ali Ch

Anum

Fatima & Lubna

Hifsa & Waqas Ali

Fatima & Anum

Maryam & Saira

Mag Babar

weekend | around town

Shazad Raza

Summer Essentials Nazim & Yasmin

Amna Baber & Bilal Mukhtar

Fahad, Hassan & Asad

Fizza Ali & Kuki

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Faiza & Faisal

Ittehad Lawn launched their latest Spring/Summer 2016 collection in collaboration with the fashion icon Nilofar Shahid. The launch was held at The Nishat Hotel. The event was organized by QYT and PR was handled by Aamir Mazhar.

Sonia & Asim

Maria & Usman

QYT & Nilofar Shahid

weekend | around town

Adil & Sonia

Mehreen Sayed

Amal Khan

Kanwal Ilyas

Momina Sibtain

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Chanda Wasim & Muniba Ahmad

Nooray Bhatti

Sehyr Anis

Natasha & Mehdi

Nina & Junaid

Tahir & Maria B

weekend | around town

State Of The Art Saima, Ginwa Bhutto & Seemi Shoro

Amin Gulgee Gallery hosted an art exhibition “The 70s: Pakistan’s Radioactive Decade”, curated by Amin Gulgee and Nilofer Farrukh in Karachi. The Exhibition was attended by a number of renowned celebrities, socialites and art enthusiasts.

Arif Mehmood, Ayesha Tammy Haq & Tapu Javeri

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Sherbanu Hussain, Mariam Khalil & Mr Khalil

Amin Gulgee with Mr Murat & friend

Deepak Perwani, Ayesha Tammy Haq, Amin Gulgee, Frieha Altaf with friend

Pommy Gohar, Nelofer Farrukh & Beneesh Mehmood

weekend | around town

QYT

Fashion First Sehar Asher, Anush & Shazia Ammar

Huma & Amna Saeed

Wajiha & Shahbano

Maheen Gilani & Hafsa

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Anam & Willa

Zarqash Lawn held an exclusive preview of their Spring/Summer 2016 voile collection at the Grand Imperial Hall, Nishat Hotel, Lahore. The event was managed by Papermint Events.

Omer & Hira

Tina Haroon & Fizza Gillani

Jugan Kazim & Naz Mansha

weekend | around town

Areeba & Khusnuma

Mehak Rizvi & Rabia Mughees

Saira

Hira & Anam

Bisma Gillani

Amna, Ahmad, Katie & Mehyr

Anuma Sajid

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Sana & Fatima

weekend | around town

Movie Time Zahra, Jaria, Mehak & Alina

The red carpet premier of Kapoor & Sons took place at CineStar Cinema, Township, Lahore. The event and PR was managed by JBnJaws Productions.

Bilal Lashari

Nazia & Afshan

Rabia & Munib Nawaz

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Amna Kardar, Sophia & Ahmed Kardar

Fawad Khan

Faisal & Abeer

Arooj & Hina Salman

Amna Niazi & Sadaf

weekend | around town

Ahmed Butt & Fatima

Nimra Khokhar

Sana, Arwa & Arooj

Zarmisha & Hassaan

Sara Shahid

Jahanzeb, Kumail & Sarfraz

Cybil Chaudry

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Umair & Maira

Gulzar Lawn This season, Gulzar Lawn Collection by IVY brings you prints of Spring; a floral theme that is all about the blooming of flowers on bright sunny days. Our aesthetic is a delicate mix of local and international trends creating a diverse and memorable range of designs for the modern as well as the traditional woman.

Photography: Khawar Riaz | Model: Sadaf Kanwal | Brand: IVY

weekend | FASHION

W’s ROVIN W

e bring you some of the hottest looks spotted

Sana Shah in Élan

APRIL 03, 2016 | 54

We love how Sana is working the muted hues and subtle floral motifs for this Spring wedding!

Shazay Salahuddin

in Misha Lakhani We are swooning over this bunty blue Misha Lakhani number on Shazay! It is the perfect color and silhouette to keep it simple and classy.

Yousaf Shahbaz

in Ali Xeeshan pants Is there a look that this guy can’t pull off? We just love the way Yousaf plays with bright and blingy colours while keeping his cool with a basic white kurta.

weekend | FASHION

ING eye at Rameeza Nizami’s wedding this week!

Zehra Qadir

in BUSHRA HUSSEIN Ayesha Usman proves that bright colors look even more sensational on black Nada Raja - Earthy tones and the flare on those pants!

Weekend approves.

Saleeha Shah in her own brand Uptown Saleeha Shah wears an eyecatching tangerine jacket by her own brand, Uptown!

APRIL 03, 2016 | 55

Ayesha Usman

in Misha Lakhani Zehra Qadir channels ocean hues in an emerald green and teal Misha Lakhani outfit.

weekend | Fashion FASHION

W’s ROVIN O

ur lawn loving is at an all time high and we know we’re not the only ones! Our roving

Amal Khan

Limited APRIL editiion 03, 2016 | 08 | 56

Accents of hot pink?

Hell yes!

Khuban Omar

Nothing says cool like monotones of blue in summer!

Mehvish Khan

Mehvish Khan is all about accessorizing the right way!

weekend | Fashion FASHION

ING eye eye has spotted some smitten ladies, painting the town red in the trend of the season!

Natasha keeps it simple with a sleek blow dry.

What is not to love?

Natasha definitely knows how to style eastern wear! Paired with Steve Madden Sassey Fringe sandals and cute little blue fringe hoop earrings, this look is perfect for the summer!

Natasha keeps it simple with a sleek blow dry. What is not to love?

Limited editiion | 08| 57 APRIL 03, 2016

Natasha Monnoo

Natasha Saleem

KHADIJA MALIK

weekend | Fashion

White pants are probably one of the trickiest clothing essentials to dress up or down without losing some serious style cred! This week, we add a little inspiration to your wardrobe with a selection of cool and creative ideas to work this staple like a pro!

or tton downk. If u b a r e h y loo ith eit e pants wut sophisticated dbalack top, th ir a P – b a 1. Topshirt for a casual ks then go with nct details oxford ot into taking ris rints or has disti e! you’re n ly one that has pment bow on thes preferabneckline or state like the

living it

you really feel like 2. Outerwearet–alIflic jacket to add some disco

up, wear a plaintfimt without it being too flashy! Makeu glam to your ou l is light and airy. We don’t want yo sure the materia e crazy in the summer heat! sweating it out lik

at ccessories th 3. A ention! It never hu r outfit espeseek att ark or colour to you on white look. needed sp u’re going for a white ou from the cially if yo ccessories will save y out.

The right aking boring or washed risk of loo

– We lovetoa add a much ccessories rts

april 03, 2016 | 64

4. Shoes – Summer,

aka the season of sandals and slides, is upon us! With white pants, your shoe game can come out a lot stronger, brighter, bolder and bling-ier!

weekend | lifestyle

with

Zohra Rahman

The very first piece you created, would you still wear it?

The first piece I ever created was in college. It was a toe ring made twigs, ribbons and wires.

If your pieces were with probably wouldn’t It wear it a person, how would Iagain!

The T-shirt was made by my college friend, Daniel Hurlin who is a print designer at Givenchy now. The jewellery is my own creation titled ‘Leaf Drop Earrings’ from the ‘Ceres’ Collection and the cuff is from the ‘Unsent Letters’ collection.

The Dressing Room

you describe them?

Refined, progressive, bold and ascertain

April 03, 2016 | 66

Daniel Hurlin

Who is your style icon?

I don’t have a style icon per se but I admire people with personal style - usually real people I meet/know rather than celebrities - can be a Malang at a shrine or a friend of mine.

weekend | lifestyle

If money/time wasn’t an issue, what would you invest in this year?

I would travel extensively around Asia, improve my workshop by getting more machines and open my own purpose built jewellery store!

April 03, 2016 | 67

Zohra Rahman by Salman Toor

Outfit 2: is conceptualized by me and my mother, paired with handmade traditional shoes from China. Necklace is from my collection ‘Unsent Letters’ and rings are from ‘Stencil Signet Rings’.

What is one thing about your work that you’d want to educate people about?

Most people do not realize the amount of effort that goes into creating original pieces. I create prototypes, experiment and there is a whole time consuming process involved like filing, cutting and soldering- it is like engineering! The craftsmanship must be exquisite. I have a team that I have trained myself. We create all the pieces in-house from scratch.

weekend | life fashion style

7 days with QYT!

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. Be positive, have courage and be kind. See you all next week!”

– By Qasim Yar Tiwana –

DAY 2:

February April 03, 21, 2016 | 68 28

DAY 1: An old friend of the family, Raja Riffat came to visit at my office over a cup of coffee. I like meeting bureaucrats because they remind me of my father who was a D.I.G in the police.

We were brought up in a bureaucratic lifestyle and I feel nostalgic when I meet respectable and upright men like Raja Riffat. He is a young and handsome police office, a DIG of security with the Punjab special branch and a hardworking and competent officer who has done his Masters in Criminology from Kings College London. I wish this bright young mind all the best for the future.

Progressive and honest men like him will steer us towards a better Pakistan.

The young and handsome Nasir Ali Noon, son of Amir Ali Noon & Safia Noon, got married to the stunning Afifa at the beautiful Qasr-e-Noor Hall 8. I particularly love organizing weddings in this splendid space. This wedding was a special one because it was a family wedding and so I worked a wee bit extra! A family wedding also means meeting my cousins and people from Sargodha; Noons’ and Tiwanas’ city. Noons and Tiwanas have lots of inter marriages hence the two aristocratic families are very tightly knit. Qureshis are also a very well known family of Sargodha and they were very elegantly represented at the the Valima by my parents’ best friends Brigadier Aslam Hayat Qureshi and Tasneem Qureshi. It is always a pleasure to meet such fine people.

Wishing the newly wed couple all the best for the future.

Day:3 The evening was spent with the beautiful couple at Lahore Social to celebrate birthday of my stunning friend Sara Mikaal, wife of the famous actor Mikaal Zulfiqar. It was a selective gathering of friends and the d evening was full of fun an good food.

Day 4: Singer Annie Khalid launched her very own pret line called NoorUl-Ain. Her collection is available at Saleem Fabrics, Liberty, Lahore. Her ready to wear kurtas are very competitively priced so be sure not to miss it!

I visited Sialkot to organize a high profile event of my favourite client Samra aunty and her gorgeous daughter Ayesha, a very nice, educated & aristocratic family from Sialkot who live in New York. The event was themed around the colors of spring and everyone loved my work!

This made me happy and I returned to Lahore highly motivated.

weekend | life fashion style

Day5

Day: 7

Nina Junaid and I decided to go to the launch of Sonia Azhar, together. It was beautifully organized by Aamir Mazhar and Shazreh Khalid at Mall One. There we met the gorgeous super models, Cybil Chowdhry, Nooray Bhatti and Juggan Kazim. Later Nina and I went to our favorite Cosa Deli to catch up over a cup of steaming hot coffee.

February April 03, 21, 2016 | 28 69

Day: 6

To support my friends Faraz Manan and Shoaib Shaffi I attended the official launch of their beautiful new store Crescent. The launch was followed by a late night dinner at Veranda Bistro to celebrate their success.

weekend | lifestyle

Technology I can’t live, with or without you

A

April 03, 2016 | 70

few weeks ago, before my life got manic with visitors and travelling (which is why I have been a bit MIA as of late—my apologies!), I found myself sitting in front of the television with the rare opportunity to watch whatever my heart desired. And so, as per Netflix’s suggestion, I decided to watch the “Chelsea (Handler) Does” docu-series. I am just two episodes in so far but surprisingly, found them both enjoyable and at times, dare I say, almost poignant. Yes, I am talking about the late night comedian Chelsea Handler. The episode on technology in particular struck a cord with me because it is something that I myself have been thinking about lately. I belong to a generation that grew up without a computer, or multiple laptops and cellular phones in the house, and that is yet very comfortable with technology.It is easy for me to forget that there was a time not too long ago when I used to battle it out with my siblings over the use of the cordless

by Sana Shah sunshineandco.co phone. A time when connecting to the internet took forever and also meant that your phone line would be engaged if someone (like your parents) were trying to call you (busted and in major trouble!). Up untill a few years ago nobody really cared about the phone they carried either. I remember that till my last year of university, I owned an extremely sad looking Sony Ericsson that was run over by a taxi at some point and so was missing a keypad.

While my broken phone may have been an extreme case, by then people had started sporting those cool Motorola Razr phones that said “Hello Moto” whenever they rang. Generally, phones were regarded as just phones, and it wasn’t as important to be sporting the latest and the greatest model as it is now. Of course, phones also had less functionality back then. They didn’t have all these exciting apps, games, books and music. My standard line till a few years ago (before I switched over to the iPhone) was

“Where’s my phone?” I just hardly ever kept it on me. Now, I think it is the first thing I reach for when I wake up in the morning.

Being a millennial I feel very comfortable around technology and generally have no issues adapting to it (unlike Chelsea in the show).In fact, in a lot of ways I love technology and thrive on it! For example, I love that when Mr. M had a meeting in Milan and left me and Baby N on my own in the city, I just logged on to Google Maps and comfortably navigated a city that was entirely unknown to me.

I love the convenience of Amazon and getting books, baby stuff and kitchen supplies in one day with just a click of a button. I love reading blogs and finding out about new restaurants or foreign cuisines. I love taking pictures of Baby N on my phone and getting to document every precious moment without worrying about the camera film running out. Parking assistance in cars, internet banking, digital thermometers (to date I can never spot the mercury in those old school thermometers) and direct debit are all conveniences that without a doubt make our lives much simpler. And then of course, everybody knows my obsession with Netflix and Apple TV—the convenience of streaming shows and movies over downloading or renting out DVD’s just can’t be beat.

However, recently, I have begun to feel increasingly suffocated and cramped

by certain kinds of technology and the way they are advancing.

For one thing, and I know that many people may disagree with me on this, but yes while I don’t mind being given suggestions on what to BUY based on my previous purchases, I certainly don’t like being chased around over the internet by items on any random website I visit. I also don’t like that my Facebook newsfeed content is prefiltered for me based on the kinds of things I usually click on. While I may go through a phase where I don’t want to read the latest news on war or bloodshed, I may instead find myself visiting Hollywood gossip websites, it doesn’t mean that I want Facebook to make sure that I never get to read news again! It’s like your ability to think for yourself or make your own decisions is slowly being taken away. I find the suggestions quite helpful but what is missing, is that the content gets filtered out based on algorithms devoid of feelings, mood and circumstances; I would like to still have the option to peruse freely. Did you know that even a search on Google is based on your history, preferences and activity?

We could search for the same things

on different laptops and come up with different results. I also don’t like how conversations I have on Whatsapp suddenly start popping up on my Facebook newsfeed in the form of related articles or webpages. I was

I belong to a generation that grew up without a computer, or multiple laptops and cellular phones in the house, and that is yet very comfortable with technology sick the other day and I just talked about it on Whatsapp (which has been acquired by Facebook) with a friend and when I logged on to Facebook, my newsfeed was full of links for soup recipes. Same with Gmail—I often find that Google Ad’s surrounding my inbox are eerily reflective of the content of my PRIVATE emails.

Nothing seems to be private anymore and everything seems to be filtered.

Then there is the obsession with our phones. I only got the iPhone two years ago and when I would see Mr. M spending hours and hours on it, checking emails, browsing, playing games etc. I never understood the fascination. Today, I am very sad to admit that I am exactly the same. I spend way too much time doing absolutely nothing on my phone. I find myself reaching for it first thing in the morning, and it is definitely the last thing I set aside before going to sleep. Incessantly going over my Instagram feed, or my Facebook feed, or browsing one website after the other.

It’s maddening! What bothers me and

is probably the one factor that will lead me to curb this tendency of mine is that Baby N sees me on it way too much and it most definitely distracts me from my daughter. And okay, by now you might have realized I am not one of those

April 03, 2016 | 71

The author, affectionately referred to as Sunshine by her loved ones, recently moved to London from New York. She is enjoying settling in while discovering the city with her 8-month-old daughter in tow. Watch this space for her musings on London, sweet treats (that she shouldn’t be consuming now that the baby is no longer an excuse!), parenting, decorating, and anything really that tickles her fancy!

weekend | lifestyle

The internet is no longer a free place.

My friends and I were discussing how today you can easily guess what a person searches for or the websites they visit by the ad’s that pop up in their browser. Good luck trying to keep any of your shopping secrets!

weekend | lifestyle April 03, 2016 | 72

mothers who advocates that every second of one’s time should be spent with one’s kid. But if they are looking to catch your attention and you’re too busy trying to figure out why some girl you knew way back in highschool is posting crazy status updates, then something has gotta change my friend.

I am also one of those people who gets irritated if people are on their phones around me. So yes, I admit that I spend way too much time on my phone when I’m on my own, but I tend to curb it when I have company or if I am out. There is nothing more infuriating then having a conversation with a person who can’t take their eyes off their phone or are looking at you with a glazed expression while replying to a whatsapp or text.I have also noticed that my phone is making me slightly narcissistic. This whole “selfie” business can eventually get to your head, especially when the iPhone makes it so easy to take a 1000 photos in seconds. The other day I noticed for the first time that my phone has an automatically generated album dedicated to selfies with virtually the

same picture of me at different times. I was embarrassed just looking at them.

Gone are the old days where you had all these candid photos, which we love to scan and upload now to share with our friends, but that we never take with our iPhones today. I also have to confess that after watching Chelsea Does Technology I actually for a second contemplated downloading an app Khloe Kardashian was advocating which re-touches all your photos and just makes you look beautiful. Basically Instagram filters on steroids. I almost

downloaded this application until, somehow, better sense prevailed and I realized I wasn’t a model, or a fashion icon, or a Hollywood starlet and so I really had no reason to try to fool people with heavily manufactured and altered pictures of mine. I mean at the end of the day most of the people on my Facebook and Instagram have seen me in real life and know exactly how I look like—so who am I trying to trick here?

And why?

Lately, I have also begun questioning the supposed benefit of “connectivity” that today’s technology offers. Let’s take Whatsapp as an example—it offers a level of connectivity that I just do not want in my life, at least with

Today, I am very sad to admit that I am exactly the same. I spend way too much time doing absolutely nothing on my phone. everybody. There should be rules for Whatsapp. It should only be for your close friends and family. I hate the fact that anybody who has your number can add you on Whatsapp, send you messages and then track your online presence. It is just another level of stalking and it makes me way too uncomfortable. Why should people be able to track my activity like this. Gone are the days when one could reply to an email or text message at one’s own leisure. Or not reply at all and then never have to deal with the person again. Now said person will add you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, what have you, send you incessant messages, know

whether you’ve read them or not and then hate you for not replying. They will also religiously follow your every move on social media. I find I just can’t ignore messages anymore. I have this strange guilty personality that compels me to accept “friend requests”or reply

to messages on these social media platforms from people who I do not consider my friends. On some level, and because that is the kind of paranoid person I am, I have started questioning my interaction and relationship with everybody. Am I a friend? Are they a friend? Or am I the stalker? Or are they the stalker? My silent and useless rebellion in this case has been to stop wishing people a happy birthday unless I actually know and care to know when their birthday is. I also removed my birthday from Facebook. I know—lame!

But honestly guys, I know I write a blog and so social media is in some ways my bread and butter, but there are days when I seriously consider shutting down all these sites.

My prediction is that more and more people from my generation, who still remember a time when they weren’t glued to their phones, or who still reminisce about their weekly trips to the bookstore or the library with their parents, or yearn for the days they spent sitting on a bench watching people go by with no phone to entertain them, will strive to once again find a balance where technology, social media etc. complements the way they choose to interact with the world, but does not rule it.

weekend | travel

TRAVEL & CAKE

April 03, 2016 | 74

Hi, I’m Zainab, and I’m going to use this space to share my favourite spots around Europe.

While I was studying in Barcelona, I got the chance to explore and experience cities like a local, so here’s my scoop!

weekend | travel

The Golden Bridge.

Zainab Tariq Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, once stood alone across the River Arno. It was used as a trader’s point, where butchers displayed their products for the merchants that crossed over.

Today, the arched stone bridge has withstood many battles, weather and rulers. The Medici’s of Florence had it renovated to connect the two palaces on both sides of the river, and as you can imagine, the Renaissance inspired façade is not the only change that they funded. Jewelers, art dealers, ceramic and souvenir sellers have been tightly packed on the five-minute stretch since, with no remnant of butchers or fishmongers.

You can find hustle and bustle there at any time of the week. Honeymooners dancing to the sound of live jazz, chatty shopaholic tourists bumping into each other, gelato lovers sitting on the sidewalk enjoying their curious combinations of icecream, not to forget the young artists painting the scene live. This bridge is an iconic landmark for people from all walks of life.

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I found myself wandering up and down the bridge many times. On occasion browsing the antique pieces on display, other times enjoying the chatter of enthusiastic pedestrians. My most cherished memory is the sunset and reflections of the city in the river over the sounds of local musicians. If I ever got lucky and found a spot, I would take a seat against the wall and hang around till the moon came out and the wind got unbearably chilly. This is my picturesque experience of Florence; I never wanted to leave!

weekend | lifestyle

Meher Daultana

Exhibition at PFDC April 3 Price On Request.

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