Author: The Galavanting Gastronome

Love writing about food and travel (www.thegalavantinggastronome.com) and my conversations with God (https://gitanjali.yoga). Born and raised in India. Sailor's daughter. Travel is in my DNA. Married to a scientist, who is a chemist professionally and in every other culinary way. Food, coffee, cocktails, BBQ, smoked meats, rubs, sauces...he experiments with it all - with way more wins than misses. We love the outdoors. Hiking, kayaking and camping make us happy. We are equal opportunity foodies. We love hole-in-the-wall little mom and pop places, and multi-coursed Michelin star meals as well. And, we love talking about what we love about the food, drink, coffee and anything else we get to try.

My Why

by The Galavanting Gastronome, posted in Family

It takes a pretty powerful motivation to take what some people might consider risks. I have two really good ones. My husband and my daughter. We want to be able to give her all the opportunities that we possibly can, and want to be the ones to raise her — rather than camp counselors and teachers. Napoleon Hill says burning desire backed by faith is what it takes to get started down the path to success. What us it that our earstwhile President says — Yes we can!! Well, Yes I Can!!! I know I can do anything I put my mind to, and that failure is not an option.

Sitara was visiting our neighbor and decided to hop up and join her for a duet! Adorable isn’t she? Well ok so I’m biased. But seriously how can you resist that face? It’s for that face, that I would move heaven and earth.

The smile that warms me

by The Galavanting Gastronome, posted in Family

There’s absolutely nothing more engaging than the smile of your child. It can part the clouds and bring out the sun, no matter how miserable a day, her smile never fails to cheer me up.

Todays latest was her wagging her pointy finger to say ‘that’s not yours, that’s mine.’

We went to play with her friend Mackenzie in the park and this time, instead of being shy, she started playing with her right away. Infact Kelly and I were able to sit on a bench and catch up as the girls played. That was a first! There was not a lot of ‘mummy come’ for me to join her on the slides.

She’s been talking a lot — very understandable to all.

Fun in the Sun

by The Galavanting Gastronome, posted in Family

Today was a perfect day in southern California, after a great 4.5 mile run with my half my age running partner, I got to take Sitara to the library to pick out books. We got home in time for lunch and an invite from her friend down the street to come swimming. I’ve been remiss and not taken her to the pool much but lately she’s been loving the water, so we went and all she did was paddle at the pool’s edge. The thing was that she didn’t want to wear swim diapers or a bathing suit, rather she ran around on her regular diaper and tshirt. Either way she had a great time and for the first time in ages, I got to do nothing, but sit at the pool’s edge playing with my daughter– not doing chores, not thinking of errands, just playing. Quite a novelty and definitely something I could get used to.

The power of belief

by The Galavanting Gastronome, posted in Uncategorized

Recently I relistened to an Arbonne learn and burn where Brian Biro talked about raising people’s energy level when you spoke to them– making a commitment to create impact in peoples lives. Today because I truly believed I can — I did. I spoke to a friend whom I haven’t connected with in ages. I had tried to contact her throughout most of lady year and we unsuccessfully played phone tag, today was the day I was meant to talk to her– she had major neurological surgery recently and another follow up surgery just two weeks ago. By the end of our conversation I had managed to lift her sagging spirits and infuse life into her and I cannot begin to tell you how euphoric that is. The thing is, I wasn’t ‘trying’ to make her feel good, it occurred naturally. This came on the heels of a very good training session with my professional coach Donna Weiser (The Wiser Way) on a call where she talked about the power of belief, about the strength of affirmations– and this evening I am living proof that if you believe that you can, then you can.

The thing is, I had loved the concept of raising peoples energy levels but didn’t quite know how to accomplish that. Today I know that an unwavering powerful belief in yourself is all that it takes, that belief brings answers and solutions and makes the impossible possible. It all comes from within. You hold the key that unlocks the door to your personal, professional and spiritual wellbeing. Go ahead, open the door! I dare you!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

by The Galavanting Gastronome, posted in Uncategorized

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, my absolute favorite holiday bar none. This is the perfect time to reflect with gratitude upon the day that area manager Julie –my sponsor and friend introduced me to the opportunity that is Arbonne.

A couple of days ago I had the good fortune of listening to ENVP Donna Weiser talk about this opportunity and it just reinforced for me what I already knew, and that is that this business is for me, and I know that the only thing that will stand in the way of my success is me if I don’t try.

My goal is simply to stay in activity and build momentum, the titles are simply icing on the cake!

So thank you Julie for sharing this wonderful opprtunity with me!

Here’s to building a successful, meaningful business built on the foundation of gratitude, generosity and giving back!

Here’s wishing you and yours a very Happy Turkey Day!

Gobble Gobble

Thank you Shell!!

by The Galavanting Gastronome, posted in Uncategorized

Thanks Shell for hosting my first event! It was a huge success and the unexpected testimonials of 2 of the ladies there validated what we already know– Arbonne products sell themselves, your only job is to get people to try them! Shell is on her way to getting 200 for 40!

And I booked another party from someone who had vowed before NEVER to host such a party!