Posted by It’s already Sunday evening and the first ‘break’ from the A to Z Challenge is almost over. How is time suddenly flying so fast, where it seemed to have stopped completely last month?
The cough and laryngitis I’ve had since a week, coupled with the rigours of this blogging challenge, have left me exhausted. I just want to sleep- the kind of sleep we took for granted as teenagers when we lived with our parents – 10 hours on average, mostly at an odd time of the day. My mom would scold me for waking up at noon, but the scolding was nothing compared to the sheer pleasure of that sweet undisturbed slumber.
Now, I’m the mom of an energetic 4-year-old that climbs into our bed at night, disturbing our sleep, and then doesn’t let us sleep a wink beyond the moment he’s awake. Basically, I’m exhausted all the time. Now could be time to check out that Morning Complete review to see if a wellness drink will boost my energy levels and leave me feeling more refreshed. The irony of the situation isn’t lost on me – when he’s a teenager, he’ll probably want to keep sleeping all day, and I’ll probably be up at the crack of dawn. Woe is me.
Anyway, getting back to today’s post, over on Instagram, I upload reviews of newly released movies or TV shows every weekend on a series I call “The Weekly Verdict”. Since everyone has extra time during quarantine, streaming services are putting out oodles of content, and so I’ve reviewed two separate releases this weekend.
You can check out my thoughts on cop-and-robber ‘black humour’ comedy film “Coffee & Kareem” on Netflix here. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-ju1tWFysm/?
Or, if you prefer more intelligent viewing, here’s my review of “Panchayat”- Amazon Prime Video’s latest social cause based comedy drama. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-mWlLllqdO/?
Of the two, I highly recommend the latter for its thought-provoking subject and class act performances by seasoned actors like Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav, as well as newcomer Jitendra Kumar.
As for a TV show that begins with the letter E, my recommendation has to be:
“Entourage” which is available for viewing on Hotstar. This iconic TV show chronicles the journey of a poor boy from Queens who becomes a Hollywood superstar, with the support of his childhood friends- his literal entourage. This show was staple viewing during my Law School years, and I have fond memories of discussing every detail of every episode with my brother and my friends. Some TV shows are symbolic of an entire phase of my life and this is one of those.
As for today’s book recommendation:
It was a toss-up between “Emma” by Jane Austen and “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I loved them both but I think Gilbert’s autobiographical account of healing her depression through travel, had a marked effect on me. It certainly inspired me to begin writing travel blogs! “Emma” is a better book, for its beautiful language and memorable characters, but comparing the two is akin to comparing apples and oranges. Hence, I recommend them both. The former is a stupendous work of fiction that put female writers on the map, and the latter is a wonderful account of the power of self-love.
I’ve been racking my brains for a tip to beat the lockdown blues today, but found it difficult to come up with something innovative. So, I’ll take inspiration from our PM’s lights out strategy tonight at 9 p.m. This could be a healthy daily practice by putting away your phone and other gadgets every day for 10 minutes. Use that gadget free time for anything productive and simple- even if it’s just thinking about what you’ve done that day. Light a candle if it helps you, but that’s not necessary. The point is simply to take a break and breathe.
That’s all for today folks. I hope to see you in more energetic spirits tomorrow.
Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter E?
‘El-vida’ till tomorrow!
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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help you keep your spirits up.
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*This is not a sponsored post.
**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.
Husband is watching Punchayat right now and I see him laughing once in a while in between, guess I will catch it tomorrow.
Let me know what you think of it
I regularly see your reviews on movies. I would love to watch panchayat.
Hi Noor, another interesting post from you, you obviously don’t look like exhausted, a super active Mom. ✨👌 Nice reviews, reality is eating up our time and makes us spend less time on books, but the hunger never goes away, reading such reviews is a fire added to that hunger. I wanted to read some of the books you have referred. And I’ll do it. Good one Noor! Have a beautiful day ✨💐
Thanks Simon. I know it’s hard to read during the challenge, but keep a list going of the ones that interest you most and pick them up later. Would love to know your thoughts!
Also pictures are deceiving! This is an old one- I was too tired to click a new one
Sure Noor! I love reading, but hardly gives review about it, but the liked ones I’ll do offline marketing ☺️ I’ll still keep my readings posted on my insta blog. Next time I’ll try with a review 😉. Looking forward to another new bright picture.
Thank you 😊
I saw the first episode of Panchayat yesterday – it seems promising. The title Coffee and Kareem is interesting, might watch that as well!
Hope you feel better soon.
shimmeringsunshine.blogspot.com
As always a lovely post. Though all your recommendations are good but the simple tip to beat the lockdown blues is the best. It is something we all should do daily. A ten minute gadget free time is so essential for everyone.
Yes absolutely!
I’m currently enjoying the luxury to sleep in everyday. But as the lockdown draws to an end, I’m going to have to take control of my schedule. I love Emma. I haven’t read Eat Pray Love but I have watched the movie. I’ve been hearing a lot of rave reviews about Panchayat. I have got to check it out myself. 🙂
Let me know what you think of it!
Definitely 🙂
😊
I’m not getting enough sleep as well. But it’s fine coz it’s uninterrupted. Both lovely book suggestions. I’ve cherished both. Take care. Rejuvenate!
Thank you Sonia!
Frakly speaking, there is not much of a difference for me in this time. I have a set routine which I follow even during the holiday time. Which includes getting up early. Also, I don’t sleep in the afternoon. That why I said there is not much of a difference for me. Only difference is kids are home. But yes, I do miss the teenage days Noor. Ab koi sone ko bole fir phi neend nahi aati.
All these shows are new to me. But since I am hearing a lot about Panchayat, I will look into it..
Let me know what you think of it if you do watch it!
Even I am watching Panchayat these days, will surely check Entourage on hotstar too, don’t get time to go on books these days, so watching series always help to refresh my mind.
Entourage is a long one, just warning you!
Hmmmm. E.
One of my favorite fantasy characters debuted in Elric of Melniborne by Michael Moorecock. This is a heavy foundation for his Eternal Warrior series of books and short stories. I own the White Wolf collection and pull out one character or another to reread here and there. I think it’s time to pick one and settle down.
I’m also a big fan of Ender’s Game and all the books that have followed. Card the man, not so much.
Ex Machina and Edge of Tomorrow are two movies I have enjoyed and re-watched a number of times. both scifi films, both completely different from the other.
Eureka was a fun TV series. Again in the scifi genre, but at times laugh out loud. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a goofy take on science shenanigans in a town that “doesn’t” exist.
Wow so many recommendations! I think I’ll begin with Eureka!
Yes nowadays we all are feeling exhausted..I like the idea of taking break from gadgets and technology and in fact, I had started it since today. need a break..but have to wait till the end of april.
Haha yes I know what you mean. We are even more dependent on our gadgets this month!
I lived the book Emma … it’s an evergreen classic. I remember reading it school. Sure gadget free time is a must for everyone. Lovely post. Have a great day
Thanks Shubhra! I wish the same for you 😊
Lovely post… all that comes to mind for me for the letter E is the old sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. I used to love that.
Godyears.net
I loved that one too and even debated including it here
Your recommendations always help, Noor. I agree that lock down has turned many of us towards books and online movies/series. Taking out 10 mins off your gadget is the best thing to relax our senses when we are all day busy with them.
Thank you for stopping by 😊
This is amazing! Wishing you speedy recovery. Kudos to your writing spirit and supermom quality! 😊👍
Thank you!
I’m past my teenage but I still sleep peacefully for around 10 hours from home :p so glad for mom and dad to not disturb my slumber still. I guess this practice will end pretty soon. Love all your recommendations. There’re many additions to to-read / to-watch lists this April.
Lucky you! Enjoy this time 😊
Your recommendations definitely rise up to expectations. I have finished watching 3 episodes of Alias Grace on Netflix and simply loving it. Remember you had recommended it for the letter A. I will surely try one of the books you have recommended today. I think I will go with Emma.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it… it keeps getting better as the episodes progress!
Noor are you suffering from Pharyngitis? I suffer from this. Oh this disease is such a frustrating one. I wonder how you write these day?? I can’t do anything in this suffering phase. Today one thing resonated with you. Coincidentally, I am now reading Eat Pray Love. I feel her words so soothing. Loved your post. Waiting for tomorrow.
Thanks Swarnali, glad you liked my post! No I don’t have pharyngitis which is a sore throat. I have laryngitis which means a loss of voice- but it isn’t painful at all.
I’m feeling better today though! Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you’re enjoying Eat Pray Love 😊
Better to hear you’re recovering. Yes Noor pharyngitis is very painful. And to worsen, it comes with fever always. 😔
Sounds awful!
I think sleep wise , we are sailing in the same boat ! When this 21day lockdown period started, I really thought that I would sleep in late but it’s completely the opposite! Thank you for the wonderful show recommendations. Im going to start watching Panchayat tonight itself. I have read both the books and love both of them!
Haha i’m glad you sympathise with me!
I understand your exhaustion Noor, am having a similar bout of tiredness. Take care of yourself and please try to rest. You and your partner alternate to take sleep. Regarding your reviews, let me tell you I have now developed a habit to listen to your review n then watch as I guess our choices are pretty similar
I’m so glad you like my reviews Roma 🤗
Today I am watching panchayat , watched two episode. Same is story with me , my son wake up before than me. Then you cant have a extra minute sleep and he keep on saying sun aa gaya hai utho
Hahaha same for me!
Take care, take adequate rest and get well soon. I have been juggling with my MFA assignments, household chores and this challenge. But I keep telling myself that if it’s gets too overwhelming, I will stop. I watched jawani janeman this weekend. Planning on panchayat next.
Thanks Sonia.. That’s what I’ve told myself too. I will stop if it gets too overwhelming. But here’s hoping we both complete it!
Luxury of uninterrupted as well as tension-free sleep can be had only at Mom’s place and that too before marriage. That phase never comes again. And with a 4 year old, as in your case, even normal sleep is something that is looked forward to.
Your advice of break from gadgets is good, but difficult to follow. Lets see if i can.
Yes absolutely… Miss those days!
Try it for a day and see 😊
I am loving your posts in the series Noor, oozing a lot of positivity and inspiration. Also, I admire how you are recommending fellow bloggers and their work.
Thanks Vartika 😊
These are really good recommendations you have written. I am not finding any time in this quarantine time unfortunately because of all the work we have to do!!!!
Yes I understand… but perhaps one series on a weekend will be a well-deserved break 😊
Same with me. My 3 years old son does the same. And my husband is going a bit early for work. Tough situations!
Oh is your husband in essential services/medical profession? Wish him all the best
Yes! He is in a Pharmaceuticals Company.
We all are trying our best.. I am going to see panchayat as i like the actors. I have enjoyed both the books.. One movie with E I liked was Edward Scissorhands.
Yes that was a great film! Thanks for stopping by 😊
Thanks noor..am going to watch both Coffee and Panchayat..I rarely get any time these days with both my grandsons but just before dozing off I like to watch for a few minutes. Very informative post!
Thank you 😊
Love your weekly verdict videos. Yes I’m planning to watch both these after watching your reviews.
#tmmreads #blogchattera2z
Thank you 😊
Kudos to your efforts, Noor. In spite of being exhausted you are able to manage updating videos on IG and then this challenge along with a toddler and mundane household chores. Your posts ooze so much of positivity and recommendations are too good. I am dying to take a break and sleep at a stretch for 10 hrs undisturbed. Hardly sleeping for 4- 5 hrs in a day.
Big hug Debi… Hopefully some day soon we will get that opportunity 😊
Panchayat and Coffee &Kareem look super interesting. Will check them out. Have read Emma decades ago, must re-read it one of these days. Eat, Pray and Love is a wonderful coming of age story. Take care and get well soon, Noor!
Thank you!
Eat Pray Love is one of my favourites!
And get well soon!
Thank you!
Good to know that you’re health is improving. Entourage is one show that I have loved watching. I’m yet to read Emma , thanks for the reco
Thanks for stopping by!
As of This lock down and wfh was enough schools have started virtual classes too. It has completely tossed my schedule.
I saw panchayat trailer yesterday seems promising.
As far books yes Emma and eat love pray both are awesome read.
Yes home-schooling is more work for mothers!
I am looking forward to watch what you have recommended…
Great!
You don’t sound a bit exhausted. Infact looks like you have got extra hours . You did so much of work at home and then blog, reviews , planning for next one. One super woman you are
That’s probably why I am exhausted! Thanks for saying that though- you really raised my spirits 😊
Thanks for the recommendations. Panchayat is surely a classic. hope your health is better now.
Thank you