Zip, Zap, Zooming My Way Out of the ‘A to Z’! #AtoZChallenge

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nooranandchawla.com

As I write the final post of 2020’s A to Z Challenge, I’m feeling a plethora of mixed emotions. Irrfan Khan, a universally acknowledged talent and one of my personal favourite actors, died today at the untimely age of 53. I’d had the pleasure to meet him in 2017, when BookMyShow, chose me to cover an event promoting his film “Qarib Qarib Singlle”. It was a brief interaction during which he smoked incessantly and spoke little, but it still made his death seem more personal, more real.

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With the legendary actor Irrfan Khan, back in 2017. His tremendous legacy will live on through his works.

Perhaps I’m sad because of the general anxiety we are feeling during the lockdown. Or, maybe it’s because this month-long blogging challenge that has kept me busy through April, is coming to an end.

On the flip side, I’m happy that the A to Z Challenge is coming to an end because it had taken over my life. Now I can actually read for pleasure, laze, spend extra time doing silly things with my son. The possibilities are endless because it seems like I’ll have so much time on my hands!

I have loads of content planned for the rest of my time in lockdown and over the next few months. If you enjoy my work and would like to keep coming back, here’s a glimpse at these plans, so you’ll know what to expect.

  1. ‘HOW TO START BLOGGING’ WORKSHOP WITH QUEEN’S BRIGADE:

I’ve learnt a lot since I began blogging, much of it the hard way through trial and error. When the lovely ladies at Queen’s Brigade asked me to host a workshop on the basics of blogging/ instagramming/ becoming a social media maven, I immediately agreed.

I have a lot of tips to offer people who are lost in this overwhelming sea of online content. Through an exclusive online workshop, I will tackle the basics of creating content online, as well as making it a profitable activity. Along with the basics shared with each participant of the workshop, I will personally address and offer solutions for people who feel they are unable to increase their online presence, or need fresh ideas for their content.

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The workshop is slated for May 9, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

If you’re interested, or know someone that might be interested, here is the registration link:

https://www.queensbrigade.com/learn-to-monetise-your-blog-with-noor.php

  1. MAKEUP AND SELF-CARE ON INSTAGRAM (IGTV):

Though I have always enjoyed wearing makeup, I shied away from sharing makeup related content online, for fear of being ‘judged’. However, recently I took the plunge and began creating makeup videos, to which I have received a tremendous response!

Makeup and self-care related videos will be uploaded on my IGTV once a week, in case you’d like to have a look.

In my latest one, I share the recipe for an easy home-made hair mask to make your hair stronger, shinier and more voluminous. Watch the video here:

  1. LATEST TV SHOWS AND MOVIE REVIEWS ON INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE:

The longest-running series on my IGTV is “The Weekly Verdict”, where I review the latest releases of movies or TV shows. I upload these videos every weekend, so check these if you’re confused about what to watch. Last weekend, I reviewed Kanan Gill’s stand-up comedy act on Netflix called “Yours Sincerely, Kanan”. Check the review here:

  1. WEEKLY BLOG POSTS ON WELL-RESEARCHED LIFESTYLE TOPICS:

I plan to continue writing good-quality and well-researched lifestyle content. However, I will be posting only one-two blogs every week henceforth. This will ensure that I remain regular without compromising on quality. I do hope you’ll follow/subscribe to my website to know about future posts!

How to subscribe to my blog: 1. Click on the three dots on the top right corner of the home page. 2. A black window appears, scroll down. 3. Subscribe by adding your email address, and don’t forget to confirm subscription through the link you receive in your email inbox!

  1. WRITING THAT BOOK, FINALLY!

I’ve been saying this forever and ever, and I haven’t written a single word. But if you read my post yesterday, you know that I plan to use this lockdown time to do what I’ve always wanted to do- and so that book is getting written. Stay tuned for more updates!

I’m not participating in Blogchatter’s E-Book Carnival and neither have I been asked to be a mentor (though I did participate last year), but some of you have reached out to me for honest advice about participating in this event.

I’m just a message away and happy to help you with any queries you may have about what you can expect from participating in this carnival, and whether it’s worth it. For questions related to the process of participation, however, you’re better off sticking with the traditional mentors!

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My e-book “Tales From My Travel Treasury: An Alliterative Anthology” was released last year as part of the Blogchatter E-Book Carnival. It crossed its downloadable limit twice, and has been unavailable for downloads since then.

  1. DAILY UPDATES + ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCKDOWN LIFE ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK:

My daily updates on Instagram/ Facebook Stories have become a regular part of my life, and many of you appreciate them too.

No matter when lockdown ends for India, I know that I’m at home the entire month of May, since my son’s school has declared that it isn’t opening for the entire month.

Hence, my daily updates shall continue, as will my daily tips to beat lockdown blues, and daily recommendations on what to watch/ read/ eat/ do!

  1. WEEKLY RECOMMENDATIONS OF BEST BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW:

Every Friday, I have a #FollowFriday recommendation for a blogger/influencer. Though I was recommending bloggers here on a daily basis, now it will happen once a week.

I hope this post didn’t bore you too much. It was mostly self-plugging, but I just want to hold on to this fantastic connection we’ve established over the past month. And I enjoy talking to you guys. Truthfully, this series was very easy for me to write, because I spoke straight from my heart. Thank you so much for appreciating my candour and for reading my work on a daily basis. I’m really grateful for the new friendships I’ve made here!

So, here’s my tip to beat the lockdown blues today:

Make a game plan for the rest of this lockdown period- short term goals that you want to achieve and start working on them immediately. Also, tell me your short-term future plans in the comments, so I know what to expect from you too.

Since this post is dedicated to Irrfan Khan, I’m breaking the alphabet norm to recommend his movies that are my personal favourites:

“Hindi Medium”

“Life of Pi”

“Piku”

“Talvar”

“Maqbool”

“The Namesake”

“Haider”

“AIB Sketch- Every Bollywood Party Song Feat. Irrfan Khan”

There are many other movies he’s been a part of that are worth watching, but they’re not in this list since I haven’t seen them. I’ll be making my way through his filmography soon, starting with “The Lunchbox” tonight.

A book that you should read is:

Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth”, which is about an immigrant Bangladeshi family adjusting to life in England in the early 2000s. She is a talented writer who tackles her subjects beautifully.

That’s all from me folks! I hope to see you again in my comments box soon.

Please do follow me on Instagram @nooranandchawla and on Facebook to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter Z?

Zdravo till next time! (farewell in Serbian)

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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/quarantine, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up. Read my other posts here:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Y

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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. 

102 comments

  1. And what a beautiful post to end the A to Z. I am also looking forward to spending more time with my daughter and my husband. And i am looking forward to your posts and your videos as well. Thank you for the amazing A to Z posts.

  2. Woahhh! You have quite a lot lined up after this. I’ll definitely be peeping for your posts. I’m participating in the ebook carnival. So that’s next on my agenda. Aaand will look forward to your reviews on Instagram. It was great reading your posts 🙂

  3. I have my list ready that I will be working on starting from tomorrow. Yes, Irfan Khan was a gem of an actor. My latest watch was Ungrezi Medium. Good luck with the blogging workshop.

  4. I was eagerly waiting for this day..but today morning irfan khan’s news has made me so sad..RIP…your post is super awesome Noor and I am highly impressed with all your future projects, you are inspiring me work hard again..looking forward for your book..I am sure it will have some unique content. all the best dear and many congrats for completing A2Z.

  5. Your posts have been so amazing and candid Noor…more power to you girl..even I had to start on a book this month but all plans postponed right now.You have a lot lined up.All the best for all your endeavours. God Bless.

  6. Lovely Tribute. Great way to end the A to Z this year. Congratulations on surviving it. You are amazing. Just remember that. All the best in your future endeavors. Keep going. Keep shining.

  7. It feels like i have completed a journey with you Noor. All the best for your book. I hope we get to read that asap. And do continue to roll out your reviews. I love them

  8. Wow that is a packed schedule. It’s been a great ride this month. So glad to have met you! All the best with your plans ahead <3

  9. Congratulations of succesfully completing the A2z. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your heart-felt essays and commenting on the same. Thanks for sharing piece of your life so candidly.

  10. A nice post to end the challenge. Congrats for completing the challenge. Even though I could not visit all our posts, whatever I could I found them interesting. Wishing you all the best.

  11. What a beautiful post and lovely pic share. So glad you have met the Icon. And all his movies are classics, content movies of all times.
    Glad we survived AtoZ successfully. Wish you the best for all your planned content.

  12. How wonderful!! You already have things lined up for you. I am a bit lazy here. Will get the plans ready by tomorrow most probably. Best wishes for all your endeavors. Will stay tuned for sure. I couldn’t stop myself from giving your hair a special mention. They are gorgeous!! Take care.

  13. Congratulations on the successful completion of yet another A2Z challenge. It was great to be a part of your daily dose of positive posts. Thank you for being a part of my April journey. Best wishes for your future endeavors. Stay in touch.

  14. It was an amazing run Noor and your content was informational ind inspiring always. Seems like you have a lot planned for the coming time as well. Thank you 🙂
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  15. Oh My God Noor, I can only imagine what must have been meeting the legend. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. As we wrap our thoughts around this unbelievable shocking news of losing two legends in continuation, your post soothes our senses as we focus on believing that their stories will live forever. Praying for the two souls- Irrfaan Khan and Mr. Rishi Kapoor.

    Your recommendations throughout the challenge have been very interesting and motivating. I have really enjoyed my journey with you through ‘The Woman That I Am’ BlogHop and ‘BlogchatterA2Z’ challenge. It was an honor knowing you and your channel, looking forward to continued interaction. Best wishes for your book!

    1. Thank you Jyoti!
      Yes these legends will definitely live on through their incredible body of work.
      So glad to have connected with you and we will stay connected, I’m sure 😊

  16. Noor, a great post to end with. I loved reading #LockdownWithLadyLawyer, your tips, movie, book and blogger recommendations. We were still coming to terms with Irrfan Khan’s death and today another legend gone. All the best for you future endeavors.

  17. Congratulations on completing the A-Z challenge Noor. I loved all your posts. They were so honest and practical.
    Your igtv make up videos are amazing… keep up the wonderful job 💓

  18. Speaking of stand up comedians Kanan Gill is new to me. I love Kunal Kamra and Varun Grover. Their language may be coarse but I really feel they are brilliant. In the earlier times of his career Varun Grover was not so good but nowadays both Kamra and Varun are brilliant and the best part of it is they are not afraid of taking an anti-establishment stance. And recently Kamra got grounded from so many airlines for heckling Arnab Goswami on a plane. It is just what Arnab’s reporters keep doing to people. I really appreciate Kamra and Varun for taking on the BJP and the right wing government so boldly.

      1. And thanks to you too for reading my A to Z poems. Actually they were more prose than poetry. Keep visiting my blog in the future too. Thanks.

  19. Congratulations on the successful completion of the A to Z Challenge. I missed a few, but reading your posts has always been a pep up of sorts after a crazy day. Looking forward to more amazing content from you.

  20. Glad to have come across your blog Noor. You are a pro at handling everything! I will follow your blog for sure! See you around.

  21. I loved reading your posts…v well researched and reco`s are great..Surely will catch up on insta and here too..I loved Piku and Lunchbox..

    Phir milte hai (see you around in Hindi ) 😉

  22. Wow…that’s quite a handful, it is amazing how you manage so many platforms. I have read a number of posts from your series and they were amazing, topical and so well crafted. My best wishes to you and hope to stay connected!

  23. We have had two huge, irreplaceable losses this week – Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor. May their souls rest in peace. Wow! You actually got to meet and interact with the legend!! I am glad that you are finally writing the book. Also, may I just add that your hair is amazing! I am glad that you have been putting this time to great use. And thanks for including a list of his films.

  24. Congratulations Yeah !! Bingo we survived in this challenge. Your are an inspiration for many of us Noor, I am going to miss your daily tips to beat the lockdown blues, Happy to know about your engagements and projects for the whole month, Thanks for offering your help of advices and suggestions which would be very helpful for the budding bloggers like me, that is so kind of you. I have seen you hair mask preparing vdo and I am going to follow it , fingers crossed 🙂 and what to say about actor Irrfan khan, I am short of words to express my grief on the loss of true talent.

  25. I had the same feelings Noor yesterday, I felt the pain of losing legends and I was ecstatic at the the same time of completing A2Z. Congratulations to you Noor on this completion. I haven’t watched your beauty videos, but I’ll that straight next:)

  26. Your hair is perfect Noor.I am going to apply the hair mask and let you know how it works.Thanks for this super tip.

  27. Such a versatile person you are Noor. Look at what all you cover as a social persona. Kudos lady. It’s indeed a pleasure having a friend like you and yes I will wait to buy your book when you release it

  28. I don’t want to monetize my blog, but I am interested in learning more about Instagram.

    Congratulations on reaching z.

    I hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time.

    J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author

  29. I believe that my previous comment ended up in your spam folder! Congratulations on completing the AtoZ. And wow! you got to meet the legend. We have had two great losses this week – Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor. May their souls rest in peace. I am glad that you have so much going for you. And your hair looks amazing!

    1. I got it… Your comments have not been turning up in my notifications for some reason- they remain in the “pending” section till I rescue them from there! Thank you once again!

      1. Oh, yes. A2Z tends to have that effect. My comments always end up in spam! Too much commenting can cause that. WP tends to think that I’m a spammer!

      2. I make it a point to check my spam, pending and trash folders everyday. There will be some unfortunate comments that need rescuing and several pesky ones that need to be deleted. I hope that we can continue to keep in touch with each other. 🙂

      3. Thank God that you do. Otherwise my poor comment would still be trapped in the spam folder. So happy to hear that! 🙂

  30. Hi, Noor. It has been a pleasure this year in discovering this blog. For me, I felt that your content was a mix of sharing and giving. All the letters gave you, and us, a way into your passions and helpful suggestions. I appreciate this and thank you.
    AND…we survived another AtoZ Blog Challenge. WOOT!!

    Suggestions:

    Book: Zen in the Art of Writing bu Ray Bradbury. Informative for new writers through professionals. I need to read it again.

    Movie: Zorro, with Douglas Fairbanks, 1919. Black and white. Silent Cinema. I have no problem with reading subtitles or the rare card flash of dialogue. There are many Silent movies that are worth the time to find them and view. I kinda like the Anternio Bandaras remake, but he’s no Douglas Fairbanks.

    TV Show: Zorro, again. Late 1950s, with a total of 82 episodes. Guy Williams played the main role. I just found out that it was part Disney: their studio produced it. Action, thriller, comedy, and a love story. Wholly innocent except for what we view now as racially insensitive.

    Thank you all this, Noor. I subscribed to your blog. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

    Stu
    Tale Spinning

    1. Thank you Stu for ensuring my comments section remained lively throughout this challenge 😃
      I’ve only seen Banderas’ Zorro and enjoyed it, but I’m sure the others will make for interesting viewing too.
      I subscribed to you during last year’s AtoZ and I already get updates from your website- so we will stay connected 😊

  31. A wonderful post to close the series Noor, great job. I am planning to rework on my Instagram and also planning a couple of online courses after A2Z. Keep growing!

  32. Congratulations on completing the challenge. Tbh, I couldn’t make myself scroll past the picture of you and your lovely tresses. Thanks for the tip.
    Wishing you loads of luck for achieving all your goals. Makeup videos would be great actually. We’d get to learn some cool tips. 🙂

  33. You have a host of material to work with through the lockdown, so it doesn’t look like you’re going to face post-A2Z blues. Bravo!

    I’d missed out on the Z posts. Visiting them now.

    Your body of work is diverse and inspiring. That Kanan Gill review made me think of starting video reviews. I was thinking of reviewing it for the blog, but didn’t get how to tackle a stand-up special. Going to watch your review.

    Best wishes for your book. Cheers!

    1. Thank you for stopping by and reading 😊
      I’ve completely switched to video reviews for visual content and only do written reviews for written content.
      Try it out! Good luck to you 😃

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