Hola Amigos! How is everything going? Hope all is good at your ends and all the other ends of this world. Peace and Harmony is so beautiful and this is all we want for everyone. Prayers and good wishes for every single person who is reading this.

Coming back to this blog, today i will be writing about this wonderful piece of heaven that i recently visited. SWITZERLAND. A place of amazing views and beautiful people, without any doubt Switzerland has been one of my most favorite place i had ever visited and why? Keep reading to find out :)
Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world renowned.

We visited two cities Bern and Interlaken.

 Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is built around a crook in the Aare River. It traces its origins back to the 12th century, with medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt (Old Town). The Swiss Parliament and diplomats meet in the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace). The Französische Kirche (French Church) and the nearby medieval tower known as the Zytglogge both date to the 13th century. Bern also has Einstein's first family home. Now a museum, its a tiny place full of knowledge.

Interlaken is a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland. Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it has old timber houses and parkland on either side of the Aare River. Its surrounding mountains, with dense forests, alpine meadows and glaciers, has numerous hiking and skiing trails.

Three days in these two cities were the best days of my life. Loved their transport systems, easily accessible and tourist friendly. I have lived in UK and their transport system is considered the best but i can say that Switzerland is pretty close too. 

Just a tip: Do use Tripadvisor before planning a trip to any part of the world. Best app ever!

Below i have shared a photo gallery from our visit.  Hope you will love it .  Enjoy the gallery and let us know your views. Love :)

Bern Clock Tower

Einstein's Sculpture

The BearPark- Bern

Interlaken-West Interlaken

View from Harder Kulm

West Interlaken

East Interlaken

View from Harder Kulm

East Interlaken

This train led to Harder Kulm

Harder Kulm- Interlaken

West Interlaken

My first time on a horse cart- West Interlaken

Hello beautiful souls. Who is waiting for autumn? We all are, aren't we? Too bored and exhausted with this summer heat. God,please bring the lovely autumn already !!!!

Anyhow, autumn will show up when it will have to. Can't do anything but we can kill this boredom with some good music. It is possible, you people and i am gonna show you how.

Who is following coke studio season 10 this summer? We are and to be honest we are not liking it very much. Some compositions are amazing though but this year's season has overall failed to please us. But thank the Lord, coke studio has never been this bad and their music has always been wonderful except for this season. We refused to get disheartened by this year's music hence, we decided to revisit all the previous seasons and list down out top 10. It has been hard to be honest because there were many songs that we loved and finding the best among the best was pretty difficult. but we did it. For you guys only! So ladies and Gentlemen , here is our list:

Coke 10: Ishq Aap bhe Awalla - Chakwal Group and Meesha Shafi Season 5

             

 The more you listen to it, the more you love it. Such an amazing fusion created by Rohail Hayatt, sung beautifully by the Chakwal Group and Meesha Shafi, this is one song that makes you fall with music. It's like you are listening to a tale with great music. The rawness that comes in with the voices adds to the magic already created by the song's lyrics .
Ishq Aap Bhe Awalla, Unde Kaam Bhe Awalla, Do hear it if you haven't already!

Coke 9 : Jal  Pari- Atif Aslam Season 2

We all loved Jal Pari when it came out. Good music plus Atif's voice was one to die for. Remember how he became our instant crush? This composition takes you back to this hit song with a twist. The journey starts with Jal Pari and then mixes with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's number one hit. Hear it for yourself to find out!

Coke 8 : Tum Naraz Hou- Sajjad Ali Season 7

Tum Naraaz Hou
Haan Meray Kitney Paas hou
Nazuk Nazuk Si
Payari Payari Si
Meray Jeenay Ki Aas Hou

Wah! Loved it instantly it was out on the first season. Such soft lyrics with such a mesmerizing voice. There is no way any girl can stay angry with a guy, if he sings this song to her provided he sounds good too. Best song of that season it was. Must hear!

Coke 7: Yar Daddi - Ali Zafar Season 2

Originally sung by Ustaad Juman , this song has been my favorite since i heard it for the first time. Its the lyrics that take you in another world plus Ali Zafar's voice is so pleasing and magical that you can't stop hearing it once you have started to. Beautiful Composition!

Coke 6 : Tajdar E Haram- Atif Aslam Season 8

Came out in Episode 1 of this season and blew us away. I like how beautifully coke studio recreated this qawali and Atif Aslam's voice suited so well. I remember i heard this song on a loop for a month or two. Such soulful lyrics and music.

Coke 5 : Nindiya Re- Kaavish Season 2

This was the first time that i heard Kaavish and loved them immediately. Beautifully written song, this had to be a super hit composition.

Coke 4 : Sammi Meri Waar- Umair Jaswal & Quratulain Baloch Season 8

So when this song came out, it became  hot favourite for my morning walks. What energy this song has, man. Love the amazing twists and turns in the composition and QB is so brilliant as always. Wasn't an Umair Jaswal fan before but this song made me like him very much. If you are low or down, this song can totally change your mood. Tried and tested!

Coke 3 : Ni Oothaan Waale- Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi Season 4

Attaullah is such a huge legend, no words to describe the mark he has left on Pakistani music. His voice hits you. He has mastered the art so well. This song takes you back to his classic folk. Beautifully recomposed, this folk song is our number 3. Heart it like a story and you will love it more.

Coke 2 : Sab Maya Hai : Attaulah Esakhelvi & Sanwal Esakhelvi Season 10

Probably, the only song that touched my heart from this season, was this one. Loved this son/ father duet. Beautiful lyrics! Heard Sanwal sing for the first time and i have to say he is very well trained by his father. His voice is so soul touching, fresh and young and blends in so well with his father's magnificant voice. Love such a talent and coke studio did justice to this young guy by taking him on their season.


Coke 1 : Daastan-e- Ishq- Ali Zafar Season 2

Written partly by Ali Zafar and some verses taken from Shah Hussan and Bulleh Shah, this song takes you into a magical world. Quick Fact: The song we heard on the season wasn't live as other coke studio songs are. The reason was Ali Zafar couldn't control his emotions while recording it live hence the song we heard was a practiced version. Such strong are the lyrics. Love it. My all time favorite.


Disclaimer: There are many other songs that are my favorite that are not in the list. As i said before, picking up best from the best is the hardest thing to do. Please share your favorites too. We would love to hear from you guys. Love :)
     

I am one of those who quit watching Pakistani dramas a year ago because they felt too dragged and the story lines failed to please. I know a lot of people who did that. Then working 12 hours unstoppable leaves no patience to live a misery of another woman through the television screen. Jo baat hai!

However only recently despite the busy schedules, some plays managed to grab my attention and I have been following them religiously. An achievement in itself because I usually leave dramas half-way.

Here’s a list of the plays that (if you trust me but trust me, no?) should be watched no matter what. Exactly , no matter what !!

P.S the plays are not in order of my likeness. I happen to like them all equally :)

Yaqeen ka safar

Ahad Raza Mir. Enough said!

Okay, only kidding! There’s more to it. Amazing cast, incredible storyline, superb direction and the thing most important for me, nice flow. Nice flow as in good speed. You see what I mean?

 The drama is an adaptation of the novel, Woh yaqeen ka naya safar written by Farhat Ishtiaq, who is the talented writer of the highest rated dramas, Humsafar and Udaari. The story revolves around a rape case of a girl from a poor background and a poorly treated (by her own father and brother) girl from a high-class and religious family. The drama also specifies that despite the injustices in our society, there still remain some people who will fight for the truth even if it takes away their lives. It is amazing how later in the play both the stories coincide.

The drama is so beautifully scripted that some episodes will get you teary at the end. So heart wrenching! The acting completely justifies the intensity of the script.

It airs every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m on   HUM TV. Should binge-watch if you haven’t started yet.

Baaghi

So much has been talked about this one that even if you haven’t watched it, i am sure you do have an idea what this is all about. Yes? Yes?

Yes, this is the most hyped Saba Qamar’s play, inspired by the  life of Qandeel Baloch whose murder shocked the world. I believe as do many critiques that some changes have been made to what actually happened but its okay as long as the message is justified.

Saba’s acting is flawless to say the least. Her portrayal of a young carefree girl who is hit by the reality of marrying an uneducated guy who shatters all her dreams, is impeccable. The script is well written and dialogues are immensely catchy. The play is only 8 episodes old so there is still a lot to come but I am already hooked.

The play airs on Urdu 1, every Thursday! Do not forget!

Teri raza

Teri raza, a beautifully crafted script is based on the concept of “istakhara” hence teri raza is Allah ki raza, basically. Suhana played by  Sanam Baloch  is in love with a college senior Rameez (Shahroz Sabzwari). The feelings are mutual but due to lots of confusion and Suhana’s dadi’s strong belief in istakhara, she gets married to a distant cousin, Imtiaz (Sarmad Khoosat).Where Rameez was a careless dude, Imtiaz is mature and self-sufficient. Also rich. However nothing gets Rameez out of Suhana’s head despite Imtiaz making a lot of effort!

The acting is flawless, to say the least. Also the pace of the show is pretty bearable and you definitely get hooked and look forward to the next episode every Thursday on ARY Digital!

Orangreza

I have a serious girl crush on Sajal Ali. Very pretty girl with a lot of oomph.Also amazing acting skills which have been well made use of  in this very complex yet “so on point” script. On point because you get a lot of moments where you’ll say” Mujhay pata tha yahi hoga” and “ Aisa hi hota hai”!

Khayaam and Mumtaz have a complicated relationship since marriage. Khayyam is a poet and his interest lies in women as poetic as his verses. Whereas Mumtaz is a typical household lady whose life revolves around taking care of the interests of Khayam and Sassi (their daughter). Sassi’s interests lie in becoming one of those women Khayaam aspires to have. Sonia Jehan who is Khayaam’s out of marriage interest is an actress and very convincingly gets Sassi’s attention.

The twist however is when Sassi tells her father that she wants to become like Sonia Jehan and Khayaam loses all his audacity. That’s when Sassi takes up a role of a revolting daughter and leaves the idea of pleasing her father all the time.

Ace acting skills and  incredible dialogues are the highlights here. Do do do watch if you aren’t following it yet every every Friday on HUM TV!

Also note: I love love love their title songs. Every single one of them!

Any play you want to recommend? I am all ears!

Heyloo beautiful readers. Hope everyone is doing amazingly well. Today's blog is everything we girls love. So, all the boys here can leave if they want to :p ( without sounding rude).

 You all know that i just came back from a long holiday and obviously a holiday is incomplete without shopping. I mean it's essential. Like sooo important. Surprisingly for me, i didn't buy much because i had recently got married and had everything already but still there were a few things that i did get and i would call them my best buys of this month. This is because a) They are amazing, nothing you can get here from Pakistan and b) I bought most of the items on a discount. How cool is that!!! We all love discounts, don't we :) Without waiting any further, here is the list of products or my babies ( as i would call them) with their descriptions.

                                                                                                                  

1. Huda Beauty Liquid Matte

I absolutely love Huda Beauty products. We all do, i know. I had used their lipsticks before and loved them so this month while i was away, i decided to buy some more. Sephora on Champs Elysees, Paris is a paradise and was also closer to where i was living. It is the biggest Sephora in Paris and has every crazy brand of cosmetics, perfumes etc, you just have to ask them. It is Heaven tbh. Since, i was on a budget, i decided to get three Huda Beauty Liquid Matte (I will gradually collect all of them InshAllah). Choosing which one to get is the toughest part because all shades are amazing. Trophy Wife was my first choice. I had used it before and it suited me well. It's shade is quite neutral so it can suit every skin tone. The second shade i went for was Cheerleader. It's perfect for those who love reds but don't want to look very bright. Like i look like a married woman whenever i wear red. Now the funny thing is that i am married, but i kind of look old and my husband hates it. So, thus shade i bought saved me completely. It's red but not too bright and it kind of blends in with your lips . Do try if you are into reds. The last shade i chose is probably the darkest one i ever had. The very bold, Material Girl. I love the dark purplish tone of it but i have to be very careful while applying it. It takes seconds to turn you into a good sober girl to a proper bold, party one. Plus if you are living in your susral, you have to be very careful with that :p Amazing shades all three. Bought each of them for 22 Euro that if converted will make Rs. 2,750. Little expensive but this is Huda , guys. Worth every penny!

2. Liquid Liners from Yves Rocher

The second best thing i bought was from this very famous French brand, Yves Rocher. Named after its owner, this brand was the first one that used natural ingredients in it's cosmetics. I absolutely love their products.  It won't be wrong to say that they are far better and affordable than Body Shop products that we are crazy about. I bought these amazing eyeliners. Amazing shades, easy to apply, smooth texture and so handy, i couldn't resist getting for of their best shades. Each costed me 5 Euro as they were offering 40% discount on their products. I got myself purple, brown, green and blue, all the shades that are difficult to get from Pakistan. The application is so easy , appropriate for all those who are starters when it comes to eyeliners.

3. SO Elixir

This third product is also from Yves Rocher. SO Elixir, a scent that is so fresh and soft, i fell in love with it immediately. TBH perfumes at Sephora are quite expensive so this brand is a great substitute for that. This smells of wood and white flowers. TheTonka bean adds up to the addictive softness and it is long lasting. Perfect for Summers!

4. Shower Gels and Shower Cream

Lastly, my shower gels and lotions. Again from Yves Rocher. I am a fan of this brand.I bought two shower gels and one cream. Some people are not into Shower Gels and find them a waste of money. I love them because 1) They give an amazing, smooth texture to your skin unlike any soap and 2) Their scents are long lasting if bought from good brands so one feels fresh all day. My shower cream is made from cotton flower from India. Love the smooth, silky texture as i apply it after i have had a shower. The two Shower Gels are Carambola from Malaysia and Pomegranate from Spain. They are so fresh, you would not want to leave your showers.

So, hope you guys loved reading about the stuff i bought. You can buy all these things online, if can't physically. I will post the links below. Happy Shopping :)

http://www.yvesrocherusa.com

https://www.sephora.com

http://www.shophudabeauty.com

Hello peeps! Hope everyone is doing perfectly okay and the Pakistani heat isn't treating you guys bad. So, i came back  from my holidays on the 5th of this month and the first thing i wanted to do was watch a good desi movie. (I don't know why, probably was just fed up of all the western culture). To my surprise, two Pakistani movies got released on Eid, Punjab nahin jaoongi and Namaloom afraad 2. Since me and my husband ,both love movies, we did a toss as he wanted to watch Namaloom and me Punjab nahin jaoongi. He won the toss thrice but since i am the wife , we went to watch Punjab nahin jaoongi because wife is always right :p And i have to say it was a good decision. Why? Read below :)

Punjab nahin jaoongi is a typical entertainment that you would want if you want to spend a good weekend. The story isn't out of this world but you don't get bored at all and that is what makes it worth watching.

The film starts with Fawad (Saeed) returning to Faisalabad after acquiring an MA degree to a huge celebration from the family. Meanwhile, Amal (Hayat) returns to Karachi after studying in London. While his cousin Durdana (Urwa Hocane) is in love with him, Fawad has been in search for his ‘Heer’ since returning and after Fawad’s mother sends him a photo of Amal, he falls in love with her. This sets the ground for romance, conflicts and a tonne of drama over the next two hours and 40 minutes.

Khalilur Rehman Qamar’s contribution to the film cannot be overstated. His command over language and dialogue is unparalleled and it takes the film to the next level. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself quoting the film’s dialogues for the weeks to come. Granted, the story starts too early. The first half is mostly an entertaining setup for the intense drama to unfold in the second half, which makes it feel like a drag by the end.

Mehwish Hayat is wonderful. I mean, i never liked her that much but in this movie she proved me wrong. Such smooth acting skills makes you wanna love her. 

Humayun Saeed was somebody i never approved as a hero but my God in this movie, he looks like a prince charming. He steals the light in every scene he comes in. He looks so good plus his acting skills are top notch . No one comes in my mind who would have played this character better than him. He owns the movie.

Urwa is amazing too. She plays the role of Humayun's cousin who loves him very much. Her Punjabi accent is believable and she looks stunning. 

All the other roles played by senior actors have been amazingly put together. No character seems less important than the other.

I also need to add the out class production, visuals , music and performances add up to the value of this movie. It won't be wrong to say that i can watch this movie again if i have to because it's that good.

I hope my review makes you want to watch it too. Please do and support such cinema. Our film industry is growing so rapidly that makes me feel so proud of everyone who is working so hard. Our industry deserves so much success because Pakistani talent is unmatchable.

Love Pakistani  Cinema.

Support Pakistani Cinema.