So I gave a speech…

Yesterday my best friend got married! It was a beautiful wedding, the only thing I was asked to do was give a speech. And I did! Some people were asking to read it so I blogged it:

 

Thank you everyone for being here today. It’s been a beautiful wedding and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.

 

Now, I’m used to writing stuff for people to read but when bharti asked me to write a speech I was ready to throttle her, But Bharti, I’m doing this just for you! 

Bharti and I have known each other for over a decade now, the moment when our eyes met at Northampton University our lives changed. We’ve shared many moments together – trips to North Africa and America…erm….Birmingham.

In speeches we generally tell embarrassing stories and I did think of some i.e the time we were in Tunisia and every night Bharti would get really excited to do the Boomba dance in our resort with? I have photographic evidence of this.

Then I thought no, I’m going to tell you about how lovely Bharti is.

Once when I was hungover I asked her to wipe my make up off for me; and she did.

How every valentine’s day we exchange valentines cards, normally that’s my only valentines card so it always makes me smile.

How I can not speak to her for weeks but when we do it’ll be like we spoke yesterday.

Bharti and I couldn’t be more different. She is the talker whilst I am the writer. She is an RnB diva whilst I am the rock chick. Bharti will face an argument upfront but I avoid confrontation. Bharti is the sister who tells me to ‘grow some balls’ when I am scared to do something

But then I motivate her to driver without a sat nav even though shes been driving to my house for 10 years and make sure she brushes her teeth at night. Kaushal that’s your job now…

Bharti is an extremely wonderful and caring human being and she’s found an equally fantastic life partner in the form of kaushal whom I know will look after her, respect her and never hurt her. If you do I’ll out you to the world in the press Kaushal! Beware!

 

I’ve written a little poem

Today is my best friends wedding

I’m so happy

A life of eternal love for them beckons

They’ll be so happy I reckon

Kaushal came today with the Band baaja baaraat

Lookin oh so sharp

Bharti was dressed immaculately in her dulhan ka joda with a romantic gleam in her eyes

Knowing today was going to change her life

Let us make a little wish in our hearts

That the warmth we see between them today never parts

That Bharti and Kaushal you’ll be this much in love today, tomorrow… forever

I wish Bharti and Kaushal a lifetime of happiness, lots of babies, fun holidays, health, prosperity and most of all.. eternal love.

Lets raise our glasses to Bharti and Kaushal ! enjoy the rest of your evening…..It’s time for me to get drunk!

 

 Priya Mulji

 

 

 

Keeping Warm at Hestia – Bodart & Gonay

I have a new job! Marketing for Hestia / Bodart and Gonay – how exciting!

As someone who has a cold in spring, autumn and winter (and hayfever in the summer) keeping warm is rather important. So, when I was offered a job as a Marketing Exec at Hestia/Bodart & Gonay I jumped at the chance.  I have studied Marketing at uni and was in my old job for over 4 years but it was time to move on. My new role involves lots of ‘proper’ marketing stuff including my favourite; Social Media, Online Marketing inc SEO/PPC, PR, going out to events etc!

To give you a little background BG are a Belgian brand and The Hestia Fireplace Design studio (where I am based) is the sole UK importer for this brand. At the showroom based in Bolsover,Chesterfield we’ve got some wonderful fireplaces. The worlds best in our opinion!  And for anyone that knows me at all I am ALWAYS freezing so the fireplaces do keep Miss Mulji warm. I mean, if I could afford one I would have one in a heartbeat. I’m not just saying this because I have been asked to, actually my new boss loves that I am so active on social media and in the blogging world so he was happy for me to write a little post for the Priya Mulji blog readers.

There’s also the office dog Micky who loves me but hates the postie.

Here are a few of my faves in pictures! 

The cosmos is a long, modern looking appliance which you can mount into a wall and even have a TV over it – it’s that safe! How funky for those times when you want to have a dinner party!

Cosmos 125 D-1

The other one is a Phenix Green which is a roaring beast of a fire! You can stand far away from it and still be super warm! I’d love to have this in my mansion (one day) snuggled up in front of the fire with my partner (again, one day) sipping a nice bottle of Merlot and some sexy tunes playing – bliss!

Phenix 120 Green

If you would like any further information please drop me a comment or visit our showroom in Bolsover. Do check the website out at http://www.hestia.uk.com/ (psst, there’s a new one coming soon!)

Priya Mulji

Attention Seeking

Most time in my life I love doing stuff for others, for people that know me well will stand up and say that I cannot say no to anyone. Call it attention seeking or whatever you may but what happens when that time comes when I want someone to do something nice for me? Not for any reason other than to make me smile. We all work hard and we all have bills to pay but sometimes just do something to make a girl, guy, friend or family member in your life smile. Something, that you may not normally do. I’m not saying big extraordinary things; you don’t need to write poetry, you don’t need to send flowers – just do something they like to make them smile to show you care… you will know what you need to do.

Just do it.

 

Priya Mulji

One Minute with Bindya Solanki

I mostly remember Bindya Solanki as the romantic attachment of Robbie in Eastenders a few years ago who like myself enjoys a nice glass of red, let’s see what she’s been up to in my latest one minute with…

Bindya Solanki

Coffee or tea?

Tea in the UK but coffee in the States

 

Chips or roast potatoes?

Chips…in any country

 

Priyanka Chopra or Katrina Kaif?

Er…well I don’t watch many Bollywood films so have no preference on either. I used to watch one every weekend growing up, back then my heroine was Rekha.

 

Tell us a secret…

I absolutely love a glass of red wine with some dark chocolate.

 

You have a fab “veggie blog” which features delicious vegetarian recipes; what was your inspiration to start that?

 

As a Gujarati I grew up in a vegetarian home and my partner is also vegetarian. So I cook a lot of vegetarian food. . I began the blog to show that there are many different types of vegetarian dishes out there and it’s not all tofu and cheese. I also wanted to show that cooking a curry is one of the simplest and quickest dinners to make.

 

Share your favourite recipe with us:

 

mmm one of my favourite simplest comfort foods is vagharela bhat (spicy left over rice) I’m sure you are well acquainted with this recipe. Most days there is left over rice hanging around my home so what better way to finish it off then to give it some spice.

 

1 cup of leftover cooked rice.

1/2 tsp of chilli powder
1/2 tsp of turmeric
3/4 tsp of salt
3/4 tsp of mustard seeds
3/4 tsp of cumin seeds
Some vegetable oil.

Method

Put the rice on a plate and add the chilli powder, turmeric and salt. Heat some oil in a frying pan, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they start to pop and smell aromatic add the rice and mix well. Keep mixing until all the rice is covered with the spices and everything is cooked through.

Who’s food gives you the most pleasure?

Easy, my Mums. I love all Indian food, but I have not tasted anything that gives me as much pleasure as my Mums food.

 

My readers will remember you playing Nita from Eastenders, what’s your fondest memory from playing that role?

Believe it or not that was 10 years ago. It was a great time, and being part of a show that is so embedded in UK TV culture was a great opportunity. My fondest memory has to be the romance between Nita & Robbie. Believe it or not it was nice to be the girl who finally gave Robbie some love.

 

Your biggest inspiration in life?

 

My Mum. She’s strong, outspoken, and never lets me get away with it.

 

So what is next for Bindya…?

Well, I’m currently doing a course on food writing at Leiths Cookery School, so I’m hoping to expand my food writing and maybe one day turn my blog into something more….watch this space.

Follow Bindya on Twitter

Check out the fab Veggie O File

 

Thank you so much Bindya for taking part in my one minute with, I wish you the very best with the cookery school, do keep us updated!

One Minute with Maunika @CookInACurry

My next One Minute is with the extremely talented private chef and food writer Maunika Gowardhan. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne I am eagerly awaiting an opportunity to taste her food! For now a one minute with will have to do!

Coffee or tea?

Adrakwali Chai/ Ginger Masala Tea

Chips or roast potatoes?

Roasties of course! Coated in semolina, roasted in fat, crisp to perfection!

Priyanka Chopra or Katrina Kaif?

None

Tell us a secret…

If I wasn’t a private chef/ Indian food writer I’d be a baker just for my sheer love (more like obsession!) for cakes & patisseries

You have a fab blog which features delicious recipes; what was your inspiration to start that?

My inspiration comes from the food I cook, growing up in India watching my mum cook some fantastic food for us that was fresh, simple and in every which way defied the stereotypical “curry” tag Indian food has in the West. Also experiencing the flavours across India in Mumbai, Delhi, Madras, Bengal and Goa during my travels when I was younger; which helps me appreciate the gamut that Indian food covers.

Share your favourite recipe with us

Too many! Though my recent post on Sour Mango Spicy Prawn Curry is very moreish; with a tang from the raw mango & moist juicy king prawns

What is the most unusual ingredient you have cooked with?

Ratan Jot; also known as Alkanet Root its commonly used in Kashmiri cooking for the colour it lends to the dishes.

Which food gives you the most pleasure?

Coastal cooking especially making my grandmother’s recipe for a crab curry. Also meat with spices. I’m an utter carnivore!

Your biggest inspiration in life?

A long list of very talented Indian chefs.

So what is next for Maunika…?

The world is my oyster! Though I take it a day at a time; I love & enjoy every aspect of the work I do.

 

Follow Maunika on Twitter

Check out the tastilicious recipe

One Minute With Kiran Kaur Gill

I came across the lovely Kiran on Twitter and we’ve since developed a bond. Kiran talk love, cinema and domestic violence in her one minute with me.

Kiran Kaur

The best joke you’ve ever heard?

Well, can’t think of one right now so I don’t think I’ve heard the best one yet! haha

Salted or sweet popcorn?

Definitely Sweet until I went to Cinemas with a dear friend last year, and he looked at me like I was crazy for choosing sweet, – We took Salted – I am a new fan of both haha!

Corrie or Eastenders?

Definitely Eastenders –

 

Define Love…

Love is unconditional, but my definitions have changed over the years. Whatever love is, it conquers all – well that’s what my tattoo says. I will always believe it. (this relates to family, friends, people in your life who have left a footprint )

The first thing you do in the morning

Check my phone! I feel like I may have missed something in the world – yes even overnight?! You never know!

 

The last movie you watched?

WE – currently in the cinemas, absolutely amazing film – Directed by Madonna – definitely think everyone should check it out. Especially if you appreciate that era!

 Is there a charity/cause you support?

Yes, I’m very passionate about supporting women flee domestic violence. One day I hope to set up my own charity to support women, children and men suffering domestic violence.

Why do you support this charity/cause?

I studied social work at university, I’ve worked with women and families and seen the consequences and sadly, many deaths. I have also seen firsthand what the effects of domestic violence do to children

How do you get involved with them?

Just get yourself out there to events and keep up to date online. I worked for a women’s refuge last year and that was an eye opening experience for me. Unfortunately not all Charities out there have service users as a number one priority.

How can people reading this get involved?

Be aware of domestic violence, the signs and the help there is out there. As I mentioned one day, I would like to set up my own charity to support women and children suffering domestic violence. The affects are devastating. I would like to do more work with women who are brought from abroad and then end up the victims of horrific violence because that’s definitely on the rise. As time goes on and the world goes further in to debt, more and more services are being cut that are vital lifelines to women fleeing domestic violence. It’s literally a matter of life or death. Unfortunately, Domestic Violence doesn’t seem high enough up the agenda for our Government.

Whats next for Kiran?

Watch this space – I will be starting a blog soon

How can my readers get in touch with you?

Tweet me – https://twitter.com/#!/dolcevitta999

Facebook me – I love to talk to people – http://www.facebook.com/kirandip.gill

One Minute With Sadia

 My family originates from Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar in East Africa so when I had the chance to have a One Minute with Nairobi’s finest events organiser, promoter, PR consultant and Voice-over artist I was ecstatic. Here for your pleasure is Sadia Ahmed Ibrahim…

Sadia

Tell us a secret…

I’m the original Cat Woman. Ha! I wish! Hmmmm… I don’t think I have any. I’m pretty much an open book.

When’s your birthday?

22^nd August

Do you believe in destiny?

I believe that you create your own destiny. Your destiny is your passion. You’re brought up in a certain way; you have your beliefs and all. Most will impose your destiny on you. Someone may come along and tell you: you’d be a great doctor. You’re still young then so the thought is “implanted” in your head. You grow up, and realize that that isn’t really what you want. Maybe you want to be in a Jazz band. But because that thought’s been with you all along, you’ve built hopes. You get your Masters and end up in a Jazz band. Everyone knows EXACTLY what they want. So was being a doctor your destiny? Or was being in a Jazz band?

Rice or Roti?

I love biryani. I love my sweet n’ sour chicken with vegetarian fried rice. I love pilau. I love kheer (rice pudding). I have to say I love rice. Though I do need my roti fix once in a while. Fiber is important!

Your favourite book

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma.

The best piece of advice ever given to you

“You should not need what you want; you should want what you need”. I learnt that when I was 13. And I live by it to date. Helps set financial priorities mostly. Though I do spoil myself and get what I want on and off. So every time you go out on an impulsive shopping spree, ask yourself, do I really need this? Or do I just want it? (If it fits your budget and you want it, just buy it!)

What would you say is your best feature?

My eyes.

Physically, what is your favourite part of a man?

ARMS! I am a sucker for arms!!! If you don’t have nice, big, juicy, bulky arms. I will not look at you again.

Coffee or Tea?

I’d say it’s balanced. I usually have one of each in a day.

Sadia has taken a break from hosting radio shows but will be back on air soon. She currently works for Radio Africa Group as a copy writer/producer. Sadia has taken a break from hosting radio shows but will be back on air soon. Though when given the opportunity to work for Radio Africa Group as a copy writer/producer she jumped at the chance!

Follow Sadia on Twitter

Read her blog

Priya Mulj

One Minute With Jesal

Here is my first One Minute with as a 30 year old! With the fab musican Jesal…..a Hip Hop MC & Producer, DJ, owner of www.SuperCritic.tv and music critic for www.RapReviews.com

Your first concert 

Michael Jackson at Wembley Stadium. Needless to say, he was amazing.

Your favourite concert

Lupe Fiasco at Somerset House. He is a great showman that connects with fans brilliantly.

Your ideal woman

Ideal woman = strong, sexy, supportive and successful.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee. I never used to drink it up until 2 years ago. It’s awesome.

Love or career?

Definitely love. No contest!

What do you do?

I sell my body for food. That’s why I’m so thin.

Jesal Picture

What made you want to pursue music?

Music has always been my mistress, so it was a natural progression from listening as a fan to playing as a DJ, creating as an MC/producer and finally writing about it as a critic for www.RapReviews.com.

Favourite piece of music

My favourite album is “Illmatic” by Nas – it’s pure genius.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

And why? – I recently went aroundSouth Americafor 9 weeks, and listened to the biography of Steve Jobs on the endless buses/planes. It was fascinating, and he’s a genuine (albeit recent) inspiration. His pursuit of perfection is admirable, even if his methods were often questionable.Where else would you find a video of a rap song named after a critically-acclaimed 900 page novel by a dead Chilean author?

You can follow Jesal on Twitter

Or check out his youtube channel

Priya Mulji

Last day of being 29 at Bravissimo Nottingham

So, today is my last day as a 29 year old. It’s been a nice day and I’ve spent it with the best person I know. Me! Haha! I’ve had a fabulous day, let me tell you all about it.

This morning I did a spot of modelling. A lady from Nottinghams local paper The Nottingham Evening Post was looking for a ‘well-endowed’ lady to pose in some Bravissimo clothing items for a feature for the magazine which comes out on Saturdays in the paper. I thought it’d be fun so I volunteered! Now, don’t be alarmed I was not posing in any lingerie; it was actually their Pepperberry brand. They tailor clothes like shirts, dresses and blouses for the curvier, busty woman. So I went along to Bravissimo this morning and met Riah and Gemma the photographer (I think that was her name) we went into the store and were assisted by the lovely and stunning Lauren. she picked out some lovely outfits, I discovered I was a balanced or Hour Glass body shape.

For the pictures I posed in a lovely tailored work suit. As I hate my boobs but love my legs I wore a lovely beige pencil skirt and a tailored white blouse (that I purchased for my new job) with my fave nude heels. Then afterwards I went for a completely glammed up look with a bright pink and orange V-Neck dress with some Moda in Pelle black patent leather heels. They gave me a gift of this dress which was absolutely lovely! Here is the Link to the dress.

We got some lovely shots and the feature will be in the magazine in a few weeks.

For the rest of the day I mooched around town, had lunch in Costa and went Indian jewellery shopping with mother.

It’s been a nice day and I’m going to start getting emotional so a few vino’s tonight I think!

 

Priya x

Clothes Sale

So, it’s time to clear out my wardrobe, I have lovely items which I just can’t bring myself to donate to charity so I thought if you guys are interested I will sell them to you! All sizes 12 or 14′s.

Everything is £8 including postage and packaging. Pay by Paypal.

If you want more details or more pics of the item just drop me an email to priyamuljiblog@hotmail.co.uk.

1. Black One Strap dress from Topshop. Size 14. The strap is on the left hand side. Probably wore it once but was too big so it’s time to get rid. No marks whatsoever.

2. White frilly skirt from Warehouse. Size 12. Bought it for a holiday to Egypt a couple of years ago. Didn’t really suit my shape. Cottony material – great for showing off a tan!

3. Beige/brown Ted Baker T shirt. It is a size 3 which is about a 12. Small bleach at the bottom. Again doesn’t suit shape around boob area!

4. Blue strapless Topshop dress, size 14 but feels smaller. Good for showing off curves/summer parties. Another bought only last year, wore once but didn’t suit me. Excellent condition.

5. Blue sleeveless dress from Dorothy Perkins in a size 12. Cutout back with a strap going across, plunging neckline, can wear as a dress or as a top over leggings/skinny jeans. Wore a few times but got bored of it! Great condition.

6. Burnt Orange ethnic style top from Next, size 12. Another holiday item that I never wore again. Excellent condition – great for Asian events/bbq’s etc.

7. Pink and white dress from Topshop. Size 12. Buttons down the back. Wore once on a night out – probably a bit too old for this dress now. Excellent condition.

8. Black and gold sequin dress by Rare at Topshop. Size 14 but like the blue dress seems smaller. Wore once for a New Years Eve night out in Manchester. I have accumulated too many sequiny items in my wardrobe now so must part ways with it. Missing a new sequins but nothing majorly noticeable.

Black one sleeve dress - item 1

White Skirt item 2

Ted Baker T shirt front - item 3

Ted Baker t shirt Back - item 3

Blue Strapless Dress item 4

Blue Dress Front item 5

Blue Dress Back item 5

Orange Top Front item 6

Orange Top Back Item 6

White & Pink dress item 7

Sequin dress item 8

If you have any questions, just let me know!

Priya x