“Monthly Ketchup” is a quirky little series where I catch up with you (and myself!) using some fun prompts and reflections. It’s usually posted at the end of each month but let’s just say, life happened, and it’s been a while!
Why “ketchup”? Well, it’s my playful twist on catch-up and a nod to my blog’s early days when it was called Tale of Two Tomatoes. Before it evolved into Kohl Eyed Me, tomatoes were my thing. So here’s to keeping a little bit of those saucy roots alive 🍅
Feel free to use this template to let me know what you’ve been doing.
If you haven’t realized already, this is a chit-chat post where I will be rambling on things I loved, hated, what’s new with me, etc. If you are interested, stay with me.
2025 has been pretty amazing to me, so far. Let me take you through it.
Mid-Year Ketchup With Me
Read…
I’ve managed to read 19 books so far this year, and while I wanted to round it off to a nice 20… well, life as a new mom had other plans. Still, I’m genuinely proud that I’ve been able to return to one of my first loves- reading.
My reading choices these days are mostly light and comforting; lots of romance, fantasy, and easy breezy stories. Let’s be real: after a full day of running around, meeting every little need of my tiny human, I just don’t have the mental bandwidth for anything too intense or mind-bending. Give me magic, soft moments, and found-family vibes, please.
My top 3 reads so far?
✨ Six Crimson Cranes
🧙♀️ The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
🍡 Sweet Bean Paste
Played…
Not really played! Just yesterday, I did something. I attended a dance class with Team Naach! ✨
To be honest, with a postpartum body that still feels unfamiliar, I felt completely out of place at first. But I’m so glad I took the plunge. Dance has always been a source of pure joy for me, and maybe… just maybe, I’ll find my way back to that passion again someday.
For now, here’s a little glimpse- you can watch the video! 💃🏼
Watched…
So many shows and movies on OTT. From Traitors, Roadies, Squid Game, The Royals, Masterchef Australia, or the IPL, I have watched anything and everything without name or reason. But the wow moment was when Royal Challengers Bangalore won their maiden IPL title and I was screaming my lungs out.
Felt… Lately, I’ve been feeling mostly tired, overwhelmed, and honestly? Just plain exhausted. And yes, I do have reasons. Valid ones. But at some point, I started asking myself- does that still count as an excuse?
There’s a little one growing up right in front of me, watching me, learning from me. And I don’t want her to remember a version of me who was always snapping, always yelling. That’s not the mom I want to be.
I know it’s not about being perfect. But I want to be present. Kind. Gentle. With her, and with myself.
Listened (to)…
a lot of Bollywood songs and some viral Instagram music. I’ve been singing and listening to “Pretty Little Baby” on loop for over a month now!
Tried…
I tried showing up- for myself.
I tried stepping into a dance class with a postpartum body that doesn’t feel like mine(yet).
I picked up books when my brain felt fried.
I wrote, even when I was tired.
I reflected on my actions, questioned my reactions, and admitted the hard stuff- like yelling.
I tried choosing joy, softness, and growth, even when it felt like wading through fog.
That’s not just trying– that’s brave, don’t you think? 💛
Cooked…
Snacks and Summer drinks! I’m in charge of making evening snacks for my Dad and husband these days! Their latest favourites made by me include Chicken Cheese Burger, Mohabbat ka Sharbat, and the viral Mango Sago Pudding.
Ate…
A lot of junk! Still do. Maybe, it is time to switch to healthier options and take care of myself.
Drank… Quite a lot of Coffee! Almost two years of no coffee (thank you, pregnancy and breastfeeding), it felt like a warm, slightly chaotic hug in a mug. Was it worth it? Every jittery, heart-racing sip.
Called… The last time when I wrote this post, I wrote that I called Mom every single day. Today, I do not have that privilege. She is no longer with me.
Texted… mostly, friends.
Thought…
a lot about how to take a break! Motherhood is already killing me and now I understand how hard it really is.
Hoped… for a beautiful year and it was! 🙂
Pinned… Nothing! I am so off my Pinterest game. Another thing to add to my to-do list.
Tweeted… almost nothing because I’m loving Bookstagram a lot more these days. It is so much fun, less messy. If you love books and reading, find me there @kohleyedreads?
Went…
to many temples to thank for giving us Piyu. We also went for our first houseboat ride in Alleppey when my baby sister and family visited us from the UK. IT was…hmm… fun. But we learnt the hard way that one should never opt for the night stay. It was hell.
Loved…
I adore all the little antics my little one does! From the way she scrunches her nose when she’s curious, to that mischievous smile right before she does something she knows she shouldn’t- it’s pure magic. It’s wild how someone so tiny can fill the entire house (and heart) with so much laughter, chaos, and love.
Hated…
to admit it, but she’s a literal copy of me. 😅 From that fiery little temper to the dramatic glares- yup, she’s got my sass, my stubbornness, and all the attitude I thought was uniquely mine. Phew! Karma really said, “Your mini-me is coming right up!”🧿
Celebrated…
having her every single day. God’s gift! Rather, Mamma’s gift. Yup, I got to know that I was pregnant, on the day of her funeral.
Smelt (of)… of fresh blackcurrant, orange, and grapefruit rose from my Carlton Desire perfume.
Ordered… a lot of books, toys, tiny clothes, and treats for Muffy!
Thanked… my lucky stars every single day for blessing me with an absolutely wonderful husband; truly my rock. From diaper duties at 3 AM to calming me down when I’m one meltdown away from chaos, he’s there through it all. I don’t say it enough, but I’m so, so grateful to have a partner who shows up, every single time. Blessed is an understatement. 💛🧿
Considered… getting back to Yoga but the Delhi weather is unbearable, day and night. Insufferable!
Started… planning for Blogchatter’s 15 Days Reels Challenge and I’m really excited. Are you participating too? The registrations are open now.
Finished…
almost nothing. Not even my laundry! I can see my to-do list expanding. Phew!
2025,
Please be kind ❤️
So, how have you been? How was 2025 for you till now?
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
Cute post! Love this monthly sort of round up of things you have been doing. Loved the shows you have been watching especially Squid Game- love that series, in fact I wrote my recap on the new season on my blog as well!
I liked title “Tale of Two Tomatoes” also! Sweet bean past I enjoyed and other two are sitting on my TBR for a long time. No idea when I would be able to get to them
I loved reading this post. I’m actually using your template/questions to reflect on my own past six months too! The way you balanced the highs, lows, and honest self-checks made me write a same post. I am starting on my reflections tonight, Thanks for the idea/inspiration but I’m torn between turning mine into a blog post or an IG caption now, but either way, this was the push I needed—thank you!
Can’t believe half of 2025 is already over! Loved reading your ketchup, it felt so real and warm. Motherhood is tough, but you’re doing beautifully. I’m definitely using this ketchup template, it’s such a fun idea! And you dance so beautifully and gracefully, I couldn’t take my eyes off you! You should definitely keep at it.
Loved reading the post. I remember reading these such a long long time ago. Motherhood really changes our world… doesn’t it? Nothing feels familiar, there is chaos everywhere yet we couldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Sometimes I look at my 18 month old and wonder how did I live without those little eyes searching for me, his tiny hands holding me and that smile that brightens up even the gloomiest days. Life is more stressful but at the same time filled with more laughter and joy.
Harini recently posted…2023 Reading Goals
I think your post is like a wake-up call for me. I have been doing nothing these past two months. And you do not have to be the perfect mom.. you’re doing great. I am getting old and lonely, and I need something to push and shake me up. Your template is being stolen, dear.
You read 19 books in six months and that too when you have an infant to take care of, you are quite the super woman and I am already bowing my head in regard!
That’s a huge list of what you did in different aspects. I wish you loads of happiness and strength to maintain your life your way.
You’ve done phenomenally well, Shalini! I so love seeing how well you’ve slipped into the new role of being a Mom. I saw your dance reel, and let me tell you, you did an excellent job! Piyu is your mini-me? How lucky she is. Enjoy these precious moments as you watch her mirror you, and the rest of the year!
Your honesty about motherhood, exhaustion, and trying to find joy really hit home. Also, huge respect for showing up for yourself every day, that’s truly inspiring. Can’t wait for more posts like this where you share these real, heartfelt moments. Please keep them coming.
Love these kind of check ins. 19 books is a lot, given that you have a tiny human to take care of! Hang on Mama, you will become stronger over the time… It doesn’t get easier but you learn how to handle everything!
Docdivatraveller recently posted…A different take on my Birth “Day”
Your template is so comprehensive. Makes us really think. Guess I should try and copy the same for better me! More power to you. This is a joyous post
Chandrika R Krishnan recently posted…Book Review- Between the Shadow and the Soul- A book of Poetry by Sonal Singh
I feel each and ever word you shared Shalini! I am raising a 1.5 years old daughter. And my days are hectic, lost, fun, emotional, content, joyous, exhausted, and everything that you can feel. Thank you for sharing your 2025 so far. It was a pleasure knowing you. Wishing you loads of love, strength, patience and contentment for the next half of 2025!
Pinki Bakshi recently posted…About a Boy by Nick Hornby
Your mid-yearly round-up looks quite interesting, given that you are a new mom. More to such an exciting mix-bag for the rest of the year.
Reading your blogs always like a cozy catch-up with a friend—full of honesty, joy, and little victories. The “ketchup” twist and tomato roots made it delightfully unique and memorable
I absolutely love this idea of catching up oops ketchup..thank you for your recommendation of sweet beam paste..
Wow! Congratulations on being a new mom! What a beautifully candid reflection on being six months into this journey. I love how you break down both the challenges and the small victories ; it feels so honest and relatable. Your openness about growth and adjustment is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this meaningful milestone!
For a new mom you’re managing quite a lot and that too very well. Dancing sounds like fun and I hope you get back to it. Missing my Zumba days as I type this. Sigh!
What fun! Someday, I would want to write something like this to let everyone know what I’m up to. For now, I’m happy reading yours. be kind on yourself; take rest, excuses dene ka ye mauka phir nahi milega…so give as many as you can…NOW is the time!
I always enjoy reading your Ketchup posts. This one is more special with the tiny tot. God bless.
Madhu Bindra recently posted…Chickpea Cheesy Veggie Melts
19 books is a pretty awesome number, girl. Keep at it.
I love how you’ve embraced the chaos and joy of new motherhood with such honesty and humor. Your mid-year ketchup feels like a cozy chat with a friend. Also, to answer your question, ‘That’s not just trying– that’s brave, don’t you think?” A loud and resounding YES
Manali Desai recently posted…Old Soul, New Scroll
19 books down and that too with such a small baby… Mommy dear you are just fantastic …. why you managed to handle the chaos in your life. Because you actually wished to do so… No one can stop you girl….. you know the magic of balance in life. God bless you.
Love your play on the word ‘ketchup’ and it was fun going through your six months! Hopefully you will soon bounce back from your exhaustion and we will have more to catch up about. and 19 books is a very impressive number!
Love the way you shared your honest vulnerable side. Also dancing in one of the team naach workshop is my bucket list. Thank you for this beautiful blog.