Everybody Lies!!!!

Most of times, for naughty people like me, telling the truth we end up in trouble or relationship misunderstanding. I had to lie to keep my life and happy. My family wouldn't understand the needs of a teen!!! 

I always lie at possible situations, not to hide truth but for fun!!! I love to play pranks and then I tell them what I did. College life was even more fun when we use to lie to our parent while going for movie and lie to our professor for missing class. Lie is like a part of us!!!But as we grow up, the fact changes and we see it with feelings and life. Grown ups are difficult as everyone says!!!

Image:Mikemilton

I dont know what you would have done in an situation like I was. But I lied!!!!

Well, It was not and never have been for my personal benefit. I faced a situation where my lie was reasonable to save a women's life in the hour!!!

A small incident that happened a long ago that I would like to share, where I had to lie to a lady about his husband. To me that was an act of love and quick decision to save her life but it’s a lie which is hurting to know later!!! I and my husband were on way to our hometown by car late night. We arrived at an accident scene in the highways which just happened, my husband immediately called the ambulance services near the toll. The woman was bleeding and half conscious, thrown away on the other side of the road. Her husband was found farther away from her in an unconscious state and bleeding heavy. The ambulances arrived and I was helping with the lady, she kept telling that she wanted to see her husband first and then take her inside the ambulance. 

But I knew she could not take the situation of her husband at that time, so I assured her he is good and only with minor injuries and being taken in the other ambulance. Actually the medics were giving him first aid at the spot and the medic guy assured he will be alright after going to the hospital. He was unconscious and hurt badly. I gave her the false faith when she asked about her husband. I know what I did was wrong at that situation, but I never wanted her to stress more than the bad situation they were in. Later, we came to know about the couple that she has recovered fully and his husband was in coma. I felt really bad and prayed for his recovery soon. I still feel bad about lying to her, but I also feel good that she is better now to take care of him.  

I cannot justify what I did to her, of-course she deserved to know about her husband but I felt her first aid was very important and even her husband would have done the same thing.

As in the story of the video, telling the truth would never have done any good to the woman who was in pain, but I had to avoid details and give her some peace about her husband. But I know that women will never forgive me for the lie, but as of now I feel it as a good act to save her. I would any day justify my lie with time and circumstances I was in.  

Image:Kinley

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Teddy Travelogues

From kids to adults everyone love to go on a vacation. Kids see vacations totally different, the vacation must meet their expectation, it should fulfill the curiosity to learn more and give them unlimited fun and play. 

Planning an family vacation is a great task with responsibility and happiness. There is a small checklist which I stick to when ever we plan an family vacation so as to enjoy an unlimited happiness and joy.

When ever we go on a long vacation, we also get a doctor appointment and do a consultation. Doctor would suggest any medicines needed for the type of vacation. If you go to an hilly region, you or the kids might experience shortness of breath or long flight travel will cause jet lag. So its best to consult and get medicines prescribed. Instead of running around in a new place to find doctor or medical shop.

Start preparing for your vacation packing a few days before, so you can buy items if you need and will not forget anything. I am sure a good and a smart packing, will definitely ensure you have the perfect vacation without having to worry about small things.

Image : Funny Pictures

I shall share a few main things which we must take along for a perfect happy vacation

1. Carry a first aid kit with plasters, common tablets for allergy and cold. Also prescribed tablets. 
2. Tinned favourite food items of kids, as chances are your kids might not like the food there and you need to run shopping for that. 
3. Common creams like sunscreen, moisturizer, disinfecting hand gels and toiletries. 
4. Always plan a separate hand luggage keeping your necessities near by and handy. 
5. Card games, musical instruments, balls for kids to play. 
6. If going on a beach holiday, get kids beach dress, sun hat, sun glasses, sun screens and play sand set. Extra set of towels and bag to carry for beach. 
7. If it is a cold whether, pack their clothing accordingly. 
8. Pack extra clothing, towels, underwear, wipes, napkins for kids. 
9. Pack a set of slippers. 
10. You should give your child a small bag where they can carry their own activity books, handheld games, hoody, snacks, sun glasses, tissues, bandages, small water bottle. This will make them feel responsible and will be happy. 
11. Mainly, give them your hotel business card and your mobile number as in case of worst situations it would be of great help. 
12. Music player and some nice cds, so you can have it played and dance in hotel outdoor activities. 



Image: Woodwardsadventures

13. Small covers for easy disposal. 
14. Instruct them to stay near by you always and keep you informed while going anywhere near by.
15. Pack the families passports, hotel booking details in a separate pouch.

Image; Growingupgabel

This small checklist will keep you prepared anytime in the vacation so you can happily spend time with kids. While preparing the checklist, ask your family also to suggest the things needed, the kids will remember few basic things you forget, so will be helpful for everyone in the family.

Kids will make the vacation very memorable and unforgettable, all you have to do is book for stay in fine resorts like Club Mahindra where kids will have a great time.

The best part is the fun in the sun or the drench in the water pool with  parents spending quality time alone with them. It makes both the parent and the kid happy! 

About Club Mahindra, it's one of the India's finest resorts with all facilities giving you a pleasant stay in your favourite destination. this post is written for its initiative Club Mahindra Teddy Travelogues. For more details, read here.

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A Healthy Child Makes a Happy Home!!!

Who doesn't love kids??? We love the way they laugh, cry, be stubborn , fight... We love to be around them and we also become like kids when we are with them. We must learn to love unconditionally like kids, forget our anger and be happy always which makes a happy home. They teach us valuable lessons which we have forgotten as we grew up. 

Even I love my kid like any other parent, Aadharva is a very sensitive and affectionate kid. He is a pet of everyone at home, so nothing comes in his denial. He makes each of us relieved from our office tensions just with his cute smile. He brought in bundles of happiness and joy to our family. 

A happy home is a healthy child!!!!

Aadharva's dad is very caring and even if aadharva starts to sneeze he would take him to our family doctor. He would try convincing us, but aadharva's dad wants the doctor to run all the tests. Finally, only when aadharva is relieved, we can see a happy family.

Rainy seasons were happy but we hated it as aadharva would easily fall sick due to the bad whether. He catches fever or cold often and the time our entire house feels like being doomed. We can't see him suffering, being bedridden and not playing around. We tried all sorts of home remedies to improve his immune system but failed. Doctor would convince us saying that as he grows up will improve his immunity but we were not convinced. Of-course any parent can't see their child suffering. 

On a evening chat with my friend on whats app, she was telling how she let's her child have ice creams even in the rainy whether. I was shocked and asked her what if she falls sick. She happily was telling that her immune system is strong and that she would not be worried for all these silly reasons. I then explained how aadharva easily falls ill due to the climate, she then advised me to start immediately with dabur chyavanprash which provides 3 times stronger immunity for the kids and also the entire family. 

Image Courtesy: Dabur 

She shared her story of how their kid and entire family benefited from having a spoonful of dabur chyavanprash daily in the morning and evening. I was so happy on hearing my friend, I immediately called by husband and asked him to buy a bottle of dabur chyavanprash. He was feeling tired and told that he would get it by weekend during our monthly shopping. But I insisted that it is very important and its for aadharva, he happily agreed and got a bottle of dabur chyavanprash even in the pouring rain. 

We gave aadharva a spoonful of dabur chyavanprash before dinner. He liked it and asked for another spoon. After a month, I was able to notice the difference in the activity level of aadharva. It comes in different flavours, aadharva likes Mango very much and my in laws are sugar patients, so they take sugar free. I and my husband prefers mixed fruit. 

Dosage instructions and other details are given at the back of the bottle , you can also check in their website. 

Image Courtesy: Dabur

He is very active and playful than ever before. His father, grand parents and cousins were very happy seeing aadharva so cheerful and energetic. Our family then started spreading the secret of aadharva's increased immunity to our friends and relatives. 

This post is written for IndiBlogger Happy Hours and Dabur. 

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Pineapple's secret to a flat stomach!!!

Pineapples are best eaten when fresh, but peeling and cutting can be a daunting task. Mostly we find street vendors selling pineapple wedges dusted with salt and chilli. It tastes yum!!! But did you know the power of pineapple beyond satisfying your taste palate. Pineapple has the great power to reduce tummies. One benefits having a strong sleek stomach after consuming pineapple by the following method.

Pineapple also is effective in reducing body heat.

Pineapple has less cholesterol and more water content.
Method:

1. Place the pineapple on its side.

2. Take a tablespoon of Ajwain seeds, and powder it. Mix this with the pineapple pieces and toss well. Add a tumbler of water enough to cover up the entire pineapple pieces.

3. Heat on medium flame for 20 minutes. Leave it to rest overnight.

4. Strain the pineapple pieces and reserve the water. Now, churn the pineapple pieces in a blender and add little by little the reserved stock pineapple water. The pineapple ajwain drink is now ready.

5. Transfer to a bottle and refrigerate until the stocks last. Make a fresh batch before it runs out.


Drink this recipe daily for ten days in the early morning before breakfast. You will start to notice difference after a week. 

The sorry state of hygiene – from Babli's Point of view

Rural children face life threatening diseases because of poor hygiene and sanitation in the community. Let us see the story of Babli who is suffering from Urinary Tract Infection and diarrhoea repeatedly and hospitalised now.

Babli is a very funny and active girl in the community. Her parents could not afford to give her education or basic facilities at home. She goes to work in the fields with her mother while her siblings stay at home. She tries to find happiness in the small things around her. One day, she felt pain in her stomach and had diarrhoea. Bubli's mother tried all home remedies she would try. Nothing stopped the pain of babli nor her diarrhoea. Her siblings were worried too. Bubli's mother took her to the near by government hospital which was one hour away from her home. 

Image Courtesy: Heeals

Doctor found that she was infected and she gave few medicines for Bubli. On having a little chat with Bubli doctor came to know that they lacked a basic toilet facility in their home. She and her family would go to toilet in the open fields. They also did not know how to maintain their private parts and lacked knowledge regarding the basic health. Bubli is infected because of her poor hygiene and open defecation. She has picked up infection from the open air where others who were infected has used. 

Image Courtesy: Huffingtonpost

Doctor then educated her about the various health problems one would suffer from due to improper personal hygiene. She was worried and told doctor that she would ask her father to build a toilet for their family or would get the permission to use the public toilet available in her village. She also told the doctor that she would educate her siblings and her friends about sanitation and hygiene. 

She was discharged in a couple of days and happily left feeling relieved from her pain. 

We must create awareness like Babli's Doctor about hygiene to the rural children. As children are the future of India. India grows as we develop India a better place for everyone to live in. 

Let us join our hands with Domex initiative to provide these facilities to rural areas.

Domex has formed an Domex Toilet Academy aiming to build and invest in good sanitation to improve the community and develope the nation. I would tell this is an amazing initiative which will help many rural areas to live healthy. 

Steps to contribute DOMEX initiative:

1. Click this DOMEX.
2. Page will load, click the contribute button and register through your email ID or facebook account.
3. You are done. Rs 5 is contributed on your behalf. 
4. Share with friends and family. Spread the good cause.

"You can bring about changes in the lives of millions of kids, thereby showing the support of domex initiative. All you need to do is click on the contribute tab on www.domex.in and Domex will contribute Rs. 5 on your part to eradicate open defecation, thereby helping kids like Babli live a dignified life" 

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Miracles do happen - Bring back the touch!!

The cold London whether in Christmas never stops us from having fun!! In fact this is one of the best time for tourists to visit and have fun with lots of activities. My office group had planned an night party in one of our friends place but I had to pick up someone who is very important in my life. was in no mood to go, as this day always bring back the memories of Ishaan. 

Sitting by the window of my apartment and sipping a cup of hot coffee, waiting for the clock to tick 7.00PM to go to airport, I traveled back to the best days of college life. I, Preethi and Ishaan met each other during our college cultural celebrations during Christmas time. Ishaan was my senior and was the attraction of every girl in our college. He was smart, handsome and funny. Every girl would die to have an opportunity to talk with him, but I was lucky to be paired with him for the program preparations. 

We both got along so easily than I expected, and slowly our bond grew stronger. We shared numbers, started exchanging texts, spoke often and in a year we were the best buddies of the entire college. We stayed very near by, so I would drive with him and had the best times of college life. We never knew the love we had for each other then. He left college after his final exam and was placed in the best IT concern. 

After a year, even I was placed in the same IT concern and was excited to join Ishaan and his buddies after my training. Its then I learnt that Ishaan has fallen in love with his colleague, Kavinya. I was supposed to be happy for my friend instead a feeling of loneliness stuck into me. I felt very depressed and was not interested to work. I never still understood the love for Ishaan and planed to do my masters abroad. Prepared for my exams and got through scholarship in an reputed London university for masters. 

Managed to convince my family and friends, Ishaan and our gang friends along with Kavinya came to send me off. We were meeting after a very long time and it was mixed emotions running through everyone. Being best buddies, me and Ishaan shared a unique bonding in spite of everyone around us. Ishaan hugged me saying good bye, its when we both realized the power of touch to make us understand the love between us. I realized how much I love him and but was not sure if Ishaan felt the same. I wanted to tell him about my love for him, while a voice called my name, realized it was Kavinya and this was not right to express my feelings for him. It was time for me depart before the final call, I bid everyone with tears of separation and a feeling of my lost love. 

After a year, I got busy with masters when I learnt that Ishaan's break up with kavinya. Ishaan also moved into higher position in another company. We hardly found time to talk with each other in our busy life. One day, I was surprised to get a call from Ishaan, and that he is coming to London for a short term 6 month project. 

So he is the important person for whom I am waiting to arrive!!!

I started to airport, excited to meet him, the flight arrived and the there was some delay in the checkout. After an hour, he came and as I walked towards him there were mixed emotions and then the hug!!! He hugged me and expressed that he loves me. Oh My God!!! I started to cry and expressed how much I loved him. I asked him, how he came to know the love for me. Its the same power of touch, when I realized my love for him made him feel his love too. It was the reason behind his break up with kavinya and the reason to work on this project in London. 

Image Courtesy: Marico in google. 

Miracles do happen with the power of touch!!!

Check out this lovely video of Nikhil and Maya, who recover their lost love from the power of touch just like Ishaan and Preethi!!!

This post is written for #BringBackTheTouch campaing for Parachute Advanced Body Lotion and IndiBlogger. 

Experience the more of parachute and get to know more about Parachute Advanced Body Lotion.

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Baking Ingredients

A guide of main ingredients used in baking.

FLOUR

Flour is a powder which is made by grinding cereal grains, beans, or other seeds or roots. It provides the structure to the baked good. The gluten, or protein in floor forms a structure that traps air bubbles. 

The common flour varieties are

• Refined wheat flour( Maida ) - Mostly used for baking cakes, cookies, biscuits and tarts. 
• Whole wheat flour - Used for baking breads as it gives a coarse texture and nutty flavour. 
• Self rising flour - It is comprised of all-purpose flour, salt and a chemical leavening agent such as baking powder. It is easy for baking but doesn't yield good results. 

FAT

Fat coats the protein molecules giving a soft and fluffy baked product. When sugar is creamed with fat, small pockets of air is formed, which produced a finer grain in the baked product. 

• Butter - It contains 80% fat. Unsalted /salted may be used based on the recipe. If using salted butter, don't add salt in the recipe. 
• Oil - Recipes which call for oil, use vegetable oil. Dont replace with melted butter or any other oil. 
• Ghee - It is hydrogenated vegetable fat which is used in combination with butter. 

Healthy Recipes

http://delectableflavours.blogspot.in/2014/06/instant-mudakathan-keerai-dosai.html

Idly / Dosa Batter

How to make Idly/Dosa batter at home

Idly and dosa is the main tiffen at every home in South India. It is very healthy and easy to make at all time. Kids love crispy roast dosa very much. Its a complete protein rich food, where the ingredients separately is not a effective enzyme, when combined and fermented, it becomes a complete protein rich food. The batter is all about measurements,grinding and time. It gets well fermented over time and good for cooking. 

We always prefer home-made batter over the store bought one, its yummy and makes soft idlis. Most important is the softness, and taste. The store bought ones are very course and the urad dhal settles down making it so uneven for making dosa and doesn't give soft idlis. My hubby loves sambar mini idlis, idli manchurian and my all time favourite is ghee sugar dosa. 

Measurements can be cups or veesam padi or any tumbler and keep the ratio balanced to it.

IDLY BATTER
Recipe Category:		Main
Preparation Time:		12 Hours	Cooking Time:		5 mins	Serves:	4

Ingredients:
Boiled Idly Rice			4 veesam
Whole Skinless Urad Dhal			1 veesam
Fenugreek/Methi seeds			3 tsp
Soya bean			2 tsp
Rock Salt			1.5 tbsp
Water			As required

Method of preparation:

1. Measure each ingredient separately. Soak rice separately in a vessel. Soak urad dhal, fenugreek and soya seeds in another vessel. Leave it overnight or eight hours.

2. Then drain the water completely from both the vessel. First grind urad dhal and fenugreek till frothy, sprinkle water little by little at intervals till it is grounded. (Don't add more water, the urad dhal batter must be thick and fluffy). Collect the batter in a big container enough to hold the entire batter after fermentation. 

TIME: My grinder takes 20-25 minutes. It depends on the type of dhal and the time its been soaked. So check by taking little amount in hand. It must be fluffy and smooth.

3. Next, grind rice to a coarse paste with little water in intervals. Add salt.

TIME: Takes 30-40 minutes. Check by taking little in hand and it should be coarse and grinded well.

4. Now, mix the urad dhal batter into the rice batter in the grinder, grind for one minute. So that both the batter mixes well and you attain a fine coarse thick batter.

5. Now transfer the batter to the big container. Leave it overnight / 8 hours to ferment and raise. Next day, mix with a laddle and store the batter in batches.

6. We can make soft idlis and for dosa add little water to the batter. The more watery the consistency, the more crispier the dosa is even without much of oil or ghee.

Notes:

• Its best to store the batter in small containers and use one at a time. It will last long.
• This batter serves for 4-5 days for a family of 4.
• Fenugreek added will give a nice golden brown colour to dosa. 
• The volume of batter depends on the quality of dhal. 

Stages of sugar cookery

Stages of sugar cookery

Stage	Cold water test	Uses
Thread stage	Forms a 2 inch thread if spoon is drawn from syrup	Syrup
Soft ball	The ball is easily moulded in water. Reatins the shape only in water	Divine choclate, sweet mints, foundant, fudge
Firm ball	Retains its shape	chikki, caramel
Hard ball	Forms a hard ball	Marshmallow
Soft crack	Forms hard threads in cold water	Butter scotch,decors
Hard crack	Forms brittle threads in cold watre	Glaced toffee, Glossy toffee
Caramel	Brown, Viscous liquid	Flavour and colour for desserts

Measuring spoon and cups

Measuring spoons and cups

These spoons and cups are so easy to find these days. Very useful in measuring ingredients accurately.

Know more: Read about Baking measurements using these here. 

All purpose flour

FLOUR

All purpose four is a powder which is made by grinding cereal grains, beans or other seeds. Flour provides the structure for the baked goodies. The gluten, or protein present in the floor forms a structure that traps air bubbles. 

The common flour varieties are

• Refined wheat flour( Maida ) - Mostly used for baking cakes, cookies, biscuits and tarts. 
• Whole wheat flour - Used for baking breads as it gives a coarse texture and nutty flavour. 
• Self rising flour - It is comprised of all-purpose flour, salt and a chemical leavening agent such as baking powder. It is easy for baking but doesn't yield good results. 

Baking Measurements

I am sure many of you who are baking would have realised that baking is all about measurements. Baking by judging proportions doesn't work always. I have ended up in a big mess of cakes just missing few right things.

Baking Measurements

Sometimes when I try out an new recipe, I scale down the measurements to half so its easy to experiment with. These measurement figures come in handy, and very useful is the weighing machine.

I am now much excited giving my blog a start after months and added is the measurement of ingredients for my black forest cake. I am gonna enjoy baking!!!
Happy Baking!!!

HAPPPPPPPPY WEEKEND!!!!