Death..? Is not the end of Life

 Death is not the end of life, death is  just a departure for the Spirit, which is our true home in the after life. People today know about earthy things in much greater detail than they did in the past but when it comes to the important spiritual matters such as death and the world after death,it can be said that the people of the past were much knowledgeable.

 The death does not occur when the physical body stops functioning. It is usually Closely related to how quickly a person is able to accept his/her death.During the first few days,the soul of the  deceased person usually remains close to the place he/she lived and tries to follow the lifestyle he or she used to. Souls that depart usually wander around their house during after their  first seven days after their physical death ,but when their conscious becomes clear enough ,a “Spirit Guide” comes to help them to realize that they are already dead. This

Spirit Guide could be ,in an ordinary case  parents. siblings, a close friend who died before.

Souls cannot begin their departure to the spirit world and becomes Spirits-because they lived with the totally materialistic view of life and strongly denied  life after death or emotionally attached something in this world to the point of  not being able to go.

Scared?? Yes I was...

Many souls who have an interest in persons life come down to watch his Life Movie.The movie shows  what kind of person the deceased really,was,revelling his thoughts and all his actions.By the time screening is over only for 7minites,the person  more or less realizes the results and if there are lessons he needs to re-learn,he will go to the most suitable place for learning in the spirit world.

The mental state at the point of death is very important.If a person is actually doing his spiritual practice such as chanting at the time of death then the influence of desires ,attachments and other souls  are minimal possible for that person compared to his state not chanting. The name of God and it also in a state of surrender to God’s will then he attains an better life after death.

This makes his subtle body lighter  at the time of death. Also the entire responsibility of his well –being in his life after death is undertaken by his evolved spiritual guide –Guru.

The fastest way to attain Moksha  is said to be devotion. Sincere devotion no amount  of  temple visits the best way to attain salvation is through discipline-devotion ,self surrender and the grace of Guru or God.

MAMA

To be continued.....

what you feel in your heart is still overwhelmingly alive. You even feel that you can talk to your loved one and expect that the message reaches him or her. And why not?

 Most of us have had experiences .....

Drapes and Your New Look!!

Are you bored with a Ghaghara choli yes I am, such a boring dress I feel money is spent, the fashion is out dated again you have to make some storing place for your expensive designer wear. 

What next....Wait! in a few yards of a drapes  you can choose to make a festival out fit. If you  want to  ghaghara  choli for the Deepavali- pick up a sari from your wardrobe and try to give a new look-after  one wrap around your body form a pleat but the pleats are tucked end of your hip and the pallu worn like duppatta.


You can choose a spaghetti top or heavy designer blouse..the choice is yours.

Sarong style  - After one wrap pleat half sari on the left side. Take the remaining to the right hand side from the back pleat again to the right, and tuck the remaining part of the pallu in front..let me say once  again-after one wrap around the body pleat the sari in the right hand side,the divide the remaining material into two, fold and tuck the on the left hand side and take pallu  a neck around.

I love this...for my Bride. 

     

It gives special effects it consists 2 chifons or crape with same or contrast  colors. Both worn regular saris coming from back to front on the left side  there will be two sets of pleats one on the right and one on the left side. Brides! Try to change e your sari  styling you look totally differentJ

Different style of handling and draping pallu.

Drapes in a different style put knot for pallu looks elegant and stylish  girls you look the best!

Go for conventional way of draping sari just hold it twisted around your hand,make a loop so you can insert your finger very comfy and stylish. leave the pallu left long on the left shoulder and wear it like duppatta without petals or twisted around the neck.

Here the sari is draped to create a skirt with pleats in front after one wrap around the body while the rest is down from the right hip to the left shoulder to hang down from the back.

Gujarati style  Coorgi and
My  all time favorite Bengali style!

This has regained it’s charm from sharmila Tagore to Aishwarya Rai .After one wrap around the body with one large pleat in the front showing off the rich border carefully tuck the sari anti clockwise on the front  side.(over the bust)..then the pallu takes at the back from the left shoulder.carefully pleated behind and brought over the right shoulder in the front.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

keep a few things in mind while draping a saree to look slim. A few simple rules and you can look taller and slimmer in sarees. 

Light weight fabrics like Chiffon, Georgette, Crepe etc. stick to the body closely, so they make you look slimmer. 

Cottons, Kanjivarams, heavy Silk, Brocade, Tissue etc a sari can beery well draped over a churidar or a pant in fact gives a slimmer look.

 as they add volumes to the over all look. 

 To look slim, opt for small prints or motifs.

 Bigger or broader borders make us look short. For those who don’t want that, should go for slimmer borders or no border at all.

 Opt for darker shades. Dark colours make you look slimmer and makes your skin colour appear lighter. They hide the flaws but accentuate your curves just as much as necessary.

Find a petticoat that matches the colour of your saree exactly. If it’s lighter, your saree will also look a shade lighter. The same applies to a darker petticoat.

Tip: Semi fitted petticoats make you look slimmer.

 Lay out your saree and figure out which side is inside and which is the outer. The Pallu ofcourse will be the outer side and the other end, the inner.

 Hold the inner end of the saree in your left hand around your waist.

 Make sure the hem is touching the floor and tuck the inner end border into your petticoat.

 Pass the saree onto the front. Maintain the same height so that the hem is even.

 Keep the top edge level and tuck in a little to keep the saree in place (safety pin at this point)

 Start folding the pleats from right to left while holding the edge of the saree.

 Hold all the pleats together and tuck them into the petticoat (make sure the length of the saree remains the same and the hem is even) (safety pin the pleats to your petticoat) 

Bring the saree around your body. 

 Hold it in your right hand and pass over the left making sure the border is even. 

 Drape on your left shoulder. Here, you can either let the border sit on your shoulder and let the rest fall casually. Or, following the pleat lines, create pleats on your shoulder and let the pallu fall in a thin strip.

Tips for blouse(tops)

• If you are slim then heavy work will be best for you, if you are overweight and fatter  side light work is suitable for you.
• A  designer blouse can give a woman more beautiful, sexy and gorgeous look.

• If you want to look gorgeous and beautiful then you should also consider the designs of latest trendy blouses. 
• There are so many types of beautiful designs of blouses like sleeve less blouses and blouses with short sleeve, long sleeves, short neck, deep neck, deep back, and backless blouses.
• Apart from sleeves you may also consider blouse length, various sexy neck and back designs depending on how much you want to expose your back and front.
• Embroidery, sequins, stones work also make a blouse very attractive and give women a rich look.
• So be careful while selecting a blouse for you it should suit your personality.
• Now it is not compulsory to buy a matching color blouse, you can also buy a blouse in contrast color.
•  Yes choice is yours...

Wish you a very Happy Deepavali... rock!!

Mumtaz style drapes

Spending quality time with our grandchild

 I always wanted to  see the world in a new way through  the younger eyes. As a grandparents  all I want to make the most of the precious family time  to spend with our grandchild. You can create deep, loving relationships with your grandchild by sharing the things you love and by learning about what excites them.  

Whether you are a full-time grandparent or a long distance grandparent living thousands of miles away, you can find new ways to strengthen family ties and provide your grandchildren with joyful. I want to experience games, music, nature, reading, story telling and other interests with a curious young mind and  support and encouragement to our grandchild "Dron".

 The best grand parenting activities flow naturally from the interests of both the grandparents and the grandchildren. You can create a deep, loving relationship with your grandchildren by sharing the things you love with them, and by being available to learn about the ideas and activities according to their interest. 

Dasara celebration at school  Salman khan ! Dron's Favorite star:)

Make an effort to enjoy leisure time with your grandchildren. As a grandparent, you get to interact with your grandchildren without the same daily pressures of a parent—you don't have to worry about juggling making dinner for the and grocery shopping. Allow yourself to slow down and become really absorbed in an activity. Moving at a slower pace than usual can give children a sense that time can be 'stretched'—that you don't need to hurry through activities. And, as with adults, it gives them the psychic space to feel, reflect, and express emotions without feeling rushed.

Children love the outdoors, and trips to the park or the beach can be a great jumping-off point for some wonderful adventures and happy memories. Nature walks and day hikes can provide lots of interesting things to talk about, and water activities can be especially fun. Throwing stones into the water or watching the current play with sticks are simple activities that can be fascinating to children. You can start these activities when kids are toddlers, and expand the games as they get older.

Engaging in hobbies and activities that you love or your grandchild loves can be a great way to spend time together and learn about each other. Sometimes, activities that you might not expect your grandchildren to be interested in, if you take an interest in something they are passionate about, like trading educational cards or the Harry Potter books, they get to share their special area of knowledge and may open up in new ways.

If you are still working, a visit to your place of work can add a dimension to your grandchild's perception of you. If you are retired, pictures and stories about what your working days were  you can  always do .....

Sharing  Dron's  bed time story on Grandparents Day :)

mama
Having a grandchild is a Bliss!

My Dry Skin

One  morning while I was chatting with my daughter she has  raised her brows and asked me.. what happened to u mom -your skin look so dull and dry has lost it’s glow..pl take care of yourself, but "me" as usual  with over confident ... I snapped her  back-  I am a grandmother now!! I don't care for my looks  ....but deep inside me I knew, my skin is showing it's age.

This is the major problem with my age group friends now. Yes it's time to pamper our skin now.

 First of all  have to stop hot water bath which  robs skin of moisture causing dry skin, so it's best to shower in lukewarm water.

 I  can't bear this rule  I  really can't – but I will try to keep my showers short and try showering only once per day.

 This also means skipping hot tubs (another rule I simply cannot bear). The hot, hot temperature, combined with drying chemicals, is torture on dry skin.

The same rule applies to hand-washing: Wash hands in lukewarm, never hot, water (this is a rule I firmly abide by). If your skin turns red, the water is simply too hot.

Dry skin conditions are a common problem for many people, especially those who live in colder regions and experience the winter season. Keeping your skin healthy is important for your well-being. This should be the most important reason to get your skin hydrated.

 I learned the secret of year-round skin care years ago. In just a few weeks, you can transform your dry skin into a healthy glow.

Dry, cracked skin is a direct result of a lack of water causing dry skin and premature aging. In order to tackle dry skin you must first know the factors that cause the problem.

There are many factors that cause dry skin. Most traditional soaps and moisturizers in main stream stores contain harsh chemicals that irritate and dry the skin. It is very important to buy organic soaps and moisturizers that contain nutrients to hydrate and condition.

Environmental pollution is another cause of dry skin. This can be a tough one to avoid depending on where you live. However, you can help combat the effects of pollution by eating smart foods, drinking plenty of water to hydrate and remove toxins, and using organic lotion and oils to protect your skin.

The reason dry skin tends to be worse in the winter, is because there is a shortage of moisture (water) in the air, thus low humidity. Cold weather will dry out the skin, so it is important to apply more oils and organic moisturizers during the winter months.

 It is also beneficial to avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine if possible because they are promoting water loss .If you do not drink enough water, then you are not going to have healthy skin. It is essential to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate your skin and to remove toxins from the body.

Eat foods that will provide your body with the proper nutrients to nourish your skin. Essential fatty acids are important for great skin. walnuts, and fish is also a great.

Many people do not realize how significant getting rid of dead skin is. It helps obtain healthy skin and removes toxins from the body. Dead skin can build up so that oils and moisturizers cannot do their job. This should actually be the first thing you do to combat dry skin and  sea water and salt scrubs to get rid of dead skin.

Try to avoid too much exposure to cold, hot or windy weather.

Hydrating your skin with moisturizers and oils balances your skin's natural oils. It is important to hydrate right after you take a bath.During the winter months you might need to moisturize 2-3 times daily to ensure skin is hydrated.

Great oils and moisturizers

Almond oil. This oil contains vitamins and minerals for softening the skin.

Aloe vera. It is known for its skin healing properties, but many people are unaware that it contains vital nutrients which have anti-aging effects.

Avocado. This super food can  be used on the skin and is rich in vitamins. These are all the nutrients your skin needs to looks its best.

   Citric acid. Also known as vitamin C, citric acid has antioxidant properties       that the skin needs to stay healthy and vibrant moisturizers that contain         citric acid because it is a natural and nourishing preservative opposed to      chemical preservatives which dry the skin.

    Coconut oil. This is one of my favorite oils to use during the winter. It contains vitamin E, which nourishes and provides a protective layer to hold moisture into the skin.       .      

         Vitamin E. This is a great antioxidant for your skin that increases circulation and helps heal injured skin.

mama

Glamor is about feeling good in your own skin.

Visit To Omkareshwar Temple

Gulping poha,kachori,samosa and kadak chai was my saviour.I had a distant view  to the island Omkarshwar which looks like it's calling me again I offered my final greetings and love to river Narmada..I felt gratitude to the piligrams which uplifted and purified me.Omkarshwar is an Om shaped island formed by holy river narmada
 with it's highly revered Shiva temple. Omkareshwar  has been the prime destination on the pilgrims trail is one of the highly 12 jyotirlingas and recently started luring travellores significance and exotic offerings. 
 Omkareshwar  means "Lord of Omkaara or 
Lord of the Om Sound and another temple is amrreshwar means   Immortal lord" or lord of the Immortals or Devas But as jyotirling, which is on other side of narmada river.

It is often referred as Mini Varanasi of Central India, the holy island of Omkareshwar is serene (except during festival time) and offers a well worn trail to the holy confluence of Narmada and Kaveri River. The Ghats, River, temples, colourful lanes and Sadhus make Omkareshwar an exotic destination and will make you extend your stay at Indore.

After visiting the temples on the shore of Narmada and strolling along in the island, I decided to sit for few minutes closing my eyes  and take some  deep breadth off  to rejuvenate. Exhausted and famished, I descended to the bank of Narmada with a last hope of finding rest within. Those deep breadth did a magic and infused strength to my drained out soul. Bathing in Narmada at Omkareshwar was the best thing happened to me in Western Madhya Pradesh.

On my way back to I have busy looking for Maheshwari,chanderi  and batik prints tie and dye saris  all these traditional Saris made me so excite  until I heard my husband’s voice.. Looking around he was caring my bags and whispered me will come again...

Mama
 Yes.. I could understand easily what he wants to say....:)

Tanjore... is a antique type of paintings.!

Tanjore, one of the districts in Tamilnadu is a place of religious and famous for Tanjore paintings come from this place.

Tanjore paintings are notable for their adornment in the form of semi-precious stones, pearls,glass pieces and gold  sheets..The rich vibrant colors and fine artistic work are characteristics of these paintings.Tanjore Paintings is a peculiar and antique type of painting, are having a rich heritage and it is followed by many experienced artists for past two centuries.

It was my long time dream to have Tanjore painting one at home.

 But I always had it in mind the rich art of our Indian Tanjore painting ..  is not my cup of tea ...so  I was there to enjoy  unique paintings are made over the basic drawings with precious stones which gives three dimension effect..The picture are of various sizes,ranging  and small miniatures no longer than 6-inch square.


The paintings really took me in AAWW...as I was strolling around,  lucky me nobody was there to stop me :) and I was enjoying the paintings are having a rich heritage and it is followed by many experienced artists for past two centuries.Laxmi,Saraswati and Ganesh are widely used and sure to add divinity to your pooja room.

 To my surprise the price range starts from Rs 1800 and goes till Rs 5000 depending on the size and work of the painting Indian classical art cannot come alive any better than this.

Nowadays everybody has become more conscious about the ambiance and interiors of their house.

The look of a Tanjore paintings gives so much divinity to my soul so I badly wanted to display in my home and  I knew these ancient classy art transforms my home will give a contemporary style...

MAMA

Don't get me wrong, I admire elegance and have an appreciation of the finer things in life.

Floating Market !!!

Bangkok was formerly known as the Venice of the East.A floating market is a market where vendors sell things right off their boats, from the side of the canal.

it’s a fun to watch where many boats dock together and serve an array of amazing Thai food!

 Floating market seems really like an unique experience to get a sense into thai life.   I was truly impressed by the parking lot of boats on the canal and the way they served food rapidly to all the demanding orders. Many people got around by boat, or even went to the market to sell their goods directly from their boat.Floating in the canal are numerous wooden boats all weighted down with food and produce and other cooking accessories necessary for a self sufficient boat bobbling eatery Each boat owners proudly specializes in their own specialised
Thai Food.

 I awarded myself with a winning plate of tender lip licking squid(100BHT)The accompanying sauce was on outstanding sauce mean outstanding combination of lime,chilli and garlic that dressed the squid in an exciting flavour
Mama 
Made me simply ummmm:)

My Memories of Egypt

One lazy afternoon while watching tv show about Egypt it reminded me of the museum I visited and made me write some of those remembrances of my visit to Egypt-  

When my daughter came up with one more holiday destination of the Eid holiday to Egypt I simply loved it, because Egypt and  mummification  was an very interesting topic for me right from my school 

days.

Egypt is one of the most populous country in Africa 

and Middle East ,and the most populated place in the 

world;Egypt has one of the longest histories of any modern state.Its monuments, such as the Glaza pyramid complex  and its Great Sphinx,were constructed by its ancient civilization, which was one of the most advanced of its time. 

Exhibits had real mummies and also had close to 4000 artifacts in display. The artifacts tells us that ancient Egyptians worshiped hundreds of Gods and Goddesses, about kings and pharaohs, their lifestyle, mummification, burial practices which tells about their belief in  after life..

I loved my stay especially in Cairo . Cairo it smell beautiful.There is a certain desert and palm tree beauty to the smell of Egypt.Pretty much as simple as that,and the Egyptians themselves are very scent oriented ,it is very big business in Egypt
Shopping in Cairo can be great fun, the tiny shops with goodies including tourist souvenirs of alabaster pyramids and toy camels to traditional crafts of hand-blown glass, jewellery spices handmade leather shoes and traditional perfumes.

King of souks is Khan el-Khalili in Islamic Cairo, a world-famous attraction. 

 Egyptian museum is an excellent introduction about the ancient land. 

 The museum describes the mummification process in detail and also the daily life of ancient Egyptians

 The highlight of all the exhibits was to go into a small dark doorway which led us down to  where there was a display of recreation of a mummy, Myself, having studied history in college, thoroughly enjoyed the Egyptian museum.

Malls are not a huge part of Cairo’s shopping scene, but The First Mall,have over 60 designer boutiques, including brands such as Prada, Dior and Yves St Laurent.

Egyptian cuisine

Egyptian  cuisine  combines many of the best traditions of African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, and is both delicious and healthy.

 Fruit, such as dates and olives, picked from the trees combine with vegetables, meats and fresh fish, aromatic herbs and spices to create colourful and flavoursome dishes.

Typically, a meal will start with soup made from pulses or beans, onions, tomatoes and leafy green vegetables with a large helping of garlic or spices to give them a kick. Soup is served with flatbreads like pitta (flatbread made with fenugreek seeds and maize flour)
 A dish of chicken, lamb or veal that has been slow-roasted with herbs or a fish stew accompanied by couscous or rice may follow.

Two of Egypt’s most popular dishes are-
 ful Medames and koshari. It is made from spaghetti or macaroni, or sometimes rice, which is cooked together with pulses, garlic and tomatoes and topped with fried onions and herbs.

 Falafel, the spicy mashed bean or chickpea and herb patty delicacy that is found throughout the Middle East can be found everywhere and makes makes a tasty snack. Throughout Egypt there are both large hotel restaurants and smaller specialist ones in the main towns.

Cairo  Museum

 If you prefer international cuisine, head to the larger hotels in Cairo and its environs, which boast kitchens serving top-quality dishes. In the centre of Cairo there are cheap ‘fast food’ cafes selling traditional food in simple surroundings.

 Desert is usually pastries filled with figs, dates and nuts, and drenched in honey, or a mahallabiyaa (rice pudding) made with rosewater and sprinkled with spice. Yoghurt and fruit, especially oranges, dates and figs, are often eaten as a dessert too.

MAMA

We had fun in which I treasured it to date..all came home with memories of ancient Egypt and wondering how the country is today....