ETIQUETTE ON DINNING

Good table manners are essential as they ensure that both the guests as well as the hosts are comfortable at the table. Displaying good table manners shows a respect for your fellow dinners.

Setting up of a Menu prior to the dinner, taking into consideration the likes & dislikes of the Guests, is essential for the hosts to consider at the planning stage.

Basic rules:

Ø  Sit up straight and keep your elbows off the table, however, it is permissible to rest your wrist on the edge, between the courses.

Ø  As soon as you are seated, place your dinner napkin on your lap. At the end of the meal, place your soiled napkin next to your plate neatly.

Ø  Meals that are served on the platter should be passed on from the right hand side.

Ø  Never eat with your mouth open or try to talk with the food in your mouth.

Ø  Take a small bite so that you can swallow your food easily and maintain a pleasant dinner conversation.

Ø  If the soup is served, dip your spoon into the bowl and then eat it, don’t slurp loudly! 

Ø  If the bread is served as a loaf, tear it with hands, into a small size.

Ø  When eating a salad, be sure to cut the lettuce and other vegetables into a comfortable bite size serving.
Ø  Very few food items should be eaten by with your fingers, e.g.: Indian breads. (If you have doubts, follow the lead or the guests.)

Ø  Never take food from your neighbor’s plate.

Ø  Don’t reach over someone’s plate for something; ask for the item to be passed.

Ø  Never lick or put your knife into your mouth.

Ø  Always say thank you when you are served something, it shows appreciation.

Ø  When you have finished eating, and let others know that you have by placing the knife and fork together with the pongs on the fork facing upwards on your plate.
Ø  It is considered polite to take along a small gift to your host: Flowers, chocolates or Champaign are always appreciated.

Setting up of Dinner Table:

For a proper table setting, the cutlery should be placed around the table.

Bread butter with butter knife (top left of dinner plate).

      Water glass, Wine glass, Liquor glass (top right of dinner plate).

      Both the forks are to be placed left of the plate (Salad fork and dinner fork).

      The dinner knife is placed on the right side.

      Dinner plate with soup bowl on it.

      Dessert spoon  on the top side of the plate. 

      Spoons should be placed to the right side of the knife.

Napkin placement depends on your preference and there are many folding       variations. Fold napkin and set to the left of the fork or place it on the plate.

For setting of a dinner table, expensive tableware is not need. Proper arrangements and creativity is the key to a pretty table setting.

v  Determine how many people will be attending.

v  Cover the table with a table cloth and set placemats in front of each plate. 

v  Each piece of the dinner plate should be placed one or two inches at the bottom of table edge.

v  Place glassware at each place setting depending on the beverages you will be serving

v  Place salt and pepper within the reach of several guests

v  Set flowers on the centre of the table and candles if desired.

“A guest never forgets the host who had treated him kindly.”

Mama 

COOL DOWN YOUR BODY FOR SUMMER

It is summer again and it’s time for cotton clothes, cool drinks and chilled food to make an appearance everywhere. You can reduce the effects of the heat by including in your diet, plenty of greens, leafy vegetables, fruits, sprouts, fresh fruit juice. A tall glass of butter milk or chilled lassi or fresh lemon juice is ideal.

 Melons can be very refreshing in the hot summer months and can make a great summer diet. 

Make a banana, musk melon milk shake and enjoy them.

Eat cucumber, spinach, mint, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables regularly -these have plenty of water.

Avoid foods that increase your thirst and weight. Excessive body weight can be more uncomfortable in summer, try to avoid high fat foods fried food, meat and junk food.

Have the herbal tea with mint leaves added to it, to keep cool in summer.

The juice of dry grapes (soaked overnight), tossed with cucumber must be taken along with the water.

Milk is cooling and it supplies nutrients to your skin and helps to keep out from drying. Drink a cup of milk everyday.

Tomatoes and bell peppers of all colors deliver large amounts of vitamins A and C. A medium tomato, for example, is low in carbohydrates and has only has 35 calories but gives you 40% of the vitamin C and 20% of the vitamin A you need for the day.

Tomatoes have other benefits, too. "Consuming a diet rich in tomatoes has been shown to decrease the risk of prostate and other digestive tract cancer.

Berries in general are convenient to eat, tasty, and easily eaten by themselves or mixed with yogurt for smoothies.

Yogurt can even help you slim down, three servings of dairy a day can help promote weight loss.

Flavored, plain, or low fat, you can eat yogurt as a snack or as the protein source at a meal. Yogurts make a great dip for fruits and vegetables and a delicious dessert topping instead of ice cream.

 For the best of smart and tasty eating, combine low-fat yogurt and fresh berries for a summer smoothie.

Keep your skin nourished with an herbal moisturizer, look for ayurvedic based skin friendly herbs such as sandalwood, brahmi, turmeric, Aloe-Vera and amla. (Gooseberry).

Refreshing chilled home made drinks to go with hot summer:

·         Raw mango juice (panna)

Make the raw mango juice by first boiling the mango and then mixing the pulp,

water and adding a pinch of salt, jaggery and sprinkle roasted and powdered  

Cumin seed.

·         Thandai-

1 lt. milk, 2-cups of water,  sugar to taste,  aniseed ½ tsp,   8-10 almonds  10 Pepper corns, few  strands of saffron, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds 1tbs. water melon seeds & 1/4 cup fresh rose petals.

Method: Soak aniseed, water melon seed, rose petals, almond, poppy seed in 2 cups of water. Boil the milk and let it cool. Make a smooth paste of the soaked ingredients by grinding them in water. Pour the remaining water in this paste and strain through a strainer or muslin cloth.

Add sugar, pepper corns (slightly broken), powdered cardamom, few strands of saffron soaked ½ cup milk.  Now mix it with the remaining milk and keep it in the fridge for sometime, before the serving.

Tips for dressing:

Always go for cotton wears, this extra special effort will help you to be more comfortable and gives a stylish look. A pair of white shorts, with bright colored kurtis that spell c-o-o-l.   

You can always wear a soft blazer over a flowery printed frock for a more comfortable look. A pair of shorts, loose pants, mix in a bold pattern, will set for the fashion game.  A great printed dress, with a legging, is excellent for cooler evenings.

A cute polka dotted tops, striped pocketed shorts for summer and this will help you to standout. These outfits will give you a feel of freshness too.

Go for plain softer shades.  However, orange is the more stylish color and a cooler shade for the evening wear.

JEWELERY:

Costume jewelry is best during summer, as it is the simplest way to dress up with the basic outfit. Stock up on colorful pieces that can be used to dress up with your basic clothes.

SHOES:

A great pair of high heels can be worn with dark denim, a dress or a skirt or shorts to add instant glamour.

Buy a new polish for your toes, toenails can be painted much bolder & cooler than you usually put on your finger nails.

Few tips for summer:

Splash water on your skin, use a body scrub and hit the shower. It is very important to exfoliate your skin, once a week of skin care, will give year-round beautiful skin.

Pat & dry your skin instead of rubbing with towel.

Use cleanser, then the toner and a rub a piece of ice on your face. It helps close the pores and tightens the skin.

At least once a week, treat yourself to a fruit or vegetable face mask, appropriate to your skin type.

Avoid caffeine and hard drinks. Drink lots of water, to avoid dehydration due to sweating.

Keep your bedroom dark, cool and comfortable and 

sleep on cotton or linen sheets.

HAIR CARE:

 Exposure to sun can be just as damaging, like super hot blow dry of hair. When you find yourself out in the sun the beach or the pool-side, reach for a hat to cover your delicate strands. Take care of your hair during summer.

Drink plenty of fluids during summer months, as hair needs more moisture. Limit the use of hair chemicals, such as hair color & bleach, as much as possible. Hair needs to be treated more gently during the summer. Switching to a more gentle shampoo is essential.

FACE PACK

Blend equal quantities of sandalwood powder, rose petal powder, oats powder and mix with milk. Apply on your face and leave it for half an hour, before wash.

For dry skin, mixed with ½ tsp. honey and for oily skin -1/2 tsp. lime juice should be added.

Apply the pulp of any fruit on the face. These fresh fruit pack, is good for removal of dead cells and stimulates the blood circulation. This helps to give a glow to your skin and removes the sun tan.

Applying yogurt on your face as well as your arms and legs, will soften the skin, as it works as a cooling agent.

Dab fresh milk on your face with cotton balls, this works wonder for your sun burns.

Sandal wood Pack: 

Prepare chandan (sandal wood) paste by adding some rosewater. Apply this paste on your face. Keep it overnight and then wash it off with cold water the next day. It has a cooling effect.

Multani Mud Pack

Take a spoonful of finely ground multani mud, a spoonful of rose water or cleansing-milk and prepare a thick paste. Apply a thick coat all over the face. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off with tap water.

Mint Pack: 

Apply a paste of freshly ground green mint all over the face. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off. This pack will absorb the internal heat of the skin.

Cucumber Pack:

Mix together some cucumber juice or ground cucumber with milk and apply on face. Cucumber is a natural astrigent that tightens the pores of the skin.Wash it off after 15minutes.

MAMA

I'm trying to read a book on how to relax, but I keep 

falling asleep:)

Reiki is my passion & basic need

Reiki is a natural, simple, safe and an effective healing system by using universal energy. The uses of Reiki are endless; not only to help oneself but also it has the ability to heal others. Some of the other benefits are stress reduction, relaxation, improves and maintains health, strengthens the immune system; it aids meditation and positive thinking. Reiki also works on plants and animals too.

To me Reiki is a gift I received in 2001. I don’t know how I might have ended without it, but ever since then many things have changed in my life. The practice of Reiki has made my living more meaningful. I feel the energy flow through my hands and I also sense the intensity depending on the situation.

Reiki also works for the dead or departed souls. Reiki is a wonderful way to discover many things to reach higher levels. The more you practice the more energy flows though your hands.

Respect the gift once you have been attuned by a Reiki master. If you feel the energy working within you and have benefited from it; pass it on as a gift to others. More the people working on the healing energy a better place will this society be. Reiki not only heals but also bonds with people.  Reiki is very simple and easy to learn. Reiki is not a religion.

Reiki is increasingly offered in hospital and private practice settings, applied to a variety of illnesses and conditions. Those who receive such treatments report relief of symptoms from numerous health challenges, including mental health issues. Research shows that reiki primarily helps in the reduction of stress,anxiety and Depression,  as well as relief of chronic pain —Reili also offer you a Distant healing from the Reiki Masters to healer who wish to strengthen their abilities and confidence.

BENEFITS

Reiki can enhance every area of your life. Self-healing on a daily basis helps one to be vibrant physically and mentally. Some other benefits are as follows:

·         Cures headaches especially acute migraines

·         Creates deep relaxation and releases stress.

·         Aids better sleep

·         Reduces blood pressure

·         Removes fear of exams/interviews

·         Helps the body to recover from drug therapy after surgery and chemotherapy.

·         Increases the vitality and postpones the ageing process

·         Cures injuries and chronic problems like asthma.

·         Removes energy blockages at homes/work places.

·         supports pregnancy and painless childbirth

I personally recommend all to learn Reiki. As it has benefited me and I want you to experience the same.

Feel more connected within and in tune with others - PEACE YO ALL! 

MAMA

We cherish your memory, Dearest Viju

Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.
7th April 2011

There is no word to describe the utter grief that I am feeling right now, as I cannot possibly imagine the shock   and sorrow that has been thrust on us. I will remember fondly the memories you and I shared together. 

It feels like a little unfair a life has ended with so much living left to do. May God bless your soul. We will always love you.

Grooming not just for women anymore!

Self confidence is one of the biggest impacts for a man.  A man who has large amount of self confidence   will go far in both of his personal and professional life. Along with self confidence comes motivation.  When he feels good about himself, he feels motivated to succeed in life. He feels better mentally, physically and emotionally, so it is important for men to feel good about themselves.

Whenever we talk about beauty care tips we focus on women mostly. But men’s grooming is as important as it is for women. They also love their appearance and want to improve it, by removing the flaws to enhance their look.

SKIN CARE

For men skin care is mere a after thought; beyond   the world of shaving their faces, it is rare for a man to devote time to his skin. Additionally as we age our skin loses its elasticity thus we develop wrinkles   and fine lines, for these reasons alone proper skin care is important.

·         Use a face scrub once in a week which removes the dead skin cells, whiteheads and blackheads. Follow it up with a home- made face pack or with readymade packs.

·         Don’t hesitate to get a facial done occasionally in the beauty saloon or at home.

·         To protect the skin from   wrinkles and skin damage always use a sun block.

·         Quit smoking and see how you automatically retain your healthy glow.

·         Eyes always give away your true age or the fact that you were out last night or working a report. Use any specialist eye-cream to get rid of puffiness or wrinkles.

·         Wear sunglass outside; the sun damages eyes and protects the eyes from dust.

EYEBROW CARE

Eyebrows help shape your eyes and character.

·         Don’t be reluctant to trim your eyebrows it is important to keep them trimmed and well groomed

·         Never shave your eyebrows for quick fix you will regret it latter.

·         Shaping and plucking eyebrows requires knowledge and experience. Make an appointment at your local   saloon to get the eyebrows done regularly.

HAIR CARE

·         Men have it easy with hair care. All you need to do is wash, nourish, condition and dry.

·         You can look even better by giving little extra attention to your facial hair and hair style.
·    Do not wash your hair with warm or hot water always us luke warm or cool water. Avoid   towel   drying   or blow drying your hair which will can lead to considerable   hair loss  and ultimately baldness.   

·         Allow your hair to naturally air dry and do not brush wet hair.

·         To tackle grey hairs get a hair color to match your skin tone.

·         Trim your armpits hair in hot weather less the hair lesser the bacteria and lesser the smell think about it….

HAND CARE

·         Having tidy nails will impress your date better and let you run your fingers over her flawless skin.

·         Pay attention to your hands and   feet; you can scrub your feet on a regular basis. Manicured nails and toes contribute to a good hygiene and grooming habits. Make time to clip and file your nails at home.

·         Foot odor is common among many men. Scrub your feet daily and allow them to dry completely. Insert a pair of Odor-Eaters Insoles inside your shoes, which will absorb wetness and odor.

GENERAL TIPS

1.          Stay away from the beige color shirts it is a bad color for shirts, rarely good color for some.
2.         In hot weather use light colored cotton shirts and socks, this will absorb less heat and sweat stain will be less visible.
3.         Wear a dress with proper ironing.
4.        Everyone notices a killer smile so make sure a good dental hygiene which means a dazzling smile.
5.        The Eyes are the windows. Use eye drops to whiten the eyes for fresher and younger look.
6.         Your belt and shoe color should match and so should your trouser and socks.
7.         Apply cologne before getting dressed to avoid any direct stains.
8.        It is best to stay away from the horizontal lined shits or t-shirts, unless you are tall and lean. Horizontal lines can make you appear short and heavier. Solid colors make you slim.
9.           French blue, which is a medium rich blue  is  a flattering color for  most  skin tones.
10.            Wear clothes that fit you, keep short sleeves for casual and evening wear.            

1.     Eat a healthy balanced diet and get some regular exercise. Never skip breakfast. Keep your intake of coffee and fast food to a minimum. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only you feel better and have more energy   but it will  improve  the look of your skin and hair.

Man you need to maintain!

BABY SHOWER

Traditionally, baby showers were given only for the family's first 

child, and only women were invited.

Baby shower is an interesting ceremony which is performed all over the country. It means FILL THE LAP with abundance. In G.S.B community it is known as SEEMANTHA and in Hindi Godh barayi.

When a pregnant women is completed her  6 months ,the baby is assumed to be in a safe phase, so the celebration is before completing of 7months to welcome a little one to the family and literally mother-to be’s  lap  filled with gifts , jewelry , flowers ,fruits and sweets to bless her with abundant  joys of motherhood.

This ceremony at first held in her husband’s house and once again celebrated in her parental house. Friends will throw a surprise party to expected mothers it is just to pamper a mother-to –be!

The expectant women is dressed like a complete bride with jewelery. Mostly the expectant mother uses green color. Green is the color of fresh energy and new beginning, nourishing to our health, it calms your nerves and balances your whole body. The color green also symbolizes hope, renewal and peace.

The ceremony:

The expectant mother is asked to sit on a sofa/chair and her pallu is placed on her godh. Now starts the godh barai ceremony. All the women attending the ceremony, apply teeka on her forehead and make her wear green bangles and feed her sweets and place gifts.  The mother of the expectant mother will give gifts to her daughter and her son-in –law and her blessings and will make an arathi along with some elderly women of the house and in order to shower blessings to her daughter.

Latter the expectant mother thanks all elders by touching   their feet. Lastly they celebrate the impending arrival of the child by singing and dancing.

While the rituals followed various parts of the country, it may differ but the essence remains same-“welcoming a new member in the family and honoring and pampering the mother-to-be.

Modern days

Since it is an exclusive women’s ceremony; Baby shower is also a marked with fair amount of teasing and fun. It may include some game such as guessing the gender of the baby by the size and shape of the pregnant women’s belly. It is also includes dressing like a like pregnant lady, games related to the baby etc.

The mother-to-be is offered with gifts of a newborn. It is a wonderful way for the family and friends to celebrate together an arrival of a new member.

Few Helpful Tips

·         It is important to select sari or lahenga  or salwar suits  for the occasion according to the weather and comfort of the pregnant women.

·         It is good idea to get adequate rest before the ceremony as it may be hectic and tiresome.

·         It may be great idea to hire women to create   mehendi designs on the hands of your guests.

·         Decoration of the room brings in the festive mood for the occasion.

·         An Invitation card is a great idea, gives a warm feeling to the occasion.

·         You may want to keep small tokens of appreciations ready for each  guests such as haldi  kumkum boxes or anyother small take away gifts.

·         Pretty green colored bangles.

MAMA

Blessings and good luck to mama’s- to- be. 

TODAY’S WORKING MOM

Today’s over schedule mother has to juggle with children, house work, marriage and career. Balancing a career with a happy life may take planning and fore thought .Women that make an effort   to put together this; make their own success strategy and prove that really have it all.

No matter how good or bad the strategy may be. Working mom’s tend to have less time for themselves. But self-time is very essential to keep you balanced and calm both at work and at home. 

So here are a few tips for the “balancing act” to be a little easier.

·         Use a planner

Rough mental notes can be blended with today’s world by using your phone or IPod Even a small paper pocket calendar is easy for you to enter or to retrieve information or to receive reminders; Ironically writing things down actually helps your brain to remember better.

Examples:

1.       When you have some family plans after work, do your best to keep them.

2.       Plan weekends and holidays, and enjoy every minute of it.

3.       At home make sure you give every family member the attention and love they need and deserve.

4.       Find something you can do together like swimming, cycling, dancing and other activities so that the whole fly will enjoy.

       Daily to do list

 A daily “to do” list is a simple tool but it saves you from wasting time or worrying about that you may have forgotten something.

         Kitchen planning

1.       Set a daily menu this will help you to plan your day in the kitchen by giving extra attention for all at home at the same time.

2.       Plan children’s lunch box with some variety.  And by keeping the “nutrition factor” in mind.

3.       Don’t try to clean up all at once all by yourself try using some of your own tactics in getting your family involved.

         Time planning

1.       Take time to think about your habits and try to analyze which habits are really consuming so much of your time; what bothers you the most. So that it may be the first thing to work on or drop.

2.       Plan your children’s study time

3.       Setting time for your child from watching TV or using the computer is vital. 

·         Organize your space

Make space for your relaxing time or self time.  If you want to listen to music, reading, exercise, net surfing etc set up your time this will help you to more balanced.

General guidelines

·         Write down your feelings of fear and all things you are going through; sometimes it gets the feeling out without blowing up at another person.

·         Find a good friend someone you can trust and talk with.

·         Assign everyone a chore, It will take sometime to enforce their duty but in the long run it will work.

·         Take care of yourself, taking time for exercise, hobbies or even bit of pampering can help to you to recharge and energize extensively.

·         Accept   and admit you aren’t super women, if something doesn’t get done the world will not stop revolving. But remember you will always be a super mom to your kids.

Very often women feel tired and alone. They feel isolated and defeated and wonder if there is any relief from all this juggling.  Fortunately or unfortunately those same children will grow up and become independent very soon. Life is all yours once again peaceful and calm and you may sometimes then miss these chaotic times.

Working moms may sometimes feel guilty of not spending time with their children or not seeing them grow.  Firstly remove the guilt completely out of your system. Because the good news is that kids do benefit in many ways their early exposure to social situation. A working mother is also a different kind of role model for a child. Working moms should take some time to play with their children in order to build lasting bonds. When kids look back on their childhood, they should remember plenty of fun times. So be flexible and go along the joy ride with prayer and strength.

mama

Happy juggling! :D