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

Look Terrific without a trace pf Makeup

Use SPF it can be used day and night

Moisturizing your skin is very important; it keeps your skin soft.

Wear neutral lip color, it goes with everything. A perfect shade is one or two shades darker than your natural lip color        

Apply facial cream to your eye- lids. Be careful; don’t let it get into your eyes.

Buff your nails to look healthy and shinny, no polish required.

Forget the eyeliner. Instead pick up Mascara. Apply two coats for a lush look.

Use berry or bronze shade on cheeks and lips to give a natural effect.

Skip toner unless your skin is excessively oily. Thorough rinse after washing your face.

Regularly pluck your eyebrows to keep them tidy.

Condition your hair well to keep medium hold.

Go with your hair natural texture. Blowing curly hair straight or trying to add wave to straight hair takes too much time. Instead go for a cut, which works with your hair texture.

Always sit or stand with good posture.

Save time and get enough exercise.  Walk rather, than take the elevator.

Look at your figure; decide which point you want to emphasize and which you want to hide.

Don’t forget perfume for final touch.

Be proud of yourself and never criticize yourself.

Smile is a great accessory, always carry it J

You don’t have to be perfect. There is no such ‘word’

What ever your wear, carry it with confidence.

Style is the reflection on your self.

THE COLOR OF LOVE;)) Valentine Day2011

The color Red is the color of life. It represents vibrancy, prosperity, power, glory, happiness and the well being of self and surrounding.

Red increases enthusiasm, encourages action & confidence. It provides a sense of protection from fear & anxiety. It also brings fame.

Red is the Chinese color of   luck and happiness and a symbolic color of love, romance, courage & passion in the West.

In India,  Red has a very special and pious place. A Red bindi is said to bring good luck.

Red is the marriage color of  both Hindus  and  Muslims.

In feng shui, Red is the energy color of arousal. It is hot, passionate, rich with celebratory elements.

Red being the color of love is the also the color of Valentine’s Day.

Valentine day is considered to be the ‘Day of Romance’. It is a very special day for people in love. It is celebrated all around the world. This day gives an opportunity to couples to ignite their lost passion and brings them even more closer. Red is the most visible color on this day, since it represents Love.

Valentines Day tips

The real romance is at home.

·         Food,  flowers  and a special romantic  dinner at home is more cherished than a five course meal.

·         Place a small love note with a magical words, ‘I LOVE YOU ‘ written on it.  Place it near the bed or near dressing table mirror and see the effect J.

·         Flowers have a magical way of saying what words sometimes cannot. Make arrangements for a surprise red rose bouquet.

·         Decorate the house in Red. Use Red balloons, red flowers,  ribbons  and  candles. Use Red heart shaped balloons, the cheapest and cutest one for this occasionJ. Stick them to the ceiling along with a colorful string attached.

·         Treat your partner with a recollection  of scrapbook with cherished  moments.

·         Present a CD of your best   moments spent together.

Mama

The unasked-for gift is most appreciated. 
The surprise gift is most cherished.

PEACE OF MIND

What is peace of mind?  It is a note of inner calmness, when the wishes and worries are at ease. There is no stress, strain nor fear. It is a feeling of inner peace and satisfaction.

This may be experienced while being engaged in some kind of pleasure activities like watching a favorite movie or TV show or while being with someone you love or while reading an interesting book or even when you are on a nice vacation. The mind experiences calmness, thus reducing worries.

How does one bring peace of mind?  Firm your mind to bring the moments of inner peace into our daily life.

Few simple things that can help us:

1. Learn to practice meditation – even few minutes a day will make a lot of difference.
2. Stay away from the negative conversation and all negativities.
3. Don’t hold grudges learn to forget and forgive.
4. Nurturing ill feelings will hurt you and can be the cause of sleeplessness.
5. Don’t be jealous of others,  being jealous means that you have low self esteem.
6. Don’t take everything too personally; try to view your life and other people with a little detachment and less involvement.
7. Learn to be more patient and tolerant with people and events.
8. Think of solutions and not problems.
9. Each day devote some time to reading a few pages on an inspiring book or an inspiring article.
10. Let bygones   be gone forget the past and concentrate on the present moment.

LEARN TO DISCOVER THE REAL YOUJ 




 There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

 There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
By the deep sea,and music in its roar
I love the nature more.

Mama

Hair Care

Beautiful hair never fails to dazzle, but it requires a lot of individual attention and care. What is the secret   formula of alluring hair?

There are so many reasons why hair gets damaged, we perm it, color it, shampoo it very often, blast it with hot air or bake it on the sun. The secret of healthy hair is to take care of your hair.

•  Twice a week warm pure coconut oil or olive oil and apply on the scalp and hair. Then dip a towel in hot water and wrap the hot towel around your head like a turban. Keep it for 20-30 minutes. This will help the hair and scalp to absorb the oil easily.

•   When the hair is oily, cut down on foods such as meat as well as spicy foods. The best treatment for your scalp is to apply Aloe Vera with lemon juice. Apply on your scalp and leave it for an hour. Rinse it n cold water.
• 
  
•   Trimming the hair once in a month has one advantage, it helps to get rid of the split ends and make the hair healthy.

  Hair care is a very personal aspect of personal    hygiene. Our hair and skin are both worth a little extra care.

Some specialist suggests that using the same products for a long time can cause damage to your hair. Changing your shampoo and conditioner is a good idea. Wash your hair in a manner that suits you, your life style and habits.

Expert’s advice you to comb your hair, tangle free before you start washing it.  Gently rub the shampoo into your scalp and along the length of the hair. Wash out the shampoo with tepid water, turning it gradually to cool. It is said that hot water dries the scalp and also opens the pores. This makes it prone to hair fall.

Hair fall is often caused due to dandruff. You need to find out whether you suffering from it. It is important that you start off by checking your diet. Sometimes excess dandruff could cause outbreaks on the face or back. Stress could be another reason.

The use of bad hairbrushes and combs of others can also cause dandruff. Anxieties, loss of sleep, pregnancy, bleaching, and coloring are other reasons.

Tying up your hair in tight ponytail too is not good for the hair and scalp. It also broadens the forehead.

Hair fall is natural, but if it exceeds over hundred strands per day then it is a matter of concern.

The simple treatment is brush your hair daily, giving at least 30-50 stands is needed per day. Giving your hair a good brushing is very important. Being too vigorous with the hair can be damaging. Use bristle brush instead of nylon brush. 

The right way of brushing is starting from the nape of the    neck. Use long flowing gentle strokes for the hair. Regular massage improves the blood circulation.

   If hair texture changes due to poor diet or lack of vitamins,then a rich conditioner that you may need for a shiny, glossy texture is as follows:

     Hair Loss

·         Massage the scalp with warm olive, almond or coconut oil. 

·         This nourishes and promotes healthy, strong hair Gram. flour mixed with yogurt can also be used as a shampoo.  

·         Cools down & gives shine to the hair.

·         Mix an egg yolk with a 1 tbsp. of gram flour ,a cup of yogurt and a spoonful of fenugreek seed that has been soaked overnight and ground to a paste. Massage this paste on your scalp and hair and leave 15-20 minutes. Rinse out the mask with a mild shampoo.

·   This paste is ideal for hair problems like dandruff, hair  falling hair thinning hair and split ends.

    Silky Hair

At home, you could massage the hair with coconut milk mixed with yogurt. Keep this on your hair for at least 30 minutes.

    Damage Hair

·         Do not over do blow dry, curling iron or flat iron. It is best to use them not more than twice a week.

·         And be sure to use any serum to protect your hair against the heat.

·         Be sure to use a moisturizing conditioner to help ensure your hair does   not become too dry.

·         Don’t color your hair extremely different colors too often.

Treatment for damage hair

Mash 6 strawberries and mix the pulp with a tbsp of mayonnaise Massage the  mixture  into clean damp hair. Cover your hair with A and then wash shower cap and wrap a warm towel around .Let it stand for half an hour and then wash off with a shampoo followed by a conditioner.

      Hair Fall

Massage with 2 eggs and 2tbs of lemon juice. Keep it for an hour and shampoo it. After the hair dries, you will see fullness in the hair.  If you wish to oil your hair, use coconut oil with a little lemon juice.

    Good Diet

Diet is the most important aspect of hair care and 

healthy hair growth. Have a small)Have a small bowl of sprouts 

daily and include fresh fruits, salads, leafy vegetable, soybean, yogurt, cottage cheese (paneer), fish and chicken in your diet.

MAMA

Hair is richest ornament of women.

Dosa Platter

A very Happy & Prosperous New Year to you and your dear onesJ

Breakfast, the first meal of the day varies widely in different cultures around the world, but often includes carbohydrates such as cereals or rice, vegetables and protein. Nutrition experts have referred to breakfast as the most important meal of the day. People who skip breakfast are likely to have problem with concentration and weight.

One of the most popular breakfasts worldwide is the Dosa.

DOSAS

(1)  Paneer Butter Masala Dosa

Ingredients for Dosa Batter

·      Rice  1  cup

·      Urad dal ½ cup

·      Chana dal  ¼ cup

·      Methi 1 tsp

·      Salt to taste

·      Butter for frying

Method for Dosa Batter

·      Soak urad dal, methi and rice together for 4-5 hours

·      Grind to a fine paste mix  and keep it overnight

·      The next day add salt

Ingredients for Paneer filling

·      Paneer  cubes  ½ kg

·      Potato  ¼  kg

·      Onion  ½  kg

·      Green chilies 4

·      Garam masala powder 2 tsp

·      Curry leaves 2 stem

·      Red chilies   powder  2 tsp

·      Turmeric   powder  1 tsp

·      Oil 3 tbsp

·      Mustard seed 1tsp

Method for Paneer filling

·      Boil potatoes peel and cut into cubes and rub with salt and chilly powder and set aside.

·      Chop onions into length wise

·      Chop green chilies

·      Take a pan put oil and put mustard seeds  when the mustard seed crackles  add curry leaves  add

·      Chopped green chilies and sauté for a minute

·      Add onions fry till it’s transparent

·      Add potatoes & turmeric powder

·      And  Garam masala powder

·      Lastly add the Paneer cubes  mix well heat for a minute and keep aside

Green Chutney

Ingredients

·      5-6 green chilies

·      A small piece of ginger

·      1 bunch  coriander  leaves

·      ½ tsp jeera

·      1 date

·      ½ lime juice

·      Salt to taste

Method for chutney

·      Grind all these ingredients together and squeeze lemon juice.

Method  for preparing Paneer Butter Masala Dosa

·      Prepare regular dosa, when one side becomes brown and crisp, spread chutney all over.

·      Put 2tbs of Paneer masala filling on half the dosa put butter, fold over and serve hot.

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(2)  Maida Dosa (Instant Dosa)

Ingredients

·      3 cup refined flour

·      3 green chillies

·      1 tsp salt

·      2 tsp spoon grated coconut

·      ½ tsp jeera

·      ½ tsp mustard seed

·      4 tsp ghee

·      1 stem of Curry leaves

·      Oil for frying

Method

·      Sift  flour

·      Mince  green  chilies

·      Take a vessel, put 2 cups of water, salt, coconut, crushed green chillies and flour.  Make a smooth batter into thin pouring consistency

·      Take one small kadai, put ghee for seasoning, mustard seed , jeera and curry leaves

·      When the mustard seed crackle, add to the batter

·      Take a dosa pan spread oil and  prepare  thin dosa

·      Fry till it is done

·      Serve hot with chutney

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(3)  Rava Dosa

Ingredients

·      ½ cup  maida (refined flour)

·      1 cup fine rava (semolina)

·      1 cup rice powder

·      A pinch of  soda bicarbonate

·      ½ tsp mustard seed

·      ½ tsp jeera

·      8-10 green chilies

·      A small bunch of coriander leaves

·      2 stem of curry leaves

·      Ghee

·      Salt to taste

Method

·      Sift   flour and add 1 cup water and soda bi- carbonate

·      Make a fine paste and keep for 5-6 hrs.

·      Add rava and rice powder. Make a paste in about 4 cups of water.

·      Add salt and flour mix.

·      The consistency should be thin batter.

·      Garnish with mustard seed, jeera and curry leaves in ghee.

·      Spread the dosa batter on the dosa pan and fold it.

**********

(4)  Urud Dosa mixed with Maida

Ingredients

·      1 cup  urad  dal

·      2 cups  refined  flour

·      Oil for frying

·      Salt to taste

Method

·      Soak Urad dal in water for 2 hours

·      Remove and wash

·      Grind into a fine paste, beat in hand and keep it overnight

·      On the next day Sift flour  and add to this batter

·      Add salt to taste

·      You can fry it either thin or thick

·      Serve hot with chutney

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(5)  Urud Dosa mixed with Moong Dal (Instant Dosa)

 Ingredients

·      1cup  urad  dal

·      1 cup  Moong dal

·      4 green chillies

·      A small piece of ginger

·      Salt to taste

·      Oil for frying

Method

·      Soak the urad and gram dal together for 2-3 hours.

·      Wash and drain and grind into a fine paste

·      Add crushed green chilly and ginger and mix well

·      Add salt to the batter

·      Fry it in a dosa pan

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(6)  Moong Dal Dosa

Ingredients

·      2 cups Moong dal

·      5 green chili

·      4 small onions

·      1 bunch coriander leaves

·      Salt to taste

Method

·      Soak dal for 2 hours and grind into a fine paste.

·      Add green chilly while grinding

·      Chop onion  (slightly fry in a little oil) and mince coriander leaves and add to the batter

·      Prepare an instant dosa serve with ginger chutney

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(7)  Dosa with Jeera Flouring (Pejje Polo)

Ingredients

·      1 cup Urad dal

·      2 cup raw rice

·      tsp  jeera

·      Salt to taste

·      Oil for frying

Method

·      Soak rice and Urad dal for 2 hours

·      Grind into a fine paste

·      When it is nearly done, add jeera

·      Keep it over night

·      While preparing dosa add salt to taste

·      Fry both sides

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(8)  Uttapa

Ingredients

·      1 cup Urad  dal

·      2 cups raw rice

·      4 green chilies

·      3 onions

·      A small piece ginger

·      A small bunch coriander leaves

Method

·      Soak rice and urad dal  separately  for about 2-3 hours.

·      At first, grind Urud dal and the rice alternatively

·      Mix the mixture,  add salt and keep it over night

·      The next day chop onions, mince green chilly, ginger and the coriander leaves mix together and keep aside

·      Heat a dosa pan pour the batter and sprinkle with onion mix cover the lid for sometime till it is done

·      Serve hot with tomato chutney

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FEW IMPORTANT TIPS FOR DOSA BATTER PREPARATION

·      Add 2tbs of left over rice while grinding to make the dosa very fluffy and soft.

·      It is always better to avoid adding salt to the dough over night, so the dough can be used for 2days more if you refrigerator it.

·      In the cold places the dosa mix can be kept inside the oven or microwave, before doing that slightly warm the Oven and place it overnight.

·      if the batter becomes thin add 2tbs of maida

·      Chana dal (gram dal) makes the dosa very crisp.

Enjoy,

Mama