6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day special for your Mom

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” - Abraham Lincoln

  

The world has always sung praises of a mother’s love and it’s also obvious in the fact that the celebration of Mother’s Day is a much bigger event than say Father’s Day or Brother’s Day. But in a world where everyone is busy with their smart phones and such, one wonders if this day is turning out to be a clichéd commercial event, devoid of real feeling.

When we grow up and start our own lives and careers, we think of ourselves as grownups, but the fact is that for our Moms, we’ll always be their little babies!! If you’ve been feeling guilty about not appreciating your Mom or spending enough time with her, then this Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remedy that! Here are 10 ways to make Mother’s Day truly special for your Mom. After all, that smile on her face is what you want to see!

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1. No-chores Day

There are few things mothers appreciate more than a day to just relax and not have to cook or clean! Ensure a day where she doesn’t have to do anything, not even make a cup of tea! Enlist the help of your Dad and siblings along with your maid and make sure the house is spick and span and all the chores are taken care of. Let her put her feet up and relax thoroughly!

2. Shopping Trip

Who doesn’t love shopping!! Take your Mom and sisters or sisters-in-law for a fun day at the mall or exclusive boutiques, if that’s your Mom’s style. Get her a new wardrobe complete with accessories and shoes. Don’t make it too tiring though, and include plenty of time for rest and refreshment.

3. Sightseeing Tour

Take your Mom along for a day trip near your city, or to a place you lived in as a child. Walk through town and look at how the buildings have changed. Depending upon your Mom’s interests, you can also visit a beach, museum or even a fair. Be sure to take along water, snacks and schedule frequent rest stops.

4. Favorite TV Show Reruns

This is perfect if your Mom is more of a homebody. Get DVDs of her favorite TV show and spend the day binge watching them. Get her favorite snacks and beverages ready in advance, and hire the maid to do all the housework, so she can focus on enjoying. To make it nostalgic, get your siblings and watch a show your family enjoyed when you were kids.

5. Spa Day

There is not going to be any Mom who’ll say no to day of pampering! Book a spa day for the two of you, and get the whole package – facial, manicure, pedicure, massage – the works. You’ll both emerge feeling fresh and happy – a great way to get rid of accumulated daily stress! You might have to book in advance, so call and find out.

6. Family Party

If your siblings are scattered around and don’t meet up often, why not do it now! Arrange for a surprise party at your Mom’s place and turn up with all her kids and grandkids. She’ll be sure to have a blast!! Alternately, one of you take her out for some time, while the others can quickly decorate the place and get it ready by the time you’re back. Be sure to take lots and lots of pictures!!

As you see, you don’t need to be a millionaire to make your Mom happy! Just a few well thought out gestures and some advance planning can go a long way in delighting her and creating beautiful new memories for the whole family. You know that she’s worth all it and more and her happiness means the world to you! As Honore de Balzac says,

“A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories”

Top 6 Indian Cookbook Authors

“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.” - Julia Child

It’s probably very surprising that the famous chef Julia Child started cooking only at the age of 32!! Just goes on to show that you don’t need to start training at the age of ten! Lots of young people these days start learning to cook only when they’re out of the confines of their homes and are left to fend for themselves. And in such instances, one always prefers to go to the experts for guidance!

Indians generally prefer simpler flavors, made with fresh and authentic ingredients. Yet, cooking in India has seen a new surge of popularity, in no small measure due to the MasterChef series. Fusion dishes are emerging as the world gets smaller and young chefs are making their mark. We’ve decided to put the spotlight on some of these chefs and since today is World Book Day, we’re going to focus on the top 6 Indian cook book authors. Read on to see if you can spot your favorite!

1. Tarla Dalal 

 

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It is unlikely that there is a home in urban India that doesn’t have a Tarla Dalal cookbook! After selling over 3 million books, Tarla Dalal has become an icon of sorts, especially for vegetarian Indian cooking. Though she died in 2013, her legacy continues through her website, books and magazine, and is still the first spot for Indian recipes.

2. Sanjeev Kapoor

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Sanjeev Kapoor is the man who brought the treasure of good cuisine into our living rooms, through a show that is considered the longest running of its kind in Asia! He has a huge number of accomplishments to his name, including restaurants across the world, a TV channel and a huge number of books in various languages.

3. Nita Mehta

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After Tarla Dalal and Sanjeev Kapoor, the next name that comes to mind when one thinks of Indian cooking is Nita Mehta, who’s published a whopping 400 books on food! She has won awards and is a regular on TV shows, going on to open a culinary academy and publishing house, all by herself!

4. Vikas Khanna 

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Vikas Khanna is probably the person who made cooking look attractive, both in India and abroad! With a pleasing personality, he is a favorite on international TV and is also known for his humanitarian efforts. A Michelin starred chef, Vikas Khanna has a number of books to his credit, including ones for kids!

5. Madhur Jaffrey 

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There aren’t too many people who can have two careers, both equally successful. Yet, Madhur Jaffrey is one such incredible person! A successful actress, she is also a noted culinary expert with several award winning books on Indian cooking under her belt. She started out as a person who nearly failed cooking at school to be known as an ‘actress who could cook’ to receiving an Order of the British Empire for her culinary contributions!

6. Thangam Philip 

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International chefs usually create wonders with the raw materials on hand, but not all of them think about their hungry brothers and sisters around the world. Thangam Philip is one such person, who was faced with the challenge of creating alternate menus for the Annapurna cafeteria chain in Delhi during the famines of 1950. She has written a number of books on food, and one of them is even a prescribed textbook for hotel management institutes in India.

The lives of these famous chefs are nothing short of inspirational, having overcome many challenges to reach the heights of their careers. So this World Book Day, pick up one of their books and browse through some traditional Indian deliciousness!!

7 Healthy Breakfast Options for the Busy Individual

7^th April is observed as World Health Day, and the focus this year is on safe food. Safety of food can be of two kinds – one is keeping food safe from contamination and germs, through proper cooking and preservation, while the other is regarding minimizing synthetic modification of food from its natural source.

As the world gets smaller and people busier, time has become a valuable commodity, and the first casualty of a time crunch is usually a person’s health, which is actually his true wealth! This lack of time has resulted in a slew of ‘ready to eat’ or ‘instant’ foods, which are laden with preservatives.

For most people, the busiest time of the day is the morning before they set out for work or school, and hence breakfast is the meal that suffers the most. Ironically, it is also the most important meal of the day! This explains the large range of instant breakfasts available today, which aren’t necessarily in tune with what our bodies need. So, this World Health Day, let’s try and improve our breakfast habits with quick, yet nutritious breakfast options, made with authentic, safe and unadulterated ingredients.

1.    Banana Walnut Oatmeal

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• 1 banana sliced
• ¼ cup oats
• Milk
• Sweetener of choice
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp chopped dates

Cook oats according to package instructions. Add milk and sweetener as required. Stir in the banana, dates and walnuts. The oats and walnuts will keep you full, and the banana will give you energy for the day.

2.    Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

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• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup milk
• Sweetener of choice
• ½ tsp cinnamon

This one’s for a really busy day! Blend all the ingredients together and pour into a tall glass. Freeze the banana for a ‘slushier’ effect. Peanut butter has healthy fats and cinnamon gives the smoothie an extra zing; top with pieces of chopped chocolate for a treat!

   

3. Masala Scrambled Eggs

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• 2 eggs
•  ¼ onion, chopped
•  ½ cup chopped vegetables – capsicum, mushrooms, spinach
• Pinch of black pepper
• Salt to taste

Sauté the vegetables in a frying pan and beat the eggs in a bowl. Pour the egg mix on the vegetables and keep stir frying till completely scrambled and cooked. Add seasoning. Serve with toast or in a chapathi like a roll. This is a good filling breakfast that’ll keep you running till lunchtime!

4.    Cheese and Vegetable Grilled Sandwich

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• 2 slices of whole wheat bread
• ¼ cup grated low fat cheese
• Sliced cucumber and tomato
• 4-6 Black peppercorns, crushed
• Pinch of oregano

Scatter half the cheese over one slice of bread and arrange the vegetable slices on top. Sprinkle the oregano and pepper, top with remaining cheese followed by bread and grill. Serve right away with tomato ketchup. A delicious breakfast that’s also a hit with the kids!

5.    Fruit Yogurt

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• 1 cup low fat yogurt
• ½ cup chopped soft fruit – mango, peach, banana
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted
• Honey

Take a tall glass and layer half the yogurt on the bottom. Top with half the fruit and 1 tbsp almonds. Repeat all the three layers again, drizzle some honey and serve with a long handled spoon. A perfect breakfast for summers, this is almost a dessert! The soft fruit goes great with the crunch of the almonds.

6.    Nut and Vegetable Upma

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• ½ cup dry roasted semolina
• ¼ onion, chopped
• ¼ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ cup chopped vegetables – carrots, beans, peas
•  2 tbsp halved cashew nuts
• 1 tsp ghee

Temper mustard seeds in ghee, and sauté the onions and cashew nuts followed by the vegetables. Pour 1 cup water with salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and cook for a few minutes till all the water has been absorbed. Serve with tomato sauce or chutney. The cashew nuts add a nice crunch and contribute to the satiety of the meal.

7.    Whole wheat Banana Pancakes

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• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 130 ml milk
•  ½ cup mashed banana

Mix all the dry ingredients, make a hole in the center and break the egg in it. Add the banana and slowly pour the milk and whisk to form a smooth batter. Pour a ladleful of batter on a griddle and cook on a low flame till bubbles appear. Flip and cook on the other side. Serve pancakes stacked with honey or maple syrup drizzled over. This is a quick breakfast for weekdays and a favorite with the kids!

With so many quick and easy options like these, there aren’t any more excuses for not having a nutritious breakfast in the mornings! Just be sure to use the very best ingredients for food – your health and your taste buds will thank you!

Which of these options did you like the most? Have you tried any of them before?

5 Offbeat Summer Destinations in India

With the sun shining in its full glory now, it’s about time to find solace in the green and cool pastures. Yes, we are talking about taking a relaxing vacation to escape the sizzling days of the season. If you are weary of holidaying at the run of the mill hill stations year after year, we recommend visiting the following offbeat yet serene destinations this time around.

Khajjiar

Khajjiar, often referred to as the mini Switzerland of India, is one of the best places to visit during the summer season. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is known for its beautiful range of hills, mesmerizing meadows and serene lakes. Another reason for recommending this place is that you won’t see a maddening crowd of tourists here, as is the case with popular hill stations. You can even experience here adrenaline rush sports such as horse riding and paragliding. You may also trek along the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road to breath in fresh air and experience a visual delight. Khajjiar lake, Khajjinag temple and Dauladhar mountains are the main attractions for site seeing in Khajjiar.

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Tirthan Valley

Another beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and fresh aromatic air. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, this is a great place to spend some quality time with your family and friends. No, it is not just a place for the peace lovers, but would also excite the adventure freaks with activities such as trout fishing and trekking. The best time to visit the place is between March and June especially if you are aiming to go trout fishing in the Tirthan river.

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Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, located in the Nanital district, is another unusual destination that offers a great respite from the summer heat as well as the chaotic city life. Naukuchiatal encompasses a splendid nine-cornered lake that stretches for about 1 kilometer. All sorts of boating options are available here. The valley that surrounds the lake is equally magnificent. The Brahma Temple located here also attracts several tourists.

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Kalimpong

A lesser unexplored hill station, Kalimpong is located in the state of West Bengal. The place is home to several Tibetan monasteries and churches. If you have a heart for the Indian handicrafts then you will get ample stuff to shop here. When you are there, do include Kali Mandir, Mangal Dham Temple, MacFarlane Memorial Church, St. Theresa Church, Tharpa Choling Monastery and Relli River in your itinerary.

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Tawang

If you are looking for a destination in the eastern side of the country, Tawang in Arunchal Pradesh, could be a superb option. As it lies close to the Tibetan and Bhutanese border, it is surrounded by peaks that offer a picturesque view.  The place boasts of a rich and vibrant culture and you can feel a positive energy all around. Did you know that Tawang Monastery dates back to the 17^th century and is the world’s biggest monastery? The major attraction at this monastery is an eight meter high statue of Lord Buddha. The Urgelling, Taktsang Gompas and Khinme monasteries and Sangester Tso lake are some of the other site seeing places here.

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Have you visited any other offbeat or an unusual destination in India?

5 Quick Munchies to Host a Cricket Tea Party at Home

With the cricket world cup going on, millions of cricket fans around the world are watching one of the most religiously followed and loved sporting events. In our cricket-crazy nation, watching a cricket match is like a ceremony in itself. With the Indian team winning four consecutive matches, the excitement has reached fever pitch. It’s only natural that we all are waiting with bated breath to watch our team making it to the finals.

With all this cricket fervour around, how about inviting your friends over for a cricket tea party? Fun, excitement, food and cricket – you couldn’t ask for a more perfect setting to spend time with your friends. To make your party easy peasy, we have rounded up 5 delectable munchies to treat your friends, without spending much time in the preparations.

Tea & Snack Pack

Watching a thrilling cricket match, sipping a cup of tea with your friends really sets the mood for the game. Keep a tea and snack combo pack handy in your kitchen cabinet. The  aromatic whiff of the tea, coupled with ready to eat snacks such as bakarwadi, mathri or brownie would add more cheer to your get together.

Dry Bhel

Bhelpuri or Jhalmuri, whatever you call it, is one of the yummiest, yet healthy and filling Indian snacks. To add that spicy, tangy zing to your food party, dry bhel is all you need to serve instant bhelpuri. Just throw in some diced tomatoes, diced onions and your favourite chutney to this dry bhel mixture. Garnish it with pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves. Viola, you are ready to spice up the cricket match!

Chakli

Also known as Murukku, chakli is loved by all for its sesamy taste. Raise a toast to these crispy chaklis and a cup of tea, every time the Indian team hits a four or sixer or takes a wicket.

Kukure

Kurkure can be a nice snack too, preferred by all age groups. The crunchy texture and finger-licking taste makes it a perfect munching snack to keep the cricket momentum rising. If simple kurkures are not enough to beat your hunger pangs, make a kurkure fruit chat. We are not kidding. Cut different fruits into cube sized shapes and add crushed kurkure instead of the chat masala. You will love it! For a healthier option, try kurkure with sprouts.

Mango Chilli Jam

More hungry kya? Try the hot and sweet combination of alphanso mango chilli jam. Err…not just the jam. We recommend spreading a generous amount of this jam on bread, puri or paratha for a quick stomach fill. Good enough to enjoy the steaming excitement of the game!

Now that your cricket tea party menu is all set, pick up your handsets and invite your friends to your home.

5 Tips for an Energizing Start to Your Mornings

One thing that haunts you on every night? ‘Morning Blues’, we bet! Almost everybody dreads the mornings mostly due to two reasons. One, you don’t want to leave the comfort of your cozy bed and second, it’s the beginning of a stressful day. But look at the brighter side, mornings bring fresh hopes and new beginnings too. So why not start your mornings on a refreshing note rather than a saddened mood?

If you can maximize the relaxation factors to minimize the stress elements, your mornings may not be as awful as you think. Here are five amazing tips to invigorate your mornings.

Let’s move it

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Give your lazy bones a life! If not gym, then let it be walking, jogging, yoga, aerobics or Zumba. As long as you move those muscles for about 30-45 minutes daily, you can always look forward to energy filled mornings. You can start with a warm up and gradually increase the intensity, based on your physical stamina. The focus should be on sweating it out to burn the extra calories.

Eat breakfast like a king

“Never work before breakfast. If you have to work before breakfast, eat breakfast first.”

Well, we understand that your work life beckons you and the clock is ticking fast. But, that doesn’t mean that you skip the breakfast  - the most important meal of the day. A proper portion of healthy breakfast can get you through the day actively. It would be a good idea to start with a cup of green tea or lukewarm water with lime. Lukewarm water can boost your metabolism and flush out the toxins. While, green tea contains anti-oxidants, which reduce the oxidation process in the body to preserve the nutrients. A bowl of cereals with milk or traditional snacks such as poha or upma cooked in less oil serves as a filling breakfast. Also, how about sneaking a handful of almonds in your breakfast plate to stimulate your brain?

Let the family nurture your soul

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Like the body, our soul also needs a fresh fodder every morning. Though everyone may seem to be rushing around, a light hearted chit chat with your family during the breakfast or the workout can liven you up instantly. Make your mornings a special time to bond with your family.

Refresh your mind with music

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Classical or jazz, romantic or spiritual, listen to the music that refreshes your mind and uplifts your mood. When you tune into music, your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which regulates brain’s reward and pleasure centres. An absolutely marvellous way to start the day on a happy and motivating note!

Dress to feel good

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If you dress good, you feel good. A nice attire coupled with a positive attitude can boost your self confidence like nothing else can. Ladies, try to complement your dress with elegant jewellery, stylish handbags or stylish footwear. We have a nice tip for the menfolk too – spend a few minutes extra in front of your mirror to get that perfect groomed look. Aren’t you now  all set to step out of the house, no matter how the morning weather is?

Happy Mornings!

5 Super Tips to Help Your Children Beat the Exam Blues

It’s that time of the year, which a majority of the school going children (and their parents too!) dread. Though the exams and weekly/monthly tests go on round the year, the annual exam fever can grip the young minds more strongly, leading to the undue stress. It is the parents’ responsibility to calm the distressed minds and help them cope up with the exam anxiety with positivity.

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Here are some tips to make the exam parenting easier for you.

1.    Get involved with your child

Let your child feel that you are always there with him to answer all his queries and concerns regarding the exams and subjects he is studying. Perhaps a 15-30 minute interactive session quizzing your child on how he is faring in his exam preparation and asking his a few questions pertaining to the course would give you an idea about his state of mind. If you feel he is abnormally stressed, you could spend more time with him, cheering them to be positive.

2.    Allow ‘time – out’ breaks

Children should be encouraged to take about 10-15 minute ‘time – out’ breaks to clear their mind from the exam bug. They can perhaps watch television, listen to soothing songs, practice meditation,  do light exercises, or indulge in any leisure activity that will fill them with renewed energy.

3.    Create a stress free environment

Is your child’s concentration hindered by external disturbances? A neighbour listening to songs on a high pitch or other children playing on the streets, could make your child feel stressed out too. Or maybe, he feels suffocated in a closed room. Try to curb these factors and create an environment, that can help your children concentrate better.

4.    Let them sleep on it

Thought it’s normal to lose sleep over exams, lack of adequate sleep and rest can take a toll on your children’s mental and physical health. A good sleep will make them feel fresh, active, and all set to face the exams.

5.    Feed them brain boosting foods

Your children’s brains put in extra hours during the exams. Hence, it is imperative to fuel it with energy boosting foods at regular intervals. Try and avoid giving your children junk and starchy food. Rather, a protein-rich diet is recommended. Here are some fun, healthy food ideas:

Fruit Yoghurt

Brown bread slices smeared with crunchy peanut butter
Dry fruits milk or halwa

Soaked almonds

Scrambled eggs

Children who eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get ample sleep have more physical and mental energy to deal with the academic challenges. In case, you feel that your child is abnormally stressed or hypersensitive, every time exams approach, you may consider getting him counseled by school teachers or on exam helplines exclusively dedicated to students.

With the help of these useful tips, your child will surely fare well through his exams.