Gratitude list Oct 2016 #NaBloPoMo #day2

There is nothing better than starting #NaBloPoMo challenge with a gratitude list.
I always enjoy making a gratitude list as feeling grateful brings happiness and peace. October has been a great month in 2016 for me, as many of my wishes came true :-)

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1. Goodreads reading challenge

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I have set a target of completing 25 books this year and I have reached my target 2 months ahead. I know, my target is not that hard to achieve but it is unpredictable managing 2 kids and I don't want to hurry reading my books but I want to read slowly and enjoy the process. From next year on, I will try to set a high target and achieve it.

2. Smooth transition to a new life
This year October month mark a major detour in my life. Yes, I quit the work force after 10 long years and I am taking a short break. I miss the last minute work pressure, meeting deadlines , my spirit of testing a software only to break  it, coffee and tea breaks, my close colleagues, office gossip and a lot and lot. But, I am happy that the transition to stay at home mom is smooth without any emotion burden.

3. New place and new surroundings
I love mountains and cool places from childhood. At last, moved to a place which is exactly like that. I am in the process of making new friends, researching on making a small home garden, enjoying lovely evening walks and setting up our new home. I am very grateful to God for blessing us with beautiful nature which is therapeutic.

4. Festivals
October is the month of festivals. I enjoyed celebrating Dasara, Diwali and Halloween. While I tried new recipes to offer to God for Dasara, I prepared some crafts for Diwali and Halloween with kids. A flower rangoli and the decoration of diyas obviously lifted up our moods though away from home land.

5. More blogging fun
I had the opportunity of blogging more on travel, parenting, and books this October and I am very grateful for that. A few sponsored posts happened too after a break. I am looking forward to #NaBloPoMo challenge this month.

So, that was the month which was great for me in this year. What are you grateful for in October? please do share your thoughts in comments or join gratitude circle by Vidya Sury.

Until next time,

A Walk by the lake - Photo Walk #NaBloPoMo #day8

This is the first weekend after I started the NaBloPoMo challenge. Usually, I don't write on weekends, that's the reason for the delay in my day 8 post. 

We went to visit Prospect lake in Memorial park, Colorado Springs this Sunday and it is one of the best walks around the lake that I had after a long time. 

Here are some pictures..

Bright sunshine on the lake

Ducks and shadows

Birds flying off

Isn't it unique?

All lined up, waiting for whom?








Until next time,
 

Soups and Salads #NaBloPoMo #day13

I love Italian and Mexican cuisine along with Indian. Indian cuisine is very rich with spices and different flavors. Although I don't like the famous Idli and Dosas, I love biryani and other rice varieties from South India. I am not at all a fan of street food, but I love chat masala and pav bhaji sometimes. 

I love soups and salads a lot. Eating fruits and vegetables in a natural way makes me love my salad. I love the natural mix of colourful vegetables like carrots, green peas, potatoes, capsicum, spinach etc., Soups are great appetisers. The aroma and taste of pepper in soup is soothing to the throat.

I  never attempted making soups and salads at home until a few years ago. It's not that difficult anyway to make a soup and salad which tastes same as in a restaurant. 

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Vegetable stock and Soup:
Any soup would need a vegetable stock. I prepare vegetable stock by boiling all vegetables (carrots, capsicum, onions, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, tomato), spices (cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, ginger, garlic, cardamom, black peppercorns). See this link for the video.When the stock is ready, we can store it in the refrigerator for one week and in a freezer for a few months. For any soup, I will add all vegetables that I want to in 1 cup of stock and 1 cup of water and bring it to boil until they are cooked and soft, then I will add salt, pepper and 2 spoons of oats for thickness. Seems simple, right?

Salad (un-cooked version):

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For a salad, I will add cut vegetables like carrots, capsicum, spinach/ lettuce, broccoli, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and add some salt, pepper and lemon juice. I add croutons/ bread crumbs and use Cesar salad dressing on top of that. This is a quick salad for me.

Salad (cooked version):
I also prepare a cooked salad. I pressure cook cut vegetables like carrots, green peas, sweet corn, capsicum, potatoes and beans (just 1 whistle). Then I heat olive oil, add minced garlic, finely chopped green chillies  and onions and fry them lightly. I add cooked vegetables to it, add salt, pepper and lemon juice. It just tastes perfect! 

How do you prepare salads and soups quick? Please do share your ideas.

Until next time,

This is day 13 post for #NaBloPoMo challenge.

A Priceless gift #NaBloPoMo #day26

Shruthi is tired asusual taking care of her 6 month old kid, feeding whom is tougher than any other task in the world.

When she received a phone call that her mom was seriously ill, she drove for 2 hrs to reach their native with her husband and kid.

Mom looked healthy and said happily, "Sorry for creating a tension dear , here is the reservation in ITC Grand for a dinner and a night stay for you both. Relax, while we take care of our grandson."

Shruthi hugged her mom with teary eyes and said, "Mom, you know the best".

Until next time,

Linking this 100 word fiction to #FridayFotoFiction hosted by Tina and Mayuri.

This is my day 26 post for #NaBloPoMo challenge.

On my current reading list #NaBloPoMo #day16

I love reading books, no doubt about it. But, recently I am not able to read more books due to many reasons.

1. less free time

2. more e-copies coming for review than print

3. Book review requests for genres i dont like

I can read 5 to 6 books per month if i get free time. But, now it became difficult as managing home and kids is keeping me busy. I am opting for atmost 3 books in a month now and not accepting any review requests of some genres like fantasy, self help, crime etc,

Currently, I am reading 2 books for this month.

1. All signs lead back to you by Aniesha Brahma
A college love story narrated by 2 people in their perspectives in different timelines.

2. Take the body and run by Jada Ryker
This is a fast paced crime thriller. I am actually looking foward to a crime / detective story as it's been a long time I read something of that genre.

What books are you currently reading ?

Until next time,

This is #day 16 post for #NaBloPoMo challenge.

Karthika Masam - An Auspicious month for Telugu people #NaBloPoMo #day12

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'Karthika Masam' which comes after Deepavali festival is considered a very auspicious month in Telugu household. This month starts the winter season and it comes in November as per English Calendar. 

History

We worship Lord Shiva and Vishnu in this month. It is said that Lord Vishnu wakes up from sleep on Karthika Sudha Ekadasi. Also, there is a legend that Lord Shiva has killed Rakshasas called 'Tripurantakas' on Karthika Poornima.

Akasha Deepam

Usually, devotees follow a vegetarian diet and light Aakasha deepam (a lamp lighted with ghee made from cow's milk) on sunset every day either at home near Tulasi plant or at Lord Shiva's temple. 

Pc: unsplash image by Rajesh Mishra

Karthika Deepam

We also light a lamp with 365 wicks in the temple or at home near Tulasi plant on Karthika Poornima. A few devotees perform abhishekams at Shiva temples. Many devotees observe fasting on mondays, especially on Nagulachavithi, Ekadasi and Poornima. 

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Vana Bhojanalu

Vana Bhojanalu is a tradition that we follow in this month. This means we eat food together with family and friends under trees, especially under amla tree. This might be a tradition our elders followed to respect nature. There are many scientific benefits of all these traditions of course. 

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Fasting boosts the immune system. Since Tulasi plant is famous for its' medicinal benefits, lighting a lamp daily and worshipping it for sometime prevents bacterial diseases. 

We used to visit Sri Sailam temple this time of the year, though we cannot go this time as we are away from home. It is a fantastic place to visit in this month, though crowded. You can read about our trip here. 

So, Do you also observe any rituals and traditions in this month? Please do share in comments.

Until next time,

This is my day12 post for #NaBloPoMo challenge.

My Soulmate #NaBloPoMo #day26

Oh my soulmate, I m fortunate to have you in my life.

Life's up and downs doesn't concern me much as you are there with me for my every step.

Your smile alone lights up my day and everything else blurs before that radiance.

Every minute I spend with you  is precious and make a lovely moment in my album.

I don't have any expectations from you dear, other than unconditional love and your companionship in my life.

Oh my Soulmate, I am fortunate to have found you in my life.


Until next time,

This is day 26 post for #NaBloPoMo challenge.

‘This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.’

This week's prompt: Soulmates 

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Monday blues #NaBloPoMo #day15

I always get hit by monday blues.
Oh weekend, you were so wonderful, stressfree and relaxing.

When i started working on a software job, i was happy to be working only 5 days a week unlike others. Saturday was a big bonus, you know. Sunday was a holiday from childhood anyways  ☺

I used to plan a lot for saturday from then, be it household chores or shopping or travel or any  other mandatory work. I used to relax on Sundays, ofcourse training my mind to smooth land to monday. But it never happens. How much ever i prepare my mind for a positive Monday, I sulk, start my mondays without much excitement. Do you also feel the same ?

After spending a Sunday leisurely by sleeping a lot and reading my favourite books without disturbance, my Monday expects the same rest too 😯 can't help, right?

So, this post is to cheer myself up for a positive monday ☺

Linking this to #MondayMusings hosted  by Corinne.

Until next time,

This is day 15 post for #NaBloPoMo challenge.

Snow and the Super moon #NaBloPoMo #day19

This week has been great when it comes to weather. Colorado has its' first snow of the season yesterday. We all know about the hype about the Super moon.

I always love sky watching. I love watching clouds, Sunset, sunrise, rainbow and different hues of the sky. I capture them by my phone - Samsung galaxy S6. This phone camera is good with day lighting but becomes worst in low lights. The  Super moon on Nov 14th was awesome, but I couldn't capture it with my phone due to low light. Anyways, I should learn good photography skills as well.
Here is the one I could capture which is not at all nearer to the experience I had when I saw it.

The next supermoon very nearer to the Earth will be in 2034.

Did you watch Super moon on November 14th?  Could you capture it well?

Yesterday, Nov 17th we had first snowfall of the season and as usual I was excited like a kid. I love it when snow covers the grass and roof tops with a white blanket.

White is such a natural beauty anyways :-) After the fall season, when there are no leaves on trees, it's lovely to watch the snow droplets decorating the trees.

This is my day 19 post for #NaBloPoMo Challenge.

Until next time,

A simple recipe for Pasta #NaBloPoMo #day23

My kids love Pasta and Spaghetti. So, I have learned this simple pasta recipe so that I can make a quick evening snack for them.

Pasta is a staple food from Italian cuisine. There are so many varieties of pasta and different flavors of pasta sauces. Though I don't love all types of pasta sauces, I love Pasta served in authentic Italian restaurants. It is as filling as rice and rich in taste.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup pasta

2. olive oil - 2 spoons

3. Minced garlic - 2 cloves

4. Onion - half onion finely chopped

5. Tomato - 2 tomatoes peeled and finely chopped

6. Tomato puree - 2 spoons

7. Tomato ketchup- 1 spoon

8. Vinegar - 1 spoon

9. Pepper - 1/2 spoon

10. Sugar - 1/4th spoon

11. Oregano - as per taste

12. Salt - as per taste

13. Cheese slices/ shredded cheese - as per taste
14. Chilli flakes - as per taste

I use Penne and Spaghetti varieties in Pasta. So, here comes the process:

1. Boil water with salt and add pasta. Let it cook for some time by stirring it so that the pasta don't stick to each other. Pasta should be 90% cooked before draining it.

Actually, while step 1 is going on, it's better to start with steps 2 to 4 simultaneously. 

2. In a fry pan, add minced garlic in 2 table spoons of olive oil, fry it very little and add finely chopped onions.

3. After they are fried slightly, add peeled and finely chopped tomato pieces. Add required salt and let it cook at medium heat with the closed lid until tomato pieces become mushy. Add tomato puree of 2 spoons if you want (optional).

4. Add 1 spoon tomato ketchup, 1 spoon vinegar, half spoon sugar by stirring the sauce so that it won't stick to the bottom. Add chilli flakes.

5.Add half spoon pepper, add boiled and drained pasta to it. 

6. Now, at low flame, add oregano leaves and cheese slices or shredded cheese on the top. Check the salt before you serve and add pepper if it's less spicy.

This recipe is taken from this video. 

Let me know if you like it :-)

You can find more great recipes and product reviews from our friends at the Village Bakery

Until next time,

This is day 23 post for #NaBloPoMo Challenge.

My 5 strengths #NaBloPoMo #day11

It's so difficult to write about weaknesses, but it should be easy when it comes to strengths, right?

This is my day 11 post for #NaBloPoMo and I am writing for the following prompt for #FridayRefelctions.

The prompt: Describe 5 strengths you have

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1. Not getting angry easily
I know this is the greatest strength I have. I don't lose cool so easily unless it is my kids being too naughty :p I think, it's from my genes. I deal differently when I am angry. I try to become silent and isolated. Sometimes, I also feel bad  that I couldn't react to the situation properly as I was silent when I had the reason to be angry. But, this helps me in long run. So, I need not worry about hurting others and breaking relationships in a fit of rage.

2. Keeping myself prepared for the worst
I am not pessimistic, but somehow I end up thinking about the worst scenario before even starting something. It helps me to deal with the failure better. For example, If i have to write an exam, I would plan to read properly, but I also would think of my alternate choices if I fail the test. How many attempts I can give again? How are my chances? Will the failure make any difference in my future plans? etc., 

3. My Flexibility to adapt to situations

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Flexibility is a great quality one can have. Life doesn't always give everything we want. We might have to perform several tasks which we might like to do or not. Being positive and going with the flow of life is what I learned. Being resistant to change always made things difficult for me. Planning and making myself flexible to adapt to different situations helped a lot.

4. My Detailed oriented attitude
Sometimes, it's tough for others to deal with me in professional life as I want to  understand everything in detail before I jump into that work. I cannot randomly work on things with only a few clues and without knowing the big picture or final goal. This attitude might slow down things, but it really helps me in getting the task done with perfection.

5. Jack of many trades
I love to put my legs on many things until I can stretch both my legs and doesn't fall down :p It's crazy actually to try to learn many things, but it gets interesting for me. Dance, music, crafts, blogging, painting - I love all that! 

So, that's about my strengths. What do you consider to be your strengths? Do let me know in comments.

Until next time,

Linking this to #FridayReflections.

Maven - An App for Women's health #NaBloPoMo #day28

We women, go through a lot physically and emotionally from puberty through pregnancy, child-birth and menopause. We have a lot of questions and confusions in our mind regarding our health and the changes in our bodies and our hormones.

Thank God, we have a friend called Google. We use Google to clarify some doubts which we might feel shy to discuss with mom/friend/ spouse / doctor. But, How much can we rely on the information that we get from the internet? How do we know which article is genuine and which article is a fake information? Here comes the problem.

That's how I found this app called 'Maven'. This is a trusted source for our health problems. I had my first free video appointment of 20 mins with a nutritionist and the experience was great. The doctor was friendly and it was a better experience to speak to the doctor directly instead of searching answers in Google.

Maven is the first digital clinic for women. On Maven, we can access vetted health and wellness providers via video and private message. We can get our questions answered, or get a prescription. The network of providers includes nurse practitioners, OB/ GYNs, pediatric nurse practitioners, nutritionists, physical therapists, mental health specialists and pregnancy specialists like doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, and more.

We don’t need any insurance in the US to try Maven (appointments are generally cheaper than a co-pay) but if we get a prescription, it’s covered by the insurance!

Appointments range from $18 for 10 minutes with a nurse practitioner, $35 for 10 minutes with a doctor, $25 for 20 minutes with a nutritionist, physical therapist, lactation consultant, or doula, or $70 for 40 minutes with a mental health specialist. If we don't see enough practitioners in our area, we can select anonymous to book an education-only appointment.

As of now, Maven is available on desktop/ laptop and any IOS device. It is yet to be implemented on android.

You can install the app and use my referral code 'MAHATIVIP' to get a first free appointment worth $25 value. Anyone that uses the code will also receive a limited-edition Maven swag bag that includes a Maven tote, water bottle, notebook, pen, stickers and magnets.

So, try the first free video appointment with any doctor as per availability and let me know if it helped.

Until next time,

This is my day 28 post for #NaBloPoMo Challenge.