Colorful trees on the way #ThursdayTreeLove

Here are some colorful trees that we came across during our weekend road trip. 

To read more about our Fall trips, read my travelogues:

Aspen
New England Region

Also, here is a #ColoradoFallGuide. 

Linking this to #ThursdayTreeLove hosted by Parul. 

This is my last post for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I am writing 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

If you are on twitter, follow me @mahathi_ramya.

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter. Seeing the results, it's great that my India Alexa rank moved down from 3 lakhs to 47k. 

Sep 1st (Week 1) 
My Global Alexa Rank: 3,642,454
India Rank: 310,640

Week 2 - Sep 11th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,939,208
India Rank : 143,227 

Week 3 - Sep 17th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,435,439
India Rank : 109,652

Week 4 - Sep 27th
Global Alexa Rank : 878,301
India Rank : 47,895

Until next time,

Orange hues and spooky decor #TheFallSeason

This time of the year is a lovely time. I love morning walks watching those leaves changing to bright yellows and oranges and then reds. 

Technically, leaves are showing their true color this season as they couldn't produce chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight. Without chlorophyll production, there is no gree color and so, the actual color of the leaves comes out.

A view from Gondola at Vermont

A drive through Aspen

The Fall Colors

In one way, nature tells us that " You are beautiful how you are within". Isn't it?

A morning

It's amazing to see the lovely colors in the fall season. Even when the leaves fall, they look beautiful. Other than the color of leaves, I love watching the spooky decor that people put outside their houses for Halloween in the USA. This post is a photo post of my Fall memories. Enjoy the virtual trip!

Halloween Decor

Halloween Decor

Halloween Decor

A drive during the fall season
PC: www.pixabay.com

Read my other travelogues in Fall season here:

Aspen
New England Region


This is my seventh post for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I will write 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

If you are on twitter, follow me @mahathi_ramya. I am using #MRReads hashtag for all the wonderful blogs that I am going to read and share. I will share my posts with hashtag #FantasticFeathers.

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter. 

Sep 1st (Week 1) 
My Global Alexa Rank: 3,642,454
India Rank: 310,640

Week 2 - Sep 11th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,939,208
India Rank : 143,227 

Week 3 - Sep 17th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,435,439
India Rank : 109,652

Week 4 - Sep 25th
Global Alexa Rank : 888,185
India Rank : 47,908

Until next time,

Linking to #MondayMusings hosted by Corinne at EverydayGyaan. 

5 Quick Breakfast ideas for busy mornings

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It breaks the overnight fasting and replenishes the supply of glucose. It also kick starts the metabolism and helps to keep our energy levels up throughout the day. Here are some ideas to prepare a quick breakfast which involves no cooking/ less cooking.

1. Bread based :

If we have bread (whole wheat or multi-grain would be healthy) always at home, it saves a lot of time. One way is to toast the bread and eat with butter.

Another way is to prepare a quick sandwich. Just, layer cheese slices, thin slices of cucumber, tomato, sprinkle salt, pepper and cook in microwave for 25 seconds until cheese melts. A simple sandwich is ready!

The third option is just applying Jam / Peanut butter jelly on plain bread.

2. Egg-based :

Boil the eggs, slice them and sprinkle salt and pepper. A quick breakfast to go!

Try a half boiled omelette with salt and pepper or if you like, make an omelette with onion pieces, green chilies, salt, and chili powder.

Scrambled egg with cooked vegetables is easy to prepare, filling and nutritious.

3. Idli / Dosa:

If you are from South India, I bet Idli / Dosas are important breakfast items at your home. Once we prepare batter before the day and ferment it, it doesn't take more than 5 to 10 mins to prepare idly / dosa. If you have a pickle/ podi (spice powder), there is no need of chutney and it saves a lot of time. Check this video to prepare the batter for Idly/ Dosa.



Egg dosa / Onion dosa are easy to make and won't take much time. If you have time, prepare masala ahead for a masala dosa.

4. Upma  or Poha :

Upma might take 10 to 15 mins. Though not a very quick recipe, it is very easy to make. we can prepare wheat Rava upma in a pressure cooker to make it quick.

Poha is the most basic and easy recipe which won't take more than 10 mins. I love this simple and tasty recipe for Poha.



5. Cereal and Oats :

The number one option when we are not very interested to prepare anything. Depending on the cereal, this is a healthy option too. 

Try a cereal with raisins or something healthy like muesli with cold/ hot milk. Also, add a fruit like a watermelon/ orange/ apple/muskmelon to make it filling. 

Granola, Oats and berries
Pc:www.pixabay.com

Oats are filling and healthy too. While Oats boiled in milk/ hot water is one option, try adding fruits like banana and strawberry to make it tastier. Also, try oats soaked overnight with chia seeds, greek yogurt and fruits. Trust me, you will start liking the oats. 

So, these are my quick breakfast ideas which involve no cooking/ less cooking. What are your go-to options for breakfast?

Do let me know in comments.

This is my sixth post for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I will write 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

If you are on twitter, follow me @mahathi_ramya. I am using #MRReads hashtag for all the wonderful blogs that I am going to read and share. I will share my posts with hashtag #FantasticFeathers.

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter. 

Sep 1st (Week 1) 
My Global Alexa Rank: 3,642,454
India Rank: 310,640

Week 2 - Sep 11th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,939,208
India Rank : 143,227 

Week 3 - Sep 17th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,435,439
India Rank : 109,652

Until next time,

Best fall colors in Colorado #ColoradoFallGuide

The best season to travel in the USA is the Fall. The weather is not too cool but pleasant. This post is about best places to visit in Colorado in Fall. 

In Fall, the nature changes its colors to beautiful yellows and oranges. You can see decorated and carved pumpkins outside the houses and a few spooky decorations getting ready for Halloween.

Colorado being a beautiful mountain region, we can see a vast landscape from mountains filled with orange and yellows. Usually, leaves change color from Mid of September till second week of October every year.

Color change happens first in the upper part of Colorado from Steamboat springs, Rocky mountains in the last week of September and it happens in the first/ second week of October in Colorado Springs, Aspen, Telluride etc.,But, you never know! The change is very quick. 
Read some reviews of the place before planning a trip. 

Here is a list of 5 places, in my opinion, are worth a visit this fall season. 

Kenosha Pass:

Kenosha Pass, which is 2 hrs drive from Colorado Springs has the largest Aspen grooves in the state. At a starting Elevation of 10,000 ft, Kenosha pass offers breathtaking views of beautiful Aspen leaves in the Fall. There are different trails from easy to moderate levels. 

Aspen :

Aspen is a beautiful mountain town which is the best place to visit during fall. Ride Gondola or chairlift to enjoy the scenic beauty from the top. Visit Maroon bells and watch the stunning scenery with perfect orange hues. I suggest you drive to Aspen through Independence pass and twin lakes which offer breathtaking views of colorful trees. 

Here is my Itinerary of Aspen, Maroon bells and Independence Pass. 

On the way to Maroon Bells

Rocky Mountain National Park:

Check RMNP facebook page for the latest updates on color change.

The Rocky mountain national park is good to visit in all seasons except winter when it might get closed sometimes. Trail ridge road, Old Fall River Road, hike to Bear Lake etc., offer great views of orange and yellow leaves. 

Hidden Valley, Twin sisters trail head and Glacier Gorge trail to Alberta falls are some of the popular trails during the fall season. Read my Day 1 and Day 2 itinerary of Rocky mountains. 


Million Dollar Highway :

The drive on US highway 550 from Ouray in San Juan mountains is a lifetime experience. This highway is known as Million dollar highway which goes to Silverton which offers beautiful views of Aspen trees on the way. This road leads to Pagosa Springs and Durango and the drive will have numerous stops to take snaps.

PC:www.pixabay.com

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway:

Peak to Peak scenic byway from Estes Park to Nederland through clear creek canyon is one more gem to visit fall colors. There are many Aspen trees, ghost towns and gold mine towns on the way. This 3-hour drive from Estes Park is one of Colorado's oldest scenic byway. 

Even though I mentioned only 5 places in this post, there are a lot of good places to visit in Fall like Steamboat Lake state park in Steamboat Springs, Mueller state park, Cottonwood Pass near Buena Vista, Washington Gulch near Crested Butte, Grand Mesa national forest etc.,

I hope, you liked my post. I wish you all enjoy a great scenic drive during this fall season. Happy Traveling folks :-)

Until next time,

This is my fifth post for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I will write 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

If you are on twitter, follow me @mahathi_ramya. I am using #MRReads hashtag for all the wonderful blogs that I am going to read and share. I will share my posts with hashtag #FantasticFeathers.

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter. 

Sep 1st (Week 1) 
My Global Alexa Rank: 3,642,454
India Rank: 310,640

Week 2 - Sep 11th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,939,208
India Rank : 143,227 

Week 3 - Sep 17th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,435,439
India Rank : 109,652

5 Easy Sewing projects for Kids

I am not very good at sewing. But, I love sewing, embroidery and other creative works that we can do with fabric. 

Do you want to introduce young kids to sewing? Are you looking for some super simple projects for your kids? Then, read this. 

I suggest 5 easy and fun sewing projects especially for kids below 7-year-old.

Buttons on socks :

Sewing buttons with the hand is the most basic project that we can introduce to kids. What do you say? 

We can take some old socks, take some buttons, color them to suit the socks and let them sew them with needle and thread. We can teach a simple cross stitch to make between the holes and tell them to repeat until they get it properly.

Stuffed Animals:

We can fill the socks with rice/ sand and tell them to stitch around to make a lovely stuffed animal. Explore different colors and choose a cute and bright colored sock for it. This can be used as a sensory play toy also. 

check this cute project if you want to go further and enhance it.

PC: www.pixabay.com

Pillowcases:

This is simple, right? Try sewing a pillowcase for a square pillow, which is easier. Take 2 cloths, measure them with pillow size, cut into 2 squares and just use a simple stitch to sew around. Voila! Kids are happy with this simple project and they get to use it too. What say?

PC: www.pexels.com

Placemats :

It's not that tough to prepare a nice placemat for your dinner table. 

You just need oilcloth and a lining fabric with vibrant patterns. You can also sew a pocket to insert paper napkins. Follow this detailed tutorial from Jen to try.

Reversible headbands :

Fancy and simple headbands are very useful and easy to sew. Follow this tutorial from Jessica to try the headband. 

You need a good fabric and elastic to prepare this one. This headband works in reverse direction as well, which is cool.

PC: www.pixabay.com

Not sure on how to start sewing and which sewing machine is good? Here is a beginner's guide.

So, how do you like these projects? Do let me know in comments.

Until next time,

PS: This post is sponsored. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about sewing projects for kids.

The Mind's Eye by Perry Prete - [Book Review]

Book Details:



Book Title: The Mind's Eye by Perry Prete

Category: Adult Fiction; 243 pages

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Sands Press

Release date: March 7, 2018

Tour dates: Sept 3 to 21, 2018

Content Rating: R (Violence towards women based on real life events, language, graphic violence)



Book Description:



Nicole Baker is a quiet girl - the type of person who is seldom noticed by anyone. That is until one day she discovers she has the unique ability to see images move on photographs. At first, she uses her ability to entertain friends at parties and work. Then senior detective Paul Hammond learns of her ability and enlists her help in a case of unsolved murders that he has not been able to make any headway on.



Carl Kadner, a rookie reporter with the local paper is investigating the murders as well. And he learns what it takes to be the kind of reporter he wants to be when he puts himself in danger for the sake of the story. It is only when Carl, Nicole and Detective Hammond pool their resources that things start making sense.



To read reviews please visit Perry Prete's page on iRead Book Tours.

My Review:

This is the story of an investigation done by Paul Hammond and other detectives about a few missing girls. The girls were dead with some parts removed and cut surgically in a barbaric way. Paul, Dan, and Ken are the detectives working on the case for more than 6 months but without much clues or leads to find the criminal. 

Fortunately, Paul meets 'Nicole' who is gifted with a talent through which she can learn the events happened at the time of the picture taken by just seeing the picture of anyone. She helps Paul a lot in giving clues about the murderer. Carl is a young reporter who investigates the missing girls' case on his own and he is par and above the police in finding the clues. How Police can catch the murderer? OR how Nicole can help in catching the murderer form the remaining story. 

What I liked?

I really enjoyed the thrill part of the book. The suspense is great and the sequence of events slowly revealing each part of the puzzle is worth reading the book. 

The characterization is good. Simmone is the best friend that everyone love to have. Katy is a unique personality being a law student and still encouraging crime. Carl though intelligent makes mistakes but works hard to write a good story for his paper. Sam is a protective father and a good person. Nicole is sensitive, helpful and very strong at the same time. 

I love the cover of the book, which is very apt. The title is ok.

What might have been better?

There are some typos in the book - names interchanged here and there and some typos. They might have been avoided with proper editing.

I felt, there is still one piece missing - there is no indication in the book about Nicole's ability and why is she connected to Will and not to anyone else. I was expecting to read this connection at the end of the book and was disappointed as it was not covered.

Overall, this is wonderful on the edge thriller and I would recommend this to all crime thriller lovers. 

My Rating: 4.5/5

PS: I have received this print copy from the author through Iread book tours and this review is my honest opinion.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca

Chapters Indigo ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Perry Prete is a Canadian crime writer and paramedic. His first novel, All Good Things, introduced us to Ethan Tennant, a City of Ottawa paramedic who looks at crimes from the medical perspective.



Perry continues to work full-time as a paramedic and uses his thirty plus years of life changing and sometimes dramatic experiences to bring realism to his gripping medical novels. His other works include, The Things That Matter Most and All Good Things.



He is also a business owner, specializing in the pre-hospital care field. His company sells medical equipment across North America, primarily to EMS agencies.



A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Perry, graduated from Fanshawe College in London but now lives and works in Brockville, Ontario.



Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 29, 2018

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time,

Vinayaka Chavithi - A festival devoted to Lord Ganesha

Vinayaka Chavithi is a festival celebrated to pray Lord Ganesha who is worshipped to ensure new beginnings and avoid all hurdles in the path of success. In the year 2018, it is celebrated on September 13th. 

After Diwali, this festival is the one where the whole family celebrates together. We do pooja together as a family by offering different fruits to God Ganesha. We install a clay Ganesha, offer different naivedyams (food) and worship the God to avoid all hurdles in our life and grant all our wishes. 

Children who are going to school place their books before God and pray for the success in education. Here are my earlier posts about the Pooja: 

Vinayaka Chavithi Celebrations in Andhra style

Vinayaka Chavithi

This is a 11-day festival where the Ganesh idol is worshipped daily by offering naivedyam every day. Major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad celebrate it very well. You can see Ganesh idol installed in almost every lane/ road. On 11th day, the Ganesh idol is immersed in any lake or water body. 

How do you celebrate Ganesh Chathurdhi/ Vinayaka Chavithi? Do let me know in comments. 

Happy Vinayaka Chavithi. May God shower you with his blessings.

Until next time,

am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter. 

This is the fourth post that I am writing for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I will write 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

If you are on twitter, follow me @mahathi_ramya. I am using #MRReads hashtag for all the wonderful blogs that I am going to read and share. I will share my posts with hashtag #FantasticFeathers.

Sep 1st (Week 1) 
My Global Alexa Rank  : 3,642,454
India Rank : 310,640

Week 2 - Sep 11th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,939,208
India Rank : 143,227

Gratitude List for Aug 2018 #GratitudeCircle

August was more of a settling back time after India trip. The trip was exhausting and so, I completely spent the month with fewer action items and more rest. I have continued dance classes but reduced my workload. But, cleaning the house and preparing the kids and myself for the new school year took a lot of energy. Overall, a good transition month to the routine life.

I have found that appreciating whatever little we have and being thankful will help in our happiness. What do you say? With this thought, let me go through my gratitude list for the month of August.

1. Our Flight trip

It was very difficult traveling with 2 kids. I am grateful that my kids were well behaved in the airports when I had to run through the gates, transits, and trains. Even though my kids were tired, cranky and were not eating proper meals on the flights, we could get through the trip without missing a flight/ without any inconvenience. I am very grateful for this flight journey from India.

2. No Jetlag

It was surprising that I didn't have any jet lag after the trip. The reason might be that I was over excited to be back and get ready for the new school year for my kids. We did most of the school shopping ahead and so, the transition was easy. Since I didn't have much jet lag, I could unpack all things early.

3. Pooja, potluck, and parties

There was a lot of gathering happened in August and one potluck with friends. So, I met many people and talked to friends for a long time.  I have attended a few concerts too both music and dance which were relaxing. Within 2 weeks after coming from India, we celebrated 'Varalakshmi Vratham'. Here is my post about this festival on Raising world children's e-magazine. 

4. New students and new beginnings

A few new students joined the classes and of course, I became busy, But it was fun to teach new children. My younger son joined his preschool this year and I was surprised about how happy he went to the school. He sure is enjoying his time at school while I am enjoying 2 hrs of free time for myself. I am grateful that this transition is smooth without him crying and me becoming emotional.

5. Winning prize and grabbing a few sponsored posts

This is a good time for my blog. Do you know the Parenting, Pinterest and Productivity blogger Shaliaja V?  By pure chance of luck, I won a Pinterest free course from her in May and then, again I have won $25 Amazon gift card for her blog anniversary Giveaway. Feeling lucky :-)
I also got some opportunities to work for a few brands for sponsored posts. I am loving the blogging journey so far. 

This was about my August. What were you grateful for in August? 

Until next time,

Linking this post to #GratitudeCircle hosted by Vidya Sury and to #Mondaymusings hosted by Corinne. 

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter. 

This is the third post that I am writing for #MyFriendAlexa campaign. I will write 8 posts in September month - 2 posts a week and see my Alexa Rank grow. 

If you are on twitter, follow me @mahathi_ramya. I am using #MRReads hashtag for all the wonderful blogs that I am going to read and share. I will share my posts with hashtag #FantasticFeathers.

Sep 1st (Week 1) 
My Global Alexa Rank  : 3,642,454
India Rank : 310,640

Week 2 - Sep 11th
Global Alexa Rank : 1,939,208
India Rank : 143,227