A blog about Travelogues, Book Reviews and, Parenting Articles.
12 November, 2019
09 November, 2019
The Ultimate Colorado Holiday Gift guide
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Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday season is here. It's time to choose best gifts to our loved ones, right? Isn't it a great experience to choose a local Colorado gift?
Here is the Ultimate Colorado Gift guide featuring some hand-picked unique local Colorado gifts.
Pin it for later!
Do you have a friend or family member who loves cooking or baking? Then, it makes sense to gift them a cooking class. To add spice, think of gifting a couple cooking class.
When I think of cooking classes, Monika Celly of Polka dots and Curry is the name that comes to my mind. Monika offers cooking classes focused on healthy, plant based recipes in Colorado Springs. Not only the cooking classes, you can also gift her special Spice blends and meal kits.
Check out her website for upcoming classes or follow her Facebook page so that you don't miss any upcoming cooking events.
When I first saw Bindu's paintings in her Facebook page - Shades of color, I was speechless. Bindu's paintings are expressive with a spiritual touch.
Follow her Facebook page to contact Bindu Jackwin to order a great painting to gift your loved ones.
One more good news, Crafted Colorado Handmade Studio in Old Colorado city is showcasing her work along with the crafts of 20 other local businesses. This store is open till Dec 31st, So what are you waiting for?
Who doesn't love unique handmade jewelry showing the culture and heritage?
Sougandhika Jewelry is owned by Meena, who exquisitely crafts jewelry with great quality. She gives her special touch of craftsmanship to her designs being a diploma holder in Jewelry designing.
I bought a pair of lovely jhumkis (ear rings) from her and cannot wait to wear them for the next function.
Follow her Facebook page so that you don't miss her latest holiday collection. I am sure you will buy many wonderful jewelry pieces from her collection to wow your friends and family.
These days, we want to live in a toxin free environment and use products which are harmless, environment friendly and healthy, right?
I attended Michelle Wilson's Essential oils class a year ago and I am inspired to know how useful are essential oils in our every day life.
Visit her Facebook page and know for yourselves the benefits of gifting an essential oil and diffuser kit.
It's tough to get authentic Indian traditional outfits, jewelry and shoes in USA, right? Mio Mora solves that problem by bringing Indian traditional jewelry, apparel and shoes to USA through their boutique in Colorado Springs owned by Anu Kochhar.
Here is the link for their Facebook page which gets updated with the latest collection to order your gifts in the festive season.
Who doesn't love donuts? This sweet snack is a great dessert and the best gift option to both adults and kids.
Amy's Donuts in Colorado Springs is serving the fresh donuts of various types - seasonal, gourmet, traditional, frosted, filled etc.,
Donuts are always special, Is it because they are cute with little holes in the middle or the sprinkles or the fillings or colors? what can I say, I don't know. I love them as perfect gifts.
We recently discovered Horseshoe Donuts 🍩 from Monument. The size of donuts is very big and they taste great. A real worth of money. They sell out sometimes by 12pm itself, so get it early.
Kids grow faster. As parents, we buy new clothes to our toddlers more times than necessary. So, It makes sense to gift fashionable clothes to our friends' or relatives' kids or even to the children in our family, right?
Navira is a children apparel store with unique and stylish designs. This store is owned and managed by Nisha who says that her specialty is kalamkari designs. Kalamkari is a type of hand printed / block printed cotton textile and they use only natural dyes, thus it's good for our little ones.
Here is a link to their Facebook page.
Do you have a friend/ family member who is a book worm? We will have atleast one such person, right?
There are 2 Colorado Authors that I admire of.
Simi K Rao writes about cross-cultural traditions, lifestyles and relationships. I love her romantic novels like Milan and The Accidental Wife. Here is her Amazon profile with all the links of her books.
Milan by Simi K Rao
Here is the Ultimate Colorado Gift guide featuring some hand-picked unique local Colorado gifts.
Pin it for later!
Cooking classes :
Do you have a friend or family member who loves cooking or baking? Then, it makes sense to gift them a cooking class. To add spice, think of gifting a couple cooking class.
Check out her website for upcoming classes or follow her Facebook page so that you don't miss any upcoming cooking events.
Paintings and home decor :
Paintings and home decor are always the best gifts for anyone. Who doesn't love a unique painting adorning their living room? I feel fortunate, if my friends can gift some home decor.When I first saw Bindu's paintings in her Facebook page - Shades of color, I was speechless. Bindu's paintings are expressive with a spiritual touch.
Follow her Facebook page to contact Bindu Jackwin to order a great painting to gift your loved ones.
One more good news, Crafted Colorado Handmade Studio in Old Colorado city is showcasing her work along with the crafts of 20 other local businesses. This store is open till Dec 31st, So what are you waiting for?
Handmade Jewelry:
Who doesn't love unique handmade jewelry showing the culture and heritage?
Sougandhika Jewelry is owned by Meena, who exquisitely crafts jewelry with great quality. She gives her special touch of craftsmanship to her designs being a diploma holder in Jewelry designing.
I bought a pair of lovely jhumkis (ear rings) from her and cannot wait to wear them for the next function.
Follow her Facebook page so that you don't miss her latest holiday collection. I am sure you will buy many wonderful jewelry pieces from her collection to wow your friends and family.
Essential oil classes and gift sets :
These days, we want to live in a toxin free environment and use products which are harmless, environment friendly and healthy, right?
I attended Michelle Wilson's Essential oils class a year ago and I am inspired to know how useful are essential oils in our every day life.
Visit her Facebook page and know for yourselves the benefits of gifting an essential oil and diffuser kit.
Traditional Apparel and, jewelry gifts:
It's tough to get authentic Indian traditional outfits, jewelry and shoes in USA, right? Mio Mora solves that problem by bringing Indian traditional jewelry, apparel and shoes to USA through their boutique in Colorado Springs owned by Anu Kochhar.
Here is the link for their Facebook page which gets updated with the latest collection to order your gifts in the festive season.
Donuts :
Who doesn't love donuts? This sweet snack is a great dessert and the best gift option to both adults and kids.
Amy's Donuts in Colorado Springs is serving the fresh donuts of various types - seasonal, gourmet, traditional, frosted, filled etc.,
Donuts are always special, Is it because they are cute with little holes in the middle or the sprinkles or the fillings or colors? what can I say, I don't know. I love them as perfect gifts.
We recently discovered Horseshoe Donuts 🍩 from Monument. The size of donuts is very big and they taste great. A real worth of money. They sell out sometimes by 12pm itself, so get it early.
Children Clothing :
Kids grow faster. As parents, we buy new clothes to our toddlers more times than necessary. So, It makes sense to gift fashionable clothes to our friends' or relatives' kids or even to the children in our family, right?
Here is a link to their Facebook page.
Books :
Do you have a friend/ family member who is a book worm? We will have atleast one such person, right?
There are 2 Colorado Authors that I admire of.
Simi K Rao writes about cross-cultural traditions, lifestyles and relationships. I love her romantic novels like Milan and The Accidental Wife. Here is her Amazon profile with all the links of her books.
Milan by Simi K Rao
Accidental Wife by Simi K Rao
Recently, I came across the book "The 30-minute Ayurvedic Cookbook" by Danielle Martin. This book is wonderful to know about the basics of Ayurveda and some simple recipes to improve our health.
So, those are my suggestions for Holiday gifts from our local Colorado businesses. How do you like it? Do let me know your opinion in comments.
Until next time,
Recently, I came across the book "The 30-minute Ayurvedic Cookbook" by Danielle Martin. This book is wonderful to know about the basics of Ayurveda and some simple recipes to improve our health.
So, those are my suggestions for Holiday gifts from our local Colorado businesses. How do you like it? Do let me know your opinion in comments.
Until next time,
06 November, 2019
03 November, 2019
If creek don't raise by Nancy Hartney - Book Spot light
Southern Gothic, Short Stories
Publisher: Pen-L Publishing
Church suppers and bingo nights.
Dreams of Mexico.
The shadowy world of thoroughbred horse racing.
If the Creek Don't Rise is a collection of hard-used characters, tangled relationships, family angst, and fortitude.
Eighteen tales and six postcard vignettes, highlighted with original artwork, make this collection a skillful and moving exploration of the commonplace, the hidden, and the unforgettable.
About the Author
Nancy Hartney, a daughter of the South, writes about gritty characters and family angst from her native piney woods and sweat-filled hardscrabble farms. Additionally, she writes non-fiction for regional magazines and free-verse poetry.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
Until next time,
01 November, 2019
20 years ago, I was a teenager #WordsMatter
Ok, I reveal that I am a middle aged woman now through this post. But, that's ok. I am enjoying my middle age more than my teenage :-)
20 years ago, I was a teenager. As expected, I was a rebel, more confident or Over-confident and was a dreamer. I was studious, had a specific goal unlike other teenagers though.
I think, in those days my focus was only on studies. Not on friends or fun. I regret those days now. I wasted my precious teenage years by only studying. How bad is that?
I was studious and got good marks always. Had been among the top 5 performers in the class but, you know the Indian Education system, right? It won't prepare you well enough for any job. I might have worked smarter than harder.
In the middle of my studies, after completing my 10th standard, I got more free time before joining Intermediate. That's when I started reading the Sherlock Holmes Series suggested by a friend. Till then, I didn't read any novel in my life except the English subject books.
Sherlock Holmes' stories were like a portal for me to an another world. I enjoyed thoroughly and tried searching for similar thrillers after that.
Anyways, I joined my college by that time and again my book reading hobby went to the background. But, I remember that year as the foundation to my love for books.
I used to respect my Parents and always followed their instructions. But, something changed in teenage.
I rebelled for the first time against the period taboos and traditions. I used to face severe cramps every month and my frustration used to double when I was not allowed to sleep on mattress or not allowed to touch anything at our home as per the custom.Here is my opinion on the taboo about period talk.
I felt, I needed luxury and comfort especially during that time which was not possible due to some traditions followed at home.
Those were a few memories 20 years ago. For many, teenage years are precious and they want to relive them if possible. But, for me, present is more beautiful than past.
I neither hate my past nor wish to relive it. Past is a foundation of whatever we are now. Every lesson, every failure in the past is contributed to our current success, right? What do you think?
Until next time,
This post is written as part of #WordsMatter blog hop hosted by Corinne, Parul and Shalini.
I received this tag from Holly Jahangiri at https://jahangiri.us/2017/. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Shalz at https://www.shalzmojo.in/. There are 29 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 1st, 2nd and 3rd November 2019. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
20 years ago, I was a teenager. As expected, I was a rebel, more confident or Over-confident and was a dreamer. I was studious, had a specific goal unlike other teenagers though.
Academics :
I think, in those days my focus was only on studies. Not on friends or fun. I regret those days now. I wasted my precious teenage years by only studying. How bad is that?
I was studious and got good marks always. Had been among the top 5 performers in the class but, you know the Indian Education system, right? It won't prepare you well enough for any job. I might have worked smarter than harder.
Books :
In the middle of my studies, after completing my 10th standard, I got more free time before joining Intermediate. That's when I started reading the Sherlock Holmes Series suggested by a friend. Till then, I didn't read any novel in my life except the English subject books.
Sherlock Holmes' stories were like a portal for me to an another world. I enjoyed thoroughly and tried searching for similar thrillers after that.
Anyways, I joined my college by that time and again my book reading hobby went to the background. But, I remember that year as the foundation to my love for books.
Rebellion :
I used to respect my Parents and always followed their instructions. But, something changed in teenage.
I rebelled for the first time against the period taboos and traditions. I used to face severe cramps every month and my frustration used to double when I was not allowed to sleep on mattress or not allowed to touch anything at our home as per the custom.Here is my opinion on the taboo about period talk.
I felt, I needed luxury and comfort especially during that time which was not possible due to some traditions followed at home.
Those were a few memories 20 years ago. For many, teenage years are precious and they want to relive them if possible. But, for me, present is more beautiful than past.
I neither hate my past nor wish to relive it. Past is a foundation of whatever we are now. Every lesson, every failure in the past is contributed to our current success, right? What do you think?
Until next time,
This post is written as part of #WordsMatter blog hop hosted by Corinne, Parul and Shalini.
I received this tag from Holly Jahangiri at https://jahangiri.us/2017/. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Shalz at https://www.shalzmojo.in/. There are 29 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 1st, 2nd and 3rd November 2019. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
30 October, 2019
5 Best Netflix kids' shows right now
Netflix is a great TV subscription service for every age and for every mood. I got introduced to Netflix just 4 years ago. I am impressed with the quality of content.
I don't know who told that TV is an idiot box, but why can't we make TV time knowledgeable? Here is my opinion on TV time for kids.
If there is any TV show that a family can watch for fun, relaxation and to gain knowledge as well, Isn't it a great pick? Here are some of our family favorites, especially to my kids who want to watch good shows and also learn something out of it.
Pin it for Later!
I don't know who told that TV is an idiot box, but why can't we make TV time knowledgeable? Here is my opinion on TV time for kids.
If there is any TV show that a family can watch for fun, relaxation and to gain knowledge as well, Isn't it a great pick? Here are some of our family favorites, especially to my kids who want to watch good shows and also learn something out of it.
Pin it for Later!
5 Best Netflix Kids' shows
1. Story Bots
You all know if you are a parent that kids ask a lot of questions. Why to brush? Why to sleep early? How the Earth is formed? What is gravity? blah blah..
It is always good to encourage curiousness in kids as they learn more by asking questions. But, how much can you explain to little kids who are below 8 yr olds? They are not introduced to all concepts of Physics and Electronics yet, right? This TV show is really helpful in that case.
This TV show answers some of these questions in detail in a way that kids can understand in simple terms. They have songs too in the middle and cool graphics and paintings to make them understand better. If you have young kids, I say, don't miss this show.
2. The Farthest : Voyager in Space
This documentary is about a space ship Voyager which was launched in 1970's. This spaceship sent the closest images of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus to the Earth.
This 1hr 36 mins documentary is excellent to watch with kids. This show is inspiring with captivating tales of how the Voyager is made, the people behind it and the events that took place. A must see for your children.
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3. Lego Ninjago Series
Unlike other cartoons, Lego Ninjago is both fun and adventurous. Nothing knowledgeable, but a good show for kids.
I like the way the story shows the importance of morals, love, emotions and heroism with imperfections. This has a whooping 11 seasons of story, so unlimited fun. My kids love this show.
4. Brain Games
Our recent love. The whole family enjoys watching this show. So, we watch this show daily for at least 20 mins in the night before we sleep. Food for brain as well.
Through this show we learnt a lot of new things about our brain.
So, A must-watch show for families with kids. Enjoyable and knowledgeable.
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5. One Strange Rock
This documentary series tells us an extraordinary journey of the Earth in unique perspective. Hosted by Will Smith, this show is explained in simple terms so that even kids can understand.
Each episode delves into the important aspects that make our planet beautiful and unique. They cover some important topics like How oxygen is formed, how this oxygen is enough for all living beings on the Earth, How Amazon Rain forests and a specific bacteria in an ocean help thrive the human species etc.,
A must watch if you want kids to understand our planet.
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Those are my Netflix recommendations. What shows do you suggest for kids?
I know, there are multiple excellent shows out there for kids, explore and make TV time fun and knowledgeable. What do you say?
Until next time,
Halloween Book Blast
WELCOME TO THE HALLOWEEN BOOK BLAST!
Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more information on the novel as well as the Buy Links!
Before you leave, don't forget to enter the Giveaway!
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| Young Adult Fantasy - $2.99 + KU |
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| Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Paranormal - $2.99 |
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| Supernatural Mystery / Suspense - $4.99/$2.99 + KU |
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| Paranormal Mystery - $1.99 |
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| Dark Fantasy - $4.95 |
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| Fantasy - $0.99 Pre-Order |
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| Romantic Suspense Horror - $4.99 |
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Until next time,
29 October, 2019
23 October, 2019
Greenery in the Fall #ThursdayTreeLove
Some greenery too in the fall.
Eventually all trees shed their leaves by winter but only a few trees like Maple, cottonwood, Aspen etc will change colors before shedding their leaves.
I didn't know this 4 years ago and I thought all trees will change color in the Fall.
Until next time,
Linking this post to #ThursdayTreeLove blog hop hosted by Parul
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