DIY Exfoliating Face Mask

 The recent pandemic has been very stressful for all of us and while we are all staying at home, the regular visits to the beauty saloons is something all the ladies are missing.
I am sharing an effective at home exfoliating face pack that has the goodness of coffee and honey. Coffee acts as an excellent natural exfoliator,removing the dead cells of the skin.Honey is a great moisturizer that gives your skin that soft and supple look.
I recommend you use organic honey for best results.
 This pack should be applied on the face and neck twice a week.

Ingredients :
Coffee powder- 1 teaspoon
organic honey- 1.5 teaspoon
Fresh lime juice - 3-4 drops

Method: 
-Take a clean glass bowl and add the coffee powder and honey and  mix is well till a smooth paste is formed.
-now, add few drops of lime juice and mix well again.

How to apply :
-wash your face with normal water and pat dry with a cotton towel.
-apply this pack with the help of a brush or with clean hand.
-apply it evenly on face and neck.
-keep this pack atleast for 20 minutes.
-wash your face with lukewarm water.
-pat dry and see the natural glow on your face.

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Relax

 When everything is uncertain, don't lose hope and remember that this too shall pass.
The path maybe full of challenges and obstacles but one who never loses hope will see the dawn of a new day.

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Value Yourself

         

Every woman should know that she is worthy of being loved and respected. As parents we must not forget to teach our little kids the importance of self-love and self-care .

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Quick and Easy Chicken Nuggets

                                                  

This is a very quick chicken recipe which you can make at home instead of buying the frozen nuggets that are loaded with preservatives.

This makes an easy lock down recipe too as the weekend outings have stopped and we are all at home.

So stay safe and stay healthy everyone and do try this delicious recipe.

Ingredients :

chicken breast -2 big pieces, cut it into small pieces

Ginger, garlic and onion paste - 1 tablespoon (1 small onion, 6 cloves of garlic  and 1 inch ginger peeled)

Black pepper powder  - 1.5 teaspoon

Soya sauce - 1 teaspoon

Salt - as per taste

White bread - 4 slices,  edges cut

Egg -3 nos, beaten well

Breadcrumbs -1 small bowl, for coating

Oil- for frying

Method:

-in a mixer jar add the bread pieces and grind it into fine powder.

-now,in the same jar add the cut breast pieces along with the ginger, garlic and onion paste and grind everything to make a fine paste.

-Take this mixture out and mix it well with your hands. Pat the mixture dough on a plate and flatten it.

-with the help of a knife, cut it into small squares.

-heat oil in a pan and take one square and dip it into the beaten egg mixture using a spoon.

Take it out and coat it with breadcrumbs using another spoon.

-now, dip it in hot oil and fry till golden brown.

-Repeat with the rest of the squares.

- note that the gas should be on low to medium flame only. This is to make the nuggets crispy and we'll cooked.

-serve hot with tomato ketchup.

The Power of Now

Focus on the simple moments.Some are beautiful while some are heavy and hard.

When we learn to live in the present, we're not trying to control control the future or longing for the past.

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The Divine Ganga Aarti at Varanasi-A visual treat

The Divine Ganga Aarti at Varanasi

The Ganga Aarti is a devotional ritual that is usually made in the form of a lit lamp,in the  Ganges River, a small diya or lamp with flowers is  floated down the river. The offering is made to the Goddess Ganga,goddess of the holiest river in India.

The Aarti begins by lighting up the multi-tiered ceremonial brass lamps and a well-synchronised and rhythmic chanting of the holy mantras. Some of the priests blow the conch shells to sanctify the atmosphere, other priests begin waving the incense sticks to worship Mother Ganga.

The Ganga Aarti takes place daily at 6:30 PM post sundown in summer and 7:00 PM in winters for about 45 minutes. It is organised at the Dashashwamedh ghat, one of the holiest of all ghats in Varanasi. An announcement at 7:00 PM takes place to inform the attendees about the commencement of aarti.

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Relationships : Nourish and Nurture yourself in new ways

Evolution can be messy as it happens when we are forced to respond to the changes in our external environment.It also stretches us to a new, improved versions of ourselves,if we let it.

So remember to ride the waves of change carefully and develop a sense of trust-in yourself and also in the future.

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Be brave enough to change your inner world.

 The stories we tell ourselves matter.Choose the positive ones!



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Cauliflower Curry without Garlic and Onion-Vrat/Fasting special

 Cauliflower Curry without  onion and garlic :

 Shravan is an auspicious month for Hindus and this month is dedicated to the worship of lord Shiva.It is believed that Shravan month is a good time to meditate and pray to lord Shiva.Many people refrain from eating onion and garlic during this time as these are considered to be Tamsik in nature as per Ayurveda.

This cauliflower curry is cooked without onions and garlic and can be eaten during vrat or fasts.I have used roasted  whole spices and made a nice powder from it.You can store this powder in an air tight jar and use whenever you want to make any recipe without onions and garlic.Use dry ginger powder(Saunth) if you do not want to use the powder immediately.
Try this delicious curry during this holy month of Shravan or any Vrat and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Ingredients:
For Masala Powder
Cumin seeds-2 teaspoons
Coriander seeds-2 teaspoons
Black pepper corns-3-4
Dry Red chillies-2
Cloves-3-4
Green Cardamom-1
Cinnamon-1 big stick
Bay leaves-2
Dry ginger powder(Saunth) -2 teaspoons

For the Curry
Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon
Tomatoes-2 medium sized,diced
Cauliflower-1
Potatoes-2 medium sized
Oil-3 teaspoons
Turmeric powder-1 teaspoon
Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped
Water-2.5 cups
Salt to taste

Method:
-To make the masala powder,put all the ingredients mentioned in the ingredients for masala in a mixer jar and grind to make a smooth powder.
-Cut the cauliflower and potatoes into medium size.Dice the tomatoes.
-Take a pan and put 1 teaspoon of oil and separately fry the potatoes and cauliflower.Add a pinch of salt while frying the cauliflower.Saute the potatoes and cauliflower for 3-4 minutes each till they are half cooked.
-In the same pan add 2 teaspoons of oil and let it heat.Add the cumin seeds and let it splutter.Add the diced tomatoes and saute for 2-3 minutes.
-Now add the masala powder,cauliflower and potatoes and mix well.
-Add salt and turmeric powder and cook for 2 minutes.
-Add 2 cups of water and mix well.Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 4-5 minutes on medium flame till the vegetables and properly done.
-Remove from fire and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
-Serve hot with puris or pulao.

Healthy French Fries with 3 Magic Spice Mix

Healthy French Fries with 3 different Magic Spice Mix

Potato snacks is loved by kids as well as adults. French fries is my tween's favourite snack box recipe.Over the years, I have come up with my version of French fries with a slight twist.

The masala or the spice mix sprinkled on the fries gives it a different taste and I also add a secret healthy ingredient to the potatoes to give that extra crunch.

I am sharing  3 types of masala or spice mix and you can sprinkle them on the fries according to your taste.

Ingredients :

potatoes - 8  large

Oil- for frying

Rice flour-4 teaspoons

Magic Spice mix 1

Kala namak/rock salt,chilli powder, amchur powder  mixed.

Magic Spice Mix 2

Peri-peri spice powder

Magic Spice mix 3

Oregano,chilli flakes and a little bit of salt mixed

Method:

-wash the potatoes throughly under running water and dry them with a help of a cotton towel.

-peel the potatoes and dip them in a large vessel filled with cold water.

-take one potato and cut it into thick long sticks and dip the in the same water filled vessel.

-Repeat this with the rest of the potatoes.

-wash the potatoes again by changing the water 2 - 3 times. This is done to remove the  excess starch in the potatoes.

-dry the cut potato sticks under the fan and pat a clean cotton cloth on the potatoes.

-now, add the rice flour and gently coat the potatoes with it.

-heat a heavy bottom iron pan and pour oil into the pan. Your gas should be on medium flame.

-Add the potato sticks into hot oil and  fry till the potatoes slightly change colour.

-place a tissue paper on a plate and keep the fried sticks on it.

-similarly, fry the rest of the potatoes.

-Sprinkle the magic spice mix of your choice and serve it hot with tomato ketchup.

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Colour your hair Black Naturally!

Colour your hair Black Naturally! 

Yes, you read it right! Cover your greys and colour your hair black naturally.

We all are aware of the harmful side effects of the chemicals that not only damage our hair,cause itching,hair fall but also cause many serious illness like cancer.

There are many herbal and ayurvedic beauty saloons in India which claim to use all natural products when it comes to hair colour but we aren't sure of the quality of the products used by them.

8 years back when I wanted to colour my hair, I tried a very reputed brand in the market and after using it for a year or so I was diagnosed with a serious life threatening illness.After a treatment for nearly 8 months I decided to completely change my lifestyle and started looking for natural and ecologically sustainable products for my skin care.

I did have a lot of grey hair and I wanted my hair to look black and natural.I started reading some books on Ayurveda and also read a few blogs on how to colour your hair naturally.

Finally, I was lucky to find a wonder ingredient from Mother Nature. That was indigo powder.

Indigo powder is also known as blue gold. The powder is obtained by grinding the leaves of the plant indigofera.It is one of the oldest dye that was extensively used in textile industries.

Now you must be wondering if indigo powder can actually colour your hair black. Yes, it is possible only if you follow certain steps.

Today I will share all the steps necessary to colour your hair black naturally.

I guarantee that if you follow all the steps properly, this colour will last for 1month.

I strongly recommend that you use all organic products as they are pure and unadulterated.

You can easily but them online.

So let's get started with the magical formula to colour your hair black :)

There are 2 main steps which need to be followed. Step 1 is preparing the henna pack and applying it and step 2 is preparing the indigo pack and applying it.

Few important points to note are :

#The henna pack should be prepared the day before applying.Make the henna pack at night and apply it the next morning.

#Both the steps should be done on

the same day.

#Make sure you wash your hair properly the day before applying these packs so that your hair is clean, oil free and you get the best results.

 Step1

HENNA PACK:

Things needed :

1)organic henna (mehndi) powder-5 tablespoons

(you can increase or decrease the no of tablespoons according to the length of your hair)

2)amla powder(optional)-2teaspoons

3)tea leaves -2.5 teaspoons

4)small cast iron pan-it gives black colour to the henna pack.

5)water-2cups

6)strainer

7)mustard oil/coconut oil - 2.5teaspoons

Steps to make the henna pack:

-heat a pan or kadhai and add the water and let it simmer.

-add the tea leaves and amla powder and allow the mixture to boil on medium flame for 15-20minutes. Keep stirring occasionally.

-after 15-20 minutes turn off the gas and allow the mixer to cool a bit.

-strain this mixture into the cast iron pan.

-now add the Mehndi powder and mustard oil and mix properly with the help of a spoon.

-cover the pan with a heavy lid and allow this paste to sit for atleast 8-10 hrs.

- best is to prepare it the night before application.

How to apply  henna pack:

-before applying make sure that your hair is properly washed and dry.

-mix the henna pack with a spoon and wear gloves.

-start by partitioning your hair and take little hair using one hand and with other hand take a little henna pack and apply it from the root of your hair to the tip.

-gently wrap that portion of the hair where you applied the pack and pull it to the crown of your head.

-similarly take little more hair and apply the paste and repeat the steps till you have applied the pack on the head.

-wear a head cap and cover this henna pack for atleast 1.5 hrs.

-after1.5 to 2 hours wash the henna pack with cold or warm water. Do not use a shampoo to rinse hair.

-take a towel and wrap it around your hair.

Step 2:

INDIGO PACK:

Things needed :

-Indigo powder-6 tablespoons

-Warm water-to take a thick paste

-salt-a pinch

How to apply the indigo pack:

-your hair should be wet while applying this pack.

-heat little water about  1 cup in a pan and ensure the water is just warm.

-add the indigo powder and a pinch of salt to a clean glass bowl and pour little water into the bowl with the help of a spoon.

-add water little by little  so that you get a nice thick paste.

-let this pack rest ony for 5 minutes and then start applying it.Do not keep the indigo pack for more than 5 minutes.

-now again wear the gloves and apply the indigo pack just as you applied the henna pack in step 1.

-cover your head with   a head cap and make sure you don't  leave the indigo pack open.

-keep this pack for 1-1.5hrs.

-wash your hair with cold or warm water and don't use shampoo.

-let it dry and you will notice that your hair looks black and lustrous.

-You should was your hair only after 48hrs by using a shampoo.

Note:while  applying the pack, cover your clothes by putting a towel over your shoulders.

Remove jewellery while applying the packs.

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Anti-Dandruff Herbal Hair Oil

Anti-dandruff herbal hair oil:

Dandruff is a condition which affects people of all age groups.Itchy scalp and flakiness are the common signs of dandruff.

While there are several over the counter products available to treat dandruff which are definitely effective but they contain harmful chemicals which sometimes cause other side effects like hair-fall and dry scalp condition.

Taking proper care of the scalp is therefore essential and this includes natural herbs that are mild yet nourishing for the scalp and hair.

I'm going to share a time tested home remedy which I have been using for years.

The hair oil is made with some spices and leaves that are readily available in your kitchen.

Ingredients :

Coconut oil - 2cups (use cooking coconut oil, preferably a good organic brand)

Curry leaves -15-20 nos. Washed and dried under fan( don't sun dry them)

Fenugreek seeds(methi Dana) - 15-20 nos.

Nigella seeds(kalonji) - 1/4 teaspoon

Neem leaves(optional)- 15-20nos.

Strainer

A piece of clean cotton cloth

Steps to make the Anti-dandruff hair oil :

-take a heavy bottom iron pan and heat it on low flame.

-pour the coconut oil and the curry leaves and Neem leaves and stir them for a minute.

-add the rest of the ingredients and keep stirring the oil till the curry leaves and Neem leaves are crunchy.You can take a leaf out carefully and crush it with your hands, if it crumbles then the oil is ready.

-allow the oil to cool completely  and take a clean sterilized glass jar and place the strainer on this jar and on the strainer,put the cotton clothe.

-now, slowly pour the oil into the strainer with the help of a table spoon.

-close the lid of the jar and you Anti-dandruff herbal hair oil is ready for use.

This oil has a beautiful aroma and it has all the goodness of coconut oil and all the anti bacterial properties of curry leaves and Neem leaves and the spices.

 Use it twice a week for good results.

Before applying the oil,make sure you gently heat it because warm oil massage not only improves circulation, it also relaxes you and helps in good sleep.

Best time to apply is at night before going to bed. Wear a head cap so that the pillow cover is not soiled.

Apply it to your scalp and hair and massage for atleast 10-15 minutes. Wash your hair the next day with a mild herbal shampoo.

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Flaxseed (Alsi) Powder/Chutney

Flaxseed(Alsi)  Powder/Chutney:

Flaxseed is the new wonder food.These small seeds are a powerhouse of some of the most healthy components like lignans,omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.

Flaxseeds have the power to fight against certain cancers like breast,colon and prostrate. These seeds also protect us against diabetics and cardiovascular diseases.A diet rich in flaxseeds helps reduce inflammation and also control hot flashes in menopausal women.

Today's recipe is a simple and quick flaxseed powder/chutney which you can store upto a week in an air tight glass container. You can have it with rice,idli,dosa or even chapati.

Ingredients:

Flaxseeds-1 small bowl

Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon

Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon

Garlic-5-6 cloves

Rock salt-as per taste

Sugar-1/2 teaspoon(optional)

Steps:

-Heat a small heavy bottom pan on medium to low heat and dry roast the flaxseeds,stirring them constantly for 2-3 minutes. As soon as the seeds start to splutter,turn off the gas and allow the flaxseeds to cool.

-Take a mixer jar and add the seeds and all the other ingredients and make a powder .

-Your super healthy flaxseed chutney is ready.enjoy it with rice,dosa,idli or chapati.

-Store it in a airtight container and consume it within a week to get the maximum health benefits from this powder.

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Quick Cucumber and Cheese Sandwich

Quick Cucumber and Cheese Sandwich

This easy sandwich is perfect for a lazy Sunday  and it's simple and doesn't require many ingredients. Just a few pieces of sandwich bread or any whole wheat/multigrain bread ,grated cheese and cucumber and you're good to go. You can also involve kids while making this or this can be their Sunday chore to help mommy :).

Ingredients :

Whole wheat /multigrain/plain sandwich  bread -8 pieces.

Cucumber- 2 medium( grated)

Processed Cheese cubes- 5 cubes (grated)

Black pepper powder- 1 tablespoon(freshly ground)

Butter- for spreading on the bread

Knife

Steps to make the sandwich:

- Take 2 slices of the bread and cut the edges with the help of a knife.

- With the help of a butter knife spread butter evenly on one side of each slice.

-Take a teaspoon of the grated cucumber and place it on one slice and again another teaspoon of grated cheese.

-Spread the  grated cheese and cucumber mixture evenly and sprinkle a pinch of freshly grounded black pepper powder on it and cover it with another slice.

-Repeat the above steps with the other slices.

-You quick sandwich is ready to eat! enjoy it with a cup of hot masala tea.

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Ghee (clarified butter)the Indian Superfood

Ghee the Indian Superfood : 

What is ghee? 

Ghee is a type of clarified butter. It's more concentrated in fat than butter, as its water and milk solids have been removed. Ghee is made from the milk of a buffalo or cow. Pure desi ghee, is ghee made of cow's milk. It contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids along with Vitamin A. It is one of the best oils for cooking. According to Ayurveda,Ghee stimulates digestive fire. It has a very high smoke point (~485 degrees F) and its chemical structure does not change at high heat. 

why should you have ghee?

 Benefits of ghee 

Ghee has several health benefits including increasing metabolism, decreasing inflammation, and improving heart health.   

This Indian superfood also improves the memory and strengthens the brain and nervous system, promotes longevity and helps restore balance to your mind. 

ghee is known to stimulate the digestive process and is likely to aid in weight loss. It also restores balance to your mind and will boost the functioning of your brain.   

It is loaded with vitamins A, D, E and K. Ghee is also very rich in dietary fats.   

ghee is also known as a body cleanser as it removes impurities from your body. It strengthens your eyesight, your muscles and tendons.

Ghee for weight loss 

Since ghee is rich in omega 3 fats (DHA) and omega 6 (CLA), it can be great for weight loss. Omega 6 fats have shown to increase the lean body mass while reducing the fat mass. Experts have also found that ghee helps in mobilizing fat cells to be burnt for energy.  Ghee is packed with essential amino acids that can shrink the size of fat cells.

Ghee for Kids
Ghee is essential for brain development in kids.
The addition of desi ghee can be an essential addition to the diet list that is rich in Omega 3, the exact amount of DHA and EPA and 9 fatty acids. So, start giving it an accurate amount for improved brain development and memory.
Ghee massage is a healthy way to take care of a kid’s sensitive skin.
Ghee diet helps in strengthening general immunity of a kid a great natural remedy for strengthening bones. The vitamin K content of cow ghee helps in quick absorption of calcium, and that makes the bone strong.

Ghee for pregnant women

During pregnancy, desi ghee provides nourishment to both the mother and the child as they need more nutrients.

Fertility benefits of ghee
Ghee helps women’s bodies produce cholesterol that is necessary for them to create and maintain higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, both the hormones are critical for fertility.

Ghee for immunity
ghee is considered as one of the best immunity boosters in India.

Laddos with ghee and jaggery

i would like to share a very easy laddu which is made using ghee,jaggery powder,dry ginger powder,pinch of jaiphal.This can be made by heating a heavy bottom pan and let the ghee melt.You can add 2 tablespoons of cow ghee.Add 2 tablespoons of jaggery powder and rest of the ingredients and quickly stir the entire mixture on low flame for 2 minutes and let it cool a bit and roll it into small peanut sized balls while the mixture is still warm.
These laddus can be given to kids or anyone who has cough and cold.


Importance of ghee in Ayurveda
Ghee is Ayurveda's most treasured food. Sattvic Food and is known as Ghrita
Cow Ghee is considered a sattvic food in Ayurveda.
For Body Massage,also known as Abhyang, Apply ghee all over the body, rubbing into head, chest, limbs, joints According to the Charak Samhita, regular Abhyanga slows the aging process.

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Home made immunity boosting (Kadha/Kashayam )Powder:

Immunity Boosting recipes :1
Home made immunity boosting (Kadha/Kashayam )Powder:





As most states begin to re-open, we are seeing a surge in new cases everyday. I want to make sure that every parent is armed with what they need to support their kids.

In this pandemic-ridden world, we need all the right information we can get to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

The much awaited monsoon season is also here and monsoon brings along numerous diseases too.

Our immunity takes a dip during this season making us more susceptible to common cold, flu, other viral infections,and digestive issues. A good immune system, therefore, is required during this season, which can be built by consuming good seasonal food.

We all know that the market is flooded with many immunity boosting capsules and powders that are expensive and most of them contain preservatives to retain the shelf-life of these products. Anything that is home made is always easy on the pocket and we are sure about the ingredients.

I am starting the series with a Kadha/Kashayam powder which can be made using the common spices that are available in our kitchen.This recipe is simple yet very effective.You can make and store it for a couple of months.

The best way to consume it is by adding a little honey and a few drops of lemon juice or you can just have it as a herbal tea. Try having it atleast twice a day and replace it with your regular tea or coffee.

This is great for kids and is great for the elderly people too.Make this Kashayam/Kadha and enjoy it with your family.

Don't forget to comment :)

So, here goes the recipe.




Immunity boosting Powder( Kadha/Kashayam):
Ingredients :

Cinnamon sticks-5 big

Cloves-6 nos.

Black pepper (whole) - 10-12 nos.

Coriander seeds (whole) -8-10 nos.

Nutmeg/jaiphal powder -1/4 teaspoon

Turmeric powder-2 teaspoons

Dry ginger powder/sounth/sunthi- 4 teaspoons

Ashwagandha churna(optional)-1.5 teaspoons


Fresh tulsi leaves/holy basil-4-5 nos.


Method :
1)dry roast the whole ingredients on slow flame for 2 minutes on a heated pan. Make sure they are not burnt.Keep stirring until you get an aroma.

2)Let it cool.

3)take a mixture jar for dry grinding and add the roasted spices along with the powdered spices.

4)grind to make a fine powder.

5) take out and store in an air tight glass bottle (preferably glass).


How to make the kashayam /kadha:

1)Take a small pan and add 1.5 cup of drinking water to it.

2) allow the water to simmer and add 1.5 (one and half) teaspoon of the kashayam powder and the tulsi leaves to this water and let it boil on low heat for at least 5 minutes.Remember to keep the lid of the pan closed while boiling.

3)turnoff the gas and strain the kashayam /kadha and pour it into a cup.

4) add 1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice to it and stir it with a spoon.

5)serve hot.

Your immunity boosting kadha is ready to serve. Have at least two cups everyday.


Notes: you can adjust the water depending on the no of cups you are making. The recipe above is for 1 cup.

  You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of this powder to your regular tea.

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