Trusting God!!

 You are the power of God. This is the reality and the truth.

We live in a world full of troubles and difficulties but how do we remove these dangers ? Have trust in yourself and have trust in God. God is always with and within you. If my hand is cut off, then I may shout, but God will not shout because He gives power to the hands to cope and to heal. Be strong and courageous. If you meditate daily and sincerely, you will get all-round development, perfection and love. Meditate calmly. A moment’s good company will enable you to cross the worldly ocean, which is very dangerous. The worldly ocean is full of the crocodiles of ego and the sharks of emotion, which are ready to sink their teeth into you and add troubles to your life. This world is more perilous than the ocean with its many waves, it’s ups and downs. Through all these difficulties, you must watch God. If you meditate, the power of God will allow you to see the waves for what they are.

Paramahansa Hariharananda

 

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Support your Child's mental health during Covid-19

 

 

The emotional well-being of children is just as important as their physical health. Sound mental health allows children to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills.

Basics of good mental health:

-Unconditional love from family

-Safe and secure surroundings
-The opportunity to interact with other children
-Encouraging teachers and caretakers
-Good habits and discipline

 There are many things that can help keep children mentally sound. The most important thing is:

* being in good health,physically

*getting enough time to play and exercise both indoors and outdoors.
*spending quality time with both the parents and grandparents.

well-being of our children during this pandemic.
Follow a Schedule :

 In addition to schoolwork, be sure to incorporate time for uplifting activities including art, music, exercise and other activities with family.

Give  them CHORES: 

This is the most important life skill.Remember that chores must be age appropriate and it can be as simple as filling the jugs with water to making their own bed or cleaning small bowls and spoons.The older kids can do some complex chores like cooking and cleaning.This gives them a sense of responsibility.Don't forget to praise and appreciate their efforts.

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Drumstick(moringa) Paratha

 

 

 Moringa or drumstick is now considered a superfood because of it's nutritional value .This recipe of paratha is simple and everything that's needed to make a basic paratha remains the same and the only addition is the washed and chopped drumstick leaves and a few other ingredients that make full of flavour. You can also use dry drumstick leaves too to make this delicious paratha.

I have served it hot with hand pounded amla chutney and mixed vegetable curry.

 

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Poha Namkeen-Diwali Snacks

Poha Namkeen:

This is yet another special Diwali recipe that can be enjoyed with a hot cuppa tea or coffee on a cold evening. I have not fried the poha/chivda here. If you wish, you can fry the poha.I have made the sweet and tangy version here by adding powdered sugar and citric acid powder but it is completely optional.

Ingredients:

Thin Poha-1.5 cups

Groundnuts-4 teaspoons

Cashewnuts-2 teaspoons

Almonds-1 teaspoon

Curry leaves-10 or12 leaves

Red chilli-2(optional)

Cumin seeds/jeera-1 teaspoon

Sesame seeds/til-2 teaspoons

Asafoetida/Hing-1/4 teaspoons

Oi/Ghee-to fry the nuts and curry leaves(3tablespoonsapprox.)

Salt-To taste

Sugar powder-2 teaspoons(optional)

Citric acid powder-1/4 teaspoon

Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon

Dried coconut-cut into thin strips-7-8

Method:

-Take a heavy bottomed iron pan and heat it on medium flame.

-Add the poha and dry roast it on low-medium flame for 4-5 minutes and take it out of the pan.

-Now, add oil/ghee to the same pan and fry the nuts, sesame seeds, red chillies and curry leaves in batches and keep them aside.

-Add another teaspoon of oil/ghee and add the hing, jeera and turmeric powder and mix the fried nuts,curry leaves and stir gently.

-Now, add the poha and salt,powdered sugar, citric acid and dried coconut and give it a good mix.

-Allow this mixture to cool and store it in a clean air tight jar.

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Wheat Shakarpara -a traditional diwali snacks

Wheat Shakarpare:

This diwali try making this traditional snacks. It's quick and easy to make. I have made the shakarpara with wheat, you can substitute wheat and corn flour in 50:50 proportion.

ingredients:

-whole wheat flour-1.5 cups

-water/milk-1 cup

-sugar-3 tablespoons

-oil for frying and to make the dough

-Knife to cut the shakarpara

Method:

-Heat the water or milk in a pan and add sugar.

-Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture cool.

-Take a big bowl and add the wheat flour.

-Add 2 teaspoons of oil and mix it with the flour.

-Now ,pour the sugar and water mixture little by little with the help of a spoon to make a semi -soft dough.

-Allow this dough to rest for 15-20 minutes by covering the vessel with a lid.

-Knead the dough again and cut it into 2 equal portions.

-With the help of a board and rolling pin roll the portion of the dough to make a chapatti.

-The  chapatti rolled should be little thick.

-Take a knife and cut the chapatti into strips and vertically and horizontally into small squares.

-Heat oil in a larger pan. Ensure that your gas is on low flame.

-Take a few squares and fry them in batches till they turn golden brown.

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Crunchy Peanuts:a quick evening snack

                                                             

Peanuts are an excellent source of plant based protein and also contain fibre. A handful of roasted peanuts as a mid morning snack can give you all the energy required to attend important meetings and other work. 

Today's recipe is a delicious snack which you can enjoy with your evening cup of tea or coffee. It is also a perfect snack of a rainy day.

Ingredients :

Roasted peanuts -1 small cup(you can remove the peel if you want) 

finely chopped onions-1 tablespoon. 

Lime juice - 2 teaspoons 

finely chopped green chillies -1/4 teaspoons 

Kala Namak or black salt - as per taste 

finely chopped green coriander leaves - 2 teaspoons 

Method:

-take a large bowl and add the peanuts.

-now add the rest of the ingredients  and give it a good mix with the help of a spoon. 

Your crunchy and spicy peanuts is ready.  Enjoy this quick snack with a cup of hot tea.

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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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