A Journey, A Quest, A Thrill and An Adventure
He loved her. She loved him. They were like soul mates. However, they had to bid adieu not for themselves but for the betterment of each other. Here’s a short story on Love, Breakup and Relationship –
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As soon as the term ‘ Star Wars’ pops in my mind, I’m completely immersed into the iconic Star Wars universe.
…and things get really dark when you get a printout on the dining table in the Aurebesh Language – The Language of the Galaxy.
To my surprise, when I looked here and there to see what my cousin is upto, a sound of R2-D2 surprised me. When I went in the direction of the sound, my cousin enthralled me with his new Star Wars Special Edition Notebook that actually had more than 1,100 images of Star Wars, an e-book on Star Wars and even Star Wars Comic.
However, what took my breath away was the Aurebesh Font in the Notebook and the emergence of a sound like Artoo-Deetoo. Not to miss the glowing red backlit keys as well.
Well, those who are wondering what the font mean, let me tell you it says – ‘May the Force Be with you.’
Ever since we two were kids, we imagined ourselves as the citizen of Coruscant and often used to communicate in the Aurebesh language – The language of the Galaxy.
Together, we lived in the secret world where I was Princess Leia and he was the Darth Vader. We enjoyed playing the character and often behaved in a similar away at home and even used our own signs to communicate with each other.
It was my dream to control the dark side and to my surprise, my cousin had given the access to the Empire.
However, for a change, the dark Star Wars Special Edition Notebook has inspired me to be a little bit quirky – fulfilling my destiny in the real world.
…And for that I really need a R2-D2
No, not because, R2-D2 is the……
But Because,
You never know they’ll love the electronic beeps and whistles he adds in between.
A DJ night On the New Years Eve with R2D2 as DJ -Just imagine the beeps and the baby sound…
Just imagine the sound of this droid, it is surely going to bring the entire colony on its toes.
The HP Star Wars Notebook has already got me excited. How about you? Eager to know more? Well, simply check here or tweet #AwakenYourForce and get ready to fulfil your destiny in the dark side. See you there!
The winters are here and so is my granny – A perfect time for the family get together, gossips, and of course a time to relish the favorite food and desserts! While, throughout the year we love munching the desserts cooked by my mom, the moment my granny is at home we cannot stop but nag her constantly to prepare the Dink Ke Laddu aka Gond Ke Laddoo.
Sweet and very delicious, it is one of my favorite Indian desserts. Interestingly, it is also quite healthy. So, nobody can actually raise their eyebrows when you eat 2 laddoos instead of just one. However, being on a diet (particularly sugar free) I decided not to bug my granny to prepare my beloved Dink Ke Laddu but she never fails to surprise me. Well, she actually prepared the Dink Ke Laddu popularly known as Gond Ke Laddoo by the all new Sugarfree Natura.
Gond 200 gm
Wheat Flour 100 gm
Ghee 250 gm
Sugar Free Natura 200 gm
Dry Fruits – We used Almond, Cashew nut, Walnut, Pista,
Khas khas
Coconut Dry (sliced) 100 gm
Tip – If the pieces of Gond are large in size the n break it into smaller pieces.
Add ghee in the kadai (pan) and heat it. Pour the gaund in the heated ghee. The pieces will puff up like popcorn. Further, heat it in low flame so that the dink is cooked thoroughly even from the inside. Take it out and keep aside to cool.
In the same ghee, now add all the dry fruits that you want in the laddoo and heat in low flame for few minutes.
Roast the coconut as well
Next, remove the dry fruits and pour the wheat flour and khaskhas in the kadai and heat it till it turns slightly brown. Make sure you stir it continuously.
Mix the Sugarfree Natura, fried dry fruits, dink and the roasted wheat flour in the kadai or a big bowl. Make sure you fuse the mixture quite well so that the sugar spreads equally throughout the mixture of gaund, dry fruits and the flour. The measure of the Sugar Free Natura is same as that of the powdered sugar you add normally – Yes, cheeni jaisa naap, cheeni jaisa swaad.
Now take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a round ball to get the desired Gaund Ke Laddu. You can also make Gaund Ke Barfi if you wish too instead of making the laddoos.
Eat it right then and store the rest in air tight container.
Well, this recipe made up by my Granny not just satisfied my sweet tooth but also ensured that my sugar free diet remains active and alive.
Gond Ke Laddu or Dink Ke Laddu is even given to ladies after the delivery so that the body of the nursing mother recovers fast. Since, the laddu has lot of nutritional values it is often consumed with milk in the breakfast during the winters to produce heat in the body.
Often in Mumbai, we Mumbaikars after a week full of travelling to our work via local trains, and BEST buses drain by the time it is weekend. No wonder every Friday we do wish to get away from the daily hustle of our life and escape for a day to some luxurious hotel in our city.
I’m sure we all have thought about it sometime or the other. With me, I keep on day dreaming of spending some great time in the lavish hotels of Mumbai if at least for a single day. Here are the 3 Hotels in my bucket list for a lazy day to feel like a Queen:
If you are a 90s kid you know what HOTEL TAJ really is! It was only a single 5 star Hotel we kids knew about. In fact, 5 star meant Taj just like Toothpaste was synonymous to Coalgate and Biscuit was Parle G. Ever since then I have been dreaming to spend a day there.
Well, my ideal day would be staying at one of the Tower Rooms in Taj Mahal Palace where I can feel the comfort and forget all the hustle bustle of the city which usually disturbs everything. I would definitely visit the famous Harbour Bar to chill out at the end of a tiring day while rest of the day I’ll eat out from various restaurants in the hotel.
Now since Taj Mahal Palace is one of the finest hotels in India and Mumbai, I would want to experience the refined architecture, inimitable comfort, classy amenities and a superior service and hospitality so that I sit back and spend my day in the palace like a modern day queen having nothing to do except enjoy the pleasure of staying in Taj right opposite the Gate Way of India.
Having been to The Lalit for more than 3 times for seminars and conference, I have often wondered how comfy the stay would be if I just take a room and spend a day inside. I would surely relax in Rejuve – The Spa and enjoy food and drink across the globe. No wonder, the Lalit has some of the best multi-cuisine restaurants in house including WOOKS, Baluchi and 24/7. Besides, how can I miss the nightlife at Trendz to enjoy some fusion cuisine and Mumbai’s nightlife culture. Sutra Lounge Bar is something which I have been dying to visit from long.
I really cannot own a sea facing house in Mumbai but can definitely spend a day by a sea facing room in a luxury hotel. This is the reason why I’m always attracted to any sea face hotel and in Mumbai nothing can beat the Juhu JW Marriott known for its classy rooms that offers luxury at a great price.
Interestingly, at JW Marriott I would love to relax at the outdoor pools, get lazy and the award winning spa and then have fun at the nightclub Enigma.
These 3 luxurious hotels in Mumbai will not only let me lose my self but also help me forget all the daily pain – making it a perfect place to relax, sit back & enjoy a well-deserved Vacation! I hope to book soon as ClearTrip is giving us Hotel Deals – How about you where do you plan to spend your one day Vacation at?
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. ~Henry Ford
This is an old progressive quote by Henry Ford. However, it seems the quote is only used in board rooms these days to motivate workers. Yes, the people who use this quote in the work space are seen staying aloof in their living rooms. Worst, they don’t even have time to see the changes in their partner, siblings, parents or their own kids. Forget being together they are not even close. Nobody has time to look beyond themselves.
This is not Togetherness….
Now a days we often come across people sharing videos on humanity on social media especially Facebook. I come across one on a daily basis where I see a little boy buys a slipper for a needy old man with his pocket money, a young bloke gives Rs. 4000 to an old vendor (his monthly income) simply because he thinks his passion of ‘Not to Give Up’ deserves a reward. Share a Smile, Share Happiness has become the new mantra in this fast paced world. However, though these videos get viral not many follow the lessons with the same enthusiasm with which they share on social media.
For me real togetherness is being with the needy and aiding them like one’s own family members. Then whether the needy is a poor boy who not just need food but also education or a rape/acid victim who needs your support to fight back the gender intolerance.
My nephew and niece are two notorious kids who cannot stop fighting with each other. Moreover, when they play with other kids our house become a big fish market where almost every kid yell in anger or cry in pain. However, a nest in the balcony of our living room changes everything for good.
Yes, a pigeon gave two eggs in our balcony in a hay like thing. It was not a proper nest and the kids were concerned for the baby pigeons that laid inside the eggs. Then began their conquest to keep the eggs safe, not just from outside world but also from the crow’s eye. They ensured that each of the kid’s keep an eye on the eggs and when the kids went to school, my sister and her neighbors ensured they kept an eye on them. This way not just the kids even the elder ones got together.
The real life incident got fresh in my eyes the moment I saw this beautiful video of Kissan which showcases the real story.
No wonder, Kissan feels that it is high time that we free ourselves from the bonds of technology to enjoy the real relationship between our kins and the real world.
So now that Airtel 4G is available at the cost of 3G and we are getting it for free right at our doorstep, I’m all set to apply and try the new Airtel 4G to check out its unbelievable speed.
Well, I’m all excited about using 4G Network and here’s what I’m thinking to do first when I switch my 3G network into 4G network.
Booking a Tatkal ticket on IRCTC has always been a headache for me. To be honest, every time I try my hand at booking a Tatkal ticket on IRCTC, I’m highly disappointed because I have never got one. Yes, in spite of seeing tickets available at 10 am sharp by the time I’m done with the payment, I get a Waiting ticket. So the first thing I’ll definitely try is booking a Tatkal ticket on IRCTC. Even for normal tickets, booking from Airtel 4G will be a sigh of relief.
Well, Movie download has always been a major issue for me. I often download it during the night and wait till the morning. In such a scenario, I can only watch the movie the next day. But, now that I’ll have Airtel 4G, I’m eager to download my favorite movie as soon as I start my 4G pack.
On a daily basis there are many contests available online where the time starts at “x” time and by the time it is x.01 minutes, it is over. The reason being in this 1 minute all the seats/freebies/vouchers are taken away by your fellow competitors. I would definitely use Airtel 4G to try out submitting by entry in such time restricted contests which are limited to few people only.
Every time I stream videos, I’m so frustrated that I often end up spoiling my and my partner’s mood. Live streaming is such a pain with 2G and sometimes even with a 3G network. This is the reason why I’m so excited for “Live Streaming” with my new Airtel 4G – The fastest Network ever!
Usually uploading takes a lot of time than downloading. This is the reason why we usually leave our computer or phone and go in search of a coffee, the moment we start uploading anything. Then whether it is uploading hundreds of images on our Picasa, Facebook or attaching several files in a mail, it takes a lot of time. This is the reason why I’m looking forward to try uploading all types of images and files once I get my Airtel 4G.
You too can get an Airtel 4G SIM absolutely free. All you have to do is tweet using the hashtag – #GetAirtel4G.
Well, what do you plan to do with Airtel ’s unbelievable speed? Well, if you think your network is better than Airtel 4G, you can also register for the Airtel Challenge.
“This blog is written for participation in the blogging contest by eKavach Parental Control App. I am writing about being a #eSuperMom or #eSuperDad! You can also submit your entry here and stand a chance to win Gold/Diamond jewelry and exciting shopping vouchers.”
In this ever growing world, Moms not just have to become a multitasker but also a supermom because the kids these days are not just smart but super smart. And this is precisely why my sister has turned into a Tech savvy Mum post my nephew has become a teenager and started using Internet for games and other stuff.
Here, I shall discuss why my sister is a #eSuperMom
My nephew is a teenager and often uses smart phones for playing games and sometimes even to do his homework. However, we all know downloading games divert us to many unwanted sites which is a strict no-no when it comes to child safety.
While all the parents often wonder what to do and how, my sister is monitoring him through eKavach an app where parents can easily monitor their children without bothering them with their physical presence.
Yes, my sister doesn’t call and bug her son asking, “Where are you?”, “Where are you going?” as these questions bug any of the teenagers the most. This app eKavach through its feature “heartbeat monitoring” helps her to keep an eye on her son. The notification pops up everytime when the child moves from one place to another.
No matter what website, app or game my nephew is streaming, my sister knows it all because of eKavach. What’s more, because of it my sister also gets to know about his needs. So, if there is anything which my nephew wants and it is not in his device she knows immediately.
My sister is a new #eSupermom because without being nosy she can even block internet usage time on my nephew’s device so that she makes sure the kid study at right time, play at an appropriate time without wasting too much time on the Internet browsing. What’s more, she can even block social networking sites or set limits on the same. In addition, she can even block excessive game usage.
The app eKavach allows the kid to send a SOS message from his device in case of emergency. This obviously will help her in providing right assistance to her kid.
In the world of Internet and technology, it is very necessary that we monitor our growing kids and do not allow them to get diverted in wrong direction. This is where eKavach plays an important role.
Are you also a #eSuperMom or #eSuperDad? Do share your parenting tips with us in the comment section
Parenting is not that easy. Becoming too harsh will make them rebel and becoming too lenient would make them sit you on your head. In such circumstances, the best way to deal with them is by being their buddy. Yes, only a buddy parent can guide the tiny tots and make learning easy and playful.
While, I’m still not a parent, I have seen how my sister a mother of a 7 year old kid has been a buddy parent over the years. Here are few instances, “The Khushi Ke Pal” Between my sister (parent) and my nephew (child).
Observing scientists experimenting in the labs while watching cartoons, my nephew gets excited about science and the so called experiments, wondering how such things would be possible. Watching her son’s curiosity and interest in these experiments, my sister and his mom thought of showing him the basic experiments which is possible right at the comfort of home.
Next, she announced that they will together build a lab in the house and carry out similar experiments in the house. Fully excited my nephew geared up for the event and even shared the news with his dad, asking him the details. His dad revealed things that only excited him more.
When I entered the house, my nephew immediately took me to the second balcony. I wondered what the mother and son duo was upto. My nephew introduced me to their lab (which was the balcony) and introduced me to the scientist in the lab (who was sis) and introduced him as her assistant.
My sis was ready with a bowl of water, surf, and turmeric. I understood.
She then showed the first experiment to my nephew. How turmeric changed its color and became red in the presence of soapy water. Overwhelmed, my nephew was too excited to see a magic happening in front of his eyes.
His mom in a playful way explained him the reaction. And this is the way they have been learning many things in a playful way.
While, it would be just a “kuch bhi….” for a grownup it sure is a khushi ke pal for a parent and a child where both enjoy the precious moments and even the spectators like me cannot stop but appreciate the bonding moments. Believe me, it was khuljaye bachpan at its best!
They also have litmus paper and magnifying glass in their lab. My nephew these days often describe how certain things look under the magnifying glass.
Well, we are a bunch of North Indians and south Indian language is almost like Greek and Latin to us. So, when my sister shifted to Bangalore, she had lot of problems while talking to the local vendors especially those selling vegetables. Neither my sister could understand their language, nor did they understand my sister’s language. They talked in sign languages.
My nephew was admitted in a CBSE school. However, they said, “Kannada” is compulsory up till 8th Std. Now this worried both my sister and my nephew.
However, during the vacations, my nephew started going to a teacher’s place in the same building who taught Kannada language. Being a fast learner to our surprise he could grasp the language very quickly. Not just the basic aa aa ee ee but also some key words used in the daily life. Now he is learning Kannada language both in school as well as his Kannada tuition classes.
Back at home, when he is free he often sits with his home, writes the Kannada alphabets and makes her repeat what he says. In a way, he is teaching her the language Kannada while he himself is learning it in school.
He now knows how to say 1 to 20 in Kannada and he has taught the same to his mom. So, whenever my sister now goes to the local sabzi thella, she bargains using the Kannada term for the numbers.
So, when it comes to Kannada, my sister is a student and my nephew is a teacher. While, my nephew teaches her patiently, my sister too learns enthusiastically and even ask question out of curiosity which he answers sometimes like…..”are baba….” And then explains her in detail. The role reversal pattern followed by my sister is nothing but a part of being a buddy parent. After all, such moments not only give us some memorable moments (khushi ke pal) but also help us to relive our own childhood in a unique way (khul jaye bachchpan)
Another Instance
She is Teaching Him Yoga, While He is Guiding Her With the Mobile Apps, & PC Games
These days my nephew is going to karate classes and so he needs to be fit. Unexpectedly, he asked his mother to teach him yoga so that he becomes proactive in his physical activity. Happy to help my sister is teaching him all the kid yoga poses like Butterfly pose, Child Pose. Prayanama and Kapalbhati is something he has been doing since he was 4!
This one hour yoga session which they do on weekends is truly “Khushi Ke Pal” The reason? Well, the family bond over it. During one such session in my presence in the end my nephew announced let’s end the yoga with the ghoda asan (Horse pose) and there was an great level of excitement on his face.
Next, I saw my sister became a horse and my little nephew was riding his horse around the world (the house). It was indeed a ‘Khuljaye Bachpan’ moment for me.
Few hours later after the lunch, I saw both the mother and son on the couch and my nephew shouting, “mom F1 F1, the arrow keys, no no the “N” button…” and when I came near I saw he was teaching the tricks of playing GTA Vice City.
I couldn’t help but smile after observing the significance of Buddy Parenting. No wonder, it did gave me those “Kushi Ke Pal” to cherish and even a “Khuljaye Bachpan” moment.
Kellogg’s Chocos Is Celebrating such Khuljaye Bachpan moments. Join the community where moms get into conversations on health & nutrition for their little ones.
Do share your own ‘Khushi Ke Pal’ moments that you may have experienced or come across here in the comments box or on the Kellogg’s Chocos official Facebook page.
Ooty is a paradise for all the tourists especially during the Summer Season when the sun is burning hot in the entire country. Well, we too decided to run away from the scorching heat of Mumbai into somewhere the sun couldn’t even touch us, and that’s when we decided to visit Ooty.
Beautiful place, everything about Ooty was as beautiful as we were told. And then how could we have missed having a memorable lunch at the famous Earl’s Secret Multi-cuisine restaurant which our friend who studied in one of Ooty’s School had recommended. We had a pleasant experience, and here’s why everybody must visit Earl’s Secret during their stay in Ooty
Situated at Havelock Road in Charring Cross, this restaurant is a part of Hotel Kings Cliff. The Hotel is not a building, but a vintage bungalow which they have renovated as per the latest requirements. The restaurant is just outside the Hotel, and guess what it is a glass restaurant. Outside the restaurant is a beautiful garden. Very, serene and gorgeous, the city’s hustle and bustle is no more a tension here.
Rating – 4.5/5
It is a multi-cuisine restaurant, so you get Mughlai, Chinese as well as Continental Food here. From Italian Pastas to steak, and the Kebabs, you’ll get stuff that can really wake up the foodie in you. What’s more, the ambience just makes you even more hungry. The food we had was steak and pasta. Not many restaurants serve you tasty pastas when you order pasta in white sauce, but this was pretty good. Even the amount of chicken in the pasta was good. And yes, do not forget to order their Garlic bread!
The quantity was good and so was the quality of food. The chicken starters that we had was yummy as well. What’s more, since Earl’s secret is all about lazy fine dining, we cherished the food even more I guess. What’s more, while your order come, you can enjoy a walk in the green lawn.
Rating – 4/5
We reached around 12.30 in the afternoon for the lunch and as soon as we went the staff started their work. It was empty and as peaceful as the surrounding. The staff was friendly and courteous. The service was quick too. I cannot do without that extra olive oil when I have my Italian pasta, and so when I asked them to bring, they were quick enough. What’s more, the staff won’t let the empty plates to stay on your table for long. They are quick, and at your call always. We had a good experience with the staff.
Rating – 4/5
It is situated at Charring Cross – If you have a car of your own it is fine. However, if you are taking an auto, you’ll have to walk and come till the main area because you won’t get any auto. My suggestion – do not miss that pleasant stroll back the the main road, that’s what I enjoyed the most.
Overall Rating – 4/5
Do Visit Earl’s Secret with your loved one if you are in Ooty. Nothing can beat a romantic lunch/dinner with your spouse in this gorgeous glass restaurant!
“Rocky and Mayur have ventured out to explore food from all parts of India and curate videos on Askme.com I’m contributing my part by relishing my favorite dishes at Earl’s Secret Ooty and sharing my views with you all!
You can also upload your video review on AskMe and stand a chance to meet Rocky and Mayur.”
Now-a-days the Indian market is plumped with calorie-restricted weight loss crash diets. However, majority of these diets only reduce the weight of one’s wallet rather than reducing the fat from the overweight person. Crash diets do not usually work since they are not just metabolically unsound but also lacks the necessary nutrition which is very significant to keep the body healthy. What’s more, a person may feel weak and lousy due to the crash diets as the body tends to lose protein and water.
Crash Diet is a strict No-No if you want to Stay Fit and Feel Young. Wondering what is then the best health alternative diet to reduce those extra pounds? Well, it is Honey Diet. Introduced by Dabur, it is a diet full of honey that will not just reduce your weight but ensure that you do not compromise with the nutrients.
Image Source: Dabur Honey
Here, we tell you how:
Crash diet often leads to rapid weight loss which can slow the body’s metabolism rate. Though it might reduce the weight quickly, it will deprive the body of necessary nutrients, and may lead to quick weight gain in the future. Additionally, crash diets can even deteriorate your immune system and upsurge the risk of heart palpitations, cardiac stress and dehydration.
On the other hand, when you start your day with Honey and follow the Honey Diet, you will not only manage your weight properly, but also give your body a dose of energy, which will not just aid in toning your body, but also help you to keep active and beautiful.
Honey is a healthy sugar substitute. It is sweeter than sugar and has comparatively less calories. So, simply by substituting honey in your diet you can easily reduce the intake of calories. What’s more, Honey has high dose of minerals, proteins, enzymes and anti-oxidants which are significant in the functioning of the human body. So, instead of opting crash diet one can simply opt for Dabur’s Honey Diet.
Crash Dieters often face shortage of magnesium, copper and potassium in their body which may lead to arrhythmias. What’s more, it can even lower your blood pressure. However, if you start your day with warm water and a spoonful of Dabur Honey as part of your Honey Diet, you will not only lose weight judiciously but also get all the necessary minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper and phosphorous. The reason being, Honey can easily mobilize the fat which is otherwise stored in your body. Besides, when crash diets can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders, honey only reduces the risk, by keeping your heart hale and healthy.
Lastly, there are hundreds of crash diets in the market and you are not sure which one would be good for you. But, when it comes to Honey, you know it is pure and healthy which will surely give you the desired result. Then why just not grab the bottle of Dabur Honey (http://www.daburhoney.com/) and get started with a Honey Diet.
To know how to prepare snack, beverage, and lunch made out of honey, you can check out Vikas Khanna’s recipes here.
