"Personal blog about motherhood, lifestyle, kids,education, food"

As I celebrated Dussehra this year, a thought came to my mind. I’ve always been fascinated by how diverse our celebrations are, with each state in India having its own unique ways to mark festivals. The Dussehra season, in particular, offers such a rich array of traditional dishes that I couldn't resist sharing them with all of you. I believe that food tells a story, and as I keep writing, I love sharing my experiences and memories through these recipes. Growing up in North India and now staying in Bangalore, I’ve had the chance to experience a delightful mix of cultures and flavors. One of my fondest memories is from a few years ago when I first tasted Bengali Shondesh at a friend’s Dussehra gathering. That soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweetness filled with the fragrance of cardamom took me right back to childhood. I remember the aunties exchanging recipes, discussing little tweaks they made to make the sweets their own. I was instantly inspired to learn the art of Shondesh-making myse...

With Navratri just around the corner, I felt inspired to write about two of its most exciting and joyful traditions—Garba and Dandiya. These lively dances are a highlight of the festival, and they hold deep cultural meaning beyond just having fun. Watching a Garba or Dandiya performance is like seeing joy in motion, and I wanted to share why these dances hold a special place in everyone’s heart during this festive time. My love for these dances stems from how they unite people of all ages—kids, adults, and elders alike. It’s always fascinating to see people bond through the rhythm, the beats, and the celebration of life. This Navratri, why not dive into the world of Garba and Dandiya and experience the joy for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know! What is Garba? Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, performed in a circle around an image or statue of Goddess Durga. This circular motion symbolizes the cycle of life—birth, death, and rebirth—reinforcing the idea that the...

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how challenging it can be for many women to adjust to life with their in-laws. The idea for this article came from hearing stories of friends struggling with their new family dynamics after marriage. These stories highlighted common struggles and misunderstandings, which got me thinking about the importance of embracing and accepting your new family. Marriage brings new relationships and responsibilities, and for many women, adapting to life with in-laws can be tough. How you handle this transition can significantly impact your happiness and family life. 1. Why Embracing Your New Family Matters Marriage means joining two families. It’s essential to accept your in-laws and become part of their family. If you resist, it can lead to misunderstandings and tension with your spouse and others. Accepting your new family means you are now part of something bigger. Your effort to fit in can help make your home warm and loving. 2. Getting Involved in Family Life...

As someone who juggles many responsibilities, finding the time to cook healthy meals can be tough. Because I love cooking and want to stay healthy, I decided to put together a list of quick and healthy vegetable recipes. These recipes are great for anyone who wants tasty and nutritious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're a parent making meals for your family, a busy professional, or someone who enjoys cooking with fresh, healthy ingredients, these recipes are for you. Each dish is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is both delicious and good for you. Here are 10 healthy and quick vegetable recipes: 1. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower) Ingredients: 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets 1 onion, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp red chili powder 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander powder Salt to taste 2 tbsp oil Fresh coriander leaves, chopped Process: Heat oil in a p...

Introduction Easy and Delicious Indian Lunch Box Recipes Making healthy and yummy meals for kids' lunch boxes can be tricky, especially when dealing with picky eaters. This article provides easy lunch box recipes, healthy snack ideas, and tips for managing fussy eaters. The goal is to help parents with practical, tasty, and nutritious meal options for their children. Aloo Paratha Ingredients:  2 cups wheat flour, 2 boiled potatoes (mashed), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp coriander powder, salt, water, oil. Process: Mix the flour with water and knead it until you have a smooth dough. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes with cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Roll a small dough ball, place some potato filling in the center, and seal the edges. Roll out the filled dough into a flatbread. Cook on a hot griddle with a small amount of oil until both sides are golden brown. Egg Paratha Ingredients: 2 cups wheat flour, 3 eggs, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 ...

Introduction: In today's busy world, many parents have to manage both work and taking care of their families. It can be tough to find time to cook healthy meals, but making sure our kids eat well is really important. This article is here to help! We're going to share some simple and nutritious Indian recipes that are perfect for busy parents like you. These recipes are quick to make and full of good stuff that kids need to grow up healthy. By trying out these dishes, you can give your kids yummy food that's good for them, even on those hectic days. Let's get started with these tasty recipes that make mealtime easier and healthier for your family! 1. Vegetable Paratha: Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, mixed vegetables (carrots, spinach, peas), spices (cumin, coriander), salt. Method: Mix vegetables with spices. Stuff the mixture into whole wheat dough balls, roll out, and cook on a griddle with a little oil or ghee. 2. Aloo Gobi (Potato Cauliflower Curry): Ingredients: ...

Let me share a quick story with you. Last summer, I invited my friends at home for lunch. It was a hot day, so I decided to whip up some refreshing drinks to keep everyone cool. I blended together some frozen berries, a handful of spinach, and a splash of coconut water to make a berry blast smoothie. I poured it into glasses, added some cute paper straws, and handed them out to my friends. They took one sip and their eyes lit up with delight! They couldn't believe something so yummy could be good for their hearts too. From then on, my berry blast smoothie became the star of every summer party! Introduction: Hey there, summer fans! When the sun's blazing, and you're sweating buckets, nothing beats a tasty, icy drink to cool you down. But if you're watching your cholesterol (that's the stuff that can clog your arteries), you need drinks that are both yummy and good for your heart. So, here are 10 easy-peasy recipes to make your summer sipping a breeze! Green Smoothie ...

Introduction: As I was contemplating what dish to prepare for my family one evening, the thought of Baby Corn Masala Curry crossed my mind. This delightful vegetarian dish has always been a favorite in our household, loved equally by kids and adults alike. Its rich flavors and aromatic spices make it a comforting and satisfying meal option for any occasion. With its tender baby corn and flavorful masala base, this curry not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides essential nutrients. Baby corn is not only low in calories but also rich in fiber, making it an excellent choice for both kids and adults. Additionally, the blend of spices used in this recipe not only enhances the taste but also offers numerous health benefits. So, I decided to share this delicious recipe with you all, hoping to spread the joy of cooking and the love for wholesome, homemade meals. Join me on this culinary journey as we explore the ingredients, measurements, and steps to create this irresistible Baby ...

Summer sun got you hot and bothered?  Those sugary drinks at the store might seem tempting, but they're loaded with junk and leave you feeling yucky later. This year, I decided to skip the store and make my own fancy summer drinks at home.  These recipes are super easy, even if you're not a kitchen whiz.  They're healthy, refreshing, and way cooler than anything you'll find on a shelf. All you need is a blender, a pitcher, and some fresh fruits.  We're talking delicious fruit flavors, bright herbs, and ice-cold water to quench your thirst the healthy way.  So, ditch the sugary stuff and get ready to whip up some magic in your own kitchen!  These tasty treats are perfect for beating the heat and feeling like a summer superstar.  Here are some delightful recipes for homemade cold beverages, packed with fresh flavors and free of artificial ingredients. 1.  Classic Lemonade with a Berry Twist (Makes 4 servings) This timeless drink gets a vibrant upg...

This Puran Poli is a delicious and unique sweet flatbread recipe from Maharashtra, India. It features a soft wheat flour dough filled with a sweet and spiced chickpea paste. Yields: 4-5 Polis Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: For the Dough: 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida) 1/4 cup ghee, melted (or vegetable oil) 1/4 teaspoon salt Warm water (as needed) For the Filling: 1 cup boiled chickpeas (split bengal gram) 1/4 cup jaggery (or brown sugar) 2 tablespoons ghee 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder Pinch of salt Instructions: 1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted ghee. Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, and knead into a soft and pliable dough. The dough should not be sticky. Place a damp cloth over the dough and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. 2. Mak...

One of my tuition students was genuinely surprised to learn that popcorn can be made at home in just 5 to 10 minutes. She was so enthusiastic about the idea that she wanted to see it done live! When I jokingly asked if she would like to see a food demonstration without fire, she laughed and shared a funny story about how her mom once tried to make popcorn in the microwave, only to burn it completely. This made everyone, including the other kids, burst into laughter. It’s moments like these that inspire me to share this guide on making delicious popcorn at home. So, movie night is here! But wait, no popcorn? Don't worry! This guide is here to show you how to make yummy popcorn yourself, right at home. It's super easy and way better than store-bought popcorn. Why make it yourself? Popcorn at home is healthy, and you can add any flavor you like! So grab your bowls, put on a movie, and get ready for delicious popcorn fun! Making popcorn at home is a quick and easy process that yiel...

Hey there! Ever thought about making yummy stuff with everyday ingredients? Well, guess what? We're about to have a blast in the kitchen with super-easy and healthy Indian recipes for both kids and everyone in the family! No need for fancy skills—just grab your aprons, and let's make some tasty magic together. It's all about having fun, trying new things, and sharing good food with the people you love. Get ready to be a kitchen superstar! 🌟 Eat Healthy Stay Healthy Here are a few healthy and easy Indian recipes for kids with measurements and instructions: 1.Vegetable Upma: Ingredients: 1 cup semolina (rava) 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers), finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 green chili, finely chopped 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 tablespoon oil Salt to taste Water Instructions: Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. After they pop, toss in chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add mixed vegetables and cook for...