tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39921684871940973602024-02-07T02:57:50.762-08:00SunshineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-25877021097767875562015-04-15T01:30:00.000-07:002015-04-15T01:30:26.745-07:00TheyyamI attended the Theyyam maholsavam festival this year at my home town ...Chandera Maniyat in Kasargod district organised by the Mundavallapil Tharavaad.<br />
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Theyyam is an ancient art of worshiping the gods in certain parts of Kerala, India. Very few families are continuing with this practice of worshiping the family deity.The art involves a few dedicated people dressing like a god / goddess and dancing. though i donot know about its history and details of the rituals, i appreciate the dedication of the performers as they follow strict rules and regulations.<br />
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Few pictures of the Festival for the benefit of viewers is as follows:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-74880488717768322672015-04-15T00:19:00.003-07:002015-04-15T00:19:44.465-07:00Plants HomegrownI have developed a great hobby ..well worth it - Gardening in pots especially veggies..they taste so much better when grown at home. Google is a great place for knowledge when it comes to DIYs - Do It Yourself.<br />
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My technique of growing shallots is slightly weird ..i guess. I kept the market-bought-shallots in a polythene bag and then in the refrigerator. I a weeks time all of them developed tiny roots. i separated the buds/bulbs and planted an inch deep in a pot. They seem happy.Shallots definitely taste much better than onions.Carrots also can be grown in a similar manner. When you see roots develop just cut the top portion and plant.<br />
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Mint - a herb that never grew after many futile attempts is flourishing.I bought a bunch from my regular sabziwala/vegetable vendor and used all the leaves for various recipes. The naked stems showed signs of small tiny roots at the nodes.Just plant the nodes into the soil and voila ..new leaves...new life.<br />
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I have Aloe Vera, the wonder plant with kids in a pot. The gel can be removed by slicing the leaf lengthwise and scooping with a spoon or scraping with a knife.From my personal experience i feel if this gel is mixed with a little coconut oil it helps relieve us from insect bites, dry hair and scalp, chapped lips and cracked feet.<br />
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My curry leaf plant - all the way from Kasargod and Pallakad.The saplings are from both the places and all are doing fine in my old broken plastic discarded dustbin.<br />
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Not to forget my date plant that is about 3 yrs old now growing in my little plastic cup just behind the curry plant pot. :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-18024593350203691442014-12-14T04:58:00.000-08:002014-12-14T04:59:25.711-08:00Tapioca - my mum's style<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOo1vLueTjf04TkpZQgN9ZPNZ2fao0cL6HjUer6gCFiUAfxqDClXENvzFkzA0Rigfkx9XR2cbzxNaGOvatNuCuz8VhRo49669vkxV3cZEHxR65biCOo3q3nhcM3VT4kUGxO25L4dRPBo/s1600/DSCN2318.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOo1vLueTjf04TkpZQgN9ZPNZ2fao0cL6HjUer6gCFiUAfxqDClXENvzFkzA0Rigfkx9XR2cbzxNaGOvatNuCuz8VhRo49669vkxV3cZEHxR65biCOo3q3nhcM3VT4kUGxO25L4dRPBo/s320/DSCN2318.jpg" /></a><br />
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Tapioca has always been one of my favourite food item. Every time i make this dish it brings back all memories from my childhood when i had the luxury to eat out of my mom's hand.<br />
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This root known as Kappa in Southern India is also called the Tapioca / Cassava root. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf080Zrt5pd1reX5CrEFxsMLMlsjXKWByDZSPjs9aXljSQZx4rRlKMDha3eLjYmtOJoRyLdfHxoOLKd6YN84Wm8rJkqn3gzsQoteUTSNCAaAdlNMHQgurn5uFudyBfYi4KdJJGOCyQWw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf080Zrt5pd1reX5CrEFxsMLMlsjXKWByDZSPjs9aXljSQZx4rRlKMDha3eLjYmtOJoRyLdfHxoOLKd6YN84Wm8rJkqn3gzsQoteUTSNCAaAdlNMHQgurn5uFudyBfYi4KdJJGOCyQWw/s320/download.jpg" /></a><br />
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It is a starch and is known as a poor man's diet in Kerala.So lets see how i made this simple dish.<br />
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1. First wash remove the brown skin and then the white thicker skin on the root, cut into irregular cubes and soak overnight <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUViGUYitjV8fzscSyaiFqWrX8iVuhAQh1mhE3Tj9dIf5RI3ZBxP5rjOkiBeC051LSbpfnUZnJcdfk8_T1Sy8bFORbpVeF3Cq7AdZdsq_ifQ5BE6BOpypIr3ve1t5J0nvSAiujL6zhVU/s1600/DSCN2312.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUViGUYitjV8fzscSyaiFqWrX8iVuhAQh1mhE3Tj9dIf5RI3ZBxP5rjOkiBeC051LSbpfnUZnJcdfk8_T1Sy8bFORbpVeF3Cq7AdZdsq_ifQ5BE6BOpypIr3ve1t5J0nvSAiujL6zhVU/s320/DSCN2312.jpg" /></a><br />
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2. Next day drain the water, clean again and pressure cook [1 whistle] with very little water and salt. You may steam cook if the root is tender.<br />
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3. The ingredients needed for the tempering are mustard seeds, cut garlic, red chillies, turmeric and grated coconut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUU6r1kJFMFUuDUZ4T8_bxdTeL6dd1-twEweNP4QSDymJe85D3hV0mOyseOx-PaLo8FTNaOm6cpLJRqni4IAik7W3DNmdPSZjqrNL-0yLDcHLb_IzwqNbMNe3SRrnQMeH1XbbVMniHbU/s1600/DSCN2315.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUU6r1kJFMFUuDUZ4T8_bxdTeL6dd1-twEweNP4QSDymJe85D3hV0mOyseOx-PaLo8FTNaOm6cpLJRqni4IAik7W3DNmdPSZjqrNL-0yLDcHLb_IzwqNbMNe3SRrnQMeH1XbbVMniHbU/s320/DSCN2315.jpg" /></a><a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN9vaIe3awf6xbE7BsM0MDIjnleLqfLK2uY-9yRNcYSsiQJ5VK_yhd-i8dhyLITVyYMEC5QgfD0tqu9hCmC_cNMVcqtz4WmXKsuKx4ifDeeOjNjCRygiA8mmDpudAgRalQWkJPlKv3xU/s1600/DSCN2317.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN9vaIe3awf6xbE7BsM0MDIjnleLqfLK2uY-9yRNcYSsiQJ5VK_yhd-i8dhyLITVyYMEC5QgfD0tqu9hCmC_cNMVcqtz4WmXKsuKx4ifDeeOjNjCRygiA8mmDpudAgRalQWkJPlKv3xU/s320/DSCN2317.jpg" /></a><a
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4w7RtcaVnbRhqNrHqHHXBiKckvRHKhivEVz4f139fmbHrIjnzLNvgsOkSkkhsUERlhSyT00W0d0Mf-WbN6e4Pasp25MZ09RRi5O7udk2SPo4KUP79Dia33RNwAfEuuthXwqXWcVizA0/s1600/DSCN2314.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4w7RtcaVnbRhqNrHqHHXBiKckvRHKhivEVz4f139fmbHrIjnzLNvgsOkSkkhsUERlhSyT00W0d0Mf-WbN6e4Pasp25MZ09RRi5O7udk2SPo4KUP79Dia33RNwAfEuuthXwqXWcVizA0/s320/DSCN2314.jpg" /></a><br />
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4. Heat little coconut oil add all the ingredients except grated coconut for the tempering. Keep stirring till all mustard seeds splutter and the garlic is lightly roasted. Add the cooked tapioca root and mix well. Later turn the stove off and add the grated coconut.<br />
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Hope you enjoy this dish.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-83255502073751200232014-12-14T04:39:00.001-08:002014-12-14T04:40:08.143-08:00Microwaveable Semolina cake<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxYAgn0CIb_2l204RBpWSLqxN8n6jXfHYyUTgdG459Hl84ci4NR-_qrv3_uqJaCPww0dfX_xoCk52WzdyGmlHZFYR3GXMAeguxH53HqNLLZVqSMGJioUGXHPGfmW3gouFP8BrFZQZD-g/s1600/DSCN2306.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxYAgn0CIb_2l204RBpWSLqxN8n6jXfHYyUTgdG459Hl84ci4NR-_qrv3_uqJaCPww0dfX_xoCk52WzdyGmlHZFYR3GXMAeguxH53HqNLLZVqSMGJioUGXHPGfmW3gouFP8BrFZQZD-g/s320/DSCN2306.jpg" /></a><br />
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The microwave Oven is not the best equipment to be used to get good cakes ..the convection oven is best. But nothing beats a microwave if we need to get something edible at a snap of our fingers. so i took the challenge to bake cakes in the Microwave.<br />
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The outcome has been disastrous ..from biscuit hard to burnt cakes to cakes that cooked better only on one side and those that were very dry.I slowly learnt through the hard way, obviously, that microwaves are not meant to bake and that it dries the food so fast that the food doesn't get time to rise as in case of a cake. <br />
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So i started trying all stunts such as reducing the time, keeping the batter as watery as possible and even adding more butter etc.<br />
The best cake, though not as good as an oven baked, turned out to be the one that had the batter a little watery, less buttery, and baked for not more than 5 mins.Keeping a glass of water along with the cake tin kept the air a bit humid, slowing the drying process.<br />
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The semolina cake that i microwaved is eggless and has half the flour content replaced by semolina soaked in orange juice. The ingredients used are:<br />
Whole wheat flour-1 cup<br />
Semolina - 1 cup<br />
Orange juice - 1 cup<br />
Butter- 1/3 cup<br />
Sugar - 1/2 cup<br />
Vanilla essence - 1/4 tsp<br />
Baking powder - 1/2 tsp<br />
Baking soda - 1/4 tsp<br />
Curd - 2 tbsp<br />
Milk - 1 cup<br />
<br />
Soak semolina in orange juice. In a bowl add milk, sugar and butter.Warm the mix to melt the sugar and cool the mix. Add baking soda to the curd and keep aside. To the sugar mix add wheat flour - a spoon a a time. Next add the semolina and mix well.Add more milk if need be.<br />
<br />
Just before baking add the curd mix and microwave at high temperature for 5 mins. Check if a toothpick comes out clean to check if done. One has to keep in mind that the cake may not have a nice crust on top and keeps cooking once removed too. So keep it aside to cool before cutting.<br />
<br />
Cut and enjoy this tea-time snack.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-17126680730125545442014-12-14T04:18:00.002-08:002014-12-14T04:18:51.005-08:00Horsegram IdlisMy healthy breakfast - horsegram idlis with sambhar ..<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD2q4mc6__AacZ-erQBNTb-pu1zSSaEALlXaVgsIN2TiIBrfB2EPtz699i2_IhuDCUNRpkXdpz9_goUfIzknvPkW109WZHbBp7z114PEQUzqmFfU1NBSuDF0yCeg8rDp-daKWI01gxKo/s1600/DSCN2304.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD2q4mc6__AacZ-erQBNTb-pu1zSSaEALlXaVgsIN2TiIBrfB2EPtz699i2_IhuDCUNRpkXdpz9_goUfIzknvPkW109WZHbBp7z114PEQUzqmFfU1NBSuDF0yCeg8rDp-daKWI01gxKo/s320/DSCN2304.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Since the time I heard of the benefits of horsegram i have been trying to google on how to make various dish using horsegram or known as Kudith dal in Southern India. It is one dal that is recommended for kidney stone patients who are advised to drink water in which the dal powder is boiled.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupjweqlc1YGPHavLEN1lHI53zYGjhBqUBHLDhTl8QWRYjzkC0zIO0KJBG8KptlEGwcJt5GafGm02W0uC90PSFWgXQLxuZgBsKHpTPnD7viEuLc9VyNY03mETktolmWvDV8XKJfG4Xs80/s1600/Horse-Gram-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupjweqlc1YGPHavLEN1lHI53zYGjhBqUBHLDhTl8QWRYjzkC0zIO0KJBG8KptlEGwcJt5GafGm02W0uC90PSFWgXQLxuZgBsKHpTPnD7viEuLc9VyNY03mETktolmWvDV8XKJfG4Xs80/s320/Horse-Gram-300x225.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It has benefits such as:<br />
1. keeps body warm during winter<br />
2. aids in reducing excess body weight<br />
3. used in treating kidney stones<br />
4. treats peptic ulcer<br />
5. ayurveda uses it in treatments of rheumatism, worms, piles and even menstrual problems in women<br />
<br />
The one recipe i knew was to boil, mash and make a simple curry with onion and tomatoes. However i finally made idlis with the dal.<br />
<br />
The batter is the usual idli batter which you can find on google very easily. The batter was fermented overnight and the horsegram [1/2 cup for 2 cups of rice used to make idli batter] was soaked in another container.In the morning the dal was drained and ground to a fine paste and added to the idli batter.<br />
<br />
The batter was steamed in an idli stand and yummy idlis were the outcome.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzGWfrQj5Mj2rulKOfsOFq04fadz8owp8WJ7UNH5K1FBw8N4anewpse5nsptqsnVxz26u9CWhvsekVXda_WXarq8MuV8Dponio8JFU5cLqjUqgHy0wdDc_1vtKHzEI9RIFXi_7zK1qhM/s1600/DSCN2299.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzGWfrQj5Mj2rulKOfsOFq04fadz8owp8WJ7UNH5K1FBw8N4anewpse5nsptqsnVxz26u9CWhvsekVXda_WXarq8MuV8Dponio8JFU5cLqjUqgHy0wdDc_1vtKHzEI9RIFXi_7zK1qhM/s320/DSCN2299.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-46709435767121329802014-12-05T02:36:00.000-08:002014-12-05T02:37:38.772-08:00Tips to prevent kidney stones<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw8Skm2-opCD37T9pOyPnSagbTarWIPCZ_aW7DQfAOma4uviwJBDmhw0pfv_36uDakuf2hJYCAEkQ8BQmRYM043xrhJrqiGS79mOT0GT6c6uAQDg4cNGqaHisMRKoYDNEUr81BXfk8xg/s1600/kidney-stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw8Skm2-opCD37T9pOyPnSagbTarWIPCZ_aW7DQfAOma4uviwJBDmhw0pfv_36uDakuf2hJYCAEkQ8BQmRYM043xrhJrqiGS79mOT0GT6c6uAQDg4cNGqaHisMRKoYDNEUr81BXfk8xg/s320/kidney-stones.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Kidney stones re-occur even after being removed [surgically or naturally]. So the best way to avoid going through a painful passing of the stone is to prevent its formation on a regular basis. Few tips that I would like to mention should be incorporated into your daily life especially if you have already had an episode of kidney stones. <br />
<br />
- never forget to drink water to stay hydrated<br />
- have barley water throughout 1 day every week<br />
- have tulsi / neem tea [1 cup water boiled with 5-6 tulsi or neem leaves] in the evening. You may dry roast ripe neem leaves in an iron container and store the ash in a glass bottle 1/4th spoon of which can be consumed with 1 teaspoon of honey. Donot consume anything for an hour after this.<br />
- be very careful in case of urine infection which may be due to expelling of small size stones –during such periods have a glass of water with a teaspoon of Cital [medicine available in the pharmacy] <br />
- Keep your weight under control<br />
- Walk or run or just jog at a spot if health permits <br />
- Do not be in the sun to prevent dehydration which doesn’t allow the stones to be flushed out by the kidneys <br />
- Reduce salt <br />
- Have adequate Calcium and Vitamin D levels<br />
- Speak to your doctor regarding stone forming foods that maybe avoided<br />
<br />
There are few more tips that I found on the net which may be tried as it does not have any side effects.<br />
- if the kidneys are feeling painful an iron foil may be worn as a ring around the middle finger of the right hand<br />
press for 2 mins and release the area 1 inch above the centre of both the palms before meals.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-1300779786174183622014-12-05T02:00:00.000-08:002014-12-05T02:01:23.617-08:00Dry, dull and damaged HAIR – crowning glory and its careI have faced and still face a lot of hair problems. This has led me to try a many home remedies on my dry dull damaged hair. I have listed out a few of them which I have immensely benefited from.<br />
<br />
Hair Mask – mix the following and apply on scalp and hair for an hour before washing off with a herbal shampoo mentioned below<br />
1. mix coconut milk, Vitamin E capsule<br />
2. yogurt/curd, egg<br />
3. avocado, coconut oil<br />
4. curd, ghee and triphala<br />
<br />
Leave in conditioner – apply for soft hair after washing <br />
1. aloe vera gel<br />
2. tea tree oil and thyme oil<br />
3. almond oil, rosemary oil, glycerin, water <br />
<br />
Sweaty and hot head<br />
1. camphor, coconut oil<br />
<br />
Dandruff<br />
1. hot oil treatment with neem boiled in coconut or almond oil<br />
2. methi seeds, almond oil, bottle gourd juice, Indian gooseberry paste – only rinse and donot shampoo<br />
3. reduce salt, spice and sour foods<br />
4. eat 1 tsp white sesame seeds everyday<br />
5. apply little hot sesame oil with pinch of turmeric on scalp after bath<br />
<br />
After shampoo rinse<br />
1. onion peels soaked in hot water, cooled and sieved<br />
2. water drained after cooking rice<br />
<br />
Home made Shampoos<br />
1. soak amla, shikakai and reeta nuts overnight , heat the water, cool and use<br />
2. make powder of amla, shikakai, black gram dal, methi seeds and hibiscus leaves and store in a bottle. When needed soak overnight and use as shampoo<br />
3. hibiscus leaves paste mixed in water and sieved <br />
<br />
Few more tips to avoid dry and damaged hair:<br />
- Avoid washing hair more than 3 times a week<br />
- Oil hair 3 times a week <br />
- Condition hair after every bath<br />
- Handle wet hair with care <br />
- Have good organic food <br />
- Try to stay happy in all situations to reduce stress<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-72570906942031127912014-11-13T04:08:00.001-08:002014-12-05T02:02:26.859-08:00Kerala MuralMy very first Kerala Mural is ready. I have uploaded the various stages for anybody interested in this art. For a brief introduction, kerala mural painting is an ancient artwork done on temple and palace walls in Kerala.Though natural pigments and vegetable colours are used i painted with poster colours<br />
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<br />
The sketch is as below:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVHcnAQpKoIWrgB3RZ5Fhm-H7e4r_X5SMbMkVOnFzTPQMOYxjg5FsDbYIBAPGY40sIdoCvwrptlzFcIRB8Bs0AGrITWDvKDgpBckLn6TYTH5NnCc61QVGNgmdpaukxoeIN6vNkUHVFxA/s1600/DSCN2283.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVHcnAQpKoIWrgB3RZ5Fhm-H7e4r_X5SMbMkVOnFzTPQMOYxjg5FsDbYIBAPGY40sIdoCvwrptlzFcIRB8Bs0AGrITWDvKDgpBckLn6TYTH5NnCc61QVGNgmdpaukxoeIN6vNkUHVFxA/s320/DSCN2283.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Now i filled the colours: orange, blue, red and green:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB5NZJwtsvjgRXEm2YQWTJt8TTRPDKnWRY5C7XTByP_BucGSjaWS5SkMpwkgqL9hKZ7t0kyIy1XO47KKlduNW05E9YNxiRx9-jgeV57Xqz71JIdT88FV1O0rg_fPVLLzSOCiubtGVfBU/s1600/DSCN2289.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB5NZJwtsvjgRXEm2YQWTJt8TTRPDKnWRY5C7XTByP_BucGSjaWS5SkMpwkgqL9hKZ7t0kyIy1XO47KKlduNW05E9YNxiRx9-jgeV57Xqz71JIdT88FV1O0rg_fPVLLzSOCiubtGVfBU/s320/DSCN2289.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The final stage shows the use of the colour - black that makes the painting standout :<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYGhiMxn_75_k_wvG_Oh6jpIhQRAgAq-4LdcucAV2ShP8WDzS_tbewyU8pKtqhMOcAky4bZCgXtu7lhdnxbwD48l2RWouVUSurmLygbFrDwssXd5WPvJJmv0HbjBHcHQ3nH5TzAUmM0A/s1600/DSCN2292.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYGhiMxn_75_k_wvG_Oh6jpIhQRAgAq-4LdcucAV2ShP8WDzS_tbewyU8pKtqhMOcAky4bZCgXtu7lhdnxbwD48l2RWouVUSurmLygbFrDwssXd5WPvJJmv0HbjBHcHQ3nH5TzAUmM0A/s320/DSCN2292.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Hope you all love it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-8320762999819939382014-11-04T03:17:00.002-08:002014-12-05T02:03:41.097-08:00Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Downtown Gainesville FLThe Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Downtown Gainesville FL in USA is very close to my heart. You can find all the neede information on the website www.holytrinitygnv.org. The church is very active in looking after the needs of the poor and downtrodden.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYE9DzBOl6TJEmy5sZcDDhJ3EG8XDy3VKsYWAt4phys31x-Bp7DdNDf8poq01VhW621Ru4q6CpNZWTetqEM9q36iPjoNfhgmWgUVwj7nqKFlpX1KQ1DOJScDvvWQnlBCuQfmMuxDBc8M/s1600/DSCN1090.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYE9DzBOl6TJEmy5sZcDDhJ3EG8XDy3VKsYWAt4phys31x-Bp7DdNDf8poq01VhW621Ru4q6CpNZWTetqEM9q36iPjoNfhgmWgUVwj7nqKFlpX1KQ1DOJScDvvWQnlBCuQfmMuxDBc8M/s320/DSCN1090.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Inside the church is so beautiful and mesmerising ..<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuPHMG2HP6HPJ92S1xUvzhjtq8Hr0Mb4tl9KIYRWND-oDi5Na7l7pVkOrHiifcQJITI7z7aEQZmhEL_gC_qDFkkTwC9JGQmwP-SjZ_AL3-8ONX6rN_McqONl0HPWlpm6v7yzMdJnmW3o/s1600/manu+243.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuPHMG2HP6HPJ92S1xUvzhjtq8Hr0Mb4tl9KIYRWND-oDi5Na7l7pVkOrHiifcQJITI7z7aEQZmhEL_gC_qDFkkTwC9JGQmwP-SjZ_AL3-8ONX6rN_McqONl0HPWlpm6v7yzMdJnmW3o/s320/manu+243.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibM49iqU27didzfNyh6NqJnnpKVHG-hhj0CtTp4jjJHCu5WBhrlsQHWP9Y-mHNrV050GtVNUJwxxrzLJ0kZabHBk8wE1gPcmOnTJSzOw0D8AH1vy6WedKng9yRv42C8XsBqZyOaydsoMM/s1600/manu+244.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibM49iqU27didzfNyh6NqJnnpKVHG-hhj0CtTp4jjJHCu5WBhrlsQHWP9Y-mHNrV050GtVNUJwxxrzLJ0kZabHBk8wE1gPcmOnTJSzOw0D8AH1vy6WedKng9yRv42C8XsBqZyOaydsoMM/s320/manu+244.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I had never seen a Pipe organ live ..<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYunUQyiZERgHm1SaLf-jSMl5uIcAWX-EHLWDXpDHyOpLPbjmRQ48TlWWOSwWAQyDwdqw0zrL1id5a7CKlWI3AesOnILCMgiBXUwD3C3VzUeLancgp2-rnQ3TUtREq2tzykBIM8VLsbc/s1600/manu+246.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYunUQyiZERgHm1SaLf-jSMl5uIcAWX-EHLWDXpDHyOpLPbjmRQ48TlWWOSwWAQyDwdqw0zrL1id5a7CKlWI3AesOnILCMgiBXUwD3C3VzUeLancgp2-rnQ3TUtREq2tzykBIM8VLsbc/s320/manu+246.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Glass paintings that the sun brigthens up during the day to make the church glow inside<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7m4CJGPN7RndjL40KHazJYFLZ0cAsnuSITjoFivEByEEsfaDWinMbC7QOhgyhidLXmLlvyS6Z8b1pODGE0R-46oj56N9u9qX-NsCgsgQtrzlgr0dVr9xK0z6uVD2VNTtufaCcK4l_gg/s1600/manu+251.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7m4CJGPN7RndjL40KHazJYFLZ0cAsnuSITjoFivEByEEsfaDWinMbC7QOhgyhidLXmLlvyS6Z8b1pODGE0R-46oj56N9u9qX-NsCgsgQtrzlgr0dVr9xK0z6uVD2VNTtufaCcK4l_gg/s320/manu+251.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kmoCYQxb2IhMjpCCTfFACg7cflU4Gy4grwCp2MbG6nvTYpKCEUbrEVbQGoc3Ag7JrcmXb9owgne7RT8vufSFuX2ToFoLHVdvVgUH1NsAU452nMjM5_za7qAPopVE0cEgsj8QCIqqJEs/s1600/manu+254.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kmoCYQxb2IhMjpCCTfFACg7cflU4Gy4grwCp2MbG6nvTYpKCEUbrEVbQGoc3Ag7JrcmXb9owgne7RT8vufSFuX2ToFoLHVdvVgUH1NsAU452nMjM5_za7qAPopVE0cEgsj8QCIqqJEs/s320/manu+254.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This church has a flower shop where i did my charity work during my stay in gainesville, FL and i am so indebted to them for giving me to do something i love.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrSNw5MS-8GmBIEsyQS6LwjqvZ9CAbWJwsiBil16UfoMO_2XSacolX-GjjqrAhLWnOWWBnDgg4FLqdwO7Jc8a5k806yWs9xJrSrHtTC69LVSZFHXcZIDTRLVtrHo8dNYhdLHXLASZH08/s1600/DSCN1092.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrSNw5MS-8GmBIEsyQS6LwjqvZ9CAbWJwsiBil16UfoMO_2XSacolX-GjjqrAhLWnOWWBnDgg4FLqdwO7Jc8a5k806yWs9xJrSrHtTC69LVSZFHXcZIDTRLVtrHo8dNYhdLHXLASZH08/s320/DSCN1092.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The items i made with due regards and thanks to all my teachers i met there ..<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRbc20vP3y3AgL-8qSMRqMMf5X68bM-s7Nu38_rtcihGqRdl8kHDaij0Xr_jVA0dhgbmbboV36JaXWWnN221-_jadGWYnJCJ9hdyMM5jXhdkVJm5587VJmHwdk_idra8dH44-ePS1Q_s/s1600/manu+383.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRbc20vP3y3AgL-8qSMRqMMf5X68bM-s7Nu38_rtcihGqRdl8kHDaij0Xr_jVA0dhgbmbboV36JaXWWnN221-_jadGWYnJCJ9hdyMM5jXhdkVJm5587VJmHwdk_idra8dH44-ePS1Q_s/s320/manu+383.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-FlFEUqtUrYFSzfWh_rYkLHGdvv9QDMXtv9LsPv6UmXQEf76tHn2jaelG1tMfz2uRoxGAv6eJOPCE_fe_ki1n9z3stqYqZdEoQAcDf-MpEPIBugjD2wntkUN8I3Trafl1AMoRINHc_Q/s1600/manu+384.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-FlFEUqtUrYFSzfWh_rYkLHGdvv9QDMXtv9LsPv6UmXQEf76tHn2jaelG1tMfz2uRoxGAv6eJOPCE_fe_ki1n9z3stqYqZdEoQAcDf-MpEPIBugjD2wntkUN8I3Trafl1AMoRINHc_Q/s320/manu+384.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrc-tfUTdSU6-F8DoJRgYh-9Xu995S2MOs5fjkmkfTBMYp3e5wzNJajPLmMo4nMBEwQdouod6VYMf3OiAsgAbd_mFPqxwP18iJJ1GblzDpjnH45Qb21hhUekXkutwpK0V2foCX77kcEM/s1600/manu+385.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrc-tfUTdSU6-F8DoJRgYh-9Xu995S2MOs5fjkmkfTBMYp3e5wzNJajPLmMo4nMBEwQdouod6VYMf3OiAsgAbd_mFPqxwP18iJJ1GblzDpjnH45Qb21hhUekXkutwpK0V2foCX77kcEM/s320/manu+385.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclnXgvr03OGCA5FW1J3usYWOu9ra0zyDNMGpy88OBmybnBvouCnIpinNvxxo2UhZdWXuXJ_CS5OomvcqfIES0cohlT-ZLaroWXhvkiYOltaDDTHW906uwR8qY3wRB8hzv_wS4cpmLJdE/s1600/manu+386.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclnXgvr03OGCA5FW1J3usYWOu9ra0zyDNMGpy88OBmybnBvouCnIpinNvxxo2UhZdWXuXJ_CS5OomvcqfIES0cohlT-ZLaroWXhvkiYOltaDDTHW906uwR8qY3wRB8hzv_wS4cpmLJdE/s320/manu+386.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOupCA0xTCdsKVtm3fo8UudoEHHn_iFoZ7aX1KJoezUGo2B1BfxVoQiIOUr8aHZo8W8DP1bX-BqSXSyq1NxeBdl3_4cO3aMPsLTFUC5sVXphrX7IK6xh_6hWvaFycLA-Q897uNyCUd1s/s1600/pic+088.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOupCA0xTCdsKVtm3fo8UudoEHHn_iFoZ7aX1KJoezUGo2B1BfxVoQiIOUr8aHZo8W8DP1bX-BqSXSyq1NxeBdl3_4cO3aMPsLTFUC5sVXphrX7IK6xh_6hWvaFycLA-Q897uNyCUd1s/s320/pic+088.jpg" /></a><br />
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Last but not the least "the watermelon gator" of florida..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq3g1Mm1fHkPKutWC-L9l2js_M0fhDGicZkpAuOLypsiWmi3HkZLjmz4bXGOmhI-aARAPnEW3X4jzqfzd02nh9m3wSeq3vZiXFVgD_G_7pb3y_q3XYabduteHHj8F1un96aI6lgHiGMg/s1600/pic+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq3g1Mm1fHkPKutWC-L9l2js_M0fhDGicZkpAuOLypsiWmi3HkZLjmz4bXGOmhI-aARAPnEW3X4jzqfzd02nh9m3wSeq3vZiXFVgD_G_7pb3y_q3XYabduteHHj8F1un96aI6lgHiGMg/s320/pic+102.jpg" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-14395576206550752002014-11-04T02:35:00.001-08:002014-12-05T02:03:13.702-08:00PaintingsLets talk about my glass painting ...its about horses and this is actually the second of a kind i made ..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnWJekczXYv0DZMZK2FEXEg8QNmPnM_J_sizxL5Au9HZnDmI1mo17ozBgFQS54egL2Ax5UsZk29RNDZy9M6VXQEpBada9T4iKhphHLJQ2WsypZbGXoQycJ9_UnTUV7XiwJH-TwKTinhc/s1600/DSCN2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnWJekczXYv0DZMZK2FEXEg8QNmPnM_J_sizxL5Au9HZnDmI1mo17ozBgFQS54egL2Ax5UsZk29RNDZy9M6VXQEpBada9T4iKhphHLJQ2WsypZbGXoQycJ9_UnTUV7XiwJH-TwKTinhc/s320/DSCN2154.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
My acrylic hibiscus flowers on canvas is my first work on canvas and i feel i love canvas ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-684FRaII5zadPYGXQnvUeOCsz31onSUp9ah_6WfB827e1wlp7Hew3c_o9Gbf6suT3vtx8iWnrNSGNFseFZw6GP6PczliJLujd7JCh3T6eS-TmhKcc1PLCCttYoUMwsCuXpNcHaa8qOQ/s1600/DSCN2157.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-684FRaII5zadPYGXQnvUeOCsz31onSUp9ah_6WfB827e1wlp7Hew3c_o9Gbf6suT3vtx8iWnrNSGNFseFZw6GP6PczliJLujd7JCh3T6eS-TmhKcc1PLCCttYoUMwsCuXpNcHaa8qOQ/s320/DSCN2157.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-21287313574369487022014-11-04T02:29:00.001-08:002014-11-04T02:29:02.957-08:00Happy Diwali 2014Diwali this year was no different from the last year in matters of excitement and happiness. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLUpOhJsfqXgpHV4zE8nnpq0dzbih64_uVqGcUjd_HzIxbHquwX2QtYirYTvovljkCAiIW-iWp0Tn6RzrjhDZ-ujabReElbZ8MMBgqyZCLVMWUP3VZA1LSbDvuN907iaWHxU_GuMtyB8/s1600/DSCN2229.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLUpOhJsfqXgpHV4zE8nnpq0dzbih64_uVqGcUjd_HzIxbHquwX2QtYirYTvovljkCAiIW-iWp0Tn6RzrjhDZ-ujabReElbZ8MMBgqyZCLVMWUP3VZA1LSbDvuN907iaWHxU_GuMtyB8/s320/DSCN2229.jpg" /></a><br />
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I started celebration 2 days in advance of the main diwali day on Dhanteras day by having a til oil bath using natural scrub made of besan. The shampoo i used was a herbal powder i bought called<br />
Meera.<br />
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My rangolis made over the few days i celebrated are as below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAec7_oFPexKGd9uOQq2KW2pdgRXdepEcWOxkhF9CzOddbNJq2lmOrU-vo0CE8Hvo8w-I6yL_qQkNWpNZ51UY3U-3WSrtcTDpIPHeRnzgVLoMwPUYf6GO5XgN0syQpMSjFtLR2NlvtemQ/s1600/DSCN2225.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAec7_oFPexKGd9uOQq2KW2pdgRXdepEcWOxkhF9CzOddbNJq2lmOrU-vo0CE8Hvo8w-I6yL_qQkNWpNZ51UY3U-3WSrtcTDpIPHeRnzgVLoMwPUYf6GO5XgN0syQpMSjFtLR2NlvtemQ/s320/DSCN2225.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qWX8pftO4SVZ04OwOC_RyON-gvLUCHv5NOKjT4QpvGOKiNMt09-puK4hDWSaswx5OzZp5lqgNaLYm1mk67r2s9CwGLjoIMBdzqAuGLPo_pzYQf3QkskcYsxF5qcEsb9WxatPIldahZ4/s1600/DSCN2231.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qWX8pftO4SVZ04OwOC_RyON-gvLUCHv5NOKjT4QpvGOKiNMt09-puK4hDWSaswx5OzZp5lqgNaLYm1mk67r2s9CwGLjoIMBdzqAuGLPo_pzYQf3QkskcYsxF5qcEsb9WxatPIldahZ4/s320/DSCN2231.jpg" /></a><br />
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The lights and oil diyas made my home so beautiful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0yILJZiuTWHNT1sXxRbNBN-juOio2Vau00Ctnlf3csrSlqVelgpRmnjYV7MuIeN9YB_XBxpuwpB77WboTohaypXlmzH-KEjqqn63RBsEwxYfkbOcatD_ChHt_gHKPuioP2OfDgHA_W0/s1600/DSCN2239.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0yILJZiuTWHNT1sXxRbNBN-juOio2Vau00Ctnlf3csrSlqVelgpRmnjYV7MuIeN9YB_XBxpuwpB77WboTohaypXlmzH-KEjqqn63RBsEwxYfkbOcatD_ChHt_gHKPuioP2OfDgHA_W0/s320/DSCN2239.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaqTgVzUQkCYvxQ0rydIikhh9Bv3cDhOjUpguqQq5T3xzYMxIkpx45sQVbV3PkdtxP3o7_u27Hgv312Fk6YxSXmyTGKZvtzbIQHkOKl3VA_fqncusLD_lQ5-LAySlZzO4G4w0CwF8glc/s1600/DSCN2262.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaqTgVzUQkCYvxQ0rydIikhh9Bv3cDhOjUpguqQq5T3xzYMxIkpx45sQVbV3PkdtxP3o7_u27Hgv312Fk6YxSXmyTGKZvtzbIQHkOKl3VA_fqncusLD_lQ5-LAySlZzO4G4w0CwF8glc/s320/DSCN2262.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have to mention that cleaning before diwali is an important ritual especially clearing clutter from our houses ..i couldn't believe i had accumulated so much...though tiring it was a very satisfying experience.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-85114753909295562972014-11-04T02:20:00.001-08:002014-12-05T02:03:52.689-08:00Palakkad, KeralaWe are going to kerala after 3 long years and this is my first visit to my husband’s place too. Since I got Google I have been using it for anything and everything ..be it a cure for a sneeze or see Mauritius where I don’t even dream to be able to go ..haha! <br />
Well I have just seen some beautiful kerala sarees online …I love kerala – lush green paddy fields , lovely aromatic delicious food and soothing temple music. <br />
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I have packed my bag with sarees amongst my other clothes which I do only for a kerala trip. Each time I visit kerala I wish for long thick hair cause I am so self conscious ..rather head-conscious.<br />
Palakkad – land of paddy ..granary of kerala ..<br />
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Palakkad is aptly called the granary of Kerala ..with vast evergreen paddy fields and tasty rice. The rice we eat in this area of the state is tastier than other regions.<br />
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We landed just when Navratri began in 2014 and the entire place and people were busy in temples where poojas and devotion was at its peak. We had vegetarian food due to Navratri and visited lovely temples.<br />
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There is a side dish called "vattal" which is famous here ..all types rice vattal, ladys finger vattal etc ..it is called "kondattam" in the northern areas of kerala. I tried making them once i came back and got it right only after few trials.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-60565339951281588442014-03-03T05:53:00.002-08:002014-12-05T02:04:23.757-08:00Fahrenheit to Celsius Just when I entered the United States of America I realized how different a lot measuring units were. Lets talk about the weather today. It is 71 deg Fahrenheit. Well I am used to Celsius. Then I found the following:<br />
<br />
Fahrenheit minus 32 divide by 2 equals to Celsius &<br />
Celsius multiply by 2 and add 32 gives Fahrenheit<br />
<br />
Life was much simpler since. Fahrenheit was discovered in 1724 and Celsius in 1742 [wow! look at the years 24 interchanged to 42]. The entire world is now following Celsius except for Bahamas, Belize, Cayman islands, Palau and USA with its territories.Probably these countries find the conversion very costly in terms of change in every machine, vehicles etc.<br />
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On the Fahrenheit scale the water freezing point 32 deg F and water boiling point 212 deg F is exactly 180 deg apart. On Celsius the water melting point 0 deg C and the boiling point 100 deg C is 100 deg apart. Both F and C scales coincide at – 40 deg.<br />
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Currently the unit degree Celsius by an international agreement is defined by two different points – Absolute zero and the Triple point of specially prepared water. This is where the new scale Kelvin comes into picture. Absolute zero is the temperature where nothing can get colder 0 deg K or -273.15 deg C and Triple point of water is 273.16 deg K or 0.01 deg C.<br />
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A point to be noted is though the Celsius as discovered in 1742 the formal adoption of the symbol was in 1948 not to forget the usage in weather telecasts was done by BBC not until 1985. Kelvin however has not been well adopted.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-89730688700473576992014-03-03T05:47:00.001-08:002014-12-05T02:04:23.760-08:00Time Zones - USA and IndiaThe different times of USA and India set me to find out about the time zones of the world. So let me share a bit of my knowledge.<br />
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UTC is the Co-ordinated Universal Time used as a benchmark. I would skip some of the history behind time which is easily available in various learning websites. UTC is a primary standard time by which the world regulates clocks. The term GMT Greenwich Mean Time already has a successor in UTC and no longer has a precise definition.<br />
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USA uses 9 standard time zones .From east to west they are Atlantic Standard Time (AST), Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), Pacific Standard Time (PST), Alaskan Standard Time (AKST), Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST), Samoa standard time (UTC-11) and Chamorro Standard Time (UTC+10). <br />
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Each zone has a daylight saving time …so what is daylight saving? Daylight saving has been a subject of debate for a long time. However DST is a change from the standard time to utilize the daylight better by having the sun rise 1 hour later in the morning and set 1 hour later in the evening …It begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March. On the first Sunday in November areas on Daylight Saving Time return to Standard Time at 2:00 a.m.<br />
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The names in each time zone change along with Daylight Saving Time. Eastern Standard Time (EST) becomes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), and so forth. Arizona, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa do not observe Daylight Saving Time. <br />
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Florida lies in the Eastern time zone with a standard time of UTC-5hrs and daylight time of UTC-4hrs.<br />
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India follows an Indian standard time (IST) which is UTC+5:30 and does not observe DST. IST is calculated on the basis of 82.5 deg longitude in Shankargarh Fort, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh<br />
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DST was briefly used during the Sino-Indian and the Indo-Pak wars. Though after independence IST was officially adopted, Kolkata and Mumbai had their own times till 1948 and 1955 respectively.<br />
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India’s East-West distance covers over 28 deg of longitude resulting in the sun rising and setting almost 2 hrs earlier in the eastern border.<br />
The Indian government is not ready to split the nation into multiple time zones though there is pressure from the Northeastern states of the country. Since the Plantations Labour act 1951 allows Central and state governments to set a local time in an industrial estate, Assam tea gardens follow a separate time zone known as – Tea garden time or Bagantime which is 1 hr ahead of IST. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-42780665784718478812014-02-24T08:37:00.001-08:002014-12-05T02:05:21.633-08:00Recycled T shirt rugI had been eyeing my hubby's old T shirts since i came across this recylced rug on pinterest. However i have to warn my viewers that the T shirts that i speak of are really years old and cannot be used else it would have been donated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0OaaFAYeUtlsoLgN-GAOsoROQFstmC2lXxbIKfPYydOae27dP1gVvVgome2c5HCThD4pAwOs3M-WLOz8MxWgLzjZtRrzgCAVo-2xFBngz_V52JEG8RJdFWcldU8MqG1aNBLolB-7qno/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0OaaFAYeUtlsoLgN-GAOsoROQFstmC2lXxbIKfPYydOae27dP1gVvVgome2c5HCThD4pAwOs3M-WLOz8MxWgLzjZtRrzgCAVo-2xFBngz_V52JEG8RJdFWcldU8MqG1aNBLolB-7qno/s320/Picture+015.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Just make strips of T shirt , attach the strips by sewing them at the ends , braid and stitch along by taking the braid in circles to get a round shape or any shape that your would like to have.<br />
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Its simple, esay and very satisfying.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-33949657976151792642014-02-24T08:34:00.004-08:002014-12-05T02:05:01.648-08:00Welcome to FloridaBeautiful place ....reminds me of Goa ...quiet, calm and lovely compared to the hustle and bustle of Mumbai ...even people are so similar to goans ..friendly and helpful ..<br />
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my love for photography has increased and hence i have uploaded some of the flora and fauna i found while walking around my apartment. Ducks were very friendly since the residents feed them bread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPzbcmoJ27q8U0Sudl9qZwgFtLLF0vzWjzpRDFyUGpiBnCSZbtyrBttiyoGPKUWXWVbgEdSNa17CwUuLGKDdFGcKEXRGVTHiOv5kjSVHJiIZ3PQ9Qqbx5fd6ZQ7-gqh3yquLlpaQ8txg/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPzbcmoJ27q8U0Sudl9qZwgFtLLF0vzWjzpRDFyUGpiBnCSZbtyrBttiyoGPKUWXWVbgEdSNa17CwUuLGKDdFGcKEXRGVTHiOv5kjSVHJiIZ3PQ9Qqbx5fd6ZQ7-gqh3yquLlpaQ8txg/s320/11.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwUjz5O9nNx5wheOChmi1fvF3HRz6ybXjJVKLainXpXTyWCmBmL1Y2YsIGKExY0OA5UmWd6t8BfnEyv9n8jjv3Y10wubgmmRzKvxTLMq9ucFiDXVPOrN-UoNrZFnL87EOK0UeY5NTpFE/s1600/FL+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwUjz5O9nNx5wheOChmi1fvF3HRz6ybXjJVKLainXpXTyWCmBmL1Y2YsIGKExY0OA5UmWd6t8BfnEyv9n8jjv3Y10wubgmmRzKvxTLMq9ucFiDXVPOrN-UoNrZFnL87EOK0UeY5NTpFE/s320/FL+017.jpg" /></a><br />
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my cooking has gone completely out of control [i mean the taste] since all i did the first few days is mix up some ready-to-eats and heat the mix. I am so used to cooking from scratch and fresh produce that i donot like the taste of anything packed and canned.But have to survive.<br />
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This is the second week and slight improvement is noticed. e.g my veggie moong dal curry - mix a pack of paneer makhawala gravy packet in water, add beans, mushrooms and carrots and cook. Later add moong dal vadis [bought from an Indian store] and cook till vadis almost melt. We also made pancakes - i guess i am allowed to call them pancakes. I mixed wheat flour [the flour tastes really good], custard powder, salt, little sugar, yogurt and milk. Fry them like dosas. This is lunch today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLlznT12pWj8G0HfhW796o-zq0Nvl-wo6Lzy1wHBxeqSEKr6V2-CmfMoyD9jYQVOR22uJS-kU5p67cLjQ4cEGqYxrl5L3plmc4u3xlxXZVNLlHlDFB-nsEpuwL9tILhuobmdgj30_5Gs/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLlznT12pWj8G0HfhW796o-zq0Nvl-wo6Lzy1wHBxeqSEKr6V2-CmfMoyD9jYQVOR22uJS-kU5p67cLjQ4cEGqYxrl5L3plmc4u3xlxXZVNLlHlDFB-nsEpuwL9tILhuobmdgj30_5Gs/s320/Picture+002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGjWLiui5nevnV1XDMg2EozriJTbb-Sqas4ZVGfMhz5irHNpRpRtLmhEcYRIyXxmIpGJZ5YSZY9w25agL2DjhwHFRQzMIpJu0XRMYfOS3ydEDKMZnsfPpI3_ffLpZZ3KSL7QQlnX_9jg/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGjWLiui5nevnV1XDMg2EozriJTbb-Sqas4ZVGfMhz5irHNpRpRtLmhEcYRIyXxmIpGJZ5YSZY9w25agL2DjhwHFRQzMIpJu0XRMYfOS3ydEDKMZnsfPpI3_ffLpZZ3KSL7QQlnX_9jg/s320/Picture+001.jpg" /></a><br />
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Dinner has to have a non-vegetarian item - i have bought fish [even the frozen fish here is so well frozen that it tastes fresh once cooked]. Dinner has to be the same gravy curry, fried fish and chapathis ..well chapathis are going to be of various forms and sizes since i forgot to bring my rolling pin. There is a thrift store i identified that we shall visit later to find any useful household items.I have even forgotten my comb in India.<br />
<br />
I met a lovely, energetic, and matured young man [a boy probably 8yrs old] who was very helpful when i went to the supercentre "Winn-Dixie" for the first time. He advised me to be careful not to jump around in my apartment lest the police takes me away as neighbours may call them. I need to remember that super centres have lot of criminals and hence have to be cautious. Milk has to bought in gallons not packets and not to forget there are variety of chocolates and chips to choose from. By the way dumplings are yummy - pork dumplings. Thanks Aaryan. He was a darling.<br />
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It was a lovely sunny morning - probably i said that a bit too soon ..its has gone dark, i can hear thundering, see lightening and is raining heavily...ok so the weather keeps changing within minutes- i heard about some storm coming this way - by the way its just 12:30 p.m. [afternoon] - its 11 p.m. [night] in India now.<br />
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Alachua county Libarary www.aclib.us – this dear friends is my library. My library allows me renewals online and I can 100 books at a time if I can read them in 4 weeks-coool isn’t it. They have DVDs, CDs and even downloadable free material.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-59503565597192425192013-11-03T22:26:00.001-08:002014-12-05T02:04:48.201-08:00Diwali - the festival of lightsTraditions and rituals in my family is quite rare. We belong to the new generation family that doesnot follow any tradition blindly. Personally i love a few of them though :). having lived in the north of India for few years of my childhood i love the diwali celebrations at preparatory stage, especially the ritual bath andthe evening pooja.<br />
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Diwali reminds me of a kind of marriage preparation in the family and the excitement that is associated with it is extremely good for health. Each year brings a renewed, fresh new diwali adventure. <br />
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The diwali bath is a wonderful beauty regime. Getting up early morning to apply coconut oil and lemon juice all over the body and scalp. Then bathe half an hour later using gramflour and water paste [ no soap no shampoo allowed]. This year i added turmeric in my paste and a little castor oil on my scalp too.The aftereffect of this bath is smooth glowing skin and soft silky hair. I like to mix rosewater to fullers earth and leave a layer on my face and neck for 15mins before my bath. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcKOeL34uKMjiZqVONUxb_8mlA8rEqtL9fOjFUKcFSbtVQhGGUTTE-HLq_tky47hNB2OtRWwFt9Z4ibDviAPAiY3jgGwhqJjvNsX1IdpZ6ukDW83rxaKv8agn_tBGDScT_jGPribGAWE/s1600/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcKOeL34uKMjiZqVONUxb_8mlA8rEqtL9fOjFUKcFSbtVQhGGUTTE-HLq_tky47hNB2OtRWwFt9Z4ibDviAPAiY3jgGwhqJjvNsX1IdpZ6ukDW83rxaKv8agn_tBGDScT_jGPribGAWE/s320/Picture+009.jpg" /></a></div>The selection of a pretty salwar/saree is secondary to my shopping for glass bangles, jazzy earrings, designer bindis and payals which are worn only on festive occassions.I have to mention the henna designs that is applied on hands and feet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiuxXnkc7yCbFPJIRe0ll7hG3yCeE4EH4ivi4WN9PNKUHUiCVvyuU3veU-AKANZ0p3gnED7NSRHnHGHw-bn2QX188xIsmdFsfV6FQ7xl2LpydETwYogegAMuM_4zDeVSV0R35jAxmLDw/s1600/Picture+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiuxXnkc7yCbFPJIRe0ll7hG3yCeE4EH4ivi4WN9PNKUHUiCVvyuU3veU-AKANZ0p3gnED7NSRHnHGHw-bn2QX188xIsmdFsfV6FQ7xl2LpydETwYogegAMuM_4zDeVSV0R35jAxmLDw/s320/Picture+029.jpg" /></a></div>After the bath is the turn to decorate the home with a lovely rangoli. I had already googled my designs for this year and practised it once. Hanging flower and mango leaf garland on top of the front door adorned with colourful rangoli and lit diyas is a sight worth to watch.One can literally see the gods entering the house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuSUIypqwfbP58CNaEBxXrroDUUX80znzgo_l6Ji2WHZwyfupHDQoF6qUYg8_nklOkJZSGRaoX3_guT9k8staWtHZIYXx2tSimwbLG1bMZ99Qq90F3KMfPUf5JVeCbl4CwuDy2fQKa5w/s1600/Picture+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuSUIypqwfbP58CNaEBxXrroDUUX80znzgo_l6Ji2WHZwyfupHDQoF6qUYg8_nklOkJZSGRaoX3_guT9k8staWtHZIYXx2tSimwbLG1bMZ99Qq90F3KMfPUf5JVeCbl4CwuDy2fQKa5w/s320/Picture+021.jpg" /></a></div>Crackers are strictly prohibited - no noise and air pollution allowed , not to forget the respect towards all creatures [animals & humans ] who hide to avoid commotion. Evening walks turn into late evening walks to see houses lit with lamps on this dark new moon night.<br />
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Exchange of sweets and fruits with neighbours is a lovely gesture. With dreams in my eyes i look forward to this years lovely night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFixtwNB6OixZZVfTY0twa9drQJL0G6-W8zJlwabO5c4cxJFHiJPeBIxBWjXcrLLueoLzA4TC4F1Ple15o0m0phXjPtv2F4Ju5LeBjZXeeLkVYFKq2D8LTv-ummVXW9g2UcM2Sii4g8Y/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFixtwNB6OixZZVfTY0twa9drQJL0G6-W8zJlwabO5c4cxJFHiJPeBIxBWjXcrLLueoLzA4TC4F1Ple15o0m0phXjPtv2F4Ju5LeBjZXeeLkVYFKq2D8LTv-ummVXW9g2UcM2Sii4g8Y/s320/Picture+012.jpg" /></a></div>Happy deepavali to all. May the lord light up all our lives and minds :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-10871436750421251652013-10-26T02:05:00.001-07:002014-03-03T05:55:52.155-08:00Simple prawn fryThis is the most simple and fast prawn fry i have ever made.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl8Z4v6aW0iMcTAWj48RM74nplIqJx8DQy7h7BtI8iX1y0Qy34m53_Q2zctX-aWCCqgk12Uv0ur5-5Upd6QKBoyWIG9nphyphenhypheneU7Rl3m93g1e5KCHDk5vWc6i6AwiJZVB5JasNbk4wcUjw/s1600/Picture+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl8Z4v6aW0iMcTAWj48RM74nplIqJx8DQy7h7BtI8iX1y0Qy34m53_Q2zctX-aWCCqgk12Uv0ur5-5Upd6QKBoyWIG9nphyphenhypheneU7Rl3m93g1e5KCHDk5vWc6i6AwiJZVB5JasNbk4wcUjw/s320/Picture+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Take few clean, deveined prawns and add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, garlic pods, lemon juice and rava / cornflour.<br />
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Mix all and fry for 10 mins tossing in between.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-2582106416239537122013-10-26T00:35:00.000-07:002013-10-26T02:09:53.984-07:00Apple Peel ChutneyThe other day i made apple sauce and had a lot of peels left which i just didn't have the heart to discard. I tried to find any apple peel recipes of my liking. I finally decided to make a chutney.<br />
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Simple cooking is my style and hence i decided to make a small batch first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSQyU2mZehvbdK8LUGk1QPREcDDY005WH7T5Hm1BN7d_a68qNq3RJg8C9Gxb9uD83_GJRM_AiYvR0d1GJ9ULAcwxNyAx6f8auFLihAt0bwP3B9IixSnq_0iQgLGj6Pgbv7wTe3k8YbOc/s1600/Picture+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSQyU2mZehvbdK8LUGk1QPREcDDY005WH7T5Hm1BN7d_a68qNq3RJg8C9Gxb9uD83_GJRM_AiYvR0d1GJ9ULAcwxNyAx6f8auFLihAt0bwP3B9IixSnq_0iQgLGj6Pgbv7wTe3k8YbOc/s320/Picture+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
# Apple peels - 5 nos. apples</div>
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# Oil - 1 tsp</div>
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# Jaggery - 2 tbsp</div>
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# Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp</div>
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# Jeera seeds - 1/2 tsp</div>
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# Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp</div>
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# Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp</div>
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# Water - 3 tbsp</div>
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# Salt - as per taste</div>
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<div>
Place the oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds. Once the spluttering of the seeds stop add jeera, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and the peels. Then add 3 tbsp of water, cover the pan with a lid and cook till the peels are soft. Add jaggery at this stage and salt. Cook till the water evaporates completely leaving behind a sweet and pungent chutney. Please add few drops of lemon juice.</div>
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I love this recipe mainly because it is cooking without wasting.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-11419594204992098882013-10-26T00:14:00.001-07:002013-10-26T00:14:41.770-07:00Yummy simple apple sauceApples, my dear friends, have suddenly become the fruit of the season in my house. My husband seems to be bringing them in loads. The entire kitchen is flooded with apples and i have been allotted the job of fininshing them before they get rotten.<br />
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With Google being my lifesaver i bump on to a lovely apple sauce recipe.It is simple and yummy!<br />
You shall need the following for a cup of sauce:<br />
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* Apples - 5 nos. small<br />
* Sugar - 3 tbsp<br />
* Cinnamon powder- 1tsp<br />
* Lemon juice - 1 tsp<br />
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Peel, core and dice apples. Cook them over low flame for 20 mins. Cool and puree the cooked apples. Add all other ingredients and cook again till you get a required consistency. I have made mine very thick.<br />
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You may add butter/ghee which definitely enhances the taste but i decided to leave it out to reduce calories.This can be stored in the refrigerator and used on bread, rotis and had plain.<br />
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Hope you try this.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-51684186760110569482013-09-23T02:25:00.001-07:002013-09-23T02:25:26.210-07:00tasty sweet laddusHi lets cook something sweet and fast.<div>
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<div>
Ingredients:</div>
<div>
Condensed milk</div>
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Grated coconut - 1 cup</div>
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Roasted and crushed cashews nuts -1cup</div>
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Roasted sesame seeds - 2tbsp</div>
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Khoya peda/barfi -1 piece</div>
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Dry roast the coconut , add roasted crushed cashewnuts, then the sesame seeds.</div>
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Keep stirring for some time till coconut turns dry.</div>
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Next crumble the peda or barfi [you mat khoya itself too]</div>
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Add condensed milk and stir till laddu consistency is achieved.</div>
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With little water wet your fingers and palm to make the laddus immediately.</div>
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Cool and serve.</div>
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This is an extremely fast dish to serve guests who give you surprise visits. Surprise them :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-25860279874427340022013-09-23T01:47:00.002-07:002013-09-23T01:47:58.228-07:00Sweater/Cardigan by a beginner - knitting and crochetI am now breaking my finger bones knitting a sweater/cardigan ...it calls for a lot of patience ..trust me ...i keep measuring the length every 5 mins of work and it hardly seems to increase much though.<br />
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The project is a cardigan without sleeves (am not very confident about the sleeves ...just a beginner).<br />
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Allow me to tell you some important tips when you proceed with your adventurous cardigan knitting project (not that i am an expert at it).<br />
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I decided to make a very comfortable (not figure hugging) cardigan with a length of 26 inches which includes the length from sleeve hole to neck being 7 1/2 inches) and using a needle size 10 mm.<br />
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The process is as follows:<br />
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BACK - cast 150<br />
Row 1 = 2Knit [K] then 2Purl [P] till the end<br />
Continue this row till 4 inches width<br />
Next Row = K increasing 5 stitches each on both ends so the total number of stitches by the en of the row is 160<br />
Next Row = P<br />
Continue knitting and purling the alternate rows till 18 1/2 inches length<br />
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To achieve the sleeves we shall reduce the stitches at the ends of the rows in the of 5, 4 , 3, 2 and 1 every row.<br />
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Then continue to knit and purl as usual for 7 1/2 inches.<br />
When the length is 26 inches cast off.<br />
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FRONT - The front is similar to the back but in two pieces<br />
So cast 75 and increase to 80<br />
Continue knitting and purling<br />
Make sleeves only on one end of the 5 rows<br />
After sleeves the row 6 can start with reducing 1 stitch each on the opposite end to form a "V" shape neck .<br />
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It would be interesting to note the edgees of the sleeves and the neck has been double crochet in 2-3 rows as required.<br />
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Hope you like this beginner's piece of work. :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-90246499296458358892013-09-23T01:39:00.001-07:002013-09-23T01:39:48.782-07:00Gardening bitter gourd in a potHi all ..i have a story to tell about hope ...i had just moved into my new home and had no plants in my balcony. My mom loves gardening but i never had the time.<br />
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Well the story goes like this ...i purchased few bitter gourds from my local vegetable vendor and forgot them in my refrigerator [i guess thats how the fruit is treated by most :)] . As destiny of my plant would have it during my routine cleaning round i discovered a plastic bag with two yellow , drenched bitter gourds with the juices seeping through the bag. yuck!!<br />
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When i tried to throw the gourds along with the bag few seeds glared at me through the bag ..bright red real beauties ...i was so mesmerised that they went straight to the pot with a little soil and water. I really didn't expect frozen seeds to sprout anyway but didn't feel like throwing them away. So thats where they went ...into the pot with one last chance to life.<br />
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Few days and life burst into full view in the form of a small sapling - green , beautiful and happy. One seed was pushed out of the soil bed and the tiny leaves still had a seed crown protecting from all the harsh worldly elements. It brought with it hope and joy. I tied a string so that it could support the growth. Before i knew i had to use a tree branch to support and rush of life.This fellow was quite enthusiastic about knowing the world.<br />
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This sapling has a beautiful survival story of its own too ...it begins like this ..few weeks into the world my dear little plant made friends with the crows ..the pot which was mounted on the balcony ledge became the neighbouring crows chatting spot. I shouldn't forget to mention that the crows come to quench their thirst from a plastic icecream cup that is filled with water everyday in my balcony.These crows rule my life every morning if the water is not filled. They create a ruckus near the window of any room i may be working in till their demand is met. Trust me - crows are turning humans.<br />
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One fine windy day my pot of hope does a crash landing from 2 storeys high shattering the pot into pieces ending the plant in a state of coma ...the vines were broken .. roots in bits. With a heavy heart i transplanted whatever was left of the plant into a plastic bag and kept in the corner of the floor. For 5 full days my plant was in an emergency unit with me praying for its well being. The plant was in a coma - neither dying nor reviving - then slowly the rays of light ...new vines started growing and within 2 weeks time it was decorated with small buds and 1 large lovely yellow flower.<br />
;0<br />
The plant had a lot of yellow flowers but none resulted in fruits. They bloom one day and fall the next day. I would like share few tips that i dug out google [my best friend] ...if the plant is only flowering and not yielding any fruit it is because all those flowers are male flowers ..for a plant to bear fruit it needs to be shocked into thinking that it needs to procreate else this is the end of its kind [that is stunt growth] ..the best method that worked for me was [1] cut the alternate vines that grow [2] cut the main vine from the tip [3] water alternate days [4] keep it in a little shade<br />
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I got 3 female flowers within a week. Another week there were lots of small saplings i the bag. All the other dormant seeds started rushing forth into my life. My joy knew no bounds and my heart has still not stopped leaping.<br />
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Now i know why gardening can heal. [ don't miss my pics :)]<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-25512343531906648082013-08-23T04:20:00.003-07:002013-08-23T04:21:23.254-07:00Easy Baby shoes and blankets :)Well my sis-n-law is due for twins this september ...and i am busy learning baby items<br />
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i am so happy to have google ...you have to see what i learnt<br />
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these are my first baby warmers and am i not proud !!<br />
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well let me share that the shoes are knitted and blankets crochet work ..simple and easyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992168487194097360.post-63948615915088303332013-07-05T05:41:00.002-07:002013-07-05T05:41:44.116-07:00Macrame - beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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a small learners macrame piece of work ...used jute ..a very nice art form to pursue.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592398425462688314noreply@blogger.com0