tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-243617662012-02-02T03:59:28.385-06:00Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.comBlogger651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-51558515163532352052012-02-01T21:53:00.000-06:002012-02-01T21:53:03.839-06:00

At the beginning of the year, I had promised myself that this year I would try and be more active on my blog...having been ridiculously slow with posts the previous years. But as the first month drew to a close, I realized that I haven't really made much progress ! My children's colds, then my own ...catering to the needs of an active kindergartner and a baby, cooking and cleaning and a few

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-67694631698414935142012-01-18T21:46:00.000-06:002012-01-18T21:48:28.802-06:00

I come from a family of breakfast eaters...we always eat breakfast, no matter what time we wake up !! Traditionally though, the breakfasts that my mom prepared for us were usually savoury. It was only after I came to the US that I found out that people here preferred their breakfasts on the sweet side ! The recipe that I have today is one that we often had in the mornings before we went off to

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-68016966715863193152012-01-01T22:18:00.000-06:002012-01-02T21:05:25.165-06:00

I hope your new year is off to a great start ! I spent a quiet evening with my family at home....couldnt even keep my eyes open to see the ball drop ! I guess having a 10 month old whose nightly sleep patterns can best be described as sporadic, will do that to you ! Coming to the recipe, I guess its been around for a long time, judging by the number of variations on the internet and how long

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-3660345835375023192011-12-06T21:28:00.001-06:002011-12-15T08:57:04.007-06:00

Update : This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Springbird ! You should receive your prize pack soon !   I find that Smoothies are a very convenient way to get your nutrients - combine all your main ingredients , give them a whiz ,  add in any toppings or flavorings and you have a portable, delicious and nutritious meal in a glass (or a cup or however you choose to drink it!) They are

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-33461657594367354322011-11-07T13:10:00.000-06:002011-11-07T13:10:45.305-06:00

As the temperature in North Dallas starts its downward journey, I was tempted to pay one last tribute to summer. I had seen this recipe a few months back and had planned to make them. I followed the recipe exactly as in the original recipe at Holy Cow. So I won't repeat it again here. You can find the original recipe at Vaishali's Holy Cow, where she has an amazing collection of vegan recipes!

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-53166301252879736362011-11-01T11:06:00.000-05:002011-11-01T11:18:03.978-05:00

I am kind of in the middle of a pantry cleaning project. What I mean is, I haven't set myself any deadline to finish this project in, nor have I restricted myself from going to the grocery store, however, I am trying to use up the myriad things in my pantry that I have collected over my myriad trips to the grocery over the months - things that seemed new or interesting or just the ingredient for

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-33355607176732975362011-10-19T11:10:00.001-05:002011-10-19T11:11:44.726-05:00

School started about a month back in our neck of the woods and this year was a little different for us,because my elder son, who turned 5 in July , started kindergarten. With all the excitement that that entailed,came the task of coming up with creative snacks that are appealing to a 5 year old as well as nutritious. So when , I got the opportunity of sampling Kashi's Peanutty Dark Chocolate

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-90073393918696317242011-08-22T10:12:00.000-05:002011-08-22T10:12:21.190-05:00

It was just a little over 5 years ago that my husband and I went from being a couple to a family. Little P1 came into this world and changed our lives forever. The initial few months flew past in a blur of first time parental anxiety and sleeplessness.Once we became a little confident about being able to handle a little child, we began enjoying parenting in earnest, reveling in each smile, every

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-82226311399717807882011-07-25T09:19:00.002-05:002011-08-22T10:19:53.455-05:00

                                          This giveaway is now closed When my first son was born, I was new to the US and even newer to parenting and parenting styles and options.I just went ahead with the diapers and wipes and other baby products that were available in the stores, happy with the convenience of all these products and blissfully unaware of the materials and methods used to

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-85042968759326862002011-06-03T13:25:00.000-05:002011-06-03T13:25:55.142-05:00

For as long as I remember, my father suffered from seasonal allergies. These led to heavy colds and occasionally breathing problems. He is currently visiting us here in Dallas and told me that for the past few months he has been able to greatly alleviate the symptoms when he has allergies and is able to prevent a full blown attack ! I asked him to share his observations and tips on this blog so

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-43769455413563272232011-04-03T19:32:00.002-05:002011-04-27T09:25:41.921-05:00

                                                    This Giveaway is now closed. Being vegetarians, my family and I rely on dairy products to provide us some of the daily required protein. The fact that dairy also provides us with a substantial amount of calcium is a bonus. My 5 year old son loves yogurt and has it at every meal.So I make it a point to always keep yogurt at home, preferably

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-28493225565914211912011-01-21T11:38:00.001-06:002011-01-26T11:29:22.411-06:00

                                                              This giveaway is now closed !!! Every culture , every region in the world must surely have its own way to celebrate festivals, special occasions like anniversaries , birthdays. But whatever the reason or the season, no celebration would be complete without food and no feast would be complete without sweets.I have had my share of rich

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-67343335923986032562011-01-21T11:37:00.000-06:002011-01-21T11:37:55.454-06:00

I have always wondered why it's assumed that people following a vegetarian/vegan diet must find it difficult to fulfill their protein requirements. One look at the lentil / bean section of any Indian grocery store would have you gaping at the sheer variety of products available. There are several kinds of whole beans, lentils, legumes , nuts to create a variety of dishes that will not only

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-51521196625846143332010-12-28T13:24:00.004-06:002011-01-10T09:22:56.612-06:00

  This giveaway is now closed. The winner is commenter No. 3 , Springbird. The winner has been contacted.Thanks to everybody who participated !   It would be fair to say that since the birth of my son about 4 years ago, TH and I have had very few opportunities to have some alone time.  Add to the fact that we come from a culture where dating was traditionally not prevalent and that we do not

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-70431225316162030032010-12-06T11:53:00.002-06:002010-12-15T09:53:19.822-06:00

                  This giveaway is now closed ! The winner is Janie ! Congratulations Janie !! Please leave a comment with your contact details (email address and mailing address so that I can have your prize pack mailed to you ...Your details will not be published on the blog ) Growing up, in India, Sunday mornings were special. Not in an spectacular kind of way, just in a kind of quiet,

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-32570659854009495482010-11-25T12:03:00.000-06:002010-11-25T12:03:24.727-06:00

Knowing that I am loved... Knowing that I have enough love to share with all the precious people in my life.... Reveling in the laughter that gives a glow to even the most mundane things around me ... Cherishing the beautiful friendships that I am lucky enough to have .... These are the things that I am thinking about this Thanksgiving day !! I am off to spend this holiday with friends and

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-29101003211153943442010-09-02T10:00:00.004-05:002010-09-02T10:12:11.296-05:00

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्णकृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे (image courtesy of www.krishnajanmashtami.com ) A joyous Krishnashtami to all !

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-36236094224202612942010-08-12T10:13:00.004-05:002010-08-16T15:13:49.284-05:00

You have a headache - you take a pillYou have a nasty cold - you take a pillYou have a skin rash - you take medicineYou have a hiccup - you take a pill...maybe not yet ..but I wouldnt be surprised if there is a cure available for that in the pharmacy ! The point being, I think the more advanced and technologically savvy our generation gets, the more paranoid we become.At least, with respect to

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-64549402690197905092010-02-11T13:27:00.004-06:002010-02-11T13:29:44.334-06:00

" Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight.

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-54208081985956055352009-08-25T13:06:00.003-05:002009-08-25T13:13:10.813-05:00

Nostalgia is a strange play-mate.. you never know when it is going to accost you and insist on taking you down memory lane...Most of the times you can anticipate its arrival -* When its festival time in India (almost every month, you might say ! ) and you are at work, in a different country , in a different time zone, yearning to be with friends and family who are merrily celebrating* When you

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-6635144700509218672009-08-07T15:17:00.001-05:002009-08-07T15:19:51.345-05:00

Chanced upon this tag at the Punarjanman blog (Thanks!).For all fellow book lovers out there, consider yourselves tagged.This is supposed to be a BBC generated list. There are quite a few books in there which have interested me in the past and I have been meaning to read them !Now that I have seen this list, I shall have to make sure and get them from the library (if only to have more x's on my

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-11396731085529108202009-07-27T13:59:00.001-05:002009-07-27T14:02:03.454-05:00

Education is not the answer to the question. Education is the means to the answer to all questions."-- William Allin"An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life."-- Source UnknownRecently, while randomly browsing through Barnes and Noble, I chanced upon a book with a very interesting title.It was called '

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-90760466651005333862009-06-13T10:15:00.004-05:002009-06-13T10:25:45.574-05:00

I made this as an entry for a Breakfast items contest in my orkut community.The only thing that differentiates this from a normal upma / uppittu recipe is the grain used.Quinoa (pronounced as "keenwa" ) is a grain like seed of the plant.It is a complete protein with very less fat. ( This is very good news for vegetarians ! )Its high in fiber and provides a good source of iron and magnesium.Its

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-46271718307610933582009-01-08T15:25:00.001-06:002009-01-08T15:28:02.193-06:00

Seems like a very strange title for a post, right ? Outside the Indian community, I am not sure how many people are aware of what a bindi is and what its significance is ...A short explanation seems to be in order then...A Bindi (from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' meaning a dot ) is a forehead decoration worn traditionally by women from India..It used to signify the married status for women, but

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-22898114636009550092008-12-03T13:22:00.004-06:002008-12-03T13:26:03.039-06:00

Every once in a while, I get tired of cooking dishes that are rich with spices or laden with a whole lot of vegetables. My palate craves for simple meals that soothe the stomach as well as fill it up without burdening it with too many calories..That is when I dish up a simple lentil soup which is the basic recipe that almost every Indian has savoured. Its known simply as Daal in Hindi , consumed

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-3310834209926341132008-11-07T16:36:00.003-06:002008-11-07T16:41:55.614-06:00

When I have time to indulge in , all I like to do is hop , from one fabulous blog to another.In doing so, I have come to one conclusion - food bloggers out there are extremely talented !!!To get fussy kids to eat and more importantly like what they eat, takes creativity of an entirely new level.Each blog that I visit, adds so many more recipes to my repertoire and more importantly stretches my

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-53227244407221249212008-11-07T15:59:00.007-06:002008-11-07T16:11:22.540-06:00

This is a continuation of my previous post in the same series.This year being our first attempt at gardening, TH and I tentatively began with only a few flowering shrubs. One of the first ones that we purchased was a hibiscus plant (actually two). Hibiscus shrubs are very common in India and almost every backyard is home to at least one plant, if not more. The hibiscus flowers come in various

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-32798458981071120452008-11-02T19:05:00.006-06:002008-11-02T19:16:38.979-06:00

As the growing season here in Texas comes to an end, I realize that I have not posted any updates on mygardening ventures lately. Now that I am done with the vegetable bed for the year, its time I have a few pictures in my blog !The most successfully grown plant this season was the bottle gourd...aka sorekaayi (in Kannada), dudhi bhopLa (Marathi), lauki (Hindi)..A mere three plants provided me

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-53938314797385757352008-10-17T11:29:00.019-05:002010-09-02T10:21:00.320-05:00

Dear Readers, you might have noticed that the blog has a section titled 'Quote of the Week' on the left side bar. I try and add all such quotes that have caught my attention. They either make me laugh, make me think ! I have been meaning to consolidate those quotes that have already appeared on the site.This post is just that - a place to visit if you are looking for wise words :-)Enjoy browsing!

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-2651908877561245512008-10-09T15:31:00.003-05:002008-10-09T15:37:51.532-05:00

With all the information available at their fingertips, people are getting amazingly conscious about what they put into their bodies.Food pyramids, weight charts, food labels are good reference sources for people who want to watch what they eat. I am also realizing that vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming more and more common even in the densest meat eating populations, which is heartening

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-7748943901123304312008-09-24T16:08:00.005-05:002008-11-02T18:36:06.680-06:00

In an effort to eat healthy and not tear out my hair in the decision making process on a hectic weekday, my husband and I have come up with a technique that we have begun implementing from last week. It remains to be seen if it will be effective enough to continue.Every weekend, we go through the refrigerator and pantry shelves, check what is available and then make a list of what we would like

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-57898626639601370292008-09-24T14:27:00.003-05:002008-09-24T15:18:04.304-05:00

Time - The one thing that is the epitome of constantly moving forward and never looking backwards. The only dimension that surges ahead no matter what - come summer or winter, rain or frost, peace or war, happiness or dejection - it doesnt stop for anyone or anything. The passing of time brings along with it many changes. Nations advance, societies change, cities replace towns and villages,

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-5721979654875562422008-09-05T12:34:00.004-05:002008-11-02T18:43:40.181-06:00

The first time I ever heard the word 'Tiramisu' was in front of the erstwhile Holiday Inn, in Pune (I believe its now the Sun and Sands). It was a cool night, my friends and I were returning home after a movie and my room mate S exclaimed that the Tiramisu at the Holiday Inn cafe was absolutely delicious ! Now I don't exactly remember the sequence of events ( this was some 7-8 years ago ), all I

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-36273437528924550292008-09-03T09:06:00.006-05:002008-09-08T13:29:26.245-05:00

Wishing all readers a very Happy Vinayak Chaturthi ! This is the day when scores of people celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed son of Shiva and Parvati.Ganesha is revered as the God of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. In any religious ceremony, the first offerings are always made to Ganapati*. Ekadanta* (One who has a single tooth) is

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-31308758977278848092008-08-15T08:49:00.004-05:002008-08-15T08:53:29.681-05:00

Wishing Indians across the globea very very Happy 61st Independence Day !

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-39728025733667284142008-07-15T12:46:00.001-05:002008-07-15T12:48:00.199-05:00

It was a few weeks ago when I was driving along a long stretch of empty road early in the morning, with my soon-to-be-two toddler P strapped in his car seat, making our way to his Montessori school. Little P was happily prattling to himself, sometimes pointing out wondrous creations like a firetruck or a school bus or even a digger, to his apparently ignorant Mummy..I was acknowledging his

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-16185902381898143732008-06-19T23:14:00.003-05:002008-06-20T11:55:28.303-05:00

I had never known the simple pleasure of harvesting my own vegatables and herbs until a few weeks back ! I had planted methi seeds in my vegetable bed, by just sprinkling a handful of the seeds in a small area. Soon, I watched and gloated as the seeds sprouted and the shoots reared their heads skywards ! How I waited for them to grow so that I could pick the leaves and take them into the kitchen

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-1037028335796591652008-05-31T18:25:00.004-05:002008-12-13T04:27:11.251-06:00

Fruits were a big part of our meals growing up. More often than not, my father would come bearing some or the other seasonal fruit when he returned from office. Exotic fruits were not available then as they seem to be now, so apples, oranges, grapes , et all were familiar on the kitchen table. Come summer and the two oft seen fruits in our hands would be the cool, sweet watermelon and the

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-39048214922793701882008-05-06T16:04:00.003-05:002008-05-07T10:39:15.956-05:00

.....That is the question...A working mom, that is. Thats the question thats been bouncing up and down in my head ever since I decided to start looking for work after a 2 year hiatus. I am sure that this question has been pondered upon by scores and scores of women, I am not the first and I certainly will not be the last...Why the dilemma, you ask ?? Well lets see...Being at home, having the

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-79542292597966779602008-04-05T14:07:00.002-05:002008-04-05T14:11:19.361-05:00

Generally when we plan for any major meal, we select a main dish, an entree, something that will be the star of the show, something to dazzle the senses of the guests, a dish that will set the theme for the table. If the menu is Indian, the entree could be one of several tantalizing rice dishes, or a wonderful korma or a finger licking-good makhanwala dish. You could have wonderful pasta dishes

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-50820460122127448342008-03-21T17:19:00.006-05:002008-12-13T04:27:12.077-06:00

Its Springtime and you can tell ! Longer days, kids and parents alike, enjoying the outdoors, garden centers doing brisk business and gardeners giddy with the prospect of another season of puttering about in the soil, with thoughts of perennials, herb and vegetable gardens and such !!Although I have been late in climbing aboard this wagon, the bug has definitely bitten me. Don't get me wrong...I

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-20726666073377058892008-03-18T17:19:00.004-05:002008-12-13T04:27:12.364-06:00

It wouldn't be a surprise if I say that while growing up, my family consumed a whole lot of rice in the form of different kinds of bhaaths (spicy rice preparations), idlis and dosas.My mother made delicious dosas and idlis. Whether crisp masala dosas with spicy potato filling or soft fluffy urad- rice dosas, enjoyed with a savoury chutney, she had a variety of recipes at hand and could whip up

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-23943893849505455992008-02-27T15:59:00.004-06:002008-12-13T04:27:12.850-06:00

The romantics of the world celebrated Valentine's Day a couple of weeks ago. The cynics would rather call it Hallmarks Day or Flowershop Day or even Hershey's Day because of the volume of sales for cards, flowers and chocolates on this particular day !But cynicism aside, no woman that I know would refuse a gift of flowers (or chocolates for that matter :P). There is something about the freshness

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-85011381310217393092008-02-10T16:42:00.006-06:002008-12-13T04:27:13.262-06:00

As evenings went, there wasn't anything extra special about this one..It had been an ordinary day replete with the usual chores and toddler management experiences at my end :D ..Nothing worth celebrating or making a fuss about, really..But if you get down to it,almost every day is like that, isn't it ? Except for the occasional birthday or a festival..But why wait for a day circled on a calendar

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-21778996027867059492008-01-10T15:18:00.000-06:002008-01-10T15:32:08.275-06:00

No, I am not talking about the classic by Charles Dickens - about a little waif called Pip..although that book is a must read for book lovers as well...What my grey cells were thinking about is the expectations that we harbour regarding our children...Now these thoughts didn't suddenly pop up in my head...rather they were brought upon in slow progression as I sat watching the movie 'Taaren Zameen

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-40944061147454077272007-12-25T11:25:00.000-06:002008-12-13T04:27:13.900-06:00

Wishing All readers a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-54098149762764512652007-11-22T09:48:00.000-06:002008-12-13T04:27:15.344-06:00

Wishing all readers a very Happy Thanksgiving !! Festivals are a way of life in India..Seems like there is one every month, if not more frequently ! That was why it was so interesting to come to a different country and observe and understand the traditions and rituals observed here, in the United States ..One of the big holidays is undoubtedly Thanksgiving...nearly all families have some or the

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-67481144007714928212007-11-21T15:36:00.000-06:002008-12-13T04:27:15.528-06:00

**** Picture courtesy of Free Nature Pictures****Almost everyone on this earth knows that drinking water is essential to us human beings and that it is recommended that we have a daily intake of about 8 cups of water...But how many of us actually do take in that much water everyday ?I started

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-20175101027286376092007-11-09T11:31:00.000-06:002008-12-13T04:27:15.684-06:00

Wishing Everybody a Sparkling and Prosperous Deepavali !!!!

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-34364289073738689302007-11-06T15:58:00.000-06:002008-12-13T04:27:16.142-06:00

Bountiful BananaI always marvel at Nature's repertoire of products...such a vast array of flora and fauna !People spend their entire lives cataloging known species and are always on the quest to find newer ones...For those of us who would still like to witness nature's handiwork without having to travel far and wide , we only have to look into our fruit bowls to get a glimpse of this miracle ! So

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-37261204650311686792007-10-22T15:25:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:16.636-06:00

Many a times when I returned home from school, I used to see my mother at our doorstep waiting for us to return home, chatting away with our neighbour, who was waiting on her doorstep for her children...Our neighbours had become an extended family for us, since our own immediate family was nowhere in the neighbourhood..we celebrated festivals together, played games with the children, shared our

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-59771649213235254302007-10-18T16:10:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:16.896-06:00

The food blog world has become an invariable part of my culinary adventures. Why, you ask ? well, because no longer do I wring my hands in despair and frustration when I cant think of any ideas for lunch and dinner ! I just have to match up the ingredients in my pantry and refrigerator to whatever catches my fancy amongst the scores of wonderful recipes and voila ! Dinner is served !! (or

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-59823224858184520612007-10-11T15:03:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:17.049-06:00

Growing up in Pune - India , I was familiar with most of the regional Indian cooking - south Indian (ever present idli , dosas , sambhar and various rice items etc), maharashtrian and gujrati (matki usal, pav bhaji, kadhi, dhokla, etc) and north Indian dishes (chhole, rajma, paratha, paneer dishes, etc) However, when it came to continental dishes, I hardly had any experience there ..it was only

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-12780261908929731512007-09-27T15:33:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:17.270-06:00

Crowning Glory, Cascading Curls, Tantalizing Tresses ! ....just a couple of expressions to describe ...you got it ...your hair :D ...I think most women (and men too) would give anything to have a head full of luxurious, thick and shiny hair ...I know I would !!! Why, I am sure that the hair care industry must be one the most lucrative ones in almost every part of the globe ! Given that, it should

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-28620721313439877072007-09-23T14:28:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:17.478-06:00

I think every nutritionist and diet advisor must concur that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day..one should have a nutritious, healthy and filling breakfast within an hour of waking up..The body gets a chance to refuel its glucose levels, you jump start the day with good calories and you are less likely to have a hunger pang in the middle of the day ! Many experts have also

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-8464233638369741922007-09-15T16:10:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:17.665-06:00

Wishing all of you a Very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi !

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-54367631697104829542007-09-06T10:52:00.001-05:002008-12-13T04:27:18.364-06:00

I admit it readily...I have a sweet tooth...doesnt mean that I hog down every morsel of sucrose in the neighbourhood...anyway...I grew up in Pune...and there was an abundance of sweet shops in the area that we lived in...apparently Puneites and I have something in common :D:D ..A visit to any of these shops..(especially Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale and Karachi sweetmart) was like a visit to sugary

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-47960468373416484382007-08-15T13:02:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:18.490-06:00

Like in most south indian families, my mother is at a complete loss of ideas if she doesnt have the omnipresent coconut in her kitchen...I think there are a very few recipes in her repertoire that do not call for coconut in some form or the other...She maintains that all recipes can be made with little or no coconut, but then they wouldnt be authentic havyaka recipes !I adore my mom's cooking(

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-42625904742559602232007-07-11T16:15:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:18.983-06:00

Its been a year already - 365 days !! How is it that so many days have gone by and it seems that it was just a few days ago that I had this tiny little being in my arms..all swaddled up, with a misshapen head (my mother told me later that all she was worrying about, after seeing her first grandchild, was how she would correct the shape of his head !! ), clenched fists and eyes screwed shut ?? Its

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-88458655404592972852007-06-18T20:07:00.000-05:002008-12-13T04:27:19.874-06:00

I love gardening, or at least I think I do ! You see, I have not had the time nor the space to explore the possibilities before. But now, we have moved into a home and I am a stay at home mom, since my baby boy P was born. So I have everything that I need to find out whether I have a green thumb or not :-DTo that end, I have begun my gardening endeavours. It is limited mostly to container

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-61354855763637952782007-02-22T14:53:00.000-06:002008-12-13T04:27:20.211-06:00

Man, I think, is a creature of habit, conditioning and comfort...Most of our actions and reactions can be attributed to one of the three ...From early morning coffee/ tea rituals to work habits to raising kids, we always fall back upon that which is familiar to us...thoughts and actions that are known to work, that have worked for us in the past..If nothing else works, there is always food to

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-1167675242563901232007-01-01T12:11:00.000-06:002007-01-01T12:14:50.236-06:00

Wishing everybody a very happy and prosperous New Year !

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-1167012956403943722006-12-24T20:09:00.000-06:002007-01-03T15:59:58.656-06:00

'tis that time of the year again...the wind blowing outside is definitely chilly...even if the sun shines, it seems quite reluctant to stay on...The trees (most of them anyway) are bare and the grass is no longer green..On the other hand...'tis also the season to be jolly !cause bells are jingling round the corner and taste buds are tingling everywhere ..I have been reading all these amazing food

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-1159478256277909262006-09-28T16:13:00.000-05:002006-09-28T21:34:01.156-05:00

"My son" - two words which still feel unfamiliar when I say them out loud ! My son is almost 3 months old now and I am still in awe of the privilege that has been granted to me.. I am also a little apprehensive when I realize the immense responsibility that comes with this privilege..It is no small feat to be completely responsible for raising a child..Will I be a good mother ? Will I be able to

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24361766.post-1144118003184935322006-04-03T21:26:00.000-05:002006-04-05T19:48:55.450-05:00

In accordance with the lunar calendar, Mar 30 2006 was celebrated by quite a few Hindu communities as their New Year. Yug + Adi or Ugadi literally means a new era or a new year and is ushered in with the same fervour and joyous celebration as the traditional New Years...People might celebrate New Years on different days ...Ugadi by the Kannadiga and the Andhra community, Gudi Padwa by the

Chhayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05719891709276328799noreply@blogger.com0