fashion, Product reviews, Uncategorized

Kids winter fashion- Part 1

Gayatri

Slay it in this super cute @cherrycrumblecalifornia Coat.

Just when mom was looking for winter fashion for me, we received this beautiful coat from @cherrycrumblecalifornia

😻 First and formost, the feel is great. So soft and so comfortable as well. I feel so cozy wearing this coat.

😻 The colour is beautiful. Perfect for the rainy weather. I love styling fluoroscent colours during the rains.

😻 It has a proper lining on the inside, so it is soft on the skin. It isnt itchy like many others i have tried on before. Mom had to convince me to remove it before my lunch so as to avoid any spilling.

😻 The coat is perfect for this slightly changing and chilly weather. And I have already decided what to layer it on coming winters. It has a hood as well which fits pretty well. I love hooded jackets.

😻 It has 3 zipper pockets which adds on the classic look. Plus lots of space to stuff things without mommy knowing about it.

😻 Would look great on denims and trousers and leggings as well. But since I have bruised my knees in the school yesterday, i was a little reluctant to wear my jeans and so mom let me choose this dress.

😻 Thank you @cherrycrumblecalifornia For this beautiful addition to my coat and jacket collection.

😻 You all can also get your hands on many such amazing pieces. Check out their instagram page.

https://instagram.com/cherrycrumblecalifornia?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=t1tgoyy3otd2

Plus they have also launched their Winter 2018 collection on Amazon, Flipkart, Jabong and Myntra.

So what are you waiting for, go now!!! #productreview #kidsfashion #kidsofinstagram #fashionablekids #kidsclothing #winter2018 #musthaves

baby care, Parenthood, Product reviews

Nap nap mat- putting your baby to sleep made easy.

Gayatri

There is one thing that every mother dreams about. “Someone putting her baby to sleep while she catches up on her sleep as well”. It takes us at least half an hour to feed the baby and then another half an hour to put then to sleep and by the time We think of relaxing a bit, its wake up time for the little one. Motherhood is beautiful, but at the same time its tiring and exhausting. March 2018 I had my younger one and I don’t remember sleeping for 6 hours straight since then. How we wish if we could put the little ones to sleep in a jiffy.

This is when THE NAP NAP MAT comes to our rescue.
It can be used for newborns to kids 2 years old.

A super soft outer cover made up of Egyptian cotton for your baby to nap.

It is extremely light, can be folded easily and is travel friendly as well. It comes in a cloth bag making storage easy.

You can place it on the bed, in the crib, carry your baby in it while breast feeding, can use it for air travel as well, can also be placed in a bassinet, stroller, pram, car seat and sling.

It has 6 modes of vibration to soothe your little one. 1 to 4 progressive frequency modes and 2 heartbeat modes. The modes and vibration vary according to the age of the baby. And it has a special mode (mode 4) for expecting moms as well. Especially for moms in their 3rd trimester to relieve their back and leg pain.
The vibrations work for 15 hours straight on a single charge. It has a auto cut off mode as well, wherein the vibrations wont work when charging. Also, the mat stops vibrating after 20 minutes of continuous use. So no chance of any harm to the baby.

It maintains the good posture of the baby, is durable, PUC free, radiation free and cordless.
And if that was not all, it is waterproof as well. So cleaning it is super easy. You just need a moist cloth/ wet wipes.

Wait!!! That’s not all. USE MY SPECIAL PROMO CODE “NAPGAYATRI10” to avail a 10% discount on your purchase.

How I wish I had this during both my pregnancies . Dealing with the back pain and sleepless nights during kids sickness would have been so much better.
So, what are you waiting for, go get your very own nap nap mat now and catch up on some much needed rest and me time.

BECAUSE SLEEP IS IMPORTANT.

HEALTH, self care

Lets stretch and loosen up..

Gayatri

Everybody needs something to wake up in the morning. 10 alarms, a cup of coffee, a cup of tea or a splash of water on their face. We need something to set that kick in to get us started with the day. Similarly our body also needs something to wake up. We often feel lethargic and heavy and stiff after waking up in the morning.

Stretching is known to have many benefits pre and post workout. Similarly it has many benefits when done first thing in the morning. Stretching every part individually may take up a lot of time and since most of us are running late in the mornings, we might avoid it.

So here are few stretching exercises that will give you a full body stretch and will get you ready for the day. Make sure to invest in a good quality comfortable pair of leggings, a full support sports bra and a tank top which moves with your movements and doesnt restrict them.

Standing side bending-

Stand with your feet together. Now slowly take your arms overhead and interlace your fingers, with index fingers pointing towards the ceiling. Inhale deeply while doing so.

Now exhale slowly and bend our upper body to either of the sides. Remember you have to stretch just the upper body, your hips shouldnt sway or twist.

When you feel the stretch, maintain that position for 5 counts and then slowly come back to the centre. While maintaining this stretch, do not hold your breath.

Repeat 5 times on each side.

Forward bending–

Stand with your feet slightly apart and knees slightly bent. Always keep in mind that knees shouldnt be in a fully extended or hyperextended position. You dont have to lock them.

Inhale deeply and extend your arms back with your fingers interlaced behind.

Now, breathe out and start bending forwards, with your arms simultaneously moving towards your head, fingers towards your ceiling. Always maintain your lumbar curve while bending.

Stop where you feel the stretch and hold for 5 counts.

Repeat 5 times.

Inchworm to downward dog-

Stand straight with feet slightly apart. Bend forwards as if trying to touch your toes. Place your hands on the floor and walk forwards with your hands and stop when you attain a plank position.

Exhale and lift your heels away from the floor and lengthen your tailbone/ sitting bone away from the back of your pelvis as if you are lifting it towards the ceiling.

Try and stretch your heels down towards the floor and straighten your knees, but be sure not to lock them.

Keep the head between the upper arms and dont let it hang.

Maintain this position for 5 counts, and then come back to the standing position in the reverse sequence.

Repeat 5 times.

Runner’s stretch-

Stand with your feet hip width apart. Now step your left foot forward and lower yourself into a lunge. Place both the hands on either side of your left foot but shoulder width apart.

Breathe in deeply. Now straighten your left leg. When you feel the stretch, count till 5 while maintaining that position. Slowly return to the lunge position.

Repeat 5 times on each side.

Seated back twist-

Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Bend your left knee and step your left foot over the right leg and place next to your right knee. Place your left hand on the floor for support.

Bend your right elbow and turn to the left. Place the back of your right arm against the left knee. Inhale and sit tall.

Exhale as you twist, pressing your right arm onto the left knee and look over the left shoulder. Stop when you feel the stretch, hold for 5 counts. Do not hold your breath. Slowly come back to the centre and repeat on the other side.

Repeat 5 times on each side.

Foetal/ baby pose- this stretch also acts as a cool down.

Kneel down on the floor and touch your big toes to each other as you sit on your heels. Place your hands on your thighs. Inhale.

Exhale and bend forwards with your palms sliding on the floor. Lay your torso between your thighs as you do so.

Stretch the tail bone away from the back of the pelvis as you lift the back of your head slightly away from the back of your neck. Stretch your arms forwards and place them in front in line with your knees.

Since this is also a resting pose, you can stay in it for a few minutes.

Benefits–

1. Increases the blood flow and gives a boost of energy throughout the day. It prevents lethargy and feeling of tiredness.

2. Increases oxygen flow to the brain for improved morning alertness.

3. It helps to calm your mind.

4. Increases flexibility and range of motion and thus fewer aches and pains throughout the day.

5. Improved posture- for people who have desk jobs at work or work in front of the computers for longer periods of time. These people often develop poor posture due to overstretched back muscles and tight chest muscles. These stretches when done before starting your day will loosen up those muscles and if done regularly will improve the posture over a period of time.

6. And of course, you will burn some calories as well.

“If you stretch correctly and regularly, you will find that every movement you make becomes easier”.

Parenthood

The 3 magical words..

Gayatri

As parents, it is our responsibility to teach them about good manners, so as to make them respectful individuals. Today’s post is about the three 3 magic words that we need to teach our kids so as to raise helpful and grateful individuals.

We as parents do everything in our power to fulfill our child’s needs & wants, no matter big or small. Our parents did the same for us. But wouldnt it be nice to express a polite and grateful attitude in return. They do everything to make our life happy, content & comfortable. However, sometimes uternknowingly, kids fail to acknowledge their efforts. Especially kids this generation. They get everything even before asking for it. We often overlook their mistakes saying its Ok, he/ she is a child. But somewhere all of this is leading them to ignore/ not know the importance of these magic words. The best any person can show gratitude towards someone’s efforts is by using these 3 words- SORRY, PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

Now, why really is it necessary to learn these mannerisms.

  • For better interaction/ communication with peers and everyone else. So better social inclusion.
  • They change the perception people have about us/ positive reaction.
  • Increases level of socializatio and hence helps in better adapting to environment and surroundings.

Teaching these values requires patience, efforts and preseverance. You need to repeat them again & again for it to become a habit. It is important that we teach them that all relationships work by the give & take policy. And that this is the best way to give in return. To begin with we need to teach them the meaning of these words. Why and where are they to be used.


THANK YOU– Shows gratitude towards generosity. It is a hallmark of civility. It will teach them to be grateful and will help them value other’s efforts.
PLEASE– teaches respect. We have to tell them that they need to use PLEASE whenever they need a favor. That they can get something only if asked respectfully. Let them understand that others have the right to share or not. It expresses both respect & consideration, changing a command into a request.
SORRY– To teach them to recognize their mistakes and work towards correcting them. It is an act of courtsey and maturity. It is one of the simplest way to end volatile fights. One should take responsibility for their actions. Also, it is one of the simpleast way to express sympathy & regret.

Now comes the how to..?

  1. Lead by example– this is the best way to teach. We all know children learn more by observing. Use them in your daily conversations with your children, friends & family.
  2. Learn with fun– device a fun way to teach them the relationship between good manners and positive outcomes. Teach them through games, stories, songs or role play.
  3. Make them feel– I kow some of you might not agree with this. But kids learn a lot of things through practical demonstrations. So once in a while let them feel how not using these words develops hurt and negativity.

There is a chapter in my daughter’s english textbook called “The Magic Tree’ which talks about a boy and a tree and these words. At the end of the lesson there is this beautiful quote, which actually inspired me to write this post. It goes-

“It is often said that a man’s true character/ worth is measured by how he makes use of these three words.”

self care, Uncategorized

Falling in love with yourself.

Gayatri

Every time we talk about love, we think about loving someone or something. A friend, fiancé, spouse, parents, books, a place, a dish, sunsets, sunrises and the list is endless. But how often is it that we think about loving our own selves? Is loving someone else easier than falling in love with yourself?

It is thought of that finding the right partner completes us, he/she fills that empty space in our hearts and rids us of our problems. But when we come to think of it, it’s the exact opposite. You yourself have to do all of that.

So what Does loving thyself mean? Is it about the looks or is it about Your nature?

To me, loving yourself means appreciating your capabilities, knowing your worth and accepting your flaws. It is to cater to our own needs and not wait for someone else to do that. It is to realize your strengths and weaknesses, chase your dreams and to forgive yourself for your mistakes and failures. For once. Make yourself a priority.

As Samantha Jones from SATC said- “I love you..But I love me more. I have been in a relationship with myself for 49 years and that’s the one I need to work one.”

Here’s a list of ways that might make you fall in love with yourself.

Working out: Yes! You heard it right. Personally, I have never been comfortable in my body. I have always been on the heavier side (thanks to the hormones and genetics). I would always want to wear clothes from all the aisles in the mall. But more than half of the times, they didn’t fit me. I have been through the worst phase of PCOD too (it just added on to all of that). Working out is not just about burning calories, it is about investing time in yourself. Work on yourself, develop a healthy lifestyle, have healthy food. I mean, how can you not love yourself when you are taking such good care of “U”.

Look back on your achievements: Take out your old certificates and trophies and remind yourself of what you are capable of. It will give you that feeling, no one or nothing else can.

Maintain a diary/journal: Its like talking to yourself. Everyday write something nice about yourself. One positive character in you. Note down your daily achievements. It might be as Simple as completing your to do list. But that will definitely make you pat your back and feel proud of yourself.

No comparison: Never compare yourself to others. Every one faces a different set of challenges. And so different failures and successes. Never think of yourself to be less than the other person.

Self trust: This is very very important. We all dislike people who lie to us or let us down. But knowingly or unknowingly, we often do that to ourselves. Trust yourself, trust your judgement, your decision, trust yourself that you can sail through this difficult time. Remind yourself of times you have done that in the past. Be true to yourself.

Pamper yourself: Go to the spa, go shopping. Dress up, put some makeup on and take yourself for a movie/ dinner date. If you look good to yourself, you are more likely to fall in love with “U”. It is absolutely OK to splurge and indulge in yourself once in a while. This is a great way to show yourself some love. Something you will be glad about later. I had this friend who used to go the mall, try on some clothes in the trial room, take pictures and feel happy. Sometimes you just need to step out, get some fresh air, clear your head and remind yourself of who you are and what you wanna be.

Hobbies: Work on things you like to do. This is a great way to spend some quality ‘me’ time and concentrate on yourself. When you do something you love, you will definitely love the person doing it.

Surround yourself with positive people: Declutter. Just remove all the negativity from your life. People, things, unwanted stuff. Be with people who uplift you, who know you for the good in you. People who have been with you through your past achievements, and who can remind you about your capabilities and capacities. These people are your mirrors. Look at yourself through their eyes.

Improvement: Work on things you have wanted to improve. Like losing weight, getting fit, drinking more water in a day, eat healthy, not losing your temper, saying yes to everything and everyone, planning your day. It might be anything, depends from person to person. Remind yourself of the end result and how it is going to make you a better person.

Do a noble cause: Doing something for the society like a charity or blood donation will Definitely give you a feel good feeling about yourself.

Me time: go on a solo trip, sit back and relax with that cuppa, read a book.

Let go of the past: The more you hold on to it, the more you poison yourself.

Be adventurous: Do things out of your comfort zone, something you have never tried before or never even thought of. You will get to know yourself more. And it definitely will be positive.

Loving yourself is very important for a happy you. And a happy you is mandatory for building happy relationships and a happier life. You deserve the kind of love you would give to someone else.

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong relationship”- Oscar Wilde

Product reviews

Dealing with the mosquito menace

Gayatri

It feels great to see our kids sleep in peace. But sometimes this beauty sleep is disturbed by them mosquitoes, gnats and flies. We feel that inside our homes, the kids are safe from all of them. But in reality, these little monsters are hiding away in all the corners of the house. I could see mosquito bites on my kids Hands and legs even while playing inside the house or even after waking up in the morning. A lot many times even when my daughter comes back from school, she has bites on her face and legs. Earlier I was applying the repellant only while going outdoors, but now I do so even when inside the house. We reduced our park trips due to this menace.
My search for the best mosquito repellant led me to buying products from these brands. I had been using odomos till now, but it wasn’t that effective in keeping the mosquitoes and gnats at bay. So we finally ordered our mosquito repellant patches, fabric roll on and spray from @mamaearth.in and goodnight. Today I will be reviewing them both for you.

Goodnight:

1. Fabric roll on– It contains natural oils like citronella oil and eucalyptus oil. It is to be applied as coin sized dots on the fabric on both the shoulders and legs. I have recently started using this fabric roll on my MIL’s advice. I must say it gives a fairly good protection. Though it doesn’t work for 8 hours as claimed, it gives protection for upto 5 to 6 hours. One downside of it is that it has a strong smell. So it might be troublesome and kids might dislike it. Overall if I have to rate, I would give it a 3.5/5. Will I but it again? Maybe.

2. Repellant patches- Its contents are same as the fabric roll on. The patch can be applied on the clothes, strollers and cots. When applying on the clothes, apply one each on the upper and lower body. First off, it doesn’t stick too well. My 18 month old easily removed it. It also has a strong smell. And it also doesn’t give protection for 8 hours. It works for roughly 5 hours. I would rate it 3.5/5. Will I buy it again? No. I think there are other better options.

Mamaearth:

1. Natural mosquito repellant spray– it is 100% natural and DEET free. It contains natural oils like cold pressed castor oil and soybean oil, and essential oils like citronella oil, cedar oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil and peppermint oil. The best part is, it is easy to apply as it is in a spray bottle form. So u need to spray it directly on to the skin and then just spread it. It has a mild smell and is not irritating for the kids. Also, it gives protection for a good 10 to 12 hours. I would definitely rate it 4.5/5 and yes I am definitely buying this again.

2. Repellant patches– its contents are same as the repellant spray. It also is 100% natural and DEET free. It claims to protect from even dengue, malaria and chikungunya. It can be pasted on to the cot, pram, school bag and clothes. And it is also waterproof. So not to worry even during rains. This also gives around 10 to 12 hours of protection. The stick is pretty good. The kids will require an effort to remove it, so that’s a plus point. I would rate it a 4.5/5 and would definitely but them again.
So in a gist, I am liking all the above products except the good night repellant patches. I got them on amazon.in and nykaa.

P.S. THATS A NON WORKING PHONE IN HIS HAND, HE WONT LET GO OFF..

Stay tuned for more such reviews.

If you oike this space show some love guys.

Till then

Bbye…

HEALTH, self care

23 tried and tested ways to de- stress

Gayatri

These days life has become very stressful. Things like traffic jams, unhappy/ troubled relationships, heavy workload, motherhood, exams, everyday expenses are the most common sources of stress and tension. Whenever, we are stressed, our hormones go into the fight or flight response. This increases our heart rate and we start breathing heavily/ feel anxious/ feel nervous. Whenever in such a situation, it is important to activate the body’s relaxation response. Being stressed is not really a choice, but to relax is.

Today’s post is all about things that help me to relax or de- stress and which maybe useful for you all too. The list is in no particular order.

  1. WALK: go for a walk, especially where there is greenery. Might be a neighbourhood park or your own garden or even in your balcony with your potted plants. This boosts our endorphins and reduces the stress hormones. This will automatically attract your attention to the surrounding and away from the stress causing factor.
  2. DEEP BREATHING: will make your body feel relaxed. Deep breathing-> oxygen boost-> reduced stress.
  3. MEDITATION: easier said than done. We are not saints who can meditate anywhere and everywhere. So what we can do is, we can concentrate all our attention on one particular point in the room/ wherever you are. It might be the wall, a painting, or a showpiece. Automatically, your brain is diverted to that thing and away from the stress. Many a times chanting “AUM” also works.
  4. TALK/ SPEAK- UP/ SHARE: It maybe your friend, your mom, sibling, colleague or just any random person. Just vent it out. Keeping it within is going to increase your stress- level. It is necessary to get rid of your stress inducing thought.
  5. MUSIC: It is often suggested that we listen to classical or soothing music to relax. But, i would say, listen to whatever music that makes you happy. We need to release those feel good hormones to relax. For some it might be rock or maybe jazz, basically any music that you love. I have known surgeons who listen to music while operating just because it relaxes them. And if none of the above, then sing/ humm for yourself. Worse come worse you will end up laughing at your singing skills, which will also give the desired result- relaxation.
  6. YOU TUBE: watch funny videos, especially those of animals (cats and dogs) and babies. There is no way you wont feel relaxed. Laughing-> increased oxygen intake-> releasing feel good hormones -> relaxation.
  7. MATHS: I know, many of you might be saying, this woman is crazy. But trust me solving a simple maths equation or sum will relax you well. It might even be something as simple as counting forwards and backwards or reciting the tables.
  8. GET CRAFTY: Create/ make something. Activities with repeated motions like knitting, jewellery making, origami, drawing and painting, doodling, or sometimes even colour my daughters colouring books. These fine motor activities grab your attention such that you forget the reason for your stress.
  9. Take a warm bath or relax in the pool.
  10. YOGA: SHAVASANA is the most common asana for relaxing. It helps you regulate your breathing and also in muscle relaxation. All you need is a mat or even a carpet will do. And if nothing is available just lie down on the floor. Or just lay back on your chair. You can even try the other stress- relieving poses like the eagle pose.
  11. DANCE: Go to a pub, discotheque, or just dance in front of the mirror or wherever you are. People might make fun of you, but its helping you. And when they see you enjoying, i am sure they will join in. Remember how Meredith Grey (Any greys anatomy fans here?) dances it out? Its the same. Dont worry about anything or anyone, you need those feel good hormones.
  12. HUG: Now, this might sound stupid to many. But ask someone to hug you. It might be your office colleague, sibling, BFF, or a random person. You can even try hugging your favourite pillow. Whenever you hug someone or someone hugs you, you feel the support, you feel cared for, you will feel happy and so relaxed.
  13. PET: that furball of yours will give you immense joy when you play with it or take it out for a walk. Hug your pet Nd talk to it.
  14. DECLUTTER: This is one of the main things that i personally do to relax. Just pick a corner of the house, or a drawer, or your cupboard and start decluttering and cleaning and organizing it. The idea is to get rid of the junk or unwanted stuff. It acts like a vent out for the negativity that is causing the stress.
  15. ROCKING CHAIR: Ever wondered why and how a crying baby is consoled or put to sleep? Its the rocking movement that is used. This rocking movement releases the endorphins which improve your mood and thus reduce anxiety. Now, obviously you cannot be held like a baby, so go get that rocking chair.
  16. SCREAM/ SIGH: The idea is to let it all out. I have seen it in a bollywood movie. Letting out a scream or a heavy sigh makes yu take in more oxygen after, which helps to calm down your nerves and you feel light and relaxed.
  17. CHEWING GUM: According to some studies, chewing a piece of gum, improves your breathing and thus reduces anxiety.
  18. TREAT TIME: A small piece of chocolate never hurt anyone. I am not saying binge eat or eat the whole bar. Just a small chunk. Getting a little sugar in your system will definitely make you feel good. And no, this doesnt mean that i support stress eating.

The above mentioned ways were what you can do when you are feeling stressed, like immediately at that moment. But there are certain things that you should follow in general in your daily routine to help you fight stress. Lets take a look at them:

  1. Try and get GOOD QUALITY SLEEP. Switch off that mobile/ TV atleast an hour before going to bed. Light some scented candles in your room, have a warm bath, have a nice conversation with your partner and go to bed. Also, do not drink tea/ coffee after 7 PM. Caffiene will make you more alert and will compromise your sleeping time.
  2. REDUCING SCREENTIME: More screentime throughout the day leads to disturbed sleep, stress and depression (in extreme cases). If you are a office worker, then screen time= work. So, try and take breaks every hour or two. Drink water, take a small walk in and around your office, listen to some music, chat with your colleague, do stretching exercises at your desk. Just go off screen for sometime and then return refreshed and start working again. For SAHM, make sure you use your mobiles, laptops, TV when the kids are sleeping or are at the school or day care. When they are home spend all the time with them. Automatically your screentime reduces to just a few hours. And spending time with kids is one of the best stress busters.
  3. MINDFUL EATING: Always be careful of what you put in your system. There are some foods that may cause digestion issues. These might get you stressed. Snack on healthy options like dry fruits, nuts, fruits. Get out of the room, go to a peaceful corner with lots of air and light and eat. Focus on the food and how it makes you feel. It is very important to nourish your system from within.
  4. HOUSEPLANTS: Some plants are not just air purifiers but also act as calming agents. Keep one on your office desk, decorate them in your living room/ bedroom/ in your house. Even talking to plants helps. Imagine you are talking to your friend.
  5. SELF CARE: That occasional visit to the salon or spa is also needed. Get a nice massage or just a mani/ pedi. Enjoy that me time. Go for shopping alone. Retail therapy never hurt anyone, especially you girls out there.

So thats all..

I know it was a long post but i am sure you would agree with a couple pointers here and will find the others to be helpful as well. Most of these methods are tried and tested by me, so i know for sure that they work.

If you like what i write, then show me some love.

Stay tuned for more.

Till then

BBYe…..

Parenthood

The better half..

Gayatri

These days we see a lot many men helping their wives at home or with housework. They are being more involved in the household work. It is not like the olden days, where the only role of a man played was of bread winner. Why do you think this scenario is changing? Or why didnt this scenario exist then?

I feel the important thing is to let the men help with the household chores. Do not criticize their efforts. That would discourage them easily to not try at all.  A lot many men fall short of being involved  because they dont know how. Sometimes we women underestimate the capabilities our husband’s possess. It is important to trust them. Maybe they wont do it up to our mark/ expectation, but we should let them try and appreciate them for it. That’s when they will take the initiative to be more involved. In today’s generation fathers play an important role in raising responsible adults. He cares, teaches, provides, forgives and protects. There is no doubt that the kids need their moms more but they equally need their dad.

My mother often tells me that i am ucky to have a husband who helps out with the house work and the kids. Yes, he is an amazing father and husband. He is equally involved in the house and our kid’s lives. But the important part is, he wants to be! In today’s generation if it is important for both the husband and wife to be working, then so is both of their involvement in parenting.

My husband being in the defense services, we are always on the move. It is not possible for us to be with our parents all the time and even for them to be around always. In this scenario it is really important for both of us to share all the responsibilities. It is important to work as a team. Being in a indian setup there are some chores that i wont be talking about like doing the dishes, sweeping, mopping, dusting and maybe laundry as here we mostly have maids to do these chores. But following are the chores that i feel the husbands can be helpful with.

  • The husband can sometimes share the cooking duties with you. Maybe you can decide the days each of you would be cooking.
  • You both can take turns with the kids homework and schoolwork. Even taking them out for various hobby classes.
  • Take turns in looking after the kids when either of you is at the gym. Parenthood doesn’t leave us with much time on our hands, and then the fitness takes a backseat. But this is how you both can work it out. And thats what we have been doing for all these months.
  • If you are a SAHM, then ofcourse you will be responsible for the parenting duties during the day. So, let your husband take over these duties after his work hours or on weekends. This will allow you to have some “me time”, which is very important for your sanity.
  • They can take turns waking up with the kids, playing with them, in the bedtime routines or getting them ready for school.
  • He can come along with you to run errands like grocery shopping or mall visits. Or even better if he dives in to do it on his own.

Every household is different and so are the chores. It is not necessary that what Husband A does, should be done by Husband B as well. Maybe Husband B is better at other chores. The basic idea is to trust them and let them help around. Let them help with what they are good at. It might not be perfect but the efforts and willingness count.

These days our lives are so busy.. There are so many things on our mind. We strive to do what is best for us and our family. So, if you need help from your better half, ask him for it. Tell him that is expected to do that. Remember it is a teamwork and not a single player game. So work it out together. In the long run, it is beneficial for all including your kids.

“To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be present in their today”- source google.

HEALTH

The nutty affair..

Gayatri

We are often advised to eat soaked almonds every morning to improve our memory. We have seen our grandmothers and mothers adding dry fruits in some or the other way to our food or milk every day. I for one was never too keen and serious about consuming them in my daily diet. I used to munch on a handful of them if and when I felt like.

However, since the past couple of months, I have been including them in our daily diet, which has benefited me in many ways. So, in this post I will share with you all how I include them in my daily diet and how it has helped me.

Every night I soak around 10 to 12 almonds and 3 walnuts for us. And I also soak 8 to 10 black raisins with 3 to 4 strands of saffron for myself. My husband and my daughter, eat the almonds and walnut with their breakfast. I however eat them first thing in the morning along with my raisins and saffron. And sometimes as a snack in the evening. And for my 17 months old son, I just grind them and add it to his food. As he is still unable to chew them completely.

Let’s look into the benefits now.

  1. Almonds– are high in monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, which help in maintaining cholesterol levels. It also contains magnesium and potassium which normalizes the blood pressure and heart function. It is also rich in dietary fibre, proteins and good fats (helps in weight management).
  1. Walnuts– are rich in Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which improve one’s cognitive function, helps to fight stress and provides a sense of calm. The B- vitamins and antioxidants present in a walnut prevents the signs of ageing (wrinkles), strengthens the hair and prevents hair fall.
  1. Dates– rich in iron, hence beneficial for anaemic people. It has high amounts of natural sugars, which provide a boost of energy. Used by many to break their fasts. It’s high fibre content promotes digestion and relieves constipation.
  1. Raisins– made from dehydrated grapes. They are packed with fibres, vitamins and minerals and energy. They are known to reduce acidity and help in digestion. Some people even eat a few raisins before going to bed at night. They also boost your iron levels and keep your bones strong. They also help in treating bloating, anaemia, fever, and sexual dysfunction, help in a healthy weight gain, also have a good impact on eye, dental, hair and bone health.
  1. Pistachios– help lowering the bad cholesterol level, boost immunity and even fight diabetes. But of course, not the salted ones.
  1. Cashews– are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (vitamins E, K and B6/ minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium). All these help in maintaining good body functions. It helps in reducing the blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. It helps the body to form and utilize the red blood cells, thus, keeping the vessels, nerves, immune system and bones healthy. It also helps in weight loss (good cholesterol).

My personal experience:

My hair loss has reduced tremendously, my hair texture and quality has improved and so has its growth rate. My acidity and bloating has completely vanished, there is an overall improvement in my digestion. Also, my skin has become smoother, and it glows. Yes, it does (the saffron definitely has a role to play here).

So, go ahead and start eating these powerhouses from tomorrow. You may soak them and eat in the morning or maybe just as a snack. But do include them in your daily diet. And see the results for yourself.

 

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