So this is the last day of this year. My daughter was after me to make a cake at home. And I had promised myself to try my hand at making cake during this year.
Finally I did it! Before the end of this year....
It is an achievement for me, plz dont laugh while reading this...
Though it looks very ordinary still I want to share it with you.
Finally I did it! Before the end of this year....
It is an achievement for me, plz dont laugh while reading this...
Though it looks very ordinary still I want to share it with you.
Pillsbury Eggless Cooker Cake made it possible for me.
As recommended on the packet, I stirred 3/4th cup of milk, two spoon oil and the mix provided thoroughly for 2 minutes. Then poured it in a greased vessel. The same vessel was placed in the cooker as instructed and was cooked on low flame for 35 minutes without whistle. I used timer in my mobile so that I do not get occupied anywhere else. As my mobile buzzed, I opened the lid of cooker and checked through knife test.
Voila!
The cake was ready (to my surprise:))
My daughter was delighted. Then both of us decorated this cake with chocolate sauce and gems. This cake is small part of our New Year celebrations with kids. It is sometimes very pleasurable and sweet as well to act kiddish.
Till now I was good at homemade sweet dishes such as Gajar Ka Halwa. Now I hope I will continue the effort and make some great cakes as well in future ( actually this one is part of my new year resolutions for 2015 which I will share soon with you.)
If you also have similar story then please share here with us. We will be glad to know your experiences!
Wishing you HAPPY NEW YEAR EVE
and
Prosperous 2015.
Again time has come to enter the New Year with celebrations, hope and happiness. It is time to bid adieu to the year gone by and keep only pleasant moments with us leaving behind the setbacks.
In this new voyage, participation of kids is equally important coz they are crucial part of our family.
Celebrating the transition from this year to next year with kids can be fun, entertaining, inspiring and unforgettable too!
Here are some ideas to involve kids in New Year Celebrations:
Revisit the memory lane
Go through the videos and pictures of happy moments you shared with your family. Ask your kids to describe their best moments and may be put them on paper. Else you can ask them to make a collage of photos of best moments of the year. It is truly a happy way to end the year.
Playing games of own childhood
You can share your ways of enjoyment with kids. Tell kids about the indoor/ outdoor games you used to play and have a good time playing the forgotten games. Kids do love to know more about the childhood of their parents and that is surely going to be fun for all of you!
Decorating the house for celebrations
Entrust your kids with decorations of the house or a part of room. That ways they will feel important and enthusiastic whole day! Provide them decorative things and fresh flowers along with some ideas depending upon their age and let them show off their creativity in safe zone.
New Year resolutions with kids
You can discuss the new year resolutions of the kids. The resolutions may depend upon the hits and misses the kids had in the year gone by. You may help them to choose their goals depending upon the phase they are going through in their lives.
Having a blast with friends and family
Invite close friends and family members to join you in new year celebrations. That would be a wonderful way to kick start the new year. Take clues and ideas from your kids on what to eat, play, gift and how to celebrate on the New Year eve or on the first day of the new year.
It would be ideal to let kids try their hands in kitchen to help you. Meanwhile you may also order some delicacies from online food stores to save the time.
You may either keep an afternoon party in your backyard if the kids are too young. On the other hand, older kids will definitely enjoy the late night blast on new year.
Hope these ideas would help you to celebrate New Year with kids. Have a great start and stay healthy!
In this new voyage, participation of kids is equally important coz they are crucial part of our family.
Celebrating the transition from this year to next year with kids can be fun, entertaining, inspiring and unforgettable too!
Revisit the memory lane
Go through the videos and pictures of happy moments you shared with your family. Ask your kids to describe their best moments and may be put them on paper. Else you can ask them to make a collage of photos of best moments of the year. It is truly a happy way to end the year.
Playing games of own childhood
You can share your ways of enjoyment with kids. Tell kids about the indoor/ outdoor games you used to play and have a good time playing the forgotten games. Kids do love to know more about the childhood of their parents and that is surely going to be fun for all of you!
Decorating the house for celebrations
Entrust your kids with decorations of the house or a part of room. That ways they will feel important and enthusiastic whole day! Provide them decorative things and fresh flowers along with some ideas depending upon their age and let them show off their creativity in safe zone.
New Year resolutions with kids
You can discuss the new year resolutions of the kids. The resolutions may depend upon the hits and misses the kids had in the year gone by. You may help them to choose their goals depending upon the phase they are going through in their lives.
Having a blast with friends and family
Invite close friends and family members to join you in new year celebrations. That would be a wonderful way to kick start the new year. Take clues and ideas from your kids on what to eat, play, gift and how to celebrate on the New Year eve or on the first day of the new year.
It would be ideal to let kids try their hands in kitchen to help you. Meanwhile you may also order some delicacies from online food stores to save the time.
You may either keep an afternoon party in your backyard if the kids are too young. On the other hand, older kids will definitely enjoy the late night blast on new year.
Hope these ideas would help you to celebrate New Year with kids. Have a great start and stay healthy!
Hey friends,
Time to soak ourselves in celebrations and merriment. Christmas is here encouraging us to sing and dance, greet and meet, enjoy and eat and be happy from core of our hearts.
Have a very happy, safe and secure Christmas celebration!
My heartiest wishes to all of you on this occasion. May all your dreams come true!
Related posts:
Christmas games
Party tips for parents
Time to soak ourselves in celebrations and merriment. Christmas is here encouraging us to sing and dance, greet and meet, enjoy and eat and be happy from core of our hearts.
Have a very happy, safe and secure Christmas celebration!
My heartiest wishes to all of you on this occasion. May all your dreams come true!
Christmas games
Party tips for parents
Celebrations whether big or small are incomplete without sweets. You may spend time in preparing homemade sweet dishes for your loved ones and may also order some exotic delicacies to satiate the taste buds of young and old.
Everybody craves for cakes. The more you get more you want. For kids and elders, for friends and unexpected guests, cakes find corner in every heart. Therefore, it is wise to keep such delicacy ready at your home especially during holiday season. You may order some of the best cakes through internet. Here are some of the options:
Everybody craves for cakes. The more you get more you want. For kids and elders, for friends and unexpected guests, cakes find corner in every heart. Therefore, it is wise to keep such delicacy ready at your home especially during holiday season. You may order some of the best cakes through internet. Here are some of the options:
Cream Fruit Cake 8 inches
Sweet memories of this delicious cake will last till next celebrations. Order this fruity cake for your family. You may also send the cake to your relatives living in different city or country. It would indeed be a tasty surprise for them!
Another option that you can bring home via internet services is:
The Vanilla Plum Cake is irresistibly delicious and must have during celebrations. Available at your doorstep at very reasonable price, your kids would ask for more definitely!
You can also order truffle cake, chocolate cakes or something different such as Raspberry cake for your family. See how tempting it is....it will surely melt in your mouth and of course one bite is not enough!!
Wild Raspberry Cake 500gms
from: Flora2000.com
Therefore, wait no further and place your order now!!
Related links:
Carrot Halwa
Holiday season is indeed incomplete without sweet delicacies. Since the festive mood is already on and holidays are not distant either, get ready to prepare some sweets at home.
Carrots halwa or gajar ka halwa is the most awaited Indian sweet dish in winters. I prepare this dish often in colder months to satiate the sweet teeth of my family and mine too! Here I have shared my
recipe with you.
Recipe of Gajar ka halwa
Ingredients:
Carrots (gajar) 3 kg ( This much of quantity lasts for 4-5 days, you may take lesser quantity)
Khoya or milk solids 250 grams
Sugar 400 grams approx, ( depends on your liking)
Cardamom powder 2 spoons
1 small bowl of sliced almonds
1 small bowl of sliced cashew nuts
Procedure:
Peel and grate all the carrots and put them in a heavy bottom wok on medium flame. Let the moisture dries. Stir at regular intervals and switch the flame between high and low.
Now add sugar and stir continuously at high flame.
When the mixture is almost dried up, add khoya or milk solids and mix well. Now add cardamom powder, and nuts and mix thoroughly.
Your gajar ka halwa or carrot halwa is ready to serve.
Garnish with almonds and nuts and serve hot!
Related links:
Homemade soups
Carrots halwa or gajar ka halwa is the most awaited Indian sweet dish in winters. I prepare this dish often in colder months to satiate the sweet teeth of my family and mine too! Here I have shared my
Recipe of Gajar ka halwa
Ingredients:
Carrots (gajar) 3 kg ( This much of quantity lasts for 4-5 days, you may take lesser quantity)
Khoya or milk solids 250 grams
Sugar 400 grams approx, ( depends on your liking)
Cardamom powder 2 spoons
1 small bowl of sliced almonds
1 small bowl of sliced cashew nuts
Procedure:
Peel and grate all the carrots and put them in a heavy bottom wok on medium flame. Let the moisture dries. Stir at regular intervals and switch the flame between high and low.
Now add sugar and stir continuously at high flame.
When the mixture is almost dried up, add khoya or milk solids and mix well. Now add cardamom powder, and nuts and mix thoroughly.
Your gajar ka halwa or carrot halwa is ready to serve.
Garnish with almonds and nuts and serve hot!
Related links:
Homemade soups
Hello Friends,
Hope you are enjoying the season. Here I am ready with another recipe of vegetable soup. This one is Veg Pasta soup. I liked it very much and kids loved it too as they are fond of anything related to pasta!
So great way to tempt kids to eat veggies when you include pasta in your soup, right?
Here are the ingredients:
Grated ginger, garlic, spring onions, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, french beans, capsicum, one tomato and any other seasonal vegetable. One bowl of boiled pasta Oil, vinegar, soy sauce, salt and pepper
Recipe:
1. Heat a spoon of oil in a wok and put some ginger and garlic. Both of these have medicinal properties that relieve you from various health issues.
2. Now saute chopped spring onion and tomato in the wo
3. After 2-3 minutes, add all the finely chopped vegetables and cover the same with lid.
4. When the vegetables are half cooked, add the boiled pasta and stir fry.
5. Add adequate water, salt to taste, black pepper, soy sauce and vinegar and bring the soup to a boil.
6. The soup is ready to serve. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it hot!
Hope you would try this soup as well. Remember to share your views with me.
Related links:
Tomato soup
Hope you are enjoying the season. Here I am ready with another recipe of vegetable soup. This one is Veg Pasta soup. I liked it very much and kids loved it too as they are fond of anything related to pasta!
So great way to tempt kids to eat veggies when you include pasta in your soup, right?
Here are the ingredients:
Grated ginger, garlic, spring onions, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, french beans, capsicum, one tomato and any other seasonal vegetable. One bowl of boiled pasta Oil, vinegar, soy sauce, salt and pepper
Recipe:
1. Heat a spoon of oil in a wok and put some ginger and garlic. Both of these have medicinal properties that relieve you from various health issues.
2. Now saute chopped spring onion and tomato in the wo
3. After 2-3 minutes, add all the finely chopped vegetables and cover the same with lid.
4. When the vegetables are half cooked, add the boiled pasta and stir fry.
5. Add adequate water, salt to taste, black pepper, soy sauce and vinegar and bring the soup to a boil.
6. The soup is ready to serve. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it hot!
Hope you would try this soup as well. Remember to share your views with me.
Related links:
Tomato soup
Are you planning on an RV road trip? Then brush yourself up with some generic and not so generic tips while you still have the chance on a safe yet enjoyable way to drive yourself around. The generic tips are more like the dos and don’ts of a simple driving lesson although it can get tricky while you are maneuvering a campervan.
However, the not so generic tricks involve the safety and security aspects of your campervan itself. It is often easy to forget about the safety issues on the road while you are high on your energy enjoying the experience. However, if you plan ahead your trip and way before your excitement kicks in you can avoid a whole lot of mess that may happen while you are behind the wheels. Although accidents do not occur always because you were careless that is why they are called an accident and thus the best bet is to get a motorhome insurance. In fact this should be your first step towards safe caravanning trip. The so called generic and not so generic safety tips are as follows:
1. Weight Restriction: Do not overload your motorhome at any cost. Take all the factors of your motorhome into consideration before you plan on how many people should board your motorhome. Remember that there are legal restrictions regarding Maximum Vehicle Weight, Mass in Running Order, Payload, and Gross vehicle weight. Check your motorhomes specifications and board and load accordingly.
2. Outdated Parts and Accessories: Make sure all the parts are in perfect working condition in your motorhome. If some parts are outdated or retro run a thorough check. Do not let any accessory hang on at the rear end of your motorhome which might hinder your rearward view like the rear cycle carrier. Most importantly make sure your satnav is not outdated at any cost.
3. Interior: Make sure you van is always dry in a healthy way. You should not let any damp or moist air circulate inside your van while you are in it. It can settle anywhere so make sure you run a thorough check. Do not leave anything unattended that may happen to rot and smell. Also make sure of attaching industry standard child seat if you are travelling with one. If the cupboards in the interior of your motorhome tend to fly open while in transit consider replacing them.
4. Exterior: Each time you stop at a gas station or for a grocery break; make sure you run a check on the exterior condition of your van. Damages as simple as a dent and a scratch or a broken surface needs immediate attention that you cannot afford to ignore even if you are on the road. Get them fixed ASAP. Assess the door, window, and pane fittings thoroughly. This is essential because you would not want to be bothered by external weather condition, especially when you are driving.
5. Gas and electrics check and other fitted equipment: Check all the gas, electric and other fitted equipment to see if they need any repair once you are around civilization. You would not want to get stuck without the essential convenience when you would be behind the wheel for a long run again.
6. Chassis, engine, running gear and tire check: At every stop make it an absolute necessity to check your engine, hitch mechanism, condition of your tires, chassis, and other running gears in your motorhome. The idea of a break down and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere is not particularly enjoyable.
7. Others: The more generic safety rules while you are on the trail are that first and foremost you must remember to drive slowly and gradually build your confidence. Accelerate slowly and press your break a little sooner than sudden. If possible take a motorhome maneuvering course before you venture out. Beware of the traffic around you and let them pass. Also beware of the trees and branches overhead while you are driving for obstruction and possible damage. Be careful of the weather condition and if it is raining or snowing or frosting up, try and make a halt. If that is not possible go really slow, and at all cost avoid all steep or sharp curves and slopes and lose ground.
Also make sure you take a wider area while taking a turn. Do not haul your motorhome with you once you are pitched if you have to go to town or the local market. Most importantly do not drink and drive and keep changing the hands behind the wheels every now and then if travelling with friends and family. If you are travelling alone make sure you rest often if you are tired.
With these tips in your hand you would surely enjoy your trip safely. Make sure you abide by these codes and you will have no problem in not just reaching your destination but also come back safely.
Photo by studio tdes via Flickr Creative Commons
Soups are making winters warmer. Isn't it? Besides, providing plenty of nutrients, these healthy soups are great way to warm up and have pleasant time with your family.
So here I am ready with another recipe of nutritious soup which I make at home:
Mixed Vegetable Soup
Ingredients of the soup are:
4 Spring onions, 2 red tomatoes, 5-6 florets of cauliflower, cabbage, 2 capsicum, 5-6 beans, 2 carrots, salt, black pepper powder, soy sauce, vinegar, oil,
Recipe:
1. Finely chop all the vegetables.
2. Heat two spoons of oil of your choice in the wok.
3. Add spring onions and saute for a while.
4. Now add tomatoes followed by other vegetables.
5. Saute all the vegetables at low flame till they are half cooked.
6. Add four cups of water, some salt as per taste and stir. Cook for 10 minutes at medium flame.
7.When the vegetables are cooked, add black pepper powder, two spoons soy sauce and a spoon of vinegar. Bring the soup to a boil and then turn off the heat.
Your Mixed Vegetable Soup is ready to serve. Garnish it with coriander leaves, butter/ cheese and serve it with soup sticks for more flavor.
Related link:
Tomato soup recipe
Veg Pasta Soup
So here I am ready with another recipe of nutritious soup which I make at home:
Mixed Vegetable Soup
Ingredients of the soup are:
4 Spring onions, 2 red tomatoes, 5-6 florets of cauliflower, cabbage, 2 capsicum, 5-6 beans, 2 carrots, salt, black pepper powder, soy sauce, vinegar, oil,
Recipe:
1. Finely chop all the vegetables.
2. Heat two spoons of oil of your choice in the wok.
4. Now add tomatoes followed by other vegetables.
5. Saute all the vegetables at low flame till they are half cooked.
6. Add four cups of water, some salt as per taste and stir. Cook for 10 minutes at medium flame.
7.When the vegetables are cooked, add black pepper powder, two spoons soy sauce and a spoon of vinegar. Bring the soup to a boil and then turn off the heat.
Your Mixed Vegetable Soup is ready to serve. Garnish it with coriander leaves, butter/ cheese and serve it with soup sticks for more flavor.
Related link:
Tomato soup recipe
Veg Pasta Soup
Hello everyone,
Vegetable Soups are my favorite especially the tomato soup. My family is also a big fan of this one. Its filled with goodness of tomatoes and other ingredients which I always include.
Here is my recipe of tomato soup which you can also relish:
Ingredients: 7-8 red and ripe tomatoes, 3-4 carrots, some french beans, few leaves of cabbage and ginger (optional).
Salt, black pepper powder, butter, sugar, coriander leaves for garnishing.
Kids would never come to know that you have added so many veggies to the tomato soup! Add these along with tomato and provide your family maximum advantage of vegetables.
Method:
Wash all the vegetables. Peel off the carrots and cut them roughly. Now cut all the vegetables into large pieces and place them in a cooker. Put half cup of water, one small spoon of salt and place the lid. Boil them for some time. After 3-4 minutes of one whistle of cooker, switch off the flame.
Now let the vegetables cool down. Make a puree of the boiled vegetables in a mixer and strain them. Now you get a thick paste which you can either use to prepare soup or store in a glass jar and freeze for future use.
In a pan, put some thick paste of soup and some water. Add some sugar and black pepper powder according to your taste. ( Note: I prefer sweet-salty taste so I have added some sugar. In case you like the tangy flavor, then do not use sugar.) Bring it to a boil and then serve in a soup bowl. Do not forget to add some cubes of butter ( avoid butter if you wish to lose weight) and leaves of coriander.
Serve the yummy tomato soup quickly and enjoy with your family in winter evenings.
Visit this link for all your kitchen needs and get the delivery at your doorstep.
Related link:
Benefits of homemade soups
Vegetable Soups are my favorite especially the tomato soup. My family is also a big fan of this one. Its filled with goodness of tomatoes and other ingredients which I always include.
Here is my recipe of tomato soup which you can also relish:
Ingredients: 7-8 red and ripe tomatoes, 3-4 carrots, some french beans, few leaves of cabbage and ginger (optional).
Salt, black pepper powder, butter, sugar, coriander leaves for garnishing.
Kids would never come to know that you have added so many veggies to the tomato soup! Add these along with tomato and provide your family maximum advantage of vegetables.
Method:
Wash all the vegetables. Peel off the carrots and cut them roughly. Now cut all the vegetables into large pieces and place them in a cooker. Put half cup of water, one small spoon of salt and place the lid. Boil them for some time. After 3-4 minutes of one whistle of cooker, switch off the flame.
 |
| store soup in glass jar and freeze |
Now let the vegetables cool down. Make a puree of the boiled vegetables in a mixer and strain them. Now you get a thick paste which you can either use to prepare soup or store in a glass jar and freeze for future use.
In a pan, put some thick paste of soup and some water. Add some sugar and black pepper powder according to your taste. ( Note: I prefer sweet-salty taste so I have added some sugar. In case you like the tangy flavor, then do not use sugar.) Bring it to a boil and then serve in a soup bowl. Do not forget to add some cubes of butter ( avoid butter if you wish to lose weight) and leaves of coriander.
Serve the yummy tomato soup quickly and enjoy with your family in winter evenings.
Related link:
Benefits of homemade soups
Vegetable based soups are filled with goodness of nature. No preservatives, chemicals or artificial colours. When you have them on regular basis, you get plenty of nutrients and energy. Unlike packed soups, homemade vegetable soups are fresh and fulfilling. Furthermore, you can experiment and make changes as per your liking and creativity.
Here are some easy to prepare homemade soups that do not take lots of time and efforts.
Tomato soup
Tomato soup is one of the most favorite soups among kids and adults alike. This one is very easy to prepare. You can also show some creativity by adding some more ingredients of your choice and garnishing with different things such as cream, coriander, etc. Some like the tangy flavour of tomato soup and some prefer to have sweet-salty taste. Make your own recipe and share it with your family today!
Hot and sour soup
This Chinese soup finds place at every dinner table. Loaded with lots of seasonal veggies and Chinese sauces, the hot and sour soup is perfect for winter evenings when you need some extra energy and enthusiasm to go on.
You may prepare it without using oil and butter to cut down the calories. Though this recipe is originally high on spices, you may alter according to your taste and restrict chillies or chilli sauce to suit your taste buds.
Veg, Talumein Soup
Another Chinese soup which is filled with lots of vegetables, spices and sauces! What sets it apart from other soups is use of noodles. Kids love to eat and drink the soup because of noodles.
If your kids are fussy eaters then make this soup and they would start asking for more. It i a great way to make kids eat vegetables.
The biggest advantage of making Talumein soup at home is that you may delete certain ingredients such as chilli sauce and chilli oil which make the extra spicy. This is not possible with pre-packed soups wherein the spices and flavour are innate.
Lentil soup with vegetables
To get enough of proteins along with other nutrients, try the lentil soup. Use one lentil or combination of two lentils to make this soup and add vegetables to it. You can add herbs such as parsley and mint to enhance the flavour and nutritional value. The result is healthy and satisfying meal for dinner.
A wholesome diet is a prerequisite for complete development of children. One of the essential ingredients of complete diet of a kid is homemade soup. There is nothing to be amazed about it. Soups indeed have plenty of visible as well as hidden benefits that your kids deserve. If you are still not aware or not sure then read on to find out more about soups.
Nutritional benefits of homemade soups
Homemade soups, especially, constitute of fresh vegetables and ingredients that are full with nutrients. So when your child consume a bowl of soup on daily basis, you can be assured that he/ she gets daily supply of vitamins, proteins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. In addition, these homemade soups have no preservatives and are low in sodium, fats and carbohydrates.
With increasing activity levels and hectic schedules of growing kids, it is important to incorporate healthy eating habits in their lifestyle so that they remain prepared and active at all times. Soups thus fit into their routine very well without taking much time and rendering health benefits in abundance.
Superior option over junk foods
Soups are healthy snacks that contain only health benefits of veggies, legumes, grains and good meat. They are best option for lunches and early evening snacks. These are great appetizers which ensure goodness of nature while side-lining junk foods and foods rich in Trans fats.
When you are ready with your bowl of tasty soup, kids are unlikely to rush to chocolates, chips, aerated drinks, burgers and other high calorie foods. Therefore, you introduce them to healthy eating while taking them far from unhealthy foods without knowing them.
Protection from obesity and other health problems
Vegetable based soups provide ample of benefits to the mind and body of kids. Soups are ideal and delicious meals for obese kids who need to lose weight as these meals are low in carbohydrates and fats. Moreover, many of the gastric issues such as constipation and indigestion can be tackled among kids when they consume healthy homemade soups.
In case, your child has fallen ill or suffering from cold/cough/ fever then soups are best way to provide quick nutrition as they are easy on stomach and digest really fast.
With so much to gain and nothing to lose, prepare your child’s favorite soup today at home and experience the healthy benefits!
Mexico is a world of pristine beaches, jungle adventures, exciting cities and storytelling ruins. If you’re a traveller who likes to escape the crowds by getting off the beaten track, the Gringo Trail will enlighten you to some incredible sights like the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen. Along the way you will also discover the low cost of living in Mexico, making it a great destination for those on a budget.
Budgeting starts with flights
Millions of people take flights to Mexico every year to relax on the white sand beaches at the resorts in Cancun, Acapulco and Cozumel. If you’re taking the road less travelled, budget travel to and around the Gringo Trail is readily available, starting with your flights. Mexico is a year round sunshine destination but you’ll find discounted flights during the low season, which stretches from April through November.
Take in the sights
The Gringo Trail is all about escaping the crowds but it can draw in many backpackers wanting to share the unique experience. Don’t overlook some of the highly-rated attractions just because they are popular! Take the time to explore the Yucatan Peninsula, by visiting the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza as well as the magical underground pools known as cenotes. The chance to scuba-dive in some of the world’s best diving sites off the island of Cozumel and along the Cancun coast should also not be missed.
Unspoilt beaches
Whether you’re intending to spend some time on the west coast Mexican Riviera or on the Gulf Coast you will be able to find unspoilt stretches of immense white sand. Beaches such as those found in Tulum are less developed than those that at the resorts and are less populated. The beauty of these beaches is unparalleled and one glimpse of Tankah Bay Beach on the Riviera Maya or Playa Paraiso in Tulum is all it takes to fall in love with this country. Hidden beaches such as those at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve south of Tulum as well as Solomon Bay Beach are as wild, natural and beautiful as it gets in this country.
Far from the crowd
If you’re looking to travel a little further then try not to miss the southwestern state of Oaxaca for even more Gringo Trail experiences. It’s here where you can explore the pre-Columbian Monte Alban pyramid site as well as travel through the cloud forests and river trails of Santiago Comaltepec. In this state you will mix with indigenous people and can become immersed in the cultures of the Zapotecs, Mixtecs and Mazatecos. If you want to enjoy real Mexican food and authentic Mescal then there’s no better place than the traditional restaurants in Oaxaca City.
The back-packer’s favourite
You can’t get any further south in Mexico than the state of Chiapas and the town of San Cristóbal de las Casa is a definite travel experience. The city dates back to 1528 and lies in a small valley with a mountainous backdrop and offers a taste Spanish colonial Mexico. Winding little cobbled streets, open air markets, the beautiful Santa Domingo church and the Zocala Plaza are all well worth seeing. The atmosphere in San Cris is laid back and you can find plenty of low cost eating establishments as well a budget accommodation in this city.
Exploring the Gringo Trail may mean making a little extra effort than simply relaxing at the resorts but your additional travels will be rewarded. You’ll have a much more authentic Mexican experience and an extended stay is definitely warranted if you can afford the time.
Images by Mom the Barbarian, Carlos Adampol Galindo and waywuwei used under creative commons license.
This festive season, let the happiness last longer with amazing gift products. Capture your precious moments with kids and other family members and showcase them in unique way. there is no need to display your beautiful pictures in old boring way. Here we present more ideas that will excite you and adorn your beautiful rooms.
Hold your breath, this one is going to capture your attention for long. In addition, the day-to-day life of your little ones will sparkle with this sweet gift item
Hold your breath, this one is going to capture your attention for long. In addition, the day-to-day life of your little ones will sparkle with this sweet gift item
 Wallet Snapshots - $11.99 Wallet Snapshots - Paper Notebooks , Our 5†x 8†wire-bound notebooks feature stylish designs and 80 lined pages that are great for the home, school or office. |
Making your darling finish his/ her drink quickly is easier now with this photo mug. Try this one and remember to share your experience with us!
Clearly Joyful: 11 oz White - Personalized Mugs , clear, sheer, transparent, Joy, letters, see-through, see thru, overlay, photos, contemporary, clean, photo effect, mug, photo mugs. |
Captured Bliss: 5x7 Glossy Easel Art - Glossy Easel Art |
A pretty picture frame displaying multiple photos or moments of your life is surely a must-have in your room. Grab this one now and relive your special moments of life with family once again!
All these products and much more you can buy online from
Wait a minute!! If you are wondering from where to buy a fantastic camera that delivers high resolution pictures then click this link and get different models of branded cameras at discounted prices!
Wishing you happy festive season:))
Festive preparations are in full swing. And for sure your list of things to do must be quite long. During this hectic schedule, have you forgotten to buy unique gifts for your kids? Or are you out of ideas what to choose for children? No need to worry at all as here is an interesting list of personalized gifts for this festive season for you nieces, nephews and your own kids.
Personalized kids truly express your feelings for your closed ones. Usually these gifts have names of oo9the recipients engraved on the items that instantly evoke excitement and love. Check out such personalized gifts for kids here and choose your favorite quickly:
Personalized Quilted Backpack
Personalized kids truly express your feelings for your closed ones. Usually these gifts have names of oo9the recipients engraved on the items that instantly evoke excitement and love. Check out such personalized gifts for kids here and choose your favorite quickly:
Personalized Quilted Backpack
These cute backpacks are well constructed of brightly quilted 100% cotton fabric with whimsical appliqué decorations. Then, they are beautifully monogrammed in a coordinating color with the first name of your choice. These are highly suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and school aged kids.
Personalized Snack Tote
These colorful personalized snack keepers are made of clear plastic and best suited for sliced veggies,fruits, chips, cheese, crackers and cereals. Take them along for your kids wherever you go for some happy snacking!
Personalized Photo Watch
Choose interesting photo wrist watch for your little darling or for adults as well that displays your favorite photo. These watches are attractive,long lasting and water resistant containing Japanese Quartz movement. You may go for silver frame watch with 2 toned metal band or a silver frame watch with a brown leather band and a 2 toned bezel.
Personalized Carrying case
These colorful carry casess meant for kids are ideal for toting around a child's essentials from school supplies, jewelry, books, snack box and juice box. With names imprinted on these cases, these will surely become pride possession of your child instantly and all time companions wherever they go.
Personalized Photo Playing Cards
The game of playing cards will reach the next level of excitement and fun when you will gift a pack of personalized cards to your kids. Select your favorite photo and get it imprinted on the whole deck of cards. No wonder your kids will jump with joy to have this unique gift from you.
Hope you have decided your gift for your child by now. Keep checking this site for more innovative ideas and have happy festive season!
Medical advancement has been able to conquer all types of diseases in today's scenario. There are different types of cures and vaccines available in the medicinal world for almost every fatal disease that human beings are vulnerable too. However, there is a long list of diseases still irk human race, some diseases remain feral, and no cure has been developed for them until now. Chikungunya is one such disease.
What is Chikungunya Virus, after all?
The Chikungunya Virus, also popularly known as Chikungunya fever, is a human viral disease that is not transmitted from one person to another. An infected Culex or Aedes mosquito of different types of species causes it. If anyone in your family is infected with the Chikungunya virus, you will notice symptoms like,
- Joint Pain
- Swelling in joints
- Rashes
- Pain in the lower back of the body
- Severe Nausea
- Chill (feeling cold)
- Severe Fever
- Severe Headache
Important Facts related to Chikungunya Virus
- Chikungunya fever is very similar to Dengue fever. However, being a viral disease, it cannot be transmitted from one person to another, like Dengue fever.
- Chikungunya fever is relatively non-fatal as compared to Dengue.
- There are no preventive vaccinations for Chikungunya virus; therefore, one must take prior precautions in order to reduce the risk of being contaminated due to this virus.
- The outbreak of the Chikungunya fever starts showing its symptoms within three to seven days after the mosquito bite.
- Patients suffering from Chikungunya are recovered fully, unlike in most of the Dengue cases.
- Due to same symptoms, there are times when doctors misguide Chikungunya as Dengue fever.
- There is only one best way to protect yourself against Chikungunya, i.e. protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
Related links:
For doctors, it is not at all an easy catch to treat dengue patients, but the nonprofessional would think of every possible way through which dengue can be treated. Most commonly, people think that antibiotics can treat dengue, as they do most infections. Many people also feel that dengue is a contagious disease that can be easily transmitted from one person to another. Moreover, some think that they can be vaccinated against dengue.
Therefore, here is a list for you to know what to do and what not to do in Dengue Fever,
What to Do in Dengue Fever
ü The first thing you need to do is visit a doctor immediately, if dengue is suspected.
ü Cases related to Dengue fever/Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever should be observed separately, as they need extra attention of doctor.
ü If you think the high fever can be the result of dengue, try to keep the body temperature lower than 39 C.
ü Give paracetamol to the patient suffering from high fever, but not more than four times in a day.
ü Determine the blood platelet count and haemtocrits count in the patient's body through regular tests, as drop in platelets and rise in haematocrits are important for an early diagnosis of Dengue Fever.
ü Platelet transfusion is advised, if platelets fall consecutively, but as per doctor's advice and your medicinal history. Continuous monitoring of health of the patient is of utmost importance.
ü It is essential to give large amount of fluids like juice, milk, water, and soup to dengue patients along with their normal diet.
ü Keep your surroundings clean and hygienic.
What not to do in Dengue Fever
ü Never give antibiotics to dengue patients.
ü Never give Brufen or Aspirin to patient suffering from high fever.
ü Avoid use of steroids. They do not provide any type of benefit in the treatment of dengue fever.
Dengue Fever is one of the scariest diseases, which is on everyone's list of things that they are afraid of. The reason is that dengue has already cost the lives of many and not even the wealthy are spared of its horror attacks. Dengue Fever is renowned as one of the acute illnesses that happen quite often and among people living in dengue prone or tropical areas. The onset of dengue is treated very normally and many people usually mistake it for an ordinary ailment.
Symptoms of Dengue
The beginning of this disease shows the following symptoms in the body of the patient after four to ten days of the fever,
- Severe Headache - The severe headache is the cause of excessive burden on the brain due to dengue fever.
- Skin Rash - Skin rash appears on whole body of the patient after three to four days on the onset of fever.
- Vomiting – The body of the patient does not respond to any food item given to him/her in the fever, which eventually leads to vomiting. In dengue fever, digestion becomes very slow.
- Severe Nausea – Nausea can be defined as severe cold and cough, which are some of the symptoms of dengue fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Unbearable Pain Behind the Eyes – The whole body of the dengue patients pains a lot after the onset of fever, especially eyes.
- Sudden, very high Fever – The ranging of the fever in dengue keeps on fluctuating up and down. The fever can go up to 106 F.
- Sometimes, the fever goes down after three days but would resurface again. Therefore, it is indispensable to keep a track of blood platelet count from the first day of dengue fever.
Other important facts
- Mosquitoes, that carry the dengue virus, bites only during the daytime, peak hours are before sunrise and sunset.
- To avoid the attack of virus on your kids, you can use electric vapor mats and mosquito coils.
- For kids, it is essential to use mosquito nets during bedtime to avoid bites.
- The more severe form of dengue is also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which gradually becomes the reason of the death of the patient. Everyone should be vigilant when it comes to dengue cases, as the only way to save lives of kids is the right medication and attention.
- Kids suffering from early stages of dengue yet can be treated at home; they just need plenty of fluids, bed rest, and nutritious foods.
- Actually, no vaccine can treat dengue fever as a virus causes it.
- It is important to destroy the every possible breeding place of the mosquitoes.
- The best precaution is to remove stagnant water from tires, plastic bags, bottles, and cans.
Precaution is the best way to stay away from dengue.
Related links:
Precautions for malaria
Home remedies to cure malaria
Related links:
Precautions for malaria
Home remedies to cure malaria
Dengue is also popularly known as "break-bone fever.” This viral disease spreads through severe mosquito bites. A mosquito known as Aedes Aegypti is the principal transmitter of this disease. Every year anywhere from 50 to 390, million people fall ill with dengue, resulting in more than half a million being hospitalized. The main symptom of Dengue is high fever with rashes everywhere on the body. Most kids suffering from Dengue remain ill for about 10 days. Therefore, one can recover from Dengue, if given right kind of treatment within prescribed time.
For keeping your kids protected from Dengue, follow these steps:
- Citronella Oil-Based Creams - Always ensure that you use citronella oil-based cream, spray, and herbal mosquito repellents to protect your kids from Dengue. Use a repellent that contains 30-50% DEET in it for children over 3 months of age.
- Mosquito Nets - Mosquito nets are essential for kids while they sleep in afternoon. If you do not already have them, install these on their beds. In addition, fix mosquito meshes on windows to avoid mosquitoes enter your house.
- Long-Sleeve Clothes - Protect your kids by making them wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when they go out for playing.
- Staying in safe places - If you are travelling to a dengue-infected area, try to stay in clean hotels and resorts to avoid contact with mosquitoes. In addition, ensure that your room is air-conditioned and proper measures have been taken to reduce the mosquito population.
- EPA-Registered Repellent - Spray the clothes of your kids with EPA-registered repellent for greater protection. This repellent contains permethrin that helps in keeping mosquitoes away from your kids. Remember, not use permethrin on the skin.
Hope these tips will help you to safeguard yourself and your family from dengue.
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Malaria can easily affect everyone, including young infants too. It generally happens with kids who are living in or travelling to malaria prone areas. The kids staying in such areas are advised to take anti-malarial drugs such as chloroquine or mefloquine. The dosage of this drug depends upon the age and weight of the kid.
There are a number of home remedies as well to cure malaria in kids at home. Some of them are:
- Basil Leaves - It is a good remedy to cure malaria. You need to take out extract of 12-15 leaves of basil and add a tablespoon of black pepper in it then give it to kids. The kids who are in their initial stage of malaria get great relief from this remedy. You may also add honey to the basil extract and consume to reduce effects of malaria.
Basil: Herbal remedy for malaria - Grapefruit - Grapefruit in raw condition or in the form of liquid juice is very helpful in controlling the intensity of infection. It is very useful and effective herbal remedy for curing malaria.
- Lemon Juice - Extract some fresh lemon juice from half-cut lemon, and add it to one-cup lukewarm water. Consuming this water by low sipping will help in controlling the rise in temperature in the first stage of fever.
- Alum - Alum acts as a great recovery agent in curing malaria. It needs to dry roasted and powdered. A teaspoon of this alum powder needs to be consumed four hours before expected fever attack and half a teaspoon after two hours of the malaria attack.
- Cinnamon - Cinnamon is a valuable remedy in healing malaria. One tablespoon of powdered cinnamon needs to be boiled with water. After that, you need to add a pinch of pepper powder and a tablespoon of honey to the water and drink it.
Chances of getting malaria are quite high in monsoon season. It is advisable to take preventive measures for malaria beforehand to keep the disease at bay. In case this disease strikes you, hope these remedies will be helpful to fight malaria and to keep your family healthy.
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For most tourists, Egypt starts and ends with Cairo and the Great Pyramids. This is a real shame, because this beautiful country has so much to offer besides towering ancient monuments of stone. From its interior desert towns to the beautiful resorts along its coast that have enthralled travellers for centuries, Egypt has it all.
Among the most popular tourist spots in Egypt (besides Cairo) is Sharm El Sheikh. Located along the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is a spectacular beach destination that boasts of world-class dive spots and pristine underwater reserves. It also has gorgeous seascapes, stunning desert vistas and some of the finest luxury resorts in the world.
If this charming little town is on your travel itinerary, here are three fabulous resorts you should consider staying in:
1. Maritim Jolie Ville Resort, Naama Bay: Located right in the heart of the popular Naama Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh, Maritim Jolie Ville Resort & Casino is a great place for families to enjoy the charms of the city at a price that won't break your budget. It offers easy access to the Naama Bay beach, has charmingly decorated rooms with beautiful ocean views, and boasts well-equipped rooms with climate control, satellite TV, and wi-fi. A firm favorite among foodies, it has four a-la-carte restaurants serving everything from French to Italian and traditional Egyptian cuisine.
The resort's highlights include an extremely popular Beach BBQ, and ultra-luxurious 'super rooms' located just 50-500 metres from the beach!
2. Hilton Sharks Bay Resort, Sharks Bay Beach: Thanks to its location at the edge of the Shark's Bay Beach, the Hilton Sharks Bay Resort offers some of the most stunning views of the Red Sea in the city. Popular among families as well as young couples, this resort boasts seven different pools, its own private beach, a whopping 13 restaurants and bars, and two separate clubs exclusively for kids. The resort will also be more than happy to arrange dive site trips or whisk you away to a romantic private dinner by the beach. Every room in the resort looks out to either the pools, the beach, or the hotel's vast gardens.
3. Rixos Sharm Elh Sheikh, Nabq Bay: Awarded the Travellers's Choice Award for Luxury by TripAdvisor, the Rixos in Nabq Bay is one of the finest luxury hotels in the city with over 695 rooms and suites spread along a gorgeous stretch of the Nabq Bay beach. Besides world-class international dining options (including options from Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Italian and Egyptian cuisines), it also has several pools, three water slides for children (and adults who act like children!), and gorgeous rooms modelled on traditional Egyptian architecture.
If you plan to travel to Sharm El Sheikh, you can't go wrong with picking from any one of these three luxury family resorts!
Photo by Dominic Sayers via Flickr CC
Malaria is a very serious disease common during rains. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms of the disease are drowsiness, low appetite, lack of sleep and irritability followed by high fever, body ache and shivering and sweating as well. If not taken care on time, the disease can be fatal. However, malaria is absolutely preventable.
The best way to prevent Malaria is to take necessary steps to ensure that the mosquito does not bite you. Some of the precautions to safeguard your kids from getting Malaria are,
- Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothes - It is essential step if you are travelling with your kids to a new place or village. Ensure that your kids wear loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves, long trousers. In addition, keep socks handy for your kids if you are out at dusk or night.
- Mosquito Repellent Cream - Apply an insect repellent cream that contains diethyltoluamide (DEET) on the skin and clothes of your kids. Stronger preparation against Malaria will keep your kids safe.
- Mosquito Net - Always ensure that you use mosquito net over the bed of your kids. Always check that it is not impregnated with an insecticide and contain any holes in it.
- Insecticide Spray - Spray your kid’s room with an insecticide before they go to bed to sleep at night.
- Air Conditioning - Ensure that air conditioner of your kids room is working perfectly. Using an air conditioning means lesser mosquitoes as they are less active in cooler temperatures.
Along with these, you need to ensure that your surroundings are clean as mosquitoes thrive in dirty places and in stagnant water. Ensure there is no unused water or stagnant water in coolers, water tanks and other places as these serve as ideal place for breeding of mosquitoes.
Related links:
Dengue precautions
Related links:
Dengue precautions
What better way to winter than gliding over the Alpine snow on a pair of skis? Heading off on a skiing holiday to France or Austria is a yearly ritual for many families and snowsports enthusiasts. This ritual need not burn a tidy hole in your pocket, however and these five tips will show you how to save money on your next skiing holiday:
1. Be flexible with your schedule: Since skiing is a seasonal sport, prices for hotels, resorts, transport, and even food tend to vary a lotdepending on the season. Shift your schedule by a couple of weeks outside peak periods, and you might just end up saving half your money. Most hotels tend to become cheaper late into the season and some resorts high into the Alps in places like the Three Valleys area in France continue their snow seasons until April-May, so take the opportunity for lower rates.
2. DIY or ski package: This is another big question you have to ask before heading out on your ski holiday: do you buy a ski package, or do you book everything on your own? If you're like most families heading out to a popular resort like Val d'Isere, chances are, you'll choose the ski package. After all, you're short on time and most self-catered and catered ski packages include everything from hotel rooms to bus tickets, so you don’t need to fork out once you get there. Conversely, if you choose to assemble your ski holiday yourself, you can mix and match hotels and add on only the extras you want, like childcare, or special family offers.
3. Be mindful of exchange rates: You might be tempted to whip out your credit card to pay for meals and tickets. Don't. The exchange rates through electronic transactions tends to be very unfavorable. Instead, take out the appropriate amount of euros or Swiss francs from the ATM and use cash instead.
4. Take cheaper modes of transport: Flights save you time but also end up being a huge drain on your finances. Trains, buses and even cars are preferable to flying, even if it means spending an extra day or two on the road. If you treat the journey itself as a part of your holiday, you might even come to enjoy the experience as much as the destination!
5. Try some alternative destinations: Last, but not least, remember that France and Switzerland aren't the only countries that receive snow in the winter. Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia have plenty of ski resorts as well, and these can be cheaper than anything in the French/Swiss Alps. Similarly, ski resorts in the Italian Dolomites and Pyrenees offer great skiing at very affordable rates as well. If you're willing to search thoroughly, you can often get great deals on a skiing holiday.
Saving money on a skiing holiday isn't easy, but it is possible. Be flexible with your schedule, avoid exorbitant exchange rates, book tickets/rooms yourself and try out some alternative destinations to get the most out of your holiday!
Photo by Ridge Tahoe Resort Hotel via Flickr CC
Photo by Ridge Tahoe Resort Hotel via Flickr CC
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