Wednesday 31 July 2013

നേർത്ത മഴനൂലിഴകളിലൂടെ
ഊർന്നിറങ്ങി ഒഴുകിയെത്തി 
ഭൂമിയോടുള്ള തന്റെ പ്രണയം 
അറിയിക്കാനുറച്ചതാണ് വാനം.. 

വേനൽ പോയി വർഷം വന്നിട്ടും
ഭൂമിയിൽ പക്ഷെ മഴ പെയ്തില്ല
മനുഷ്യൻ കൊളുത്തിയ ചിതയിൽ
ജീവനോടെ എരിയുകയായിരുന്നു ഭൂമി..

Sunday 28 July 2013

Healthy Hot Beverages For Monsoon

Relaxing indoor grabbing a cup of hot beverage while it is cold and raining outside is a perfect and exciting experience. Beverages are always helpful to boost up you to be more active and energetic. But, unfortunately some of these hot beverages may cause harm to your health in due course because of its continuous use. Here comes the importance of beverages that are healthy as well. How exciting it is when your favourite hot beverage provides you with some health benefits as well?

Hot and healthy beverages will help you to be energetic and active. It will help you to keep away any diseases that may be associated with the cold season. Hot and healthy beverages will fight dehydration, increase immunity, and protect your skin and other internal organs. There are a variety of options for a healthy beverage to try.

Here are some easy to prepare hot and healthy beverages that can give you a perfect blend of taste and wellness. Try this out in this rainy season which is the perfect time for enjoying a hot and healthy drink.



Healthy Hot Beverages For Monsoon 

Hot cocoa:
One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (August 2003) showed that consuming 3 ounces of dark chocolate daily can lower blood pressure. The level of serotonin can also be increased by taking cocoa as a hot and healthy beverage.

Mulled wine:
Mulled wine can be considered as a healthy beverage that can be included in your favourites. It has anti-inflammatory effects that might help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Wine can increase HDL cholesterol and can lower the risk of heart attacks.

Apple Cider With Cinnamon:
Quercetin, in this beverage can act as an antioxidant and protects brain cells from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Phytochemicals in apples are found to protect against colon cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Matcha:
If you want a change from your usual green tea, try matcha now. Matcha is a finely ground Japanese green tea. Matcha will be a good choice for you if you are looking for a healthy beverage.

Sage and thyme Tea:
A hot and healthy beverage that can make you in the mood of a perfect drink is Sage tea. Sage can be helpful in improving brain function, while thyme has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
                     
Vegan Hot Chocolate:
If you are intolerant to lactose or if you want to cut down dairy products, you may try vegan hot chocolate. Dark chocolate and cinnamon is used to create a spicy flavour.

Ginger Tea:
The best option for you to deal with an upset stomach or digestive problems is ginger tea. You may consider other spices of your choices along with this to give a customized touch.

Green Tea:
 Green tea will be a perfect option as a hot and healthy beverage. Green tea has numerous proved health benefits which will keep you healthy and energetic. Green tea will help you to fight cold and flu symptom.

Spiced Green Tea:
You may try out different types of green tea as a healthy beverage option. Add ginger, lemon and honey to your green tea to make a perfect combination of taste and health. This is an aromatic hot and healthy beverage.

Mint tea:
Mint can relax muscles as it is an antispasmodic. Mint tea is good for treating indigestion.  Mint tea will give you a perfect choice as a hot and healthy beverage. It will keep you fit and lively as well.



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Can Money Buy You happiness?


We all are concerned about the importance of money in our life. How to earn, how to spend, how to save, where to spend, what to do and much more.  We are spending a major part of our life in earning money. But, still we are not satisfied and looking forward to more and more options to make and save money. There are a lot of ways that we can spend our money, but it will buy you happiness only if you spend it wisely. Go through this list and look back to your life to see whether your money buy you happiness.



Can Money Buy You happiness?  


1.Time: Once lost, time is lost forever and you will not get a second chance to get it back, no matter how rich you are. Your money cannot help you in any way to get the same time in the future as well. Use your precious time to do what you really want to do.

2.Health: Your money can buy you medicines and high class healthcare services. But, once lost your health will not be the same as before. It may at least leave a tensed mindset to worry about your future health. But, money can buy you happiness if you spend it for a healthy lifestyle.

3.Respect: You may think that money can buy you happiness by gaining the respect of others. But, money can never buy respect and if you feel that you are receiving it, make sure you are not getting bluffed. At the same time, spending your money for helping others will make people respect you with all their heart.

4.Love: Money may help you to get set an initial attraction or draw. But, if you think that money can buy you happiness by this, you are wrong because true love has nothing to do with your money. No matter how rich you are, you will not be able to win the other one’s heart if you are not the perfect one for them.

5.Talent: Money can help you to learn certain things, but the ability to get perfection needs actual talent. If you are one among those who believe that money can buy you happiness by spending it to get a talent, you are wrong. But, money will certainly help you to polish and buff up your talent.

6.Happiness: Money can buy you happiness by bringing short-term enjoyments and fun. But, if you are aiming for an ultimate happiness, spend it for the well-being of others and see how money can buy you happiness.

Money can buy you short-term happiness but, it is true that money can’t bring long-term tranquility and peace in your life unless you spend it wisely.



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Beauty Benefits Of Jojoba Oil


Jojoba oil has been used by the Native Americans for centuries to treat skin wounds. But, jojoba oil gained much more popularity later when its beauty benefits are revealed. Jojoba is a shrub that is found in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Jojoba oil is an odourless, golden-coloured liquid wax, extracted from the jojoba seeds.

 Jojoba oil has oxidation properties and because of this it can be kept for a longer time without adding any preservatives. Jojoba oil has many beauty benefits which can make you look young and beautiful. It is the versatility of jojoba oil to make you more beautiful that makes it to take an important place in your beauty kit. Jojoba oil does not cause much allergic reactions and this makes it more beauty friendly.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of jojoba oil plays the major role in making it an effective skin and hair care oil. If you are looking forward to try some healthy beauty treatment for your body, then jojoba oil is one of the best options. Here are some reasons which will explain why you should include jojoba oil in your beauty regimen.



Beauty Benefits Of Jojoba Oil 

1.As a moisturizer: Jojoba oil is similar to the natural oils that our bodies produce. This makes jojoba oil more effective as a moisturizer. Jojoba oil is effortlessly absorbed and it will keep your skin soft and beautiful.

2.Treat Dry skin:  Jojoba oil is well accepted for its role in treating mild to moderate dry skin. It is non-greasy and has a nice fragrance. Jojoba oil is effective in treating dry skin to make it soft and supple.

3.On your nails: The moisturizing effect of jojoba oil can act on your cuticle as well. Rubbing jojoba oil regularly on your nails and cuticles at least once per day can make your nails beautiful.

4.Makeup Remover: Mix equal amount of water and jojoba oil to make a perfect make up remover. Take a bit on a cotton wool and wipe off gently to remove your face and eye makeup.

5.Acne buster: Among all the beauty benefits of jojoba oil, its ability to cure acne is the most popular one. Jojoba oil has antibacterial properties and this makes it suitable for acne treatment.

6.Split End Treatment: Jojoba oil will work on your hair as well. It has excellent ability to resolve split ends of your hair. Apply some drops of jojoba oil on the split ends.

7.After hair removal: Jojoba oil has an excellent property of soothing and calming your skin. Applying some jojoba oil can ease any redness, irritation and discomfort after hair removal regimens like waxing, shaving, and tweezing.

8.Hair care: Jojoba oil can be applied before blow drying or heat styling for protecting your hair from getting damaged. You can also apply it before diving into a swimming pool as it will protect your hair by closing your hair cuticle.

9.Hair conditioning: Add some drops of jojoba oil to your normal hair conditioner.Mix this and apply on your hair. Wash it off in running water. Jojoba oil will provide the needed extra conditioning and will leave your hair shiny. 

10.Skin care treatments: White jojoba oil is effective by itself because of its anti-oxidant properties. But, it can also be applied over your other beauty skin treatments to ‘carry’ the active ingredients deep into the skin. Jojoba oil can be used for cuts, bruises, and skin allergies because it encourages the development of new cells thereby accelerating the process of healing.



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How To Deal With Control Freak Boss?


Control freak bosses are essential disturbances of workplaces. They are always particular about controlling their subordinates by keeping them tied under unnecessary advice and instructions. Control freak bosses will always try to control your emotional and professional freedom by interfering with each and every work related affairs. This will ultimately force you to do your work only based on the suggestions and instructions of your control freak boss. No wonder if you want to quit your dream job if you are under a control freak boss.  But, you can make your workplace enjoyable and comfortable if you know how to deal with control freak bosses. Here are some easy tips to that will help you to keep control freak bosses in your control.


How To Deal With Control Freak Boss? 


1.Be patient: Being calm and patient towards control freak bosses will be the perfect idea that will work. Getting angry or responding quickly may make control freak bosses to lose their temper. Understand it is the universal nature of all control freak bosses and reacting with patience is the only solution.
                                      
2.Respond carefully: Respond to control freak bosses with ultimate care and caution. Do not be provocative in your response that may make them fuming and angry. Watch your words, facial expressions and body movements while you respond to control freak bosses. Take care not to give any hint to your boss to rule out what is in your mind.

3.Be yourself: There is no need to be over obedient to control freak bosses because they will never accept your attitude in such a way. Control freak bosses will always remain crazy about finding out reasons to prove that you are doing everything in a wrong way without their instructions.

4.Be positive: It is true that control freak bosses are irritating and annoying. But, you should get a positive attitude towards the nature of control freak bosses. Try to think that your boss is so particular about perfect result from your work. Believe that your control freak boss is trying to get the best out of you.

5.Set limits: If your control freak boss is controlling you from all the sides, you may shift to the next level of being patient. Be polite and let them know that you are efficient and smart enough to handle any assigned work. You may try telling them that ’ I value your advice, but I have some better ideas that may work.’

6.Do not expect a change: Do not expect that control freak bosses will change their attitude and nature if you act against them. It is better to admit that your control freak boss will always try to control you and will try to prove you are wrong.

My article in oneindia.com:   http://www.boldsky.com/insync/pulse/2013/how-to-deal-with-control-freak-boss-034318.html


Initiating Adult Talks With Your Kid



you ever faced that awkward moment when your kid asks you anything related to adult materials? Even parents, who believe that they can talk about any topics under the sun, will become speechless when it comes to answer any of such adult questions of their kids. So, now start thinking about initiating adult talks with your kids in the most respectful way. It is important to give a proper idea about adult materials to your kids at the right age itself. Chances are more for your kids to get diverted to wrong and erroneous information from other sources unless you provide them with right adult education. Here are some tips that you should remember while initiating adult talks with your kids.




Be clear: It is very important to be very clear and specific while you are conveying any adult information. If you leave them with confusion, chances are more for them to try to solve it through other sources. If they ask any questions related to adult materials, give them the correct answer, but in a simple way that can convince them.


Do not overlook: If your kid asks any doubts about adult materials, do not try to overlook by not answering it. It is one of the biggest mistakes because once they find any discomfort in talking about adult materials to you, they will try other ways to find the answer. This may lead them to wrong information that may create even bigger problems.


 Consider kid's age: Adult talk should be carried out only according to the age of your kid. You should use simple language to convey any information to your kid. You can understand the age at which you have to initiate adult talk with your kid by closely watching their psychological and physiological changes. Elder kids need more specific and clear information.


Consider kid's gender: You have to provide adult information to your kid keeping their gender in mind. A girl should know about the details of her monthly cycles even before she faces it for the first time. This will keep her calm to face it as a normal body process. Like the same way, a boy should also be provided with information about his body changes. 


Talk dos and don'ts: As a kid, your child should be able to recognize what is right and what's not. You should make them prepared so that they will be capable to escape from any type of abuse by others. This will help them to recognize and report any susceptible behaviour from others. 


Trying these tips while you initiate adult talks with your kids will certainly help you to provide the right information in the right way.


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Parenting Challenges Of 2013


Parenting itself is a challenging and responsible job. This challenge and responsibility is even more in this modern times. Changes in lifestyle, latest demands and requirements of life, failure in time management and many other such factors contribute to the biggest parenting challenges in 2013.  We are living in a society where both parents prefer to work and earn money for the well-being of the family. The difficulty in balancing between work and parenting may force you to face most of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013. Here are some of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013 that you may face.


Parenting Challenges Of 2013 


1.Time: Time is such an important factor in making parenting interesting and successful. Scarcity of time will certainly be one of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013 that you may come across. You may not get enough time in meeting each and every requirement of your children. But, the most important thing that you can do is managing your time wisely.

2.Keeping family bonds: Children who are not spending much time with their parents will have a tendency to build up weak family bonds. This is another important point to be noted among the lists of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013, if your children are living their life shuttling between a nuclear family and a daycare centre.

3. Being updated: Technology is running fast and it is difficult for at least some of the parents to reach along with it. But, parenting in this modern time demands it. Your children are exposed to more wide information about the modern technologies and reaching up to their mark is one of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013 for you.

4.Mending moral values: Parents have an important role in mending the moral side of a child. But unfortunately, this is one of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013. Children are exposed to various plays, news, movies and even cartoons that give importance to violence and immoral behaviours which may influence your children. 


5.Being a role model: It is important to be a good role model for your children, but unluckily this is one of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013. Parents of modern times are focused more on their work and personal entertainment when compared to the system of a working father and home staying mother.

6.Meeting the demands: One of the biggest parenting challenges in 2013 that you may face is to meet the demands of your kids. Children are exposed to more modern technologies and it is quite natural that they demand for it.But, as a parent, it may not be possible for you to meet their demand on time.

Do you have more in your list?


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Fashion Tips To Hide Post C-Section Pouch


 Everything relating to pregnancy will bring you excitement and thrill. But the post delivery pouch which remains after your delivery may keep you disturbed and upset. If you had a C- section, a scar will also be added to the list. You will receive advice from all around which may include start exercise, start yoga and control your diet. But, it will take a little time for your post C-section pouch to set back in its previous flat shape.

 If it took nine months to get that big belly, you cannot expect to get your post C-section pouch back in shape within weeks. But, still you have options to try and the interesting fact is that it will keep you more stylish and trendy. Try these fashion tricks and tips to hide your post C- section pouch and enjoy your motherhood with pride.


Fashion Tips To Hide Post C-Section Pouch 

1.Loose clothes: You can hide your post C-section pouch by selecting your clothes wisely. Take a break from tight fitting clothes and prefer loose, but attractive costumes.This will never bring those post C-section pouch into notice.

2.Select light colours: Light colours have the wonderful property of reflecting light and this will help you hide your post C- section pouch from being get noticed. Rose, pink, violet or light green will be perfect for making a choice.

3.Printed dress:To hide your post C-section pouch nothing will give you a better choice than wearing a printed dress.While plain dress exaggerates your post C-section pouch, printed dress will hide it to a large extent. Prefer large floral prints, dots or leopard prints as these are always trendy and fashionable.

4.Striped dress:You will never get a different answer than a striped dress to the question ‘what makes you look slimmer?’ Of course, strips give a definite optical illusion which will help you to hide your post C-section pouch. At the same time, it will make you look slim as well.

5.Belly belt:Wrapping a belly belt will help you to hide your post C-section pouch.Take extra care while selecting the belt because too tight belts may compress your belly veins and muscles. Consider belly belts only as a tip to hide your post C-section pouch and not as a remedy.

6.Frills:Nothing can beat the comfort and ease that frills give you to hide your post C-section pouch. Frills can hide your belly and it will give you a more stylish and trendy look.Prefer frilled dress in bright colours like yellow or orange.

7.Trick of distraction: One of the best ways to hide your post C-section pouch is to distract the concentration of the eyes that surround you. Opt for more trendy accessories like big beaded necklace, colourful bag, bright shoes or even try a new hairstyle.


Try these fashion tips and stop worrying of that unwanted left over of a C- section.


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How To Leave Office Early Every Day?


Working for long hours is not the correct and perfect way to become a successful professional. Becoming a winner at your workplace is all about managing your work and time in its perfect blend. Staying late and working overtime will not increase your efficiency. This will ultimately result in decreased productivity and satisfaction. If you are one among those professionals who want to leave your workplace after finishing all your works, you should follow certain principles. Here are some tips that you may try to leave your workplace on time every day.



Manage Time At Work And Leave On Time!  

Schedule your time: Plan your work according to your work timing. Try to finish your work five minutes before your leaving time. Pre-planning and taking wise decisions are the most important key to complete your work in time. But, it is true that rechecking and rethinking on a particular work will make even a simple job look harder.

Clean desk policy: If you are following a clean desk policy in your workplace, it will be the best method to leave your workplace in time. Finish your works one by one in time and get into the next one without any hangover left from the previous one. Consider each work as a new one and start it with complete freshness.

Prioritize your work: Finish the most important work first. If you are smart enough to understand and arrange your workload based on the priority that it demands, you will definitely be able to leave your workplace in time. Consider the time required, the importance and deadline of each work before prioritizing it.

Time management: Keep a to do list which will help you to manage your time wisely in productive work. Do not mix up your meetings, refreshment and work time. Do not keep any work pending before going to the next one. If you are smart in managing time, you can leave your workplace in time.

Stay away from distractions: There will be a  lot of distractions that may divert your concentration from your workload. This can be social networking sites, online entertainments or phone calls. Stay away from any kind of disturbance during your work time and focus on completing your work in time. This will be one of the best things that you can do to leave your workplace in time

Take breaks: Continues work without any break or relaxation will reduce your productivity and which in turn make you stay long hours in office. Take short breaks without hindering the work schedules. Short relaxing time will keep you active throughout your working hours.

Try these tips and see how easy it is to leave your workplace in time with full satisfaction.


Related Article: How To Deal With A Control Freak Boss?


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Common Fragrant Plants Of India

My article in oneindia.com: http://www.boldsky.com/home-n-garden/gardening/2013/fragrant-flower-plants-india-034452.html

Your garden will be complete only if you have some unique fragrant flowers in it. Selecting a fragrant plant for your garden is not a difficult job if you are ready to take a bit of your time to go through the long list of fragrant plants of India.Waking up to a new day and ending the day with lovely smell all around will be an exciting feeling.

Other than garden, small space like a balcony or patio will also make a perfect place to keep your potted fragrant flower plant which will give you a wonderful experience. Fragrance adds an indescribable, magical quality to a planting system which will enhance the beauty of the flowers. Fragrant plants of India will be a perfect choice which will add a pleasant aroma to the breeze around you.

Planting some fragrant plants of India and enjoying its beautiful aroma will make you thrilled about your garden. Fragrant flowers will make your mood tender and romantic. Some flowers are used in aromatherapy as well. Here are some common fragrant plants of India which will add beauty and aroma to your garden.

Common Fragrant Plants Of India
1.Roses: Do you think that your garden will be complete without a rose in it? Roses are common fragrant plants of India that are available in different colours and scent. Roses are easy to maintain and uphold.

2.Jasmine: Nothing will beat the scent of jasmine which makes it in the top list of the  most common fragrant plants of India. Jasmines are available in a wide variety. It will make your garden more beautiful by its colour and aroma.

3.Hyacinth: Hyacinth will a best choice for your garden if  you are looking forward to get  one from the most special  fragrant plants of India. The colour of Hyacinth varies from purple to pink, red, white, and yellow.

4.Lilac: Lilacs are among the most fragrant plants of India. It is considered as a familiar spring flowering shrub. Lilacs are long-lasting and will cope up with most conditions except shade.

5.Heliotrope: Heliotrope will be the best fragrant flower to get a rich and sweet aroma in your garden. The fragrance will add the specialty of the already beautiful lovely clusters of purple, blue, or white flowers.

6.Moonflower: Moonflowers are different and gorgeous with its big, pure white trumpet-shaped flowers. Moonflowers are considered to be one among the most common fragrant plants of India and  are most fragrant as the sun goes down.

7.Champaka: The unique fragrant flowers of Champaka is one among the top fragrant plants of India. The botanical name of Champaka is Michelia champaka. Champaka is attractive and trouble-free to grow as it survives in hot, sunny weather.

8.Kaner: The botanical name of kaner is Nerium odorum. This beautiful fragrant flower of India will make your garden special for by its lovely scent. It is an easy-to-maintain kind of flowering plant. Try planting kaner, one of the common fragrant plants of India in your garden.

9.Lotus: No doubt, a pond in your garden will make it look stunning. Having the national flower of India in it will make it more special. The lotus will make your garden beautiful by its colour, petal arrangements and fragrance.

10.Night Queen: Night Queen is otherwise called Nishagandhi in India. The name itself indicate that they are the most fragrant flower that bloom in the night. Have a Night Queen in your garden and it’s strong and intense smell will make your nights fragrant filled.


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