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No Driving force

No Driving force!   Days of super speed has arrived long back, everyone is running busily around through the day. In countries like India, where there is wide facility of public transport, someone who has not learnt to drive a vehicle, who can't afford an own vehicle, who can't drive due to health and other personal reasons can survive easily...however, even in India, having a personal vehicle and being able to drive on own pays well in times of urgency.... Once we cross the country and reach Western countries like USA, where not every state has public transport, survival becomes difficult, dependency increases. Who thought getting married will force a woman to stay between the four walls, leaving behind her busy career, family and friends, other activities in India? Until the husband teaches her to drive left-handed, she is left always at home. I am not discussing much about the Work permit Visa issues, but they make it worse. Students who finish their Masters in USA learn to drive on their own, but life is definitely different for a woman from India who gets married to someone abroad. It happens with anyone coming to a new country on a dependent visa, and no driving permit.  Unlike India, not  every city is busy, with people seen everywhere. Until, one makes friends, gets busy in life, she has to cut the boring time...Its a new place, one side is the anxiety and worry that she left all her own people so far...the other side is the exciting feeling of getting to know new people, new culture, new places..there is lot of chance and time to go around and visit while the husband is at work, but all that stops her is the inability to drive...even though she drove a 4-wheeler in India, in America its left-handed driving, she still needs practice and a driving permit. Another angle is the hesitation whether to ask the husband to teach her to drive, or ask to take her out as she is feeling home-sick and wants to be as busy as possible inorder to forget the memories of her family back in India. The husband might be busy, too tired, or he might feel she is not allowing him to get rest...all these thoughts and feelings may not happen to every woman, but most of us encounter these..... There are so many eyes looking for good friends...so much disappointment, but all i could say is...wait, give it some time, if he can't take you out, you make the habit of going for a walk, during winter, go out when sunny..or go to the fitness center, every apartment community has one, look for other Indians to make friends, but look for like-mindedness. If you life crafts or cooking, learn new stuff, internet provides every coaching, even new technologies if you are a techie, bring a plant home, do some gardening, decorate your home....these are just passing clouds, slowly take a friend's or your husband's help to learn driving. After a year of so, when you turn around, you will laugh at these times, and sigh saying "Gone are those leisure days, i had so much of time in hand". Cheer up!!

Think Before you talk!

Think Before you talk!   God gave us a mouth to speak, but not just a mouth to talk , talk and talk...He gave us a mind to think and ears to hear. That probably means, we should think before we speak, and listen to what the other person has to say. Its not always a TV, Radio show to talk one-way...even the Presenters in those channels prepare before they talk and only talk sense, and to talk one-way is their kinda job. Why am i discussing so much about 'Sensible Talking'?  Most of us are busy or occupied with some job or chore through the day, at any given time. Some  have time to talk, gab--sense or nonsense. Just because someone gave you an appointment to meet, doesnot mean they have the whole time in the world to listen to you. and that's why its an appointment, finish your job and leave them alone.  It can be a Doctor's office, you might know him/her for years. Doesnot make sense if you discuss all your family matters and chat with the Doc while other patients are anxiously waiting to get a cure from him/her. It can be at a Medical Store, where you are chatting with the Pharmacist and others are waiting. Even at any office, people might look  they have leisure time, but you never know unless you ask..some might even hesitate to tell you that they don't have much time for you, in that case, finish your job and say 'Bye', they will be happy to meet you again.

New Moms and their Feelings

New Moms and their Feelings Being a Mom, I know encounters all the different mixed feelings one comes across in this journey called motherhood. The day we hear the news, its a brand new feeling. As the 9 months journey begins, its a unique experience, Every mom has her own special story about pregnancy. And if, due to unforeseen circumstances, she faces a miscarriage, thats another shock...it takes long to heal and become normal, even with a tiny 4-5 weeks baby, She might overcome it, but the very pain is recalled often. Not easy to forget the accident totally. The time when she is in labor, is another anxiety. One excitement of being able to see the baby's face in the next few minutes, where the 9 month journey seems so worth it. But if there arises any complication during delivery, she undergoes trauma, despair that fear which none can explain...Finally the baby's arrival brings tears, even though she is utterly tired, and her body cut if its a C-Section, she smiles at the sound of her child's cry. Everyday of the baby's childhood is a new experience. She feels proud when her plan works out, and sees failure when simple things don't turn out the way she expected. It can be the simplest thing, her child not sleeping on time, as she planned, if the child does not eat the food she prepared with lots of care, if the child says "NO, STOP, SHUT UP" learning things by observing, Mom's heart is broken one more time. Every time, Dad shouts on the child to discipline, Mom knows he is not serious, still she is hurt. If anyone comments on the child's behaviour, she is there to defend but straightens the child in private. When they grow up, the first day of school is yet another test for Mom. And when they leave home to study further, its a saga of tears. On and on......Mom, your love for your child can never dry up, like the tears of love in your eyes!!!

Take time out for yourself

Take time out for yourself Soon as Mommy knows she is expecting a child--if planned, her immediate response will be so very exciting and extremely happy. Even with the slightest inconvenience, at times, pregnancy feels awkward, Mommy might say "am i there yet? Let the Baby come sooner, i can't handle this weight anymore!", still she is all excited to see the face of her little miracle and waits eagerly.    The first months are so tiresome, yet everytime she looks at the child's face, she forgets about all the sleepless nights, worrisome moments and feels "she was born to be his/her Mommy". Once the child starts to crawl, life gets a little busier. Baby proofing the house, keeping an eye on the child every moment is tough. Those sleepless nights and tiresome days continue. Yet, your house is under your control.  But,as they grow up, keeping them busy through the day, tackling the worry of entertaining the child without letting him/her feel bored of staying within walls is yet another busy job. Once they go to school, their schedules keep your on your toes...you might rethink--"well, should i have waited some more years for kids" or "Should we have taken a back seat after just one child?" Mommy--you are tired. Let loose, don't worry too much about keeping your house spotless clean with such busy timetables forces the little left-out energy. At times, its important to not over-do. Take someones help, or appoint a maid, or...just  keep things aside, even making phone calls to maids and arranging a cleaning appointment is yet another task for you. One weekend of relaxation is nothing wrong. Don't feel guilty if you haven't cleaned your kitchen one day as you do every night, if you haven't called someone who expects your call everyday, if you haven't escaped reading your favorite book to attend an obligation-party.  You need to recharge your mind and body for the coming years. Well, not to frighten or warn you. Thinking positively, the future days will be happier,  and you have to get ready for them by recharging and energizing yourself.

Matty Place

 Matty Place   Inviting someone to dice with us is one way to win friends. Old or new, our dining tables are the place to make new and strengthen relationships...Not just the food, but if the decor in your dining room matches your food taste, it is so very inviting.  Here are some ideas for the placemats found in the market these days. The regular plastic, vinyl placemats with different designs and write-ups are still around as usual.    Bring a splash of  color and richness with your dinner parties. These bright placemats add color and amazing shimmer with intricately sewn glass beads and zari work. Similarly bright glasses and dinnerware match their extravaganza.  Natural materials are making their way into everything. Bamboo, jute, coconut wire, water hyacinth etc create a delicate and airy look. Add simple dinnerware and bright napkins for a showy tabletop display. Plain glassware is better.  Dhurrie has been coming and going onto our dining tables from years. Naturally, hand-woven dhurrie placemats weigh light to the touch, go well with the shades of spices. They are so simple and make our decoration efforts easy. Simple stainless steel dinner ware best with these.

Kitchen Storage

 Kitchen Storage   Most of us have small kitchens, large kitchens, cozy kitchens etc..we basically categorize and name them so based on the amount of storage they offer. Here are some tips to organize any kitchen effectively. A few ideas on what kind of shelves to choose and 5 essential items will help you know whats where in your kitchen storage and make your search and cook time easy. 1.Use tall clear square storage containers for maximum efficiency as they take up less space horizontally. 2.Manage baking pans in a simple dish rack. 3.Use large non-transparent baskets to store products such as kid's treats and baking supplies. These baskets hide the treats so that your kids will not drag you to the pantry and dig into it always. Baking supplies have sugar, icing creams, and they need to be camouflaged too. Make sure to label all these baskets and containers. 4.Elevate rows of canned goods on shelf risers for better visibility. 5.A lazy Susan (rotating tray) brings items in the back of the cabinet to the front with just a quick spin which means no more digging to the back of the shelf. With sliding shelves, you can see items at the back of the shelf as easily as dry goods at the front. A deep drawer becomes a safe harbor for dishware when you add shaped posts or dowels to store bowls, plates separately. Add a rack inside the door for spices  

His People!

His People!     "His People" may be strange, rude, different and odd...why should the newly married Young lady worry about His people. No matter how they are, just leave that worry aside and accept them. He may feel "Your people" are odd and different. He is used to being around his family, their behaviours, their responses may not look odd to him, infact your family is also new to him, their words, their behaviour might look strange to him.   Everytime, You face an odd situation, imagine your spouse in the same place and behave the way he would have responded, but only and always positively. Never repay bad for bad. Your parents' respect is in your hands. If you are rude to them, because they don't know you well, they will immediately think  or even say "Have your parents taught you this?" or "Did your parents not correct your behaviour?" Don't force things to go so far. If they are simple matters, let go of  them, simply. As days go by, you will realize they were petty things, and your husband and his family will know how kind- hearted and soft spoken you are. There are not "Just first impressions" in a marriage, one has to put a continuous effort to make good impressions. Don't compare, if your husband or his side of the family ddn't treat you well, unintentionally or in certain hardships, you don't have to behave the same when your turn comes. Try to be a kind and best person always. Not so easy to control your frustrations, but it is definitely rewarding. One last word, i am definitely not asking you to be good if there is physical abuse!!

Making cleaning easy!

Making cleaning easy! Cleaning a bathroom is a very boring job, almost everyone wants to escape it. Here are some tips to make this job easy. Before starting to clean the bathroom, cover your hands with disposable gloves and cover your nose with a mask or towel. Unless you are using vinegar and baking soda, other disinfectant cleaners are harsh on nose. Mirror: Easy to clean soon after someone takes a bath, if you have time. Before going to bath, don't run the exhaust fan, the hot water leaves vapor on the mirror, spray a disinfectant also. Wipe off the tooth paste, hair spray smears easily with a newspaper/ paper towel. Use strokes in a single direction, to leave no wipe marks. Showerhead: Twice a month, scrub the spout with a rough brush, an all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a sponge. Every three months, pour enough white vinegar in a plastic bag to cover the shower head with a rubberband, tightly. Let it soak for a few hours, then remove the bag and scrub the nozzle with a brush, run the water to clear any absorbed vinegar. Shower curtain: Easy to clean after a shower. Cleaning it twice a month makes your job easier. Spray a bleach cleaner, work from top down with a rough brush and rinse the residue away. Tub and Tiles: Rub baking soda on the grout using a rough brush, the grout clears easily.Tub is easy to clean after someone takes a shower or bath, as the surface is wet and its easy to loosen dirt. Sink: Spray a disinfectant cleaner on the sink knobs, faucet base, basin and countertops. After 10mins of leaving it, wipe away the spray with a sponge. Use a not-so-smooth brush or an old tooth brush to scrub around the drain and the faucet base. Toilet: Using a disinfectant cleaner serves better. Toilet Brush: After cleaning the toilet and once you flush it clean, pour a generous amount of disinfectant in the toilet bowl, submerge the brush in the cleaner, give it a hard shake and then remove it to dry on a thick paper laid on the floor. Waste Bin: Using a small garbage/plastic bag as a layer helps clear the stuff when full, easily. Once a month, spray disinfectant spray in the bin, wash it and leave it under sun to dry. Ventilation fan: Four times a year, turn off the circuit for the bathroom. Remove the cover of the fan and rinse it with warm water and some dish soap. let dry before replacing the cover. Vaccum the fan blades. Unscrew any bulbs in the bathroom and wipe them with microfiber cloth. Floor: Do it after you have cleaned everything else. If your bathroom has a separate wet-dry area, first sweep the hair and dirt with a vaccum or broom and then spray all-purpose cleaner on the floor and mop it with hot-water, scrubbing it thoroughly.

Correcting Crafting Mistakes

Correcting Crafting Mistakes     For people who love to do craft/paint work, here are some reminders to help you escape the common mistakes one might end up falling into.  Don't paint directly from a paint can: Keeping the lid of a whole paint can can dry the paint quickly, if the brush is not in proper condition, the brush might spoil the whole paint. Hence, pour some paint into a tray and use it.  Remember to Close the cap of the glue bottle, everytime you open it. An open or loosely closed cap may dry out the glue or force it out of the bottle and your other items might be glued and spoiled.  Never cut  a fabric with rough estimation or imagination: If you are sewing something (curtain/pillow cover/ sofa cover), drape it on the item, take clear estimation/markings, only then mark your cuts and proceed.  Don't store markers with tips facing down or up: If a marker is stored with tip upside, it becomes too dry to write, if stored with tip downside, ink gets over collected at the tip and blots, damaging the items beneath or drying up soon after.  Don't paint any surface on a rainy day: As there is lot of moisture in the air, paints take longer to dry. If you assume they might have dried, they will end up spoiling your stuff.  Don;t cut ribbon straight across: Cutting a ribbon straight pulls threads away, instead cut it at 45-degree angle.  Don't cut a rug with scissors: If you are working on a DIY rug shape, cutting an existing rug, then don't use scissors, instead use a Crafts/Workman's knife, it stops frayed ends.  Wait for the paint to dry: For any paint project-- canvas, wall, decals, furniture-- wait until the first coat of paint dries to start the next coat. Or wait for one color to dry totally to start the next/ contrast color in the remaining area of the surface. Or wait for the paint to dry completely to decorate your flowers in the vase you painted, the pollen or petals of the flowers (natural or artificial) might stick to the wet paint and worsen.     

SALT SPEAKS

SALT SPEAKS   Stained Coffee Mug? Pour half a teaspoon of salt into a stained coffee cup or teacup, scrub with a dry paper towel, then rinse. The alkaline in the salt gets rid of discoloration from coffee or tea like magic.  Rusty Surface? Use a paste of six tablespoons salt and two tablespoons lemon or lime juice on a dry cloth to wipe away rust from almost anything metal, like bicycles, outdoor furniture and tools. Rinse and dry thoroughly.  Wine Spills on Fabrics? Don't clean a wine stain with a wet cloth. It will make it worse. Instead, blot the area with a dry cloth or  white paper napkin, then pour on a heaping mound of salt-it will help lift the stain and color off the fabric. Let it sit  for 30 mins, then blot clean with cold water and wash the fabric.  Stinky Kitchen Sink? Kitchen sinks often smell odd, due to food not being drained well, or sticking around. Add a heaped tablespoon of salt to a quart of boiling water, then pour it down the drain to clear away the odor causing grease.  Pests in the Garden? Sprinkle salt where pests lie in gardens. Its easy to sweep when the pests lay weak and then drop  them in a bucket of salty water.  Kosher Salt to clean Cast -Iron skillets: Add a splash of water and a teaspoon of these coarse crystals to a cast-iron skillet, then use a paper towel to wipe off food without causing the pan to lose its seasoning.  Sea-Salt for Body: This salt makes a great exfoliating body scrub. Just mix two parts sea salt and one part grape seed oil. 

కలసి పని చేసుకుంటూ సర్దుకుపోదాం

కలసి పని చేసుకుంటూ సర్దుకుపోదాం     మొన్న ఆదివారం మా ఫ్రెండ్స్ అందరం కుటుంబాలతో సహా ఓ చిన్న పార్టీలో కలిశాం. ఇక ఏముంది,ఎప్పటిలాగే మీరూ, మేమూ అంటూ శ్రీవార్లు అంతా ఓ పార్టీ, శ్రీమతులంతా ఓ పార్టీలాగా చీలిపోయి కాసేపు వాదించుకున్నాం. ఈసారి వాదనకి టాపిక్ "ఎవరు ఎవరి మీద ఎక్కువగా ఆధారపడుతున్నారు?" అని. ఇలాంటి ఓ ప్రశ్న అడగాలే కానీ మగవాళ్ళని "పరాన్న జీవులు" అని నిరుపించేదాకా ఊరుకోము కదా మనం. అదే ప్రయత్నం చేసాం మేమూ కూడా. కాసేపు ఎంతో సరదాగా, ఆ తర్వాత మరికొంత సీరియస్ గా సాగిన మా వాద ప్రతివాదనల సారాంశం ఏంటో ఒకసారి చూద్దామా...! మీరు మామీద ఆధారపడతారంటే మగవాళ్ళకి పౌరుషం వస్తుంది కానీ, అదెంత నిజమో వాళ్ళకి మాత్రం తెలియదా చెప్పండి ? ఆ నిజాన్ని ఒప్పుకోవటానికి కష్టమనిపించి మాతో వాదనకి దిగారు. మేము స్కూటర్ పై లిఫ్టు ఇస్తే ఆఫీసుకి టైంకి వెళతారు. మేమూ పిల్లలని చూసుకుంటే మీరు ఫ్రెండ్స్ తో పార్టీలకి వెళ్ళగలరు అంటూ ఇలా సాగిపోయింది మగవాళ్ళ వాదన. ఆ మాట అన్నారో లేదో మా సమత ఒక్క ఉదుటున వాళ్ళపై కయ్యిమని లేచింది ."ఏంటీ మేం అన్ని సిద్దం చేస్తే చక్కగా ఆఫీసుకి వెళుతూ, మమ్మల్ని దారిలో దింపటం మేం మీ మీద ఆధారపడ్డట్టా? పిల్లలని చూడటం మాకేదో సహాయపడ్డట్టు చెబుతున్నారేంటీ ? పిల్లలు మీ బాద్యత కాదా ? అన్న మా సమత ఎటాక్ కి కాసేపు కౌంటర్ లేకుండా పోయిందనుకోండి. ఎవరు ఎవరిమీద ఎక్కువ ఆధారపడతారు ? అనగానే ఎవరికీ వారు మీరే మాపై ఆధారపడతారు. మేం లేనిదే మీకు పూట కూడా గడవదు అంటూ తెగ వాదించుకున్నాం. ఇంతలో మా సమత భర్త రమేష్ "ఓ విషయంలో మాత్రం మేం మీపై చాలా ఎక్కువ ఆధార పడతామని చెప్పాలి" అనగానే మేమంతా "హుర్రే "అంటూ అరిచాం. తీరా చూస్తే ఆయన ఏమన్నాడో తెలుసా! ఉదయాన్నే ప్రశాంతంగా పేపర్ చదువుతున్నా, టీవీలో క్రికెట్ మ్యాచ్ చూస్తున్నా బోర్ గా వుంటుంది. ప్రక్కన మీ సణుగుడు ఉందనుకోండి భలే సరదాగా వుంటుంది అని అనేసాడు. అలా అనగానే రమేష్ గారి తలపై ఓ మొట్టికాయ పడిందనుకోండి. చాలాసార్లు ఈ ఆధారపడడం అనేది భార్యాభర్తలని మానసికంగా బలహీనులని చేస్తుందట. అంటే తను ఉంది కదా అన్న భరోసా మగవారిని ఇంటి విషయాల పట్ల నిర్లక్ష్యంగా ఉండేలా చేస్తే, అన్నీ తను చూసుకుంటారులే అని భార్యలు ఎన్నో వ్యవహారాలతో భర్తపై ఆధారపడతారు. సహజంగా ఈ ఆధారపడడం అనేది ఓ అలవాటుగా మారి చివరికి నాకు చేతకాదులే అని ఎవరికివారు ప్రగాడంగా, సమ్మేతంగా మారుతుందట. అంటే ఆధారపడడం అన్నది మన "శక్తియుక్తులని" ఎదగనీయకుండా చేస్తుంది అన్నమాట. అన్ని సవ్యంగా జరిగినప్పుడు పర్వాలేదు కానీ, కదిలే కాలంలో మనం మన భాగస్వామి భాధ్యతలని మోయాల్సి వచ్చినప్పుడు తీవ్రమైన కృంగుబాటుతో నిస్సహాయంగా నిలబడతమాట. ఈ మధ్య చేసిన ఓ అధ్యయనంలో భార్యాభర్తల మధ్య ఈ "ఆధారపడడం" అన్నది ఎంత తీవ్ర ప్రభావాలని చూపిస్తోందని పరిశీలించినప్పుడు... ఒక్కోసారి పక్కన తను లేనిదే జీవితమే లేదు అన్నంత నిస్సహాయ స్థితిలో జారిపోతున్నారట భార్యాభర్తలు. దీనికి పరిష్కారం అన్నింటిని సమర్ధించుకోగల సామర్ధ్యాన్ని భార్యాభర్తలు ఇద్దరు కలిగి ఉండగలగటం. ఆ తర్వాత ఆధారపడటం అన్నది వారి సామర్ధ్యాన్ని ఏమాత్రం దెబ్బతీయదు. అందుకే ఎవరి పనులు వారు కాక, ఎదుట వారి పనులలో కూడా కాస్త పట్టుని సాధించటానికి ప్రయత్నించాలట. ఇదండీ అసలు విషయం. మరి మీరేమంటారు ?    

Kabita Bhattarai - Fight against Leprosy

  With more than 1,30,000 leprosy patients in India, it accounts for 54 per cent of all new leprosy cases reported in the world where lepers are still treated as untouchables and forced to live in isolation. This has been the same state of affairs since the Gandhian era where he tried his best to help remove the stigma about leprosy among Indians.     Kabita Bhattarai is a lone crusader in the battle against leprosy now in India. She has an ashram in a remote corner near the Bihar-Nepal border, where she has treated nearly half a million patients for free in her 240-bed leprosy hospital. Kabita manages 21 leprosy colonies, provides free education to over 1,000 children. The model she has evolved is quite innovative. Patients get admitted for free treatment of their disease and in turn, their family members work voluntarily at the fields, hospital, school and dairy farms owned by her organization called 'Little Flower'. The peripheral activities that 'Little Flower' generate enough income to sustain its core activity of treating leprosy patients.     Kabita is akin to a modern day Mother Teresa and Teluguone salutes her.      

CORRECTING DESIGN MISTAKES

CORRECTING DESIGN MISTAKES   Mistake 1: Wrong-Size Curtains     We often mess up with the curtain lengths. Choosing tab-top or grommet styles enables us to increase the height if we find them short after bringing the curtains home, these styles slide easily onto the rod. To find the right panel length, measure from the floor to just above the window casing. Mount the rod to match panel length, rather than the other way around, as you would for custom-made curtains. Panels should be as wide as the window and rod brackets mounted six inches outside the frame so panels can be pushed away from the glass easily.  Mistake 2:High Art   Hanging stuff can be tricky. The first step is to figure out the correct hanging height. Hang your art at the average person’s height -- roughly 57 inches from the floor -- so that most eyes can look straight and see it comfortably. Mistake 3:Disjointed Frames Unless you're really good with mix-and-match looks, keep it simple and pick frames with a common style or frame color for all. A streamlined look takes the guesswork out of the design and allows the viewer to focus on the art itself. Mistake 4:Too Studied May be you browsed so many Design magazines and decorated a room which is technically stunning -- but, what’s missing? A little bit of you. Add a few pieces that have a warm backstory, stack beloved books on the coffee table, or layer in some photos of the people you love. It’s possible to make a room look too slick, more like a furniture shop than a home. Think about what speaks to your heart, even if its a little pop of the Orange or Terracota color you love, and add that personal touch. Mistake 5:Ignoring Scale and Proportion Does your room feel sort of underwhelming? Or way too crowded? You may have an issue with scale, which means the visual size of things, and how they look in relation to each other and the space. For your pieces to stand out, rooms need big things and little things, tall things and short things. It’ll make things look a lot more interesting Mistake 6:Lack of Storage No matter how beautiful you want your room to look, when you start using it, you will need a place to keep the magazines, newspapers you read daily, you need a place to keep the throw or the multiple remotes we use. Take a look around your room and see where you can comfortably add more places to put things away -- the easier to reach the better. Consider bare wall space first -- anywhere to mount shelving or cabinetry? Can you add side tables with drawers? Any missed opportunities for built-ins? In bedrooms, consider building shelving around the headboard, and adding storage boxes beneath the bed. Mistake 7:Cluttered Decor It's easy to pack your rooms with way too much stuff, but that look can easily become clutter. Solve the issue by clearing off every surface in a room, one by one, and returning only half the things on it. If you have 4 pillows on a sofa, too many picture frames on walls, too many flower vases, or too many flowers in the vases, be your own tough editor and store the objects that didn't make the cut this time. You can bring them out next season -- or make a donation trip to the secondhand store.

JUTE ROPE VASES

JUTE ROPE VASES     You forget sometimes to return the drink or soda bottles to the shop and then think twice to dispose those glassware. Here is a very inexpensive idea to turn them into beautiful vases, and they are climate friendly.  Wash and dry glass bottles that you like to decorate. Buy more than enough jute rope, thin is proportion for easy and slimmer look. Keep a few acrylic or oil paints of your choice, handy with a few paint brushes. Strong glue. Once the bottles are dry, start applying a nice coat of glue circle by circle as you start winding the jute rope around the bottle, inorder to avoid drying the glue even before you wind the rope.  Once the rope dries well, start painting with the choice of your colors, or you can even leave the jute color as is. You beautiful jute glass vases are ready.    Suggestion: If the rim is wide, use them to hold pencils even. a bottle with an amazing shape can even be used as a gift. And who says you should empty the bottle, let the drink still be in the bottle and you decorate the bottle and use them in parties, ofcourse, smaller group parties so that you can decorate without getting too tired. You can paint the name of the person or the occasion on the bottle too.

How To Make Paper Bags

How To Make Paper Bags TeluguOne presents an easy do-it-yourself return- gift paper bag which can be made out of simple scrapbook paper or colourful chart paper and nylon ribbon handles along with the help of a box to give your bag a shape. Try this at home along with your kids for a fun-filled craft project on a Sunday afternoon!  

Benefits of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Benefits of  Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)   Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a novel approach  to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy which was created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the United States in the 1970s. NLP, off late has fast picked up as a rational concept which explores how we think and feel, and examines the “inner” language we use to represent our experiences in human interaction and human achievement, and uses that knowledge to create an excellence in every walk of life. The approach gives you a conscious choice over what you do, and the way you act, increasing your ability to reach your goals and objectives. NLP techniques are easy to understand and easy to use and helps you see life differently and in turn experience life differently. Life involves an interwoven system of people and events, thoughts, feelings, actions and interactions. With NLP, you’ll begin to see the different elements in each situation that make up the system. You’ll be able to know which of the elements are working for you, and which ones are not. And most importantly, you’ll be able to take action to change the elements that aren’t working for you.  The benefits of NLP in brief are:   ->Everything you need to begin right now is already within you   ->You will be able to control your future differently.   ->You will be able to set your goal precisely   ->You will  be able to take action to achieve your goal   ->You can evaluate the changes produced by your actions   ->You can change your action plan if necessary to achieve better results   ->You can improve every aspect of your life You’ll find that NLP techniques can produce powerful results in both your personal and professional life.  As women we multi-task , bear and raise children, juggle work and home and this leaves us in a flux if there is any slight imbalance of wither of these things.For whatever that you want to do in life, you can do it better with the skills and knowledge that you get from NLP. The result is a life that is richer, more content, more productive , efficient and more abundant And that’s just the beginning!

HANGING CLOTHES

HANGING CLOTHES   Prathyusha   Wire hangers may be cheap and space saving but not a good option to hang clothes. They can actually damage your clothes. The T-Shirt and shirts can hang better on wire hangers but the knits that are heavy tend to sag down due to their weight and the wire can't give enough support to hold them well, result, the neck line or shoulders become shapeless after a while.  There is all danger that the wire hanger catches rust if used to hang wet clothes to dry and that rust a damage a dress/shirt when hung later.    The also pose hazards to children because of the sharp and metal edges.  One metal hanger here and there, stored away from children is useful to open door knobs when locked, when a baby is caught inside the room and locks himself/herself, wire hangers are there for rescue. If you have too many wire hangers, and are not interested in using them after reading this article, think of taking them to a recycling plant. And splurge in wooden hangers or if you think they are expensive or that clothes don't need such an expense, then plastic hangers are better. However, when choosing plastic hangers, buy the stronger ones, some cheap versions can't hold even an average dress weight and break easily.   

Sarojini Naidu - The Nightingale of India

Sarojini Naidu - The Nightingale of India Today is Sarojini Naidu’s 135th birthday and we had the Google doodle in its homepage to remind us of this exemplary lady who was freedom fighter, women’s activist , poet, first Lady Governor of a state after Independence, First Woman President of Indian National Congress. And more details you check the Wikipedia .We could like to share a few excerpts from a letter written to her daughter when she was in Europe which gives an insight into this lady’s mindset which every progressive Indian mother would feel towards her daughter. A very relevant letter to every Indian girl child and woman even today! 'My temperament and ideas are different --from what the world accepts and understands' Le Grand Hotel Marseille 4 March 1921   My beloved little child,   This is my last night in Europe, in this great foreign, arrogant continent where through my song and speech and struggle I have won a place for India. Now I am glad to set my face homewards once more to serve India with speech and song and struggle: the one poignant regret I have is that I leave you behind - alone. You - with your brave, beautiful, rebellious, ignorant youth; you - with your passionate, implacable temperament, so audaciously sure of itself, its aims, its innocence, its lofty ideals and lively desires and dreams, and yet so threatened with perils and pitfalls, all the more to be feared because you are so fearless, so impatient to tender counsel born of bitter experience... My little girl, how I have tried to shield and guard you, to save you from the suffering and disillusion arising out of your own too eager, too exacting demands upon friendships and affections and understandings, unused and unable to endure the strain of such fury and insistent demands... When you have resented what you thought was an attempt to curb and control and hamper you, I assure you my darling there was nothing but the purest, most deepest comprehending mother-love, trying to safeguard you from the results of your own impetuous and vivid nature and impulses - so harshly misjudged and misconstrued by even those who seemed to you most of necessity to understand an appreciate... It is because I want to protect you from suffering such as I had to endure in my youth because my temperament and ideas were different - they are different - from what the world accepts and understands - that I tried to guide you... But as the French poet said, "A chacun son infini" - and you must find and realise your own soul in the infinity of its own loneliness, my child. Only remember that you are an Indian girl and that puts upon you a heavier burden than if you were an English girl born to a heritage of freedom. Remember that you have to help India to be free and the children of tomorrow to be free-born citizens of a free land therefore - if you are true to your country's need you must recognise the responsibility of your Indian womanhood. Nothing in your speech or action should cause the progress of Indian women to suffer, nothing in yourself should give room for wretched reactionary slave - minds to say "This comes of giving too much education and freedom to our women." Think over it my darling. You are not free - one is - in the sense of being a law unto yourself in defiance of all existing tradition in our country - for freedom is the heaviest bondage in one sense - since it entails duties, responsibilities and opportunities from which slaves are immune... Noblesse oblige! and the ampler the liberty the narrower the right to do as one pleases. And you my friend of delight... you must shine as a foremost gem in the crown of India's freedom... You have in you all the seeds of true greatness: be great my little child, fulfill yourself nobly in accordance with all the profound and beautiful impulses and ideals of your nature... but always remembering that you are the symbol of India. And may God prosper you in all things. I love you my baby. You will never know how dearly, and with what anxious and yearning tenderness... Such a carnival is impossible in sombre and splendid London! Paris is the source of gaiety, something in the air makes one young and adventurous and full of joie de vivre. How you would have loved the Mt Carmel and how glad I am to have had that brief, happy interlude before I take upon myself the grave problems and perplexities that await me in India. Well, goodnight my little Papi and good bye! You are the guardian of my Jewel of Delight... Beware! Be faithful to your trust and keep the treasure of your soul incorruptible. Your, Mother My boat sails at noon tomorrow. This letter was written to Leelaamani Naidu, her daughter

TECH CLEANING

TECH CLEANING   The regular glass cleaner spray is good for Windows, Glass Tabletops but definitely not for Computer screens. Many computers have monitors covered in plastic, not glass, which can become damaged or dulled if repeatedly cleaned with glass cleaner sprays. The ammonia in these sprays have a damaging affect on plastic and leave behind traces of minerals which may not show up on window glass but look like residue on computer screens.  Instead clean your computer screens with Isopropyl Alcohol. mix it with equal amount of water--distilled water ideally., spray it on a microfiber cloth, and wipe your screen in small circular motions. Its cheap and easy and it will help us get rid of most gunk on the screens.  Coming  to Keyboards and Mouse, they are the most unclean areas. Please remember to wash your hands after you type on your keyboard or use a mouse, or when you re eating while working at the computer. You may neglect it, but notice the gunk that attaches to the cleaning cloth or a paper towel and you will realise. its so alarmingly worse.      -Prathyusha

Indias example for Todays Woman

India’s example for Today’s Woman     Chanda Kochhar who made it to the top 18th  rank of the FORTUNE Global 50 Most Powerful Women In Business -2014 and being the only Indian lady in the list apart from  U.S based Pepsico’s Indra Nooyi, is a matter of pride for the country and an inspiration to all the women who aspire for greater success in the Corporate leadership. Born on November 17, 1961 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan , her life and career is a wonderful example for today’s woman being the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank, India’s largest private and overall second largest bank in the country. And also awarded with the Padma Bhushan in 2011  and a host of other awards for her contribution in the banking industry. At work: Starting her  career as a Management trainee with ICICI in the year 1984 and has thereon successfully risen through the ranks by efficiently handling multi-dimensional assignments and heading all the major functions in the Bank at various points in her life. The turmoil in the global and domestic financial markets saw Kochhar at the helm of banking operations of ICICI where she  revived the sagging fortunes of the banks  with the strategy of four C’s- capital conservation, cost efficiency, CASA (Current Account Savings Account) and credit quality.  Within a year the bank became India's largest privately owned bank with assets of nearly USD 80 billion and an expanding global reach.  Woman are powerful :A firm believer that the woman force in an organization can grow only through merit, Kochhar leads by example by not expecting any special privileges for the fairer sex .  Optimist :An eternal optimist she does not shriek away from challenges. She believes that new entrants cannot disrupt large banks and that competition provides the best value to consumers.  She has also handled criticism from the predominantly male bastions of the Banking sector for her radical reforms with quiet dignity and only let her work speak for itself. Work Life Balance :A mother of two, Kochhar efficiently juggles her career with family. She never slacks in her 24-hour schedule and utilises her breathing time to go through mails, telephonic conferences or to catch up on sleep.  For decades now, women in our country have been struggling to balance their evolution as mothers, homemakers, dedicated professionals and nation-builders. Chanda Kochhar who is perceived as top corporate honcho, as MD & CEO of India’s largest Private sector bank, ICICI, few would guess that side-by-side; she has also been the most hands-on mother where she has raised two children and her banking responsibilities with ease.  Spending quality time with her family: Her awards make her no different and when it comes to managing her family and children. She continues to manage their routines, even though they are quite grown up. She also supervises what is happening at home. She is tough at work, but she never discusses her work or her problems at home. She has gone through the routines of handling the kids homework and completed their  cut-paste projects till late in the nights and attending their PTA meets. She has also taught her children to be independent and manage their lives on their own to an extant which is a very important for children who have working parents. Loves the Indian way of Life: Indian values and culture have always been deep rooted in Chand Kochhar. She is fond of Indian meals  and you always see her well groomed and immaculately dressed in the sari . Husband Support : She wouldn’t have been where she was without her husband  Deepak Kochhar’s, (a wind energy entrepreneur) support. Growing up in an environment of simplicity and respect for each other has kept them grounded which continues till this day.  Importance for family time: Chanda Says” As a family, we try to spend as much time together as we can, within the constraints of our respective schedules. We travel together on holidays; we do a lot of fun things at home, chat over dinners and coffee and bond over movies. During Aarti’s  and Arjun’s childhood (her son and daughter ), I was doing more of parental duty of supervising them, but today they have grown to be  independent individuals who are capable of taking care of themselves and making choices and decisions  by themselves. She has beautifully combined the conventional act of being a mother at home, and a professional at work -a very important attribute to learn and imbibe for working women in India…