This is my second ebook from the very cute author Siena. Absolutely love the way she’s been doing this. I enjoyed reading this as an individual and as a parent to my kids. This book is based on bringing awareness to kids on why we walk so that it causes no harm to planet earth and how we do not contribute to the global warming by choosing not to take the vehicles that send out emissions.
Siena goes to school by walk with her father daily. She initially talks about the varied types of clothing they wear according to the season. Her dad pulls a red wagon that carries Siena’s bag and at times her. The wagon also has winter wear,, doesn’t that sound cool.
On their way to school father and daughter play a game on spotting squirrels and mostly her dad gives up even though he spots them first.
As she grows up, Siena is curious why as to they walk and there are many others who come by cars and buses to school. That is when her Father let’s out an important lesson for all of us that the exhaust from the vehicles hurt the planet which we should be preserving for the next generation. By walk we make sure we do not contribute to the bad deed of harming the planet.
A simple storyline that emphasizes the need to preserve planet earth for the next generation.
About the Author
Siena is a young author from Canada who loves long walks and enjoys being with her dad. She chose to write out their little adventures as books anonymously.
Illustration
Shannon Willvers is a Canadian illustrator, who loves drawing digitally and also enjoys watercolors. This book is made equally enjoyable to read because of the cute illustrations that support the story
The book is an attempt to make parents aware of the pre–teen issues and give them solutions based on my experiences. There is so much literature on parenting babies, toddlers and teens but nothing specific to the tweens. A tween has many different and unique issues than a toddler or a teen.As we all know the pre-teen years are the foundational years for a person that prepares him /her for his /her life. A healthy, stable and disciplined foundation sets a child to take on life, studies and society in rightful manner. This is the age when the child starts to become independent. S/he wants to take independent decisions and wants to make choices, whether it is dress to wear or the food to eat. This is the age when a strong bond is required between a child and the parents and age-appropriate freedom should be encouraged.
My thoughts on the book
Parenting would encompass all age groups of children but we predominantly come across people talking only about newborn, toddler and teenagers.
The word ‘tween’ might sound new to many and can even see a lot of raised eyebrows because it isn’t much commonly used across not until the present says. It is high time that we start talking about the age group that is between 10&12 and discuss the changes that happen along.
Jyoti’ s book would come as a handbook to many parents and make them understand that it’s not that their children are behaving differently but it’s natural because of the changes they undergo and how we should be handling them. It is this age that we parents require patience to understand what’s happening and in return handle them with love. It is this time that we do not react because we feel they are acting as if they know much of the World around and understand that it’s the inner self letting them want to explore the limits of their independence.
The book has 23 chapters that discuss all about the preteen age that needs attention. Right from the way to connect , to how to deal with issues ranging from mental health to food the covers it all.
Each chapter is carefully crafted to address what’s the title line in a crisp manner. Keeping in mind that this is also the age that they get a lot of social media exposure, Jyoti has also included a chapter that specifically talks about Cyberbullying and what its effects are.
Peer pressure and stress is the most common issues that spoke up during this age group and they need to be carefully analysed before getting to any solutions or conclusion.Peer pressure can be positive or negative and I was glad that the author chose to address both in the book.
Delayed gratification is something that does wonder in parenting, though it’s good to start in early ages it’s utmost value is realised only when we see our kids in the preteen age group.
Disciplining the kids during this age group is necessary but also requires certain strategies that need to be carefully done. The author breaks those into crisp pointers that makes it easy for parents to understand and act accordingly.
I love how every chapter ends with a brief conclusion section that summarises the chapter in toto.
About the Author
Jyoti Kaur, is an architect, who is also following her passion for writing and blogging. She is a
proud daughter, and strives to be a supermom.
From working actively in a design firm full-time, to now getting the privilege to work part-
time from home, Jyoti never missed the experience of each little phase of parenting. She
has enjoyed every moment of being a mother and her parenting journey has been incredible
as she’s now more like a friend to her daughter, than a mother.
She loves to share her parenting journey on her blog Mom Captures Life with all the new
moms out there, and her experiences as a mother is something which every new mother
can relate to! She also captures snippets of her life related to Parenting, Travel and Lifestyle
in her blogs. She shares useful tips, product reviews, her travelling experiences and
expresses her views on health, education and lifestyle.
Opening your wardrobe staring at the pile of clothes for a while and and close it in despair because the sight crushed you when nothing from it would be your outfit of the day. We are either unhappy with the fit or they don’t match our style. The reason being they’re all from a different age of time. Getting dressed up would be no fun if the wardrobe has clothes which don’t fit and match our style.
All the more the fad diet culture will give you the false promise that you might be able to fit into two sizes smaller. We go into the cycle of failure when we don’t fit into the smaller size rather than it was the diet that tricked us into this major havoc and failed us.
Beating the diet culture and getting into intuitive eating will help much here. Having clothes that got you properly will make intuitive eating much easier.
If your clothes are too tight, it might make listening to your body difficult. Also when you not wear clothes which suit body type you are yet again being pushed into the weight loss cycle.
When you feel comfortable in your clothing you might listen to your body better unlike with the distractions with the body squeezing out or not being breathable. Your ease of movement is also important when you wear clothing.
Holding on to diet clothes will keep you encircled in the diet fantasy. So take out clothes from your wardrobe which only scream that they would fit when you lose drastically. It’s time you choose outfits that scream comfort and long lasting.
I recently got a couple of outfits for my better half. Since work from home era is almost coming to end and they might be called back to office sooner, I decided to get some outfits that he could wear to during our quick staycation before the work from home era ends.
I shopped a couple of streetwear outfits from kra which launched in India. The outfits scream comfort and casual and streetwear has been on the game until now.
YouTube sensation beyounick partnered with kra and launched the fashion range, which made streetwear range unabashed and unrestricted.
Source : thisiskra
Purchased this super cool olive green tee that screams kra and all the more is pure cotton so comfort is totally guaranteed. This piece is great for stroll, jog , meet up with friends or even to office during casual wear days.
The brand also caters to outerwear and bottom wear which were equally good when it comes to comfort. The quality was top notch.
Being a person who looks for comfort first before fashion ,I was glad that I could add some to his comfort clothing wardrobe.
Just like you need air to breathe to stay alive, the second most important thing that you need is water. 70% of the human body is made up of water. It was an age-old practice to store water in metal containers like copper. The most known reason would be to safeguard the water we use for drinking. But now there is a lot more than just safeguarding drinking water.
Ancient ayurvedic principles support, water stored in copper vessels when consumed offer innumerable benefits. There is a natural purification process that the water undergoes when stored in copper containers that make the water practically fit for drinking by killing microorganisms that might be harmful to human health.
Water when stored overnight or at least four hours in a copper container acquires certain qualities from copper. An essential trace mineral that is very important to human health because of its anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to ayurvedic principles, it is believed that consuming water stored in copper containers on an empty stomach helps in balancing the three doshas(Vata, pitta and Kapha). This also ensures the body undergoes proper metabolism and proper functioning of vital organs.
MOST COMMON BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER FROM COPPER VESSELS
Protects from infections:
Copper is oligodynamic in nature which means it can sterilize the effect of bacteria on metals and destroys bacteria in an effective manner. It is very much effective against E.coli which causes the most severe illnesses in human beings.
ARTHRITIS and inflamed joints:
Copper has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal aches and pains. The bone and immune-strengthening properties are highly beneficial for people affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Regulates thyroid gland working:
People with thyroid conditions usually have low levels of copper, especially in the case of hyperthyroidism seen most commonly.
Helps maintain heart health:
Copper is known to help in reducing the risk of developing heart disease. It also helps regulate blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterols and triglyceride levels.
Helps in weight loss:
Consuming water from copper vessel helps in making your digestive system work effectively so that it helps in breaking down fat effectively and eliminates it from the body.
Better digestion:
Water from copper vessels helps kill harmful bacteria in the stomach and lowers inflammation which also is beneficial in the case of ulcers and infection. It also helps in cleansing and detoxing so that the liver functions in an effective way to eliminate toxins and unwanted waste from the body. The copper in water helps in effectively breaking down food particles and hence aids better digestion.
Helps in anemia:
Copper is very beneficial for iron absorption in the body and it also plays a vital role right from cell formation to the effective functioning of organs.
Aids better skin health:
Copper plays an important role in melanin production. Not only that it also helps in forming new cells that replenish the top layers of skin. As a result, your skin feels smooth and silky.
As much as we stress drinking water from copper vessels and the benefits being convincible, it is also equally important that we choose quality copper vessels to consume water. I’ve been using the copper bottle and copper mug for over three months and the quality of the vessel seems to be amazing.
Mandala engraved copper bottle . Source: world of ekMatte finish copper mug. Source : world of ek
I purchased mine, a copper bottle and a mug from EK by Ekta Kapoor, which is a one-stop shop for premium home décor and handcrafted wellness products. Ek was started by Ekta Kapoor to bring home the best of India. Every product has a sense of deep rootedness attached to it and screams good vibes.They also have ethnic wear, home decor, home linens, jewelry, dining and incense.
MAINTENANCE OF COPPER VESSELS:
Add two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and a cup of water. Close the lid and shake the bottle, discard the water and wash with fresh water.
This is my go to for quick get ready sessions. I have a combination skin and this is absolutely perfect to keep the base firm. The matte finish helps blur the imperfections and gives an even tone. You can use this post a moisturizer or even skip moisturizer when you use this.
Pro
It’s lightweight and makes it easy to blend. It lasts long and gives waterproof effect.
Con
The only con that I found during usage is it leaves a residue.
This helps minimise open pores and gives overall matte effect. It keeps in tact for long . It can be used standalone or on top of foundation. Both ways stays good.
Pro
Non comedogenic, stays long, SPF 28, affordable and varied shades.
Con
May dry out skin so not advisable for people with dry skin.
Highlights immediately with a smoother shimmering shine. It keeps the blush natural and healthy and makes skin look gorgeous.most importantly you won’t feel like you’re wearing heavy makeup. The transparent pigments which are infused give much radiance to cheeks.
Pro
Easy to blend, affordable and long lasting
Con
If you have a dusky tone this wouldn’t suit. Buy if you make your base lighter you can try this.
This has been my choice right from when I was in school. Though there have been many variations in colour and the form of eyeliner, this is my go to for the natural look. This is one product that can change your look from a next door neighbour to dramatic diva. If you are a beginner you will never skip buying this henceforth.
Pro
The applicator brush is of good length to hold, long lasting, waterproof and smudge proof.
The main reason would definitely be the choice of shades. Mary Poppins, scarlette o Hara are my favorites. I love the long lasting coverage and the varied choice when I go in for the combo packs.
The ability of the body to generate and release heat can be measured by body temperature. As such 98.4° is the normal temperature. But for adults it can go upto 99°.
The autonomous nervous system keep the body within , two to three degree to normal temperature. But when it rises above we are under heat stress.
There are a number of factors that contribute could be the food, the surroundings. Let’s take a look at the causes
Factors contributing to heat stress
Extreme weather
When you are exposed to extreme hot and humid weather, body heat rises. This could be prolonged exposure to sunlight or even physical exertion.
Tight clothing
When you wear tight fitted clothes, it traps moisture. Synthetic fibres when fitted tight make it difficult for skin to breathe.
Food consumption
Eating oily and fried foods which have more spice or foods rich in high protein contribute to heat stress.
Intense physical exertion
Active muscle and related blood circulation when working out can produce more heat.
Dehydration
Dehydration can prohibit the body’s ability to sweat which can lead to heat stress.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions like arthritis, leukaemia, hypothyroidism which makes body produce more thyroid could be some of the contributing factors.
Inflammatory illness
Having an inflammatory illness might spike up temperature indicating there is a problem within your body can cause fever.
How to reduce body heat
We know that the best way is to stay hydrated by drinking enough water to cool the body now. Let’s also take a look at the other ways to keep body cool.
Tender coconut water
Tender coconut water consumption is great to keep hydrated. The vitamins, minerals and electrolytes help in replenishing lost energy and help to rehydrate.
Peppermint tea
Due to high levels of menthol peppers tea helps to reduce body heat and provide cooling effect. Can be hd hot or cold. Consuming it hot will make body much hotter and sweat a lot and make body cool.
Cold foot soak
Dipping legs into cold water tub will help instantly reduce heat. Make sure the chillness iss tolerable. Also for an added cooling effect add few drops of peppermint oil.
Foods rich in water content
Watermelon,, strawberries and citrus fruits are rich in water content and help reduce body heat instantly. Cucumbers and cauliflowers can also be consumed with salads along with yoghurt dressing.
Appropriate dressing
Using loose fitted light colored clothing in breathable fabric help in less heat absorption. Always wear a hat and Sunscreen when you step out. Also don’t forget to take umbrella.
Aloe vera
This magic plant can help in cooling your body. Applying the gel helps to cool down and provide soothing effect. Consuming pure aloe vera gel with water or aloe vera juice also helps cool down.
Buttermilk
This wonder drink is everyone’s favourite during Summers. The probiotics and vitamins helps in restoring energy in body.
Fenugreek
Consuming overnight soaked Fenugreek seeds can hel lower body heat. You can also consume it in the form of Fenugreek tea.
These remedies can help you in lowering body heat. If the body still has heat stress even after these remedies consult a doctor. Do take it seriously as it can lead to heat stroke.
Not recently that I noticed my son stepping up for each and every thing mentioning that ‘i want to’ . Though he hasn’t started speaking fluently, the gibberish babble of saying and showing that he wants to do it by himself gave me a lot of thoughts.
Wanting to do everything what the adults do , including disciplining the sibling the way we do made me look at him in awe. Kids these days keep looking at you every second I say.
The desire to be independent is something that I found so adorable and at the same time exhausting as I was losing my cool very often. Though I do understand that it is our duty to raise self sufficient adults like we are.
At the same time it feels kind of scary when they take risks which I feel they are not ready yet. The mother instinct in me, one time wanted to let him try and on the other end getting tensed that don’t let him.
As a result, it did make the day longer and I knew that folding a cloth would now take ten minutes or even putting away the plate after eating.
The child’s independence is letting go of the stage in childhood. That is where realisation kicks in hard saying that they’re growing up and then there is. No going back.
So how do you encourage your toddler to be independent
Not holding them back
You always begin where you tend to hold them back, embrace their decision to do things on their own. Guide and coach then but do not hold them back and tell them there is a time to learn doing this.
This could start with them wearing shoes. Though it takes forever, I don’t think you should hurry up here. Your hands might itch to get there and get it done, but stay back and let them do it.
Show them, do together, monitor and leave them alone
Them wanting to do a task above comfort level can be scary. But what do you do when they insist on doing it.
Think whether it is age appropriate. Start by showing how it is done, proceed to doing it with them together, go ahead with monitoring when they do and help them if they get stuck and lastly let them try it alone.
You can start this by making them prepare their snack , making their bed or folding clothes.
Though the process is time consuming the end result it gives is your child being independent. It all starts with the kid watching when you do it and ends with them doing it on their own without needing your help.
Letting them do things their way
Micro management is something that nobody likes not even your toddler . You should not only embrace their decision to do things on their own but also do it in their own way.
All of us are different people in having our thinking process and our own preferences. Give them the freedom to do things their way rather than having them copy our style.
Do not help them in their struggle
Any mom doesn’t like their kid struggling. Nobody likes to see the disappointed look on their face it the anger that’s going to be building up after the failure.
When you attempt to help them it is going to be harmful for them in future. They come to a conclusion that we think they aren’t cut out for the tasks. They have the easy way to sense our doubts instead of our support in them.
In fact they wil learn much more when they fail than they learn when we step in and help them out. They also get the message that it’s okay to give up when something gets hard.
Nurture their independence letting them struggle. They will see the obstacles as challenges and find ways to come out of it.
Accomodating their independence
Having my daughter express her wish to help me in kitchen wasn’t the most efficient use of time. I realised that rather than being grateful that I’m having help ,I was more tensed if I will be able to finish cooking within the time.
But instead of saying no, I made a change. Rather than hurrying up the process , I made sure I had enough time before dinner preparation so that she could chip in and help me out.
In this way it can make them work on their own pace and keep us free from feeling the rush. You can also try this if they want to dress up themselves or pack their own lunch boxes.
We can avoid power struggles by not butt heading with them, during our routines and instead take into account their need for extra time they need to practice to do things on their own and in their own way.
When it’s summer we know that temperatures soar up high, your skin needs that extra care and hydration to keep itself glowing. None other than cucumber can be your best friend to help you out.
When we say cucumber for skin, the vivid picture that comes to our mind is a woman who has a towel wrapped on her head at a spa, having cucumber slices over her eyes and all masked up. But is it only on screen and does cucumber really help your skin. The answer is definitely yes.
Swelling, puffing, dark circles or whatever concerns the area around your eyes your inexpensive go to treatment was and is cucumbers.
So let’s see how it helps skin.
Cleanses skin
Cucumber helps in eliminating toxins from deep down the pores. Its a natural cleanser. Due to high water content it can be used as a toner that offers instant freshness when used on skin. Cucumber juice is an excellent alternative to alcoholic toners which comprises of harsh chemicals which can harm your skin.
Reduce dark circles
With abundance of antioxidants and silica , cucumbers help in lightening the dark areas around the eyes making it a successful home remedy for treating dark circles.
Treats fine lines and wrinkles
Though cucumbers contain higher water content they are also good agents for moisturising skin. Applying cucumber slices on the eyes and surrounding areas help in increasing the moisture there by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Reduce puffiness
Ascorbic acid and caffeine help in controlling water retention levels. Cucumbers have these in abundance and hence a great ingredient to help you deal with puffiness of eyes. Controlling water retention levels in turn helps in reducing swelling and puffiness around the eyes and surrounding areas.
Cooling agent
The cooling property of cucumber is the main reason that cucumbers are part of many skincare products that concern soothing inflamed skin. The cooling property helps in soothing the inflammated area and helps in faster healing. Products that have cucumber or simply using cucumbers for after sun skin problems will help in faster healing.
Here are some DIY eye pads that can help heal dark circles and puffiness
You need cotton pads and cucumber juice as main ingredients.
Cucumber and sandal
Sandalwood has skin brightening properties and hence when mixed with cucumber juice it makes a great face pack to lighten pigmentation.
Add 2-3 tbsp of cucumber juice to 2 tbsp of sandalwood powder. Apply on face and wash of when it dries off.
Cucumber and potato juice
Potato juice is another best ingredient in treating pigmentation. Imagine how the combination of potato and cucumber will work then.
Use juice of one cucumber and one potato. Dip cotton pads and place over eye. Remove after ten minutes. Do this on a regular basis to see amazing results.
Massive wealth is not the result of complex and witty moves but doing simple things right.
Mistakes are natural in life’s journey, and our financial journey is no different. However, it is crucial that we become aware of our mistakes and take corrective action. This way, they become our greatest learnings and serve us well.
FOOPS! is a collection of the 30 most common financial mistakes we make in our quest to create wealth. If we appreciate the impact these errors can have on our long-term wealth creation and take immediate action, each Foops moment is a potential game-changer.
What is going to be your Foops moment? How are you going to correct it? Learn from the national bestselling author of From the Rat Race to Financial Freedom and The Autobiography of a Stock.
Author BIO
MANOJ ARORA is a gold medalist in engineering from AMU, Aligarh. In his career spanning more than two decades, he has worked for Fortune 500 organisations across the globe including IBM, L&T and TCS. An IT-professional-turned-author, he has to his credit multiple bestsellers on dreams, parenting, money and happiness. Founder Trustee of Kalpavriksha—a tree plantation NGO, Manoj lives by his life’s mission to elevate the world around him.
To being a complete alien to finance, the book surely clarified a lot that was going on in my mind. The book gives you a thorough knowledge of what is each mistake, how is it done? A lot of moments that would make you think ‘omg’, but a lot more that would help you to avoid making one.
The author lists down 30 mistakes that are committed commonly. The book is structured in a way that even someone who is new to the term finance can understand. So it makes things simple and precise.
Though it does not compromise on the quality of the language. There are no technical jargons concerning finance but will definitely make you understand whatever mistake is being discussed.
The book will help you from not letting you make mistakes which you are about to and make you aware of mistakes which you have already done and help you take actions to correct it.
Mistakes which found my interest:
Under estimating the power of compounding. Getting swayed by the hype of NFOs and IPOs. Auto renewing fixed deposits Not prioritizing portfolio tracking. The glossary also helps you with major terms which can aid in making you understand the common terms used.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
Whatever might be the change we look forward to, education will definitely be the passport to the future. The much awaited tomorrow we all long for, belongs to those who prepare for it today.
When we say preparation today for a better tomorrow. There comes a question does everyone have the access to make themselves prepared. This is where access to education plays a major role.
Though we say that our literacy percentage has been increasing through the years. There is still a percentage of children who either have no access or have partial access to education.
Let’s try understanding partial and no access here. Partial access would mean there is access but either it is not fully utilized due to family situation demanding to be employed instead of being educated.
No access is due to lack of facilities in terms of infrastructure and resources in the form of skilled members to provide education.
Though we do have efforts from the Government coming up with new schemes in terms of compulsory primary education. The kids and families also need inspiration and the motivation to send them to school and make them understand the change that will unfold before them once they are educated.
These are people who need to told they have the opportunities and they can be utilised for them to get access to educate. But there are another section who are on a constant struggle each day for their recognition and for the basic human right to get access go education.
It is heartening to see young kids who have the spark in them and long for education but couldn’t because of family’s socio economic background.
But on the other hand we see a lot of NGOs trying their best to reach out to topographical locations to provide the necessary infrastructure and resources so that this section could also get education.
A lot of corporate companies as part of their CSR have taken up activities like teaching at schools in remote locations, helping people there set up a proper infrastructure with basic facilities that would help children there get access to education.
Helping them with resources also includes providing them a library , educational aids that would facilitate smoother access to education.
I was happy that during my tenure in the IT industry, I took part in notebook collection, book collection and library set up drives. It was an enriching experience to meet kids who were thrilled when they received new books, notebooks and their interest in education and getting to know their future dreams.
It was very evident that of these children are nurtured well with quality education we will definitely see a change that we look forward to tomorrow.
That Madras Mom 