Tag: blogchatter

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5 must have indoor plants

Well it is said that you can name yourself an adult when you have a bar cart, book shelf and nowadays people include an indoor plant. But I’d say to have a green thumb you needn’t be an adult. The age as a number isn’t a deciding factor here.


Where to start is the first step and probably most people get stuck here. This is where brands pitched in with starter kits or list of plants that you could choose to start having at home. Before that we must decide what part of the house would look much better with all the greenery.


The next thing that needs to be considered is the climate. And the windows in our house that would let in light. So the amount of light that would be coming in and the climate we’re located in play a major role in deciding what we get home.


Interacting with indoor plants in a way helps in reducing psychological and physiological stress. They help bring in a positive impact on mental health. Calming anxiety , helping in realigning your focus and making you more productive are much more benefits of having indoor plants.

And if you are in an apartment this is a great way to bring the outdoors home.

So here are reasons for you to join the bandwagon of having indoor plants at home.

Help in purifying air– House plants helps in purifying harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia and pollen. They could cause headache, allergies, fatigue and sickness. These plants help improve air quality and make the air cleaner for better health.

Stress reduction– Besides the making the air cleaner the psychological benefit of helping in reducing stress is another important advantage of having indoor plants. The plants help in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and also helping in spreading positive vibes.
Great for styling vignettes- They’re a great fit for the shelves. They help in adding break ups along the hard lines of continuous range of books and stuff.


Help in sharpening your attention– When you work alongside with live plants on your desk, you could notice a difference in your level of attention. On contrast plastic plants do not provide you the same benefits.


Increase recovery rate- The recovery rate from an illness, surgery or an injury is faster when you look at plants or flowers since it is therapeutic when you take a glance.
Help in adding colour- Plants help in adding colour. They help in adding much more texture and colour.

5 plants with easy maintenance

Money plant or devil’s ivy – The plant can withstand extreme climate conditions and requires minimal maintenance. It is one of the most common plants which can grow on fences and in pots. It helps absorb volatile organic compounds and helps keeping air cleaner. If you are a believer of vaastu, the plant is said to bring in material abundance.


Snake plant -It has sturdy and pointy leaves which are long and helps in keeping air pure by absorbing almost 100 different air toxins like oxide, chloroform and alcohols. The plant releases oxygen during the night hour in comparison with other succulents thereby making it a perfect plant for the bedrooms.


Aloe vera– Another common plant in most households known for its numerous benefits in terms of health and skincare. It exudes positivism and hence is great for the living and bedrooms. An ingredient that finds its place in many home remedies, cause of its goodness to skin and hair.


Bamboo palm– The plant has an affinity to benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. It grows quick and helps in eliminating toxins. Also known as butterfly or areca palm and also grows in dry weather conditions. It helps in purifying the air making it a great indoor plant.


Peace lily– Very commonly found across the subcontinent. It is not only visually eye-catching but also great in absorbing toxins emanating from the electronics indoor. It is known for its adaptability to extreme and sudden weather changes. Its also intelligent to let you know to water it when the leaves droop. Great when it is placed in areas prone to dampness say your bathroom.

The list curated above is specific to Indian maintenance and keeping in mind the sub continents climatic conditions.

So plants can only thrive with people who have green thumb is logical to olden days. Some of these plants require low or even zero maintenance. Though some may not help you with keeping the air clean, but are a great addition to decor and no compromise on the psychological benefits.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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How to teach money to kids

Talking finances and money to kids isn’t complicated and something shouldn’t be ignored anymore. Gone are the days when it is fine we reply saying money “money doesn’t grow on trees”. This is the piece of financial advice we were handed those days and it ended there.



If we want our kids to manage their money without issues in future then teaching them about financial responsibility at an early age is the solution. A habit that can take more time to build is saving. We can clearly say that quite a few adults are yet to master it.



As parents we want our kids to have the best. Not only the best in toys, dress, education but most importantly we want them to be safe and secure. A key lesson that needs to be taught which will guarantee they will do well is the lesson about money. This lays the foundation which will make them do well in life.



Many of us now wish that we could have been taught more about managing money. Missing the opportunities and being reluctant to talk about finances are reasons many parents give on why they couldn’t discuss with kids.
Children are very eager to learn about the wisdom of finance we have. So giving them the gift of financial literacy would be the best foundation we can do for them.

Here are ways you could start teaching money



Start early

Math forms most part of money knowledge. So the learning about money could start as early as when they start learning math. What is money?Where and how it is used are the first and foremost concepts.
Also they need to know where it comes from. They need to clearly understand that it simply doesn’t come out of the wallet. Make them understand that we get paid when we work. SO no work results in no pay. This would make them understand that to earn they must work.



Give allowances

Assign a chore or ask them to run an errand and reward them. As they age you can increase the amount. Teach concepts like save, invest and spend. In this way they will know to allocate what they receive. Creating opportunities for them to earn is a great way to learn about money and to understand that their work is rewarded.



Teaching them to save

It is important to let them know that money is not only for spending but also to save for future. Saving will help in teaching discipline, gratification, setting goals , planning, being prepared and most importantly feeling secure and independent.
Giving them chances to set short term goals like to buy their favourite stationary or favorite toy will make them more enthusiastic to save. TO begin with they could start with saving in a piggy bank and then proceed to opening a savings account once they are old enough.



Make them understand and make decisions

Tracking where money comes from and how is it going to be spent teaches children to make smart decisions. Make them understand that they can pay people to get things done for them when they grow up or also spend in getting things for themselves. The key here is for them to understand that it is going to cost them either way.



Involve them in financial decisions and ask opinions

When I say ask opinions it doesn’t mean you have to go by it. It will help in boosting their morale that they are becoming mature and capable of becoming a good adult. They will also get to know how you handle the situations and learn to model you. Start this in their teens, the goal here is to talk about money freely and not getting stressed up.

See where they go wrong and grasp the situation to teach

There might be situations where the kid spends the entire money , or cable bill rockets and so does electricity. DO not cave in. Instead use this opportunity to make them understand that if money is gone it is gone . Let them know that extra TV hours count, leaving the light on counts. This will make them realize and start acting responsible.



Work on your relationship

Kids learn by mimicking our behavior. So if they notice that we are stressed, spending beyond boundaries and keeping the finance scare they are most likely going to become like you. They cannot think it is normal if you spend money beyond limits so act responsibly and be a good role model.
This also sends out a strong message that you practice what you preach. Talking to them about saving and investing and on the contrary ending up be scarce doesn’t picture a good role model.



Teaching differences

Make sure kids understand differences between needs and wants. Let them be responsible for the decision they make to spend money on a trip to circus or a video game. So later they cannot blame you. Let them enable themselves by making a priority on what do they want first. Making them understand what is their dire need and what is a want helps them make better decisions.


Gratification

Kids need to understand that they don’t always come with a bag of goodies after leaving a store. Visiting every time doesn’t mean we spend and buy stuff. The goodie will make its way during an occasion and not during every store visit. Making them save money for their most wanted goodie is another way they learn to save. And once after they purchase you could see how thoughtfully they make use since it came out of their own money.



So it isn’t late if you haven’t started. There is no right time and no time when it denotes your lagging behind. If you are reading this and plan to start, I wish you the best.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

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Book review of Stress free education by Deepa Gandhi

Blurb

Are you looking for ways to make education stress-free for your kids? 

Education can be fun and stress-free only if you know how to approach it in the right way. This Ebook shows you how. 

It is a parent’s guide to raising happy kids who are not stressed out due to academic pressures. Deepa Gandhi writes about education on her blog and believes that kids should be taught how to think and not what to think. 

My review


A lot of little busy minds that were awaiting their summer holidays or for some who were just about to enter the world of schooling, there awaited a much bigger should I say happy or a sad announcement. The schools were closed almost indefinitely. What initially became a news of enjoyment of never ending holidays for the children also opened up a new sense of adapting to education online. Not getting to see the teacher, the chalk dust, the bell ringing after each hour all suddenly became far from happening in the real time.



That’s when homeschooling started to make a boom. Though the concept of homeschooling has been there for long, it was the pandemic that made many parents take this decision of imparting education to children. When they say homeschooling it doesn’t mean having fun at home while learning. It is an extension of making the environment much more child-friendly and making the curriculum interesting based on the child’s perspective.



Deepa’s book stress free education becomes a handy guide for every parent who wishes to home-school their child in a stress-free manner. Homeschooling isn’t very difficult if the planning and preparation is done well. There are a lot of resources and forums that help parents incorporate homeschooling concept. With homeschooling also comes in a lot of responsibility and challenges and working on getting them right is what parents need to do in a stress-free manner. The tips Deepa offers are very practical and doable by every parent who wishes to home-school.



But if ever you are in a dilemma to whether start with homeschooling or stuck in between to make a decision, Deepa also offers reasons why homeschooling is a great way to adopt and impart education to the child. Time, resources, material and skills are now at your own discretion because you are the best person to decide what would suit your kid. The reasons are very compelling and make you understand why this can be a better option in times like these.


The one word every child fears during school is “EXAMS”. Be it someone who always studies on a day to day basis or someone who just prepares burning the midnight oil, the word examination is sure to give jitters. Deepa’s next chapter in the book deals with is “ tips to deal with exam pressure”. I loved the fact how the author chose to provide tips for both the parent and child since pressure is contagious and can have dangerous effects when not handled properly.



Making a child learn better and excel well is what every parent tries to accomplish each day. Making your child stand out better in everything and every way has become a common dream or an expectation. Deepa offers tips on how to make the learning methodology fun and engaging be it for a toddler or a kid. The tips help parents think in different perspectives to follow an approach that suits the kid.


Reading books is a great habit and does wonders in terms of development in the child when inculcated at an early age. They say that reading to kids can begin even when they’re in the utero, but to physically teach them and inculcate the habit also has benefits in terms of cognitive development and their wide exposure to the language. Deepa addresses the needs of why reading should be inculcated earlier and what benefits it would reap when you sow the habit earlier.



Keeping healthy is also essential for the overall development of the child. Offering balanced meals that help in getting good nutrition and offers good stamina during exam preparation is also very much necessary. Deepa breaks down information in detail on what needs in to be included in a balanced meal. On an addition she also offers a sample diet chart which c an help you plan meals. Makes it easier when you have a blueprint in hand doesn’t it?



Deepa also touches on how parents can make the child handle bullying at school, tips to make homework easier and how soft skills can be imparted. All these are much needed skills that require mild changes in the way of parenting to see greater astonishing results as the child grows up handling situation.


Two chapters by Stuti Mehrotra where she discusses why a parent should choose the montessori method and one by Divya Malhotra that outlines importance of team sports in children. These topics on addition make the parent think on why should they specifically opt for this teaching method or this physical skill and what does it hold in itself as advantages to be chosen by the parent.


The book overall helps the parent plan the educational as well as overall development of a child in a stress -free manner. The writing is simple and crisp making it easier to understand. Deepa’s tips shows her experience in parenting in a stress-free manner

Author Bio

Deepa Gandhi is a postgraduate in Food and nutrition. She is a freelance Dietician and a writer in many fields like parenting, health, and travel. She shares her experiences as a mom and as a nutritionist in her blog https://kreativemommy.com

She has published 3 eBooks – Parenting Tips and tricks, Healthy Recipes under 30 minutes, and memoirs of my travel which is a travel book.

Deepa travelled a lot after marriage and now stays with her husband and two daughters in Bangalore. Contact can be made via email at deepagandhi21@gmail.com or director@kreativemommy.com

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

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5 reasons why women should start investing

Gone are the days when men were the only earning members and the finance minister of the house. We now live in a period wherein men and women play an equal role in working to raise the standards of the family and also help provide a better lifestyle. So if both work hard the odds of leading a high-quality standard of living are guaranteed, once they earn, how to plan on the expenditure and investments is all together with a bigger subject that needs more knowledge.



We surpassed the period where men decide the expenses and allow the budget for household expenditure. The world we now live in wholeheartedly accepts or to put it better believe that women can handle finance equally or should I say much better.



The world of smartphones gives her easy access to buy a gold bond if she wants to invest in gold. Not only that gone are the days where it’s difficult to know how to make money or how to invest. All this is now available at her fingertips just by a click or by asking a query( thanks to Alexa and Siri). Shoot the query and within a blink of an eye, you get results and solutions. It’s now even easier to get certified in the financial sector with the wide range of courses available online through various learning portals. Women can not only equip themselves with knowledge but also start making money by investing and saving. Not to forget that life and medical insurances can also be applied with a click from an app. 

The modern world truly opened doors wide for women of this age to explore the world of finances from the comfort of home.



Since women are much better to handle situations and multiple events happening they also forecast long-term plans and can make better investment plans to improve the quality of lifestyle and achieve future goals.



Here are the hows and why I urge women to start investing.


Future goals: Women always think ahead be it the five-year plan or a ten-year plan. They make the blueprints and work on achieving the goal. Improving the quality of lifestyle, acquiring properties, higher education, vacations, and whatnot. Ask her what she wishes for in the future you will get your answers in a jiffy and that too with proper planning and priorities sorted. This is ideally the goal most women have be it someone who works in the corporate or a housewife who helps manage the home.



Learning about investment: Online classes are not only for school-going kids these days but also for adults. Virtual learning opened doors to many fields including finance. Learning centers, youtube, and dedicated Facebook and what’s app groups are now becoming better options to kick start financial learning. Doing this will not only enable you to manage finance at home but could also open doors to various job opportunities which would mean extra income to save more.



Advisors: If managing it on your own is a situation that happens not to worry when you have experts in the field to guide you through the process of selection of investing in where and what. It is completely ok to not know the technicalities and how-tos of investing and take help from experts. As long as your goal is met, this is not something to be worried off.

But make sure to convey what your goal is and how you plan to achieve meaning the milestones that you would want to see before the final goal.



Being financially independent: Every woman working or no, married or single must be financially independent. Unforeseen events can happen anytime with no warning. This could be a recession, loss of property, theft, or even problems in the relationship. If you are financially independent there is nothing to worry off, as long as you can take care of the situation on your own and not sit and brood thinking that you are hopeless and need money.



Better investor: Studies on comparison between man and woman bring out results that women are willing to access risk, patiently learn the how-tos, and not expect quick outcomes. This slow but patient approach marks them separate as better investors than men. They don’t choose shortcuts but are willing to take the longer route to attain their goal.

The lockdown last year saw a lot of women giving wings to their entrepreneurial spirit and give it their best. Supporting them gave me a lot of happiness. Though I’d say that I gained no monetary benefit, the feeling of uplifting people definitely is something above money. But don’t let that die out your dreams.



So if you are someone who is still depending on your better half for finances, there is no much better time than now for you to make the decision. Take smaller steps, take the time to gain expertise, explore the opportunities, choose the best of what suits you, invest, save and live a carefree life and the life of your dreams. Be financially independent and make the world yours.

Saving is an important habit that can be cultivated over time. What matters is to get started and be cautious of how the money is spent.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

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5 reasons to track your periods

The four-day bloody show for each women may stir in many emotions depending on their need. For some it might bring happiness, for some a feeling of dejection and a good-to-go for the rest. It not only helps you to plan natural conception but also also helps prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Tracking periods



Did you know that your period could also give you the hint that your body is working fine? Women who do not track their periods end up giving a blank stare when they aren’t sure of the day of the last period. It’s fascinating and at the same time empowering to track the cycle. Tracking periods makes it easier to identify gynecological problems at an earlier stage and also in understanding the sexuality and our body. Regularity in getting your periods is one of the key indicators of overall well-being.



Most women have a 28-day cycle ,whereas it’s generally considered to be normal if the cycle is anywhere between 21-35 days. Tracking the cycle also helps to identify the ovulation period that makes it easier to plan conception. Understanding your cycle and your ovulation dates makes it easier to plan. Women ovulate 14 days before each cycle, depending on the length of your cycle. So planning conception during ovulation increases your odds of becoming pregnant.


At the same time, it also helps prevent unwanted pregnancies when you avoid intercourse during your ovulation period. So the tracking of periods play a major role be it planning for a pregnancy or not to becoming pregnant as well.



But if your periods aren’t regular, which means your cycles do not fall between the normal duration it indicates an underlying health condition that needs to be checked. Vaginal infections, fibroids, pelvic inflammation, PCOD could be reasons that your period is irregular.



The best days to go for vacation or party can also be done since you might be well prepared with period supplies like the pads, menstrual cups. And save the nicest white pant from the bloody show.



Tracking periods also helps in understanding mood. Irritability, anxiety could not just be part of PMS but mood swings during the menstrual cycle helps understand the rhythm of the cycle. So the moods are much more than PMS, knowing and tracking them makes you well prepared to manage them.



We now live in a world that every human being owns a smart phone and has it loaded with apps starting with one for work, meets and even tracking drinking water. Why not have an app that lets you know about your bodily functions and help in your well-being.

What to look for in period tracking app?

  • Easy to understand tracking mechanism.
  • Clear instructions to input period start date and end date along with flow, discharge pattern and moods.
  • Indicate fertile period and ovulation date.
  • Reminder before couple of days to period start for keeping supplies handy.



I tried out a couple of apps to track my periods that really helped to understand my body better. It also helps in calculating your LMP when you miss your period and helps to calculate the due date.



Here are three apps that I tried and recommend for period tracking.

PERIOD CALENDAR:


Period calendar helps in tracking and predicting period dates. Major advantages are the prediction of fertile window and ovulation date. Tracking of temperature,mood,weight, birth control and intercourse are additional features.


Additional feature of pill reminder helps when you take supplements or birth control pills.



Available on android and iPhones.

Download

FLO PERIOD TRACKER



Flo uses machine learning to accurately access periods and ovulation dates. The calendar is simple and bold helps in tracking moods, symptoms and sex drive.



Sleep cycles, water consumption and physical activity can also be tracked. The dashboard that portrays the insights help in making us understand more about body and cycle.



Available on android and iphone.

Download

CLUE



Ranked as the top app for tracking periods and ovulation by the obstetrics and gynecology journal this app helps in identifying unique patterns in menstrual cycles. There is no pinks, butterflies and the app caters to all age groups. The app uses science to keep track of moods, periods, health log and exercises.



The unique algorithm uses the data that is input to provide predictions, so the more the usage the smarter the app.

Download



Now that you know the benefits of tracking periods, start doing it and thank me later. When you have tonnes of apps for everything you need or sometime for things not needed, why not have one to track your health.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’ 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
@Sindhu Vinod Narayan. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sindhu Vinod Narayan (Thatmadrasmom) with the right and specific direction to the original content.

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A2Z of common diseases & their homeopathic treatment – Book review

Blurb

This ebook is a collection of 26 chapters (in alphabetic format) about all common diseases. As “A” to acidity to “Z”, “Zika virus infection,” each chapter has a proper detail information about all common diseases. Each chapter contain causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and homeopathic treatment of common diseases. I am hoping this e-book will give an insight about common diseases and also help in understanding the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in treating routine and day to day ailments. You can also use this as a handy guide to understand the causes, symptoms, prevention, and homeopathic treatment of routine illnesses. 

My review

Homeopathy is based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Founded in the 1700s in Germany it is one of the widely sought alternative medicinal approach.
What actually brings on symptoms in a healthy person, in a very minute proportion can help in treating an illness that has similar symptoms. So it is more like triggering the body’s natural defenses.



By adding water these ingredients become weakened. The mixture is then shaken known as potentization. This is the step that transfers the essence of healing. Homeopaths firmly believe that lower the dose , the more powerful the medicine becomes. Sugar pellets, liquid drops, cream and gel are forms in which homeopathic medicine is available.



Homeopaths do ask a lot of questions about mental, emotional and physical health. A remedy that best matches all the symptoms is prescribed and the treatment is tailor made.



I was used to taking allopathic medicine until I got married. Be it cold, fever or an allergy I always resorted to taking a pill that was prescribed. No side effects but it did help me heal. But I also came to know of a couple of adverse effects that allopathic medicines gave in when treated for something different that had no relevance to the side effects being experienced. I was shaken, but continued to take them when I fell ill.



My in-laws have been taking homeopathic medicines for over ten years. And I was suggested to get an appointment. I have bad allergies which God knows what triggers them and couldn’t be cured with the medicines I’ve been taking. I met the Doctor, who I’d now say definitely knows about my body like the back of her hand now. Something that I totally resisted to switch, but I wouldn’t say I was forced to but I think it was destiny that gave me the push and trust me homeopathy worked wonders that I now recommend it and my doctor when people come up to me for suggestions.



The tailor made treatment and understanding the emotional and mental health definitely made me trust this way of medicinal approach which I’d say has to be the first step when you encounter a condition or a disease. Trust in the medicine and the doctor who treats you helps you heal faster.



Surbhi’s book lists out the diseases alphabetically,giving you an insight of what the disease is and the homeopathic treatment corresponding to it. The book also dives deep to make you understand the efficacy of homeopathy in treating the illnesses.



Understanding the disease by proper diagnosis of the symptom, triggers, prevention and treatment is the first and foremost step that will lead you to healing. Surbhi breaks it down to a very basic level that the book can serve as a first hand guide to the common illnesses.



I really liked that the author Surbhi, chose to include lifestyle factors that could cause the issue, the home-care treatments and homeopathic treatments as different sections under each chapter for a much clearer understanding.



The author also clearly lists down the preventive measures that can be taken, the danger signs to look for and the complications that each of the common disease could lead to. Homeopathic treatment and combinations are detailed with the dosage information that show the amount of research and effort spent by the author to give us a guide that makes it trustworthy and provide the value of knowledge.



Some of the diseases covered in the book include those which include the younger and older age group so makes the book a perfect handbook for medical references in each family. Though the book does not encourage self-medication, it is always good to understand your body and the way it reacts to decipher a condition.

Author BIO

Dr. Surbhi Prapanna is a homeopathic therapist by profession and a writer and blogger by passion. She has more than 5 years of professional writing experience and her work has been published on various prestigious online platforms like Momspresso.com, kidstoppress.com, cureJoy.com and shivanaspirit.com.
Health, parenting and creative activities for kids (art, crafts, DIYs etc…) are her niche. And she shares her areas of expertise and parenting experience on her blog Surbhiprapanna.com. She has won so many awards for her academic and professional excellence, but winning the “Best parent award” is the most precious and satisfying experience of her life.

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When patriarchy needs to walk out

If patriarchy had a specific beginning in history,

It can also have an end.

– Maria Miles

Smash patriarchy

Patriarchy is a system in a society, where the male gender hold the power and the females are excluded. Given a super power this word is in the top of my list of words to be removed from dictionary.


The term in itself might sound new to many but is an age old practice that’s been there in the families for long. A lot more women and a handful of men who understand that this needs to end have taken necessary steps to get this out. But the efforts are all still only a drop in the ocean. But nevertheless it cannot be ignored and such experiences can motivate more people to come forward to get rid of it permanently.


What made me write this article is a recent movie that me and the hubster sat down to watch during one of the weekends.

“ The Great Indian Kitchen” it is. The movie has been getting attention from all directions as in the sub titles made it easier that people from er languages also geared interest to watch it. Not to forget the fact that the movie got released in a much lesser known OTT platform, people even went to the extent of paying the membership just to watch this movie. Thank goodness the movie stirred up a lot of news and Amazon decided to stream it on their platforms , that it saved me from spending on a new OTT membership. Glad this happened else that would have been one more reason for me to brood.


The film is set in Kerala, where in a newly wed couple start getting to know each other. That’s what happens in arranged marriages. You don’t immediately let your husband take up kitchen duties or pitch in to help, because it’s a society governed by patriarchy.


A typical morning in the house, and as the scenes unfold the husband does not even drop his coffee mug in the sink and that is the duty of the wife. Should I mention as one of the duty? The mother in law makes elaborate preparations chopping vegetables, grinding, tossing vessels, cookers what not. What I thought was supposed to be a lunch preparation turned out to be the scene for breakfast.


Not to mention the chutneys being ground on mortar and pestle and dosas straight to the plate from tawas. To top it all the way in which the father and son eat literally got me sick as I was having my lunch.


The mother in law and daughter in law sit down on the same table which the daughter in law finds difficult to cope. It looks like the mother in law has no voice to speak against such practices or is gotten used to adjusting. The level of treatment the men expect goes to Himalayan heights when the father in law is given the toothbrush with paste in hand to go brush the teeth and slippers being delivered right at his feet when he steps out. Blood boiled that I had to turn it off to calm myself for a while before I resumed watching.


The mother in law leaves abroad to help her pregnant daughter leaving all the responsibilities and duties to take care of the immature children of the house( the father and son). What started off to be a little hectic gets worse in one or two days. The never ending chores in kitchen , house cleaning , washing clothes makes her tense. To add to the woes the kitchen sink starts to leak which is left unattended even after multiple reminders she does so that her husband calls up the plumber.

The husband who is a shabby eater in the house is a perfect gentleman with table manners at the restaurant. When commented he gets pissed and makes the woman apologize. Atrocities!



The poor thing when she decides to take up a job is being advised by the father in law to leave all the thought because that’s what the mother in law did. Makes me want to question, who are these people to give opinions if a girl should work or no? All the education and experience only to wash clothes by hand and pound chutneys in mortar is highly unacceptable. It is really saddening to see that women in yester generation continue to do all this for their husbands and son and also give unrealistic hopes that the daughter in law who comes in will continue to do the same.



Being a millennial parent, it is our duty to raise sons who will equally respect the female gender. Raise sons who will cook, clean and help the women in the family. Raise sons who will do their own chores which includes keeping their rooms, tables clean , help in putting away dishes to sink and give some rest to the ever working women in the family.

Do not glorify if men in the home do this or tell the woman she is lucky to have them do all this. Let’s normalize such behaviour from men.

It was said in olden days that” the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. Whoever said that only meant tasty food not sumptuous spreads for every meal of the day that also includes room service to clear away mugs, plates and not to mention the leftover clean up after they ate.


Mentioning the clean up, I feel even diaper duties were far better after I saw the table in that movie.



The generation we now are supports equal parenting and gender equality. Let the men of the family take up kitchen duties during the period when the women menstruate, not citing purity as reasons as I also do not believe in it. This is just to make them capable of taking it up and not just relying upon women for food and everything.


Stop practicing that women should serve food to men and should serve themselves. Change that. Either sit together for a meal or have the men serve you once they finish. I don’t think that is going to reduce their worth or what so ever.


Raise your sons equivalent to your daughters. Do not practice gender based chores at home, it has to be shared equally. Only if this is done , your daughter in law would be happy that she is into a home that believes in modern way of thinking rather than surrendering to patriarchy.


Recently a picture that brought tears was a woman with an oxygen concentrator cooking in the kitchen captioned unconditional love= mother. This is the result of patriarchy. The person has no shame in portraying the suffering of the mother. The picture brought in a lot of negative traction. The women need to stand up against such practices.



It all comes down to making a change . Be the change to see more people joining you.



Men can make their own coffee or tea and can clean up. They can also look up simple recipes to cook, just saying.

If the daughter in law decides to make a change support them and don’t stand as a hindrance as push them into the same pit.

Do not raise sons with expectations that the wife will take care of everything for him just like how she does.

This post is part of #causeachatter for blogchatter.

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Z’s which help in skincare

Z’s which help in skincare

The final alphabet, the final post for this season and the last of ingredients from this series of mine.
This was the most difficult alphabet for me to find ingredients, try out the DIYs and then put them out here.

So here they are, the Z’s which help in skincare.

Zucchini



Zucchini is a type of summer squash. This dark green vegetable also is rich in nutrients which help in maintaining good skin.



Zucchini is rich is water content and thereby it helps in maintaining great skin health.



Zucchini is rich in riboflavin which helps in maturing of collagen.


Synthesis of collagen is very essential for good skin health, hence the vitamin C in the squash that is present in abundance helps in collagen synthesis.



Collagen and elastin is very essential for radiant healthy looking skin. The production of latter is boosted by vitamin C which also helps in reducing cellular damage.



Collagen also helps in keeping skin firm and wrinkle free. So the vitamin from zucchini is very much essential.



Zucchini helps deal with summer heat and helps in hydration which is the reason it is known as summer squash.



The lutein in zucchini helps in dealing with inflammation. Thereby when inflammations are reduced, skin tends to be healthy. The damage to the skin from sun is minimized thereby the moisture barrier is left untouched. Which is the main reason to mention that zucchini helps in hydration.



The water content in zucchini is 95%, which makes it great for consumption as well. So in way you are contributing to the hydration through food so it also helps the skin.



The antioxidants help in protecting against free radical damage.

DIYS:



Blend zucchini peels with overnight soaked masoor dal. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.


Blend two tablespoons of zucchini paste with a teaspoon of oatmeal. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for oily skin.


Blend two tablespoons of zucchini paste with one teaspoon of olive oil and oats powder and a egg yolk.Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for dry skin.


Slice zucchini and place them over the eyes and face. This is for reducing dark circles and also providing natural glow.

ZINC:


Zinc is a very essential mineral to be included for a healthy body and is also great for skincare, especially in fighting against acne.



When we term it essential it means the body cannot prepare or produce zinc and it needs to be included in daily diet.



It’s known as trace mineral because it is needed only in minute quantities on a day to day basis



Zinc helps fight against viruses and bacteria. Zinc also has anti inflammatory properties which help in healing the redness and sensitivity caused by acne.



It could also help in making the scars disappear.



Zinc protects skin from sun damage and is a common ingredient in the topically applied sunscreens.





Zinc works as an antioxidant but not technically. It helps fight against free radical formation and protecting the cells which helps in formation of collagen.

How can you include zinc in diet?



By including below in your daily food

Beans, nuts, whole grains, poultry and dairy products.

On another note, the body finds it easier to absorb zinc from animal based food than plant based because the latter has phytates which inhibits the absorption of zinc. So in that case you could consult a doctor to take a supplement.

As one of the DIY I’m sharing a smoothie that is rich in zinc.

ZINC SMOOTHIE

Blend the below ingredients

Nut milk two cups

One tablespoon of hemp hearts, coconut oil and vanilla essence

Mixed nuts 1/3 cup

One frozen banana

2 dates deseeded

Protein powder two scoops

3 teaspoon cocoa

You could add in stevia in case you do not prefer bitterness.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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Y’s which help in skincare

Y’s which help in skincare

We’re almost at the tail end and yes its the day of the Y. So what could I think of for Y. I did manage to find some that would help you out and I hope all the ingredients mentioned from A-X and the DIYs were useful. Do let me know if you would want me to write about anything in particular.

Let’s get to the topics and take a look at the Y’s which help in skincare.

YOGURT

The always available ingredient in fridge is also the fountain of youth. Its a rich protein source. So protein be it when applied or if consumed helps in repairing skin cells. It makes the skin appear more radiant and youthful.

What protein does to the body when consumed like strengthen ,repair and nourish is what it does when applied topically over the skin.

The lactic acid in yogurt helps in shrinking pores and tightening skin thereby having an effect in reducing the fine lines and wrinkles.

It has great exfoliating properties and guarantees transformation of dry skin to smooth skin.

Rich in vitamin B it makes skin glow and also aids in skin cell growth and regeneration.

The probiotics present in yogurt help in healing inflammation due to sunburns.

The zinc content helps in regulation of oil secretion and keeping breakouts at bay due to which it is best suited for oily skin.

On the whole yogurt is an all round multitasker when it comes to beauty.

DIYS

1.Crush some rose petals and add in rose water. Mix in a teaspoon of yogurt and honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

REDUCE SUNBURN IRRITATION: Mix in few drops of chamomile oil to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

2.PIGMENTATION: Add in few drops of lemon juice to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

3.SLOW DOWN AGEING: Mix in a teaspoon of olive oil to 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

4.Mix in a tablespoon of oats to 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Let it soak and mash. Apply on to face and do gentle circular motions of scrubbing before washing off.

5 MOISTURIZER: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa and honey to 3 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

6, ACNE AND DARK CIRCLE : Dab cotton pad in yogurt and apply on to affected area for acne. Similarly apply under the eyes for dark circles.

IRRITATED SKIN: Mix in a tablespoon of honey and aloe vera gel to 1/4 cup of yogurt. Apply on the specific area and wash off in cold water post 15 minutes.

OILY SKIN: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of honey and turmeric powder to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to skin and wash off after 15 minutes.

EYEBAGS AND DARK CIRCLE: Blend half a cucumber with half a cup of yogurt. Apply under the eyes and wash off after 15 minutes.

YOLK:

The egg yolks are rich in fatty acids which help in providing necessary hydration for the skin and helps in moisture lock.

The yolk is best suited ingredient for dry and dull skin.

Hydration, nourishment and moisturisation is what the egg yolk helps in providing the skin.

DIYs:



Mix in half a mashed avocado an egg yolk and a teaspoon of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for skin glow.


Mix in a teaspoon of honey, almond oil to an egg yolk. Whisk it until it froths. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. This is for acne.


Mash one ripe banana. Add in a teaspoon of olive oil and an egg yolk. Mix well and apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.


Supple skin: Mix in an egg yolk, few drops of rose water, one tablespoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.



Please be very careful to not get the yolk into the eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth to avoid salmonella infection.

YELLOW BELL PEPPER:


This beautiful vegetable in itself is a wonder ingredient for youthful skin. Yes it is, but not by applying it on skin. But by consuming the vegetable in itself it weaves a magic to keep skin looking younger and youthful.


Collagen from vitamin C present in yellow bell peppers helps in keeping the skin firm and guards the cells from getting damaged. Bell peppers help in skin protection from free radical damage.


Antioxidants and the phytochemicals which are present in abundance help in making the skin appear youthful.



The antioxidants helps in reversing the signs of ageing. Making skin appear firmer and youthful by fighting against sun and free radical damage which involves no formation of fine lines or wrinkles.


Carrot and bell pepper combination is said to even out blemishes and improve skin tone.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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X’s which help in skincare

X’s which help in skincare

Today we talk about X’s which help in skincare. I chose to write about the two main processes which help in keeping skin clear and healthy. Of course , yes I’d also include ingredients at home that can be used in these processes.

DETOX

Skin detox


In the fast paced world we expose skin to dirt, pollution, makeup and chemical exposure. This in a way is a reason for clogged pores. We usually mention the term “DETOX” only for the body, but it’s time that the skin also needs to be included. Because the skin is your largest organ and needs to have a detox as well.



The skin helps protect against infection, excess water loss, production of vitamin D and helping in regulating the temperature of the body.


Swelling, itching, breakouts and redness are results of skin erupting because of not doing a detox. But on the other hand if detox is being done religiously and on a regular basis, you could reverse the adverse effects and in fact help in boosting skin health.

FACTORS:



STRESS: Stress often brings out its effects in the form of acne and inflammation.

SUGAR: If in take of sugar is more, it could result in breakouts and pimples.

LIFESTYLE: improper sleep cycle, inadequate hydration , drinking and smoking also have adverse effects on skin.

SIGNS THAT YOU BADLY NEED A DETOX:

  • Dry and dull skin.
  • Patches and blemishes
  • Wrinkles and sagging
  • Oily skin
  • Sensitive and dry skin

WAYS TO DETOX:



WORKOUT: Exercising indirectly contributes to skin detox. When you exercise you sweat it out and that helps in flushing out toxins.



FACIAL OR SPA: Taking up a facial at home or at a parlour or going for a spa actually helps in skin detox.



HYDRATE SKIN INSIDE OUT:
Hydration from inside involves drinking adequate water.
Hydration from outside is applying moisturizer or a serum that suits your skin type. Make sure to do it twice.
Also when you use a serum it not only helps in hydrating the skin but in a way it also helps in better absorption of other skincare products.



CLEANSING:
Cleansing is a great way to remove off dirt and make up form skin. Ensure to do a double cleansing and make it part of your daily skincare routine.



TONER:
Toners help in eliminate any residue oil from the cleanser, It prepares the skin for the products that follow. It helps in maintaining the pH of the skin. Also helps to shrink the pores.



EXFOLIATION:
Exfoliation is done to remove the dead skin cells and dirt. This is one of the secrets to glowing skin.



MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Give up on alcohol and smoking. Smoking causes the fastening of the ageing process.
Alcohol promotes dehydration . So both are a no-no if you want clear skin.



CUTTING DOWN ON SUGAR:

Sugar consumption in excess is one of the major reasons for breakouts and acne. Cutting down on sugar helps in a great way to maintain good skin. Fruits and dark chocolates would be great alternates for your sugar craving.

STEAM:

Going in for a hot steam helps to open pores and release the dirt and other residue.



BALANCED DIET: Eat a well balanced diet that include more of fruits and vegetables. Limit intake of carbohydrates, sugar loaded food and fried food.



PROPER SLEEP CYCLE:

Skin needs its repair time just like the body. Dark circles would first pop out indicating that the skin doesn’t have enough repair time and needs a detox badly.


DETOX BATHS:

You could also go in for detox baths like adding epsom salt, ACV, sea salt or coffee grounds to warm bath water and enjoy a relaxed bath.



SWITCH FROM CAFFEINE : Make a switch to eliminate caffeine and to include green tea. You will start noticing wonders.

DETOX DRINKS:


VITAMIN C: Squeeze in some lemon juice in two liters of water. Add in some pineapple, kiwi amnd let it infuse. Drink it the whole of the day.

ACV water: Mix two tablespoons of water to 2 liters of water. Not more than two tablespoons of ACV a day , keep that in mind.

TURMERIC WATER: Add 3-5 fresh turmeric slices in two cups of water and boil. Add some honey before drinking if needed.

EXFOLIATION:

Skin exfoliation


Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the external skin. It helps in brightening the skin by removing the dirt, boosting blood circulation and improving the appearance of the skin.



Types of exfoliation


MECHANICAL: Mechanical exfoliation involves removing the dead skin cells using a scrub, brush or a sponge.

CHEMICAL : This involves using acids like AHAs and BHAs.



More details on exfoliation here.

DIY Scrubs:

  • Blend a cup of strawberries, two drops of ACV, half a cup of yogurt and half a cup of almond powder. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
  • Mix in half a teaspoon of lemon juice and water. Add one tablespoon of salt. Apply on to face and gently scrub and wash off.
  • Blend one kiwi, two tablespoons of brown sugar and add in a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
  • Mix three tablespoons of coffee grounds to a cup of yogurt. Add in some honey and apply on to face. Gently scrub and wash off after 15 minutes.
  • Mix in two teaspoons of tomato pulp, yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.