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Beginners guide to niacinamide #MyFriendAlexa

Lately, you could see the whole skincare world talking a lot about active ingredients. The most commonly talked about is Niacinamide.



Niacinamide also known as nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3. An essential nutrient whose deficiency could lead to disorders of skin,kidney and brain. Taking niacinamide can prevent the deficiency.


The ingredient has much more to offer when it is used in the general skin department. Applying niacinamide topically is proven to help in treating skin conditions like eczema and acne.



Benefits of niacinamide


Niacinamide is mainly recommended for people who have puffy skin and rosacea. The anti-inflammatory properties aid in reducing the redness.
Skin immunity can be boosted as niacinamide helps in building keratin, the protein that keeps skin firm and healthy.

The lipid barrier that niacinamide helps in building aids in retaining moisture of the skin. This is much beneficial for people who have eczema or mature skin.

When you skin is smooth and moisturized due to topical application of niacinamide it helps in minimizing the pores.

Retention of moisture isn’t beneficial only when the skin is dry. Regulation of the amount of oil that the sebaceous glands produce is one of the most important benefits of using niacinamide.

Concurrent rebuilding of healthy skin cells and also protecting skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation is a benefit of niacinamide as well.



5% concentration of niacinamide in application can help in treating pigmentation and also fight against signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. The application also helped in fading dark spots. The results cannot be visible instantaneously but over a period of four weeks.



Niacinamide helps in treating aggressive acne conditions like pustules. The application over a period of time helps in improving skin texture and lesser number of lesions on the skin.



Niacinamide helps protect skin against environmental stresses like dust, pollution and sun damage. It also offers protection to regenerate the healthy skin cells.




FOOD over supplements



Instead of directly taking a supplement to lessen the deficiency it is always best to try improving intake of vitamins through food. Some sources of vitamin B3 are eggs,fish , milk and green vegetables. So next time don’t reject when your offered an extra portion of any of these over the table.


Ingredients that you can include in skincare routine along with niacinamide



Vitamin C, Kojic acid and hyaluronic acid are ingredients that can be paired with niacinamide in your skincare routine for clear skin.



How to use ?



Niacinamide can work wonders on your skin post cleansing, cause that is when your skin is free of impurities and oil.

Post that you can apply moisturizer and sunscreen before heading out.

The ingredient niacinamide can be included in your AM and PM skincare routine.



Here are some of my tried and tested niacinamide products


NYKAA SKINRX 10% niacinamide



This is mainly used for spot correction. The serum is composed of 10% niacinamide, 1% zinc and 1% alpha arbutin for spot correction of dark spots, blemishes and pigmentation.

The serum can be used in AM and PM routine.

Price: 799 quantity: 30 ml

Click here to buy



Minimalist 10% NIACINAMIDE serum



The serum is oil free and also has aloe vera juice as one of its ingredients for additional benefits. This serum is comparatively light weight and does not leave an oily residue post application.

Price: 599 quantity: 30 ml

Click here to buy :



Dot and key 10 % niacinamide spot corrector skin clearing serum



This formulation has 10% niacinamide, 1 % zinc and 1% hyaluronic acid. The serum also has sunflower seed extracts, pomegranate extracts and wheatgerm oil for additional benefits.

Price: 565 quantity : 15 ml

Click here to buy:



Few other popular niacinamide serums are listed below. I haven’t personally tried them out.



Mamaearth skin correct face serum with niacinamide and ginger extract

Click here to buy



The derma co 10 % niacinamide serum for acne marks

Click here to buy



Plum 10% niacinamide face serum with rice water.

Click here to buy

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa.

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Lipsmacking Mint peas pulao , sweet potato sticks

Mint peas pulao

We all love pulao. Though it is mildly flavoured compared to its counterpart biryani this dish sure does top it to favourite food lists of many especially the vegetarians and people who prefer mild flavours.

The mint peas pulao is actually a variation of my mint rice with cooked peas being an additional ingredient.

Cooking is all about experimenting. I love adding in new ingredients to existing dishes. When you succeed you have a brand new dish. Voila !!

At the same time you need to be careful while experimenting. The ingredient that you chose to add or substitute shouldn’t overpower and spoil the dish on the whole.

For the same mint rice, I cannot add peanuts . But I can alternate the peas or chhole or chickpeas. So experiment but know how and what.

This mint pulao is made with seeraga samba rice variant. The grains are much shorter but the aroma and flavours are to die for. Also you would require more quantity of rice than basmati because of the size.

Mint pulao recipe

Ingredients

To grind

  • Mint leaves 1 cup
  • Chilli -2 long
  • Poppy seed -1 tbsp
  • Small onions-3-4
  • Ginger -1′ piece
  • Garlic – 2 pods
  • Cinnamon -1′ stick
  • Cloves -2
  • Elaichi-1
  • Star anise -1
  • Bay leaf-1
  • Coconut shredded- 2 tbsp

The whole spices must be soaked in hot water for about 15 mins before being grounded.

  • Seeraga samba rice -1 cup (200 GM’s)
  • Oil as required
  • Green peas -100 GM’s
  • Salt as required
  • Ghee – 2 tbsp
  • One potato boiled and cubed

Method

  • Soak the rice for 30 mins.
  • Grind the paste and keep ready.
  • In a cooker add ghee and oil.
  • Add in the ground paste , green peas and cubed potato.
  • Add little salt, stir and cook for 5 mins until raw smell goes off.
  • Add soaked rice mix.
  • For 1 cup of rice add 1 cup of water.
  • Adjust salt and cook for 1 Whistle.
  • Cook in simmer for 3 mins and turn off.
  • Release pressure, fluff with fork and add ghee.
  • Mix ghee and serve hot with raitha.

Sweet potato sticks

An absolutely perfect side for mint peas pulao. This can be made spicy or just mild depending on your need. This is also a healthy snacking option. Did you know that this can also be offered as snack post 9 months for baby.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potato -3
  • Salt as required
  • Oil for shallow frying
  • Chill powder -2 tbsp
  • Cumin powder -1 tbsp
  • Chat masala-1 tbsp
  • Corn flour to coat the sticks

Method

  • Boil the sweet potato for one whistle.
  • Peel skin and cut into sticks or strips
  • They would be damp so quickly add in corn flour and the spice excluding chat masala.
  • Leave aside for about ten minutes.
  • Heat oil in a pan
  • Add the sticks and fry till golden brown.
  • Take out cool and add chat masala

Lipsmacking sweet potato sticks is ready to be eaten with mint peas pulao or even as snack.

You could also try the same recipe with raw banana, yam and potato. Like I said substitute and play. I’m sure you will definitely keep this recipe safer. Kids will definitely bug you for this snack.

On a healthier note, you could choose to bake the sticks instead of frying them.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

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Desi style pasta – no onion no garlic

Desi style pasta

We all know that pasta is an Italian dish. Be it the white bechamel or the red arabiatta, the flavours are mouthwatering and definitely would make you want more.

Garlic and herbs like oregano , basil take the level of taste to another world. They can taste bland but rich and flavourful with cheese and nutmeg.

But did you also know that you can make it in am Indianised way. Yes no basil, no oregano just Indian spices that can make mouthwatering pasta .

I did come across a lot of recipes named desi style pasta. It was navratri, a no onion no garlic time for us. Dinner options were making my head spin. I need a filling, lipsmacking dish that doesn’t require much effort or time. I also remembered the code no onion no garlic.

I had some uncooked pasta in the pantry waiting to be picked. So I decided to fulfill its wishes. That packet of pasta would be dinner tonight.

So here goes my desi style no onion no garlic pasta.

Ingredients

  • Pasta -200 GM’s
  • Salt as per taste.
  • Olive oil – 3-5 tbsp
  • Tomato chopped – 2
  • Capsicum chopped -1/2
  • Chilli powder-2 tbsp
  • Pepper powder-1 tbsp
  • Sugar -1/2 tbsp
  • Coriander powder – 2 tbsp
  • Tomato sauce -1 tbsp make sure you get the no onion no garlic variant
  • Coriander leaves for garnishing
  • Water to boil pasta
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Method:

  • Boil the water required for cooking pasta with a tbsp of salt and tbsp of olive oil.
  • Once water starts boiling add in pasta and cook till Al dente.
  • Drain and cool the pasta. Make sure they don’t stick to one another.
  • In a pan add 3 tbsp of olive oil.
  • Add chopped tomatoes,and sugar.
  • Cook until tomato is mushy.
  • Add chilli powder, coriander powder and pepper powder.
  • Cook for 3-4 mins until raw smell of spices go away.
  • Add chopped capsicum.
  • Cook closed for 2 mins.
  • Adjust salt. Add tomato sauce boil for a minute.
  • Add in the cooked pasta. Give it a mix.
  • Squeeze half a lime and turn off gas.
  • Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves.
  • This can be served with just hung curd.

This pasta is spicy cause we use chilli and pepper powders together. As a variation instead of the three powders you could also add sambar powder.

The spice of the chilli and pepper, tanginess of tomato, sourness from lime make the pasta taste absolutely lipsmacking. You only need curd for a side. But of you are someone who loves spicy food, then you should definitely try this out.

Most importantly this has no onion no garlic so you can also make this during festivals or when you’re breaking a fast.

I paired this with capsicum and mushroom tempura and paneer capsicum stir fry. These again do not have onion and garlic. Do let me know.in comments if you’d want me to share those recipes.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

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Things you never knew about facial massage and rollers

Facial massage

What is a facial massage?

A facial massage is a technique, that can be done manually by hands or with helps of facial roller available in the market. The technique involves gently massaging the facial skin.

Why facial massage?

A facial massage helps in increasing blood circulation, destressing and decreasing puffiness. The result of which is a smooth glowing healthy skin.

Typically the face has over 40 muscles, so a massage is great for resolving sinus issues , decreased puffiness with lymphatic drainage. The excess fluid us diverted to the lymph nodes later flushed with the toxins out of the body.

Manual facial massage

Manual facial massage involves applying slightest pressure while massaging the facial muscles with hands. It’s one of the most simplest way to having a healthy skin.

How to do facial massage with hands?

  • Make sure you wash your face and your hands are clean.
  • Take a little amount of cream or serum you use in your palms.
  • Apply gentle pressure to massage face.
  • Massage lymph areas under the ears and side of neck.
  • Smooth the lines on forehead.
  • Use fingers to massage eye area and slide along temples.
  • Use only light strokes.

Directions to use in facial massage

  • Chin to lip.
  • Nose, nostrils and lips to cheekbones horizontally. To be precise along the smile lines.
  • Massage neck from bottom to chin vertically.
  • Eyebrows to forehead.

Massaging with facial roller

Facial rollers

A small roller pin like tool with rollers of different sizes on both ends. It’s used in facial massage and can be made out of gem stones.

Typically these rollers are used to distribute the facial care products over the face evenly. Also guarantees a deeper absorption into the skin.

Facts about rollers

  • Facial rollers cannot slim the face. Removing puffiness can temporarily make it appear slim.
  • Facial rollers can contour your face when using them up at an angle. Pushing the movement by down the ear.
  • They help flushing out the toxins, by stimulating lymphatic drainage. This achieved massaging in a particular direction.
  • Since it helps in destressing, it helps you in changing your mood.
  • Most importantly helps in deeper absorption of skincare products.

How to Massage using facial roller?

  • Generously apply serum or moisturizer. Lubrication is key else the roller might tag skin. This could even result in wrinkles.
  • Roll up from the neck. No back and forth movement.
  • From the jawline to ear. Apply gentle pressure on both sides.
  • Forehead to the temples. This should be done only in upward direction.
  • Horizontal over the eyebrows. Use it flatly.

How often and how long?

A facial roller can be used daily typically for a few minutes to get destressing benefits.

Types of facial roller

  • Jade
  • Rose quartz
  • Amethyst
  • Obsidian
  • Metal
  • Teak wood

Jade and rose quartz are most commonly used rollers. Jade and metal are cold natured materials. So in order to have a cooling effect they needn’t be stored in refrigerator.

Rose quartz can withhold temperature, so for cold massage you can store the roller in refrigerator.

Jade is soft in terms of fragility with respect to quartz, hence quartz can last longer without breaking if accidentally dropped down.

Jade isn’t smooth in terms of stone texture, which helps in contouring due to the natural friction present.

Of all the rollers mentioned above , amethyst is said to give the skin purifying effects and also effective in treating acne.

On a concluding note, a facial roller is a good investment for healthy looking skin.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

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Spicy cow peas kurma – no onion no garlic

Cow peas kurma with no onion and garlic

With dussehra a lot many of us were into fasting, some didn’t take non vegetarian food and few like me wanted to take food without onion and garlic.

Not only for dussehra but also for certain auspicious days we tend to avoid adding onion and garlic to food. In South India, typically during the month of Purattasi ( mid September to mid October) people generally give up non vegetarian food cause of devotion to Lord Narayana and it’s an auspicious month.

These ten days during dussehra, I avoided added any onion and garlic to food and didn’t consume any outside food.

Dinner options were getting very limited. For lunch I planned to make the neivedhyam ( offering) for the day , which would become our lunch as well. A variety rice paired with boiled and tempered lentils also known as Sundal in the south. This would be offered to the God and kolu at homes.

But dinner for a big headache. For a person like me who tries including if not garlic but onion in most dishes, cooking during these days was challenging. That is when I started whipping out recipes without onion and garlic. Believe me they tasted equally good. I’m here giving you a recipe of a kurma that has no onion and garlic, but had lipsmacking taste. This goes well with rotis, phulkas, plain rice and even pulaos.

Ingredients

  • Cow peas – 100 GM’s
  • Tomato – 2 chopped into chunks roughly
  • Red chilli whole – as per your spice level
  • Potatoes – boiled, peeled and cubed
  • Cloves -2
  • Cinnamon -1′ piece
  • Cardamom -2 pods
  • Ginger – 1/2′ piece
  • Turmeric powder -1 tbsp
  • Shredded coconut – 4 tbsp
  • Salt – as per taste
  • Oil for tempering and sautéing
  • Cumin seeds -1 tbsp
  • Bay leaf -1
  • Saunf / fennel seeds -1 tbsp
  • Cashew – 4-5 pieces
  • Coriander leaves for garnishing
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Method

  • Soak cashew , cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, saunf in hot water for 20 minutes.
  • In a pan add oil saute tomato chunks, red chilli and ginger piece.
  • Once cooked until mushy ,cool it.
  • Once cooled add mushy tomatoes, soaked ingredients, shredded coconut and turmeric powder to blender and blend them smooth.
  • Dry roast cow peas in pan for about 3-4 minutes until you get slightly roasted aroma.
  • Boil it in pressure cooker with water and salt for about 5 whistles.
  • Release steam, cool drain and keep aside.
  • In a pan temper cumin seeds and add tomato masala paste.
  • Saute for a while add little salt.
  • Give it a light boil.
  • Add cooked cow peas and potato.
  • Mix it with the gravy, adjust consistency with water.
  • Boil for 5 minutes in simmer until you get kurma consistency.
  • Adjust salt.
  • Turn off gas ,add lemon juice ,mix and serve garnished with coriander leaves.

The quantity of ingredients mentioned above is for two people. You can scale up as per need.

The kurma is spicy cause of red chilli and ginger, with a light tinge of tanginess fro the lemon juice.

The kurma is a great side to rotis, phulkas, plain rice and pulaos. Do try out and let me know.

Cooking without onion and garlic is not difficult and there are lipsmacking recipes that taste equally good. I will be sharing a couple more if such recipes.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

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Charcoal for skin? Why should you choose Supersmelly?

Charcoal for Skincare

What is activated charcoal?

A form of carbon that has low volume pores but can increase surface area for adsorption.

Why is it used in Skincare?

As mentioned above it could magnify the amounts of absorption and there by bring out dirt and impurities from skin. So skin looks clear and dirt free. This is why, activated charcoal finds it’s place is a wide range of skincare and personal care items.

Benefits of activated charcoal for skin

Activated charcoal for Skincare

Removes impurities

Since activated charcoal can absorb out toxins from body, the masks can help remove dirt and impurities from skin.

Reduces acne

Collection of sebum(facial oil) in skin pores can make them clog as a result of which you could see acne breakouts. Activated charcoal helps to bring out the excess oil from the pores and keeps them free.

Reduces oiliness

Activated charcoal helps in removing dead skin cells by exfoliation and helps in absorbing excess oil present in skin, there by reducing oiliness in skin.

Doesn’t adsorb vitamins

Though activated charcoal helps in clearing out toxins from skin, it doesn’t adsorb the needed vitamins and nutrients. Therefore skin remains healthy in a natural way.

Doesn’t cause allergy

Due to the nature of being inert, activated charcoal doesn’t call any allergies and most importantly it suits sensitive skin.

About the brand Supersmelly

Founded by a Super mom, Dipali Mathur Dayal and her friend Milan Sharma. Dipali Washington shocked to see the labels when she went to pick a deodorant for her tween. The ingredients listed made her think that this is not what teens would want. They need products that are all natural , safe and effective to use and not some pesticide in attractive labels and catchy bottles.

The brand name absolutely makes your head turn and ask many questions. One answer that is all the more satisfactory to give you a go and make you pick it up , they’re India’s first brand of natural and toxin free personal care products for tweens and teens.

Bright and glow

Bright and glow regime from Supersmelly

A combination of face wash and face pack formulated to give you the bright and glowing skin.

Charcoal and aloe Vera face wash

Face wash

Contains activated charcoal, Asian ginseng and aloe Vera . Activated charcoal helps in flushing out the toxins and helps in deep cleansing the skin.

The consistency isn’t runny and is just pasty enough to be squeezed off using. Upon continuous usage , the results are visible with bright and glowing skin. The face wash also helps in removing excess oil, there reducing chances for breakouts to occur. Also helps in killing acne causing bacteria.

I also noticed that acne marks which I had previously have started to lighten on continuous usage.

The face wash is made of natural ingredients with no toxins and parabens. Most importantly no chemicals.which would cause skin irritation.

The face wash helps in exfoliation thereby removing dead skin cells.

Suited for all skin types, the face wash is a good option to be included in Skincare routine.

Helps in de-tanning and achieve even skin tone.

The facewash is suited for anyone above 7years of age.

Activated awesomeness is the name of the face wash and keeps up to it name by giving you a bright skin.

Ingredients

  • Activated charcoal – Helps eliminate dirt and excess oil from skin.
  • Aloe Vera – Helps combat harsh effects of pollution,UV rays and acne.
  • Vitamin A C & E – Helps in boosting collagen production and healthy skin . Also helps against sun damage.
  • Asian ginseng – Remove dead skin cell and promote elasticity.

Price: Rs. 379 for 100ml on Amazon and on their website.

How to use ?

  • Wet face with water.
  • Squeeze little amount on hand or to a sponge.
  • Apply evenly, massage in circular motion.
  • Wash with cold water and pat dry.

Natural go glow activated charcoal face pack

Face pack

The face pack acts like a magnet. Yes, it pulls out all dirt and impurities from skin. Absolutely love how it removes effects of pollution and dust.

The face pack removes tan and gives bright glowing skin.

This is a cleanliness freak, because it helps wiping away dirt accumulation in the pores and helps in unclogging.

Helps in rejuvenation of skin, keeping it healthy.

Ingredients

  • Activated charcoal- removes dirt and excess oil. Helps in exfoliation as well.
  • Aloe Vera- Combats effects of pollution, UV rays. Provides moisturization.
  • Cocoa powder – Helps in brightening skill. Also reversal of damage from sun and tanning.
  • Bentonite clay or volcanic ash – prevents blackheads, helps unclog pores, flushes out toxins and skim regeneration.
  • Kaolin mud – Helps in cleansing and absorption of impurities.
  • Argan, olive, peach and apricot oil- helps in skin nourishment.
  • Multani clay : Helps in maintaining even skin tone and brightness.
  • Coffee seeds – Helps reduce puffiness and boost blood circulation.
  • Green clay – Exfoliates skin and reduces inflammation.
  • Dead sea salt – Helps in removing toxins, boost blood circulation and balance skin pH.

The mask doesn’t smell overly pungent, compared to the other charcoal mask that I have used previously. It’s light on the skin and easy to wash off.

Price : Rs. 599 for 70gms available on Amazon and on their website.

How to use?

  • Apply the mask evenly on to skin with bare hands or with a brush.
  • Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
  • Wash off with cold water by gently applying circular motion on skin.

The mask and the face wash are available together as a combo known as bright and glow regimen for Rs. 978. They can also be purchased individually.

Reasons why you should try Supersmelly

  • Cruelty free as it’s not tested on animals.
  • Vegan friendly certified
  • Australian allergy certified
  • Dermatologically tested as hypoallergenic.
  • Made safe , nontoxic certified.
  • Australian certified as allergen free.

They also have a wide range of other personal care products like deodorants, moisturisers, lipbalms and sanitizer.

The products are available individually or as combos.

Check out their website to know more about them and to purchased products.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

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Irresistibly lipsmacking recipes for toddlers #myfriendalexa

Toddlers are little humans who are just getting to know the world around them. Food, people, surroundings are what they start exploring with.

Looking around people analysing their behaviour from what they talk , do and eat always fascinates them. They try imitating and feel happy doing it.

Have you eve noticed the toddler demanding to eat like an adult. Yes they feel kind of accomplished or superior if their demand is fulfilled .

Quite often us adults are in a way responsible for the way they eat and also reject foods. Since I already told you they love to imitate this is not only in normal behaviour but also seen when choosing what to eat.

Junk foods , ready to eat, fried foods, food containing maida gain more popularity through media and their peers. Kids also demand getting these at home.

I will not say that we should right away reject or deny. See of you are able to give in to them, but as a healthy option that you are able to offer.

Here are two recipes that never go wrong and I tell you that your toddlers would want you making this on demand frequently.

UPMA CHEESE BALLS

Upma cheese balls

Upma is most often a less looked upon option for tiffen especially by the spouses and the kids. With this recipe below I’m sure that they will trouble you to make upma here on.

Ingredients

  • Upma – 1/2 cup (100gm)
  • Besan / chickpea flour- needed to coat the balls. Say a 100gm
  • Cheese cubes -2
  • Salt- as needed
  • Oil for frying

You could alternatively do an air fry as well.

METHOD

  1. Make upma into balls but adding little ghee so that it’s easier to mould them as balls. I generally use semolina upma. You could also alternatively try with poha/vermicelli upma.
  2. Cut cheese cubes into bite sized pieces and place inside the upma balls.
  3. Make a batter of besan,salt and water . You could add pepper if you need spice. I’ve not because the upma already has enough spice. Make sure the batter is of dripping consistency.
  4. Heat oil in a wok. Add the besan coated balls and fry until golden brown.
  5. They could be had with tomato ketchup, mayonnaise or even hung curd.

You could also air fry them, as I had mentioned above. In that case you could coat them with bread crumbs post the besan batter coating. Leave for a while and then fry.

BUN PIZZA

Bun pizza on tawa

Kids often get tempted seeing the variety of pizzas shown on TV. More or less during dine in I’ve seen more of wastage when parents order pizza as per the kids choice. You could try the below method at home to make bun sized pizza. It’s satisfactory to the kid and also easy on your pockets. Most importantly it’s home cooked so you needn’t worry about hygiene.

Ingredients

  • Bun – 2
  • Cheese slices -2
  • Cheese cube -2
  • Mix veggies – onion tomato capsicum and baby corn
  • Pizza spice – 2 tbsp
  • Tomayo ketchup -2 tbsp
  • Oil as per need
  • Butter for toasting
  • Salt and pepper- as per taste

METHOD

  1. Add oil in a pan, saute all the veggies together . Season with salt and pepper. They only need to be half cooked.
  2. Add butter to the same pan and toast the outer brown side of the bun.
  3. Once toasted, apply tomato ketchup to the inner side.
  4. Place the cheese slice on top of the ketchup layer.
  5. Now arrange the veggies on top.
  6. Sprinkle pizza spice or individually sprinkle chilli flakes and oregano.
  7. Close with lid and cook until cheese melts.
  8. I bet you will never look to place an order for pizza.
  9. You could also play with toppings as you like it.

Do try these recipes and let me know in comments. This is my first recipe post. I’d be happy to take feedback.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.

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Review of words from my window: A journal by Ruskin bond #myfriendalexa

BLURB
I need a window to look at the world without; for only then can I look at the world within. A room without a window is rather like a prison cell, and the soul is inclined to shrivel up in a confined space. … Car horns, children calling to each other as they return from school, a boy selling candyfloss, several crows chasing a hawk! Never a dull moment. And the magic mountain looks on, absorbing everything.

MY REVIEW

Ruskin bond, a personal favourite right from childhood, and was a fan moment when I got the journal words from my window. 📝 A lovely collection of all his thoughts from the various windows that have shown the author some picturesque views.
📝Some that show busy streets, some on the roof with a top view, some opening to wide mountains. 📝They all have played a major part on influencing his writings which we have been reading in the past.
📝 Complete collection of a number of short verses and lovely watercolor painting to support them hand in hand.
📝A cherished possession for all Ruskin bond fans and a wonderful gift to anyone who loves books and picturesque views.
📝Loved the note signed by the author that left a personal touch.
📝The lined pages that give you a feel to compile some of our own experiences is definitely making the book a special one to combine memories from his and our lives together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruskin Bond’s first novel, The Room on the Roof, written when he was seventeen, received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written a number of novellas (including Vagrants in the Valley, A Flight of Pigeons and Mr Oliver’s Diary), essays, poems and children’s books, many of which have been published by Penguin Books. He has also written over 500 short stories and articles that have appeared in magazines and anthologies. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992, the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.

Ruskin was born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, and grew up in Jamnagar, Dehradun, New Delhi and Simla. As a young man, he spent four years in the Channel Islands and London. He returned to India in 1955. He now lives in Landour, Mussoorie, with his adopted family.

Dan Williams (Illustrator)
Dan Williams lives and works in London. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1989 he has worked with many distinguished clients in the publishing world. In 2018 Dan illustrated a short prose poem by Khaled Hosseini entitled Sea Prayer. An emotional response to the current refugee crisis, it has since gone on to receive international acclaim.

I am taking my blog to the next level with blogchatter’s #myfriendalexa.
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Review of N for Nourish by Pooja Makhija #myfriendalexa

BLURB

Do you know why eating right is so important? Because it’s food that makes you zip through classes, tear across the football field or win that game of chess. The right diet influences your mood, your thoughts and even your ability to have fun.
With the aid of innovative models and striking visuals, this book will help you understand the components of a healthy diet, what makes the five fingers of nutrition (and how they turn into a power-packed punch) and the importance of sleep, water and exercise in your day-to-day life. Not only does this contain the ABCs of nutrition but also a series of amazing facts about how food can change your life.
N for Nourish will make you look at yourself and what you eat in an absolutely new light!

Review

MY REVIEW

Been a fan of her after eat delete and eat delete junior.
Was eagerly waiting for N for nourish.
First thing when I got my hands in this. I knew I could have solutions for fuzzy eating problems.
🍉 Five fingers of nutrition – Carbohydrates ( simple and complex) , vitamins,minerals, proteins and fats . The chapter describing the importance of each element and how to be consumed.
🍒How to eat -Making fist( meal having five fingers), eating at home, every two hours, to know the friends(categorising food as friends) great concept of classification. Knowing right proportions to eat.
🍓What happens when- the I’ll effects of skipping breakfast, too much of junk or sugar consumption, not having good sleep, not having enough water , not doing much of exercise.
🍑the food world and the food alter egos – talks about environmental exposure to food.
🍊- eating for future – talks about eating for exams, sports happiness.
🍇H for help- explains about the nutritional facts and the food labels that explain them.
🥥On the whole a book that teaches you goodness of food and also ill effects of having junk and sugary foods. The exercises at the end make the book even more interesting.
Loved the colorful illustrations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pooja spends most of her time telling adults what to eat-adults like Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor. But she also counsels children like you and her two daughters, who are about your age. She teaches children about the wonder and magic of food, and she finds that giving them the right tools at the right time helps them reap lifelong benefits. And even though she’s strict about her kids eating right, she is-by her own account-a fun person to live with. Pooja resides in Mumbai but eats everywhere.

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Review of The happy fruit adventures #myfriendalexa

BLURB
What if happiness was a fruit and life a jungle, one had to cross to find it? Two nineteen-year-old boys set about a journey through a jungle called ‘life’ in search of the happy fruit. They both take different paths. On their way, they come across various challenges and distractions, myriad beasts and men. From insight-the owl with a unique power, to monster pessimism-the giant snake with legs to stand on. The boys find it the most enchanting place but an evil outcast named doctor Diablo forms an army to take control of and annihilate the jungle. But a chain of sudden events puts the teens between him and his fiendish objective. The boys find support from master experience, who reveals what lies ahead; commander courage, who leads the way into battle; and princess envy, who brews a mysterious, pulpy potion. Will the boys win the war and find the happy fruit? The happy fruit adventures is an exciting, allegorical tale about the journey of life.

BOOK DETAILS

Format : paperback

Publisher : Readomania

MY REVIEW

A book that describes life and the challenges it throws upon us . How do we survive? How do we tackle them? Wait this is not a non fiction self help book.
It’s a fictional book but also one that can make you learn things about life.
The comparison of happily as a fruit and life as a jungle is mind-blowing setting a solid plot. The two 19 year old boys who set out on a journey to find happiness is greatly explained in an enjoyable fictitious manner.
The challenges that are thrown at these boys and how they tackle is what we learn from the book. Most often we take the road that people take very often, the one that is well-known and easier.
I loved the meaningful naming of each character and the subsequent thought that went behind it.
A simple and an engaging narration while teaching you the life lessons makes this a great book to read .
The Uber cute illustrations are definitely a plus and kudos to the cover design and the map.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
P. K. Hari Ram Narayanan was born in Bangalore, India. His father got transferred often, so he grew up in a variety of places ranging from the tranquil Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep to the buzzing capital city of New Delhi. Hailing from a family of eminent writers, he was exposed to the classics of literature from a young age. His first published article, ‘Mouse click for a toothpick’ appeared in The New Indian Express when he was at school. He went on to write in other renowned publications such as The Hindu, India Today and The Economic Times. In 2017, he won the NaNoWriMo challenge and he was also one of the finalists of the ‘Write India Contest’ held by The Times of India. The Happy Fruit Adventures is his first book. For his day job, Hari works as a marketer for Zoho, where he writes about leading teams and managing work in the modern office. He has travelled extensively across the United States, Europe, Australia and of course, India talking about how Zoho’s offerings can help businesses work better. He lives in Chennai with his wife Krithika. When at home, both have their noses buried deep in some form of writing or are busy planning their next getaway.

I am taking my blog to the next level with blogchatter’s #myfriendalexa.