My version of Sweet Potato

Sweet potato comes under our evening snack menu once a week. We all love steamed & baked version of Sweet potatoes. I always make my evening snack simple and quick so that i wont get exhausted to cook dinner. So, let's have a look of my simpler evening snack version 😀

Steamed version :

Peal the skin and chop the potatoes.

Steam for 10 minutes in a steamer/Idli maker.

Sprinkle Chilli powder/Chaat masala.

Baked Version :

Peal the skin and Chop the potatoes

In a baking tray smear ghee.

Place the potato pieces on the tray with spaces in between.

Bake for 15 minutes(200C) by flipping in between.

Sprinkle Chilli Powder/Chaat masala/Cumin powder.

Do share your your version of sweet potato recipes in the comments section 😍

Balancing Gadget/TV time

Our thoughts : TV/Gadgets are not bad, there are many things that kids can learn from these, but over usage might lead to health and mental hazard. So we are not completely against TV and Gadget time but we explain and try to make them understand the pros and cons of using gadgets and restrict their time limit.

When I got married and started to live in a separate house, We didn't consider buying a TV when we started to furnish our house. Vijay and I are not TV person but instead we used to watch videos of our interest in internet or buy DVD to watch movies. We used to avoid using desktop or laptop when Albrain was awake. Until he went to playschool at the age of 3, we engaged him with board puzzles, books and went out almost every weekend (Park and Beach mostly). 

When Albrain was in Pre KG, he didn't accept that TV would come under living room things. That time we thought we should also give him TV time and hence we bought a TV. Things completely changed after the new arrival. Albrain started to sit in front of TV for long time, he ate in front of TV, played in front of TV, his TV time was more than other activities. I was scared to stop TV time abruptly as he might repel. I made a point to him that he shouldn't mix up activities with TV time, for example if he eat food, he has to sit in the dining area instead of sitting in front of TV. If he has to play, he needs to play and then keep the toys aside before he switch on the TV. He can choose any one hour in a day for TV time(I made sure that he doesn't watch TV and sleep immediately). His TV time got gradually decreased over time and got under control. 

When it comes to Almind, not only TV, smart phones, laptops was already a part of our life. The same set of rules were insisted on Almind too, no mixing other activities with TV/gadget time. During weekdays both of them do not have time to watch TV as they are tightly engaged in school and after school activities. So, on weekends, Almind can watch any program for two hours on Saturday and Albrain on Sunday. They used to watch kids series or some youtube videos. 

Vijay and I watch movie/series on Friday nights. Kids go to bed at 8pm daily. So we both watch for 2 hours till 10pm. 

We used to go to theatres when any animated/3D movie gets released. If it's some Hollywood action movies, Albrain and Vijay used to go to theatre to watch. 

Kids are now exposed more to screen time because of online classes, but we make sure that they shut down the tab/laptop once the classes are over. 

Points we learned and observed over time :

Both Albrain and Almind gets bored with toys over the time. Even if its their favourite toy, they get engaged with it only for few days. So, instead of buying them toys we did these activities to engage them. 

** Exposing them to different routines - Hopscotch, Cycling on terrace, cleaning herbs and spinach, arranging fruits and vegetables in fridge and baskets, basic house cleaning, arranging their cloths, making their bed, opening and closing windows.

** Encouraging them to draw - give them some theme like beach scene or summer day or their future house, ask them to make handmade greeting cards for friends and family on special occasions.

** Motivating them to write stories or poems - Theme based poems like fathers day, earth day, save animals, preserve water. Give them some random words/objects and ask them to write a short story using those words/objects. Ask them to write a story about random topics.

** Journal Writing - Note down the happenings of their day in a notebook or diary along with date. 

I hope all parents who read this blog could relate 😍Share your parenting experience in the comments 😀

Lasagna, Cheesy Chicken & Fried fish steak

Food - always uplifts my mood. When i am down or i'm on a work break, i like to try new cuisine or our family favorite dishes. Today in between my weekly off from work, i wanted to try my families favourite dish Lasagna. I used to try various versions in this. This time tried with veggies and meat together. As always everyone in our family enjoyed the meal. 

Here is my version of Lasagna and Steaks

CHESSY CHICKEN

Marinate Chicken Breast steak (1 Kg), Minced ginger(1 tbsp) Minced garlic(1tbsp), Salt, Pepper powder(3tsp), lemon juice(1tsp) for 30 minutes.

Line up the marinated steaks in a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes at 200C.

Remove and flip the steaks. Place the chesse slice over the chicken and bake again for 10 minutes.

Almind's Journal

My younger kid's journal (Almind, 6 years) 

 Today morning I asked him to keep a share of Prasadam for his brother and dad...after returning from work, I got to know that he ate everything, I asked him whether he understood what I told him in the morning. He didn't say anything, I told him that it really makes me upset because I have clearly explained and trusted him because when I was leaving to work my elder one was in his online classes and my husband in his office call. I didn't talk to him for sometime. Later he asked sorry and promised that he won't repeat it again. Now before going to sleep he wrote this in his journal that he won't be selfish 

 

Tears are rolling wanted to squeeze that kutty Sathan but he slept already

 

My Dumbbells desire 🥰

My childhood desire came true today ❤️

I used to watch my cousin brothers who uses dumbbells daily but I am not supposed to even touch it as I may hurt myself 😪  After marriage I hear the same dialog from Vijay too 🙄 he says I need a proper trainer otherwise I'll end up in cramp or sprain. 

When I think of exercise,  my mind goes to dumbbells scene. Even in movies dumbbells and weights are shown when someone exercise.

I haven't hit a gym in my life so didn't get a chance to use dumbbells... Today in Beledi session, we were asked to bring dumbbells or 1 litre water bottles. I happily dusted the dumbbells instead of water bottles.  I was excited to use those dumbbells and I really enjoyed the whole session. I didn't have heart to drop the dumbbells even during the break time 🥰 

Thanks Theju(Rightangle fitness) for an amazing session again ❤️ I had guilt free and guided one hour session with dumbbells 😍

And finally my childhood desire came true 😊

New addition ❤️ Bell Chime

How cool is this ❤️ 

Can you hear the reverberation of this bell? 

Our new play at home, whoever crosses this bell chime will hit this to hear this divine sound ❣️

PS : It's a gift from a friend so I have no idea where to get this.

#rtvj #cozyaround #homesweethome #livethemoment

Albrain's Rubik's Cube and his milestone

 2013 - When Albrain was in UKG, we went for a doctor's visit. We usually carry some books and travel friendly puzzles to engage him during the waiting time. That time we had a Rubik's cube which has numbers in the side (It was a gift from Vijay's office). During our waiting time Albrain was shuffling the cube, it was a long wait that day, he lost his patience. He started nagging us. We asked him to solve one side of the cube. To our surprise he solved without our help. Then we asked him to try the other side too, he couldn't complete it but tried to solve it as much as he could. 

When we reached home, Vijay immediately learned to solve Rubik's cube from youtube and taught Albrain. Next day when Vijay went for work, Albrain solved all sides of the Rubik's cube by himself. I was so surprised and wanted to capture the moment. Immediately i shuffled the cube and asked him to solve once again, he did and i recorded. I uploaded the video in his youtube channel. This is the video link :

I started hunting for Rubik's cube classes and competitions but in vain. I couldn't find proper Rubik's classes at that time and also the competitions listed in the internet were not in India. So, we bought him all types of Rubik's cubes(2*2, Pyramid, Barrel, No Centre and different sized cubes) that we could find in store and just encouraged him to explore and solve the different types of cubes at home. 

Once when we saw an open Rubik's cube challenge at Hamley's Chennai, we decided to take him there. It was an open tournament wherein there was no age limit listed to participate in it. He was the youngest participant. While solving, his cube tumbled down but without any panic Albrain picked up the cube and solved it. He solved the puzzle in 2 minutes 46 seconds.

He got featured in his school website and Talentzhub website which was motivating for him.

His friends used to come home and learn Rubik's cube from him and also some of his friends' parents and my friends have also learned the technique of solving the cube. During lockdown he took online classes for kids who are interested in solving the cube. He has uploaded Rubik's cube tutorials in his youtube channel. I'll link down the tutorial below

Click here to watch Albrain's Rubik's cube tutorial videos

From a friend named Aishu, I got to know about Tamil Nadu Cube Association. I called them and enrolled Albrain in speeding technique classes. Later the same month, got info regarding Nobel World Record from the same friend Aishu. We checked the records made previously related to Rubik's cube and we decided to set a new record. The event was scheduled on a weekend at K. S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Erode. The slot given for Albrain was on Sunday(14-03-2021) at 10:00am. He entered the stage with 10 cubes and a timer. The judges shuffled his cubes and started the timer. Albrain solved eight 2*2 cubes in one minute. Yayyy he set a record in Nobel World Record under "Maximum number of 2*2 Rubik's Cube solved in 60 seconds". He was honoured by Mr Selvamani, Politician. That's our proud moment.

Karupu uludham Kanji - Black urad dal porridge recipe

Black Urad dal porridge has ample of benefits when it comes to women's health. Today I wanted to try it again after a long trip and a week of sedentary work(Couldn't move around as usual).

There are various options in making this sweet porridge. We can add cashews roasted in ghee or add coconut into it. I am not a big fan of ghee and coconut so let's see my simpler version of karupu uludham Kanji 😊

Black Urad dal - 1 cup

Panam karkandu - 4 tsp

Cardamom powder - a pinch

Salt a pinch

*Wash and Soak black Urad dal for an hour.

*Grind it to a smooth paste.

*In a pan boil water and add the grinded paste.

*Mix well without any lumps.

*Let it boil till the raw smell goes off.

*Add the panam karkandu, cardamom powder and salt.

*Mix well and serve.

We had it as a dessert after our meal. My kids also had and liked it. Do try it and also let me know your version of this porridge in comment session 😊

My morning routine on a special day

 

Today morning is a special start for me. Yes i'm getting rewarded for my consistency and completing the January Fitness Challenge 2021 organised by Zealous Gang - Driven by Zeal and Fitness.  The Prize distribution program was scheduled between 7am - 7:30am at RA Puram, Chennai. I planned to pick up my friend Devi(She was also a finisher of the challenge). 

With all these in my mind, i started my morning routine with an enthu. I lit the lamps, fed the fishes and watered the plants. Today i didn't have a Yoga session, so did some dance workout from youtube. At 5:30am Almind woke up, when Vijay and Albrain was ready for the morning jog. Mostly they will jog for an hour or sometime more. I didn't want to leave Almind alone at home so asked him whether he could join me for the prize distribution program and promised him that we can quickly reach home before his online sessions. He was so happy that he showered and got ready before me. I took my shower and left home. On the way i picked Devi and we all reached the venue before the program started. 

There were bunch of morning Cyclist, who had already finished their regular cycling and assembled at Noel's Cycle Lane, RA Puram. The program started with the welcome speech and introduction of the Chief Guest. A few lines about the Chief guest :

Balachandar Subramanian is an Indian professional wheelchair tennis player who is currently practicing in SDAT stadiums (Mogappair & Nungambakkam) with a strong focus of achieving ITF international tournaments. He started his tennis career in 2006 and has been continuously practicing hard to achieve in International, National and State circuit tournaments.

Short Term Goal – He has a short term goal of achieving in international level ITF Futures, ITF 3, 2, & 1 tournaments.

Long Term Goal - He has a long term goal of acquiring Medal for India in Paralympics, Para Asian Games, World Cup and grand slams.

Very interesting profile right? Now you can understand my excitement. Yes yes, I'm going to receive my reward from him.

The prizes were distributed to all the finishers. They had a special session after that, 3 lucky winner gets a home baked cake. A kid from the gang picked up the first lucky winner and Whoo its my friend Devi. For the second lucky winner pick they called Almind, he picked a lucky winner. My instinct said that ill get that cake when i heard its homemade, sugar free, maida free Apple Walnut Crumble. Another child is called upon to pick the third lucky winner, YES YES it's MEEEEEE. Coffee and Cake was distributed. We had a slice of the yummiest healthy cake. TWe collected our cakes, thanked everyone, took some group pics and selfies and left the place. I take this opportunity to thank all the organizers and motivators for constantly motivating and inculcating fitness into everyone's life. We reached home by 8:30am. 

I had some unfinished morning routine. Cleaned the birds cage, Mopped the floor(Albrain Sweeps the floor daily), cleaned bathrooms and went into kitchen to cook. Vijay had already cooked Bottle gourd moor kulambu. I did Lady's finger fry for side dish. Also i cooked prawn millet noodles for dinner. 

I started to pen down my special day in my blog. Now, I'm starting to my School for my online classes.

Watch the glimpse of my morning in the below video.

What I did on a Women's day

As everyday I started my day at 4:00am. Did my usual chores like opened windows and main door, lit lamps, took shower, watered my plants, fed my fishes, cleaned my parakeets cage and got ready for my yoga class. 

5am - 6am is my yoga class. It was an amazing session as always.

6:15am - 7:15am I have my mindfulness session. I vented out my distress, discussed about the change in me and learned new chakara and meditation today.

After the session i had some office work to do, so i continued staying in the balcony where i attended mindfulness session. 

When I went inside after my work, Vijay already cooked chicken curry & rice for lunch and boiled milk. Thank god that saved a lot of my time. I kept fruits for kids for breakfast. Yes, we eat unprocessed and uncooked food for a meal in a day.

Almind gave me a cute handmade card. Kids started with their online classes and Vijay with his office work. I started to get ready for a school, where I was invited as a chief guest.

I went to the school(Chennai girl's higher secondary school, Perambur) after many diversions and misdirection of google map. I was late by10 minutes 😭 I met my cousin Deepika there, had a word with the head mistress. I was asked to address the 11th grade kids on the topic "Do's & Don't of technology in Covid". I have already sent my presentation slides through email so everything was set well in advance.

In the auditorium, there were bunch of 200+ girls eagerly waiting for my speech.  After the formal introduction i started my presentation. Since it was a post lunch session, i thought students would be sleepy but to my surprise it was an interactive session. I was so happy when a couple of girls asked questions and got their doubts cleared. One student said few things in the slide are new to her. Happiness is sharing knowledge, you all agree right? 🙂

When I came out of the school, suddenly I thought of visiting my in laws who stayed very close by that school.  My Mother in law likes chocolate cakes. So bought her few chocolate cake slices and went to their place. My in laws are all surprised when they saw me. Wished Patti who is 90 years old and my mil for women's day, spent some time there and returned back home.

After reaching home had some evening snacks, spent some time with kids. Albrain gave me a beautiful hand made card. Then I got ready for my online Beledi sesssion at 6:30pm. After the session, showered, prepared and had dinner. Spent some time on blog and winding up the day with lots of love and memories 😍

Hope you all had a great day 😎

With Love

Aarthy ❤️

International Women's Day 2021

I was tagged in few posts for women's day. I'm attaching those below and also my view on women's day 😊

Tag 1 - Thanks for the tag Vaidehi Sivaraman 😊

More power to every woman who loves to cook. But what about the ones who feel more at home at a place other than the kitchen? 

These women should have the option of leaving the cooking to appliances. Because, the kitchen is a place for gadgets. #AWomansPlace is wherever she wants it to be. To me #awomansplace  is where she believes in herself, makes decisions and brings a change for herself and others 💜

If you feel the same way, please share a video or photo with a placard completing the sentence. 

#AWomansPlace is…….. 

Nominating friends who have carved a place for themselves outside the kitchen. ( I nominated few friends on my insta and FB friends list here)

#womensday #internationalwomensday #womensday2021 #awomansplace #womenpower #womanpower

Tag 2 : Thanks for the tag Amala Rani 😊

CHANGE BEGINS FROM YOU!!!

I #ChooseToChallenge with the Fitness Journey for this Women’s Day 2021 

I Choose to CHALLENGE,Not only On this Day but EVERYDAY .

Happy INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day!!!

My Views now 💜

I have crossed many women in my life and my favourite/role models would be my mom, sister, in laws and cousins because i have lived with them, seen their struggles, the way they handle situations, rise again and get back more stronger 🤰🏻🤱🏻

I do have role models outside my family -  my friends and public figures 👭🏻

When people ask me is it right to celebrate a single day for a women? First of all there is no right or no wrong in the world. It all depends on the situation and perception. For me yes everyday is an awesome day to celebrate, and there is no wrong in celebrating a single day with extra special effects ❤️

One point every women has to remember every single day is she is worth more than anything in the world. It doesn't mean we should put down the opposite gender. We have our own uniqueness, our own strength, our own ambition, our own dream. Always chase it and you will find the real happiness and peace.

Couldn't understand what i mean?  I'll post a situation here, see if you can relate to it.

I visited a friend's place long back. She is a happy homemaker. After a long talk and our chats she said she is very happy being at home taking care of kids and family. I'm really happy to hear that my friend is living a happy and contented life. But something was hindering me when i was travelling back home, is she really who she was? whom i have been friend during school days? Who had so much of dreams, passion, ambition and potential?

Sometimes we women fall prey to praises. When a family member says that we cook and maintain our home clean. We think that we are born for that. No, think about the ambition you had, the dreams you dreamt, the struggles you faced to choose a path.

We women are multitaskers by nature. We can do many jobs perfectly but at the end what you desire inside is all matters.

Happy Women's day everyday 😍

With Love

Aarthy ❤️

Product Review - Maney's creations in wood

I have already customized and bought many products from Maney's creations in wood. Recently converted our old wardrobe doors into Fish tank table and a mini coffee station ☕

Why I always blindly choose Maney's creations in wood for my home and work place is their consistency in quality and sturdiness. The classy look gives our home and workplace an amazing rich look ❣️ and one more advantage is we can customise to our own requirement and space. Vinay sir always suggests and gives us the best option. 

I will attach the products that I purchased from Maney's creations in wood below 

Thanks again Vinay sir, you have never failed to amaze us with more than our expectation 

 Happy to see our old wardrobe doors turned into a beautiful sturdy fish tank stand 

 Love the classy door handle 

When i visited a reflexology centre some months back, i saw a long white table which was very comfortable to fold my legs and sit. I used to wait in that table during my visit. I found it very comfortable and wanted to have the same in my balcony space where i used to meditate and sit in silence or somedays i work there. I sent the pic of the table to Vinay sir and told him my requirement, he suggested some changes and made this. As always quality is the best. Look at the lovely table in my balcony area ❤️

This hanging showpiece holder adds an extra calmness to my meditation place ❤️ Watch the add-on beauty of the place

Mic Podium for school. Adjustable height and light weight to carry anywhere with ease. 

Winner podium for kids. A new concept where all the 3 toppers stand on the same pedestal..... Isn't being number one just a "milestone" and not a permanent glory

Thank you Vinay sir for the early morning customized gift for guessing the product right

Women's day can't be more rewarding 

These words from the person I admire means a lot to me 

 Thank you so much sir for the customized gift

Unique, customized and best quality guaranteed 

 Ordered bunch of kids cot for our school, Vinay sir patiently listened and suggested changes and took of efforts to make a perfect one for our kids 

When i wanted to honour my well wishers and guides of my life, Vinay sir was in my list 😀

 Happy happy to see our own names etched on placemats and coasters.

Thanks thanks thanks a lot @manepalli Vinay sir for delivering more than what we expected. Perfect Color, smooth finishing and cozy design gives an add-on attraction to our dining area. Now our dining time made classic with these adorable beauties 

My recent order would be tracing table, which he gave an add-on of sitting table considering the safety of our school kids. A passionate crafter I have ever met in my life. More orders coming your way sir

 

 

Ordered this for School Golu Celebration but ended up using it on my table to display my miniature favorite 

 Thank you Maney's Creation Vinay sir for this amazing product. Going to order one more for school again 

Here are our few customised momento he made for our school

Lockdown Lesson

 **Not a promotional post

**Wanted to share something which might be useful to someone which taught me a lesson not to ignore any symptoms at any point of time.

Like many others, this lockdown was a roller coaster for me when it comes to health. Had a major health issue which I ignored the symptoms from August 2020. Late November 2020 I was completely devasted to see my blood test result where the values are abnormal and was under many health complications. With the help of Ganasaraswathy Saravanan akka I visited naturopathy clinics(Dr Keerthana) and Aura reflexology(Mr Vedha) centre where I experienced different types of medications. As I was lethargic for 4 months(gained 15 kg of weight) and had ignored all symptoms, my health was really complicated to get treated in a natural way and I was suggested to visit a allopathic doctor for emergency treatment. Few days were really stressful where my thoughts were - whether I'll be alive with all these complications. Had and having heavy dosage of tablets and got treated with a gynic and a harmonal clinic doctor. And also following some lifestyle changes suggested by naturopathy doctor and Aura reflexology.

Challenged myself to some lifestyle change, joined Beledi and Yoga( Durai Yoga and Murugesan Ranjani team) and I walk on terrace when I have extra time. Also joined a mindfulness session by @GS akka. These people were really understanding, they listened to all the ailments of mine and customized and suggested alternative workout since I also have a knee injury...

Meanwhile I accepted friendly fitness challenges of Manepalli Vinay Babu Zealous Gang - Driven by Zeal and Fitness and fitbit challenges of Anita Sathish .. Though I didn't come first or be a winner in these challenges, they are real motivating where I can push myself forward each and every day. Also had a chance of learning tips from other similar fitness people.

With the perseverance and strong will I could see a difference both physically and mentally. I did not get back to my pre lockdown weight and shape but still I could feel the lightness in my body and mind. I started being ME again 

PS : I'm still under medication and religiously following all the changes that I adapted recently and I'm feeling much better than before 

 I gave myself a best gift for my birthday.

Lesson learnt : Listen to your body, no one knows you better than you 

 Don't ignore even a tiny bit of symptom. Always choose what's right for you and Be YOU no matter whether you go out for work or forced to be at home in a lockdown.