Icecream Stick Shelves   Creative crafts are the brain children of many talented crafters and artists, they create anything interesting from anything boring and simple. Using simple icecream sticks to make additional storage shelves to display light-weight items in any room or to make fruit holders for display on dining tables or counter tops is a very creative idea. And because this craft idea doesnot need any wood work skills, any drilling, nails and tools, anyone interested can take up this craft project. We need: A pack of atleast 50 icecream sticks Any industrial strength glue or wood glue An A1 size white paper A pencil or pen Acrylic color or Spray paint of your color choice A wide painting brush Strong twine for hanging     Stencil your desired shape on a plain paper and start laying the first layer. Now stick the second layer to the first, either creating a simple second layer or a combed look. Usually a 7-layer piece is strong enough. Using the same glue stick a piece of twine to the middle layer, inorder to hang the shelf to a hook or nail against the wall. Using a painting brush or a spray bottle, color the shelf with your desired color. As this shelf is strongly glued, it wouldnot break, however, since we used light-weight icecream sticks, it can handle light-weight items for display or can hold watches or eye glasses for simple storage. You can make shelves of any practical shape with a stencil as basis. These icecream stick shelves are quick and easy additions to your decor !     - Prathyusha      

Salt is not just a taste- It’s a TIP Our kitchen is always incomplete without a packet of salt. But salt is not just a taste, if you are willing enough, it can provide solution to numerous tiny problems around us.. Those dirty rings- how often we see the water or rust rings on floor and wonder how to clean them. The cylinders and buckets would always leave such marks on the floor. Apply some salt on lemon and rub it over such stains and you can watch the floor sparkling as before. Best deodorizer- Salt can be best deodorizer if applied. Clean your refrigerators and sinks by adding a bit of salt and you would know it why. A pinch of salt when sprinkled in the shoes would absorb the moisture which often gives rise to a foul smell. Fight the bite- When you are stung by a bee, dampening the skin and covering it with some salt can relive you from the pain. A mosquito bite can also be relieved by applying some oil mixed with salt on the place. Spill- When you have lot of pickles on the dining table, it’s always hard to choose them but easy to spill them. But don’t panic if you spill something. Spray some salt quickly over the stain which would absorb the stain and makes it easier to clean the crime scene. Stained mugs- Everyone would love to serve their guests with best porcelain ware. But coffee/ tea stains in and around the coffee mugs can certainly be embarrassing. Clean those with dish soap along with some salt and you no longer feel shy to serve. Dental care- Salt is often considered as best support in oral care. Brushing teeth with salt and lemon would remove the plaque easily. Rinsing with salt and baking powder would act as mouth freshener. Gargling with warm salt water can relive us from mouth sores to throat infections. Salt for skin- We often soak our feet in lukewarm water to make them appear smooth. But it’s not just feet that deserves a pinch of salt, you can add some salt in your bathtub once in a while to let your skin look soft. Massaging your damp skin with salt crystals would also help remove the dead cells and improve the blood circulation. And well! If you are suffering with dandruff like millions in the world, massaging your scalp before a head bath would help you get rid of those dead flakes. There is an estimate that there are 14,000 ways to use salt. We have just mentioned a few of them. From removing stains to keeping away the ants... you can find hundreds of ways to use a pinch of salt.  

    Things in Your Kitchen You Need to Get Rid of Right Now     To take the clutter out of your kitchen is something that you always want to do but then keep postponing it for sometime later. But here are a few tips that could help you organize your kitchen in a better way. Check these out.   We often don't realise that we own far more bags than the ones that we need. So, there are cases when you go shopping and end up bringing back home so many bags that we end up saving them up in a rack or somewhere in the kitchen, which in turn occupies space and makes the kitchen look cluttered. Hold on to a maximum of 10 and donate the rest. Or you could also leave some in your car, so that the next time you are out shopping you would not need to buy more bags.Then you won't be that person who gets to the supermarket and realizes your bags are tucked away in a cabinet at home.     A lot of us have a tendency to pick up stuff from the restaurant that we visit for an eat out, or get back home complimentary items from a hotel that we were put up in. These may seem to be really good and the best part is that they come at absolutely no cost. But, you're always going to get more the next time you order, so there's no point in stockpiling them. You would only end up choking your kitchen space.   Most professional chefs tend to manage with just three to five knives, so it is recommended that we also stick to the same number while at home. Chances are, you rarely use more than a knife. So stop stocking up just so that you might need them someday. Which might not arise at all. So, dispose off the knives that you thing are not sharp enough or for any reason you are not able to use them now.   This may be the case with most kitchens. There might be too many reusable and disposable water bottles lying in your cupboard. But the fact of the matter is that you would only need one bottle per person, and maybe one or two extra. So clean the rest of the bottles and donate or recycle them.          If you've been using one towel to do everything, then its time for you to throw it out and get a new one. Towels are the most commonly contaminated surface in the kitchen. It is recommended that you designate one for cleaning dry surfaces and one for wet surfaces and put both in the washing machine daily, especially if you've been doing heavy duty cooking at home.   ..Divya

    Women Empowerment, Really Necessary?     Is it necessary to ask for a special Empowerment in Women? Why do such situations arise? Who forces such a state? All these and such are questions bombarding the minds of thousands of women across the world..because there still are Husbands, mostly husbands who control the lives of women in their household...Fathers are not so tough as they have love for the daughter at some corner..Husbands are the ones holding the lives and laughters of women, dominating them in various ways, intimidating them during some moments of the everyday life.   Women have a different life until they get married, they are independent, under the shelter of caring parents, in the same 'most-comfortable' atmosphere they grew up in. Everything changes soon as they get married..ofcourse, for some fortunate girls, things become so favorable after marriage, they meet the most-loving person and he takes care of her so wonderfully that she feels marriage is heavenly..and for most of us, marriages are the worst things that could happen..every such woman knows it, still endures for years, looking at the helplessness of the parents or their emotional status, and later at the innocent faces of her children and continues to long suffer...and the husband takes her for granted, the feeling of 'what will she do..nothing!' is his strength.     As someone rightly said 'A woman changes for her husband,becomes a mother to his children, they even carry his surname, not hers, she endures birth pangs and almost dies during labor, she takes care of his household and family too...he doesnot even care to show her some compassion, neither empathy when she is tired. He even has complaints with her cooking, every now and then..he doesnot want her to mingle with others anymore, he is so envious of her social relationships..she is left with no friends and no proper contact with her own family. She is capable of taking up a job but sacrifices for her kids, and stays home doing the dishes, cleaning the house..he never shows any respect for her sacrificial decisions. Finally, he says 'you did nothing for me!, or 'get out of my sight!'. Does she need such a treatment? Where is that most loved daughter of her parents?   Yes, we need Empowerment as long as there are husbands like this, we need a constant voice backing us up that things will be fine, that she is not alone, that there is someone to care for her...if that comes spiritually, then it is the most blessed and fruitful endurance. She needs diversion from the issue but how she finds it is the question...will the husband allow it, how will she even find some relief without any shame from him...this is an article not for the women but for every man to read..and learn not to live a life like the husband in this story..there are similar stories of husband suffering in the hands of a wife..even in this modern era, are such bitter relationships necessary? Can't  there be 'wonderful marriages' and 'amazing couples'. Empowerment, is it necessary?!   ..Prathyusha

  Why should we cook to please ?     Ladies are expected to be good cooks...alright , alright..! I understand, they cook so well that you get impressed...but what about others who maynot be able to cook exactly the same way you expect them to cook..they may have been trained differently, or their cultural roots have different taste preferences that dont match with yours, or they never had an oppurtunity to cook or any need to learn and cook on their own. Why should one judge the other's cooking abilities ? Men dont get evaluated for their cooking skills...however, those Men who are excellent cooks are famous, among friends, relatives, and some at a competitive level.   When women start to judge, they become so fussy..it is no ones business to comment on someone else's abilities, whatever field it be. Others may possess better skills than you in some discipline, and you may fail miserably when compared to them..but, we dont want to keep quiet...comment, comment and comment until the other person realises and feels so helpless and unworthy. Everyone starts at Level 0.. No one is an expert in the first step. When two people meet, it is obvious that they either gossip about others, praise themselves or argue, very rarely, they talk about good things that dont involve negative emotions or others..there are very few people who dont touch others' personal matters and who get offended when others try to meddle with their emotions or personal topics.       Such a discussion tampers ones self esteem, motivation and encouragement.. They tend to feel demotivated, hurt and maynot want to meet others due to the fear of the same insult being repeated. Cooking, especially makes a good cook famous and a bad cook so disappointed. It is the character of the person that is important. If a person doesnot sit and brag about his/her own traits, then it is a harmless, selfless person...if somewhere ornthe other, one brags about her cooking skills or something good about her, then she either wants others to praise her always or she is a dominating personality who is ready to trample others around whenever a chance comes.   This is the same situation between Mother-in-laws and the Daughter-in-laws..mostly the latter group are targeted for their lack of cooking skills..is it mandatory to be trained in cooking to get married, or is it a gentle, good looking girl that thet seek ?! They say, days have changed, Men are friendlier with wives in these modern day life..but there are still quite some Men who compare their Mom's excellent cooking skills to the newly wed wife's rookie skills...between some couples, this torture continues for years. I wonder who made this statement 'the way to a man's heart is through his stomach..feed him well, and he is yours forever...this might be yester years' dream but it is the character of a man..if he is crooked, then even though you feed him well, he will comment on your cooking skills still.   Comparing ones cooking skills need not be important when friends meet...the other person maynot have been keeping healthy, or had an emotional problem that day...that she couldnot cook to impress..how much you write, how much you try to educate others...this cooking comparison game has been there in the families, among acquaintances, at work places, ...everywhere. Pride is so bad. When two praise each other in private, it is better..rather than praise eachother while the third person is around, may trigger issues and you will but loose good friends, the so-called good cooks !! ..Prathyusha

  బొప్పాయి బ్రెస్ట్ మిల్క్ ను పెంచుతుందా   ‘నేను పుష్టిగా భోజనం చేసినా మా బాబుకి పాలు సరిపోవట్లేదు’ అని కొత్తగా తల్లయిన వాళ్ళు అనటం మనం వింటూనే ఉంటాం. అన్నం ఎక్కువగా తినేస్తే పాలు సమృద్దిగా పడతాయి అనుకోవటం పొరపాటే. మనం తీసుకునే ఆహారంలో పాలను ఉత్పత్తి చేసే పదార్థాలు అదిక శాతం ఉండేలా చూసుకోవాలి. మనకి అందుబాటులో ఉండే కొన్ని రకాల కూరగాయల్లో, మెంతులు, వెల్లుల్లి, తులసి, వాము, కాకరకాయి, బొప్పాయి మొదలైన వాటిలో పాలను ఉత్పత్తి చేసే గుణం అధికంగా ఉంటుంది. వీటిని మన రోజువారి ఆహారంలో భాగంగా చేసుకుంటే చాలు ఇక ఏ దిగులు ఉండదు. మెంతులు ఈ సమస్యకి ఒక మంచి పరిష్కారం. బాలింతకు ఎక్కువగా మెంతిపొడి, మెంతికూర మొదలైనవి పెట్టాలి. నార్త్ ఇండియన్స్ అయితే మెంతులతో చేసిన హల్వా తినిపిస్తూ ఉంటారు. మెంతులను నేతిలో వేయించి, పోసి చేసి వంతులు గోధుమ పిండిని కలిపి వాటిలో పంచదారపొడి వేసి హల్వా లా తయారు చేస్తారు.     సోంఫు కూడా బాలింతలకు మంచిది. పాలు తాగే పిల్లలకి కడుపులో నొప్పి లేదా గ్యాస్ కు సంబందించిన సమస్యలు దీని వల్ల బాగా తగ్గుముఖం పడతాయి. తల్లి ఈ సోంఫుని ఎంత తింటే పిల్లలకి అంత మంచిది. దీనిని పొడిగా చేసుకుని కూరల్లో తినచ్చు లేదా నీళ్ళల్లో వేసి కాచుకుని కషాయంలా కూడా తీసుకోవచ్చు. వెల్లుల్లి పాలు ఎక్కువగా ఉత్పత్తి అయ్యేందుకే కాదు పాలకు మంచి రుచిని కూడా తెచ్చిపెడుతుందని ఒక అధ్యయనం తేల్చి చెప్పింది. వెల్లుల్లి తిన్న తల్లుల పిల్లలు తల్లి దగ్గర ఎక్కువ పాలు తాగారట. ఈ వెల్లుల్లిని బాలింత తినే అన్ని వంటకాల్లో కలుపుకోవచ్చు. అలాగే వాము కూడా పాలు పడటంలో ఎక్కువ సహాయం చేస్తుంది. వాము పొడిలో కాని కషాయంలో కాని తేనె కలిపి తినిపిస్తే మంచి ఫలితం కనిపిస్తుంది.యుటరస్ కి సంబంధించి  ఏదైనా సమస్య ఉన్నా అది కూడా తగ్గుతుంది. అన్నింటికన్నా ముఖ్యమైనడి బొప్పాయి పండు. ప్రెగ్నెంట్ గా ఉన్నప్పుడు దీన్ని అస్సలు తినకూడదని చెప్తారు అదే పండు డెలివరీ అయ్యాకా మాత్రం ఎక్కువగా తినాలి. ఇందులో తగినన్ని ప్రోటీన్స్, విటమిన్స్ ఉండటమే కాకుండా పాలు సమృద్దిగా తయారుకావటానికి దోహదం చేస్తాయి. బాలింతలు దీన్ని ఎంత తింటే అంత మంచిది. ఓట్స్ లో ఐరన్, కాల్షియం, ఫైబర్ ఇంకా విటమిన్ బి ఎక్కువగా ఉండటంవల్ల దీనిని తీసుకుంటే డిప్రెషన్ కూడా తగ్గుతుందిట. కొత్తగా తల్లి అయిన వాళ్ళలో తెలియని భయం ఉంటుంది. అలాంటి సమస్యలన్నీ ఓట్స్ తినటం వల్ల పోతాయని తేల్చి చెప్పాయి కొన్ని అధ్యయనాలు. వీటితో పాటు బ్రెడ్ తింటే కూడా మంచిది. తల్లులు తీసుకునే ఆహారంలోనే ఏది పాలను ఎక్కువగా ఉత్పత్తి చేస్తుందో తెలుసుకుని తీసుకుంటే చాలు, పిల్లలకి పోత పాలు పట్టాల్సిన పని ఉండదు. ..కళ్యాణి

  HEALTHY FOODS FOR WOMEN     Nuts   Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and peanuts can certainly contribute to the well health of women. Every nut mentioned above have their own benefits. While Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, Walnuts are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids that keep your heart healthy. Peanuts are abundant with fibre and protein. Hazelnuts contain arginine, an amino acid that controls blood pressure. So, in a nutshell! Nuts are certainly useful for you unless you have a troubled record with diabetes or cholesterol in which case your doctor would suggest the limitations on the intake of nuts.   Milk   Modern way of living has left us with less time and space to be under sun. This would certainly deprive us from the benefits of acquiring Vitamin D naturally from the sunlight. Fortified milk would be the best way to gain much needed Vitamin D. Vitamin D not only helps the body to absorb calcium that’s present in the milk but has its own benefits. Vitamin D along with Calcium is said to reduce the occurrence and severity of osteoporosis- a malfunction of bones that affects most of the women in their middle age. Vitamin D is also thought to have the chances of working against tumours in breast and colon.   Eggs   It might be true that egg yolk contains huge levels of cholesterol. But it’s a rich source of nutrients as well. The ‘choline’ present in egg yolk has the chances of preventing breast cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that were present in yolk were believed to prevent Macular degeneration. A degeneration of vision as you get old. Having your breakfast with an egg would let your stomach feel fulfilled and thereby decrease the craving for more food. But beware of the yolk if your cholesterol levels are on rise.   Beans   We normally ignore beans though every health journal portrays them as perfect foods. Beans are known to be rich in fibre which would be the best antidote for cholesterol. They also contain ‘protease inhibitors’, which may help protect against breast cancer. Beans are rich in nutrients and their regular intake is thought to have positive affect in controlling type 2 diabetes and blood pressure.   Spinach   It’s not just Popeye who gets energy from Spinach! It contains huge amount of Lutein, which keeps your artery walls clear from cholesterol. Vitamin K and Magnesium present in Spinach is known to be helpful in case of osteoporosis. Particular mention should be made about the presence of iron in Spinach. Most women suffer from anaemia which could be cured through sufficient intake of iron that’s present in Spinach. Spinach is known to contain cancer-fighting agents called methylene dioxyflavonol glucuronides. The intake of Spinach is highly recommended during pregnancy as it contains folete... an essential part of folic acid. These are just a few mentionable foods that are known to do good for women. However the list is not all inclusive and you can add foods such as Flaxseeds, Yogurt, Oats etc. A bit of research could certainly lead you to foods that are worthy to be included in your daily cuisine. - Nirjara.

  Side effects of pregnancy-Swollen feet and Vericose veins     Swollen feet are not a big concern when they happen during pregnancy...Edema, as it is called, Swollen feet, occurs due to increased fluids and increased pressure on the uterus, those fluids tend to create swelling in the feet, thanks to the law of gravity ! Mostly starting to occur between week 21-27 and goes on until the day of delivery...for some, the swelling continues and raises concerns to the medical staff too, as it happened in my case...they had to apply tens to my highly swollen feet, but the next day of delivery, swelling reduced and left.     A matter of concern is when swelling keeps increasing and creates restless feet, it is when the Gyneacologist has to be informed and met if asked to. During every prenatal visit, they check the blood pressure rate and urine levels too, but if the levels are high compared to the normal range, then it is considered as Preeclampsia and needs immediate attention as it is harmful for both Mother and Child. Otherwise, in a normal situation, a sudden weight gain during pregnancy may lead swelling in the feet, and that is the reason why, along with purchasing maternity clothes, women need to consider buying new 'maternity' footwear as the feet are usually swollen or swell atleast once for many. If they still neglect and try to fit those tired feet in their old footwear, they tend to create a burning sensation or tired feet.   Certain good habits inculcated during pregnancy help avoid swollen feet, or atleast offer relief... Keep feet elevated mostly Donot stand or sit for long hours Never sit in a crossed-legs position Drink lots of water Use the right kind of footwear to fit those swollen feet/purchase new pair during pregnancy Follow prenatal exercise routines that are safe, regularly Avoid tight fit dresses, leggings or stockings Sleep, turning towards the left side Keep a control on the salt intake, based on the Doctor's recommendations Soak those swollen feet in hot water tub for soothing   Vericose veins are the not-so-desired side-effects of pregnancy...again, not happening to many women. The increased production of blood necessary for two beings, The excess pressure the uterus puts on pelvic blood vessels are the two conditions that come together to create a vericose veins situation. They are perfectly harmless for the Mother and child but Mom is left with these undesired veins on her legs and feet even after delivery as a memory. They may itch and swell after long periods of standing and donot allow Mom to wear her old shorts or Dresses without her permanent stockings ! Not matter what, these ugly veins and swollen feet...nothing can stop her from bringing her dream child to life, safely !   ..Prathyusha

  ప్రెగ్నెన్సీ సమయంలో చర్మం పొడిబారితే.....   అమ్మతనం గొప్ప వరం. మాతృత్వాన్ని పొందాలంటే ఎన్నో రకాల సమస్యలను ఎదురుకోక తప్పదు. కొంత మంది నెల తప్పిన దగ్గరనుండి వికారం వాంతులతో బాధపడతారు, మరికొందరికి చర్మం పొడిబారినట్టుగా అయ్యి దురదలు మొదలవుతాయి. ఎంత కంట్రోల్ చేసుకుందాం అనుకున్నా చర్మాన్ని గోక్కోకుండా ఉండలేరు. దాని ఫలితంగా వచ్చే రేషేస్ ఇంకా చికాకు తెప్పిస్తాయి. అసలీ ఇచ్చింగ్ ఎందుకు వస్తుందా అని ఆలోచిస్తే, మాములుగా ఉన్నప్పటి కన్నా ప్రెగ్నెన్సీ టైంలో మన శరీరంలో కొన్ని హార్మోనియల్ చేంజెస్ రావటం వల్ల  ఇలా చర్మం పొడిబారే అవకాశం ఉంటుంది, దాని వల్ల ఇచ్చింగ్ వస్తుంది. అదీకాక చర్మం సాగుతూ ఉండటం వల్ల చర్మానికి తగినంత తేమ అందక దురదలు వచ్చే అవకాశం ఉంది. దీని ప్రయవసానమే కడుపు మీద చారలు ఏర్పడి అవి ఎప్పటికి అలానే ఉండిపోతాయి. ఇలాంటి సమస్యలన్నీ తొలగిపోయి మీరు హాయిగా మాతృత్వపు ఆనందాన్ని అనుభవించాలంటే ఇంట్లోనే కొన్ని జాగ్రత్తలు తీసుకుంటూ కొన్ని చిట్కాలు పాటించాలి.      * ఎక్కువ మందికి కడుపు మీద లేదా మొహం మీద చర్మం పొడిగా అవుతుంది. చర్మం పొడిబారుతోంది అని అనిపించిన దగ్గర నుండి ఆలివ్ ఆయిల్ మసాజ్ చేసుకుంటే మంచిది. రెండు మూడు చుక్కల ఆలివ్ ఆయిల్లో కాసిని నీళ్ళు కలిపి దానిని కావాల్సిన చోట రాసుకుంటూ ఉంటే సరిపోతుంది.       * అలాగే వెన్న కూడా ఈ సమస్యకి మంచి పరిష్కారం చూపిస్తుంది. ఇంట్లో వెన్న ఉన్నా లేదా పాల మీగడ ఉన్నా దానిని చర్మానికి రాసుకుంటే త్వరిత ఫలితం కనిపిస్తుంది.   * రోజూ వాడే సబ్బులు కూడా చర్మం పొడిబారటానికి కారణం అవుతాయి. అందుకే కెమికల్స్ ఎక్కువగా ఉండే సబ్బులు వాడకుండా జాగ్రత్త పడాలి. సబ్బులకి బదులు ఆపిల్ సైడర్ వెనిగర్ వాడటం మంచిది. దీనిని నీటిలో వేసి ఆ నీళ్ళతో స్నానం చేస్తే మంచి ఫలితం ఉంటుంది.   * పొడి చర్మాన్ని పోగొట్టటానికి పెరుగు కూడా చక్కగా ఉపయోగపడుతుంది. ఎక్కడయితే చర్మం పొడిగా ఉందో  అక్కడ పెరుగు రాసుకుని ఒక 10నిమిషాలు ఉంచి తరువాత కడిగేసుకుంటే చాలు.   * ఎక్కువగా వేడి ఉన్న నీళ్ళు కాకుండా కాస్త గోరువెచ్చటి నీళ్ళతో స్నానం చేయటం వల్ల చర్మం పొడి బారకుండా ఉంటుంది.   * చర్మం పొడిబారిపోయి గరుకుగా తయారయితే. రెండు కోడిగుడ్ల తెల్లసొనలో పావు కప్పు జొన్నపిండి, నాలుగు చెంచాల చక్కెరపొడి వేసి కలిపి రాసుకుని బాగా ఆరిన తరువాత కడిగేసుకుంటే చాలు.   * స్నానం తర్వాత చర్మం తడిపొడిగా ఉన్నప్పుడే మాయిశ్చరైజర్‌ రాసుకోండి. అందువల్ల చర్మం ఎక్కువ సమయం తేమగా ఉంటుంది. అప్పుడు దురదలు కూడా రావు.   * అన్నిటికన్నా ముఖ్యమైనది ఎక్కువగా నీళ్ళు తాగటం. మాములుగా ఉన్నప్పటికన్నా ప్రెగ్నేన్సీ తో ఉన్నప్పుడు నీళ్ళు మరిన్ని తాగాలి. అప్పుడు చర్మం పొడిబారకుండా మృదువుగా ఉంటుంది.   ప్రతి సమస్యకి ఒక పరిష్కారం ఉంటుంది. అలాగే ఈ పొడిబారే చర్మానికి కూడా ఇలా చాలా నివారణా మార్గాలు ఉన్నాయి. వాటిలో ఏదో ఒకటి పాటించి ఇంట్లోనే  మన సమస్యని మనమే దూరం చేసుకుని హాయిగా ఉండచ్చు. ...కళ్యాణి

      Newspapers across the world have been mentioning the 90th birthday celebrations of Elizabeth II, the queen of United Kingdom. What could be her health secret that has given a rare opportunity to be healthy even in her 90’s? Watch out!   Though queen always had a choice to smoke, she had never gone too close to the habit. She might have certainly been affected by the fact that her father is a big smoker and has died in his young age due to the habit. Queen of course has the habit of drinking, but with a limit. Even a second peg is said to be rare for her.   Queen would either have to be a guest or host for a dinner party quite often. But she is known to eat less. She is also keen to avoid too many carbohydrates in her food. She is against processed foods and wishes to include salads in her dinner course.   Queen is said to have brought up in a playful environment. Dancing and horse riding used to be a part of her daily life. Even today, she is said to prefer walking and horse riding, which lets her to deal with strenuous journeys that were to be made. The queen is known to maintain good sleeping habits throughout her life. She is careful to have at least 7 hours of sleep at night, and would wake up early in the morning. There isn’t any need to reiterate the importance of good sleep in one’s life!   Elizabeth is the queen of United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. She obviously has to be in symphony with all those governments. Apart from the political issues, queen has faced a lot of trauma in her life such as the death of Diana. She did master the art of coping with stress that led her through every such agony.   Experts might be saying that pets are the best stress busters, and the queen was probably aware of the saying. She is fond of dogs and known to love a particular breed of dogs named ` Pembroke Welsh Corgis.’ She would spend much time with them and often walk around the palace with them.   Queen Elizabeth fell in love with Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) in her early teens. They both got married in 1947 and believe it or not... they lived happily thereafter! Prince Philip is now 94 years old. In a culture where divorce and separation isn’t rare, it’s interesting to note that the couple has kept their marriage vows alive. A steady marriage is said to have added up to her health.   Queen is a member of church and has often declared her faith in Christianity. `I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example’ said Elizabeth in one of her Christmas message. She is also a patron to over 600 organisations and charities. She has even helped a few foundations to raise charities. Her charity and devotion might have certainly helped her to be in solace. ..Nirjara

  Ten things to know about Dipa Karamkar     Dipa, the ultimate gymnast hails from the North Eastern state of India Tripura, which is far behind development. But that didn’t stop her from reaching the skies. She started practising gymnastics when she was just 6 years old. Dipa and her father knew that they had a goal to achieve in life.   Dipa had flat foot, which was thought to be unsuitable for gymnastic movements. She along with her coach Bisbeshwar Nandi had to work hard to get a curve in her feet.Dipa has immense confidence in her coach Bisbeshwar Nandi and thus he is her only coach till now. She knew that he is her best guide.   In 2007, she won the Junior Nationals in Jalpaiguri, when she was just 14 years old, and that was just the beginning. Since 2007, Dipa has won 77 medals at various levels. 67 of them are gold!   Dipa was one of the five women in gymnastic history who has achieved a feat called PRODUNOVA. This feat consists of a front handspring and two front somersaults. Produnova is so dangerous that some people were even demanding to ban it. Because one can always land on his neck and break his spine while trying to achieve Produnova. But Dipa just wanted to achieve the feat.   In 2014, Dipa became first Indian women to grab a medal in Commonwealth Games, by winning a bronze at Glasgow, and she was second Indian after Ashish Kumar to achieve the task.   After her victory in Commonwealth Games, people began to recognise the ability of Dipa. Even the sports icon Sachin Tendulkar lauded her for her achievement, and said that he was proud of her.   In 2015 Dipa became the first ever Indian to qualify for the final stage of World Artistic Gymnastics Championship. She missed the bronze by a feather by remaining at the fifth position.   Dipa now creates another page in the history of Indian sports by getting qualified for the upcoming Olympics in Brazil. She would now be the first Indian women to enter a gymnastics competition in Olympics and would also be the first Indian to achieve the feet after a gap of 52 years. It was only in 1964 that Indian gymnasts were qualified to enter Olympics. ..Nirjara.

  Start a Blog for your talent !   Spending the whole day running errands, behind kids, serving family...then you realise you havenot even sat for few minutes at a stretch the whole day !! Wondering if we are getting enough time for ourselves..ladies ?! Same thoughts come to me too..writing this article at close to 1'o clock in the midnight..if feel why cant we join hands with close friends or just single handed to start a blog..mostly to share our talents..of cooking, crafts, family welfare and childcare...sometimes to vent out our frustration after a long 'every'day. Some of the talented lot started a few groups on a famous social website but i wonder if such networking websites allow these on longterm basis.     Blog space is a wonderful platform to even start earning with just our talent in writing and sharing expertise and experiences. If you dont think you have any such specialities, then just gather up all those ladies and make videos or ask them to share their talents in your blog. Starting a blog is pretty inexpensive, but ends up fetching you some income through advertisements and useful marketing links. The web has tons of helpful notes on how to start a blog of your own...be it one with your own and independent title or one that has a domain attached to it.   Some write about the movies they have watched, reviewing their opinions..some on music releases and some on community services, pet care, nature and safeguarding it for future generations, eco-farming, ....just browse the web and you will be surprised to see the variety of blogs people across the globe have created with their own interests and passions.  This is a perfect medium to shout out to everyone around that you also have a talent of your own and find people with similar interests responding to your blog, posting their comments and compliments, you can share your daily thoughts and feelings too with them for a great support from outside the home and family. Blog and you will rock !! ...Prathyusha

  Flip Flop Slippers and Crafts     Its Spring already and Summer is soon arriving in India..temperatures getting hotter by the day and all the shoes bid goodbye, atleast for the casual looks. Flip flops peek out of the shoe closet and they are quite affordable to buy two pairs each...in that case, why not do something interesting with them. Slippers come so handy..(i mean so footy!!) to run errands, some are for the rough use and some for the bike rides and catching up with friends types ! Giving a makeover to those simple flip flop slippers might be worth it if you like flauting your pedicured feet. Decorating flip flops and decorating with flip flos is what we are going to see today.. Decorating a simple looking flip flop pair is so easy, if you have some artificial flowers at home..bigger or smaller..all we need is     A pair of slippers Strong permanent glue like Fevicol or Elmers Glue All, one that is water-resistant Few plastic flowers in the colors of your choice Pair of scissors     If you want to spruce up a currently using pair of slippers, then wash and brush the straps (band) thoroughly to remove dust. A new pair is easier to decorate, as we can just start off glueing the flowers. Before that, with Scissors, cut the stems of the flowers completely and line up the flowers on another surface to decide the pattern you want. Once ready, start applying dots of glue on the rubber straps of one slipper. Paste the flowers carefully, pressing each one clasping them to the strap, repeating the same with the other strap..make sure to use the glue that is made for rubber-plastic-fabric surfaces, as the straps are rubber, flower buds are plastic and flowers are usually made with satin or other fabric. When dry, your decorated slippers are ready to flaunt !! See what some DIY Experts have done with their creativity...taken simple Flip flops to the wall..using them as Cup-Plant Holders and Towel Hooks ! Can Flip Flops become a piece of art too !! ..Prathyusha

  Canopy Beds for The Princesses   Decorating bedrooms for girls is one interesting part of home design. Girls come as color packages...right from Day 1 of Birth..everything can be colorful, with great patterns and designs..can Boys have this pleasure too ?! no chance ! And thats the reason buying gifts or dresses for girls is easier, with lots of options..similarly decorating their bedrooms can be fun filled. There are so many color options, design choices..mostly ofcourse, will be Pinks and Purples ! Still, we can setup colorful Window curtains , even the furniture can be colorful and stylish. One such are the Canopy beds, to give it a Princess-Royal feel...such is their forever passion for Princesses.    Got a canopy-four poster bed or not, you can buy a hoola hoop or a circular curtain fixture and setup a canopy easily, just gotta have some carpentry skills or a skilled companion. Buy some long netted fabric or sheer curtains, and hang them from the ceiling height, there it is, that Royal...dreamy Canopy bed !! If you dont want it for a bed, them just create a corner to read books, with few pillows and hang the canopy above...or set up a canopy in the playing zone as a cozy spot....any space or any purpose for the kids, canopy theme is lots of fun...even grown-ups feel like crawling into one cozy canopy and start to read a story book or simply dose off !!     - Prathyusha Talluri

  'బ్యాగుం'డాలి బాగుండాలి                     ఆడవాళ్ళకి ఎని బ్యాగులున్నా ఎక్కడికైనా బయలుదేరాలి అంటే వెంటనే ఏది పట్టికెళ్లాలో అని బ్యాగ్ కోసం వెతుకుంటారు. ఉన్న బ్యాగుల్లో ఏది సెలెక్ట్ చేసుకోవాలో అనేది మరో సందేహం. సందర్భానికి తగ్గట్టుగా బ్యాగు లేకపోతె కాస్త ఇబ్బందిగానే ఉంటుంది కదా. ఇప్పుడు మార్కెట్లోకి ఎన్నో కొత్త బ్యాగులు వచ్చాయి. అవేంటో చూసి ఎలాంటి బ్యాగులు ఎప్పుడు వాడాలో తెలుసుకుందాం.     హోబో బ్యాగ్స్ : ఇవి పొడుగ్గా ఉంటాయి. ఫ్రెండ్స్ తో షాపింగ్ కి వెళ్ళేటప్పుడు ఇలాంటివి ఎంతగానో ఉపయోగపతాయి. వెడల్పు పట్టితో చూడటానికి స్టైల్ గా కనిపించే ఈ బ్యాగ్ లో ఒకేసారి  చాలా  వస్తువులు పడతాయి. భుజానికి తగిలించుకోవటం వల్ల పెద్ద బరువుగా కూడా అనిపించదు.రేటు కాస్త ఎక్కువగా అనిపించినా అవి వేసుకుని బయటకి వెళితే అందరి కళ్ళు ఆ బ్యాగ్ ల మీదే ఉంటాయి.       టోటే బ్యాగ్స్: ఉద్యోగానికి  వెళ్ళే ఆడవాళ్ళూ వేసుకోటానికి అనువుగా ఉండి  స్టైలిష్ గా కనపడతాయి ఈ బ్యాగ్ లు. లెథర్ తయారయ్యే ఈ బ్యాగ్ అఫిషియల్ లుక్ తీసుకొస్తుంది.     సాట్చెల్ బ్యాగ్స్ : చదువుకునే అమ్మాయిలకి, ఉద్యోగం చేసే ఆడవారికి అందుబాటులో ఉన్న మరో ఆప్షన్ ఈ సాట్ చెల్ బ్యాగ్. ఒకే పట్టి ఉండి కొంచెం  పొడుగ్గా ఉండే ఈ రకం బ్యాగ్ ఇంపార్టెంట్ పేపర్స్, ఇంకా ఫైల్స్ పెట్టుకోవటానికి బాగా ఉపయోగపడుతుంది. దీనిని బండి మీద వెళ్ళేటప్పుడు అడ్డుగా కూడా తగిలించుకునే వీలుంటుంది.     బకెట్ బ్యాగ్స్: చూడటానికి బకెట్ లాగా కింద వెడల్పుగా పైకి వచ్చేసరికి సన్నగా ఉండే ఈ రకం బ్యాగులు ఫాషన్ కి పెట్టింది పేరుగా కనిపిస్తాయి. కాలేజీ లో ఫంక్షన్ టైములో మేకప్ సామగ్రిని తీసుకెళ్ళటానికి బాగుంటుంది. ఎక్కడైనా పిక్నిక్ కి వెళ్ళేటప్పుడు కూడా తీసుకెళ్లచ్చు.     క్లచ్ బ్యాగ్స్: హేండిల్ లేకుండా క్లచ్ ఉండే ఈ బ్యాగ్స్ ఈవెనింగ్ టైములో పార్టీలకి వేసుకుని వెళ్ళచ్చు. వెడల్పుగా, అందంగా కనిపించే ఇలాంటి బ్యాగులు మీకు మరింత అందాన్ని తెచ్చిపెడతాయి.     బ్యాక్ ప్యాక్ బ్యాగ్స్: ఇవి ముఖ్యంగా కాలేజీ స్టూడెంట్స్ కి చక్కగా సరిపోయే బ్యాగ్ లు. రెండు భుజాలకి తగిలించుకోవచ్చు  లేదా ఒక వైపు వేలాడతీసుకోవచ్చు. ఎన్ని వస్తువులు లేదా పుస్తకాలు పెట్టిన ఎలాంటి ఇబ్బంది లేకుండా హాయిగా హేండిల్ చెయచ్చు.     స్లింగ్ బ్యాగ్స్: తాడులు పొడుగ్గా వేలాడుతూ చిన్నగా ముద్దుగా కనిపించే ఈ టైప్ బ్యాగ్ లు ఎలాంటి సందర్భంలో అయినా వేసుకోటానికి బాగుంటాయి. హోటల్స్ కి వెళ్ళేటప్పుడు పెద్దగా తీసుకెళ్ళాల్సినవి ఉండవు కాబట్టి ఇలాంటి బ్యాగ్ లు వాడుకోవచ్చు.     రిస్ట్లేట్ బ్యాగ్స్: వీటి పేరులోనే ఉంది ఇవి మడమకి తగిలించుకునే బ్యాగ్స్ అని. హేండిల్ గాని క్లచ్ గాని కాకుండా ఎక్కువశాతం జిప్ మూమెంట్ తో సౌకర్యంగా ఉంటాయి. కేవలం డబ్బులు కార్డ్స్ పెట్టుకోవచ్చు.        ఇలా మార్కెట్ లో దొరికే ఎన్నో రకాల బ్యాగుల్లో  మన స్టైల్ కి తగ్గట్టుగా మనకి సరిపోయేవి చూసి మనం ఎంచుకోవచ్చు.                                                                                                             ...కళ్యాణి

  Brass Vase into a Jute Side Table     Some of us still have atleast one or two brass vases at home, either lying in the attic or standing in a corner, not matching the decor in an old fashioned style. I brought home this huge tall vase from my Mom's, thinking it would match my decor but to my surprise, it ddnt match atall, sametime, it started looking so odd...i watched it every day thinking of a reason to get rid of it...and you know, one day i thought of giving it a new avatar! I had a big fat roll of jute twine lying at home..and Lo, this was the final outcome, a side table cum pot stand for my indoor plants !!     We need: An old metal vase A big roll of jute or any natural finer twine Hot glue gun 15-20 Glue sticks based on the size of the vase Acrylic color in desired shade A wide painting brush and a Sponge dabber Wooden plate m-Seal Procedure: Wipe clean the surface of the vase. Let dry of any dampness. With streaks of hot glue, start pasting the jute twine layer above layer. I made circular design patterns with jute twine and pasted them at the bottom and center of the vase to give it an interesting look. You can just keep the simple line-by-line look if making separate circular patterns is time taking for you.     This takes few hours or coupele of days time to finish covering the vase with the twine completely. If you want to keep it jute color as-is, then you don't have to color it. I wanted a dark wooden finish to match the other corner tables i already have, so i bought a Terracota Brown shade Acrylic color and painted it completely brown. Using m-Seal, attach the Wooden plate to the top of the vase, as a table top. Give it a day, for the paint and the wooden plate to fix and dry. The most awaited, side table cum pot stand is finally ready for display and use, Mine flaunted itselves with a cute plant on top... ..Prathyusha

  That Friendly Ladies Nite   We all have friends and like spending time with a good group of them. Even one single odd person spoils the fun. In this quest to find the right friend with whom our mentality and frequency matches, we come across quite a few and select one or two. Luckily, if you friends happen to be in the same city or the same community, we tend to feel we can meet up anytime or anyday but with our busy personal schedules, it is so difficult to meet eachother atleast once a month. I wonder how some ladies keep inviting and hosting kitty parties, get-togethers and such every month. If you are in that loop, it gets easier but once you come out of that group due to jobs, schools and life, 'Sorry, can't make it to the party, i am caught up' is one frequent answer we hear, even from ourselves. Too much of running behind life makes us so frustrated that we want to spend lone time or some time with good friends, atleast an hour of not having to run behind kids or feed them if they are younger, etc. during such times a Ladies Nite is the best. Arrange one at ones place or a good not so crowdy restaurant. At home, there is no time limit, but restaurants might offer all the service without having to serve food or clean dishes.     Inviting new girls to make friends with them depends on your reason to meet. If you are in a very light mood to spend joyous moments chatting and catching up on general matters, each person can invite a new friend into the group..but if you want to meet your bestie or a group of close ones to discuss a personal or common matter, then having new friends may not be a good idea. You would not be able to discuss private matters with them around and they might feel left out if you all sit together or gather up in twos to chat. With old friends, there need not be any activities, specially....chat, chat , chat and chat...hours would be enough..depends on everyone in the group. If inviting new friends, it is always good to have one, two games and some ladies crafts for fun, or a potluck. A common dress code or a theme for dressing up makes it more interesting and exciting. Coordinating the event is important...someone who is good with communicating, social media follow ups can do it better. Making sure everyone is informed, and coordially invited is the key. However, close friends dont need such formalities. Some invite a friend who just started her home-based jewellery or Costume business or someone who markets Tupperware..these parties are a good platform to introduce such oppurtunities..yet, they are a success only when everyone in the group is informed of the agenda and they all like to attend..let it not be a strange surprise. And if you are meeting after a long time, make sure to take atleast few pictures for a great memory..send the photos to others in the group in few days using creative photoframes or make crafty frames while you all chat and use them for sharing photographs. A 'Ladies Only' party is the best...you can talk without having to bother about kids or husbands !! ..Prathyusha

Wishes on Women's ( special article )   A soul in grief, cries. Why am i a woman ?! When i speak, why does the society comment and raise an eyebrow? When i want to be independent, why do people think i am rebellious? Can't i be given a little more importance? Can't i dream of a happy life? My life was worryfree until marriage happened, why did it change completely? What harm did i do, that they dominate me? How can my parents who loved me so much give me away in marriage ? So many questions bombarding. Just touch a sorrowful soul of a hurt woman and her tears tell you a tale. On the other hand, there are others who are happier with a caring husband, a helpful family, their dreams come true and they achieve alot in life...some are very successful in careers and some are content with wonderful families on both sides.   They say in this modern society, super fast times, women have become smarter and bolder, yet there are still those who have no support from parents, who are emotionally sensitive and think of both sides being affected by their drastic decisions and hence, settle to be dominated and suffer with no individuality. Only way things can change and be better is when those husbands realise to treat their respectible wife just the way they treat their Mothers or Sisters and give them the much needed affection and attention. Ladies: Be more responsible and dont try to dominate too...probably, these Men are just very cautious of not being over ridden by a wife,...we have tried to be nice and gentle, just be the same. You are on the right path!! Marriage cannot be in harmony with the slightest diversion..both husband and wife should be good to eachother. However, there are wives who have made their respectible husband's life miserable...they donot let them live their life happily...when there is no trust in marriage, it fails. Self-realisation and  correction should be the Manthra followed..if not, God is to be feared the most and if He ever punished the wrong one instantly, thats the only way people would learn to be good !! On this International Womens Day, i wish Women who are still crying silently behind closed doors and in the closets, not being able to change a rude and chauvinistic husband, get redemption quickly and to them those sorrowful days would be a dream of the past and that they see brighter and happier days...how it happens is all in the hands of God Almighty!! I wish for a miracle for all women on this Women's Day !!     ...Pratyusha Talluri