tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28817517074588172392024-03-14T09:06:14.973+11:00100% HaPpY :)This space is a collection of things I have found joy in, from everyday matters to those rare once-in-a-lifetime moments.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-73969718750397305442011-03-23T22:23:00.002+11:002011-03-23T22:42:23.010+11:00Flower bouquets can last longer...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;">There is something so very beautiful about flowers that every woman ( perhaps men too!!) find very romantic. Who does not like a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers?</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qTgHsG1PoOQ/TYnNL0H9VvI/AAAAAAAAEXk/GFiSizaiLlc/s1600/21032011336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qTgHsG1PoOQ/TYnNL0H9VvI/AAAAAAAAEXk/GFiSizaiLlc/s320/21032011336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A gift of a bouquet of flowers brings smiles and lights up hearts!<br />
<br />
</div><div>These can light up any living space and add that much needed colour and freshness to any room. Its sad that the flowers, however beautiful they are wither away. But, if cared for well, you can make them last a little longer than its actual life span.</div><div><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Remove the bouquet from its wrapping, cut all stems diagonally. This way it will absorb more water. </li>
<li>Take a clean vase, crush an aspirin and place it on the bottom of the vase and fill the vase with water. </li>
<li>Place flowers in the vase - the flowers must be kept at a place with ample light, but it should not be kept under direct sunlight such that the flowers dry up.</li>
<li>Changing water everyday at the same time will help the flowers last longer.</li>
<li> Every week cut the stems a little above the last cut, diagonally. This way you can ensure that the flowers absorb the water it needs.</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
As I said before flowers will wilt away eventually, but if taken care of, you can make it last longer.</div><div><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-43850198863218907032011-03-22T14:07:00.002+11:002011-03-22T14:09:31.485+11:00Rice vermicelli and Tuna salad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If i had known that rice vermicelli and canned tuna make such a good combination, I would have tried this salad earlier!<br />
This is pretty much a 'mix it the way you want' salad Experiment with salad dressing of your choice,and I guess it would mostly taste good!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Tuna - 300 grams canned/cooked<br />
<div>Chilly sauce - 1 table spoon</div><div>Soy sauce - 1 table spoon</div><div>Sun dried tomatoes - 2 table spoons</div><div>Pepper - 1 teaspoon<br />
Rice vermicelli - 1 pack<br />
Olive oil - 1 teaspoon</div><div>Salad leaves - a bunch of leaves of you choice. Spinach, rocket, lettuce, watercress... (optional, you can also substitute with veggies like carrots) </div><div>Lime - juice of half a lime<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
Boil and drain the rice vermicelli.<br />
Toss together rice vermicelli , soy sauce, chilly sauce, olive oil, pepper in a bowl.<br />
Once mixed evenly add tune, sun dried tomatoes and salad leaves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gB6EhylBn9Y/TYgSNlTZ2AI/AAAAAAAAEXc/wTFdsCISpK0/s1600/17032011327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gB6EhylBn9Y/TYgSNlTZ2AI/AAAAAAAAEXc/wTFdsCISpK0/s320/17032011327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Add in a dash of lime and serve.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-85874415170238258542011-03-17T18:08:00.000+11:002011-03-17T18:08:20.125+11:00Reducing starch from Rice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don't we all know, that cutting down on rice in our daily diet will help reduce stored fat in our body? Rice is a grain and digest very quickly, much quicker than meats, or nuts. When they digest, they turn to simple sugars for quick energy. If the energy is not used right away the energy is stored as fat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gYAPGj3QAno/TYGzQUZLVvI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/rADPyDq5T1o/s1600/Jasmine_Rice___Thai_Rice-300x198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gYAPGj3QAno/TYGzQUZLVvI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/rADPyDq5T1o/s1600/Jasmine_Rice___Thai_Rice-300x198.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love rice. I cannot live without it. Being a South Indian and coming from a household that eats rice three times a day has made me a rice lover , can I say.. devotee.</span><br />
So in order to fit rice into my diet , keeping in mind my daily schedule which does not involve much of physical exercise, I had begun to find out ways to cook rice better. I wanted to cook rice in ways which would to make it nice and light and fluffy, removing as much of starch from it as possible.<br />
This method however, works best with white rice( rice that is white in colour) .I haven't tried this with the other varieties of rice (red, brown, black).<br />
This is for all those who love rice but are scared of its starch content.<br />
<br />
Rinse rice well before cooking, this helps in removing loose starch making it less sticky. For some varieties like basmati rice where the starch content is very high, soaking the rice in water for 20 minutes also helps remove the starch.<br />
Boil water in a pot. Take about 4 times the amount of water as compared to the amount of rice.<br />
Once water starts boiling briskly, put the rice in and stir well.<br />
Do not cover pot , let the rice boil in the water.<br />
If you like to add salt to rice, add salt now.<br />
After 10- 15 minutes, stir rice around in the pot and check if it has got cooked . This can be checked by squeezing a grain between your fingers. If the grain is soft , the rice has been cooked well. Some might like their rice overcooked while some like it just about right. Cook rice to the level you want it to be cooked.<br />
Once rice is cooked, drain the rice in a colander. In this way a lot of unwanted starch from the rice is removed through the water.<br />
Another way of draining is to close the pot with the lid and tilt the pot until all water is drained out. This way the steam and heat still remains in the pot. The rice can be kept closed in the pot for some more time, allowing the rice to cook more.<br />
<br />
This method of boiling and draining rice is better than simmering where the rice to soaks up all the water it cooks in as the water would have a lot of starch.<br />
The difference can be felt while you eat rice cooked in this manner. It is lighter on the stomach and it will not give a full feeling after the meal.<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-66593482295708351832011-03-17T11:40:00.002+11:002011-03-17T18:13:14.572+11:00Choy Sum Thoran - Stir fry with Grated Coconut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am very fond of buying veggies that arent commonly found in India and trying to adapt them to the Indian way of cooking. Some of them turn out very well, whereas some are best left as they are!<br />
This time I bought a few bunches of choy sum from the market. Since it looked like a green leafy vegetable and leafy vegetables go well with the indian flavours , I thought I will try out a thoran ( stir fry with indian spices).<br />
Choy Sum is used to describe the edible stem of chinese cabbage.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HH43vpsGHj4/TYFYNFAfVvI/AAAAAAAAEWE/oXYqNhrI_mM/s1600/choy+sum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HH43vpsGHj4/TYFYNFAfVvI/AAAAAAAAEWE/oXYqNhrI_mM/s1600/choy+sum.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Choy Sum - 2 cups finely chopped<br />
Oil - 2 teaspoons.<br />
Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon.<br />
Cumin seeds - 1/4 teaspoon.<br />
Dried red Chilly - 3 nos. cut into half.<br />
Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon<br />
Grated coconut - 1/2 cup.<br />
Curry leaves - 1 springs.<br />
Garlic - 2 cloves finely chopped<br />
Green chillies - 2 nos.<br />
Shallots (kunjulli) - 2 nos finely chopped<br />
Salt - 2 teaspoons<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
Heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds.<br />
Once the mustard seeds splutter, add the curry leaves and dried red chillies. Sauté for 10 seconds.<br />
Now add chopped Choy Sum, turmeric and salt. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Since Choy Sum has a good water content in it like most leafy vegetables, water need not be added.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R_xC-bgpMq8/TYG0g5OUslI/AAAAAAAAEWk/TFxVjVNvVo4/s1600/17032011315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R_xC-bgpMq8/TYG0g5OUslI/AAAAAAAAEWk/TFxVjVNvVo4/s320/17032011315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Once the Choy Sum is cooked and all the water has evaporated, add grated coconut and mix well. Cook the dish for another 2-3 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vH7jgYIes8k/TYFYfN0fYQI/AAAAAAAAEWM/k8z5MHvgZbk/s1600/17032011321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vH7jgYIes8k/TYFYfN0fYQI/AAAAAAAAEWM/k8z5MHvgZbk/s320/17032011321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Delicious Choy Sum thoran is ready.<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-62569264002623838652011-03-17T11:10:00.001+11:002011-03-17T13:18:38.199+11:00Lime as a remedy for Tonsillitis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have been suffering from Tonsillitis for the past few days. I have been searching over the net for effective home remedies and have tried out many things. Some of these remedies worked wonders! I thought I will share those with you.<br />
<div>Tonsils are tissue masses that are visible to the back of your throat on both sides. The acute inflammation of the tonsils are called tonsillitis. The first and most common symptoms that a common man can identify about tonsils is painful swallowing. It is painful to swallow ones own saliva even! A sudden sore throat or a throat infection that worsens over time can also indicate tonsillitis. Other common symptoms include hoarseness or loss of voice, reddening or swelling of the tonsils with or without pus and fever.</div><div>Tonsillitis is mainly caused by viruses, the most common being the common cold virus. In some cases this can be due to bacterial infection also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tuxWM87OQ7A/TYFRXxHQ-rI/AAAAAAAAEVs/WkXIuCKVQEM/s1600/lime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tuxWM87OQ7A/TYFRXxHQ-rI/AAAAAAAAEVs/WkXIuCKVQEM/s320/lime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>One of the most effective cure for tonsillitis is using lime. Mix a teaspoon of lime with half a teaspoon of salt and apply it to the back of the throat using your fingers. This works wonders for tonsillitis and also for a sore throat!</div><div>If you cannot do this well, i.e, putting your fingers into your mouth to smear the lime around your throat ( I just cannot do this properly) here is an easier but less effective way of getting lime to your throat. In a glass of warm water, squeeze in the juice from half a lime. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoons of honey. Mix well and sip this slowly. This is very soothing and helps reduce the annoying pain during swallowing. Gargling with salt and lime also helps reduce tonsillitis.</div><div>When there is a throat infection, the key is to eat warm/hot food and drink a lot of warm/hot water. </div><div><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-42429255780340692342011-03-12T23:59:00.002+11:002011-03-13T10:10:29.956+11:00Did you hear the birds cry?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1KWmSQfObeI/TXv9WnHPPCI/AAAAAAAAEVo/09aLI3WpAik/s1600/Seagull+1920x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1KWmSQfObeI/TXv9WnHPPCI/AAAAAAAAEVo/09aLI3WpAik/s320/Seagull+1920x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is just a question that popped into my head while returning from the Moomba festival in Melbourne. The four day free community festival started off in Melbourne yesterday.<br />
The fun and frolic at the festival is a welcome break from the horrifying pictures and videos of the earthquake and floods in Japan. It was pleasing to watch people around celebrating. We also got absorbed into the energy of the place and felt joyful enjoying ourselves completely. It was a nice experience. I cant wait to go back and try some carnival rides tomorrow.<br />
The first night of the festival was wrapped up by an array of fireworks. The spectacular fireworks lasted for a duration of 15 minutes. The fireworks were excellent and a great way to sign off for the day. We throughly enjoyed the show.<br />
<br />
Near our apartment we always find a lots of sea gulls. Usually they are playful and a symbol of boarder-less freedom. Every time we find them busy about their own business- eating, fighting, resting.<br />
Today, on our way back home after a great day at the festival, however they seemed disturbed, some of them crying out loud. It made me wonder, what was different today? Maybe its the weather, I thought.<br />
That is when my husbands remarked, all the seagulls from the place of the fireworks might have moved here.<br />
I felt, it could be true - aren't bird scared of the noises from the fireworks?<br />
That is when this thought entered my head. Do we think about these animals and birds when we destroy their habitat or ruin the peace in their life? Did I think about these crying birds when I throughly enjoyed those fireworks? Does concern only spring for life in the same species first? Maybe it is how life on this planet is supposed to be.<br />
Moving back to the images around me. As we fret and worry about human lives and property lost in the quake and tsunami, I cant help but feel that all this was meant to be. Maybe we care a bit more about our species than the other forms of life around us. Maybe this is how balance is to be achieved in this planet.<br />
<br />
Life, after all, is composed of different forms of give and take. It depends on what you give and what you take!<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-14179192040335630512011-03-11T21:47:00.002+11:002011-03-12T00:21:19.346+11:00Beetroot Steak and Chips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After having tried many Indian dishes with Beetroot, I wanted to try something new and head straight for Google. Thats when I stumbled upon two new dishes - Beetroot Chips and a Finnish dish called Punajuuripihvit - which I will refer to as Beetroot Steak.<br />
<br />
Here is how you go about preparing them.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Ingredients</u></b><br />
Beetroot Chips -<br />
Beetroot - 1 nos, thinly sliced<br />
Oil - 3 cups for deep frying<br />
Salt - for seasoning<br />
<br />
Beetroot Steak -<br />
Beetroot - 1 nos, sliced into thick circular or semi-circular discs<br />
Eggs - 2 nos<br />
Bread crumbs - 1 cup<br />
Salt - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
<br />
<b><u>Method</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G6rXq-dw33w/TXn0FRt8m2I/AAAAAAAAEU8/l3WZ0wMllk0/s1600/beetroot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G6rXq-dw33w/TXn0FRt8m2I/AAAAAAAAEU8/l3WZ0wMllk0/s320/beetroot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
Beetroot Chips -<br />
Heat oil in a deep pan and bring it to temperature required for deep frying.<br />
Once heated, put in the thinly sliced beetroot and fry them until they become crisp. This can be identified by the absence of bubbles while frying. The procedure is same as preparing potato chips.<br />
Remove them from the oil and place them in a plate covered with tissue paper - this is to soak the excess oil. After removing the excess oil, season the chips with Salt or any other seasoning agent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n0biByNPuho/TXohhn4x4iI/AAAAAAAAEVc/cNM6-oPi7Nw/s1600/11032011313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n0biByNPuho/TXohhn4x4iI/AAAAAAAAEVc/cNM6-oPi7Nw/s320/11032011313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Serve the chips hot with ketchup or any dip of your choice.<br />
<br />
Beetroot Steak -<br />
Break two eggs and beat them until they are mixed well. Add salt and pepper to this and mix well.<br />
Dip the thickly cut beetroot discs in the eggs and coat them with bread crumbs.<br />
Place a non stick pan on the stove and add a few drops of oil. Once the pan is hot, place the beetroot disc in the pan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8hwfaAy8dMg/TXn02aoCxqI/AAAAAAAAEVU/GwcWVPAEMUk/s1600/steak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8hwfaAy8dMg/TXn02aoCxqI/AAAAAAAAEVU/GwcWVPAEMUk/s320/steak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Let the side cook for two minutes and then turn them over to cook for two more minutes or until the bread crumbs coating the beetroot turn light brown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nDVlUA726BY/TXn07JxzX8I/AAAAAAAAEVY/2KVOlnFYpsE/s1600/steak2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nDVlUA726BY/TXn07JxzX8I/AAAAAAAAEVY/2KVOlnFYpsE/s320/steak2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Serve the steak with ketchup or any dip of your choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-29289796240797491532011-03-09T23:44:00.000+11:002011-03-09T23:44:00.590+11:00The Harry Potter Series<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It is quiet easy to push away a Harry Potter book, with the excuse that it’s for children and for the immature or for the not grownups; but trust me, after you read the first book you will not know peace until you read the last paragraph of the 7th book. That’s precisely what happened to me – with nothing to do, I picked up my cousin’s copy of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone and in a month’s time I had read all the 7 books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NQMcb5M9gV8/TXd14uQx6KI/AAAAAAAAEUI/RFNNRW-UrXI/s1600/harry-potter-books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NQMcb5M9gV8/TXd14uQx6KI/AAAAAAAAEUI/RFNNRW-UrXI/s320/harry-potter-books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The 7 books, written by JK Rowling, follow the story of a young wizard named Harry Potter, who has a special destiny. He lives in the magical world which coexists with our world. His parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort who believes that Harry is the last thing standing between him and absolute dominance and immortality. Lord Voldemort is unable to kill Harry and in the process of trying looses his mortal body. Harry is brought up by his mother’s sister and family – away from the magical world. On his 11th birthday Harry is given a surprise which brings him to the lovely world of magic.<br />
<br />
Every book, except for the last one, is about a year Harry spends at Hogwards School of Witchcraft and Wizardary. All the books, except the last one, start off with Harry heading off to attend a year at Hogwards with his friends - Ronald Weasly and Hermione Granger - and ends with Harry returning back to his foster parents home to spend the summer holidays. During the time at school, Harry learns magic and also escapes several attempts on his life from Lord Voldemort.<br />
<br />
Every book grows more sinister and darker, which is part of Harry growing up from the innocent 11 year old to the mature 17 year old wizard. This is one series you cant put down after starting. JK Rowlings crafty spins a world of magic around the reader and takes us for a joy ride.</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-51826999088781486722011-03-08T19:25:00.005+11:002011-03-08T23:09:12.836+11:00The reason for that smile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Simple things that make me smile, in no particular order...<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-amt2ok4p1Sc/TXXnGEXAT3I/AAAAAAAAEUA/_xSIricZY88/s1600/176864065v7_480x480_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-amt2ok4p1Sc/TXXnGEXAT3I/AAAAAAAAEUA/_xSIricZY88/s320/176864065v7_480x480_Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>A bar of chocolate</div><div>Giggles from a close friend.</div><div>A bright sunny day.</div><div>A babies face.</div><div>The first drops of rain.</div><div>A bowl of nice aromatic rice.</div><div>Secrets shared with the one I love.</div><div>A nice cup of tea anytime any day.<br />
Contentful sleep.</div><div>Cool breeze on a nice bright day.</div><div>A new dress.</div><div>Sweet surprises.</div><div>Cuddles cuddles cuddles.</div><div>Soft romantic music.</div><div>Colorful Objects.</div><div>A big bowl of ice cream.<br />
A tickle.<br />
Cozy bed and a warm blanket.</div><div>A hello from a long lost friend.</div><div>Flowers.<br />
Holidaying.<br />
A word of comfort from mom.<br />
A word of caution from dad.<br />
Silly comments from siblings.</div><div>Gifts wrapped in ribbons.</div><div>Gifts anyhow any time.</div><div>Love. Hugs and Kisses.</div><div>.......</div><div><br />
</div><div>Simple things, yet so beautiful :)</div><div><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-32775055602563869612011-03-07T20:08:00.005+11:002011-03-08T10:30:28.964+11:00What sleep means to me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lGkM1rRhvTc/TXSf0ZBEEZI/AAAAAAAAET4/GNE7J7WrwGY/s1600/panda-bear-sleep-wallpapers-t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lGkM1rRhvTc/TXSf0ZBEEZI/AAAAAAAAET4/GNE7J7WrwGY/s320/panda-bear-sleep-wallpapers-t.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Relaxation. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rejuvenation</span>. Interest. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Hobby</b></span>. <i>Restoration</i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Dreams</span>. Nightmares. Refreshing. Calming. Soothing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Normal State</span>. Happiness. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nirvana</span></i>. Solace. <b><i>Effortless</i></b>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Random Eye Movements</span>. Anytime. <i>Antidepressant</i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Restore</span>. Rhythmic. <i>Automatic</i>. Excessive. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Meditation</b></i></span>. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hypersomnia</span></i>. Calmness. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happiness</b></span></i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Innocence</span>. Rest. Rust. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blank</span>. Natural. <b>Procrastination</b>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unwind</span>. Shavasana. <i><b>Rewind</b></i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-5975353309024343092011-03-07T12:20:00.001+11:002011-03-07T16:18:52.776+11:00Capsicum in Cashew gravy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There are many ways to cook capsicum and this is one very delicious way of making it. A family friend from Andra makes this deliciously and I wanted to try it out. It is usually made with ground nuts, but since I did not have ground nuts , I used cashew nuts.<br />
A tasty but rich ( thanks to the cashews) gravy, ideal with rice or chapathi.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Capsicum - 2 nos , diced into cubes<br />
Onions - 1 nos, diced into cubes<br />
Tomato - 1 nos , diced into cubes<br />
Cashew nuts - 1 cup roasted<br />
Green chillies - 3 nos<br />
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon<br />
Cumin seed - 1 teaspoon<br />
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon<br />
Tamarind pulp - 1 teaspoon (optional)<br />
Garlic - 2 cloves<br />
Dry red chillies - 3 nos<br />
Curry leaves - 1 sprig<br />
Jaggery / brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ( optional)<br />
Garam masala - 1 teaspoon ( Alternatively you can use 2 cloves and 1 small stick of cinnamon)<br />
Salt - 2 -3 teaspoons<br />
Oil- 3 teaspoons<br />
<br />
Method :<br />
Grind cashew nuts, green chillies, tamarind, garlic and jaggery in a blender and make a smooth paste. Add water as required.<br />
Add oil to a pan. Once the pan is hot add in the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Allow it to splutter.Add red chillies and curry leaves.<br />
Add the dices capsicum, onions and tomatoes and saute till they become soft.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IVN9LNyoO8c/TXQwixBcnPI/AAAAAAAAET0/-M9bW6HyoV4/s1600/green-capsicum_w725_h544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IVN9LNyoO8c/TXQwixBcnPI/AAAAAAAAET0/-M9bW6HyoV4/s320/green-capsicum_w725_h544.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add turmeric powder and mix well.<br />
Add the cashew nut paste made before and salt. Add more water if required .Cover and cook for 15- 20 minutes.<br />
The gravy tastes best when it is thick, so be careful to not make it too watery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3OhQG17nNA/TXQwGyKzILI/AAAAAAAAETw/c8-ShU6cCIk/s1600/100_9137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3OhQG17nNA/TXQwGyKzILI/AAAAAAAAETw/c8-ShU6cCIk/s320/100_9137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Serve hot with rice or chapathi.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-48349252066728857082011-03-05T14:25:00.003+11:002011-03-05T14:32:24.935+11:00Inception - Science Fiction by Christopher Nolan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/34897_140423449315229_100000427238771_293888_6950008_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" class="img" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/34897_140423449315229_100000427238771_293888_6950008_a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Watched the movie as soon as it was released in Australia, which was a week later than the rest of the world, so as I got into the theater I already knew that I was about to watch a brilliant movie.<br />
<br />
During the 2.5 hrs, Christopher Nolan manages to take the audience into a world of dreams, its rules and how one can steal ideas from dreams, how to have a shared dream and finally how to plant an idea into another person using a dream – Inception.<br />
<br />
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Cobb Webb, who leads a group which specializes in stealing ideas and thoughts from people using a dream. They trick their subject into getting into a shared dream and using various deceptive methods to get them to part with their best kept secrets.<br />
<br />
Cobb’s team consists of Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who researches the subject so that the team knows what to expect from the subconscious of the subject. Adriadin (Ellen Page) is the architect of the dreams – the one who makes the subject believe that the dream is just like real world. Eams (Tom Hardy) who is a forger and acts as a clone in the dreams – taking up anyone’s form. Yusuf (Dileep Rao) is the source of the serum, which is used to get into the state of deep sleep. During most of Cobbs mission he meets the mental projection of his deceased wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) who wrecks havoc to his plans.<br />
<br />
The team is given an assignment from a businessman Saito (Ken Watanabe) who needs them to plant an idea in the minds of the son of his main competitor, to prevent his competitor from taking a monopolistic grip over the industry. Saito also promises Cobb that if the Inception goes as plan, Cobb will be able to lead a clean life – away from being labeled a murderer – and return back to his family. The rest of the story tells us how the team creates the plan and whether they are successful in the Inception.<br />
<br />
Like “The Dark Knight”, “Prestige” and “Memento”, Christopher Nolan manages to create a masterpiece out of it. He manages to take this new idea – dream espionage – to a new level. Great visual effects, some credible performance by the cast and the music by Hans Zimmer makes this movie a must watch.<br />
<br />
I liked the concept of Kicks – the push that awakens you from the dream. There have been numerous times when I have dreamt that I am falling and I woke up with a shudder. Been wondering about all the kinds of dreams I’ve had after watching the movie – B&W, Color, where I have a free fall, where I am killed – and knew that Nolan had researched the subject too well.<br />
<br />
Inception – the best movie I have seen this year, so far.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-54666532193671266822011-03-02T18:31:00.001+11:002011-03-02T18:32:42.644+11:00Floating around in a Snow Globe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For those who are wondering what a snow globe is, Snow globes are attractive see through transparent ornaments with floating glitters and some small figurines or models.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s_WrpCzLbns/TW3vVv_1qUI/AAAAAAAAES4/PAMECPA6D70/s1600/100_9132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s_WrpCzLbns/TW3vVv_1qUI/AAAAAAAAES4/PAMECPA6D70/s320/100_9132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Being a dreamy person, snow globes always capture my attention. I love things that float about, like a balloon in the air or a leaf in the river. I lose my thoughts in them and just stare at them till they float away from my sight. I am very attracted to aimless drifting, maybe because, that exactly describes my personality.<br />
Maybe it is this fondness of staring at floating things that has got me intressted in snow globes.<br />
There is something very magical about snow globes.<br />
I have a few snowglobes and I find myself spending a lot of time just shake them to loosen all the glitter or snow and stare at them after placing them down watching the glitter slowly float and settle down. I let my thoughts wander about, getting lost in the glitters that float along a random path to finally settle down at the bottom of the globe, where it always belonged. It feels like a perfect dreamy world in the snow globe.<br />
We have started buying snow globes as souvenirs of places we have been to. That explains the penguin snow globe from Phillip island and the clown 'Nemo' fish one from cairns :) We also got one for valentines day which has floating hearts.<br />
There are snowglobes of varous sizes and varying shapes now. No matter what the size and shape, they are always magical.<br />
Now a days, i have also found snow globes with pictures. It would be a great idea to make a globe with pictures of family members and keep them. That would make a wornderful snowglobe family tree. ( Now that has got me thinking! Maybe I will try it out :) )<br />
<br />
Taking care of these snow globes are very difficult. Snow globes contain water or other liquids for the 'snow' to float on. Over long periods of time the water gets dirty and can have alge growth. It is easy to clean if the snow globe comes with a detach button on the bottom which can be used to detach the globe. In that case all you need to do is carefully remove the water and replace it . Easy to clean. In some cases the globe is not detachable. For the non detachable ones, placing the globes in non direct sunlight will help get rid of the algae.<br />
Snow globes are also perfect gift items and a classy ornamental addtion to any home.<br />
<br />
For me it is a perfect magical world in the globe filled with perfect magical emotions.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-38975974854094043722011-03-01T14:35:00.003+11:002011-03-01T14:42:44.912+11:00Microwave Grapes Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My husband loves grapes. It was his birthday a couple of days ago and I had got an idea to bake a grapes cake for him. A cake with something he loves so much. Since I had only a microwave oven with me, I was not sure how the grapes cake will turn out in the microwave. To my surprise, the cake came out fine. Though the cake by itself was dry, when dressed with some frosting and fresh grapes, it tasted wonderful.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Grapes - a bunch , seedless<br />
Self raising flour - 1 cup<br />
Sugar - 3/4 cup<br />
Eggs - 4 nos<br />
Extra virgin Olive oil - 1/4 cup<br />
Milk - 1/3 cup<br />
Vanilla essence - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
Cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon (optional)<br />
chocolate chips - a handful (optional)<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
Mix the flour and sugar well to form a uniform mixture.<br />
Now break the eggs and add them to it. Add milk and olive oil and mix well. Do not mix with a brisk motion as it can make the cake hard by removing all the air in it. Fold in the mixture making sure that there are no lumps.<br />
I made a marble cake base. You can omit the below steps if you are going to make a plain cake.<br />
Keep aside a couple of tablespoons of the batter and pour the remaining on to a cake tin.<br />
To the batter that is kept aside, add the cocoa powder and mix in evenly.<br />
Pour the cocoa mixed batter on top of the vanilla batter in the cake tin. Use a knife or a spatula to draw out lines of the cocoa batter through the cake.<br />
Slice a handful of grapes into small discs and place them on top of the cake. Also add in the desired amount of chocolate chips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZQLMclAoDtk/TWxn30pEhhI/AAAAAAAAERo/hk92Cc-E1Oo/s1600/25022011294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZQLMclAoDtk/TWxn30pEhhI/AAAAAAAAERo/hk92Cc-E1Oo/s320/25022011294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Microwave at high power for 4 - 5 minutes depending upon the power settings of your microwave.<br />
The Grapes cake is ready.<br />
For decoration, I cut the cake along its height into two pieces. Added some frosting and grape slices and placed the other half on top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RF-trrviNN4/TWxrFfUK0MI/AAAAAAAAER8/9Jkqd_Cz-rY/s1600/25022011299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RF-trrviNN4/TWxrFfUK0MI/AAAAAAAAER8/9Jkqd_Cz-rY/s320/25022011299.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uy6-wYOeBv8/TWxrGvsRA2I/AAAAAAAAESA/1YjOFuBB-28/s1600/25022011306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uy6-wYOeBv8/TWxrGvsRA2I/AAAAAAAAESA/1YjOFuBB-28/s320/25022011306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I also covered the whole cake with frosting and decorated the whole cake with grapes. It was a yummy and homely cake, perfect for a quite and personal birthday celebration!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-75224225964917724072011-02-28T12:09:00.001+11:002011-02-28T23:03:51.972+11:00Sparkle Sparkle !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Our rental agent called us last week to book an appointment for routine house inspection. One look around the house and I knew we were in for a tough weekend. To get a good review and also to enable us to extend our contract period, we needed to get the house in sparkling condition before the review.<br />
<br />
We decided to do the cleaning on Sunday, so spent my Sunday scrubbing, mopping, dusting and drying. Its quite a tough job when you do not clean your home regularly. Equipped with a mop, a scrub and a variety of cleaning sprays, liquids and gels, my husband and I set to conquer the dust and slime that had inhabited our house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KVd-Kzf6t4o/TWrvpbSg1MI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/akMu14OJpv8/s1600/spray-bottle-house-clean-590jn100510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KVd-Kzf6t4o/TWrvpbSg1MI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/akMu14OJpv8/s320/spray-bottle-house-clean-590jn100510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Cleaning is a daily process, but there are some aspects I dont spend much time on everyday. Like the shower cabinet, balcony, etc because they get dirty every time we use them and using them is inevitable.<br />
<br />
The only happy part of the cleaning was, though I was doing the tough job of getting the tiles in the shower cabinet to sparkle, I could order around and ask my husband to make tea . :) Cleaning a house throughly requires a whole day and its always best to get you food delivered at you door step or prepared early. I just cant imagine cooking after spending hours handling cleaning agents.<br />
<br />
It is through experiment that we have found the best products to clean differrent parts of the house. A clean shower requires a shower cleaner that can cut through the soap residue, whereas a clean kitchen needs something that wil cut through the oil and that is not harmful when consumed in slight traces. Lets face it, if I place a vegetable on the kitchen slab, it can pick up traces of my cleaner.<br />
<br />
Another thing is after cleaning , I really dont want our home to smell like bleach, I want a nice pleasant smell. It is always better if my cleaner has a sweet smell than trying to use air freshener afterwards!!<br />
<br />
Well after spending a lot of energy scrubbing tile by tile, and cleaning the carpet inch by inch, wiping windows pane by pane, and getting a few cuts and bruises on our hands we now have a sparkling house.<br />
Its always worth the effort ! :)<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-86690337769433531612011-02-26T20:41:00.006+11:002011-02-27T00:06:13.998+11:00Carrot Rice - Easy One Pot Meal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">On a lazy day what can be better than a meal that can be made in just a pot? One such lazy day I decided to cook up a meal with some carrots and rice in a pot, I did not want to take the pains of cooking the rice first and tossing in the carrots. Here is the recipe for a one pot delicious carrot rice.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Carrot - 1/2 cup grated</div><div>Onions - 1/2 cup finely chopped</div><div>Green Chillies - 3 Nos , finely chopped</div><div>Rice - 1 cup</div><div>Butter - 2 teaspoon</div><div>Salt - 2 teaspoon</div><div>Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon</div><div>Mint leaves - 2 teaspoon, finely chopped</div><div>Garam masala - 1 teaspoon ( optional , you can also substitute this with whole spices 1.e cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaves</div><div>Ginger and Garlic paste - 1/2 teaspoon</div><div>Cashew nuts - 8 - 10 nos toasted ( optional)</div><div>Water - 2 cups</div><div><br />
</div><div>Method:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--bJO2eh1NzQ/TWjKmuwoFFI/AAAAAAAAEQc/IiHv4uOprCc/s1600/carrots+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--bJO2eh1NzQ/TWjKmuwoFFI/AAAAAAAAEQc/IiHv4uOprCc/s1600/carrots+wallpaper.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Wash and soak rice and keep it aside.</div><div>Melt butter in a pan and add cumin seeds. Add onions and saute them till they turn translucent.</div><div>Add Garam masala and green chillies and saute for a minute. Add ginger, garlic paste, carrots,mint leaves, salt, cashew nuts and saute for a couple of minutes.</div><div>Drain the rice and add it in the pan . Mix it well with the other ingredients.</div><div>Add 2 cups of water. Close the pan and cook until all the water is absorbed or the rice is cooked.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dJg-5JFnchg/TWjOBgQmHnI/AAAAAAAAEQs/ZWNgoRkGYHM/s1600/100_9118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dJg-5JFnchg/TWjOBgQmHnI/AAAAAAAAEQs/ZWNgoRkGYHM/s320/100_9118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
</div><div>Toss the rice with a fork and serve with yogurt or salad :) </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-22034802894763365722011-02-26T18:24:00.001+11:002011-02-26T19:09:19.901+11:00Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been to <a href="http://www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/">Mornington Peninsula</a> twice, once with my friends and once after my family joined me in Melbourne. Mornington is a nice one day trip from Melbourne, taking you to the mouth of Port Philip Bay. Mornington Peninsula is famous for big farms, colorful cabins lining the beaches and spectacular views of Port Philip Bay and Philip Island.<br />
<br />
The trip with my friends was a longer trip since we had rented a car and had a whole day to roam around. The trip with my family was on a day tour through <a href="http://www.grayline.com.au/australia-sightseeing/melbourne-day-tours/mornington-peninsula-day-tours/">Greyline</a>, as I did not feel like driving a car the whole day.<br />
<br />
The attractions in Mornington are the Ashcombe Maze, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farms, Arthurs Seat, Beaches dotting the Port Philip Bay and various view of the Bass Straight and Philip Island.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthurs_Seat,_Victoria">Arthurs Seat</a> is atop the tallest hill in Monrnington, which provides you with spectacular views of Melbourne and Port Philip Bay. There is a cafe atop the hill, which is an ideal place for relaxation. We had a good Devonshire tea at the cafe on the top of the hill, a wonderful way to start off the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KL2k8hHD6Gw/TWioDk6K3TI/AAAAAAAAEPI/DB0CreaGGrk/s1600/100_8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KL2k8hHD6Gw/TWioDk6K3TI/AAAAAAAAEPI/DB0CreaGGrk/s320/100_8852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of Port Phillip Bay from Arthurs seat</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mufe1VqlZTI/TWioIP8nz3I/AAAAAAAAEPM/bDYcc7eYMJk/s1600/100_8854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mufe1VqlZTI/TWioIP8nz3I/AAAAAAAAEPM/bDYcc7eYMJk/s320/100_8854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melbourne skyline from Arthurs seat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.sunnyridge.com.au/">Sunny Ridge</a> strawberry farms are famous for their fresh strawberries, which they let you pick straight from the farm. You can buy a $8 or a $4 basket to pick your strawberries. Ensure that you pick the red juicy ones as strawberries do not ripen after they are picked; also take care that you are able to close the cartons else you will be charged extra. Make sure that you cover your shoes with plastic bags that they provide you, the land is quiet damp and slushy and you can get your shoes dirty. They also have a wonderful cafe where you can taste excellent delicacies made of strawberry. You can also buy jams, chocolates and other items from there shop. They also sell basket of plucked strawberries, in case you do not feel like toiling in the farms for one :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7LYE9tcZtw/TWiokZ6RidI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/0483q8C8gkE/s1600/100_8895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7LYE9tcZtw/TWiokZ6RidI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/0483q8C8gkE/s320/100_8895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunny Ridge Strawberry farms</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lZWEl1KtpKg/TWiorYJp95I/AAAAAAAAEPU/BDIj4KTDEMY/s1600/100_8900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lZWEl1KtpKg/TWiorYJp95I/AAAAAAAAEPU/BDIj4KTDEMY/s320/100_8900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The strawberry fields</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDnTC89WrFk/TWip93VP9YI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WAsErdt3Y0A/s1600/100B8963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDnTC89WrFk/TWip93VP9YI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WAsErdt3Y0A/s320/100B8963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The strawberries we plucked</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ashcombemaze.com.au/">Ashcombe Maze</a> has the largest hedge maze in Australia, there are two hedge mazes to be solved and a rose maze. Apart from the mazes, there is a Lavender farm and a quiet park to cool off your heels. We solved all the 3 mazes, by ensuring we knew in which direction we wanted to come out. We had a lovely 2 course lunch at the maze cafe. The lavender ice cream was refreshing and nice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rObPGEOlrcY/TWipeUiC0YI/AAAAAAAAEPc/GxqX2WSve_8/s1600/100_9057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rObPGEOlrcY/TWipeUiC0YI/AAAAAAAAEPc/GxqX2WSve_8/s320/100_9057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ashcombe Maze entrance</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ErB2m92S4Gc/TWiplRg8f8I/AAAAAAAAEPg/50DU9y67eVA/s1600/100_9060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ErB2m92S4Gc/TWiplRg8f8I/AAAAAAAAEPg/50DU9y67eVA/s320/100_9060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fountain At Ashcombe maze</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0EuKxO10fqI/TWi04kXc11I/AAAAAAAAEQA/Cx1srOujVeg/s1600/100_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0EuKxO10fqI/TWi04kXc11I/AAAAAAAAEQA/Cx1srOujVeg/s320/100_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Park in Ashcombe Maze</div><br />
<br />
There were various view points to enjoy the scenic beauty of this place. You have spectacular views of Melbourne, Port Philip Bay, Bass Straight and Philip Island. There are a number of beaches and piers for people to relax in. One of the famous ones are the beaches of Dromana where you can see the colorful beach hamlets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGgICE-zWJ0/TWiqVwob6VI/AAAAAAAAEPo/i3tiVeyWC1o/s1600/100_9073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGgICE-zWJ0/TWiqVwob6VI/AAAAAAAAEPo/i3tiVeyWC1o/s320/100_9073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from Point Leo</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v8-DPLhWRfo/TWixALfTsRI/AAAAAAAAEP0/PfmqgNgWfzQ/s1600/100_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v8-DPLhWRfo/TWixALfTsRI/AAAAAAAAEP0/PfmqgNgWfzQ/s320/100_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from Chapmans Point</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tJSmh6Bny6I/TWiqZ0kpSbI/AAAAAAAAEPs/jqgLvkYT9HE/s1600/100_9074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tJSmh6Bny6I/TWiqZ0kpSbI/AAAAAAAAEPs/jqgLvkYT9HE/s320/100_9074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from Murrays Point</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ax4xvl1IaoY/TWiqe-iUqeI/AAAAAAAAEPw/pu21JoE5XpY/s1600/100_9093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ax4xvl1IaoY/TWiqe-iUqeI/AAAAAAAAEPw/pu21JoE5XpY/s320/100_9093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beach hamlets at Dromana</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dqsiihWn8YA/TWizmxTH5iI/AAAAAAAAEP8/40Htf1sZuU8/s1600/100_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dqsiihWn8YA/TWizmxTH5iI/AAAAAAAAEP8/40Htf1sZuU8/s320/100_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ft5N8LWH014/TWizhyZ4gxI/AAAAAAAAEP4/7zd4FrxYsdI/s1600/100_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ft5N8LWH014/TWizhyZ4gxI/AAAAAAAAEP4/7zd4FrxYsdI/s320/100_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of Bass Strait</div><br />
If you have a car, you can complete a trip around the Port Philip Bay during the trip to Mornington Peninsula. Take the ferry to Queenscliff from Sorrento to cross the Port Philip Bay; your car gets a ride on the ferry along with you. From Queenscliff you need to head to Geelong to find your way back to Melbourne.<br />
<br />
Mornington Peninsula is a relaxing one day tour from Melbourne.<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-17749257459359718452011-02-23T11:38:00.002+11:002011-02-23T20:07:43.951+11:005 minute chocolate cake in the microwave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Complete satisfaction in the kitchen comes from a good moist chocolate cake. To be able to make a very good one in 5 minutes is absolutely amazing. Its so quick and easy that I am mostly tempted to replace my evening tea with a chocolate cake!!<br />
<div>This is an easy and simple to mix batter. Thanks to the numerous posts over the internet on this easy cake. I have tried using the same batter for cupcakes, cake in a mug ( this is the easiest option) or even as a base to a wonderfully decorated cake. It works well in most chocolate cake based dishes :)</div><div>Below is the recipe for a quick cake in a coffee mug. you can make a bigger cake by maintaining the same proportions for the ingredients.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Self Raising flour - 4 tablespoons , you could also use 4 tablespoons of plain flour with a pinch of baking soda</div><div>Sugar - 4 tablespoons</div><div>Egg - 1 nos</div><div>Cocoa - 2 tablespoons</div><div>Oil - 3 tablespoons</div><div>Milk - 3 tablespoons</div><div>Chocolate chips - Optional and As per preference, I like to fill my cake with them!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Method:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Mix the flour, sugar and cocoa in the largest coffee mug you have.</div><div>Add egg, milk and oil and combine them well. make sure to avoid any lumps.</div><div>Add the chocolate chips and mix them in.</div><div>Bake in a microwave oven on high power for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are making a bigger cake, you might have to bake it for 4 - 5 minutes depending on the power of your microwave.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-nSnvLxjl4/TWRV2HnheEI/AAAAAAAAEOo/q9JxzEzePEw/s1600/10022011271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-nSnvLxjl4/TWRV2HnheEI/AAAAAAAAEOo/q9JxzEzePEw/s320/10022011271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gooey and messy but delicious :)</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>And thats it! The chocolate cake is ready. This cake will turn out a little dry so allow it to cool and top it with whipped cream or sugar syrup to moisten :)</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqAWMV6_9LY/TWRUgyub52I/AAAAAAAAEOk/KaACjsXLYRY/s1600/100_9097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yqAWMV6_9LY/TWRUgyub52I/AAAAAAAAEOk/KaACjsXLYRY/s320/100_9097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Topped with frosting and fresh strawberries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-52760265035475678882011-02-22T12:02:00.000+11:002011-02-22T12:02:53.268+11:00Lost but not found!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tccJSr4t5Hs/TWMJI_N-4UI/AAAAAAAAEOc/HEby2Sh_HmM/s1600/messy_wallpaper-1600x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tccJSr4t5Hs/TWMJI_N-4UI/AAAAAAAAEOc/HEby2Sh_HmM/s320/messy_wallpaper-1600x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My situation right now is like hunting a small icon out of the above messy wallpaper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ah! This happens so often, that I am fed up searching for things. As you might have guessed, I am very frustrated. More than being frustrated I am disappointed at my incompetence. How is it possible to keep something away and not know where it was kept! Over and over again! Most of the time the things that are kept in some secret place where I feel is the most safest are the things for which I later raid the house, in search. Ah! how forgetful can I be!! These are the times when I wish, why cant everything be like the mobile phone? Just a ring is all it takes to locate the mobile phone!<br />
<br />
Today I am in search of some important documents and I cant seem to find them anywhere! So today, I have decided to sort out everything lying around my house and assign designated storage areas to the different kinds of articles around. Books in one place, documents in another , the important ones in a file and the not so important ones in another. That should help me keep track of things! I also plan to keep a note of where I am keeping my things, lest I should forget again in the future.<br />
All this hunting and searching leaves me with this thought, If I cannot manage my stuff, what good am I?!!<br />
<br />
After going through numerous articles in the internet about de-cluttering the clutter, I am inspired to put it in action.<br />
Let me start by sorting things out one by one. After all, until I have searched everywhere I cant say I have lost the documents!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-5278530981399211352011-02-21T11:39:00.000+11:002011-02-21T11:39:05.604+11:00Whitsunday Islands and The Great barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Along the coast of Queensland are a collection of islands called the Whitsundays. There are 74 islands that constitute the Whitsunday islands. Last Christmas holidays we had the opportunity to visit some of these beautiful islands and the famous and beautiful Great Barrier Reef.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We made a trip to Airlie and Cairns. From Airlie we took cruises to Hamilton island and the beautiful Whitehaven beach. From Cairns we took a cruise to Green Island and the Outer reef.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are many islands in the Whitsundays that you can visit from Airlie. <a href="http://www.fantasea.com.au/">Fantasea Adventure</a> cruises provides many cruise options to these islands. We chose to go to the Hamilton island and Whitehaven beach.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/">Hamilton island</a> is the center of Whitsundays . It is a perfect place to relax, with a wonderful beach and golf course. You can spend the day either enjoying the sun on the beach or by snorkeling to the reefs, since Hamilton island is situated on the edge of the great barrier reef. You could also take a tour around the island either by foot or by the free shuttles that frequently run around the island. Hamilton Island also provides accommodation for people who wish to stay back and relax in the beauty of the place. The resorts are beautiful and well equipped to provide visitors with a memorable and comfortable stay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5RIdpgRI4w/TWGb4DZPyMI/AAAAAAAAENM/kEQRo4TUYik/s1600/100_5364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5RIdpgRI4w/TWGb4DZPyMI/AAAAAAAAENM/kEQRo4TUYik/s320/100_5364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beach at Hamilton island</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKvaRXgS_xk/TWGcAhOC9dI/AAAAAAAAENQ/IXaAESz8VI8/s1600/100_5418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKvaRXgS_xk/TWGcAhOC9dI/AAAAAAAAENQ/IXaAESz8VI8/s320/100_5418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from Hamilton Island</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GZeq6k0qQM/TWGcGdTvunI/AAAAAAAAENU/8UmFkS2gpas/s1600/100_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GZeq6k0qQM/TWGcGdTvunI/AAAAAAAAENU/8UmFkS2gpas/s320/100_5421.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from Hamilton Island</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUjCK2e6aiA/TWGcRDatNsI/AAAAAAAAENc/vZB6HCF_rxY/s1600/100_5428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUjCK2e6aiA/TWGcRDatNsI/AAAAAAAAENc/vZB6HCF_rxY/s320/100_5428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Fantasea Cruise ship we took to the island</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Fantasea cruises gives us plenty of time to enjoy the island. We were dropped at the island in the morning and we returned back to the cruise in time for lunch. After a sumptuous and tasty barbeque lunch on the cruise ship, we headed of to the <a href="http://www.whitehavenbeach.com.au/">Whitehaven beach</a>. This beach is indeed a white heaven . The white Silica sand and the beautiful green/blue waters make this beach one of the 10 most beautiful beaches around the world! The beach does not have any facilities and is just a 6 kilometer stretch of delightful sand. The beach sand is white silica and it reflects most of the suns rays that fall on it, so be prepared to face the sun with hats, sunscreens and the like. If not prepared, the amount of tan you can get from this beach will surprise you! Since the beach does not have any facilities, the cruise provided us with all that we would need, deflatable beach shacks, swimming gears, gears for beach games, sting suits and much more. The beach is a must visit for its beauty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMlp_A58BpA/TWGmsd82uYI/AAAAAAAAENg/Y194Gvfb_Gc/s1600/100_5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMlp_A58BpA/TWGmsd82uYI/AAAAAAAAENg/Y194Gvfb_Gc/s320/100_5486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful Whitehaven beach</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhjT4K9q6jg/TWGmwFdohmI/AAAAAAAAENk/KRPfWDp3nks/s1600/100_5501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhjT4K9q6jg/TWGmwFdohmI/AAAAAAAAENk/KRPfWDp3nks/s320/100_5501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful Whitehaven beach</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCB-mBHRWaU/TWGm0LMnifI/AAAAAAAAENo/yRcHh_yo4z0/s1600/100_5502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCB-mBHRWaU/TWGm0LMnifI/AAAAAAAAENo/yRcHh_yo4z0/s320/100_5502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful Whitehaven beach</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c27-76fWxQ/TWGm4c3MC0I/AAAAAAAAENs/AJEo3UpTkw8/s1600/100_5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9c27-76fWxQ/TWGm4c3MC0I/AAAAAAAAENs/AJEo3UpTkw8/s320/100_5508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amphibious plane for visitors who would like to get an aerial view of the place</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a wonderful day at Hamilton island and Whitehaven beach we headed back to Airlie.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To visit the Great barrier reef the beast option would be the <a href="http://www.greatadventures.com.au/">Great adventure</a> cruises from Cairns. These cruises take you to the Great barrier reef and Green island. In Green island you can do various activities like para-sailing, under sea walking, snorkeling etc. You can also enjoy the beautiful beach here. Since the green island is along the great barrier reef, you can see a number of colorful fishes and also if lucky tortoises.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We chose to do the undersea walking and were amazed to see the colorful fishes and plants of the great barrier reef. The under sea walking was a great experience and the trained and experienced people around will guide you safely through the whole process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Vy1WIptGMw/TWGt-Dd-d7I/AAAAAAAAEN8/tDOaR2tgQc8/s1600/100_5832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Vy1WIptGMw/TWGt-Dd-d7I/AAAAAAAAEN8/tDOaR2tgQc8/s320/100_5832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Green island</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QFLCtLgIP0/TWGt4TojlDI/AAAAAAAAEN4/9K_PlwYaWms/s1600/100_5823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QFLCtLgIP0/TWGt4TojlDI/AAAAAAAAEN4/9K_PlwYaWms/s320/100_5823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful waters of Green island</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAYT_skwaU4/TWGuLLCgXKI/AAAAAAAAEOE/3JjYhoDZ1Bc/s1600/051_Hardyheads+CP%25E2%2588%258F2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAYT_skwaU4/TWGuLLCgXKI/AAAAAAAAEOE/3JjYhoDZ1Bc/s320/051_Hardyheads+CP%25E2%2588%258F2007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life under the sea, around the reef</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDFirAPJnWg/TWGuMYzlMdI/AAAAAAAAEOI/pgDTl4Teffo/s1600/059_Soft+Coral+CP%25E2%2588%258F2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDFirAPJnWg/TWGuMYzlMdI/AAAAAAAAEOI/pgDTl4Teffo/s320/059_Soft+Coral+CP%25E2%2588%258F2007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life under the sea, around the reef</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds7-fmS3r9Q/TWGuNzZ7J2I/AAAAAAAAEOM/rVIN0QUAdYY/s1600/126_Butterflyfish+CP%25E2%2588%258F2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds7-fmS3r9Q/TWGuNzZ7J2I/AAAAAAAAEOM/rVIN0QUAdYY/s320/126_Butterflyfish+CP%25E2%2588%258F2007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life under the sea, around the reef</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After spending time at Green island enjoying the beach and the reef the cruise takes you to the outer reef. The Great adventures have a floating platoon at the Outer reef . We can snorkel, dive, take a helicopter ride, go on a Scooba-Doo(this is similar to under sea walking but with a water scooter) or take a semi submersible ride to see the beauty of the outer reef. All gears for snorkeling , diving or other water sports are provided by them. Lunch was provided on the platoon. Thanks to great adventures , we were able to enjoy and learn about the great barrier reef and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the life around it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dffDL02xC4/TWGwi8vS7hI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/zVj-zQkcp_M/s1600/100_5864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dffDL02xC4/TWGwi8vS7hI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/zVj-zQkcp_M/s320/100_5864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sun deck at the platoon</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb9G4HlOjVs/TWGwmf4-P3I/AAAAAAAAEOU/Tpiv1-z-Xkg/s1600/100_5877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb9G4HlOjVs/TWGwmf4-P3I/AAAAAAAAEOU/Tpiv1-z-Xkg/s320/100_5877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life around the Reef as seen from the semi submersible</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRJa4xYXSU4/TWGwsHaMPYI/AAAAAAAAEOY/3PATwEEz4K4/s1600/100_5985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRJa4xYXSU4/TWGwsHaMPYI/AAAAAAAAEOY/3PATwEEz4K4/s320/100_5985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">snorkeling around the platoon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The islands and beaches along the central coast of Queensland along with the Great Barrier Reef make a holiday to the place colorful and special. Definitely a memory to keep for a lifetime :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-49269553517381605982011-02-17T11:53:00.001+11:002011-02-17T22:25:13.388+11:00Beauty of Ganesha, The Elephant Headed God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ever since I can remember , I have been a fan of this beautiful idol. Even before I reached an age when I could understand religion and worship, I have been fond of Ganesh idols. One of my many hobbies is collecting these idols. I never miss a chance to grab one and place in my ever-growing collection that I have at home, back in India. This is one of the many things I miss about being in India.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5IXgsRPF4A/TVxrSTNfM8I/AAAAAAAAEBU/i3ToTIZZ8fk/s1600/ganesh+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5IXgsRPF4A/TVxrSTNfM8I/AAAAAAAAEBU/i3ToTIZZ8fk/s320/ganesh+wallpaper.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>Though there are stories in Indian mythology that explain how a human body was fitted with an elephant head and how he got a God like stature, I am still mystified as to how this beautiful form came about.<br />
Ganesha's iconography has many forms and each form show distinct characteristics of the deity. Some show him lying down, whereas some show him in the dancing pose. Many versions show him with four hands, each hand holding a different object. In all the versions the elephant head, the pot belly and the broken tusk remain common. The slight slant of his eyes are also depicted in most forms.<br />
The Ganesha symbol is a very common symbol in Indian art and hence it finds many variations. The symbol has found changes in due course of time and now a days we find Ganesh drawn as a silhouette with the trunk, large ears, tusk and belly intact, the features that make this icon so unique. There was also this picture of Ganesha made out of two leaves and a hibiscus petal, which I had seen in a restaurant, that stands out.<br />
<br />
As a deity Ganesha is considered as a remover of obstacles and is one of the most worshipped Gods in Hinduism. This Deity is not only worshipped in Hinduism but devotion to this God is also found in Jainism and Buddism. He is worshipped across India and ouside India as well. On our trip to Thailand, we were surprised to see a wide variety of art inspired by the Ganesh iconography.<br />
<br />
It is the chubby-ness and the cuddly-ness of these idols that attract me to them. Also the various forms in which the idol can be found. I have found that no two idols are the same, since the love and devotion of the person making these idols show in the final outcome. Eagerly waiting to get back to India to resume the collection.<br />
<br />
Sadly, I do not have any photographs of my collection to share! That is one of the things I need to do on my next trip to India, get a good snap of my collection :)<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-89842923620525314092011-02-16T12:35:00.004+11:002011-02-16T14:15:15.356+11:00Colour, colour, which colour do you want?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have noticed that my mood at any point of time is a reflection of the colour of the sky at that moment. A bright sky makes me very happy and cheerful,where as a cloud laden, dark sky pulls my mood down. I am not sure if it is just me or there are people around who feel the same too! Anyhow, a bit of pondering on the topic and a few hours of research with the help of Google, I found out that colours do affect moods.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNbpo-Bp7OA/TVsp95x5ifI/AAAAAAAAEA8/_2PO3E12nxQ/s1600/01707_spectrumofthesky_800x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNbpo-Bp7OA/TVsp95x5ifI/AAAAAAAAEA8/_2PO3E12nxQ/s320/01707_spectrumofthesky_800x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If I wake up early in the morning to find the sun beginning to rise, the slight strands of red along the horizon, I know that my day is going to be just as beautiful as the view! The early bursts of red give me enough energy to start the day. The red sky teamed with fresh morning green grass, Ah! what a perfect picture of freshness. Red is a energizing colour. It is considered sacred in some cultures where as in others Red signifies Royalty. Red exudes strength and confidence. It is perfectly fitting that the colours of early morning sky are shades of red.<br />
<br />
As the day progresses the red gives way to lighter shades of orange and blue finally settling to the shade of sky blue that most people love. Orange is a cheerful colour and is an anti depressant. Blue is also a calming colour and has very relaxing effects. Blue and white both are colours of peace and tranquility. A bright blue sky with a sprinkle of white fluffy clouds set a happy cheerful mood in me. The story is different if it is a rainy day. Dark clouds and a hidden sun, that pulls my mood down. I know of people who love the dark clouds and the rains. There must be a beauty in them that I still have not learned to appreciate.<br />
Evenings are shades of darker blue, red, orange, and sometimes purple. All are colours that bring serenity, strength and helps balance the mind. A wonderful way to wind the day, combating fear and awakening the peace within.<br />
Night skies are always black, mysterious and plain. A perfect way to leave a day behind and get youself a new canvas ready for the colours of the new day.<br />
Nature has everything well planned, even the colours of the sky. Every colour carefully picked to help make a great day!<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-6458154420153358442011-02-15T13:09:00.003+11:002011-02-15T13:12:55.929+11:00Pidi - Rice Dumpling Soup from Kerala<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On one of the many cold Melbourne evenings, all I wanted was a bowl of warm and comforting goodness, that would take the wanderer in me back home! Thus was born the idea to make pidi :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is a dish from the </span>Malabar<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> regions of </span>Kerala that<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> my mother makes when she feels really lazy to cook anything else. This is one complete dish in itself - rice dumplings cooked in curry. </span>Usually<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> it is chicken or mutton curry. Pidi or rice dumplings can also be made in itself without the curry by cooking it in coconut milk. What I have here is a cross between the two, in an effort to encourage vegetarian food habits - Pidi in tomato curry with coconut milk, a comforting dumpling soup.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients :</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For the Pidi:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Roasted Rice Flour -1 cup</span><br />
<div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grated coconut - 1/4 cup<br style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Garlic - 2 cloves crushed and finely chopped</span><br />
<div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cumin seeds -1 teaspoons</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Shallots - 2 nos crushed and finely chopped<br style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Salt - 1 teaspoon</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Water - 2 cups</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For the curry:</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thick coconut milk - 1 cup</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Tomato<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> - 3 nos , sliced</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Onion - 3 nos, sliced</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Green chillies - 2 nos</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen green peas - 1/2 cup thawed (optional)</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Clarified/melted butter - 2 </span>teaspoons</div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Curry leaves - 2 sprigs</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Chilly<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> powder - 1/2 teaspoon</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Water - 3 cups</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Salt - 2 teaspoons</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Method:</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To make the Pidi:</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Boil water in a wide pan and add salt. Once water is boiling briskly, add chopped garlic and shallots.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Switch off the flame and </span>immediately<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> add roasted rice flour, coconut, cumin to it and knead well with a spoon. The Mixture would be hot so kneading should be done carefully. Knead to make a soft dough. Make small marble sized balls out of this mixture and keep aside.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Since the flour is mixed with </span>boiling<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> water, it would have got partially cooked. We can add these balls directly into the tomato curry and cook them together. Alternatively, you could also steam these in a steamer.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To make the curry</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Heat clarified / melted butter in a pan on low flame and add curry leaves, green chillies and onions. Fry till the onions soften.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add turmeric powder, chilly powder and coriander powder and saute for a few seconds until the spices heat up.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add the sliced </span>tomatoes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, green peas and water. close and cook until the tomatoes soften.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add the Pidi balls to this. You can flatten the balls to make small discs. This will help it cook better.</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cover the pan and cook for 20- 30 minutes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqLNtl2Tu7c/TVndlJl1SpI/AAAAAAAAEAk/D3Q5Eb5s_rk/s1600/100_8795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqLNtl2Tu7c/TVndlJl1SpI/AAAAAAAAEAk/D3Q5Eb5s_rk/s320/100_8795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After 30 minutes, open the pan and pour in the coconut milk. Let it simmer in a low flame for another 5 minutes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Kp_plz_j8/TVneNidRGxI/AAAAAAAAEAo/VkodRIMRs9E/s1600/100_8796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1Kp_plz_j8/TVneNidRGxI/AAAAAAAAEAo/VkodRIMRs9E/s320/100_8796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Pidi in tomato curry is ready . Serve into a bowl. Perfect for a cold and calm evening!</div><div style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div></div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-42316978798623893852011-02-14T11:47:00.007+11:002011-02-17T11:53:35.069+11:00A heart every Valentines Day.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A day that celebrates love by exchanging candies, flowers and gifts. That is today, 14th of February, Valentines day. There are many stories that tell the history of Valentines day. The most popular one is the one involving St. Valentine. St. Valentine was a priest in Rome who was put to death for performing marriages which was outlawed by the king because the king thought that single men made better soldiers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For years I was clouded by the belief that this day is popularized by the greeting card and gift manufacturers to increase sales but now this day has become one to break away from the daily grind, take a few minutes from your busy schedule, to express your love to all those you care about. My husband, mother, father, brother and all those close to me who have warmed my heart and still continue to do so. One special day for all those whom I love.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It feels special to sit with my husband, hold hands and to whisper, 'I love you and will love to grow older with you'. My husband and I, have made it a valentines day ritual to get ourselves a small heart shaped souvenir every year. We do the shopping together and have great fun doing so. While I select the more softer girlie versions, he prefers more innovative stuff. There are many more occasions when you can do things like this together, anniversaries for instance, but those are days we like to surprise each other. Valentines day holds no surprises, only love,warmth and togetherness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IukH6jN7ZY/TVh5HXIoQsI/AAAAAAAAEAM/GiSGvJeIw9c/s1600/My_Heart___Wallpaper_by_humanskin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IukH6jN7ZY/TVh5HXIoQsI/AAAAAAAAEAM/GiSGvJeIw9c/s320/My_Heart___Wallpaper_by_humanskin.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Happy Valentines Day to the world!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2881751707458817239.post-78664159789705360212011-02-11T12:36:00.011+11:002011-02-11T14:20:26.356+11:00The Lamppost.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwpF1BNgDs/TVSqjzvR17I/AAAAAAAAEAI/U4klZHZSZC4/s1600/lamppost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwpF1BNgDs/TVSqjzvR17I/AAAAAAAAEAI/U4klZHZSZC4/s1600/lamppost.jpg" /></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes, I feel I am like a lamppost. There are so many similar lamposts on the street, each one of them imparting some light to conquer the darkness of the streets.That is my purpose and I am glad that I am part of it. That does not mean I am content!</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Does anyone remember me being one among the similar many? People come towards my light, some stand in the light for their own needs and once their needs are fulfilled, they walk away towards the next lamppost that lay ahead of them. I continue to stand there, shining my light.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I look only for people approaching me, I care only for people who need my light, I dont think about them who have walked away.</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
This has happened so often in my life, that I feel it was inevitable that I lose touch with someone or that I forget someone in my life. All through my life, I have changed locations so often and I have made so many friends, but very few have survived all my location changes and are still in touch with me.<br />
Why is it that I dint keep the tape of friendship rolling with all those friends I had made. Well! for one, keeping in touch and maintaining friendship, until recently, was an expensive thing if your friends dint share the same location as you. Now a days thanks to cheaper internet broadband rates, social networking / messaging sites and cheaper calling rates, things have become much easier. But it is not just that. I think I was being naive and I chose which friends I would keep.<br />
Now as an adult I know, all of them were precious and having them along with me in my life journey would have been fun! Anyways, there is still time and hope to make amends. Now I am frantically searching through all the social networking sites for my precious long lost friends. I am sure I will be successful unless my memory fails me!<br />
<br />
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18227851705993266549noreply@blogger.com0