Hola...
Yes, yes, i missed Friday post. Even though in this over populated earth there may be or may not be a single reader of my post yet, somehow and somewhere i feel connected. In essence i feel there are many women who face early morning crisis of packing lunch boxes for their children or spouses. I do not have any food blog but take help from different blogs for both Indian and non Indian dish ideas.
There was a reason why i missed my Friday post. As i settled down for the day after sending my S to school, one of my long lost family friend called up. Needless to say i was startled. They informed me that they had some work which was somewhere near our place and expressed their inclination to visit us. I was ecstatic. I was quick to give weight to having all of them dinner with us.
A whirlwind trip to the nearby grocery stored followed. Even though the last time we met i knew they had very simple food habits, yet now years passing by and the kids growing up, i was skeptical as to what to serve them. These days the kids have a different menu everywhere, yet i tried my best to keep it as a fusion of simple and contemporary.
My guests arrived in the evening and what a lovely time we had after so many years. Stories of not so long ago but seemed like centuries ago. The kids looked all grown up yet the element of innocence was still there. My simple food was savored by both young and old and what could i as for. I worked almost the rest of the day from cooking to setting up my small space which looks no less than a battlefield for most part of the day. The guests left satiated and the host could not be happier. The weekend started good but the Saturday rain dampened the day.
I hope wherever you are enjoying or relaxing and if not anything catching up with your lost sleep. Catch you all on Monday....
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Tiffin Tales 19
Hola....
We are approximating towards another weekend. The week a mixed one with mixed feelings. On one hand we are gearing up for the festive season on the other hand there are a few of my family members who are gravely ill. My mind is slightly disturbed but life rolls on as usual.
The other day i was discussing about the gravity of good health especially when age is slowly leaving our side. Good health is a blessing which only a handful of people receive. This morning i received calls from my family members informing about the critical conditions. Since morning thousands of thoughts have crossed my mind sometimes petrifying while sometimes the times spent together with them. All of sudden years seemed to roll in front of eyes like a camera roll and memories seemed to stream my mind.
In today's world we all try to eat healthy, stay fit but sometimes things don't go as we plan. Life throws different curveballs and we are almost thrown offtrack. But still we need to keep calm and try our best to overcome the fence and keep moving ahead.
The day just dragged on today and i was somewhat lost in my thoughts and living the day in the bygone days. But duties are never neglected. Even though i was lost but my priorities never takes a backseat. This morning S requested for 'upma' (semolina) with lots of beans, carrots, peas and groundnuts. Yes, added a generous amount of ghee. He liked it so much that upon his return from school he enquired if there were any leftovers. I felt a tad sad because it was exhausted but promised to make it soon for him. That was reward of the day for me. His snack box was fruits and some cookies and a bottle of smoothie.
Take good care of your health friends. It's the only thing that remains with you when everything else has left you.
We are approximating towards another weekend. The week a mixed one with mixed feelings. On one hand we are gearing up for the festive season on the other hand there are a few of my family members who are gravely ill. My mind is slightly disturbed but life rolls on as usual.
The other day i was discussing about the gravity of good health especially when age is slowly leaving our side. Good health is a blessing which only a handful of people receive. This morning i received calls from my family members informing about the critical conditions. Since morning thousands of thoughts have crossed my mind sometimes petrifying while sometimes the times spent together with them. All of sudden years seemed to roll in front of eyes like a camera roll and memories seemed to stream my mind.
In today's world we all try to eat healthy, stay fit but sometimes things don't go as we plan. Life throws different curveballs and we are almost thrown offtrack. But still we need to keep calm and try our best to overcome the fence and keep moving ahead.
The day just dragged on today and i was somewhat lost in my thoughts and living the day in the bygone days. But duties are never neglected. Even though i was lost but my priorities never takes a backseat. This morning S requested for 'upma' (semolina) with lots of beans, carrots, peas and groundnuts. Yes, added a generous amount of ghee. He liked it so much that upon his return from school he enquired if there were any leftovers. I felt a tad sad because it was exhausted but promised to make it soon for him. That was reward of the day for me. His snack box was fruits and some cookies and a bottle of smoothie.
Take good care of your health friends. It's the only thing that remains with you when everything else has left you.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Tiffin Tales 18
Hola...
Hope everyone is enjoying wherever you are. Enjoying work, life, or even if you are struggling just know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Time changes just like the weather and actually its difficult to envision weather.
Life is so similar to weather, just when we thing its 'that' time of the year, time adopts a new path and we have to embrace it. In the last few years of my life, i have learnt a lot when it comes to long term planning. Time has its own planning which is divulged to us at the exact time only.
The festive season is also dawning. I am a Bengali and all over the world Bengalis are gearing up for the biggest festival of the year. Goddess Durga is on her way and her homecoming is a huge celebration. Around the globe Bengali women are stocking up their sarees to wear and welcome the Goddess. Of course i also have my own plans to celebrate her homecoming in my own small way and i am thrilled. The environment feels so warm and loving on those days. Every year we make memories and it feels good to relive them every time. While i cannot do much shopping, but dressing up my children gives me immense happiness.
This morning was cold even though my S refused to carry his sweatshirt. His logic is during the daytime it gets warm and sweatshirt is a baggage. Now my S has so many rationale these days that i have try really hard to cope up with him. Today was pasta day of the week and hence no brainer. The sauce was different today. It was Basil pesto sauce. The snack box had two different kinds of fruit and a bottle of strawberry smoothie.
Catch you all tomorrow. Take rest guys. Rest is very important both for mind and body.....
Hope everyone is enjoying wherever you are. Enjoying work, life, or even if you are struggling just know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Time changes just like the weather and actually its difficult to envision weather.
Life is so similar to weather, just when we thing its 'that' time of the year, time adopts a new path and we have to embrace it. In the last few years of my life, i have learnt a lot when it comes to long term planning. Time has its own planning which is divulged to us at the exact time only.
The festive season is also dawning. I am a Bengali and all over the world Bengalis are gearing up for the biggest festival of the year. Goddess Durga is on her way and her homecoming is a huge celebration. Around the globe Bengali women are stocking up their sarees to wear and welcome the Goddess. Of course i also have my own plans to celebrate her homecoming in my own small way and i am thrilled. The environment feels so warm and loving on those days. Every year we make memories and it feels good to relive them every time. While i cannot do much shopping, but dressing up my children gives me immense happiness.
This morning was cold even though my S refused to carry his sweatshirt. His logic is during the daytime it gets warm and sweatshirt is a baggage. Now my S has so many rationale these days that i have try really hard to cope up with him. Today was pasta day of the week and hence no brainer. The sauce was different today. It was Basil pesto sauce. The snack box had two different kinds of fruit and a bottle of strawberry smoothie.
Catch you all tomorrow. Take rest guys. Rest is very important both for mind and body.....
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Tiffin Tales 17
Hola....
I am much much better than yesterday and gosh what a terrible day it was.. Health is so so important and what a topsy turvy day it has been yesterday. Even my small little family was kind and considerate enough to let me rest yet, the kids need attention especially when it comes to their food. My S fed himself, put his plate in the sink and i could not have been more happier.
When growing up we read and read health is wealth. But then whenever me and my brother fell sick our parents took all extra care to make us feel better. Those were indeed breezy days. Now, the tables have turned and i am even scared thinking of the illness of the children. But whenever i fall sick my family does try to comfort me in every possible way.
This morning i woke up after some good sleep and had catch up with all the pending works that i had to stop yesterday. Hence the morning was a bit busy. It was raining in the evening hence driving was slow and i had to run errands to finish some work. Autumn days are here and the evenings are a bit chilly. This morning for lunch box i made fried rice with vegetables and a fried egg on top. My little S was elated and somewhere i felt gratified. The snack box had a fruit bar, some apples and a small bottle of smoothie. I was so exhausted in the evening that for dinner i checked my pantry hoping for some miracle. I saw a packet of noodles and had some chicken in my freezer and rustled up a quick chicken noodles and disappeared from the dinner table within minutes. End of another day and i hope you all enjoy your day.
I am much much better than yesterday and gosh what a terrible day it was.. Health is so so important and what a topsy turvy day it has been yesterday. Even my small little family was kind and considerate enough to let me rest yet, the kids need attention especially when it comes to their food. My S fed himself, put his plate in the sink and i could not have been more happier.
When growing up we read and read health is wealth. But then whenever me and my brother fell sick our parents took all extra care to make us feel better. Those were indeed breezy days. Now, the tables have turned and i am even scared thinking of the illness of the children. But whenever i fall sick my family does try to comfort me in every possible way.
This morning i woke up after some good sleep and had catch up with all the pending works that i had to stop yesterday. Hence the morning was a bit busy. It was raining in the evening hence driving was slow and i had to run errands to finish some work. Autumn days are here and the evenings are a bit chilly. This morning for lunch box i made fried rice with vegetables and a fried egg on top. My little S was elated and somewhere i felt gratified. The snack box had a fruit bar, some apples and a small bottle of smoothie. I was so exhausted in the evening that for dinner i checked my pantry hoping for some miracle. I saw a packet of noodles and had some chicken in my freezer and rustled up a quick chicken noodles and disappeared from the dinner table within minutes. End of another day and i hope you all enjoy your day.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Tiffin Tales 16
Hola.....
Welcome to another week, another week of twists and turns, another week with renewed energy, another week of challenges and yes gaining lots acquaintance with the world.
The week starts with a cloudy morning followed by rain during the daytime. It was windy on the weekends and the leaves are rapidly declining. With each day the fall weather is adding more warmth to the houses since its getting cold outside. The longer day are turning shorter, the sun disappears quickly and morning arrives late.
As i am writing these lines, i am acutely suffering from sinusitis. My head is almost bursting but felt this could be a gateway to forget it for sometime. Unfortunately it doesn't seem so. I am have stop now because i can barely keep my head straight. It feels rock head. Since it's a tiffin tales this morning i packed some vegetable soya bean rice. The snack box had fruits and a small bottle of smoothie.
Friends, catch you all later. Hope i get rid of this sinus hangover soon.....
Take care !
Welcome to another week, another week of twists and turns, another week with renewed energy, another week of challenges and yes gaining lots acquaintance with the world.
The week starts with a cloudy morning followed by rain during the daytime. It was windy on the weekends and the leaves are rapidly declining. With each day the fall weather is adding more warmth to the houses since its getting cold outside. The longer day are turning shorter, the sun disappears quickly and morning arrives late.
As i am writing these lines, i am acutely suffering from sinusitis. My head is almost bursting but felt this could be a gateway to forget it for sometime. Unfortunately it doesn't seem so. I am have stop now because i can barely keep my head straight. It feels rock head. Since it's a tiffin tales this morning i packed some vegetable soya bean rice. The snack box had fruits and a small bottle of smoothie.
Friends, catch you all later. Hope i get rid of this sinus hangover soon.....
Take care !
Friday, September 21, 2018
Tiffin Tales 15
Hola....
Yay, it's weekend once again. It's an all weather day here, from cloudy to sunny to a few drops of rain and windy too. All in a day. Today while dropping my S at the bus stop i overheard someone's conversation. The lady said, we all are bad in someone's book. Even though i didn't think deeply about it but somehow the words stayed with me. It's a fact that no matter how much effort we put in trying to make other's happy enough is not always enough.
Year's back when i got married, my husband had told me don't try to please everyone, you will be disappointed. Sage words, even after all these years, there are people who have never spoken good about me. I never failed in trying but i am yet to get to positive results. Waiting though....
We all try to make that best friend, make the perfect dish, dress up perfectly, be the the perfect host, get clicked perfectly, yet somewhere due to technicality or any argumentation things look sketchy. Perhaps that's what makes us human. But what is more important is we shouldn't stop trying, not please others but to do one's duty. But we should also know to draw a fine line between pleasing others and doing duty.
Think about it we all are unacceptable to someone for perhaps no reason. So friends live your life to the fullest no matter what the situation is . Life just rushes so expeditiously. Take out that favorite dress, get dressed, get clicked, enjoy your favorite food. You will be judged anyways. Enjoy whatever comes your way.
The week ends with Poha in lunch box of S. I added lots of vegetables and peanuts. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Enjoy your weekends friends.
Yay, it's weekend once again. It's an all weather day here, from cloudy to sunny to a few drops of rain and windy too. All in a day. Today while dropping my S at the bus stop i overheard someone's conversation. The lady said, we all are bad in someone's book. Even though i didn't think deeply about it but somehow the words stayed with me. It's a fact that no matter how much effort we put in trying to make other's happy enough is not always enough.
Year's back when i got married, my husband had told me don't try to please everyone, you will be disappointed. Sage words, even after all these years, there are people who have never spoken good about me. I never failed in trying but i am yet to get to positive results. Waiting though....
We all try to make that best friend, make the perfect dish, dress up perfectly, be the the perfect host, get clicked perfectly, yet somewhere due to technicality or any argumentation things look sketchy. Perhaps that's what makes us human. But what is more important is we shouldn't stop trying, not please others but to do one's duty. But we should also know to draw a fine line between pleasing others and doing duty.
Think about it we all are unacceptable to someone for perhaps no reason. So friends live your life to the fullest no matter what the situation is . Life just rushes so expeditiously. Take out that favorite dress, get dressed, get clicked, enjoy your favorite food. You will be judged anyways. Enjoy whatever comes your way.
The week ends with Poha in lunch box of S. I added lots of vegetables and peanuts. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Enjoy your weekends friends.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Tiffin Tales 14
Hola...
I hope you all are enjoying the week. We are almost at the end of this week. We all need a pat on our backs because no matter how hustling and demanding the week has been, we all walked through whatever came our way. I know we all have our weekend priorities set, yet the rush will be a bit less and we all will try to organize ourselves for the following week.
It a mix of cloudy, sunny and windy day here. Just when my S dressed up in the morning for school it was cloudy and windy. I insisted him to wear a pullover looking outside the window. He obliged, but later on when we went to the bus stop it was sunny again making me feel that pullover wasn't a good idea. As the day approached the weather seemed unsettling but i earnestly hope the weekend weather be good because i promised my kids we will play outside. With the winters around the corner, outdoor playing will almost be abolished apart from snow fun. Sigh!
Before the autumn brushes by quickly i have to trim and do some work on my plants. The leaves are slowly changing colors and starting to dry up. The need some extra soil and a bit of nourishment and weekend is perhaps the best time to these work. I will try to include my children too so that they also learn to take care of plants and in that day it will be an outdoor day you see. Grins.....
There has been a demand from my S last night to give pasta for lunch, so this morning it was no brainer for me. Whisked up pasta and added some shrimps with some generous amount of mozzarella cheese. I know my S will be extra cheekily happy to open his box. His snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Tomorrow is Friday and i am looking forward to it to let my hair down and 'breathe' if not sleep. What are your plans? If you are reading please do share.
Love......
I hope you all are enjoying the week. We are almost at the end of this week. We all need a pat on our backs because no matter how hustling and demanding the week has been, we all walked through whatever came our way. I know we all have our weekend priorities set, yet the rush will be a bit less and we all will try to organize ourselves for the following week.
It a mix of cloudy, sunny and windy day here. Just when my S dressed up in the morning for school it was cloudy and windy. I insisted him to wear a pullover looking outside the window. He obliged, but later on when we went to the bus stop it was sunny again making me feel that pullover wasn't a good idea. As the day approached the weather seemed unsettling but i earnestly hope the weekend weather be good because i promised my kids we will play outside. With the winters around the corner, outdoor playing will almost be abolished apart from snow fun. Sigh!
Before the autumn brushes by quickly i have to trim and do some work on my plants. The leaves are slowly changing colors and starting to dry up. The need some extra soil and a bit of nourishment and weekend is perhaps the best time to these work. I will try to include my children too so that they also learn to take care of plants and in that day it will be an outdoor day you see. Grins.....
There has been a demand from my S last night to give pasta for lunch, so this morning it was no brainer for me. Whisked up pasta and added some shrimps with some generous amount of mozzarella cheese. I know my S will be extra cheekily happy to open his box. His snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Tomorrow is Friday and i am looking forward to it to let my hair down and 'breathe' if not sleep. What are your plans? If you are reading please do share.
Love......
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Tiffin Tales 13
Hola.......
Its a partly sunny partly cloudy day. This morning i opened my freezer to get something and realized that there is still a tub of ice cream lying. With the weather changing everyday i have some how forgotten about it. I am scared that even a spoonful of ice cream will lead to infinite days of cold and coughing. I am so petrified of those nights spent coughing that my tub of ice cream is nearing its expiration date.
Many many moons when i was little but my love for ice creams was not so little. I used to madly love ice creams and even a glance of a ice cream used to make go weak in my knees. I came from a family of limited resources and the place where i grew up was a small town too. Having an ice cream was a big treat for us and we used to get them on special occasions only. The flavors were limited too mainly orange, chocolate and vanilla. I remember just in front of our school there were vendors selling ice cream mainly the ones in cone or in the more famously known these days as popsicles. Popsicles were popular with the students mainly because it was priced low compared to the cone ones. On certain days i used to get ice creams from my mother but for major other days i never looked at them.
Years later when the market was flooded with different flavors and the concept of payment as per scoop came in my love for ice creams changed too. It was perhaps it was more readily available in the grocery stores. People started introducing ice creams at the very celebrations from birthday to marriages as dessert. There were more flavors but less joy with every cone.
Add a few more years still ice cream is equally enjoyed by young and adults. Ice cream parlors are very popular and movies and ice cream or walk after dinner followed by ice cream are the best possible combinations. The flavors have diversified but somewhere i miss the child in me who used to long for a small popsicle with her saved pocket money. That child is a mother now who puts her the health of her family first. But i still enjoy looking at my S enjoying his ice cream without any thoughts or apprehensions. Perhaps this childhood and innocence.
This morning for S lunchbox i made his all time favorite soya chunks rice with vegetables. The snack box had fruits and a homemade blueberry muffin.
Let me know any memories of your childhood ice cream love.
Its a partly sunny partly cloudy day. This morning i opened my freezer to get something and realized that there is still a tub of ice cream lying. With the weather changing everyday i have some how forgotten about it. I am scared that even a spoonful of ice cream will lead to infinite days of cold and coughing. I am so petrified of those nights spent coughing that my tub of ice cream is nearing its expiration date.
Many many moons when i was little but my love for ice creams was not so little. I used to madly love ice creams and even a glance of a ice cream used to make go weak in my knees. I came from a family of limited resources and the place where i grew up was a small town too. Having an ice cream was a big treat for us and we used to get them on special occasions only. The flavors were limited too mainly orange, chocolate and vanilla. I remember just in front of our school there were vendors selling ice cream mainly the ones in cone or in the more famously known these days as popsicles. Popsicles were popular with the students mainly because it was priced low compared to the cone ones. On certain days i used to get ice creams from my mother but for major other days i never looked at them.
Years later when the market was flooded with different flavors and the concept of payment as per scoop came in my love for ice creams changed too. It was perhaps it was more readily available in the grocery stores. People started introducing ice creams at the very celebrations from birthday to marriages as dessert. There were more flavors but less joy with every cone.
Add a few more years still ice cream is equally enjoyed by young and adults. Ice cream parlors are very popular and movies and ice cream or walk after dinner followed by ice cream are the best possible combinations. The flavors have diversified but somewhere i miss the child in me who used to long for a small popsicle with her saved pocket money. That child is a mother now who puts her the health of her family first. But i still enjoy looking at my S enjoying his ice cream without any thoughts or apprehensions. Perhaps this childhood and innocence.
This morning for S lunchbox i made his all time favorite soya chunks rice with vegetables. The snack box had fruits and a homemade blueberry muffin.
Let me know any memories of your childhood ice cream love.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Tiffin Tales 12
Hola....
It's a cloudy Tuesday morning and laziness is following me like a shadow. The weather is very confusing today with sun shining to disappearing behind the clouds at almost lightning speed.
This morning has rather been a bit analytical for me. Last night as i served dinner to my S he seemed a bit lost. His mind was filled with some questions for which he looked lost and seemed to find some answers. I gently asked him but he said nothing much. We mothers are very very curious when it comes to know whats going on in our children's life and i seem to be extra fidgety. He slowly told me that some children of his class were making fun of a boy whose birthday gift that particular boy didn't like. This joke didn't go down too well with my S. He shared that the other boys were making fun saying that his gift choices aren't good and he doesn't know what boys of their age like. Initially i was surprised, but had to calm my son's mind. I explained deeply that there are people of all kinds in the world, but what matters mostly is how we react to all the situations. It's on the basis of of our reactions a lot of situations can be made or fixed. But in the midst of everything it's very important to hold to one's dignity and self respect. It is tolerable to protest or voice your opinion but never to compromise with your self respect. I explained S never to make fun of anyone's choices especially as simple thing as a Birthday gift. A gift is always gift and not necessarily a lifetime trophy. Gifts wear and tear out very soon but the feeling with which the person gifts, stays somewhere in our hearts and add to our memories. The conversation lasted for sometime and his tiny mind seemed to be appeased with whatever his mind and heart could take.
Its my mind which had an influx of thoughts and questions. I am sure most of you agree that in childhood birthday celebrations and gifts matter a lot but it's the duty of parents like us to simplify these things so that childhood birthday celebrations remain simple and heartwarming.
Yes, the review of farro; i remember you see. Yesterday i had packed farro for S lunchbox. He had it but somehow did not liked it that much. Farro has a bit crunchy and nutty taste and is a great healthy alternative to rice. It keeps you full and is pretty high in fibre. But i certainly have to find some other ways to pack it in his lunchbox. As for today it was a simple chickpea rice with some carrots in it and snack box had peaches and strawberries and flavored yoghurt.
Catch you all tomorrow. Stay happy!
It's a cloudy Tuesday morning and laziness is following me like a shadow. The weather is very confusing today with sun shining to disappearing behind the clouds at almost lightning speed.
This morning has rather been a bit analytical for me. Last night as i served dinner to my S he seemed a bit lost. His mind was filled with some questions for which he looked lost and seemed to find some answers. I gently asked him but he said nothing much. We mothers are very very curious when it comes to know whats going on in our children's life and i seem to be extra fidgety. He slowly told me that some children of his class were making fun of a boy whose birthday gift that particular boy didn't like. This joke didn't go down too well with my S. He shared that the other boys were making fun saying that his gift choices aren't good and he doesn't know what boys of their age like. Initially i was surprised, but had to calm my son's mind. I explained deeply that there are people of all kinds in the world, but what matters mostly is how we react to all the situations. It's on the basis of of our reactions a lot of situations can be made or fixed. But in the midst of everything it's very important to hold to one's dignity and self respect. It is tolerable to protest or voice your opinion but never to compromise with your self respect. I explained S never to make fun of anyone's choices especially as simple thing as a Birthday gift. A gift is always gift and not necessarily a lifetime trophy. Gifts wear and tear out very soon but the feeling with which the person gifts, stays somewhere in our hearts and add to our memories. The conversation lasted for sometime and his tiny mind seemed to be appeased with whatever his mind and heart could take.
Its my mind which had an influx of thoughts and questions. I am sure most of you agree that in childhood birthday celebrations and gifts matter a lot but it's the duty of parents like us to simplify these things so that childhood birthday celebrations remain simple and heartwarming.
Yes, the review of farro; i remember you see. Yesterday i had packed farro for S lunchbox. He had it but somehow did not liked it that much. Farro has a bit crunchy and nutty taste and is a great healthy alternative to rice. It keeps you full and is pretty high in fibre. But i certainly have to find some other ways to pack it in his lunchbox. As for today it was a simple chickpea rice with some carrots in it and snack box had peaches and strawberries and flavored yoghurt.
Catch you all tomorrow. Stay happy!
Monday, September 17, 2018
Tiffin Tales 11
Hola.......
Welcome to another frenetic week. The last weekend, i was almost a single parent to my kids and i cannot explain what a rip-roaring weekend it was. As i said about the universe conspiring to wreck my weekend sleep, it verified so well. Kids classes, birthday invitations, attending another function and i almost tugged me and my children at the events.
Since the school opened, my S had been pestering me to bake him some cake or muffins. I am not a very good baker and my cakes are most of the time hit or miss ones. I try to experiment with different but mostly stick to the basic cake recipe. The weekend was hectic but somehow found baking at the end of Sunday was somewhat therapeutic.
When i told my S, 'let's bake something', his eyes almost shone up. While i stuck to the basic cake recipe, i decided to go for muffins and add some fresh blueberries. I had a box of blueberries which i wanted to finish else they go waste, and i ended up adding them as topping. The entire house smells heavenly when we bake something and my S couldn't wait for the time period. His patience paid off well when he enjoyed his piece if muffin and i couldn't be happier. All my fatigue seemed to evaporate instantly.
This morning i tried something with my S lunch box. On my last trip to the grocery store got a packet of farro. In the packet of farro was another small packet with the flavor mix of pumpkin and sage. It looked good and sounded interesting. My curiosity was satiated by google god, who described farro to be healthy and high in fibre. It a kind of healthy wheat and needs very less effort to cook. So what i did, in a heated pan, i added a few drops of olive oil and the farro straight from the packet and added the spice from which was provided. I stirred it for a couple of minutes and transferred it to rice cooker adding required water. It took 15-20 minutes to cook and make it fluffy enough. I am anxiously waiting for my S feedback which i will share tomorrow. Meanwhile the snack box had pears and strawberries and his regular dose of yoghurt.
Catch you all tomorrow.........
Welcome to another frenetic week. The last weekend, i was almost a single parent to my kids and i cannot explain what a rip-roaring weekend it was. As i said about the universe conspiring to wreck my weekend sleep, it verified so well. Kids classes, birthday invitations, attending another function and i almost tugged me and my children at the events.
Since the school opened, my S had been pestering me to bake him some cake or muffins. I am not a very good baker and my cakes are most of the time hit or miss ones. I try to experiment with different but mostly stick to the basic cake recipe. The weekend was hectic but somehow found baking at the end of Sunday was somewhat therapeutic.
When i told my S, 'let's bake something', his eyes almost shone up. While i stuck to the basic cake recipe, i decided to go for muffins and add some fresh blueberries. I had a box of blueberries which i wanted to finish else they go waste, and i ended up adding them as topping. The entire house smells heavenly when we bake something and my S couldn't wait for the time period. His patience paid off well when he enjoyed his piece if muffin and i couldn't be happier. All my fatigue seemed to evaporate instantly.
This morning i tried something with my S lunch box. On my last trip to the grocery store got a packet of farro. In the packet of farro was another small packet with the flavor mix of pumpkin and sage. It looked good and sounded interesting. My curiosity was satiated by google god, who described farro to be healthy and high in fibre. It a kind of healthy wheat and needs very less effort to cook. So what i did, in a heated pan, i added a few drops of olive oil and the farro straight from the packet and added the spice from which was provided. I stirred it for a couple of minutes and transferred it to rice cooker adding required water. It took 15-20 minutes to cook and make it fluffy enough. I am anxiously waiting for my S feedback which i will share tomorrow. Meanwhile the snack box had pears and strawberries and his regular dose of yoghurt.
Catch you all tomorrow.........
Friday, September 14, 2018
Tiffin Tales 10
Hola...
Whoopee, we all managed to reach another weekend. I am so looking forward to my weekend sleep but i am pretty much sure that the universe must have already conspired to wreck my plan. Even though there will be no morning alarms, yet my children have that extra sensibility and sensitivity to sense weekends. It's almost festive time for them. My S will smilingly wake up to poke and gently remind me that there its a non school day. Deep down my heart i smile too because i have less chopping and cooking.
As i said of the universe conspiring, there have many weekends when people call without realizing the local time. I never get annoyed because i always appreciate people who think and spare some time to talk to me and my family. The different time zones create more confusions and yes morning sleep is terminated. On busy weekdays grandparents wait to talk to their grandchildren or video chat with them. These days most social sites offer calling and we all try to make most of it. There have been times when excited grandparents called us up to wish my S Happy Birthday in the middle of the night. Without sensing the time they called only to be disappointed to be let known that he cannot be woken up now. I still feel sad remembering that night.
Fast forward, yes, it's an autumn September weekend. This morning has been a bit interesting and uninteresting in both ways. My S refused to carry his lunch box today expressing his desire to have 'hot lunch' from school. I wasn't concerned that much until this morning when his dad declared that his account is not reflecting the amount we sent for his lunch. Gosh, my S was almost in tears but it was me who froze for a couple of seconds. My relaxed state of mind almost turned into a battlefield wondering from where should i start. Since i had very little time, i could not come up with any favorite thing of S. I just wanted something which would be filling and nutritious. I am not a fan of frozen items and rarely you will ever find my freezer stocked with those unless we are preparing for some hurricane or tornado. Potatoes are the best friends and given its versatility, this vegetable is a winner in almost everyones kitchen. Tick-tock, tick-tock, i boil them and make mashed potatoes and a vegetable burger to go with that. I hurriedly pack everything and the snack box had pears and cheese. Phew, where did my morning go? Now, you know too...
Have a great weekend folk, and enjoy every single second of it, even if you spend sleeping.....
Whoopee, we all managed to reach another weekend. I am so looking forward to my weekend sleep but i am pretty much sure that the universe must have already conspired to wreck my plan. Even though there will be no morning alarms, yet my children have that extra sensibility and sensitivity to sense weekends. It's almost festive time for them. My S will smilingly wake up to poke and gently remind me that there its a non school day. Deep down my heart i smile too because i have less chopping and cooking.
As i said of the universe conspiring, there have many weekends when people call without realizing the local time. I never get annoyed because i always appreciate people who think and spare some time to talk to me and my family. The different time zones create more confusions and yes morning sleep is terminated. On busy weekdays grandparents wait to talk to their grandchildren or video chat with them. These days most social sites offer calling and we all try to make most of it. There have been times when excited grandparents called us up to wish my S Happy Birthday in the middle of the night. Without sensing the time they called only to be disappointed to be let known that he cannot be woken up now. I still feel sad remembering that night.
Fast forward, yes, it's an autumn September weekend. This morning has been a bit interesting and uninteresting in both ways. My S refused to carry his lunch box today expressing his desire to have 'hot lunch' from school. I wasn't concerned that much until this morning when his dad declared that his account is not reflecting the amount we sent for his lunch. Gosh, my S was almost in tears but it was me who froze for a couple of seconds. My relaxed state of mind almost turned into a battlefield wondering from where should i start. Since i had very little time, i could not come up with any favorite thing of S. I just wanted something which would be filling and nutritious. I am not a fan of frozen items and rarely you will ever find my freezer stocked with those unless we are preparing for some hurricane or tornado. Potatoes are the best friends and given its versatility, this vegetable is a winner in almost everyones kitchen. Tick-tock, tick-tock, i boil them and make mashed potatoes and a vegetable burger to go with that. I hurriedly pack everything and the snack box had pears and cheese. Phew, where did my morning go? Now, you know too...
Have a great weekend folk, and enjoy every single second of it, even if you spend sleeping.....
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Tiffin Tales 9
Hola...
I am so excited today. Even though i am quite far away from the actual festive atmosphere back home, yet i can almost feel the palpitation of the festivities. The richness of the festival, the aroma of arrangements, the hustle bustle, the anticipation collectively satiates the heart.
If you are aware of Lord Ganesh, youngest son of Hindu Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, you will know a bit more about Ganesh Chaturthi. I can explain in details, but in a separate post. Growing up in a small town we quite never celebrated this festival, but the month of September would be the dawn of festive month. I am a Bengali who swears by Goddess Durga and Kali and the groundwork for the celebration would start in this month.
Sometime time later in this month i will try to jot down a few more memories of the preparations of the Durga Puja but as of today i would like to soak in the Ganesh Puja atmosphere. Over the years and with time, we have started to celebrate widely Ganesh Puja and Rakhi.
This morning woke up feeling a bit festive. I tried to explain a little bit of Lord Ganesha to my little S but since morning hours and minutes are precious and crazy, we could not talk much. I guess i was thinking too much about the festivities back home so could not make much for his lunch box today. I ended up making 'upma' with green beans and carrots and a dash of ghee. For his snack box, i gave him fruits and a cheese stick.
To my stupefaction at the pace with which time rushes we are almost there to another weekend. Tomorrow certainly looks a bit busy but i will try to share my madness here. Till then happy times...
I am so excited today. Even though i am quite far away from the actual festive atmosphere back home, yet i can almost feel the palpitation of the festivities. The richness of the festival, the aroma of arrangements, the hustle bustle, the anticipation collectively satiates the heart.
If you are aware of Lord Ganesh, youngest son of Hindu Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, you will know a bit more about Ganesh Chaturthi. I can explain in details, but in a separate post. Growing up in a small town we quite never celebrated this festival, but the month of September would be the dawn of festive month. I am a Bengali who swears by Goddess Durga and Kali and the groundwork for the celebration would start in this month.
Sometime time later in this month i will try to jot down a few more memories of the preparations of the Durga Puja but as of today i would like to soak in the Ganesh Puja atmosphere. Over the years and with time, we have started to celebrate widely Ganesh Puja and Rakhi.
This morning woke up feeling a bit festive. I tried to explain a little bit of Lord Ganesha to my little S but since morning hours and minutes are precious and crazy, we could not talk much. I guess i was thinking too much about the festivities back home so could not make much for his lunch box today. I ended up making 'upma' with green beans and carrots and a dash of ghee. For his snack box, i gave him fruits and a cheese stick.
To my stupefaction at the pace with which time rushes we are almost there to another weekend. Tomorrow certainly looks a bit busy but i will try to share my madness here. Till then happy times...
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Tiffin Tales 8
Hola...
The Sun is radiant today. The tender winds are making the leaves look golden. Some of the leaves have started to change its color and the others are gearing up as well. Since i almost had an overwhelming day, this morning i decided to b-r-e-a-t-h-e and take things easy. There were some tasks which needed my attention but i decided to push them a bit farther.
I am not a tea/coffee person and there have been tons of people in my life who have questioned me about my lack of interest in these beverages. Even though most of the time i fail to make people understand that life can go on smoothly without tea/coffee especially the mornings. My own mother refuses to start the morning without her tea. Tea is almost like morning prayer to her. Growing up in a small place tea was and still is the first things offered to guests after water. Over the years soft drinks and other beverages have slowly occupied a lot of place in the kitchen and fridge shelves but tea still holds the prominence and dominance in most of the houses.
If i speak about my native place and tea i will have to add another important aspect, most people start their day with black tea. Yes, simple loose tea leaves strained with hot water with some sugar and a dash of lemon juice. Of course there are another section who do not consider to be tea at all unless milk is added to it. Now some people argue that milk leads to acidity while the other group crack up at the thought of black tea.
People who are on a simple weight loss journey substitute sugar with honey and a drop of lemon juice to their first cup of tea in the morning. So tea lovers always find distinct ways to enjoy their cups. Even when the sun is fierce and blazing outside and people usually love to sip in some ice cold lemonade or soda there are people who find tea to be their beverage.
There are different kinds of tea and in my childhood i have been to different tea gardens and in some had access to visit the factories as well. The kids these days would call them field trip but now a trip down my memory lane takes me to those factories where we saw the different stages of tea sorting and packaging. The winds almost made me smell those factories.
Now isn't it funny that growing up in place where people still adore tea i have no affinity towards tea be with or without milk. Winters do tempt me at times to sip in a cup of tea but mostly its green tea. Is it the smart packaging or marketing tactics to improve your immunity that attracted me towards green tea? Well, none.... My Uncle used to have them and i always used to be curious about the taste until he shared with me. I liked that and somehow that taste grew in me. Now, on few occasions when i have green tea its like an ode to my childhood memories.
Oh yes, i almost to share my lunch box menu. Since i was not interested in any detailed menu today i packed vegetable and egg rice. The snack box had peach and berries and a small pack of yoghurt.
Enjoy the midweek!
The Sun is radiant today. The tender winds are making the leaves look golden. Some of the leaves have started to change its color and the others are gearing up as well. Since i almost had an overwhelming day, this morning i decided to b-r-e-a-t-h-e and take things easy. There were some tasks which needed my attention but i decided to push them a bit farther.
I am not a tea/coffee person and there have been tons of people in my life who have questioned me about my lack of interest in these beverages. Even though most of the time i fail to make people understand that life can go on smoothly without tea/coffee especially the mornings. My own mother refuses to start the morning without her tea. Tea is almost like morning prayer to her. Growing up in a small place tea was and still is the first things offered to guests after water. Over the years soft drinks and other beverages have slowly occupied a lot of place in the kitchen and fridge shelves but tea still holds the prominence and dominance in most of the houses.
If i speak about my native place and tea i will have to add another important aspect, most people start their day with black tea. Yes, simple loose tea leaves strained with hot water with some sugar and a dash of lemon juice. Of course there are another section who do not consider to be tea at all unless milk is added to it. Now some people argue that milk leads to acidity while the other group crack up at the thought of black tea.
People who are on a simple weight loss journey substitute sugar with honey and a drop of lemon juice to their first cup of tea in the morning. So tea lovers always find distinct ways to enjoy their cups. Even when the sun is fierce and blazing outside and people usually love to sip in some ice cold lemonade or soda there are people who find tea to be their beverage.
There are different kinds of tea and in my childhood i have been to different tea gardens and in some had access to visit the factories as well. The kids these days would call them field trip but now a trip down my memory lane takes me to those factories where we saw the different stages of tea sorting and packaging. The winds almost made me smell those factories.
Now isn't it funny that growing up in place where people still adore tea i have no affinity towards tea be with or without milk. Winters do tempt me at times to sip in a cup of tea but mostly its green tea. Is it the smart packaging or marketing tactics to improve your immunity that attracted me towards green tea? Well, none.... My Uncle used to have them and i always used to be curious about the taste until he shared with me. I liked that and somehow that taste grew in me. Now, on few occasions when i have green tea its like an ode to my childhood memories.
Oh yes, i almost to share my lunch box menu. Since i was not interested in any detailed menu today i packed vegetable and egg rice. The snack box had peach and berries and a small pack of yoghurt.
Enjoy the midweek!
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Tiffin Tales 7
Hola....
Its a gleaming sunny day and the sun looks so happy. Well, its us who feel happy when the sun shines. A different way to look at things i guess. It's fall season so the sun rays have a different sensitivity. It is soft in the mornings making people desirous to spend a few extra minutes in the sun, heated during the day and mellowed down again towards the afternoon.
As i write these lines i am sitting in one corner of my room, the sun rays are smoothly falling on my back. One can easily feel that it isn't the summer sun which was fierce. The balmy sun along with the gentle wind is like a lullaby to my senses.
After a thought provoking Monday, Tuesday was little bit sweet. It's my niece's birthday and i was so excited to wish her perhaps more excited than the birthday girl herself. She turned 11 today but feels like just the other day when we celebrated her arrival. Eleven years back even i had less idea about bringing up a child. All i knew was a child is gift from heaven who just adds joys. Fast forward now i know after giving birth that a mother is born on the same day and the resilience she has matches none. Of course a baby adds so much joy to the immediate and extended families but the joy comes with reams of responsibilities. A baby's cry is diverse based on needs. While a baby cries for needs and attention a mother cries on different levels of emotion.
I can certainly write a bit more about my ongoing journey of motherhood but time restricts everything. A huge pile of clothes needs to be laundered and folded. I need to get some fresh vegetables and the milk can is in reserve state. The refrigerator needs some space management while shoe rack is perhaps screaming for immediate attention. The morning conversation with my S mainly revolved around his morning duties and some 'mom' tips to finish his tasks especially homework quickly. After all these years i have realized that mom tips rarely fails and some stay in some corner of your heart forever. So today's lunch box included vegetable sandwich and some crackers while snack box had some fruits and a yogurt.....
Its a gleaming sunny day and the sun looks so happy. Well, its us who feel happy when the sun shines. A different way to look at things i guess. It's fall season so the sun rays have a different sensitivity. It is soft in the mornings making people desirous to spend a few extra minutes in the sun, heated during the day and mellowed down again towards the afternoon.
As i write these lines i am sitting in one corner of my room, the sun rays are smoothly falling on my back. One can easily feel that it isn't the summer sun which was fierce. The balmy sun along with the gentle wind is like a lullaby to my senses.
After a thought provoking Monday, Tuesday was little bit sweet. It's my niece's birthday and i was so excited to wish her perhaps more excited than the birthday girl herself. She turned 11 today but feels like just the other day when we celebrated her arrival. Eleven years back even i had less idea about bringing up a child. All i knew was a child is gift from heaven who just adds joys. Fast forward now i know after giving birth that a mother is born on the same day and the resilience she has matches none. Of course a baby adds so much joy to the immediate and extended families but the joy comes with reams of responsibilities. A baby's cry is diverse based on needs. While a baby cries for needs and attention a mother cries on different levels of emotion.
I can certainly write a bit more about my ongoing journey of motherhood but time restricts everything. A huge pile of clothes needs to be laundered and folded. I need to get some fresh vegetables and the milk can is in reserve state. The refrigerator needs some space management while shoe rack is perhaps screaming for immediate attention. The morning conversation with my S mainly revolved around his morning duties and some 'mom' tips to finish his tasks especially homework quickly. After all these years i have realized that mom tips rarely fails and some stay in some corner of your heart forever. So today's lunch box included vegetable sandwich and some crackers while snack box had some fruits and a yogurt.....
Monday, September 10, 2018
Tiffin Tales 6
Hola...
A new week and new things to look forward to but what a hectic weekend it was. The week was pretty a week of hanging around and hobnob. My poor S who has been sneezing since Friday wanted some extra rest but due to the craziness of our schedule he had to somewhat subtract his sleep time. Of course he wasn't happy at all about it.
Over the weekend we went to a kids birthday party all the ladies were discussing about their child's development and his food habits. Now this particular mom had a completely different perspective about her child's activities. She pampered him a lot spoke highly about making me feel a bit miserable. Now you might ask me why? Am i only one who complains that my S never finishes his lunch, never keeps his toys in place, his books are always scattered, sneaks and haves all the chocolates that i 'try' to hide from him and on and on. Of course there were other moms too who echoed the same. But that particular mom had twinkle in her eyes whenever she mentioned her son. She said she usually rewards her son whenever he accomplishes any given task.
As a mother of a child whose son is within the same age bracket as her son i found her words a bit grandiose and flatulent. I even applauded her son and her labour behind those accomplishments even though i was wondering if i was missing out anything in raising my child.The mom graciously accepted the acknowledgements. One of the other moms wished if her daughter was like her son too, to which that particular had tears in her eyes. We had no idea if we had irked her but we all apologized. We tried to comfort her until she clarified that no mother should go through the acclivity of emotions that she is going through. She numbed us all by saying that her son is a 'special child' whose every milestone is an achievement for the entire family which is celebrated. Her everyday effort to motivate her child to grow and meet his milestones was indeed exemplary. I began to curse my mind for thinking weak. The oversight of our conversation changed until the host of the party came to invite us to join the cake cutting celebration. All my way back home i kept thinking about her and the struggle.
So this morning without any complaints of Monday morning and extra lovingly i packed his lunch and snack boxes respectively. His lunch box had shrimp pasta in a thermos while his snack box had slices of peaches, some berries and a small yogurt.
Happy week folk!
A new week and new things to look forward to but what a hectic weekend it was. The week was pretty a week of hanging around and hobnob. My poor S who has been sneezing since Friday wanted some extra rest but due to the craziness of our schedule he had to somewhat subtract his sleep time. Of course he wasn't happy at all about it.
Over the weekend we went to a kids birthday party all the ladies were discussing about their child's development and his food habits. Now this particular mom had a completely different perspective about her child's activities. She pampered him a lot spoke highly about making me feel a bit miserable. Now you might ask me why? Am i only one who complains that my S never finishes his lunch, never keeps his toys in place, his books are always scattered, sneaks and haves all the chocolates that i 'try' to hide from him and on and on. Of course there were other moms too who echoed the same. But that particular mom had twinkle in her eyes whenever she mentioned her son. She said she usually rewards her son whenever he accomplishes any given task.
As a mother of a child whose son is within the same age bracket as her son i found her words a bit grandiose and flatulent. I even applauded her son and her labour behind those accomplishments even though i was wondering if i was missing out anything in raising my child.The mom graciously accepted the acknowledgements. One of the other moms wished if her daughter was like her son too, to which that particular had tears in her eyes. We had no idea if we had irked her but we all apologized. We tried to comfort her until she clarified that no mother should go through the acclivity of emotions that she is going through. She numbed us all by saying that her son is a 'special child' whose every milestone is an achievement for the entire family which is celebrated. Her everyday effort to motivate her child to grow and meet his milestones was indeed exemplary. I began to curse my mind for thinking weak. The oversight of our conversation changed until the host of the party came to invite us to join the cake cutting celebration. All my way back home i kept thinking about her and the struggle.
So this morning without any complaints of Monday morning and extra lovingly i packed his lunch and snack boxes respectively. His lunch box had shrimp pasta in a thermos while his snack box had slices of peaches, some berries and a small yogurt.
Happy week folk!
Friday, September 7, 2018
Tiffin Tales 5
Hola...
Its raining even more heavier here and seems that rain is no mood to stop. Last night i said a silent prayer before bed that the rains be stop today and we see some sun. The weather has been quite somber for the past few days and was hoping for some sun for the weekends but seems like its going to be caliginous.
This morning as stated started with heavy rains and my S requesting to sleep for a few extra more minutes. These moments are something to die for me when my S lovingly asks for something as simple some more time to sleep. I wish to seal those moments but the clock gently reminds that it belongs to none and runs for everyone. How funny it sounds to me whenever i try to think about my childhood which seems like yesterday almost expedited. I think this could be one of the many reasons why i want to freeze my time with S.
Our morning discussion started with the sudden weather change and everyone sneezing abruptly. My heart beats faster when they start to sneeze. I can immediately visualize what is going to follow next. Blocked nose, watery eyes, sore throat and me making endless cups of warm soups or herbal tea. Sigh, but truth.
There are tons of work that need to be taken care of this weekend. Last weekend we went for a small hiking and plenty of walk. I will share some pictures on my next post. Perhaps the rain is making me lazy today. Whatever be the situation or weather there is something in this world who cannot interpret anything. Its our stomachs and needs a refill every few hours. Even the tiny little baby squishing for space in the mother's womb also needs food.
As its a Friday i try to keep it pretty simple on the menu. Feasting's are reserved for weekends only. This morning i packed poha with nuts and vegetables for his lunchbox and pear, cheese stick for snack. I am sure my S must have been surprised because i packed a surprise sweet from Haldiram's (famous Indian snack store). A friend came from India and gave that box. Remember I melted this morning so perhaps that was an allegory. Have a great weekend folks and more chit chats from Monday again. Cheers!
Its raining even more heavier here and seems that rain is no mood to stop. Last night i said a silent prayer before bed that the rains be stop today and we see some sun. The weather has been quite somber for the past few days and was hoping for some sun for the weekends but seems like its going to be caliginous.
This morning as stated started with heavy rains and my S requesting to sleep for a few extra more minutes. These moments are something to die for me when my S lovingly asks for something as simple some more time to sleep. I wish to seal those moments but the clock gently reminds that it belongs to none and runs for everyone. How funny it sounds to me whenever i try to think about my childhood which seems like yesterday almost expedited. I think this could be one of the many reasons why i want to freeze my time with S.
Our morning discussion started with the sudden weather change and everyone sneezing abruptly. My heart beats faster when they start to sneeze. I can immediately visualize what is going to follow next. Blocked nose, watery eyes, sore throat and me making endless cups of warm soups or herbal tea. Sigh, but truth.
There are tons of work that need to be taken care of this weekend. Last weekend we went for a small hiking and plenty of walk. I will share some pictures on my next post. Perhaps the rain is making me lazy today. Whatever be the situation or weather there is something in this world who cannot interpret anything. Its our stomachs and needs a refill every few hours. Even the tiny little baby squishing for space in the mother's womb also needs food.
As its a Friday i try to keep it pretty simple on the menu. Feasting's are reserved for weekends only. This morning i packed poha with nuts and vegetables for his lunchbox and pear, cheese stick for snack. I am sure my S must have been surprised because i packed a surprise sweet from Haldiram's (famous Indian snack store). A friend came from India and gave that box. Remember I melted this morning so perhaps that was an allegory. Have a great weekend folks and more chit chats from Monday again. Cheers!
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Tiffin Tales 4
Hola....
Its raining tediously here but there is a reason of celebration. My country legally approves of same sex marriage and what better way to celebrate humanity and love. Love is love. It is stupendous and some sort of altruism of living a good life. Love makes you humane and gives you the clout to meet all the situations of life. We can never confine love into any one relationship. Love comes in any form from any relation and even from strangers.
As Mother Teresa had famously said that we are poorest of poor if we are unloved and uncared for by anyone in this world. The perturbation of unloved mind and heart is the greatest sorrow of mankind. Hence it gives me endless joy to know that some section of the society will be more loved and accepted. Imagine living a curved life where the feelings are controlled and gets clogged somewhere deep down the heart. Now those inhibited feelings will get expressions and freedom and as a result those smiles will be priceless.
The morning indeed started on a good note even though its raining endlessly. My sleep was interrupted by my S coughing and sending me strong signals that i need to make some herbal concoctions before it gets bad.
Last night i had soaked beans and this morning gave it a nice boil. So the lunch box had rice with beans and some vegetables mainly carrots and peas. The snack box had slices of apple, strawberries and a slice of cheese. Here is hoping tomorrow it doesn't rain and we get to see some sun. Take care folks.
Its raining tediously here but there is a reason of celebration. My country legally approves of same sex marriage and what better way to celebrate humanity and love. Love is love. It is stupendous and some sort of altruism of living a good life. Love makes you humane and gives you the clout to meet all the situations of life. We can never confine love into any one relationship. Love comes in any form from any relation and even from strangers.
As Mother Teresa had famously said that we are poorest of poor if we are unloved and uncared for by anyone in this world. The perturbation of unloved mind and heart is the greatest sorrow of mankind. Hence it gives me endless joy to know that some section of the society will be more loved and accepted. Imagine living a curved life where the feelings are controlled and gets clogged somewhere deep down the heart. Now those inhibited feelings will get expressions and freedom and as a result those smiles will be priceless.
The morning indeed started on a good note even though its raining endlessly. My sleep was interrupted by my S coughing and sending me strong signals that i need to make some herbal concoctions before it gets bad.
Last night i had soaked beans and this morning gave it a nice boil. So the lunch box had rice with beans and some vegetables mainly carrots and peas. The snack box had slices of apple, strawberries and a slice of cheese. Here is hoping tomorrow it doesn't rain and we get to see some sun. Take care folks.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Tiffin Tales 3
Hola...
The first week of September is almost getting over and gently we can see and feel the glimpse of autumn. This morning it was mildly cold but started to heat up once the sun showed up. If anyone has gone through any of my previous posts, you will know that this is time when Bengalis gear up to welcome their esteemed Maa Durga. Its been years away from my native place yet the excitability and sensitivity towards this festival is so strong that only the heart can fathom because words miss the boat.
The morning rush was less this morning due to the easiness of the nature of the lunch. There was less preparation hence got a couple of extra minutes to have a quick breakfast which is sometimes the last thing of the morning. I met a couple of other moms at the bus stop who were also discussing about weather and autumn and the grievous winters. I deliberately asked two of my friends to join me over a cup of tea or coffee to elucidate a bit more about their autumn plans. They happily came and we had a nice discussion about different activities our kids are doing or the ambit of something more.
Now the food part. Since the last weekend was a long weekend i made gulabjamuns and dahivada. For those who are unaware of these gulabjamuns are made from milk solids, kneaded and made ball size, fried and dipped into a sugar syrup. Well, its yum if served mildly warm. Dahivada is a bit of uphill battle and needs a few steps to be followed. ( if someone is interested i can share the recipe). I had a fair share of both the items and served them. The convivial was evident on their faces. As all (mostly) women ask the recipe and procedure they did too, i couldn't be happier.
As i said lunch was easy peasy today it was my S favorite pasta. Even though he would adopt and promote store made pasta over mine yet an extra help of cheese makes him cheesier and he happily obliges. I just boiled, drained and a pan added some oil white onions, added the boiled pasta along with the sauce. Ah don't forget the cheese.Well i win the day....
So lunch was Pasta marinara sauce and loads grated mozzarella cheese and snack box carried apples, strawberries and a small pack of yogurt.
Catch you tomorrow
The first week of September is almost getting over and gently we can see and feel the glimpse of autumn. This morning it was mildly cold but started to heat up once the sun showed up. If anyone has gone through any of my previous posts, you will know that this is time when Bengalis gear up to welcome their esteemed Maa Durga. Its been years away from my native place yet the excitability and sensitivity towards this festival is so strong that only the heart can fathom because words miss the boat.
The morning rush was less this morning due to the easiness of the nature of the lunch. There was less preparation hence got a couple of extra minutes to have a quick breakfast which is sometimes the last thing of the morning. I met a couple of other moms at the bus stop who were also discussing about weather and autumn and the grievous winters. I deliberately asked two of my friends to join me over a cup of tea or coffee to elucidate a bit more about their autumn plans. They happily came and we had a nice discussion about different activities our kids are doing or the ambit of something more.
Now the food part. Since the last weekend was a long weekend i made gulabjamuns and dahivada. For those who are unaware of these gulabjamuns are made from milk solids, kneaded and made ball size, fried and dipped into a sugar syrup. Well, its yum if served mildly warm. Dahivada is a bit of uphill battle and needs a few steps to be followed. ( if someone is interested i can share the recipe). I had a fair share of both the items and served them. The convivial was evident on their faces. As all (mostly) women ask the recipe and procedure they did too, i couldn't be happier.
As i said lunch was easy peasy today it was my S favorite pasta. Even though he would adopt and promote store made pasta over mine yet an extra help of cheese makes him cheesier and he happily obliges. I just boiled, drained and a pan added some oil white onions, added the boiled pasta along with the sauce. Ah don't forget the cheese.Well i win the day....
So lunch was Pasta marinara sauce and loads grated mozzarella cheese and snack box carried apples, strawberries and a small pack of yogurt.
Catch you tomorrow
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Tiffin Tales 2
Hola!
I am back...A series of unending stuff happened over the past 10 days somewhat pushing me away from my screen, well laptop to be precise. My laptop was unwell and it was un cooperative for most of the days. I wasn't in my pink of health, had guests at home (which was fun though) and now my toddler is crying lungs out because of common cold (yikes).
The past days were full of tales but couldn't write them down even though i regularly packed tiffin. Well, they were mostly compromise tiffin since i wasn't well. My son, okay lets address him as 'S' is both an easy and difficult child. Easy, because he doesn't want to exploit too many things (food) and difficult because he wants variety within limited options. Now every morning this poor soul has to think from different perspectives before packing his 'Tiffin'. The perspectives are as follows:
> Nutrition- Now i that i myself am a mom i have to hammer in their heads that food has to be nutritive. It doesn't matter if my S doesn't like broccoli rice or spinach soup. Frankly speaking even i would have also rolled my eyes all over the sky i were packed those stuff.
> Time- We all are trying to be super in everything that we do these days. Be it posing for a simple picture or or baking a simple cake everything has to be supremely and timely. In the morning madness, i have to take into count every minute before i make anything 'nutritive' 😉
> Modernistic- Well, the first two points adds this one and then the box is ready. The box cannot look the same everyday. With kids its all more challenging but fun.
Lunch box can help the kids fraternize with other kids as well. A little bit of creativity and under the tutelage of Google we all can accomplish our plans of packing a power packed lunch boxes. On that note todays lunch box was Soya bean rice with generous amount of vegetables. The snack box had Pear, cheese stick and yogurt.
If some mom by any chance reads it please feel free to share your stories or your menus. More for tomorrow.........
I am back...A series of unending stuff happened over the past 10 days somewhat pushing me away from my screen, well laptop to be precise. My laptop was unwell and it was un cooperative for most of the days. I wasn't in my pink of health, had guests at home (which was fun though) and now my toddler is crying lungs out because of common cold (yikes).
The past days were full of tales but couldn't write them down even though i regularly packed tiffin. Well, they were mostly compromise tiffin since i wasn't well. My son, okay lets address him as 'S' is both an easy and difficult child. Easy, because he doesn't want to exploit too many things (food) and difficult because he wants variety within limited options. Now every morning this poor soul has to think from different perspectives before packing his 'Tiffin'. The perspectives are as follows:
> Nutrition- Now i that i myself am a mom i have to hammer in their heads that food has to be nutritive. It doesn't matter if my S doesn't like broccoli rice or spinach soup. Frankly speaking even i would have also rolled my eyes all over the sky i were packed those stuff.
> Time- We all are trying to be super in everything that we do these days. Be it posing for a simple picture or or baking a simple cake everything has to be supremely and timely. In the morning madness, i have to take into count every minute before i make anything 'nutritive' 😉
> Modernistic- Well, the first two points adds this one and then the box is ready. The box cannot look the same everyday. With kids its all more challenging but fun.
Lunch box can help the kids fraternize with other kids as well. A little bit of creativity and under the tutelage of Google we all can accomplish our plans of packing a power packed lunch boxes. On that note todays lunch box was Soya bean rice with generous amount of vegetables. The snack box had Pear, cheese stick and yogurt.
If some mom by any chance reads it please feel free to share your stories or your menus. More for tomorrow.........
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