Home Making Tips

Microwave usage tips

2010-06-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

- Avoid operating on an empty microwave

- Use round containers instead of rectangular or square ones. This helps in even cooking

- Microwaves perform better (in terms of efficient cooking) in case of flat base containers

- Use few smaller containers instead of one large container for re-heating food

Electricity saving tips - At Home - Washing Machine

2010-05-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

- Try to use washing machine only when it is fully loaded

- If clothes are soaked for sometime before washing, then the washing machine can perform same task in somewhat lesser time. This can cut down the detergent cost also.

- If feasible, use sunlight to dry clothes instead of using the dryer

- If you're using semi-automatic washing machine and using spin shower, then ensure that the water pressure is optimally adjusted. Having water supply at full force would only waste more water. In most of the semi-automatic models, if water is falling in wash-tub also along with dryer, then it is actually wastage (unless you plan to re-use that water for next set of clothes)

- Avoid opening lid of the dryer when in use. Actually, when we open the lid & dryer's timer is still on; the electricity is being wasted. The motor is consuming electricity, but the brakes applied by the lid are just holding the dryer from spinning. It would be much better to turn off the timer (or the entire machine)

Electricity saving tips - At home - AC

2010-05-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

- You don't really need the AC at 16 degrees throughout the night. Use an appropriate temperature judiciously. Normally a 25-27 degree setting can suffice.

- Regular service of AC can save lots of energy as well as electricity bill.

- Using appropriate curtains can also help your AC perform faster & more efficiently.

- If buying a new device like AC or refrigerator, look for star rating on the product.

Electricity saving tips - At home - Refrigerator

2010-05-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

- Adjust your refrigerator setting as per the requirement. For e.g., during a normal day, you won't really need to have your refrigerator set at minimum temperature. So select a moderate setting. Minimum setting might be applied on the days when you've some guests visiting your home & there may be frequent demand for cool thirst quenchers.

- Keep multiple water bottles in refrigerator. This way, you won't need to refill water bottles frequently. Refilling, then can be done once in a day. For e.g., if I can manage with just three water bottles, I keep five of them; and refill all of them in the night. This way, the electricity needed for cooling water bottles is required only during night; and since at that time the refrigerator is not being operated by anyone; it happens efficiently.

- Don't keep hot or warm food in refrigerator. Allow the food to come to room temperature first. This would help the compressor in efficient cooling & lesser energy consumption.

- Keep sufficient distance between back of your refrigerator & the wall.

- Whenever going out for some days, empty your refrigerator & switch it off. However, you must ensure that absolutely nothing remains in the refrigerator otherwise you will have to deal with whole lot of mess upon returning.

- If you've kids at home, then you would need to be extra vigilant to ensure that the refrigerator door doesn't stay open. Besides, opening the door every now & then would also reduce the performance & increase the power consumption.

Happy Holi - Dry Holi

2010-02-24T23:49:00.000-08:00

Holi is just around the corner & Rang Panchami at the next, so here are some things to keep in mind from environment point of view:

- Remeber the need of the hour (& every other hour in the queue): Save water.

- If you can, then go for Dry Holi. Indore has come up with an even better version: Tilak Holi.

- If you must use water, then try to keep the water wastage at a minimum.

- While kids are playing holi, be there to keep a vigil. That is not just important from safety point of view, it will put a little cap on amount of water being waste as well.

- If feasible, then arrange a gathering at some common place for playing Holi. This would significantly reduce the amount of water consumed.

- Go for herbal colours. Amount of water used to get rid of herbal colours is quite less than chemical colours.

- In case you are too reluctant to go out and purchase herbal colours, you can prepare some at home also.

- Apply lots of oil / moisturiser before going out to play colours.

- Wear full sleeve clothes, put on a cap or bandana also.

- If travelling then keep car windows closed.

- Avoid using two wheelers.

Electricity saving Tips - At Office

2010-02-11T02:43:00.000-08:00

- Change your laptop's display setting for an optimum brightness; with full brightness the electricity consumption increases, hence the battery drains out quickly & need to recharge it increases. Same thoughts apply to mobile phones as well as your computer's monitor

- Switch off your monitor while leaving workplace

- Similarly, if you're listening to songs on your system, ensure to close the application (or put the currently playing song on pause) if you've to move away from the system for a while. The idea is minimum amount of hardware should be in use (preferably zero), when the user is not around

- If possible, preferably shut down your PC when leaving office

- Instead of keeping your laptop connected to main power supply continuously, do it only when required

- Same concept applies to charging your mobile phones also

- Whenever not using, shut down the PC or laptop; instead of putting it in sleep mode

- If you've to come to office on a holiday, then avoid bringing up the central air conditioning system (if feasible)

- Similarly, on a holiday, switch on the lights of only your area. I've seen people switching the lights on of entire hall, even during daytime

- Instead of using automatic hand dryer or paper towel in washrooms, go traditional - bring and use your own handkerchief

- Avoid lift, use stairs. Good for health also & might reduce medical bills as well :)

Water saving tricks

2010-01-14T02:45:00.000-08:00

Well, there are plenty of tricks available; here a few that I found interesting (& use them myself):

- Take 1 or 2 plastic bottles (that are to be thrown as garbage), put cap on them tightly & throw them in flush. That way the amount of water to be used with each flush would reduce significantly. Experiment with no. of bottles suitable for your flush

- Use bucket for bathing instead of shower

- If you must use shower, then use the 3-minute rule: i.e. the shower should be in use for maximum 3 minutes. Water should not be wasted while you're applying soap / shampoo etc. If you feel that 3 minutes is too small duration for you then figure out the minimum time suitable for yourself (but keep in mind, lower the time used, lesser would be the water wasted)

- If you intend to use bathtub, then fill water only upto 1/3rd level

- Keep the taps closed while shaving / brushing your teeth. Open them only when you actually need water

- Don’t throw away the water after washing vegetables & clothes; use it in the garden

- Use washing machine / dishwasher only when they're loaded to full capacity. This would help with your electricity bill also

- Similarly, if you're changing water from your aquarium, use the old water for your plants

- Use bucket for cleaning your vehicle (i.e. don't wash your car/bike using hosepipe). Use body covers for car so that you won't need to wash the car daily

- Go for rain water harvesting or water recharging in your home (very very efficient way of sav
ing water). I know this because I live in a place where water is scarce; and after I got this system installed at my home 3 years back, I haven't faced any water shortage

- Teach kids about the importance of saving water. Kids could be very effective sources of wasting as well as saving water :)

Self Care - Constipation

2010-01-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

This has been long pending. Many people have asked me if I've any tips related to constipation. So, here is a small list; compiled from various sources (including grandma's tips).

First, some of the common causes of constipation:
- Irregular eating habits
- Lack of physical exerices
- Inadequate water intake
- Lack of roughage in meals
- Regualr intake of spicy food, junk food
- Mental tension

Now, some techniques to help in constipation:

- Increase your water intake

- Increase roughage in your meals

- Have at least 2 glasses of lukewarm water in the morning; then walk for few minutes

- Soak a teaspoon cumin seeds in water for 10-12 hours; boil the water, strain it & drink (when it becomes lukewarm) in the night before going to bed

- Drinking hot milk with honey in night also helps

- Isabgol husk can also be taken with warm milk / water before bedtime

- Grapes also help in constipation. Alternatively, soak few kishmish (golden raisins) for few hours; later chew them and drink the water in which those were soaked

- Have Amla (Goose Berry) during its season to get rid of constipation

Self Care - Breathing Therapy

2009-11-09T04:40:00.000-08:00

This one came to me via a forwarded email:

The nose has a left and a right side and we use both to inhale and exhale. Actually they are different; the right side represents the sun, left side represents the moon. In other words, right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily; whereas left side belongs to 'cold'.

During a headache, try to close your right nostril and use your left nostril to breathe. In about 5 mins, your headache would be gone.

If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nostril and breathe through your right nostril; after a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed.

Vitamins & their functions

2009-09-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a small ( & incomplete ) list of main vitamins and their main functions in human body:

Vitamin A (aka retinol):
- Good vision
- Hair growth
- Healthy skin
- Acts as anti-oxidant
- Guards against bacterial & viral infections
- Lowers blood cholesterol level

Vitamin D:
- Maintains levels of calcium & phosphorus in blood
- Helps in developing strong bones
- Prevent Rickets

Vitamin E:
- Powerful antioxidant
- Helps in smooth blood flow

Vitamin K:
- Essential for blood clotting
- Helps in absorption of calcium

Vitamin C:
- Helps in repairing of body tissues
- Helps in treating cold
- Reduces risk of getting certain kinds of cancer
- Helps in preventing cataracts
- Can regulate blood sugar to some extent thus helping in diabetes

PS: Please keep in mind that I'm not a health professional, this is the information that I've come to know about during normal day to day life. Please consult a qualified professional before making any decision. Also, if you find that any information mentioned here is inaccurate, please leave a comment & I will take necessary steps.

Vegetables, fruits & their names in Hindi

2009-07-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

Amarnath Leaves - Chaulayi
Apple - Seb
Artichoke / Colocasia - Arbi / Ghuiyan
Ashgourd / White gourd - Petha
Banana - Kela
Beet Root - Chukandar
Bitter Gourd - Karela
Bottle Gourd / Marrow - Lauki
Brinjal / Eggplant - Baingan
Broad/Butter Beans - Sem
Cabbage - Patta Gobhi
Capsicum/Bell Pepper - Shimla Mirch
Carrot - Gajar
Cauliflower - Phool Gobhi
Chilli - Mirch
Cluster Beans - Gawaar Phali
Cow peas - Lobhia / Barbati
Coconut - Nariyal
Colocasia / Artichoke - Arbi / Ghuiyan
Coriander / Cilantro - Dhania
Corn - Bhutta
Cucumber - Kheera/Kakdi
Custard Apple - Sharifa
Dates - Khajoor
Drumstick - Shahjan
Dry Plums - Aloo Bhukhara
French Beans - Phali
Fenugreek - Methi
Garlic - Lasan
Ginger - Adrak
Goose berry - Amla
Grapes - Angoor
Green Berry - Ber
Green Chillies - Hari Mirch
Green Mango (Raw) - Ambi / Kaacha Aam
Guava - Amrood
Jackfruit - Kathal
Jambu Fruit - Jamun
Kohlrabi - Ganth Gobhi
Lady Finger/Okra - Bhindi
Lemon - Nimboo
Lettuce - Salad ke Patte
Lime - Nimbu
Little Gourd / Ivy Gourd / Gentleman's toes - Kundru
Lotus stem - Kamal Kakdi/Bhein
Mango - Aam
Maskmelon/Cantalope - Kharbooja
Mint Leaves - Pudina
Mulberry - Shahtoot
Mushroom - Khumbi / Kukurmutta
Mustard Leaves - Sarson ka saag
Olive - Jaitoon
Onion - Pyaaz
Orange - Santra
Papaya - Papita
Parsley - Ajmoda Ka Patta
Pear - Nashpati
Peas - Matar
Pineapple - Ananas
Plantain (green) - Hara Kela
Plantain Flower - Kela Ka Phool
Plum / Prune - Aloobukhara
Pomegranate - Anar
Potato - Aaloo
Prune / Plum - Aloobukhara
Pumpkin - Kaddu
Radish - Mooli
Sappotta - Chiku
Spring Onions - Hara Pyaaz
Spinach - Palak
Sweet Potato - Shakarkand
Sweet Lime - Mausambi
Star Fruit - Kamrak
Tomato - Tamatar
Turnip - Shaljam
Water Melon - Tarbooj
Water Chestnuts - Singhara
Yam - Jimikand
Zucchini - Torai / Turayi / Taroi

Self care - Tips for maintaining Immune system

2009-06-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

- Be active; walk, work, play, exercise.... try to involve some amount of activity in your day to day life

- Get sufficient amount of sleep

- Eat fresh

- If you eat junk food, then limit the frequency (although ideal situation would be to give up junk food entirely, but that doesn't sound much feasible). For e.g., if someday I consume junk food, then I try to ensure that at least for next 1 week I stay away from junk food.

- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day

- Avoid touching items available for public usage. For e.g., instead of using a towel in restaurant's washroom, carry your own hanky.

- Avoid taking anti-biotics every now and then; instead switch to natural products

- Take breaks during a stressful day

- Keep a positive attitude

Self Care - Sun Stroke

2009-05-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

Here are few points to be kept in mind in order to avoid sun stroke:

- Don't stay empty stomach; also don't overstuff yourself
- While stepping outside, apply medicated oil to your legs
- Keep a raw onion in your pocket
- Don't drink ice cold water
- Include onion, mango-pana, sattu in your meal
- Include seasonal fruits in your meal

Keeping house cool during summers

2009-05-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of common techniques that many people follow in India. On high level, the rooftops are coated with lime (चूना); this can bring the temperature down by almost 5 degrees.
Here is process:
- Soak 20 kgs of lime overnight in water.
- Next morning mix 1/2 kg of hide glue. You may use any other adhesive that can be added to lime solution; check with the hardware store in your area. For e.g., in case the roof has cracks, fevicol can be used instead of hide glue.
- Paint those areas of rooftop that are exposed to sun.

It is said that this much of material is sufficient for covering 300 sq. feet area.
For more cooling, another coating can be applied.

Bike Care Tips

2009-05-05T03:58:00.001-07:00

- Keep optimum pressure in tyres. You would get better mileage as well as pressure on engine would be minimized.
- Don't overspeed your bike, and even if you do so don't do it for a continuous long run.
- Replace tyres if they look worn out. Typically a tyre's life is said to be around 40,000 kms; so if you've already travelled 40,000 kms then it is time to change the tyres.
- Regular servicing might seem like overhead, but it significantly increases your bike's life.
- Shut down the engine if you've to stop for more than 30 seconds.
- If battery of your bike is being used for something (like display); then turn that off as well.
- While waiting at a stop sign, if you've less than 30 seconds then bring your bike in neutral gear & release the clutch.
- Go for wheel balancing if you feel even slight swerving.
- Don't ask your mechanic to tune your bike for maximum mileage, because that decreases your engine's life.
- While riding down on a flyover, keep the clutch pressed. This might sound like wasting fuel but actually it would provide good lubrication to the engine; & hence increase engine's life.
- While getting fuel filled in your bike; turn the petrol knob OFF

Self Care - Water Therapy (Usha Paan)

2009-04-28T01:18:00.000-07:00

This technique that I'm going to mention is one of very basic yet very powerful techniques that can not only give you healthy life but also can treat various diseases.

I learned about this technique from a yoga class; it requires no investment & can be done at home.
Things you would need:
- 1.5 litres of lukewarm water

Here is what you need to do:
- The first step is the toughest one: get up early; & by early I mean before sunrise.
- Sit in squatting position (if you can't squat, then just sit on a chair comfortably)
- Without even brushing your teeth; just drink the water. No need to push yourself to drink whole 1.5 litres, you can start with whatever is comfortable (may be 2 glasses of water on 1st day).
- Do not eat anything for at least next 1 hour.
- That's it.

Some of the problems that this technique can address is given below (alongwith approx no. of days):

High Blood Pressure - 30 days
Diabetes - 30 days
Constipation - 10 days
Gastric - 10 days

I was told many other names as well, but don't remember them as of now.

This technique is not meant to be included as a routine task in your daily life; just try it for desired no. of days & then stop.

Cooking Tips - Removing excess salt

2009-04-22T02:40:00.000-07:00

Pest Control - Getting rid of cockroaches

2009-04-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

- Don't leave dirty utensils in the sink overnight. It offers a perfect place for cockroaches flourish.
- Mix equal parts of sugar and baking soda and put at places where cockroaches reside (or visit frequently).
- You can also put boric acid at places. Roaches would be dead within few days.

Tips to stay awake

2009-04-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you need to stay awake for some reason for long time. Following items help you for this; however, ensure that you don't outstretch the limits:

- Most common technique: having Tea / Coffee keeps you awake for long times
- Chewing gum also keeps you alert. It has been quite helpful for me while studying.
- Apple is known to keep your body alert for longer period than coffee (isn't it surprising).
- Have plenty of sleep beforehand :)

Food Preservation Tips

2009-04-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

- Don't keep fruits and vegetable together. It would accelerate the decaying process.
- If green vegetable is getting stale; then keep it in cold water and squeeze a lemon in water. Vegetables would last little longer.
- If kneeded dough is to kept in refrigerator for 2-3 days then don't add salt to it. Further, apply some oil on it & wrap in butter paper. Dough would remain fresh.
- To keep salt flowing freely from salt shaker, put some uncooked rice in it. Rice would absorb excess moisture.
- If you are not going to use iron based utensils for a while, then put a coating of lemon drops or mustard oil to avoid them from rusting.
- Remove the stems from chilies before storing them. This will keep them fresher for a long time

Infant Care - Interesting Facts about infants!

2009-04-06T04:35:00.000-07:00

Here are several interesting facts that I came to know due to my recently acquired fatherhood :)

PS: I'm not sure about sanctity of many of following; please consult your doctor before taking any action due to any information provided here (and please do let me know if anything mentioned here is NOT correct).

- Babies are born without knee-caps. Knee-caps are created by the time they reach 6 months of age.
- Many babies are born with blue eyes, which are converted to shades of brown/black etc. within few minutes.
- A Baby's brain keeps developing till she is two years old.
- Babies start making their own haemoglobin after they are 3 months old; till then every nutrition is solely dependent upon mother's milk.
- It is ok if your infant does not pass motion till 7 days if she is urinating timely (provided breast-feeding is her only source of nutrition).
- Infants have poor hearing & poor eye-sight at the time of birth. These take a few months to develop.
- Infant's head is very soft. If a baby sleeps only on one side of her head then her head might get flattened at that particular side.

Self Care - Fitness Tips

2009-01-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

Below are some tips that I have collected from various sources. These tips are especially useful for professionals who often have sitting job and usually don't get enough time for exercise. Please keep in mind that I’m not a health professional; tips mentioned here (or anywhere on my blog) are those that I’ve come across during my continuous search for a healthier lifestyle. Please use your own judgment & consult an authorized professional if required.

OK, enough disclaimers :) read on for tips...

EXERCISE RELATED TIPS

1. Exercise for 60 minutes at least 4 to 5 times a week.
2. Balance the food you eat with the physical activity that you do.
3. Exercising a little every day is better than trying to make up for a missed day or week by overexerting yourself.
4. Focus on fat not weight.
5. Exercise increases calorie burn.
6. Aerobic exercise-bike riding, running, long, brisk walks, swimming, vigorous dancing-is absolutely necessary to get blood moving through the lower body.
7. Let activity become part of your weekly routine.
8. Walk 10 Minutes a Day and Increase Your Fitness Level Old thinking was to work out in a sweat-filled gym for hours a day. No pain, no gain. New studies show that even short bouts of activity can increase your fitness level, especially if you're new at working out.
9. Before you even get out of bed in the morning, do 10 stomach crunches while lying flat on your mattress. Increase daily by one until you get up to 100. Think you'll never get there? Try it. You may eventually have to set your clock to wake up 15 minutes earlier, a small price to pay for a flatter stomach.
10. You cannot exercise the abdominal muscles hoping that you'll burn off your belly fat. You must exercise the entire body aerobically to lose fat.

TIPS RELATED TO EATING HABITS

1. Be careful about cutting your calorie intake too low. (No one should eat less than 1000 calories a day without supervision).
2. Drink eight glasses of water a day.
3. Avoid most weight loss supplements.
4. Monitor what you eat by keeping a food journal.
5. Avoid fried foods.
6. Eat 5 light meals rather than 3 heavy meals.
7. Don't eat two hours before sleeping.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

1. Reward your efforts, celebrate your success!
2. Brush your teeth after dinner to prevent you from evening snacking.
3. Always think positive even before you have not seen results.
4. Confide in a close friend or companion about your goals and the coming changes of your lifestyles.
5. Don’t keep water bottles with you; instead go to kitchen for this. This will involve little bit of movement in your routine.
6. Avoid situations that put you in temptation's path, meaning if you're on a diet, don't go to the ice cream parlor.
7. Keep a sticky note in a prominent place so that you see it every day, reminding yourself of your resolutions. (i.e., on your bathroom mirror, next to your bed, on the visor of your car, on the refrigerator)
8. Focus on positive self-talk. Congratulate yourself every time you take a step towards your resolution goal. Be your own best cheerleader.
9. Avoid berating yourself if you should fall back or break a resolution. Just brush yourself off and start over again.
10. Whenever you have an errand, park your car as far away as you can handle and walk to the store. At the mall, park at the farthest end and walk the length of the mall. Use every opportunity to walk.

I would update these and add more as and when I time. At the end of the day, it all adds up to better fitness.

PS: Don't ask me how many of these tips I follow regularly :)

Self Care - Home Remedies for Acidity or Heartburn

2009-01-06T22:30:00.000-08:00

First some Do's & Dont's for avoiding acidity:

- Have plenty of water regularly to avoid acidity.
- Have proper sleep.

- Avoid raw onion while suffering from acidity.
- Avoid fried & spicy food.
- Avoid pickles.
- Stress, smoking, & over eating are also common known factors for causing acidity.
- Some pain killers also cause heart-burn as side effects.
- Don't stay empty stomach for long times.

Remedies
--------
- Chew basil leaves.
- Eat thin lemon slice and dipped in rock salt (sendha namak). This removes indigestion and heartburn.
- Boil mint leaves in 1 cup of water & sip slowly after meals.
- Keep a piece of jaggery in mouth & suck it slowly.
- Suck a piece of clove.
- Curd, Coconut water, banana, watermelon, cucumber are also helpful in reducing acidity.

Tips related to Curd (Dahi)

2008-12-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

- Put bitter curd in strainer (chhalni) & drain excess water. Now add some milk & use it.
- Another option for bitter curd: add 4 cups of water & keep aside for half an hour. Later drain excess water deposited over curd.
- If jaaman is not present, then mix one teaspoon salt in hot milk & keep it at room temperature and leave it overnight. Curd should be ready next morning.

Tips for increasing Haemoglobin

2008-12-15T22:20:00.001-08:00

Dont's
--------
- Decrease your dairy products consumption because dairy products limit absorption of iron in your body. Try to maintain your calcium intake with non-dairy products.
- Avoid caffeine intake.

Do's
-----
Have lots of iron rich food like carrot, jaggery (gur), spinach, beetroot (chukandar), fig.

Few tips that I've been told are as follows:
- Take a small amount of jaggery & soak overnight in a cup of water. Next morning, filter out the water & consume it empty stomach. This technique is said to produces excellent results within a month.
- Soak 2-3 dry figs in half cup of water overnight & consume next day.

PS: These tips are what I've come to know from people around me, books, etc. You could say these are typical Grandma's tips (Daadi-Naani ke nuskhe :) However, these tips are not meant to replace a doctor. Please use your own judgement, or take doctor's advice in case of any doubt.

Storing Potatoes

2008-12-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

- To avoid potatoes pieces from blackening, put them in cold water.
- Do not wash potatoes before storing, to avoid them from sprouting.
- Always store potatoes at a dry place.
- If potatoes are kept for long, then roots grow on them. To avoid this, keep an apple with potatoes.

Indian spices, cereals etc. & their Hindi names

2008-12-11T22:56:00.000-08:00

I often find myself being confused while going through any recipe (on TV, internet, magazine etc.). So I thought I would put as many information as possible here. Many things here would be too obvious, where sometimes you might get lucky & find what you're looking for :)
I would keep updating this list whenever I get additional info...

English - Hindi
---------------

Almonds - Badaam
Asafoetida - Heeng
Basil - Tulsi
Bay Leaf - Tej Patta
Bengal Gram - Chana Dal
Bottle Gourd - Lauki
Black Cardamom - Badi Elaichi
Black Pepper - Kali Mirch
Black Salt - Kala Namak
Carom Seeds / Thymol seeds - Ajwain
Cardamaom - Elaichi
Cashew - Kaju
Chilly - Mirch
Cilantro - Khada Dhaniya
Cinnamon - Dalcheeni
Clarified Butter - Ghee
Cloves - Long (or Lavang)
Corriander - Dhaniya Powder
Curd - Dahi
Curry Leaves - Kadi Patta
Cumin - Jeera
Cumin Black - Shah Jeera
Dates - Khajur
Aniseed / Fennel Seeds - Saunf
Fenugreek Seeds - Methi Dana
Garlic - Lahsun
Ginger - Adrak
Golden Raisins - Kishmish
Gram - Desi Chana
Gram Flour - Besan
Green Peas - Hari Matar
Green Chilly - Hari Mirch
Home Made Cheese - Paneer
Jaggery - Gud
Kidney Beans - Rajma
Lemon - Nimbu
Lentils / Red Lentils - Masoor Dal
Mace - Javitri
Mustard Seeds - Rai
Mint - Pudina
Mustard Oil - Sarson Ka Tel
Nigella - Kalaunji
Nutmug - Jayefal
Oatmeal - Vilayati Jau
Pistachio - Pista
Plain Flour - Maida
Pomegranate Seeds - Anar Daana
Poppy Seeds - Khus Khus
Raw Mango Powder - Amchoor
Red Lentils (or Lentils) - Masoor Dal
Rose Water - Gulab Jal
Rice Flakes - Poha (or Chooda)
Saffron - Kesar
Semolina - Rava
Sesame Seeds - Til
Spice Blend - Garam Masala
Split Green Gram - Dhuli Moong Dal
Tamarind - Imli
Terminalia Chebula - Harad
Thymol Seeds / Carom Seeds - Ajwain
Turmeric - Haldi
Vinegar - Sirka
Walnuts - Akhrot
Wheat Flour - Genhu ka Aata
Whole Lentils - Sabut Masoor

Self Care

2008-10-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

- Mixing Aamla powder with oil for massaging helps in itching problem.
- Apply BitterGourd juice (or its peeling) to pimples.
- For headache caused due to dryness & heat; apply curd to roots of your hair. Don't do this if you're allergic to dairy products; or sufferring from cough, cold etc.
- To get rid of cold (jukaam), put 2 pinches sugar & 1 pinch salt in your mouth; then drink slightly hot milk on top of it. Cold would be gone in 2 days.

What to do when there is an insect in your ear?

2008-10-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Imagine yourself sleeping comfortably in your hammoc, or in your tent during a camping vacation and all of sudden you hear sound of an insect, drawing closer to your ear.... hey wait, that noise is not drawaing closer to your ear, it is coming from your ear!!!

First some Dont's...

- Don't put anything in your ear. This means, don't try to use any ear-bud, your finger, forcep or any kind of object to pull the insect out. You might hurt yourself & worsen the situation.
- Don't put any kind of medicine, oil or any kind of ointment.
- Most important - Don't panic.

Now the trick:
- Go to a place where it is really dark and hold a torch in front of your ear. In most of the cases, the insect would move towards light and eventually come out of your ear.

... and don't forget to see your doctor.

Self Care - Tricks to avoid Motion Sickness

2008-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

I've been suffering from motion sickness for long, and frankly speaking, I haven't found anything that can cure it. However, I've come across various tricks that often help.
What I've read at various places is that motion sickness is caused due to confusion between what we are seeing and what we are feeling. Our eyes tell our brain that we're moving with respect to the whole world, whereas rest of the body feels that we're not moving (with respect to the vehicle). This leads to slight dizziness followed by nausea.
Anyways, enough theory, lets get to the points.

First, some Dos and Donts:

- Don't eat heavy food prior to traveling, but don't even stay hungry.
- Avoid smoking.
- While traveling don't read. Not even sms on your mobile phones.
- If possible, choose a seating location where you can feel some air on your face.
- While sitting, sit in a position such that your body is straight and you're leaning forward; as if you're paying attention in your class.

Now some tricks:

- Wherever possible, go for a nap.
- Eat ginger in any form; could be a toffee, some home cooked light food or even in raw form (if you can stand the taste).
- Mint is also helpful. For some people even chewing gum works.
- This one is slightly weird one: some taxi drivers even advised to sit on a newspaper. I don't know what's the reason behind it, but worth giving a try.
- This one is the most successful one for me: I purchase lots of lemon & orange candies, and keep at least one in my mouth all the time.
- This is another one that I found on internet; it sounds little weird but worth giving a try:
From the second you get onto the vehicle, start to chew gum.(About 3 pieces.) This helps with involving your jaw and ears both accumulate and it really works. Towards the middle of the trip, spit out your gum and snack on some saltines. These put more sodium in your body, which combines with the sugar, but also relaxes your jaws and forehead. Snack for about 10 minutes. When your done with your salty snack, put about 3 pieces of fresh gum back in your mouth and chew away. Once whatever you're in starts to stop, put in another stick of gum and chomp the gum like a cow, opening your mouth as wide as possible, circling and closing. Stick your fingers in your ears.
Once you start to exit the vehicle, keep going on with the cow chomps, but remove your fingers from ears.
About 10 minutes after landing, stomp your feet and your motion sickness should be long gone.

Taking care of your electronic gadgets

2008-10-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

- If you are not going to use your electronic device (mobile, camera etc.); remove the batteries from it and keep them aside.
- If your mobile, camera has fallen into water then try following trick:
First, keep the device in a standing position so that maximum water drains out automatically. After that, keep device in a plastic container, and cover it with uncooked dry rice and let it stay there for 24 to 48 hours. Rice will absorb excess moisture.
This trick might not work for sea water.

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Cleaning Tips

2008-10-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

- If you are not going to use iron based utensils for a while, then put a coating of lemon drops or mustard oil to avoid them from rusting.
- Never keep a metallic spoon in pickle jar.
- Always hang white clothes in direct sunlight and coloured clothes in shade.
- Washing cake too small to be used can be dropped in washing machine to wash some more clothes.
- Add salt to water for Washing jeans; it would remove all dirt.
- Newspapers are very good for wiping moist mirror surfaces. Specially helpful for cleaning car screens.
- If you're unable to find cellotape tip; then put it in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Instead of throwing away banana peels, put these in rose plants. These would act as fantastic manure.
- If oil, ghee or milk has spilled on floor; first put some dry wheat flour on it & then wipe with newspaper. Slipperyness & spots would vanish.
- Rub potato piece on burnt carpet area; burn marks would fade.
- Apply car wax on shoes to make them water proof.
- If you put little bit of salt in freezer section, then ice tray would not stick to the bottom.
- To break coconunt, draw a circle in middle of coconut with water. Later, strike gently on that line with belan, or small hammer. Coconut would break in perfect circle.
- To remove lipstick stains from clothes, apply some vaseline onto the stain & wash with soap after at least one hour.
- If thermas is not being used since long, it starts smelling bad. To remove this odour, keep some sirca/vinegar in it for some time; later wash the thermos with cold water. Smell would be gone.

For J2EE (Java etc.) concepts visit:
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Cooking Tips

2008-09-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

- If you've accidently added more salt to a gravy, then any of the following things could help:
      == Add a small piece of kneeded dough and cook, the dough would absorb excess salt.
      == Instead of kneeded dough, you can also use a peeled potato cut into 2 pieces.
      == Adding finely chopped onion can also help in removing excess salt.
      == Small pieces of bread can also be added.
      == Desi Ghee can also be used for this purpose.
- To keep salt flowing freely from salt shaker, put some uncooked rice in it. Rice would absorb excess moisture.
- If you are not going to use iron based utensils for a while, then put a coating of lemon drops or mustard oil to avoid them from rusting.
- To avoid rice grains from sticking together, put some drops of vegetable oil or ghee during cooking.
- To make crispy pakodas/fries, add some cornflour.
- To avoid tears while cutting onions, cut onion in 2-3 pieces and soak in water for at least 15 minutes.
- Another technique to avoid tears whil cutting onions, is to chew Chewing Gum.
- .... and another technique is to put the small onions in freezer for 30 minutes.
- Soaking BitterGourd (Karela) pieces in salty water for at least 2 hours, removes excess bitterness.
- While preparing stuffed vegetables, add some Gram Flour (Besan) to the stuffing; you will get tastier vegetables.
- To peel tomatoes easily, hold them with the help of a fork over flame.
- Before soaking rice for Idli & Dosa, roast it a bit. Idlis would be softer and Dosa would be crispier.
- If lukewarm water is used for kneading flour, rotis/chapatis would be softer.
- Add one teaspoon sugar in partially cooked pulao; each rice grain would be tastier to eat.
- While preparing Kachori or Samosa; add 1 tablespoon vinegar to Maida. Samosa would be crispier & it would consume less oil also.
- Shallow fry Lauki & Kaddoo peelings with little oil & salt; you'll have a tasty chutney.
- To make spongier cake, put 1 lemon juice in its mixture.
- To make daanedaar ghee, when it is half cooked; sprinkle some water drops.
- Dont throw away dried or stale bread; add some milk & cream; make small balls and fry gulab-jamuns. Dip to chashni for 10 minutes.
- If kadhi has become more salty; then add little bit of jeera-powder & grated coconut.
- To make tastier besan pakodis, add 1 teaspoon achaar masala in besan-mixture.
- While preparing daal, add little bit refined oit; or a small piece of ginger. This would help in avoiding gas problems.
- While preparing tomato ketchup; add bitter grapes with tomatoes; you'll get tastier ketchup.
- Adding a bit of lemon-juice to avoid egg smell while preparing omletter.
- If you add curd to egg mixture; you'll get tastier omletttes.
- If idli ghol is thin, then add bhuna rava.
- Adding few garlic cloves to rice, lentils prevents insects from entering the container.
- To remove jelly from the mould without breaking it; wrap a hot water towel around the mould. Jelly will easily come out within a minute.
- Peeling Jimikand causes itching in hands. Rub salt in your palms after peeling jimikand & you won't get any itching.
- Wash lentils & drain excess water. Put them in a casserole & cover the lid; you'll have sprouts next day.
- While making pizza apply some butter to the base, you'll have a crunchier pizza.
- While making upma; fry suji without oil till it becomes light brown. Your upma would be tastier and all its grains would be separate.
- If papaya is not sweet, then you can cook it as vegetable like pumpkin.

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Pest Control Tips

2008-09-26T06:26:00.001-07:00

- To keep lizards away, keep empty egg shells at the places where lizards reside.
- Another option is to keep peacock feathers at the places where lizards visit frequently.
- To get rid of Ants, put some Wheat flour on the places. Ants would disappear within few minutes.
- To get rid of ants, put some drops of mustard oil & the places of ants' visit.
- To avoid Ants from entering Sugar jar, put some Camphor (kapoor) wrapped in a paper.

For J2EE (Java etc.) concepts visit:
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