A GOLDEN GIFT :p

Well, hi people...Its been so long since i posted some good personal stuff here and i know, my blog's been slowly turning into a foodis blog. Yet i wont give up writing about some interesting stuffs happening :)

So, what's so special about this post is that my mom's got me a new necklace and a stone-studded ring for navratri :) and i'm happy with all smiles :):):)

But phew! watta crowd maan! I even

started wondering if i'd entered into some chennai silks or pothys coz thats the most crowded place specially during the festival season! I never knew that people flog into jewellery malls like that. But never the less, i was so busy choosing my ring till my mom got irritated and asked me to select one immediately and proceed to the necklace session! I din't take much time as we had already decided on what we were going to buy! So, my

weekend went really well, i must agree! THANKU AMMA :) for the golden gift :):)

EID MUBARAK

Eid is the combination of 3 meaningful words:-----

E - Embrace with open heart

I - Inspire with impressive attitude

D - Distribute pleasure to all

~~~Eid Mubarak~~~

GINGER FRUIT PUNCH RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 oz 8-inch piece of fresh peeled and chopped Ginger (Adrak)
• 1 cup Sugar (Cheeni)
• 1 cup fresh Lemon Juice (Nimbu Ka Raas)
• 11/2 cup fresh Orange Juice (Santra Ka Raas)
• 3 cup Cold Water or Club Soda
• Ice-cubes

METHOD:

Combine ginger, sugar and 1 cup of water in a heavy deep-pan and bring to boil.
Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes.
Strain the mixture into another pan and allow to cool.
Now add lemon juice and orange juice and refrigerate until needed.
Just before serving, add cold water or club soda and ice-cubes.

TIFFIN READY :)

Well, we have something tasty and easy-to-make recipe in today's menu :

CORN PAKODAS

Corn Pakodas are the great appetizers that can have at tea time. Its easy, crispy and delicious to have. With very simple flavours, they are great and can be also have along with ketchup or salsa. Do try this snack delight and enjoy ur evening.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup sweet corn
• 2 chopped onions
• 1 egg
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ginger finely chopped
• 1 tsp chopped green chilli
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Oil to fry
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 cup makai ka atta
• Chopped dhania patta

METHOD:

To sweet corn, add onions, ginger, green chilli, red chilli powder, salt & pepper.

Mix these ingredients along with baking powder & egg. Add the flour & makai ka atta to the mixture.

Mix well & add dhania patta for taste. Wet your palms & shape the dough into balls.

Fry pakodas in hot oil on low flame till red. Serve hot with sauce or chutney.

THE ULTIMATE GIFT (book review)

Red Stevens was a self-made man who gave his family everything -- and ruined them in the process. Now, as his estate of oil companies and cattle ranches is divided among greedy and self-serving relatives, one member is singled out for something special: Red's great-nephew, Jason.

In a darkened room, isolated from the rest of his family, Jason is confronted by the image of his deceased great uncle on a video monitor... and so begins a 12 month quest for purpose and meaning in an empty life, as Jason attempts to complete the tasks required to receive Red Stevens' greatest bequest....The Ultimate Gift.

Well people, once again i come up with a review on Jim Stovall's novel "the ultimate gift" which i happened to read a few weeks back. This book is really really inspiring and i recommend all you guys to read it once :)

I do not know what in these kind of books make the readers get inspired but somehow, it just happens. The powerful meaningful words which when read, really changes the way we look at things...The story is not so great but the philosophies stated by the author does need a one time reading :)

Tit-Bits:

About Jim Stovall

Jim Stovall is blind. He began losing his eyesight to a degenerative eye disease when he was seventeen. He lost the remainder of his sight at the age of thirty and all the hopes and dreams he had as a sighted person were dashed. However, Stovall says, "I may have lost my sight, but in the aftermath, I gained a greater vision than I had ever had before." That greater vision enabled him to graduate from college with honors, become a successful stock broker, and start Narrative Television Network, an Emmy Award-winning network that was the first to bring television to the more than 13 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States.

WHAT'S ON TODAY's MENU # 2

It is delicious! I used just one chilli pepper, and found it gently spicy. I also added some lime juice for a little extra flavor. This is a 5-minute recipe, especially if you use frozen corn.

Slicing the kernels off the cob can get a little messy, though. I managed to do it :)

Spicy Corn with Mustard Seeds

makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 to 8 ears corn (or use 4 cups thawed frozen corn)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
• 1 or 2 serrano chiles, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt
• 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
• 1 -2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, to taste

METHOD:

1. Slice kernels off corn, if using fresh.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or sauté pan over medium-high heat, add mustard seeds, and cover. When seeds stop popping, lower heat to medium and add chiles; stir 30 seconds.

3. Stir in turmeric. Add corn and salt to taste. Toss, turn heat to low, cover, and cook until corn is tender, about 5 minutes (cook frozen corn about 1 minute). Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve warm.

THIS IS HOW WE MISS OUT SOMETHING CALLED "LIFE"

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for office so he asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot the matter. The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by its color and drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed the mother hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how to face her husband. When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just five words.

QUESTIONS :
1. What were the five words ?
2. What is the implication of this story?

ANSWER :
The husband just said "I am with you Darling"

The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother.
Besides, if only he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have happened. No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her.

If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. And you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think.

MORAL OF THE STORY:

This story is really worth reading. ..... Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know.

By this way we miss out something called L.I.F.E.

WHAT'S ON TODAY's MENU # 1

RECIPE : VEGETABLE CHILLI

From “The New Basics Cookbook” by Julee Rosso and Sheila LukinsHave a pot of chili ready when everyone comes over to watch the Super Bowl. This vegetable chili is just as gutsy as any made with meat. Everyone will love it!

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup olive oil2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice2 onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice4 cloves garlic, finely chopped2 large red bell peppers, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice1 can (35 ounces) Italian plum tomatoes, with their juice1 1/2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut into 1-inch dice2 tablespoons good-quality chili powder1 tablespoon ground cumin1 tablespoon dried basil1 tablespoon dried oregano2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon fennel seeds1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley1 cup canned dark red kidney beans, drained1 cup canned chick-peas (garbanzos), drained1/2 cup chopped fresh dill2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice1 cup sour cream2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese4 scallions (green onions), white bulb and 3 inches green, sliced on the diagonal

METHOD:

1.Heat 1/2 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini, and sauté until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a large flameproof casserole or dutch oven.

2.Heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil in the skillet over low heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until just wilted, about 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the casserole, along with the oil remaining in the skillet.

3.Place the casserole over low heat. Add the canned tomatoes and their juice, the fresh tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, pepper, salt, fennel seeds, and parsley. Cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 30 minutes.

4.Stir in the kidney beans, chick-peas, dill and lemon juice; cook for another 15 minutes. Stir well, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Serve with bowls of sour cream, grated cheese, and sliced scallions alongside.

Here's a cool take on the ubiquitous soup...check it out

Like all whole grains, whole wheat is a very good source of fibre as well as manganese and the amino acids. If you have a wheat allergy, substitute barley, which provides celenium, copper and phosphorous. And the below mentioned recipe serves six!

INGREDIENTS:

• Barley : 1/3 cup
• water : 2 cups
• salt : to tase
• finely diced cucumber : 1 cup
• plain low fat yogurt or butter milk : 5 cups
• ripe but firm tomatoes : 2
• celery stalk (small) : 1
• garlic pod finely minced or pureed with a little salt in a mortar : 1
• lemon juice : 2 tbsp
• cumin seeds toasted and ground : 2 tsp
• ground pepper : to taste
• fresh mint leaves : 2 tbsp

METHOD:

Heat a heavy medium sized saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the barley. Stir or shake in the pan unitil it smells toasty, about five minutes. Add the water and salt (to taste) and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 45 mins. Remove from the heat, drain and set aside.

While the barley is cooking, place the cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss and place in a strainer set over the bowl. Allow to drain for 30 mins. Rinse well and drain on paper towels.

Combine all the ingredients except the mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for an hour or longer. Serve, garnishing each bowl with the mint leaves.

BLOOD DONOR AT YOUR SERVICE.....!

Dear All,

Now it has become easier to get the blood we need.

All you have to do is just type "BLOOD and send SMS to 96000 97000"

EX: BLOOD B+

BLOOD DONOR WILL CALL YOU!!

So please pass this message to all...

It may save many lives.

Must to Know & Must to Forward....

Share with your friends .....

Plz pass on this important info

NOT THE RIGHT THING TO DO :(

I really have been thinking about this since quite some time...I am talking about my music classes that i havent been attending regularly...If i rightly remember, the last time i attended my music class was sometime around july...and my god! its almost two months now and i really regret for doing this!

My parents used to trouble me to make sure that i never missed even a single class even if i had my semester exam the following day and now, they have left it to my decision and i'm sorry about my own behaviour. I must have given it the due respect and should have attended the classes regularly...but never late than ever, i have understood its importance in my life, and realised my mistake...so i'm going to take up my classes seriously from this weekend.

Hope my teacher isn't too upset with my neglecting the classes and would surely welcome me as she always did! I convey my sincere apologies to her through my post here.

MAY MY CLASSES BEGIN asusual!

A SMALL STORY...

A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he will give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed.
The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marble aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets as she had promised.
That night, the girl slept peacefully. But the boy couldn't sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marble.

Moral of the story: If you don't give your hundred percent in a relationship, you'll always keep doubting if the other person has given his/her hundred percent.. This is applicable for any relationship like love, employer-employee relationship etc., Give your hundred percent to everything you do and sleep peacefully

A REASON TO CELEBRATE ...

Hey people... Its been so long since i'd posted something on my blog...But then you must understand that i had been busy concentrating on something more important. So here comes this week's post and i must say, i am very happy to post about something that made my week an eventful one.

Yess...I for the first time in my four years of college life, attempted to do a paper presentation which had been keeping me away from all my routein work of blogging, orkutting, tweeting chatting...etc! But ofcourse, as they always say, Hard work always pays and my hardwork in this new venture turned out to be fruitful! I and my friend Krithika won 2nd place in the TECH TALK event conducted by the MCA department of SRM university which was held on the 3rd and 4th of september. And today, i'm happily writing this post as a start to another week full of daily blogging :P

A special thanks to Dhruv And Shalini who had been kind enough to come and encourage us thru out the day and yeah, for all the fun we had, to celebrate that evening! I hope we do a lot more presentations before our college life cums to an end!

CHEERS!

TEST YOUR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE !!

1. What is the expansion ( Full Form ) of YAHOO?

Yet Another Hierarchy of Officious Oracle

2. What is the expansion ( Full Form ) of ADIDAS?

ADIDAS- All Day I Dream About Sports

3. Expansion of Star as in Star TV Network?

Satellite Television Asian Region

4. What is expansion of "ICICI?"

Industrial credit and Investments Corporation of India

5. The 1984-85 season. 2nd ODI between India and Pakistan at Sialkot -

India 210/3 with Vengsarkar 94*. Match abandoned. Why?

That match was abandoned after people heard

the news of Indira Gandhi being killed.

6. Who is the only man to have written the National Anthems

for two different countries?

Rabindranath Tagore who wrote national anthem for two different

countries one is our 's National anthem and another one is for

Bangladesh- (Amar Sonar* *Bangla )

7. From what four word expression does the word `goodbye` derive?

Goodbye comes from the ex-pression: 'god be with you'.

8. How was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu better known?

Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu is none other Mother Teresa

9. Name the only other country to have got independence on Aug 15th?

South Korea

10. Why was James Bond Associated with the Number 007?

Because 007 is the ISD code for Russia (or the USSR ,

as it was known during the cold war)

11. Who faced the first ball in the first ever One day match?

Geoffrey Boycott

12. Which cricketer played for South Africa before it was banned

from international cricket and later represented Zimbabwe ?

John Traicos

13. Which is the only country that is surrounded from all sides by

only one country (other than Vatican )?

Lesotho surrounded from all sides by South Africa ..

14. Which is the only sport which is not allowed to play left handed?

Polo

TEN PRINCIPLES FOR PEACE OF MIND.........

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked:

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs.
We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction.
This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God..
God has created each one of us in a unique way.

No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way.All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way.
Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind.
We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us.
We nurture grievances.
This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure.
This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it.
Get over this bad habit.
Life is too short to waste in such trifles.
Forgive & Forget, and march on.
Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people.
They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives.
They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you.
Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition?
Their recognition is not worth the aggravation.
Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind.
You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not.
You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old.
There are several examples like these in everyday life.
Should you be jealous?
No.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail.
Instead, change yourself to suit your environment.
As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:
This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.
Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control.
If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things.
We must learn to endure them cheerfully.
Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly.
We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out.Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries?
You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities.
Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and
meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless.
Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts.
This is the highest state of peace of mind.
Try and experience it yourself.
If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours.
Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before.

You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation.
You may think that this will interfere with your daily work.
On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil's workshop.
All evil actions start in the vacant mind.
Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile.
Actively follow a hobby.
Do something that holds your interest.
You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind.
Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement.
Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?"
Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating.
You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings.
Value your time and do the things that need to be done.

It does not matter if you fail the first time.
You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time.
Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing.
Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past.
DO NOT REGRET.
Why cry over spilt milk?.

IT WILL JUS TAKE 37 SECONDS TO READ THIS AND CHANGE UR THINKING....

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside... He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall......!! !!!

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'
Epilogue :

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present !'

HAPPY GANESH CHATHURTHI :)

Hello people :)

How many kozhakattai's did you hav today? How many idols of lord GANESHA did you see on the roads today? Did you go out too see the different idols or were glued to the TV watching

shreya's interview and many other films?? :P

Well well...i did all these things and a very special ganesh chathurthi as i did something new this time...

How many of you buy the small clay idol for poja everytime? In our house, my grand mother makes it and that is the one we use in pooja. But this time, she asked me to try makin one and wow! It came out so well. Below are the pictures of the idol i made this morning .

How is it? Dont you think its better than those that they sell outside? LOL....or atleast a good one for the first timer? :P:P

I was happy to see my dad doing pooja with the ganesha i made with my own hands...it was a pleasant feeling!

Anyways, i hav decided to do the idols in the coming years too, a replacement of my granny's artistic work! Wish you all a very very happy GANESH CHATHURTHI!

greetings.......

DID U CELEBRATE CHENNAI DAY ??

Hello chennai...................................! The best place i've ever been in...is CHENNAI :) and i'm here wishing u a very happy chennai day!

P.S: I actually planned to write an elaborate post for today but i'm tooo tired right now! So hope i will be able to do it soon!

cheers!

WALLPAPER FOR UR DESKTOP...

DO YOU LIKE IT?

MADLY IN LUV WITH BLOGGING :P

Hi to every one reading this !

This blog of mine was created long back but i din't do much to keep it updated, Though i call it my FIRST BLOG :)

I hav recently started writing posts on different recipies that i come accross, in THIS BLOG. So i just thought that my other blog space cud be utilized for foodies and other eat-out related posts thereby making it active!

Hope u guyz will like it! I would be glad if u leave ur comments wen ever u drop in! thank u!

MEALS THAT HEAL.......!

SOUP SO SPECIAL....

Hello people...i am here with another recipe today and i'm sure this is going to be something that you wouldn't hav tried before! It is called the "PEARS AND CELERIAC SOUP"

Read more to know what and how it is made!

INGREDIENTS:

• Celeriac, peeled and chopped - 400 gm
• onion chopped - 50gm
• garlic - 30gm
• olive oil - 15ml
• ripe pears, thinly sliced - 2
• bay leaf - 5gm
• salt and pepper to taste
• cream - 50 gm
• chives - 50gm

METHOD:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat. Fry the onion and garlic until they turn translucent. Add the celeriac to the pan and cook for further five mins stirring occasionally.

Add some vegetable stock, pear slices and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and blend the soup in a food processor. Return it to the pan and heat it gently. Season and stir in a little cream to taste. Sprinkle chopped chives and serve!

MORE ON CELERIAC:

Well, most of you would not have heard this veggie called celeriac. Or rather, i actually didn't know that there was something like this until i googled about it. So i though it wud be an informative post along with the recipe :)

Celeriac is a vegetable that is a member of the celery family, however only its root is used for cooking purposes. Also known as celery root, knob celery, and turnip rooted celery, it tastes similar to a blend of celery and parsely.

It has a tough furrowed outer surface, usually sliced off before use as it is too rough to peel. It is often used as a flavouring in soups and stews and can also be used in baked dishes.

Celeriac contains no cholestral or fat and provides an excellent source of dietery fibre. Because of its taste and consistency, it is a flavourful addition to low calorie meals.

So pals, hope this post was really informative and interesting!

CHEERS!

KNOW YOUR CURRENCY NOTE

SO PPL, AN INFORMATIVE POST FOR TODAY....know our currency note :)