Kavya Janani U.'s Blog, page 23

G for Gifts (AToZChallenge)

The practice of gifting has been taking place since ages. Gifting, in itself, is an art. When you give gifts, you expect nothing in return. That feeling of giving something without any expectation is priceless. When you see the smile on your loved one’s face, you will feel at bliss. Contented, I must say. A gift is a form of expression. We express our interest, love, happiness and gratitude through gifts.

There is also an element of surprise in gift-giving. The person to whom you gift wears that surprise on his/her face while unwrapping the gift. And the immediate reaction after seeing the gift, it’s incomparable to anything else in the world. People gift on every occasions – be it Birthday, Wedding, Housewarming party, Birth of a baby, Christmas, Diwali, Holi, Eid, Easter, Valentine’s Day, etc. There are also congratulatory gifts which are given as tokens of appreciation. But the best gifts are those gifts which do not need an occasion at all. Try gifting someone out of the blue, when they don’t expect a gift at all. I bet you’ll feel harmonious. The happiness level is more for the giver than for the receiver. A psychological study says that when you’re the giver, you’ll feel that you’re doing something good and expect that something good will happen to you later.

Also, once in a while, move out of your comfort zone and gift your loved ones creative gifts. Do one by yourself. Draw, design, decorate and just unleash your creativity. Gifts made by yourself are more special than gifts bought from a gift shop. The receiver would surely cherish a handmade gift and hold it close to their heart always. Furthermore, when you prepare a gift by yourself, your senses will be calmed and you’ll find yourself at peace. It surely will have a psychological effect in you.

Then comes the enigma of expensive and inexpensive gifts. Here I must say that, a simple bouquet of flowers trigger the same feeling as a set of pearl necklace. Surprising, isn’t it? Yes, when you gift wholeheartedly, the receiver doesn’t care about the price tag of the gift. Even a simple greeting card can put a smile on your loved one’s face. Because, gifts cannot be explained in monetary terms. They are a way of expressing your love for the other person. But also mind that, certain occasions require expensive gifts. If you are attending a high-end business party or a high profile wedding, then you must gift according to the position which the receiver holds.

Always remember to add a personal touch to your gifts. If you’re gifting a greeting card, include a short and sweet letter along with it or a short love note if you’re gifting it to your significant other. Not only for greeting cards, you can always attach a handwritten letter along with any gift. Thank them for all the kindness they had showered upon you and all that they did for you. Throw in a few appreciative words. Gifts that have a dash of personal touch make lots of heartwarming memories.

The process of gift hunting for the perfect gift for your family or loved one is a lovely experience. You get to parade through various gift shops, ramble through the collections provided by them, discuss with the persons accompanying you and then decide on the ideal gift for them. While having a casual conversation with your family or loved one, try to drop hints and get to know each and everyone’s likes.

Gifts strengthen your bond with others and make your relationships radiant![image error]

Happy Gifting!

F for Foodporn (AToZChallenge)

“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child.

How profound is the above statement! For some, food is a basic amenity and for a few, it is a three-time necessity. But for some, food is their life. And of course, I am included in that. I am an introverted foodie. I love to eat, but within a limit. Being a foodie doesn’t mean that I should gobble up huge portions of the food which I am offered. Also, I don’t have that health-conscious syndrome (coincidentally today is World Health Day). I eat whatever I like and then burn them with exercise & yoga the next morning.

So, when it comes to food, I can’t stop ranting about it. I have so many likes that I can’t sum them up in one blog post. I will speak about a few food items without which my life cannot move forward. I know, I know, there are hungry people in the world for whom even a morsel of rice is delicious. But when we have the opportunity to eat whatever we wish, we must thank God for that and start rambling about it in our blog.

Okay, let me move on to the first item. You’ll be surprised to know that my favorite food is neither a vegetable nor an animal nor a dairy product nor a cereal. It is a fungus! What’s that?! Yes, it is mushroom. I love anything that has mushroom in it. The only mushrooms that are available in my city are the button mushrooms. So, whenever my mom buys a packet or two, I make sure that she either cooks Mushroom Biryani or Mushroom Gravy. The latter is a special gravy with mushrooms, babycorn, red-green-yellow capsicums, onions & garlic which is her trademark dish. Even if I venture out for lunch or dinner, I make sure that my platter includes at least one mushroom dish. It would be either Mushroom Fried Rice or Mushroom Manchurian Gravy.

Mushroom Biryani with Cucumber-Tomato-Carrot Raitha

I am so addicted to mushrooms that I have even planned on opening a restaurant named ‘Mushrooming’ which would provide only mushroom dishes exclusively. Teeheeheee! Okay, if I am speaking about mushrooms, I must also emphasize on its benefits. Mushrooms are made up of 95% water. You don’t have to worry about weight gain anymore. Also, they are completely carbohydrate-free and sugar-free. They also contain Selenium which strengthens your immune system and helps in preventing cancer. So, start eating mushrooms and lead a healthier life.

Next up on my list is Fried Rice. Yes, fried rice is my comfort food. If you want to enliven me, just ring at my doorstep with a bowl of fried rice. That will make my day. Not only mushroom fried rice, I like all kinds – vegetable, panneer, gobi, schezwan, chicken, prawn, etc. Just the aroma of the fried rice being prepared is enough to satiate my hunger pangs. Fried rice along with manchurian gravy equals to heaven for me. So now you know the ultimate secret to impress me!

E for Exquisite Eyes (AToZChallenge)

Exquisite Eyes,

Effuses Energy.

Embodies Excellence.

Explains Euphoria.

Embraces Enthusiasm.

Educates Elegance.

Expresses Empathy.

Eliminates Enigma.

Encompasses Emotion.

Exposes Eminence.

Encrypts Embarrassment.

Exercises Effervescence.

Encourages Everyone.

Entertains Everybody.

Examines Everything.

Exquisite Eyes.

D for Dictionary (AToZChallenge)

“Long ago, there lived a book called Dictionary. It was the most widely read – err- used book in the world. Dictionary’s prominence was unbeatable. No other book could compete with its popularity. Almost everyone had the Dictionary at their home. It was used by every reader of newspaper. Every school or college student brought the Dictionary to school. Even the libraries had duplicate copies of it. The reason why the Dictionary was so renowned was that it blessed human beings with the knowledge of words. It enriched the vocabulary of students, teachers, writers and people of other professions too. Among the books of the world, Dictionary remained the bestseller of all time. Yet it never took pride in itself. It humbly introduced people to new words and even made them understand completely by providing descriptions and examples.

One fine day, a technology named Internet came into existence. Dictionary thought that the Internet would never steal away its beloved people from it. But it was just the opposite. As days passed away, Internet turned into the arch nemesis of Dictionary. Soon, people began losing interest in using the Dictionary. They thought that it was of no use when the ever widening and easy-to-use Internet was accessible to them. Libraries disposed off copies of the Dictionary, except a single copy for namesake. The shelves of the bookshops held less copies of it. Even if the Dictionary was gifted to a child, he or she casually tossed it away. Instead of the Dictionary, newspaper readers held smartphones or laptops beside them. The first ever written version of the Dictionary named ‘A Table Alphabeticall’ by Robert Cawdrey in 1604 also lost its charm and only one copy of it survived. Dictionary felt hurt. Nobody even cared to glimpse at it. Only a few (extremely few) old-fashioned people still used it. And that too, they were either in their 60s or 70s, who probably didn’t know how to use the Internet.

‘Oh, what has happened to the people of this world? Why are they going for the expensive Internet when I am always available for them at a cheaper cost? Okay, leave about the price, the Internet still doesn’t have the meanings of a few special words which I have in me. Why do people want to throw away something that holds the synonyms of one million words?’ Dictionary thought painfully.

‘That’s because meanings of every word is easily available at the click of a button. But people have to flip your pages, search through the entire list of words and then find the word that they are looking for. It’s a strenuous process in today’s rapid world. People have adapted to changes that take place around them. Are they still using grinding stone for grinding flour? They have begun using the grinder. Your case is also just like that,’ said the Fiction book.

A single drop of tear flew from the eyes of the Dictionary. There was none to comfort it with soothing words. Worse, it felt suicidal. It thought to erase away itself from the world, so that it would become a word in itself in the Internet. Just then, a 16 year old girl rushed towards the Dictionary and picked it up fiercely.

‘Aarrrgghhh! What the hell is the meaning of the word ‘Deliciate’? Why doesn’t the Internet provide me with the exact definition and a few examples? I never thought that I would take this dictionary and use it. I am completely wasting my time….’

She stopped short. The word ‘Deliciate’ was shining at her from the Dictionary. And what more, there were lots of examples given in it. For a few moments, the girl immersed herself in the Dictionary. Not only she looked up meaning and examples for ‘Deliciate’, but also for other obsolete words.

‘Oh, my God! These words need re-introduction in the world. They are soooo beautiful. How come I missed using this dictionary for the past six years? I remember that I used it a lot when I was around eight years old. What happened to me after that? Was it because of the invention of Internet? Yes, I agree that the new technology is far better than using this book. But this is a gem. Dictionary was the one which introduced people to a plethora of words. How can people forget the way they traveled?’

As the girl spoke those words, a ray of hope bubbled in the heart of the Dictionary. After years of disappointment, it felt contented in listening to the girl’s words.

Years passed away. The girl became a Lexicographer ( a person who writes, compiles and edits dictionaries). She even started a movement named ‘The Dictionary Movement’  which gained worldwide recognition. As a result of the movement, the sales of dictionaries rose up. Once again, there was demand for the Dictionary, even though people had Internet with them. They realized that the Dictionary was the one which nurtured and nourished them with the vocabulary that they use everyday. They learnt a lesson that they must not leave something to perish that played a major role in their life.

Finally, the Dictionary survived. Though it had lost its notability to the Internet, it still survived as a substitute for the latter or in times of emergency.”

“And, I am the girl who saved the Dictionary from committing suicide. I was the one who restored its lost fame in the world,” said Anne Parker to her 8 year old daughter.

“Will you buy me the new edition of Oxford Dictionary, mom?” asked the child innocently.

“Why? You have my smartphone, right?”

“I am allergic to Internet, mom. It was the villain in the story. I want the kind-hearted Dictionary to be with me.”

Anne Parker’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. She learnt that the Dictionary had finally met its intended success.

**********

C for Chennai (AToZChallenge)

When I read the alphabet C, the first thing that comes to my mind is my very own birth place Chennai. Yes, I am a proud Chennaiite. The typical Chennai girl who has grown up with beaches and temples. But apart from that, there are lots to Chennai. It is the place of Idly-Sambar-Vada, filter coffee, sundal, chilli bajji, historically rich museums, magnificent forts, enthralling amusement parks and refreshing shopping malls. Lots of information about the best tourist spots are widely available on the net. Here I am going to list out a few less frequently visited places in Chennai. So, please make a note of these and make sure that you visit them.[image error]

Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar:

A newcomer to Chennai may know only Marina beach. But this beach in Besant Nagar is a serene one where you can spend quality time with your family, friends and loved ones. Since it is a calm beach, you can take long walks or just gaze at the nature. The Karl Schimdt memorial is also situated in the beach, which is a popular spot for photography. For all the spiritual beings, there is Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Kovil situated nearby.

Spencer Plaza, Anna Salai:

This is the oldest shopping mall in Chennai. Unfortunately, this mall has lost its charm after malls like Ampa Skywalk, Express Avenue and Phoenix Marketcity took over. But Spencer Plaza was a popular hangout during the 90s and early 2000. Since it is devoid of crowd, you can shop at peace or just go for window shopping.

ISKCON temple, ECR:

This temple is situated in the renowned East Coast Road and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is built on five levels and the teak-wood altars constitute the deities of Lord Krishna, Radharani, Lord Chaitanya and Lord Jagannath. This temple is a recently built one. The huge prayer hall provides ample space for devotees and tourists to pray peacefully. Since it is situated near the sea, the sea breeze will be refreshing.

Shirdi Sai Baba temple, ECR:

There are lots of Sai Baba temples all over Chennai. But nothing can beat the serenity of this temple in Injambakkam. Located very near to the sea, this temple is an abode of peace and harmony. The shrines are also artistically constructed, which makes the temple elegant. If you are on a temple tour to Chennai, don’t miss this one!

Chokhi Dhani, Tandalam:

If you wanna delve in Rajasthani culture and cuisine, then Chokhi Dhani is the right place. It is not only popular for the mouth-watering Rajasthani thali, it offers many attractions like the Rajasthani folk dance, puppet show, acrobatics on bamboo, magic show, bullock cart ride, mehendi and tonga ride. You needn’t visit Rajasthan, this Chokhi Dhani village will show you what Rajasthan is.

Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram:

Touted to be the largest library of South Asia, this enormous library is a dream come true for all bookworms. It houses nearly 6,00,000 books and is visited by approximately 2500 persons per day. It has incorporated high technology like Braille books and audio books. There is also an auditorium, a fun-filled children’s reading area, an amphitheater and a food court.

Dakshina Chithra, ECR:

This was once a popular tourist spot in Chennai. It still is, but not with the urban youngsters who would rather hangout in malls. But let me tell you, you must visit this place at least once. It is a complete real-time museum dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. The entire place is a recreation of a village and boasts of 18 heritage houses depicting the lifestyle of people in Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Guindy Children’s Park and Snake Park, Guindy:

Forget Vandalur zoo, just visit this park along with your family. The Children’s Park is the house to different species of birds, animals, plants and reptiles, including the cormorant, blackbuck, honey buzzard and rhesus monkey. The Snake Park includes various types of snakes (king cobra, vipers & pythons) and also provides information on how poison is extracted from snakes.

Cholamandalam Artists’ Village, Injambakkam:

This village is a permanent residence of various painters and sculptors. It showcases artworks, sculptures and paintings of Madras Movement. For all those who wish for an aesthetic place, this village consists of museums, art galleries and an open-air theater for drama and dance performances.

Amir Mahal, Royapettah:

This is the oldest heritage building in Chennai. Constructed in 1798, this Mahal has been the official residence of the Nawab of Arcot from 1876. Right now Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali lives there along with his family. The Indo-Saracenic architecture of the palace is sure to entice the traveler in you. You can visit the palace from 10 AM to 6 PM after acquiring a permission.

So, if you have a plan to visit Chennai, do check out these rare gems in addition to Marina Beach, Vandalur Zoo, Express Avenue mall, VGP Universal Kingdom, Fort St.George, Santhome Church and Parthasarathy temple.[image error]

Happy Traveling![image error]

B for Books (AToZChallenge)

I am back with the second post of the A-Z Challenge. For all the bookworms out there, B always stands for Books. You cannot agree more.

Books have been my lifeline. It is a book which comforted me during my blues. It is a book which made me feel love. It is a book which taught me happiness. It is a book which introduced me to worlds that never existed. It is a book which made me to forget myself & immerse in an imaginary world. It is a book which helped me take that first step towards my dream. Books are, of course, gateway to heaven. I have always been the best when I read a book.

Here I am going to emphasize on my relationship with books, the different books which I read from my childhood and how they shaped me as I am today.

As it happens with everyone, my first meeting with a book was through my mom. She introduced me to fairy tales when I was just 5 years old. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, Jack and The Beanstalk and The Little Mermaid made me experience a magical world where a happy ending was always possible. These stories inculcated the belief that I can achieve anything in my life. Later, I began reading books like Goodnight Stories, Moonlight stories, Jataka Tales, Aesop’s Fables and Panchatantra Tales. Books like these are replete of virtues which every child needs to learn. They imbibed good values in me and molded me into a better person.

Well, my tryst with books went two notches higher when I began reading magazines like Tinkle Digest and Champak. The stories in them were too enjoyable. I get goosebumps whenever I think about those sweet memories. Me and my magazines. In a solitary place.[image error] How happy I was! When I journeyed into the 9th year of my life, my grandfather bought me a copy of Gokulam. For all the uninitiated, Gokulam is a leading English magazine for children in India. I strongly recommend every parent to buy this magazine for their children. Though I don’t know about its quality today, it was such an informative magazine during those days. Facts, trivia, puzzles, short stories, poems, contests, drawings, doctor help, grandma worm and much more. Gokulam was a different world altogether.

Then, I forayed into the big world of Enid Blyton. I became so obsessed with The Secret Seven, The Famous Five, The Mystery Series and Malory Towers that I almost opened a blog for Enid Blyton in 2009 (heehee! That was an amateurish blog. :-D). I devoured each and every book of hers. I even imagined lots of adventures and put myself in them.

A for Apple (AToZChallenge)

Awww!!! The juicy, crunchy and delicious apples are considered to be the food sent by the Gods. No wonder that the old adage says, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples are consumed in various ways – as a whole, apple juice, apple milkshake, apple ice-cream, apple kheer, apple tart, apple cake, apple jam, apple cidar, etc. Don’t these sound scrumptious? You would surely grab an apple now if you read these 11 interesting facts about them.

You might love roses. You would also present roses for your loved ones for every occasion. Try presenting an apple the next time, for the apple belongs to the rose family  Rosaceae.
If you ever have a plan to cultivate apples, don’t stutter while naming your cultivation to others. The science of growing apples is known as Pomology.
Do you know that the name of a place literally translates to ‘the apple place’? It’s Almaty from Kazakhstan, where apples originated.
You can eat a different variety apple each day for the next 21 years, for there are around 7500 varieties of apples in the world.
Do you always peel off the skin before eating? Think twice before you do that again. The skin of the apple contains Quercetin, an anti-oxidant, which has lots of health benefits.
That stingy plaque on your teeth can be removed by consuming apples. Malic acid in apple is a teeth-whitening agent.
The next time you eat an apple, make sure that you take out the seeds completely. Apple seeds are said to contain cyanide compound which is poisonous.
And some people cannot stand the sight of an apple. They run, make a fuss and even bang their head against a wall, let alone eat an apple. Their phobia has a name – Malusdomesticaphobia.
Natural wax is used to make the apples look shiny. This is what you might have heard. But the truth is the wax is applied to ward off bacteria from the apple. Nevertheless, you must scrap away the wax before eating it.
Here comes the most interesting fact about apples. They contain boron which is said to increase your memory and keep you mentally alert. Now who wouldn’t want that?
The juiciest and tastiest apple is the Red Delicious apple, which is widely cultivated in the United States. Now, stop drooling and grab an apple immediately!

HAPPY APPLE EATING!!!

 

Girl & Boy #1

Girl: “Hey listen! I will tell you something romantic.”

Boy: “Go ahead!”

Girl: “Oh my love, when I was searching for a book, you came as a library. When I was searching for a drop, you came as a sea.”

Boy: *blinks*

Girl: “What?!”

Boy: “Do you mean that we met in the library and then camped in Marina beach?”

Girl: *slaps her forehead*

Haiku – Hobby

Among the Rough Sand,

I Found my Cherished Hobby.

Sea Shells and Pebbles.

Rhyme – Social media fun

Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp,

The Clumsy Little Chaps

Form a Danger Trap,

Turn Us Into Madcaps.