Exciting Ideas That Can Add Fun and Zing To Your Holi Party

Holi festival is no doubt the most fun filled and exciting Hindu festival and it is on this occasion that people come together for fun, music, dance together with lots of bright colors. This is the best time to convey the message of love, brotherhood, trust and friendship. Though for some, it is only a festival that includes wild play of colors, but for most it is a festival that is fun-filled and a great means to spend some quality time together.

So, this year if you have plans to throw a Holi party at home, then here we have some interesting ideas and tips that will ensure that your guests have a wonderful time.

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Send a colorful invitation: Holi is not a formal celebration and so you can go a bit creative with the invitation cards to your guests. Send invites to your relatives and friend that have the essence of the festival. You can print your invitations in cool colors and tag along Gulaal and also Holi patent sweets.

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Play the Holi special music: The celebration would be incomplete without the special Holi music. So compile some favorite party numbers, especially some Bollywood Holi songs and play them so that all your families and friends can shake a leg. Adding dhol beats at regular intervals can also add to the dance masti.

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Make whites the dress code for guests:  White is perfect to wear in Holi and cotton fabrics can help you keep cool and it is also easy to wash. White dresses also make the colors appear prominent.

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Add some street food to the menu: Holi party can be made more interesting and enjoyable if you can serve some lip smacking delicacies to your guests.  Why not add some street food like pav bhajj, Chaat, Bhel puri, Gol gappa, aloo tikka that would leave your guests drooling? Also don’t forget to keep some finger foods that can be easily eaten using a toothpick.

Make fruit and vegetable salads to add some health during the celebration. People will feel less guilty about eating too much.

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Use organic colors that don’t damage the skin: If you really care for your relatives and friends, then let them enjoy the Holi festival with some natural colors that are non-toxic. Colors made from flowers or vegetables are usually allergy free and biodegradable.

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Some interesting beverages: Unless you have a glass of thandai, you have not enjoyed the spirit of the festival. So keep distributing glasses of thandai, lemonade, mocktails and other soft drinks throughout the party.

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Add exciting games: If you are willing to add some more excitement to the celebration, then keep some games planned for ultimate fun. Gol gappa gorging competition, musical chair, dumb charades, balloon filling and tambola are some great options that you can consider.

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Save water: While having fun during the Holi celebration, it is also important to preserve the natural resources of earth. The most important thing is water conservation. Ask your guests to opt for organic gulal instead of playing with colors and water. Limit the buckets of water, but keep some fresh water handy in case some colors get into anyone’s eyes.

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Gratifying gifts: A festival without gifts in incomplete. So delight your guests with some special Holi gifts like chocolate boxes, gujiyas or box of dry fruits or beauty care kit. You can also gift decorative and fancy items like idols of Radha Krishna and etc.

There is so much you can do to celebrate the occasion. Hope the above ideas help you to plan out your Holi party and make it more interesting.

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Introducing Top Fruit Purees to Babies

Once your baby starts to feed on solid foods, it’s time to think about some nutritious food that you can give him to keep him healthy. So, if you are keen to tantalize his tiny taste buds, then nothing can be better than introducing some fruit purees made at home. As your baby prepares to start with solid foods, introducing different types of vegetables and fruits is a great option for parents. Though there are various healthy premade options for parents who don’t know exactly what to offer to their little baby, but a little effort will surely enhance their knowledge.

Here we will discuss with you how to prepare different kinds of fruit purees and their health benefits for your little one:

Babies usually can start with their fruit purees with their morning meals after they have already tried some veggies. Instead of purchasing some baby food from the store why not prepare your baby’s fruit puree at home? Here is how you can do that.

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Apple puree: Apple is a perfect fruit that can be offered to babies because of its sweet taste. It is appeasing to their taste buds and is easily digestible and is unlikely to cause any sort of allergies. You can simply steam the fruit using a steamer or even pressure cook it with water. Once it is cooked, mash it using a blender. It is rich in vitamin C and fiber and helps to relieve constipation.

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Banana puree: Bananas can be introduced as early as four months, but the recommended age for solids is six months. It is not only easy to prepare, but little babies love the taste of bananas.  It provides significant amounts of energy and is the ultimate weaning food for babies. They are an excellent source of nutrition and can be baby’s first food.

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Mango puree: Mangoes at times poses allergic risk for infants so be careful before introducing mango. Just wash and peel the skin and make a little puree by mashing some small chunks in the blender and serve it plain or with oatmeal. Mangoes contain vitamin K and all other essential nutrients needed for a growing baby.

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Chikoo puree: Chikoos are usually very sweet and small kids love to eat the fruit. It is rich in fibre and vitamins C and A. It is also good for digestion and cold and cough. But it is better to start this fruit after seven months of age. Cut the fruit, peel it and remove the seeds. Now mash it with a fork or a blender. You can add milk to improve the taste.

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Papaya puree: Sweet papayas are highly nutritious and are full of high amounts of fibers, vitamins A, C and E. But don’t introduce this food early. It is best to give when your baby is around seven or eight months of age. Peel and remove the seeds of the papaya and cut the fruit into small pieces and puree. Serve it plain to your baby.

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Avocado puree: This can be given to your baby from 6 months. The fruit is rich in unsaturated fat and is food for the development of the brain and the central nervous system. It is also rich in potassium, beta carotene and folate. Cut the avocado and scoop the content and mash it using a blender.

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Peach Puree: Rich in beta carotene and potassium, this sweet peach is a great favorite for babies. You can start to give this after four months and even mix it with some other fruits like bananas or apple. Boil water and add peaches for about a minute. Now peel the skin and puree the slices in a blender.

So, with the above tips, it’s time to tickle the tiny taste buds with some real food, flavor and nutrients that are essential for the baby’s development, health and growth.

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Lord Shiva: The Supreme and Fascinating Deity of Indian Spiritual Traditions

In Hinduism, we worship different Gods, but Lord Shiva is considered to be one of the most powerful of all and is one of the three Gods of Trimurthis and is also identified as the destroyer. He is the destroyer of creation at times, but he is also the destroyer of misery and ignorance. He is believed to destroy anything that is no longer needed to pave the way for rebirth and also grants long life.  His abode is in Mount Kailash where he resides with Goddess Parvati, and his divine sons Ganesha and Kartikeya.

Why do we worship Lord Shiva?

From the highest Himalayas to Rameswar in the south and from Dwarka in the west to Chandranath hill on the east, there are Siva temples all over India. Shiva is worshipped by millions of people in different forms that include his pleasant as well as fierce forms. He is the most popular deity of Shakta and Tantra traditions and more than 80% of Hindu literature is dedicated to him, which include the Vedas, the Puranas and the Agama Shastras.

He can be easily pleased: Lord Shiva is worshipped by all because his rituals need no specific arrangements and he is satisfied with little prayers and offerings like water, milk, bel leaf and flowers. He is the one who offers a blessing to the wishes of the worshippers faster than any other Gods.

He is unconventional: Lord Shiva does not follow any social customs or codes to convey his freedom. He is the lord or Tantra and while worshiping him, you don’t have to worry about your lifestyle or what you eat.

Easy rituals: To worship Lord Shiva, you don’t need the service of a priest. You can simply go to a temple and offer your prayers.

For a good husband: The Lord treats his wife Parvati with great respect and love and offers equal honor to her. He represents today’s values. Women specially worship him and also keep a fasting during Maha Shivararti for good husbands and also do that when they are married to a good husband.

Immense power: We all know that Shiva is all powerful and can destroy our sufferings and remove impurities like egoism, ignorance, pride and etc. to facilitate spiritual growth. He is also a great source of wisdom and knowledge.

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The other names of Shiva:

Lord Shiva is the greatest of all gods and is given the name of Maha Deva. It is believed that he has no birth and doesn’t need other divine support for his survival. He is the father of the universe and Mata Parvati is the mother of the whole universe. They are considered as universal parents. Some of his other names include:

  • Trinethra: One who is third eyed ( eye on the forehead)
  • Jatadhara: One who has long hair
  • Neelakanta: One with blue neck as he consumed poison that was stored in his neck
  • Gangadhara: As River Ganga emerged out of his head.

Mythical stories associated with Maha Shivaratri:

  • According to legends, Shivaratri is celebrated on the day when Lord Shiva drank the poison and stored it in his neck, the reason why his throat turned blue. From that day onwards he came to be known as Neelkanth.
  • Some folklore tales say that Shivaratri is celebrated on the day when Lord Shiva saved the world from a pot of poison that came out from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan.
  • Another story says that Shivaratri Festival is celebrated on the day when Brahma and Vishnu fought over their supremacy over others and Shiva punished them by taking the form of a huge fire that spread all over the world. Both Brahma and Vishnu tried to find then end of the fire, but could not and Brahma told a lie, which angered Shiva who cursed him that no one would ever worship him.

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Symbolism associated with Lord Shiva:

Crescent moon: This represents the cyclical nature of the world and the changes that it undergoes. It also represents him as the master of Time.

Third Eye: It is the eye of wisdom and when he opens it, it burns anything in its path into ashes.

Trishul: This is his weapon and the three prongs of trishul represent the three fundamental powers that are action, will and knowledge.

Malted hair:  It represents his relationship with the God of Wind and breath of life. The coils represent the mastery of yoga: mental, physical and spiritual.

Drum: It produces dissimilar sounds representing the different states of existence. It combines both of them to create a single sound.

Kundalas:  The earrings represent that the Lord is beyond ordinary perception and also shows the dual male and female aspect of Shiva.

Snake: It represents the ego, which becomes an ornament if mastered.

Kamandalu: This is common of sages and shows his yogic nature and represents an individual who is cleaned of egoistic desires.

Beads mala: It symbolizes his concentration and meditation or spiritual discipline.

Tiger Skin: Tiger represents desire and lust and it shows that Shiva has conquered both.

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Mobile Phones For Kids: To Give Or Not To Give?

Technology plays a great role in our lives and with new trends and techniques coming up every now and then, the demand for various gadgets are also considerably increasing among kids. Using mobile phones is quite common among kids, but the question comes, whether you should purchase a cell phone for your child or not? Are there any risks? Buying a phone is a simple task, but it is important to think twice before purchasing as it can either be a risky proposition or a great idea. As a parent, you are the best person to understand your child so it is only after measuring all the factors that you can decide whether to give your child a cell phone or not?

Here in this blog, we will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a mobile device for your kid.

Some advantages of giving a cell phone to your child:

Easy communication: With mobile phones used by the majority of people, it is easy to remain connected with family, friends and colleagues. With GPS services easily available with phones, it is easy to locate the user whether he or she is inside a closed building or even outside town. Giving a mobile phone to your child will help you to keep a tab on him and remain in touch whenever he is away from home.

Useful for emergency situations: We all know that a mobile is of great help during emergency situations. Your child can easily get in touch with you if there is any problem when he or she is away from home. They can take help from useful departments according to their needs and can handle emergency situations easily.

Good device to improve knowledge: Earlier, our parents and grandparents gathered knowledge from books, teachers and parents. But today things have changed and kids can use the internet to gather some extra knowledge. They don’t even have to go to the library searching for the specific book. They can simply search the net and get great explanations about the topic without wasting much time.

Remain updated about latest news: Earlier it was only aged people who followed the news, but today things have changed and every school student should remain updated about the happenings around the world. Mobile phone and internet are great contributors. Students can easily search news and other related stuff to know about the latest events happening around the world.

Entertainment value: Mobile phones are also a great means of entertainment. Kids of all ages love to listen to music, chat with friends and play games. If this is allowed in limited amounts, then a phone can be a great means for relieving stress.

Some disadvantages of giving a mobile phone to your kid:

Hinder social interaction:  It is true that mobile phones have great usage benefits, but it cannot be denied that kids remain glued to their device and neglect real interactions with people or friends around them over the things that they love to do on phones. It is because of this that little kids are less capable of socializing normally and are also not comfortable talking to others in public.

Privacy and security breaches: Children often are unable to decide what is right and what is wrong. They may at times share important data with others on phone and this is extremely unsafe. Your contacts, financial information, networking accounts may be easily hacked if mobile phones are not used carefully. Kids should avoid posting any important data on social media.

Getting stressed and tired: Most kids love to play games on their mobile phones and they forget about the time. By doing so, they waste valuable time and even disturb their sleeping schedules. Chatting with friends or playing games too much often makes them get tired and lack concentration.

Constant interruption:  Cell phones are devices where you continuously receive calls, messages, chat and etc. This continuous interruption often makes it difficult for kids to concentrate on any work that they do. Since they are always over phone checking emails or chat messages, it reduces their concentration levels.

Hidden dangers:  Easy access to the internet gives your child a huge opportunity to access sites that they are not supposed to view. He or she may start to communicate with strangers and may become more prone to cyber bullying and malicious gossips.

The final verdict:

To conclude, we can say that there is no problem in giving a cell phone to your kid if you are able to take certain precautions. Kids should be allowed to use mobile when they are away from home for communication. In case if they don’t spend much time outside home, then there is no use of purchasing a phone. If you can control any mishandling or misuse of the phone by your kids, then mobile phones can be of great help to them.

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Why baby mouth things and tips to ensure safety

If you have a baby about seven months old, then it is a common scene to find him very happy on the floor and grabbing any object and putting in his mouth.  As a mother, you must be worried that he is doing something that is bad for his health and your urge may be to curb mouthing. From TV remotes to toys, pens, car keys anything that lies in your baby’s path will most probably end up in his mouth. All your efforts will be in vain and you simply can’t stop him from mouthing the things before him.

Research has stated that infants are actually born with an instinct to do this as part of their  survival. They discovered that parts of their brain are responsible for the movements of the hands and the mouth. But a little baby often lacks the fine motor control that is needed with fingers. Without hands, a baby often resorts to their next sensor that is the tongue. The toy is just something that provides your child with new sensory information about the texture, weight, shape and size. Mouthing objects offer some benefits to the baby and here are some reasons why he puts everything into his mouth first.

  1. Babies often have the curiosity to explore different items and since he has not mastered his hand movements like grabbing, reaching and swatting, he is unable to use his fingers. So to investigate more about the object, the baby often puts it in his mouth that helps him to utilize his senses to experience new things that includes the taste of the object.
  2. Mouthing often provides the baby with a workout for the oral skill control. Biting and chewing things is how they learn to use their tongue, cheeks, lips and jaw and coordinate with each other. This is also a good means that helps to strengthen the mouth muscles and prepares the baby for eating food and produce sounds and develop speech when they are older.
  3. Babies often put different objects in their mouth so that they can experience the different textures and sensations that help the baby to start solid foods some time later. Mouthing helps a baby to learn what feels good and tastes good and what doesn’t. So it is normal that your child will mouth different items during his growing days.
  4. Mouthing is a natural stage of early childhood development and it is also a means for babies to calm and self soothe.

Once your baby can crawl and move from place to place, you need to be more careful about the toys that he plays with and especially if the toy contains some small parts. Small objects that fit into your baby’s mouth can often cause him to choke. Your baby’s mouthing habit will keep you busy as it means that you have to keep a constant eye on him. Although mouthing is definitely a positive experience for your little baby, but it is important to ensure his safety and reduce the risk of choking or getting sick from bacteria and viruses. So, here are some safety precautions that you can adopt during the mouthing phase.

Remove things that are dangerous: Babies are not aware of what is safe and what is not. Everything that is bright and beautiful will attract them and they will try to taste and feel it. So put everything that is potentially dangerous or poisonous out of their sight and reach.

Teach the meaning of no: Your baby may at times play the mischief and pick up objects that he should not. Explain him the meaning of “NO” in the way that he is able to understand and stop him for putting it into his mouth. It is true that he may not listen to you each time, but make him understand this by repeating the word NO.

Do not shout or scold: It is a natural activity that your baby will put everything in his mouth because of curiosity. Scolding or shouting will only discourage him from putting things into his mouth and at the same time it will also dampen the spirit of learning, so make sure to keep safe things around him so that he can explore them.

Why not buy some teether:  Sometimes your baby may put things into his mouth just because he is teething. It is a good idea to get a few teethers that can soothe his aching gums. This will surely help

Get rid of germs: Though it is not possible to keep everything germ free, but it is important to make sure that your kid doesn’t fall sick from bacteria and viruses.  Make sure that he doesn’t share toys with the child who is sick, as germs can pass very easily. It is good to wash hands and toys frequently to protect your child.

As a mother, you have to accept the fact that your baby will mouth things whatever you do. But make a good effort to keep the toys and things clean and prevent him from doing anything that could make him fall sick.

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Unique Ways of Celebrating the Republic Day

After Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations are over, it is time to celebrate India’s Republic Day on January 26th. In 2017, India would be celebrating its 68th Republic Day and it is with great honor that various educational institutes, offices and other Government organizations celebrate the national holiday by arranging various activities.

For a very long time, Republic Day is mostly enjoyed as just another holiday with kids going to school for a parade with a tricolor badge pinned to their uniforms. And for the rest of us, it is time to listen to the speech of the President at Rajpath, New Delhi and watch some patriotic movies or visit our friends and relatives for a get-together. While the older generation is interested in watching the parade in the television and listening to the speech, youngsters are not so pro-active about the celebration.

Unconventional ideas to celebrate the Republic Day this year

Usually on Republic Day flag hoisting ceremonies are conducted in residential societies and schools. Often the school principal or a renowned personality of the society unfurls the flag and the national anthem is sung and children perform various cultural activities to spread the message of national integration. But, here is how you can celebrate the feeling of pride towards your country with the following tips:

  1. Hoist the national flag in your area or garden and sing the National Anthem together.
  2. You can prepare some tri colored sandwiches or idli and serve as breakfast. This can be an exciting beginning of celebrating the national holiday.
  3. You can arrange for some cultural programs where the dress code is wearing tri colored clothes.
  4. You can also have a quiz contest based on the nationalistic theme.
  5. Nothing can be better than having a picnic with the kids. Take them to a nearby park and sing patriotic songs during the journey.
  6. Make arrangements for a local version of bravery awards for kids. Reward them for their courageous gestures that they have shown throughout the year. Your categories may include the Best Team Player, Most Empathetic, Most Helpful.
  7. If you are unable to arrange for a picnic, then rent a DVD of a good patriotic film and watch it with the children. Serve hot chocolate as a treat.
  8. A visit to any national monument can also be a memorable way to celebrate the day.

So, this Republic day, help everyone to get involved in the celebration and make the national day a memorable one.

Happy Republic Day!

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Understanding the Religious and Spiritual Significance of Makar Sankranti Festival

All Hindu religious festivals are mostly intended to be celebrated in a spiritual manner so that people can derive benefits from them. However, with the passage of time, various local customs have influenced the celebrations and accordingly the customs have also created more impact on the people and they have started to celebrate the festivals in their own way. Makar Sankranti holds great significance to the Hindus and it is considered to be the new dawn of the Gods. Though the festival is considered to be a major harvest festival, it also holds importance of the Sun to Earth and to all the other living beings.

Makar Sankranti is a festival for adopting the Godly positive contemplation by discarding the demonic or negative reflections. It is on this day that the Sun enters the sphere of Capricorn known as Makar, which defines the movement of the Sun in respect of Makara. It is considered to be an auspicious day that begins with self purification: mental, physical, moral and emotional, abstaining from the worldly pleasures and rising to a higher level. Thus, the entry of the sun into the Makar Rashi is known as Makar Sankranti and is recognized as the dawn of the Gods and the beginning of the night of demons after the sunset.

Natural reasons behind the significance of Uttarayan:

According to religious beliefs, the position of the sun from Makar is called Uttarayan and it is the awakening of the Godly consciousness. During this time the period of days increase daily and the period of nights shorten, which means that that days are longer than the nights and there is more sunlight and heat for longer periods of time. It is from this natural point of view that Uttarayan holds much importance.

From the geographical point, Uttarayan and Daksshinayan occur in the Northern and Southern equatorial lines and it is due to the position of the sun that the cold waves of the winter diminish after the fall of Makar Sankranti. The taming down of the biting cold is because of the increase in the heat of the sunlight and it is with this that the working efficiency and the consciousness of the people also get increased.

Uttarayan is meant for enlightenment and Dakshinayana is for purification

The Sun in relation to the planet Earth shifts from the Southern run to the Northern run – from Dakshinayana to Uttarayan. What happens is that in terms of the celestial arrangement, on December 21, the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn and from that day the movement of the sun slowly shifts to the North. People who are spiritually aware have identified this transition as a great possibility for human consciousness to blossom. The first half of Uttarayan is the period when the maximum amount of grace is available.

One famous story associated with this is of Bhishma waiting on his deathbed made of arrows for many weeks. Though he was severely wounded, he held his life till Uttarayan, so that he could make use of this transition in nature. It is said that Gautama also attained his divine status on the third full mood day after Uttarayan. Thus, in terms of sadhana, Uttarayan is for enlightenment. This is also a period of grace and enlightenment and the attainment of the ultimate.

Makar Sankranti: The Festival of Truth, Virtue and Blessings

Usually night is considered to be the symbol of negativity, sin, wrong doings whereas day is considered as the symbol of virtue, truth and religion. So, when it is the time to start some good work, this day is usually preferred and it is believed that the fruit of the work is also good. From this day, the doors of Heaven remain open and so people choose this day to celebrate the auspicious occasion. It is on this day that married women pray to the Sun God for the long life of their husbands and offer gifts to the elders. In return they seek the blessing that as the days becomes longer; similarly the life of their husbands should also keep increasing.

The dates keep changing:

Makar Sankranti is a festival that is celebrated on the basis of the date. Most of us know that there is no change in the date and the festival is celebrated on 14th January every year. But this is not the fact. The date advances by one day every 72 years round based on the rotational speed of the earth around the sun.

Different names of the festival:

Makar Sankranti is represented with different names in different parts of India:

  1. Himachal Pradesh and Haryana: Maghi
  2. Bihar, UP, MP, Bundelkhand: Sankranti, Til Sankranti, Chura Dahi, Khichri
  3. Gujrat: Uttarayan
  4. Karnataka: Suggi
  5. Tamilnadu: Pongal
  6. Kerala: Vilaku

The importance of taking a bath on Sankranti

Since the sun enters the Makar rashi from Dhanu rashi (Dakshinayan), bathing is considered important to get rid of the sankraman to purify the body and the soul. Uttarayan is the considered to be the days for Gods and it is believed that Gods came at Sangam and other holy rivers to take a bath. So, as per Hindu religion, there is the presence of the Gods in the water and taking a bath in the holy rivers during Makar Sankranti, Kartik Purnima etc. is considered to be auspicious. Bathing helps to purify our body and helps to utilize the positive energy.

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Simple Ways to Show That You Love and Care for Your Kids

Raising a loving and happy family with kids is one of the most difficult tasks that parents do in their lifetime. Many times we don’t even care to say thanks to the members who have put so much effort to raise us or even help us to complete our daily chores. We ignore them or at times even forget their contributions. But over the years, I have realized that capturing such parenting moments can of course create everlasting memories. As a parent of two kids, I have experienced this many times and such tokens of love are the most inspiring for your kids. It only takes a little conscious effort from your side to make sure that your little kids or the people you love so much knows your feelings for them. Though not an easy task, but yes, it is so rewarding.

Here in this blog, I will discuss with you some real ways by which you can show your love to your kids. Continue reading:

There need not be a special occasion like a birthday or any holiday to show that you love your kids. Few gestures like a thoughtful note that expresses your feelings are powerful means to show how much you care for them and what they mean to you.

A small celebration: You can plan to set the atmosphere for a celebration by simply grabbing some decoration items for your dining table. Get some beautiful table cloth or themed napkins and paper plates, some balloons, a red candle, and some floral arrangements are great means to make them feel special as they sit down for dinner. Surprise your little ones when they wake up with a box of goodies or cards or candies or even small toys that they would love to have.

Leave notes in unexpected places: Leave a note for your kid in her pencil box before she leaves for the school. Write simple words like “I love you. There is something special in your bag”. You can place such notes in their purse, lunch bag or even in a shoe that they are sure to wear. Put some special item like chocolates or cookies or cupcakes in their bags and imagine the smile on their face when they get them.

Listen to them and be physically and mentally present: When you have a conversation with your child, always have an eye contact and listen carefully to what your child is telling. This will make them feel important and offer suggestions if she is asking for advice. It is very important to be physically and mentally present with kids so that they don’t feel less important to you.

Encourage their dreams: It is very easy to impose one’s ideas on the kids and control their lives. But instead of pushing the kids to do or pursue your dreams, it is good to give them some space and encourage them to pursue their own dreams and passions. You can talk to them about their interests and help them learn more on their subject. You can increase their self-confidence and make them feel that you really care for their choice.

Create habits that initiate family togetherness: With hectic and busy lifestyles, it is very difficult to spend quality time with kids. But remember even with less time, you can always create a strong bond among the family members. Set up some routines that will instill some cultural values in your kids. Have a regular family prayer sessions or story telling time at bed. This will help to create good memories and your kids will also have fun time with you.
Following the above ideas will definitely help you to show that you love and care for your kids. So, celebrate your love for your little kid and create some of the best memories in their life.

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Delicacies That Can Be Prepared To Pamper Your Brother This Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phota is a special festival that celebrates the bond of brotherly-sisterly love and is observed few days after the celebrations of Diwali.  It is during this ceremony that sisters apply a tilak on the forehead of their brothers and perform an aarti with a diya as a mark of love and protection from any evil forces. During the celebration, sisters usually prepare a lavish lunch or dinner for their brothers and the recipes mostly include their brother’s favorites.

Brothers eagerly wait for this occasion as it is a great opportunity for a good feast at the sister’s place, with exchange of gifts and merriment. Indian festival is usually incomplete without good food. Unless there is chit chat in the kitchen and the house is filled with delicious aroma, the festival doesn’t get its charm. So, if you are planning to treat your brother during Bhai dooj, then here we are with our chosen list of recipes that you can prepare for a lavish treat:

Paneer achari: This is a delicacy that every brother would love to have and who doesn’t love paneer? The dish can easily be prepared with the ingredients that are already available in your kitchen cabinet and can be easily prepared in 20 minutes of time. Chunks of cottage cheese cooked in yogurt and spices, it is simply delicious.

Mushroom butter masala: This is an all-time favorite dish and goes well with paratha or rice. It is prepared by simmering mushrooms in gravy of tomatoes and rich cream. So, note down the ingredients and get this recipe listed in your menu this season.

Navarattan Korma: What about adding some vegetable dish to your menu? If you are interested in preparing a Mughal recipe, then nothing can be better than Navarattan Korma. A perfect blend of vegetables, it is a great treat for your guests.

Mutton Dum Biryani: If your brother is a non veg lover, then why don’t you try making mutton dum biryani? This is a perfect dish that has a wonderful aroma and is prepared on slow fire. Though time consuming, it is a recipe that your brother will really love to have.

Chilly chicken:  Another non veg recipe that is yummy and can be prepared during Bhai dooj is chilli chicken in a restaurant style. Chicken pieces made in soya sauce, garlic paste, onions, capsicum and corn flour, it can be a great dish that goes well with fried rice or butter naan.

Have a great Bhai Dooj celebration and throw a grand treat for you brother this time with our recipe list.

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Colors To Wear During Navaratri Celebration This Year

India is a land of festivals and it is here where we worship different Gods and Goddess on numerous occasions. Navaratri is just round the corner and it is one of the largest festivals that are celebrated all over the country. The festival is celebrated to worship the different forms of the Mother Divine through chants, fasting, spiritual practices and prayers. It is during this time of the year that we turn inward, rejuvenate, nurture and replenish our soul. Goddess Durga manifests herself in nine different forms and each of them signifies something deep and subtle. These nine nights are considered to be valuable as there are subtle energies in the creation that are enriched during this time.

Navaratri will start from October 1st this year and the devotees are preparing to worship Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Laksmi. Durga Puja is traditionally celebrated in autumn every year and the puja starts with worshipping Navdurga that is Maa Shailputri and ends with the worship of Mata Siddhidatri. During these nine days, people keep fast and hold Garba or Dandia nights. One most important thing that you need to decide over is the color that you want to wear each day.
Since the fashion quotient cannot be avoided, here in this blog, I will tell you about the bright nine colors that will go with the theme of each auspicious day.

First day (Pratipada) Grey and orange: Navratri starts with a holy puja and the first day is known as pratipada. Goddess Durga is worshipped, so that she brings prosperity and good healthy to the family and home. A bowl of mud is placed and barley seeds are sown and the idol is worshipped as Shailputri, Shail means ‘Mountains’ and ‘Putri’ means daughter. The idol is dressed in grey and orange saree and even females are supposed to wear grey or orange attire.

Second day (Dwitiya) White: The second form of Goddess is the Brahmacharini who is worshipped on Dwitiya and the devotees offer sugar to her. The name itself means pious strictness and Goddess Parvati grants emancipation and prosperity. On this day the devotees wear white colored dresses and it represents spiritual grace and peace.

Third day (Tritiya) Red: On the third day, the Goddess is worshipped as Chandraghanta and the name refers to the half-moon that is on the forehead in the shape of a bell. Chandraghanta stands for bravery and fortitude and she is dressed in red attire. Devotes may wear red or white dress. On this day Sindoor Tritiya Sowbhagya Teej is also observed.

Fourth day (Chaturthi) Blue: On the fourth day, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda and according to mythology it is believed that the universe was created by the goddess as she laughed. The name consists of three words ‘Ku’ which means ‘a little’, Usma means ‘energy’ and Anda means the ‘universe’. She is also called Ashtabhuja and is the creator of the universe. The idol is draped in red saree and the blue is the color that the devotees can wear.

Fifth day (Panchami) Yellow: On the fifth day the Goddess is honored and worshipped as Skandamata, which means mother of Kartikeya also known as Skanda. It is during this time that Goddess Durga brings prosperity at home. Kartikeya fought with the demons and Skandamata is depicted holding baby Kartikeya. On this day, the goddess is dressed in yellow saree and devotees are supposed to wear grey colored attire.

Sixth day (Sashti) Green: On Sashti, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Katyayani. Hindu mythology states that Kata performed various rituals to welcome the goddess in the form of a daughter. The child born to Kata was known as Katyayani and she is dressed in green saree and worshippers are also supposed to wear green attire on that day.

Seventh day (Shaptami) Peacock Green: On Shaptami the goddess is worshipped as Kaalratri and is known to protect all from the negative powers and trouble. She is also known as Subhankari and the idol is portrayed as having dark complexion and in an aggressive posture. She protects all from troubles and anxiety. She is adorned with a Peacock green colored saree and even the devotes can wear the color during the puja.

Eighth Day (Ashtami) Purple: During Ashtami, Maa Durga is worshipped as Maha Gauri and symbolizes the tranquility, serenity and beauty. She is portrayed as white as snow and this is the form that she adopted to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She performed intense Tapaya without moving and this caused dust to collect over her. Lord Shiva cleaned her with water from Ganga and helped her regain her beauty. The Goddess is dressed in Purple color and this is also the color that the devotees wear during Astami.

Ninth / Tenth day (Navami / Dussehra) Sky Blue and Pink: Navami and Vijaya Dashami are celebrated with great enthusiasm by all the devotees and Goddess Durga is worshipped as Siddhidatri. Lord Shiva worshipped Siddhidatri and was granted all the Siddhis and came to be known as Ardhanarishvara. Devotees usually wear pink color attire and on the last day of Vijayadashami when idols of Ravana are burnt, people take out processions and celebrate the joy of good over evil.
So, here is the list of colors that you can follow during your Navaratri celebration and have a wonderful time with your family!

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70th Independence Day Celebration in India

Independence Day in India is declared as a national holiday and it is the freedom that is celebrated all over the country with utmost happiness and joy. It is a day when we pay our tribute and respect to our freedom fighters who gave their lives so that we could breathe an air of freedom. The year 1947 has been a momentous year in the history when our country gained freedom from the British Empire that ruled for about 200 years. It was not only the British who ruled our country, but also many others that began with the Aryans who came from Central Europe, followed by the Persians, Iranians, the Parsis and many others. But it was only after a long struggle that India got freedom from the British Raj and on the eve of 15th August 1947, the Indian flag was unfurled at the Red Fort in Delhi by the first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Role of the freedom fighters:

The freedom fighters played a significant role in gaining the independence for the country. It was the Revolt of 1857, which was the first war of Independence of India and it started as a mutiny by the Muslim and the Hindu Sepoy of the East India Company. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Tatya Tope, Nana sahib, Mangal Pandey were some active freedom fighters who were involved in the revolt against the British. Rani Lakshmi Bai is considered as the symbol of resistance against the British rule.

The Indian National Congress was founded and Surendranath Banerjee laid the foundation. Other active leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Chittaranjan Das, Jawaharlal Nehru and it was Gandhiji who pushed the party and encouraged the struggle for freedom by following the nonviolent path.

The Red Fort Ceremony:

It is on the eve of Independence Day that the President of India delivers a speech addressing our Nation. The Prime Minister hoists the Indian flag on the Red Fort in Delhi and twenty one gun shots are fired to honor the freedom fighters and the occasion. It is during the speech delivered by the Prime Minister that he highlights the achievements of his government during the past year and also raises important issues and plans for further development of the country. The Indian national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” is sung followed by various other activities. Similar celebrations are organized in state capitals where the Chief Minister of the state unfurls the national flag, which is followed by parades and cultural programs.

Different types of celebrations and activities:

The Indian Independence Day is celebrated all over the country and children participate in cultural activities in schools, colleges, cultural institutions and even in residential colonies. Patriotic songs like Vande Mataram, Aye mere Vatan ke logo are sung in musical concerts or programs. Most Government building and offices are decorated with flags and tri colored ribbons and many organizations arrange special shows, competitions and cultural programs. Even the TV channels telecast movies that are based on India’s freedom struggle and the day is packed with outings, kite flying, drills, parades and etc. To mark the occasion, children wear tri-colored clothes with slogans like “I Love India” and other patriotic messages. Various wristbands, stickers, badges and flag pins are also sold in the market for the celebration.

India at present

India has seen a major development in the nation’s services sector and there have been great improvements in the tele services and information technology. Today, several multinational firms continue to outsource their services from our country because of the huge pool of talented resources and our expertise in various fields. Foreign countries are directing their investments to meet their demands and this has created a great opportunity for employment for the people of India. There has been a rapid progress in the education sector, agricultural sector, infrastructure development and these have directly contributed to the growth of the nation.
The youth of the country should now imbibe the spirit of that magical day in 1947 and create a path of values for the country so that we all Indians unite and stand together!

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Express Gratitude towards Your Dad by Celebrating Father’s Day

Moms are often reported to be closer to her kids than their father. This appears so because fathers are not always so expressive in revealing their emotions or love for his kids. But the truth is that, both the parents share unconditional love for their children. With Father’s day being the next upcoming celebration, it is time to honor all the fathers for everything they have done and sacrificed for their children.  It is a special occasion to show our gratitude towards him for all his support and love that he has showered on us.

father's day 2016

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Top 10 Healthy Drinks Which Will Slake Your Thirst This Summer

There’s nothing better than a cooling drink on a day when the temperature outside is soaring high. So, if you are looking for the best possible options to beat that scorching summer heat, then Mother’s Zone brings to you the top 10 health summer drinks that will help to quench your thirst and get you in that ‘refreshing mode’ in an instant!

summer drinks collage

From lemonade, granita to lassi and sherbet, there is a lot that can help you keep cool this summer. Read on to know about these summer drinks!

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Key Benefits Children Gain from Going to Summer Camp

If your main complaint is that your children are glued to the television or the Xbox too much, try sending them to camp. A new world full of indoor and outdoor activities will be open to them, successfully pulling them away from their cell phones.The truth is that such initiative can do your kids a whole lot of good. Read on to know of some of the key benefits of attending such a camp.

 

kids physical activity

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Surprise your Mom with Handmade Gifts This Mother’s day

With the spring season in its full bloom all around, the Earth looks lovely and charming that wins our hearts. As I walk in the garden amazed by the dazzling beauty of the colorful flowers and see the beautiful butterflies flying about, I catch the fancy of little children with their moms playing in the park. I take a seat to watch the unconditional love and care that mothers offer to their loved ones and while doing so I remember my mother who is thousand miles away from me.

handmade mothers' day gifts

Though not a single day passes by without talking to her over the phone, but I wonder if I have been a good child who took the opportunity to thank her for all that she has done for me?

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Celebrate Eco-Friendly Holi and Spread Environmental Awareness

With the arrival of the spring season that brings in hope, good harvest and colors in the surroundings with fresh blooms, it is time to celebrate the festival of colors – Holi. This is a popular festival in India that represents unabashed frolic, fun and enthusiasm and also symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Ideally, the festival is meant to celebrate the arrival of Spring, but today it has become a source of environmental pollution and degradation.

Ecofriendly holi

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Contributing Factors to Ensure a Healthy Work Environment for Women

As a woman, do you constantly feel that you are working in an environment where no one cares for the other? Is it only work, work and all work? Perhaps this may be because your co-workers want to keep secrets from one another, or may be because they lack trust or respect among colleagues or you are facing some safety issues or any other health conditions that are affecting your lifestyle.

presentation in meeting

 

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10 Super Achiever Indian Mothers

There is no denying the fact that a woman is an epitome of hard work and sheer love. But, despite their adaptability, do you realize the unique challenges face by working mums to meet the demands of the juggling domestic responsibilities alongside work obligations? It is this balancing act of a mother who keeps pace with her ever-shifting role, makes her identity.Super AchievementsIn a nation like India, where most of the women strive to maintain the income stream of the family along with satisfying her mother’s need to be with the children and support them, there are several examples of women who have attained numerous accolades for their commendable and incomparable dedication towards work and motherly love.

Mother’s Zone brings to you some information about successful mothers who have fulfilled their realistic expectation of managing their career and meeting familial obligations as well, whom we will call ‘The Top 10 Super Achiever Indian Mums’ in no particular order.

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Lord Shiva’s Guide for Unravelling the Secrets of Good Health

India – a country of beliefs, devotion & worshipers. This nation is still laughed at and called as a land of snake charmers, a land of foolish people who are bent by superstitions & believed to worship thirty three crore Gods & Goddesses. But isn’t it a thing makes us stand out from the rest? It is our religious beliefs that keep us grounded, humble, gives us hope even in the darkest of hours, a belief that nobody is alone because everything is given & driven by the almighty.

shiva

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Valentine’s Day: The Rhythm of the Crowd

Every year 14th February is celebrated as the day of romance when people exchange flowers, gifts and cards and express their emotions and feelings for someone. But this day didn’t start exclusively for the lovers. It has a history to say. Valentine’s Day has its roots in different legendary stories that we know for ages, but there are some popular ones also.

valentine day

The history behind 14th February

About three hundred years after Jesus was crucified, the Roman emperors demanded that everyone should worship the Roman Gods. Valentine, a Christian priest was beheaded on 14th February because of his teachings and a miracle. He had cured the jailer’s daughter of her blindness and he wrote her a letter of farewell, the night before he was executed signing it “From Your Valentine”. It is also said that many children and friends wrote to him as they all loved Valentine a lot and missed him when he was in the jail.

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Indian Women Freedom Fighters Who Deserve Respect and Salute

The Indian Freedom Movement consisted of efforts of various organizations and individuals that included philosophers, politicians and common men and women of the country who sacrificed their lives to obtain independence from the British, Portuguese and French rule. This struggle for freedom was not fought for a single day.

women freedom figthers

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Help Your Child Make Positive New Year Resolutions

Moving from 2016 calendar to 2017 is the best time for children to make New Year’s resolutions. This tradition of promising to do or follow few things rigorously is an old age tradition and people usually vow to follow some new set of good rules that can change or affect their lives.

Resolution

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The Legend and Tradition of the famous Christmas Stocking

The Christmas stockings, hold a special place in the celebration. And hanging of stockings by the fireplace is an age old tradition that we still love to follow. Christmas means waiting anxiously at night with the anticipation of receiving gifts from Santa and finding the stockings filled with small gifts and goodies the next morning.

christmas-stocking

But have you ever thought about the history of Christmas stockings? If no, then refer to the story of Saint Nicholas and share it with your children, friends and loved ones. Here’s how the tradition of hanging stockings got started.

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Interesting Facts That You Should Know About Chhath Festival

Chhath puja is a major festival of the people of Bihar, but this custom is also religiously carried out in the northern states of India that includes Eastern Uttar Pradesh Jharkhand and also Nepal. It is a festival committed to Lord Surya and involves praying the Sun God for a period of four days by keeping fast. It is celebrated twice a year, once during the summers called the Chaiti Chhath and once during the winters called the Kartik Chhath around a week after Diwali.

Chhath-Puja

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Tips To Keep Your Children Safe This Diwali

With only a month left for Diwali, I have become really busy shopping for clothes, gift items and many other things that I would share with my friends and relatives. The markets are crowded and the aroma of festivity is in the air. All these remind me of my childhood days. But at times I had to stay inside the house to avoid any accidents while burning crackers. I too loved to burn them and watch other bursting crackers, but my mother would often ask me to stay indoors as I had met with an accident previously. While bursting crackers I went too close to it, and it burst on my hands burning them badly and I had to be rushed to the nearby hospital.

diwali safety

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Karva Chauth – A representation of love and beliefs

karva puja1

Karva Chauth, one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindu women in several parts of India is approaching soon! As many of us are busy in preparing for the celebrations, some of us are still not aware of this popular festival. To help those ladies in gaining a better understanding of this day, Mother’s Zone has brought some interesting information that is surely going to help every woman to have a blissful celebration this Karva Chauth.

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A Glimpse at the Navratri Celebrations in Different States of India

Since my childhood days, Navratri celebrations have always attracted me and I have been waiting for the whole year to enjoy this special period when the sounds of “dhak” and the beautiful “Kaash phool” reminded me of the arrival of Goddess Durga. Navratri is a nine day and night celebration that is dedicated to Mother Goddess and includes fasts, meditation, prayers, strictly vegetarian diet and many more.

navratri  celebration

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A Deeper Understanding of Lord Ganesha- The Remover of Obstacles

Everybody knows the fascinating tale of Lord Ganesha, the most favourite of all Gods. But, have you ever tried to find the deeper significance of the obstacle remover? There is something much deeper than what actually meets the mind about this fascinating elephant-headed God’s tale.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha, the cutest of all and one of the most lovable gods, is a formless divinity who is encapsulated in a magnificent form with deep significance of every little peculiarity for the benefits of the devotees. Ganesha is the Lord of all atoms and energies that makes the Universe. He is, ‘Ajam Nirvikalpam Niraakaaramekam,’ which means that he is Unborn (Ajam), Attribute less (Nirvikalpa) and Niraakar (formless).

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Ganesh Chaturthi – The Famous Hindu Festival

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals all over India and especially Maharashtra. It is marked as the birthday of the “Vigana Harta “(remover of obstacles), the mythological name for Lord Ganesha. On this enthusiastic day, the devotees of the Lord offer prayers to the deity and seek his blessings for better knowledge and wisdom.

To understand this deep rooted auspicious occasion better, a thought-provoking history of the festival is significant.

Ganesh Chaturthi

 

The fascinating birth tale of Ganesha

Ganesha, one of the most lovable Indian God has an interesting birth story. It is believed that he was formed with the paste that Goddess Parvati used on her body before taking birth. She formed a sculpture with the paste and infused life in that figure asking him to guard the entrance of her bathroom. On returning of God Shiva to his abode, he was abruptly stopped by the figure created and in extreme rage struck off his head to discover that he has killed Parvati’s son.

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Mother – The First Teacher of a Child

Thank You MomIt is truly said that when life wanted to bless you, he gave you your first teacher. But who actually do you think your first teacher is? Yes, you have got it right. It’s your mother! Home is a child’s first school and the mother his/her first teacher. The first thing a child learns is to trust the reliability of his mother’s teachings, without the need for constant checking. The learning starts in the mother’s womb itself and from the very moment of the new arrival, the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.

A mother teaches you the core values of life such as finding a way to tell the truth and encourages you to take on a challenge. But, the most important thing that she teaches you is the acceptance of authority which makes it easier for you to learn the further practical lessons of life. Now, when we talk about the practical lessons in life, the first thing that must strike your mind is that one teacher who perhaps showed you your dream in the midst of nightmares.

The same faces of the same coin!

It is true that mother and teacher both play a vital role in the child’s development; however, the difference is that a mother is responsible for the best upbringing of her child but the personal development of everyone else’s child comes under the responsibility of a teacher. So, if you are successful and have learnt the lessons for lifetime, thank that one teacher who has changed your life.

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Celebrate this Raksha Bandhan with Great Food and Gifts

rakhi special

With Raksha Bandhan approaching soon, many of us are in need of some great food as well as gift ideas to celebrate the festival in the best possible manner. Mother’s Zone very well understands this. In fact, we will help you make this festival one of the most memorable days of your lives. All that you need to do is to have a look at the various food ideas and gift ideas that we have come up with!

So, don’t wait and just get going!

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Know How to Treat Minor Injuries in Your Child Easily and Efficiently

Kids love to play and many times they skid or fall or end up with a scratch on the knee while playing. It is inevitable that toddlers or preschoolers will get a cut or abrasion some time or the other, no matter how careful you are with your child safety. So it is important that parents are aware of how to treat some minor injuries or offer first aid at home before seeking any medical attention. Little scrapes burns or bumps can be easily treated at home without rushing to your nearby doctor.

minor injuries

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How to Maintain a Healthy Parent-Teen Relationship

Parents often complain that their teenager kids refuse to listen and are rebellious. It seems that there is always a gap between them and this makes it difficult to communicate and have a better relationship. As a parent, it is our job to meet the emotional needs of our teen kids during this stage of their development. They need more support and love from their parents when other things in their life are changing fast.

Parent-Teen Relationship

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The Eight Secrets of Happy Families That You Can Easily Follow

Happy families are essential building blocks of the society and a family is the place where people learn to build relationships and bond closely. Today in this modern age, the closeness to family members is suffering due to various issues like separation, domestic violence and of course the technological change.

big happy family portrait, at home yard

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How to Purchase the Best Clothing for Your Toddler

Kids grow up very fast and especially during their early years. Clothes that were bigger one month back would appear to be small in another month and this makes buying clothes for kids a really challenging task for parents.

buy clothes

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Interesting Tips to Acknowledge Their Love and Efforts This Parent’s Day

Once you come to know that you are going to become parents; curiosity, expectation excitement, anxiety, preparation, everything starts to peep into your life. And after those nine months of long waiting when your little one is born, you are actually so elated that you feel like heaven on earth. You are now proud parents of a baby girl or boy. But are you aware of the fact that there is a special day dedicated to parenthood? Yes Parent’s Day is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of July every year and like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, this is also a special day to celebrate together.

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Parenting Tips to Ensure your Child has a Strong Academic Performance

Although teachers are important in children’s life; parents hold the most influence over a child’s personal and academic life. Parent’s main focus is their offspring’s well being and this gives them a unique advantage that helps them mold and encourage their baby’s educational aptitude.

Children reading books with their parents

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Best Educational Toys for Your Kids Available In the Indian Market

As your child grows, it is essential to keep him busy with activities that assist him to develop his motor skills, learn new things and stimulate his imagination. Learning or educational toys are great means that combine fun with basic social and academic skills.

kids-playing with educational-toys

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First Birthday Dress Ideas for Your Little Princess

Nothing can be more exciting than celebrating your baby’s first birthday. Every parent loves this day and it is also important to make their birthday the happiest day and of course a lifelong memory. And if the child is a birthday girl then the celebration gets even more exciting as you have beautiful and personalized birthday dresses for the baby girl with matching accessories to purchase for her.

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Celebrate Mother’s Day with Unique Little Surprises

Mothers Day Special

Motherhood is the holiest and selfless service received by humankind. It is a glorious opportunity, daunting responsibility and a divine role played by mothers that is also the best gift from God. To bring happiness to all his children, God created mothers on Earth. I still remember how my mom often helped me to tie the shoelace and sat down late night to make my posters and projects when the world went to sleep. It’s the truth for all and I guess you can’t even remember when she took some time out for herself.   So, all mothers deserve to be acknowledged for their everlasting and unconditional love that they shower on their kids. To celebrate this unique bond between a child and mother let us celebrate “Mother’s Day” and make her feel special in our lives.

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Interesting Ways to Spend Time with Your Kids on Weekends

Its weekend and time to have some fun together. Being a parent myself, I know how you love to spend time with your kids. On regular days, it may not possible for you to spend quality time with them, but taking out some precious time in weekends and enjoying some fun-filled activities together can not only help your to bond well but will also keep your little ones engaged and amused.  It doesn’t take much to add some excitement in your kid’s life. Little things enjoyed together create the most beautiful childhood memories. There’s always something interesting to do with kids that can keep them busy and happy and that won’t even burn your pocket. Let me share with you some exciting activities that kids will surely enjoy.

kids_picnic

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How to develop the love for healthy foods in your child

As a parent, you would want to do every possible thing that will help you keep your child healthy, fit and active. Isn’t it? So, why not help them like eating healthy foods? Well, it is easy! All you need is the right set of tips, suggestions and some basic information that will get you going!

family meal

Check out the tips listed below and help your child make healthy choices when it comes to eating.

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15 Rajasthani Dishes You Should Try At Least Once

The stunning desert-land of the country – Rajasthan is a state renowned for its culture and heritage. Amidst the traditional folklores, the glistening golden deserts, the royal forts, the city is also known for its cuisine.

rajasthani thali

No matter whether you are visiting Rajasthan any time soon or not, there are a few Rajasthani dishes that you should certainly try at least once in your lifetime.

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Safe Baby Teething Tips & Remedies

Let’s face it – almost all parents go through sleepless nights owing to their growing and teething baby. Those drools, those tears and the accompanied cranky pain that come with your little one’s teeth are the things that make the situation all the more difficult to deal with. But then again, it is difficult, not impossible!

do-natural-teething-remedies

Mother’s Zone shares with you some safe baby teething tips and remedies that can help you and your baby during this tough phase.

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Why Kids Should Eat Fruit and Not Drink It

Kids often love to drink juices because they taste good and are supposed to be a healthy means to start the day. Even parents are of this notion that fruit juices are healthy for their nutritive value. But is it really so? A team of scientists from Harvard School of Public Health has found that eating a whole fruit lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, drinking it in the form of juice may actually increase the risk.

eating fruits

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Why Women Prefer To Show Off The Right Side When Taking Selfies

You may often find your sister or mother insisting on clicking selfies from the right side. Yes, they are no exceptions as women always try to ensure that they are captured at their best while facing the camera. It is seen that more than half of the women try to turn a particular way when they have a camera in front of them.

selfie

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Know How Parental Smoking Can Affect Your Children’s Health

Numerous data and research reveal that smoking is harmful for both the smoker as well as the people around them. Second hand smoking can be very harmful to young children as their lungs are still developing. A study in Hong Kong regarding this has found that children whose fathers smoke were overweight at seven years compared to their counterparts who had non-smoking fathers.

smoking

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Top 10 Must Watch Inspirational Movies for Kids

Today, Indian cinema has reached to great heights. Call it the amazing efforts being put by the actors, wonderful scripts, or gripping and incredible screenplay – all this and much more collectively has been the reason of the rising popularity of the mightier Bollywood.

movie collage

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Stay Healthy & Fit With These 5 Free Hand Exercises

No time to go to the gym and invest your efforts in getting that toned and wonderful body frame? Well, if so, then don’t fret.

leg lifts

You might not know it, but all it takes to get a well shaped body is your dedication. Doesn’t matter even if you are short of time! Don’t believe us? We have got a list of some easy to do free hand exercises for you that don’t require any equipment!

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Top 10 Breakfast Recipes To Give Your Kid’s Day a Healthy Start

There is no denying the fact that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, if you often feel that you are short of ideas when it comes to providing your kid a healthy meal in the morning, then Mother’s Zone shares with you top 10 healthy breakfast recipes for your kids.

breakfast collage

Green Pea Poha

Packed with the goodness of poha and green peas, this iron and fibre rich breakfast dish is an all-time favourite of many mothers across the country. Give it a zesty feel with a tinge of lemon and let your kid enjoy it without any fuss.

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Impact of Cartoons on a Child’s Personality

Whenever we think of the cartoon, the first impression that comes to our mind is children who are innocent, playful, happy and are darling to parents. We all are aware that animations are simply loved by children and they are great sources of entertainment to them.

Impact of Cartoons on a Child personality

Earlier, a child used to spend time by playing outdoor games in groups or reading story books. But now those days are replaced and children are found glued to TV watching animation for long hours, mostly without the supervision of their parents who still find animations to be cute and colorful.

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Parenting Tips – The Role Of Communication And Limit Setting

Setting limits for your child which is something he/she will never thank you for. This is because they are too small to realize its importance. However, you being the guardian must set the boundaries that would contain and guide your kids. Now, only setting limits will not help as it will make them feel that they are confined. So, effective communication is equally important to help you child into socially and emotionally intelligent adults.

Parenting Tips

It is essential for you as parents to be friendly with your children in order to get on with them and understand them better to negotiate boundaries.

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India – The Land of Festivals & Celebrations

India is a country where people of different ethnicities, traditions, and cultures live. And, when it comes to celebrations and festivals, Indians know how to commemorate them the best. As a matter of fact, festivals are at the heart of those who live in India. If you have ever been to this amazing country, you will surely understand what role festivals play in this nation.

Mother’s Zone brings to you great information about some of the most popular Indian festivals that are approaching soon. So, get all set to learn about these festivals and know how merriments make an integral part of the Indian culture.

  • Raksha Bandhan

One of the most popular festivals in India is Raksha Bandhan. The day is celebrated to foster the love between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie ‘rakhis’ or decorative threads on the wrists of their brothers. This indicates the love of sisters and their prayers for their brothers’ well-being, as well as the brothers’ promise to protect their sisters – all their lives!

 

Raksha Bandhan

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