Remedies From The Kitchen

“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”, Hippocrates said many years ago.  Mother Nature has given us several ingredients commonly found in our Indian kitchens and used in daily cooking which improve our immune system. The medicinal properties of these ingredients can be used to treat and most importantly prevent ailments without having to rush to the general physician and pharmacies.

From an endless list, we are going to cover 10 popular ingredients for their impressive health benefits and medicinal properties. Always make use of fresh ingredients for maximum effectiveness and be sure to know your allergies before you try any remedies.

Introduction to Korean Cuisine

While Kimchi (fermented cabbage) made its appearance on the food scene quite some time back and is relished eagerly with appetizers and main course, there seem to be very few other Korean dishes that seem to have made a mark and makes me wonder why?

No clear answers here but Korean cuisine is varied, fascinating and deeply influenced by culture, climate,
geography (peninsula) and proximity to China and Japan. Special importance is given to presentation and harmony.

Admist Luxury & Nature at Villa Urvinkhan, Chikmagalur

If there was anything that could lure us from the luxurious comfort of our getaway at Taj Bekal, Kerala (read all about it here) it would be a seamless blend of luxury & nature! Villa Urvinkhan estate, nestled in the Western Ghats is one such place. Established in 1800s, a stay here is a great way to experience plantation life while enjoying comforts of a home stay. Beautiful vistas, an infinity pool facing the lush ghats, soothing bird calls & serenity......form an irresistible combination that soothe tired nerves.

My Luxurious Getaway to Taj Bekal, Kerala

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float; to gain all while you give; to roam the roads of lands remote; to travel is to live.” ― Hans Christian Andersen. Travel quotes like these inspire us to back our bags immediately to remote lands. But then we remember that absences from office can be only limited & so can be our budgets! Juggling multiple workloads, we have become an expert in making most of long weekends & one such opportunity made us unwind at a beautiful Taj property located in Bekal, Kerala.

Healthy Juicing with Kent Cold Pressed Juicer

Recently having moved to a new house, I was mighty thrilled. The reason for my elation was the in-house fully equipped gymnasium in the residential complex. I love spending time doing weight training but had given up due to an inadequate gym near my previous house. But this one presented new opportunities! So armed with confidence, I re-started my gym routine for 5 days a week. The session invigorated me but also left me thirsty! Also, I lost on a few sessions due to bad cough & cold.

One day while speaking to my gym instructor, he mentioned having a small serving of a healthy juice during the day. I love eating my fruits & vegetables whole due to their rich fiber content but there are some days when I am on the run & a healthy juice sounded like a good option. I had heard a lot about cold pressed juices & wanted to try them. A little research & I came across Kent Cold Pressed Juicer that helps conserve the nutrients of fruits & vegetables while juicing. How, one may ask? Conventional juicers create a lot of heat while juicing resulting in oxidization of nutrients present in fruit & vegetables while on the other hand cold pressed juicers like Kent generated lesser heat that helped in keeping the nutrients intact! I decided to give it a try.

Delicious Modak Recipes

The entire nation is immersed in the celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi in honor of the much loved elephant headed god. Work places, homes, streets, commercial complexes & many others have planned elaborate celebrations to bring Lord Ganesh amidst this revelry. Decorations, colorful lights, tinkling of bells & crooning voices add a different joy around us. But no Ganesh Utsav is complete without offering Modak- a sweet dumpling to Ganesha. Traditionally made with a sweet filling of jaggery & grated coconut stuffed in a soft shell made of rice flour, Modaks now have many innovative variants. Lets look at a few easy to make & delicious Modak recipes that will fill our homes with happiness & joy.

Image Source: www.placeoforigin.in

Rafting in the Mystic Waters of Rishikesh

A nature lover at heart, I crave adventure. My average day that stretched into limitless hours working as a PR manager was full of email correspondence, phone calls, and juggling deadlines. Many a day it would be very dark as I wrapped up work and my dreams of travel were limited to the fabulous wallpapers on my computer.

One day, Sanika my childhood friend called and we chatted about our lives. The conversation veered towards travel plans and she told me about her trip to Rishikesh. Intrigued, I researched the destination and was enchanted! Enveloped by majestic Himalayas and lush green vegetation, Rishikesh is easily approachable from Delhi, Haridwar and Mussoorie by road or Dehradun by air. Train services connecting Haridwar station is an option too. Cabs can be easily hired to reach Rishikesh without much hassle, thus making it easy for tourists to move around in the new place easily. The high-speed and rugged waves of Ganges offer such an adventure thrill that Rishikesh attracts tourists all year around. The best season for Rafting in Rishikesh is from September to June and the chilling waters of winter offer a thrill that is un-paralleled.