Happy Easter Everyone

Help yourself with mini Choco Eggs!!

UNICEF TAP Project

As you know I get involved in varieties of volunteer projects from across the globe and this is one of its kind.  Any one with smart phone and internet connection can volunteer for this project from any where in the world. This project is called  UNICEF TAP Project. It is an opportunity to support UNICEF year-round in raising awareness about water-related issues at your work, in school and among friends.

UNICEF Tap Project is working to help the 768 million people around the world without access to clean water. This year you can help by taking a challenge to give up access to something far less vital than water–your cell phone.

If ready for challenge access this link from here http://tap.unicefusa.org

I went 1hr without my phone & helped give 8 days of clean water to children in need. Take the challengehttp://uniceftapproject.org #tapproject

LEARN MORE

Random Clicks April 2014

Spring is here and I had a chance to walk around one of the beautiful places in my office.

Courtesy : iPhone

 And finally we from behind the camera

Quotes

An Open Letter

A mother passing by her daughter's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then she saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, "Mom." With the worst premonition, she opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:

Dear Mom: 

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new boyfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I've been finding real passion with Ahmed and he is so nice-even with all his piercings, tattoos, beard, and his motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion Mom, I'm pregnant and Ahmed said that we will be very happy. He already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. He wants to have many more children with me and that's now one of my dreams too. Ahmed taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone and we'll be growing it for us and trading it with his friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Ahmed can get better; he sure deserves it!! Don't worry Mom, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grand children.

Your daughter,

 Judith

PS: Mom, none of the above is true. I'm over at the neighbor's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my desk center drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home.

I am sure you will also have good memories when you take your progress report / marks card to mums for signature. Let us wish them  Happy Mothers Day with a smile in face and heart.

Table manners across the globe

Linda McCartney Vegetarian Sausages & Grilled Vegetables

It is lent season so experiments are progressing in vegetables and new spices 
The possibilities for this dish are limited only by what you've got fresh on hand, so don't hold back—add other summer vegetables, like peppers, eggplant, asparagus or sweet onions.


Cook Time :20 min

Serves :1

Ingredients:

Vegetables I Used:

1 Onion
2 Pickled pepper
5 Beans

Spices Used:

2 Table Spoon(tsp) Oil
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper Powder
1/2 tsp Basil 
1 tsp Lemon Juice

Main Ingredient:

Linda McCartney Foods - Vegetarian Sausages - 2 No's

Method :

• Heat up 2 tsp oil in a flat vessel , add Linda McCartney Foods - Vegetarian Sausages
• When it turns golden brown
• Add sliced onion, salt, basil, pepper and cook till it becomes soft.
• Mean while grill vegetables, I used #George Foreman Grill for by beans and peppers
• Grill vegetables uncovered over medium heat for 6 to 8 mins 
• Serve hot with Linda McCartney Foods - Vegetarian Sausages after sprinkling lemon.

Please try yourself and let me know feed back in your time.

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients please refrain from using it. 

Signing off..
Ann

Pic Courtesy: Iphone 

Measures

Spicy Cabbage Masala

Hi Guys and Girls,

Yet another attempt in Kitchen Lab, this time also victim is 'Self'. It is called Spicy Cabbage Massala, it turned out to be well so sharing it with recipe.This is my first recipe post in my blog so please do add comments so I can be better in my next post and in kitchen too.

Spicy Cabbage Masala

Ingredients:

Vegetables Used:

1 Tomato chopped
1/2 Cabbage shredded
1/2 Cup Coriander leaves(Optional)
1/2 Cup Green Peas(Optional)
1/2 Cup Chopped Mushrooms(Optional)

Spices Used:

3 Table Spoon(tsp) Oil
1 tsp Mustard seeds/ Fenugreek
1 tsp Cumin seeds (Optional)
4/5 Curry Leaves
Pinch of Hing / Asafoetida
5 to 6 cloves of Garlic/ Paste
1 Onion sliced
1 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Red chilli powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Coriander powder

Method :

• Heat up 3 tsp oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, curry leaves, garlic and cook garlic till it changes its color.
• Add sliced onion and cook till it becomes soft.
• Add turmeric powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, coriander powder, mix and cook for 2 mins.
• Add tomatoes, mix, cover and cook till tomatoes get soft.
• Add sliced cabbage, mix, salt to taste, cover and cook till cabbage gets tender.
• Add Green peas mushrooms and other vegetables you  choose and cook for another 5 min.
• If you need a liquid curry in dilute form add milk/ curd and switch off the cooking hob.
• Serve hot with chapati, fulka or rice!

Please try yourself and let me know feed back in your time.
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients please refrain from using it. 

Spring started here in UK and new vegetables are also in farmers market so expect more recipes in coming weeks. Until then take care Guys

Signing off..
Ann

Pic Courtesy: Iphone 

Necklaces

What do people wear at your office?

Chances are jeans, casual t-shirts/shirts or sweaters dominate the culture. Of course, certain industries require you to dress up, but a large majority of companies have embraced casual attire.

Research shows your alertness is affected by what you wear.

“So much of it depends on your gender, your age and your job title. It’s very individualistic.”

Many companies, particularly in tech, insist on employees dressing down, to cultivate a casual work culture.

What can you do to help you make that distinction?

“People can dress up in a way that still promotes their company’s culture and brand. You can take a creative approach to dressing in ‘work’ mode, even if you’re wearing jeans,”

Wearing a dressier shirt with customized buttons or cufflinks is one way for men to dress up jeans. 

Women have a multitude of options – picking fancier shoes or accessories – for example.

Experiment with outfits that help you feel more focused.

 

Spring 2014

Adding to memories of this year, yet another spring in a small beautiful town west of London in billionaire county.

This is the view from living room, in the past 6 months I have been viewing this tree it didn't have not even a leave and now it is full of light rose coloured flowers.

If you need to appreciate above evening photo you should see how it looks on a sunny day and fogy day

And in a cold foggy day,

I had been walking on weekends met the below couple both blind helping each other and living a happy life.They both did nt have vision in their life time , married for 42 years and they are well aware of everything that is around us.

Yellow Daffodils are the first sign of Spring and it is blossoming every where on the road side and pavements.

Was testing my Iphone 5 cam for a close up I think it went well with the below photo.

Daffodils are short lived but they bring in happiness and we don't need to care them it just blooms in start of spring.

This week was more special we got 17 degrees for the first time this year and heavy rain last week, so all the plants started sprouting....

More Spring pics coming...

Cabbage Thoran

Malayalam Prayers

Vegetable Cutlet

Recipe: Maria's Kitchen :)

Healthy way to shop for groceries

Understanding these principles in theory is an important first step toward healthier eating. But principles mean little unless they shape how you actually shop and eat. 

 

Given that the grocery store is where good intentions so often go amiss, here are some practical tips for healthier, stress-free grocery shopping. 

 

Plan your meals and make a list

Impulse purchases are one of the most common downfalls for the would-be healthy eater.  

 

Don't shop hungry

This is common advice, especially for those trying to lose weight. (Shopping with a basket, not a cart, can also be a great way to stop yourself from loading up on things you don't need.)

 

Shop at the farmers market first

I'm a big advocate for local, fresh, sustain-ably grown foods. 

Learn to read nutrition labels

Understanding how much protein, fiber, carbohydrates or fat you and your family should be consuming is an important part of eating more healthily. . 

A sample Groceries list :) enjoy ---- Click to enlarge