Sunday 28 September 2014

10 delicious vrat dishes that can help you get through Navratri fasts

  • Sabudana khichdi: Sabudana khichadi is made from soaked Sabudana. It is commonly prepared in parts of Western India. It is the most preferred dish during Navratri when you’re observing a fast.

  • Lauki kheer: You can rely on lauki to get you through Navratri if you have a sweet tooth. Lauki kheer is a traditional dessert that is prepared by frying grated lauki and adding it to milk, nuts, raisins and sugar. It’s a total combination of healthy dessert.

  • Lauki halwa: Another way to use lauki is by making halwa out of It., it is a perfect replacement for all the sweets you cannot taste during Navratri. Sliced almonds, pistachios and kewra essence add the crisp crunch & mouth watering aroma to the halwa.

  • Kuttu pakodas: Kuttu is another widely used ‘vrat’ ingredient. Also known as buckwheat, kuttu can be used to make filling pakoras. This tasty dish can be enjoyed with curd and the preparation is less.

  • Sabudana cutlets: Sabudana cutlets are crispy and mouth watering snacks that are commonly eaten during Navratri. You can enjoy them with tea at any time of the day. These filling deep fried cutlets are perfect if you’re craving for something to munch on when you’re hungry.

  • Sabudana kheer: Sabudana kheer is a delicious dessert made with sabudana. Prepared especially during Navratri, sabudana kheer is just as yummy and healthy during fasts.

  • Banana chips: Banana chips are often eaten as a "vrat" food. During the nine auspicious days of Navratri, banana chips are an easy replacement for packaged chips and are spicy, light and crunchy.

  • Kuttu ka parantha: Kuttu Paratha is a popular substitute for regular parathas during Navratri. Kuttu or buckwheat flour is kneaded with boiled potato to make kuttu ka paratha. Thick and filling, it can make for a perfect meal to fill your tummy.

  • Singhare ka halwa: it is usually made on Navratri during fasts. The key to make perfect halwa is to always add hot water or milk to avoid lumps and continuous stirring from beginning to end. This is another favorite for those with a sweet tooth

  • Kele ki barfi: So what if you cannot eat on chocolate pastries? The banana barfi can more than make up for it. Made from raw bananas cooked together with milk, ghee and sugar; it is good enough to keep you off any other sweets.


Tuesday 23 September 2014

How to decorate your home this Diwali


Add as many candles around the house as you can!


In a corner:



On the dining table:



























As a center piece:



























In the drawing room:





















As a part of a beautiful Rangoli:



























As a part of a beautiful water-feature:
























Hanging in jars on the balcony:




























Or on the wall, with this D.I.Y:





















You can add a lot of quirky accents to your home, like playing card cushion covers, Sequin garlands on the walls, and Deity Wall-art.



New fall colors to buy in 2014


1.       Radiant Orchid




2.       Royal Blue




3.       Aluminium



4.       Aurora Red



5.       Misted Yellow




6.       Sangria


7.       Mauve Mist



8.       Cognac



9.       Bright Cobalt


10.   Cypress





12 must haves for this Navratri


1.       A bandhani lehenga/ghagra



2.       A long black skirt



3.       A back-less blouse



4.       Bangles



5.       Maang-tika




6.       Jhumkas



7.       Payal



8.      A heavy dupatta



9.    Embroidered Flats



10.   Dandiya



11.   Kamar-bandh



12.   Pom-poms



How to Drape a dupatta in 15 ways


1.     On the head, like a bride



2.       Saree drape



3.       Shoulder to wrist



4.       Deep U



5.       Shoulder pleat with veil



6.       Couture Style



7.       Side Tucked



8.       Bangali Style


9.       Diagonal Border



10.   Half-saree



11.   Jacket Style



12.   Cape Style




13.   Border ‘V’



14.   Scarf Style



15.   Veil