Carrot Cake (Christmas Special)

• Carrot Cake (Christmas Special)
  
• Ingredients 
• 4 eggs 
• 
  Vegetable oil - 1 ¼ Cups
• 
  White sugar - 2 Cups
• 
  Vanilla extract - 2Tsp
• 
  All purpose flour - 2 Cups
• 
  Baking soda - 2 Tsp
• 
  Baking powder -2Tsp
• 
  Salt - ½ Tsp
• 
  Ground cinnamon - ½ Tsp

• 
  Grated carrots - 3 Cups
• 
  Chopped pecans  1 Cup
•   
• Butter - ½ Cup
• 
  Cream cheese - 8 Ounces
• 
  Sugar confectioners - 4 Cups
• 
  Vanilla extract - 1 Tsp
• 
  

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
• In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
• To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.  Frost the cooled cake.

Home care for Hair in Winter Season

Home care for Hair in Winter Season 

Out of all the seasons, winter season causes hair fall problems and dryness. 

Using medicines and medicated oils is not good for hair. Home remedies are the best way to handle this situation. 

.  Banana and curd, mix in equal proportions , apply it to the roots of hair and wash it after an hour. You can feel the smoothness in the hair.

.  Banana and one egg white, mix well with 2 spoon olive oil and apply it to the roots of hair and wash it after an hour.

.  Fenugreek powder with curd in equal amounts, apply it to roots and keep it for more than 2 hours and you can feel the difference in no time.

.  Specially for dryness in scalp. Take some olive oil in metal bowl and put some Vaseline petroleum jelly in it.    Keep this metal bowl in boiling water so that you can mix olive and Vaseline properly. Apply it in roots in warm condition. Apply this at night and wash hair with warm water in the morning.

Home Decorating Ideas!

Home Decorating Ideas!

Beautiful home always makes feel relaxed .. "Some people look for a beautiful place ,others make a  place Beautiful".

Here are few ideas to make sweet home look more beautiful!

Taking care of your feet in winters!

Taking care of your feet in winters!

In winter feet itches and cracks more. Using moisturizer is not enough to control and avoid it. Here are few tips- 

.Soak feet in warm water for 10 to 15 mins and gently remove the dead skin with brush. Never apply more pressure. 

.Two teaspoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of sugar mixed together and gently scrub on feet. It easily removes dead skin . Now apply moisturizer .

.Mix ripped banana paste and lemon juice and apply on feet. Cover it with plastic bag or foil for 10 mins and clean with warm water . It makes feet very soft.

Home remedies for Perfect Nails

Home remedies for Perfect Nails 

Especially in Winter nails become dry . Try these simple things to get perfect nails .

.Mix Lemon juice and soapy water in a bowl and soak nails for 5 to 6 mins , rinse with warm water and apply any good body lotion.

.White vinegar into a bowl of warm water , soak nails for 7 to 8 mins. Apply Lotion .

. Lemon and salt also works good on nails , rub lemon and salt together on nails and rinse with water .Apply only on the nail , in winter skin gets sensitive at the tips.

.Its always good to give nails a break from nail polish during winters.

Spring Rolls

Spring Rolls 

Ingredients

Shrimp-10  chopped into small pieces

Bean curd - 1 piece, cut into small pieces

Garlic - 3 finely chopped

Carrot - 1 shredded

Beans - 7 chopped

Shallots -2 chopped

Jicama -1 shredded

Pepper powder - ¼ tsp

Salt

Frozen Popiah wrappers - 1pack 

Oil for deep frying

Sealing Paste

Corn starch - 2 tbsp
Water - 6 tbsp

Method

In a Pan fry the  bean curd with a little oil until they turn light brown. 

Heat oil in a pan and fry the garlic and shallots until aromatic. Add shrimps, jicama, carrot and beans. Season with salt, pepper and cook for 7 minutes in a medium flame. Cover with lid.

Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean cutting board. 

Put some filling in the middle and add some diced bean curd on top of the filling. 

Fold in the two sides and roll up the wrapper tightly to form the spring rolls.

Seal the spring roll with the sealing paste and deep dry them over medium heat until golden brown. 

Drain the spring rolls on paper towel and serve them with hot sauce.

Health Benefits of Apples and Bananas

Health Benefits of Apples and Bananas

Mango Ice cream

Mango Ice cream

Ingredients

Mango Pulp - 30 oz

Sweetened Condensed milk - 14oz 

Whipped Topping - 8 oz

Method

In a big bowl pour mango pulp , condensed milk and whipped topping.

Mix well and pour into a dish and close with tight lid.

Put in the freezer for 4 to 5  hours.

Remove from freezer and enjoy!

*Fresh mango pulp will be good.

Cough Remedies

Cough

Garlic and Honey are effective remedies for cough. Chop 3 pieces of Garlic and soak it in a cup of honey overnight and take it twice daily. Good for Throat.

Avoid foods that leads to congested cough and mucus such as dairy , fried foods.

Humidifier cool mist vaporizer helps during winter.

Drink more fluids.

Eating spicy foods may loosen your cough. Pepper helps here.

Face mask for Dry Skin

Face mask for Dry Skin

Maintaining dry skin is hard , but with few simple tips you can make your face looks better and feel comfortable!

Egg, Honey and Sunflower Oil

Ingredients

Egg white - 1

Honey 1tsp

Sunflower oil - 1tsp

Method

Beat egg white until it thickens add honey and sunflower oil and mix well.

Apply the mixture to your face and leave for 15 minutes.

Rinse face with warm water.

Banana , Honey  and Yogurt

Ingredients

Bananas  - 2 medium

Honey - 1tbsp

Yogurt - ½ cup

Method

Blend all the above ingredients to form a fine mixture.

Apply to your face and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. If you feel it is getting more dry rinse it it off before 15 mins.

Rinse your face with warm water. 

* Drink lots of water and apply sunscreen and lotions when you are out.

   Don't scrub too much,apply warm cloth and wipe your face.

Garlic Chicken

Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

Garlic - 3 teaspoons (Crush it or cut into very small pieces)

Chicken - 4 Breast  , boneless

Olive oil - ¼ cup

Bread crumbs - ¼ cup 

Parmesan Cheese - ¼ cup(Grated)

Method

Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).

In a pan warm olive oil , garlic and blend it. 

Mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.

Dip Chicken breasts in olive oil - garlic mix , and then to bread crumbs - parmesan mix.

Put the pieces in a shallow baking dish so that juices stay in place with chicken while baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes , until juices run.

Face mask for Oily skin

Face masks made with natural products are always safe to your skin. These face masks removes dirt, excess oil and nourishes your skin. If you are allergic to any ingredient please choose some other face mask.

Face mask for oily skin

Oatmeal, Honey and Yogurt:

Ingredients

Grounded oatmeal - 3tbsp

Honey - ¾ tsp

Yogurt - 2tbsp

Method

Mix all ingredients to form a fine paste.

Apply to face avoiding contact with eye area and leave it for 10 to 15 mins , rinse with lukewarm water.

Once a week you can apply this mask.

Moisturizes skin, helps reducing spots and brightens skin.

Banana, Honey and Lemon:

Ingredients

Banana - 3tbsp

Honey - 1tsp

Lemon juice  - few drops

Method

Mix all ingredients to form a fine paste.

Apply to face avoiding contact with eye area and leave it for 20 to 25 mins , rinse with cool water.

Once a week you can apply this mask.

Brightens skin.

Banana Muffins

Banana Muffins

Ingredients

Flour - 1 ½ Cup

Bananas(Ripe) - 3 mashed

Egg -1

Sugar - ¾ Cup

Baking soda 1tsp

Baking powder 1tsp

Salt ½ tsp

Butter - ⅓ Cup

Topping

Brown sugar -⅓ Cup

Flour - 1tbsp

Cinnamon  ¼ tsp

Butter  - 1tbsp

Nuts -10  (optional)

Method

In a large bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Add egg (beat egg before mixing), bananas, sugar and melted butter. 

Stir the mixture until it becomes moist and well mixed.

Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. * Don't fill full cups.

Mix brown sugar, flour, butter(cut into small pieces) and cinnamon and sprinkle over muffins. *Nuts if needed.

Bake at 375 F for about 20 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes and take it out. 

Long Hair Care

Long Hair Styles 

Hair brings up many strong emotions to women especially . They feel confident and sexy if they have a perfect hairstyle.

Tips

-Conditioning your hair weekly once makes your hair strong and grow healthy. Message hair with almond oil before shampoo, it acts as best conditioner.

-Combing hair with bristle brush helps hair get essential oils which stimulates hair growth. But don't brush too much , it may end up with hair damage. 

-Use good quality shampoo . Let the hair dry naturally and then brush your hair. Never brush hair when it is still wet.

-Remove stress rom your life , meditate for at least few minutes. Eat healthy foods that gives good and right amount of vitamins to your hair.

Capsicum Carrot Rice

Capsicum Carrot Rice

Ingredients

Capsicum - 2

Carrot - 2

Onion - 1

Rice 1 cup

Lime - 1

Turmeric Powder - 1tsp

Oil or Ghee - 3tsp

Salt 

Coriander leaves -1tsp chopped

Cashews - 5 (fry in ghee)

Coriander seeds - 3 tsp 

Bengal gram dhal - 3tsp

Red Chillies - 5

Method

Fry coriander seeds, bengalgram dhal and red chillies and make it into a powder.

Cut onion, capsicum and carrot into small pieces, fry it in oil.

Add grinded powder and salt to the vegetable.

Do not fry too much after the powder is added as it will lose its smell.

Add the cooked rice and mix well, add lime juice. Add salt if required. 

Garnish with coriander and cashews. 

Benefits Of Olive Oil

Benefits of Olive oil

-People of Mediterranean countries consume plenty of olive oil. It can be used as health care, personal care and home improvement.

-It helps protect against heart disease, blood pressure and many more health benefits. It is high in Mono saturated fats, which helps to increase good cholesterol(HDL) and lower bad cholesterol(LDL). It is rich source of vitamin A,E and K.High quality extra virgin olive oil in particular provides a high content of antioxidants.

-Every day consumption of olive oil in desired quantity makes your health better. 

-It can also be used as skin care ,especially for dry skins rub olive oil with any lotion of your choice everyday, it makes your skin looks soft and healthy.This works good in winter seasons.

-It can be used as hair conditioner, apply oil to scalp and rinse it off after few minutes. 

-Olive oil helps fixing squeaky doors ,use olive oil instead of lubricants.It can also free up struck zippers.

-It can also be used to clean the furniture especially wooden , pour few drops on a soft cloth and wipe wooden furniture it makes your furniture shine.After cleaning  wipe away any excess oil left on furniture.

Fashion Tips

Fashion tips for Men 

Tips

Always make sure your clothes fits impeccably. Never choose clothes that are too large. In most of the places where you shop, ask sales person to assist you with your size, if you are not sure what suits you perfect. Not too tight and not too loose , the clothes should almost fits the shape of your body.

A simple and stylish look will always look great. Choose simple accessory. Dress up based on the occasion. Select perfect combination e.g., White or red goes good on blue jeans with blazer, dark blue and black combo is always good. 

Beige, browns and black look good and go well with any office wear. Try to invest on good quality accessories like belts, shoes, watches, scarfs, ties and blazers. It sits long in your wardrobe.

Only dressing doesn't make you complete, a clean shave and a perfect hairstyle and most important a good perfume.

Follow few simple tips and bet you will rock!!!

Fashion Tips for Women

Tips

Full Thighs and hips , the dress shouldn't be shorter and it should be below the knee and also not too full . To draw attention away your lower body , select a top that attracts . Always show up more whats positive in you . So that you will look great.

People who have heavy arms sleeveless dresses aren't for you . Select a nice ¾ or full sleeves. You will be definitely awesome.

Women who are thin, sweater and knit dresses are option for you. These women can add a thick belt and long skirts (if you have very thin legs).

Women with thick waist avoid thick belts and fitted tops. Do draw attention away from your waist concentrate on your neck and bottoms.

Wear clothes that fits your body structure.

With these above suggestions, always make sure your dress and jewelry matches with footwear and purse. You will look Gorgeous!!!

Fresh Smell To Your Home

Make your home smell good so as your soul feel warm!

Ingrediants

Lemon / Orange Slices - 4

Cloves - 2tsp

Cinamon - 2 sticks

Anise seeds - Little

Vanilla extract - Few Drops

Method

Fill a large pot with water and begin to simmer.

Add above ingredients.

Let it simmer for a couple hours, and your home will smell wonderful!

Add more water to the pot if needed.

I tried it and works awesome!!! 

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Back Ache

Back Ache

Remedies

- Message the affected area using Oil.

(Heat 10 pieces of garlic in 50 ml of oil(coconut oil is best) till garlic turns brown, rest it to cool and message in the affected area). Herbal oils can also be used. Garlic works best on back pain relief.

- Ice pack works good , lie down on the bag of ice. It makes you back better.

-Avoid lifting heavy objects , if u can't avoid heavy lifting then bend your knees to lift the object. It gives less pressure on your back.

- After pregnancy, for few months avoid lifting heavy objects.

- Always choose to sit on firm chairs than couches and places with firm support to your back.

- When you wake up in the morning, lie on your back and stretch your muscles.

*Exercise in proper positions for better results.

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Chinese Hakka Noodles

Chinese Hakka Noodles

Ingredients

Boiled flat noodles -2 cups 

Red chillies - 3 

Spring onion - 1 Small bunch

Capsicum thinly sliced - 2 tsp

Garlic finely chopped 1/2 tsp

Vinegar 

Salt to taste

Tandoori color 

Oil - 2 tbsp

Method

Chop the spring onions into small pieces. 

Pound red chillies and garlic coarsely.

Heat  oil, add chilli and garlic and fry for a minute.

Add the capsicum and fry till tender.

Add the spring onion and fry again for 2-3 minutes. 

Add noodles and salt and mix well.

Add tandoori color and vinegar to taste.

Heat very well in oven or microwave before serving. 

Serve with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!!!

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Masala Egg Curry

Masala Egg 

Ingredients

Eggs - 6

Onions -2

Tomatoes 4 or 5

Chilly powder 2tsp

Garlic 4 flakes 

Ginger 1" 

Turmeric powder 1/2tsp

Coriander leaves 1tsp chopped

Oil  3tbsp

Salt to taste

Method

Boil eggs and peel the skin.

Cut into square pieces.

Grind tomatoes and onion.

Heat the oil and fry the onion tomato paste.

Add ginger-garlic paste and simmer for 2 minutes. 

Add  chilli powder,turmeric powder and salt.

Add 1/2 cup water and let it boil for for 2-3 minutes. 

Add the egg pieces and let the gravy thickens as desired.

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Eggplant Shrimp Gravy

Eggplant Shrimp Gravy 

Ingredients

Eggplant 3 (Cut into long pieces)

Shrimp -15 (Fresh will be good)

Garlic 2 Cloves finely chopped

Onion 2 chopped 

Chilli paste / Chilli powder - 2tsp

Oil 5tbsp

Turmeric powder ¼ tsp

Jeera 1/4tsp

Coriander leaves for garnish

Method

Heat the pan, then add in 5 tbsp oil.

Stir fry the garlic and onions.

Add shrimp, turmeric, jeera and chilli paste.

Add oil if paste is dry.

Finally add in the egg plant and stir fry until cook in all sided. 

Add salt and little bit of water

Cook until gravy thickens and finely add coriander .Always use low flame for this dish.

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Bread Upma

Bread Upma

Ingredients

Bread - 1 Loaf

Onion - 3 finely chopped 

Tomato - 3 finely chopped

Green Chillies - 3 finely chopped

Mustard Seeds - ¼ tsp

Bengal gram Dhal - 1 tsp

Ghee - 2 tbsp 

Coriander Leaves - 1 tsp chopped

Salt to taste

Method

Cut bread slices into cubes.

Roast the bread cubes using ghee and keep aside.

Pour ghee in a pan, add mustard seeds and bengal gram dhal. Fry till golden brown.

Add onions and fry till golden brown.

Add chillies,tomatoes and salt.

Cover the lid and let it fry in low flame till the content becomes dry(no water content).

Add the bread cubes to the mixture.

Mix well till the mixture gets mixed with the bread cubes.

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Bread Upma tastes better with Tomato sauce or Hot sauce!

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Chicken Tandoori

Chicken Tandoori 

Ingredients

Chicken Leg or breast pieces - 6 (Chicken with skin tastes better)

Ginger - 1 inch

Garlic - 7 Flakes

Cloves - 4

Cardamom - 3

Cinnamon - ½ stick

Red chilli powder - 1 tsp

Yogurt or Curd - 3 tbsp

Tandoori chicken powder or Chicken masala powder - 1 ½ tsp

Oil - 2 tbsp

Orange color 

Salt 

Method

Grind Ginger, Garlic, Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon and Red chill powder , add little water if required.

Add curd,chicken Masala Powder,oil, salt and orange color to the grinded mixture. Mix well.

Apply above mixture to chicken pieces and keep it refrigerated for at least 12 to 18hrs. More it sits tastier it is.

Before preparing keep it outside for half an hour. 

Spread chicken pieces in a tray , use foil paper on the tray for easy cooking. 

Place the tray in oven, set oven to 350 F(180C) for 20 minutes. 

After 20 mins turn the pieces upside down , set oven to 350 F for 20 minutes more.

Let the oven cool down for 10 mins and take the tray out.

Yummy Tandoori is now ready . Garnish with coriander and onion if needed. 

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Eggplant Spinach Gravy

Eggplant Spinach Gravy

Ingredients

Eggplant - 2 

Spinach - 1 bunch

Onion - 2 Chopped

Tomato - 1

Garlic - 4 flakes

Jeera powder/Jeera - 1 tsp

Chilli powder 1tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/4tsp

Garam masala powder - 1tsp

Ghee - 3 tsp

Coriander - 1tsp chopped

Salt 

Method

Boil spinach and eggplant separately, keep aside.

Grind Tomato and garlic to fine paste.

In a frying pan, pour 2 tsp of Ghee and put onions, jeera fry till light brown then add tomato garlic paste,chill powder and turmeric powder. 

Cover the lid and let it fry in low flame for 5 mins then add boiled eggplant and spinach. Mix well.

Add masala powder, salt and cook for 10 minutes and add 1 tsp ghee and coriander leaves.

Serve with plain rice or roti.

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Watch Lunar eclipse LIVE Tonight!

Skywatchers will be able to observe the gradual shading of the moon as it undergoes a shallow partial eclipse today. During this partial eclipse, the inner shadow of the Earth partially blocks the moon. 

Watch LIVE @ www.space.com

Red Ribbon Week - USA

Red Ribbon - A Powerful Symbol

Since 1986, the Red Ribbon Celebration has touched the lives of more people each year. It all began with the brutal murder of a Drug Enforcement Agent, Enrique "Kiki" Camarena assigned to a case in Mexico. Enrique was shockingly close to covering the identities of key members of a Mexican drug cartel. He was kidnapped, brutally tortured and killed just days before he was to identify kingpins of the illegal drug business in Mexico.

Angered by Kiki's  death and the destruction caused by drugs and alcohol in America, the young people of Kiki's hometown of Calexico, California began wearing Red Ribbons in honor of the fallen hero. National Family Partnership and its affiliated organizations soon began to wear Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to first the illegal use of drugs. Today, the simple piece of Red Ribbon is the symbol for drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention across America.

Annually, October 21-31, millions of young people and adults celebrate a healthy, drug-free life by wearing or displaying a Red Ribbon Celebration. Since 1988, National Family Partnership has provided national leadership for this exciting event. This nationwide celebration has become a major force of raising awareness and mobilizing communities to combat alcohol and drug use among youth.

Why is CRICKET very popular in INDIA?

Why is CRICKET very popular in INDIA?

Few Points to know its origin -

Cricket - the gentleman's game is not a national game of India , still very popular. Though seems to be embedded in the life of country, truth is it did not originate in India. 

The origin of this game can be traced back to a place Weald, 19 miles to London. Initially played by the children of the farmers of the region,and now it is the most popular sport.  

British brought this game to India in the 17th century. There are many beliefs regarding the derivation of the word. Few believe it to be originated from a French word 'Croquet,'. There are many beliefs on this particular word. This game took around four centuries to reach India. 

Mostly this game was played by foreigners . Till late 19th century people of INDIA did not open their hearts to the game. 

Cricket is perhaps a sport which can be played most casual way in any place.

Experts says that Cricket tries to adapt to changing needs of people and that’s why the sport is very popular.

Countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri-Lanka consider this sport as in their blood. 

Why cricket popular, but not Basketball, Hockey, Football or some other games you get to the point that you need specialized surfaces for it. Cricket is a game can be played in many surfaces. Up to some extent it can be played anywhere in an open place.

Cricket matches are still something like grand feasts to eyes and mind. We cannot separate ourselves from cricket.