The Oberoi Amarvilas Luxury at its best at Agra

My family decided to visit Agra on valentines day to see the epitome of love Taj Mahal. We wanted a hotel from where we could see the Taj Mahal again and again. Our uninamous choice was The Oberoi Amarvilas which is located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal. The hotel offers an unparalleled views of Agra's ancient monument of love. A magnificent 5-star property, The Oberoi Amarvilas is ranked 3rd on Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2015 list of Top Resorts in Asia.It has Mughal-inspired architecture, terraced lawns, fountains and reflection pools. This property is breathtakingly beautiful.The architecture, the grounds, the decor of the rooms-everything is tasteful and lovely.

All rooms and suites offer uninterrupted views of the iconic Taj Mahal from the private terrace or wall-to-wall windows. Teak wooden floor boards, hand woven rugs and paintings add to the elegance. We were greeted with a traditional welcoming ceremony and bindi on forehead.

Natural wooden blinds panelled with hand printed gold patterns cast a warm glow along the walkway that leads to our luxury accommodations in Agra. Intricate arrangements of dark sandstone and white marble animate the floor. While original Mughal coins and antique Indian fabrics ornament the walls. There is are an array of room choices and it is difficult to choose anyone as all are royal and classy.

One can choose from the Kohinoor Suite, to the Luxury Suite, Deluxe Suite with Balcony, Deluxe Suite, Premier Room with Balcony or Premier Room.

Each of our rooms is furnished with a king size bed. Richly upholstered armchairs sit beside wall to wall windows, inviting guests to relax in their elegant surroundings, while taking in views of the Taj Mahal. All rooms feature a sparkling bathtub, a multi pressure shower, exclusive toiletries based on Ayurveda and fresh, plump cotton towels or robes designed exclusively for Oberoi Hotels. The rooms and large, have plenty of space for luggage and also have universal plugs so no need for adapters.

For a luxury dining restaurant in Agra one can choose from our two restaurants and their distinctly different flavours.

- Bellevue is brightly lit, open all day, and serves Indian and continental cuisine.

- Esphahan, offers candlelit dinners accompanied by live traditional music.

- poolside terraces for starlit private dining

- In the lounge, we enjoyed tea and coffee

- In the bar, guests may sip on a champagne cocktail, martini or signature iced tea while admiring the Taj Mahal.

Those wishing for ultimate privacy can opt for a candlelit dining experience, served by their personal butler, on their private room or suite balcony.

We enjoyed the soft, traditional music and the sound of fountains cascading between terraces.

Gaze at the stars, admire the soft silhouette of the Taj Mahal and savour a bespoke four-course dinner.

For kids, there are complimentary cooking classes and sessions to make mocktails with the guidance of trained mixologists.

The staff at the hotel are focused on personalized service from the dining rooms to the boutiques. They are extremely friendly and helpful-one.Staff is very well trained. Hotel security is high.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is for a truly unforgettable stay.

 “I am blogging about my luxury stay experience for an activity at BlogAdda in association with MakeMyTrip“

Udaipur Where Luxury means Taj Lake Palace

 Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is another name for luxury. It is one of the most majestic and magnificent hotels in Udaipur. Its one of the most romantic hotel in the world. It was built in 1746 as the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II

Taj Lake Palace is world famous and has been featured in many films and TV serials, like Octopussy and The Jewel in The Crown.

Restored to its pristine glory, this luxury marble hotel, is set in an 18th-century palace encompassing a Lake Pichola island. Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, built his own pleasure palace called Jag Niwas which is now the Taj Lake Palace.

This heritage hotel has 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake. It offers every room breathtaking views of the neighboring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag
Mandir. Each room offers stunning views.

Its Central location in historic Udaipur and close proximity to the main shopping centres &
historical monuments makes it the best hotel to live in. It is 30 minutes from Domestic Airport.
I found that I had a wide range of rooms to choose from.
There are different kind of suites and rooms available.
LUXURY ROOMS - These are elegantly appointed rooms.
PALACE ROOMS - These rooms are spacious with royal Indian décor and floral motifs.
HISTORICAL SUITE
ROYAL SUITES - delicate frescoes, decorative wall niches, antique wooden fans, and panoramic views.
GRAND ROYAL SUITES - epitome of royal grandeur
GRAND PRESIDENTIAL SUITE - blends Rajasthani and British Raj-era European grandeur

Taj Lake Palace boasts rooms with beautifully carved wooden furniture and luxurious silk fabrics. Offering garden
or lake views, each room has a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, Forest
Essential toiletries and shower. Four- & five-fixture bathrooms with luxury bath amenities. Complimentary Wi-Fi for
resident guests.

From check in till check out I received a royal treatment. I was welcomed with rose petals.
A shower of rose petals and platter of refreshments greet you as you get off the boat at Sadar Ghat. Guards escort you under a sequinned, embroidered umbrella to a taditional welcome.
The city is only a 5 minute shuttle boat ride away.

There are wide variety of food options.
Neel Kamal with traditional ambience is my favourite place to eat. Here they use local ingredients and wood-fired stoves to serve the authentic flavors of of the royal cuisine of Udaipur. This place is famous for authentic Rajasthani and other dishes from India.

Bhairo one of the most romantic rooftop restaurants in the world. It offers an ambience that takes you back to an era of royal grandeur, treat your senses to contemporary European cuisine. Patio heaters are also placed there. There is a great choice of menu selection e.g. a three course or four course menu serving sea bass, lamb chops, duck, tenderloin, sea food etc.

Jharokha brings informal, all-day dining to residents of Taj Lake Palace. Here, you enjoy contemporary world cuisine along with Asian and Mediterranean flavours. An overhanging balcony that overlooks the serene waters of Lake Pichola.

Amrit Sagar at Taj Lake Palace is where you can chose from a selection of fine premium international spirits single malts, cognacs and cigars.

The nightly dance show prior to dinner was full of colors and entertainment.

Meetings and Incentives at Taj Lake Palace are like no where else in the world, in the middle of a lake. Meeting rooms fully equipped with facilities, Wi-Fi, secretarial assistance, interpretation facilities & workstations make every meeting a matter of pleasure.

Concierge & multilingual staff. It is an ideal venue for fairytale weddings and magical honeymoons.
Taj Lake Palace was awarded The Best Luxury Hotel in India at the Lonely Planet Magazine Awards in 2015.

I was spelled bound with the Heritage Walk which was insightful and entertaining walk around the palace. I came to know of such varied stories, and anecdotes of the kings and princes who revelled at this palace.

Jiva Spa, with a spa boat experience like no other. Carefully created treatments draw on the ancient wellness heritage of India.

 “I am blogging about my luxury stay experience for an activity at BlogAdda in association with MakeMyTrip“

  

You and your Heart

As we age, our body and life changes. The dishes we liked once when we were kids, don't taste the same as they used to. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are your keys to good health at any age. Changes in lifestyle, health, income, and sense of smell and taste affect interest in healthy eating and physical activity. Healthy eating and good lifestyle ward off depression and maintain well being. Keeping a healthy weight is crucial.Being  healthy varies from person to person. Being underweight is of concern and may be related to not having enough to eat. Lack of nutrient leads to illness and disease. Being overweight or obese is also of concern as extra weight may increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and bone issues. Eating wisely and being physically active preserve muscle and bone, helps maintain strength and a healthy weight as you age.When you get older, your body begins to need fewer calories, but you need just as many nutrients.What do we need to do to keep our heart healthy. Just follow the three small steps or
#ChhoteKadam to make your heart 50% healthier.

                       

Eating Better 
Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread and brown rice. Consume

Fat-free or low-fat milk and cheese or soy or rice milk that is fortified with vitamin D and calcium.

Seafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggs,beans, nuts, and seeds are good for health

Eat Less of sugar-sweetened drinks and desserts that have added sugars.

Avoid foods with butter, shortening, or other fats that are solid at room temperature.

White bread, rice, and pasta made from refined grains are also to be avoided.

A portion is the amount of one food you eat in one sitting. Many people eat more than they need, especially when eating out. Avoid eating in front of the TV or the computer.. You may not notice how much you are eating if you are distracted..Drink fluids throughout the day. You may feel less thirsty as you get older. But your body still needs water and other fluids to stay healthy and keep you healthy. Choose high-fiber foods, like whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, deeply colored vegetables (like sweet potatoes), and fruits. Do not skip meals as doing so may make you hungrier later. Eat breakfast. Buy foods that are low in sodium. Reduce salt when cooking or eating your food.

Staying Active

Physical activity is good for your health at every age..Regular physical activity now may improve your endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Being active may help you live on your own for a longer time and keep you healthy. For any new physical activity start slowly and work up to your goal. To track your progress and stay motivated, keep a daily diary of what you do and how long you do it.
Being Happy
It is said that happiness comes from within so we must be careful in what we do and think.Our negative thoughts only increase our stress. To avoid this we must only think of all the happy moments of our life and envision all those moments which gave us happiness. Involve in activities that give you happiness like pursuing a hobby,learning to cook or learning a new craft.

These small steps will ensure a healthy heart and make you a happy contented person.

“I am joining the Saffolalife #ChhoteKadam initiative in association with BlogAdda and follow these small steps for a healthy heart.”

Heart is healthy you are healthy.

Heart is healthy you are healthy. How do you keep your heart in good shape and healthy. It is very simple. Just take the #ChhoteKadam initiative to make your heart 50% healthier.
This initiative means the three steps of
    Staying Active
    Eating Better
    Being Happy

Regular moderate exercise, such as running, walking, or swimming can reduce body fat, increase lean muscle mass, decrease blood pressure.All of these exercise-induced changes can have a positive influence on endothelial cells.This act will ensure a healthy heart.
Stop smoking.tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic compounds, such as carbon monoxide, that promote endothelial cell damage. Smoking also increases the blood pressure and heart rate. Free radicals in smoke slash the amount of nitric oxide available in the blood stream .Nitric oxide, as you may recall, is a signaling molecule that helps keep arteries pliable. Because nicotine causes narrowing of blood vessels, less oxygen is transported to the heart. If you smoke, blood platelets become stickier and are more apt to form clots in your arteries.
High blood pressure—hypertension—causes blood vessels to thicken, diminishes production of nitric oxide, promotes blood clotting, and contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic pressure exceeds 140 mmHg and when diastolic blood pressure is higher than 90mmHg.Excessive weight increases the risk of high blood pressure.Diabetes, a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, becomes more common as we age.Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are leading causes of diabetes related deaths. If you suspect you have or are at risk for diabetes, check with your doctor. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, increased urination—especially at night, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds and sores
 Staying Active
Stress reduction techniques, such as taking a walk, practicing yoga, or deep breathing are important for cardiovascular health. Emotional stress triggers the release of adrenaline from the adrenal gland and noradrenaline from the nerve endings in your heart and blood vessels. These hormones make the heart beat faster and adversely affect blood vessels. Under stress, an older person's blood pressure rises more rapidly and stays higher longer than a younger person's because the older person's blood vessels are stiffer and have lost much of their elasticity.
Endurance exercises such as brisk walking increase your stamina and improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. But other exercises are equally important for maintaining health and self-reliance as you get older. Strength exercises, for instance, build muscles and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Balance exercises help prevent a major cause of disability in older adults:. Flexibility or stretching exercises help keep your body limber. As part of a daily routine, these exercises and other physical activities you enjoy can make a difference in your life as you get older.
 Eating Better
What you eat can help keep your heart and arteries healthy—or lead to excessive weight, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol the three key factors that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.A diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, while limiting consumption of saturated fat and sodium.Fruits and vegetables have lots of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A that neutralize free radicals and may prevent oxidation in the arteries. Fruits and vegetables also contain plenty of soluble fiber, a substance that has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels, which is healthy for the endothelium.
Breads, cereals, and other grain foods, which provide complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 Being Happy
Be happy with every breath that you take.Happiness should be woven into the texture of your life.Small activities like playing with the children can make you happy. Go out with your family or friends on outings and picnics. Think of all the happy moments. Do activities that induce happiness and relieve you of stress.These activities vary from person to person. They can be in the form of  reading, joining a hobby class or anything that makes you feel relaxed as relaxation gives you a sense of wellness and happiness.
.Lifestyle changes, including diet being happy and exercise into your life, will be better for your arteries, because these interventions work independently as well as in unison to promote the vitality of endothelial cells and contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

“I am joining the Saffolalife #ChhoteKadam initiative in association with BlogAdda and follow these small steps for a healthy heart.”

Relive the spirit of Holi

India is a country famous for its Holi festival or the festival of colors. This festival is a major attraction for the foreign tourists who not only love to watch this unique colorful festival but also take great delight in taking part and playing Holi. So many visitors time their visit according to the occurrence of this festival.

This is a festival which has been celebrated with much grandeur and aplomb by the royalty in the past as well as the masses. Each and every festival is a means of releasing tensions of every day life caused by myriads of reasons. But this festival of colors is one that spells full masti and enjoyment. It is indicative of throwing away of your cares just as we throw the gulal in the air which forms a cover to envelop us.

The weather is changing and so is the spirit. After being closeted in your homes during the winter months it is now the time to stretch yourselves in the open. It is the advent of spring and the harvesting of crops. So what better way is there to celebrate than the festival of Holi. Originally this festival was celebrated using flowers and gulal only. Steadily people started tampering with the traditional way of celebration and took to using crude objects like paints and grease and mud. This not only hampered the spirit but also created a bad and ill feeling. The main purpose of the festival which was to share happiness and love began to be tainted.

Whenever I hear the word Holi the scene of little boys running in the lane below my house flashes before me. They looked so cute with their hair well oiled and pasted close to their heads. It was a motley crowd as they belonged to different strata of society. Seeing them together one could not appreciate any difference between them as they were all friends. They stood below my house displaying their colors to each other but two or three of them were empty handed. Seeing their empty hands the other boys immediately made packets from their colors and distributed to them. Their smiles spread bigger smiles of happiness on to the faces of the givers. They looked at each other like conspirators. Then one boy came running with his small pail of water and the group pitched in to put colors into it. It was a scene that shook me to the core. This was true bonding when the social status did not come into the way of friendship. Happily they marched off to color others with their love. After a few hours I saw them returning. All of them were painted red, blue and yellow and seemed contented with their day’s outcome. As they were passing by my house I called them up and gave them Gujiyas to eat. After all it was Holi.

This year I am going to invite the little ones of my neighborhood to my place so that we may play #KhulKeKheloHoli and keep the spirit of Holi alive by playing it in the traditional way.

“I’m pledging to #KhulKeKheloHoli this year by sharing my Holi memories at BlogAdda in association with Parachute Advansed.”

Live it Up This Holi

There is no other festival like the festival of Holi. It is one of the most ancient festivals being celebrated in India yet it is youthful.It has tramsended generations yet it has survived or shall I say almost done so.

If I try to trace the way it was celebrated there was a lot of fervor in the time of our parents and grandparents.

Take for instance the Holi song from the 70's blockbuster Sholey it was a pivotal and important part of the film .All the villagers are collected and playing together the festival of Holi. There was an element of fun in the air.

Even the lyrics of the song suggest that there was an element of fun in the atmosphere .Looking at lyrics of the song which go like this.

चलो सहेली

चलो सहेली

चलो रे साथी

चलो रे साथी

यह पाकड़ो

यह पाकड़ो पाकड़ो पाकड़ो पाकड़ो

इससे ना छ्चोड़ो

अर्रे बैयया ना तोडो

ओये तहर जा भाभी

अर्रे जा रे शराबी

क्या हो राजा?

गली में आजा

होली रे होली

भांग की गोली

ओह नखरेवाली

दूँगी मैं गाली

अर्रे रामू की साली

होली रे ःओलिःओलि के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

गीले शिकवे भूल के दोस्तों

दुश्मन भी गले मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैनःओलि है!गोरी तेरे रंग जैसा

तोड़ा सा मैं रंग बना लून

आ तेरे गुलाबी गालों से

तोड़ा सा गुलाल चुरा लून

जा रे जा दीवाने तू

होली के बहाने तू

जा रे जा दीवाने तू

होली के बहाने तू

च्छेद ना मुझे बेशरम

पूच ले ज़माने से

आइसे ही बहाने से

लिए और दिए दिल जाते हैं होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैनःओ ... ओह हो!

हो ... ओह हो!यहीं तेरी मर्ज़ी हैं तो

अच्छा चल तू खुश हो ले

पास आके चूना ना मुझे

चाहे मुझे डोर से भीगोले

हीरे की कनी हैं तू

मट्टी से बनी हैं तू

हीरे की कनी हैं तू

मट्टी से बनी हैं तू

छूने से जो टूट जाएगी

काँटों के छूने से

फूलों से नाज़ुक नाज़ुक

बदन च्चिल जाते हैनःओलि के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

गीले शिकवे भूल के दोस्तों

दुश्मन भी गले मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

होली के दिन दिल खिल जाते हैं

रंगों में रंग मिल जाते हैं

Which translates to

Let's go girls

Let's go girls

Come on mates

Come on mates

Grab her

Grab her, grab her, grab her, grab her

Don't let her go

Careful don't break my wrist

Hey wait up sister-in-law

Hey get lost you drunkard

What's up dude?

Meet me in the alley

It's Holi, it's Holi

We'll have sweet balls of hash

Hey tantrum thrower

I will abuse you

Hey Ramu's sister-in-law

It's Holi, it's HoliOn the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

Friends let's keep aside our resentment

Even enemies hug each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each otherIt's Holi!Your skin is so fair

I will create a colour to match it

With your rosy cheeks

I will steal some pink colour

Go away you romantic fool

Using Holi as an excuse you

Go away, you romantic fool

Using Holi as an excuse you

Don't taunt me shamelessly

Ask the world

With this excuse

Two hearts play give and takeOn the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each otherHo ... oh ho!

Ho ... oh ho!If this is what you wish

Then fine you be happy

Don't get too close to touch me

You can spray me from afar

Are you an egg of diamond

Are you made of clay

Are you an egg of diamond

Are you made of clay

That you will shatter when I touch you

When thorns touch

The soft flowers

Their skin gets scrapedOn the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

Friends let's keep aside our resentment

Even enemies hug each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

On the day of Holi we are happy

As the colours blend with each other

It sure did capture some of the essence of the festival of Holi be it the element of saving oneself and applying color on to others .People used elements like bhang and thandai to get intoxicated.

There was not only playing with colors but also teasing but all in good fun.

I never got to see a Holi like this .Maybe it was too filmi to be true. As for the best Holi festivals that I can think off the best Holi festivals used to be the ones when all of us brothers and sisters would get together. We would arrange for large drums of water and put them either in the backyard or the terrace. These would be filled with water and color would be added to it and thoroughly mixed. Then all of us brothers would use brass pichkaris to throw colored water on each other. This was a fun filled activity.

All this running about  made us very hungry and just for hunger pangs like these my mother would keep ready home made gujiyas (Karanji), Kachodis and Samosa's and there would be lots of thandai to drink that would invigorate us and we would re start the next session of play after the snack break. So much time has passed and nobody plays Holi in that fashion anymore. I miss those good times and with the intention of reliving those happy times once again. I have decided to call all my brothers & sisters at our place and together we would like to re create the holi magic by #KhulKeKheloHoli and re live those happy moments once again.

“I’m pledging to #KhulKeKheloHoli this year by sharing my Holi memories at BlogAdda in association with Parachute Advansed.”

If you care then its time you share

I never saw my father get up to pick his own glass of water. It was my mother’s “job” to serve him. He would always eat dinner first, and then when he was done, my mother would sit down for her meal. My father would proudly proclaim that he had no idea where anything was in the kitchen, and that he couldn’t even boil an egg. I observed this same dynamics, time and again, in the homes of my friends and other family members. There was a time when women used to stay at home taking care of household chores and family members. Times have changed, women now share equal responsibilities along with men in every sphere of life. Most of the families now run on dual income basis where both husband and the wife take care of financial necessities. Not much has changed. Housework is always considered a woman’s work. Indian men believe laundry is a woman’s job, and would prefer to watch TV over doing the laundry. My partner criticized me for one instance of my watching two hours of TV  while laundry and dishes were in the clothes washer and dishwasher (so  things were getting done, in fact) when he watches TV every day while  things need to be done around here.  I do 90% of the work, as I do the  dishes, cleaning counter tops, cleaning sinks, cleaning bathroom,  changing diapers, nursing the baby, and shop for groceries, cook  dinner, and he sometimes takes the baby when I need to attend to my  older child or do another chore. I feel like the workload is mostly on me. As we are living with in-laws, my husband is rebuked by his people and therefore feels embarrassed to help me with the household chores, even if he really wants to. A sense of bonding between husband and wife can blossom more easily if they are on their own, where they can share their lives freely without any inhibitions or ego hassles. It is because of the deep rooted social
setup that we all live in where a man is supposed to be the bread-winner and a woman is expected to stay in the confines of her house to take care of her family. It is simply not fair. If you have the resources, hire some help. If not, try to make it clear to your partner that it is not acceptable for you to be doing 90% of the work. Explain to him that you need his help in #ShareTheLoad.

 “I am joining the Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign at BlogAdda and blogging about the prejudice related to household chores being passed on to the next generation.”

Sharing for a cause

The lamest excuse men give for not doing their laundry is that it’s not a
men's job. Men don’t sort the clothes into lots of whites and coloreds and let the dirty clothes lie. Men should now share more of the load. Detergent and washing machine makers and media should aim at this group. Children should be encouraged to do their laundry.
‘Mom! Where are my fresh socks?’
This is what we hear in every household. Children mimic the behavior
of their parents. The onus is on the parents to set the right
example. It is time to end the cycle of prejudice surrounding
household equality. Today when women are doing jobs outside the home and
managing the house also then why are they burdened with the laundry job of
the household. Dual earner couples should share the housework
equally. For society Laundry is a feminist issue.
Our society is responsible for this statistics
76% of married men in India believe that not helping with laundry
at home still makes them a great role model for their children.
I don’t agree and I help my wife with laundry and this makes our
bond stronger and I will make sure I teach my kids the importance
of doing the job themselves and sharing the load of the house. No men
should burden any women with their work or laundry.
I’ve heard working mothers who are tired and complain wearily about
how they can’t keep up with their family’s dirty clothes, or
apologizing at dinners for the allegedly messy, dusty state of the
house. Women still do the most housework, and men still use the
‘incompetence’ ruse, men also do say they believe in gender
equality. Unfortunately, women have been taught to believe that they
are primarily responsible for housework and child care.
78% of girls in India agree that they should learn laundry as they
will have to do it when they grow up.
I have seen how Mummy does so much cooking and cleaning. I want my
daughters to grow up knowing it’s not a women job only — how to wash
their clothes and scrub a bathtub.  I just want them to see it for
what it is, not a women’s work. It is just housework.
2 out of every 3 children think that washing clothes is a mother’s
job. I am happy that my favorite brand Ariel is furthering the cause
of equality within the households to get men and women across the
country to #ShareTheLoad. This is unfortunately often an overlooked
issue. It is also equally important to address the root cause of this
prejudice and prevent it from passing down from one generation to
the next.

“I am joining the Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign at BlogAdda and blogging about the prejudice related to household chores being passed on to the next generation.”

A hug for my dad my wall of support

My papa is my hero, my super hero. He is a perfect man. He has spent so many sleepless nights to take care of me when I was a little kid. He always sacrificed his own wishes to fulfill my desires. He was my first teacher and guide, my mentor. He made me confident of myself and taught me to follow my dreams. He is my role model. He raised me with utmost love and care. He always believed in me. He is my real hero, my best friend, my inspiration and the best person in my life. I am his heart throb. He keeps calling me from his office to enquire about my welfare. He makes sure I take my lunch on time. Our needs, our demands are his top priority. He has made many sacrifices just to give us happiness. There are not enough words to describe him. He has been through very bad times but he never lets us feel his pain. He taught me to set my goals and focus on them. He looks tough from outside but he is very soft and kind hearted just like a coconut.

All the childhood memories are still fresh in my mind. He was and is still the real reason for all my happiness, joy, success and achievements in my life. He is a unique father, the best father. I am very lucky to have him as my father. My papa always says, "Think before you act" so I always did. He is always with me like a wind beneath my wings. With his help, I can tackle the world. My papa is always behind me like a giant "WALL". He gives me immense confidence and boosts my courage. Life is impossible to imagine without him. DAD, you are my life!!! His guidance is the only reason for what I am today; He encourages me to be independent. My father is someone who holds me when I cry, scolds me when I break the rules, shines with pride when I succeed, and has faith in me even when I fail. He has always taught me to remain calm and be myself. He has taught me never to be jealous and to always help others. He has worked day and night without complaining. He is ‪the World's Best Papa. I thank you for everything papa. You mean a lot to me. I love you papa with all my heart. You are the greatest dad in the whole world. I always see a friend in you and consider myself to be the luckiest daughter. Be like this forever. I love you a lot. You are the only inspiration in my life. I thank you dear daddy for being there always for me. It's so hard to find a man that can love me like only you can! I appreciate everything you did for me. You are the greatest dad in the whole world. Sorry for the things, words or actions that I ever said to you which has made you sad.
I feel I am the luckiest person in the whole world because I have got such a great and loving father. I want to wish you a very great Father's Day with lots of love. You have given me everything and no material gift in return can compensate it. Today I just want to hug you and say “Thank You for everything".

I am participating in the '#HugYourDad' activity for Vicks in association with BlogAdda.

A hug for my Superhero

My father is a very simple person but I call him my super hero. He has always been a good listener, understanding my thoughts, trusts me and advices me. He taught me to be self-reliant and courageous. He makes sure we all have dinner together. He has taught me many valuable lessons on positive thinking and makes me apply it. Those who don’t believe in Superheroes should meet my father. Superhero, my best friend, the one and only one – who can make me smile in any circumstance, is my father. My whole world revolves around him. I was not good in studies but since my father started teaching me I have not only started getting good marks but I have become popular among my teachers and class mates. He is a great man. He supports us, his family in every situation. He is the one who sacrifice a lot for the happiness of his family. He is the strongest man I will ever meet in my life. When no one supported me, he was always there with me and made me stronger and gave me confidence to overcome my fears and rise above them,when he proudly says you are my son not only daughter I feel very proud. Dad you are my guide & a real superhero. I love you Dad. My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me. He taught me to always have faith in my own abilities. Love yourself and always put a smile on your face he always told me, he's been my mentor, my teacher, and my best friend. I can only aspire to be just like him. He is a wonderful person. In times of difficulties, in ups and down he has stood by my side. He made my world a much better place to live in.I loved each moments spent together, the secret smile when at play & the healing touch he gave me yesterday & today so proud to have a father like him. I love you today and will always. Gods have many names like Krishna,Shiva,Rama,Jesus,Allah but he is one so is my papa. Father, Papa, papaji, Dad, Daddy, Pops. I have called him by many names but he will always remain the one person I love and admire the most. He has always been with me with or without reason and in all seasons.

I can only say that my father needs my hug for all of these reasons.
My father is my anchor who protects me against the wind of the difficult time.
My father is my light who shows me the way in my tough time.
My father is my caretaker who cares and loves me without any condition.
My father is my teacher who teaches me good morals
In a nut shell, my father is a protective shield for me to live in a tough world

I am participating in the '#HugYourDad' activity for Vicks in association with BlogAdda.

Impressing my MIL with Ambipur

There is nothing a women dreads more then her mother in law’s first home visit. I discovered this when I moved out of my in laws place and into my own home . This momentous moment came when my husband switched jobs and got himself a better job in another city. My mother in law was vociferous about the fact that I am naïve about household matters and would not be able to look after the household or her son. I took this as a challenge and as if trying to prove my ability to look after my house and husband invited my dear mother in law to come and stay (read inspect) my new home and my skills to look after the household . Was it self confidence or had I made the biggest folly of my life only time could have told. It was decided that my mother in law was to visit us after a month this would give me thirty days to set my new house and make it tidy, neat and clean. I felt that it would be enough time to set up my new world and showcase my skills to my
mother in law and the rest of my family but at the back of my mind I also knew that my mother in law is very particular about cleanliness and orderliness. She had the eyes of a hawk when it comes to finding mistakes and can pinpoint even the minutes mistake which others often overcome. Thus from day one I meticulously started setting up my new home. The house that we moved in had been locked for many months thus it had a mustly smell. The kitchen was so positioned that the aroma and odors of whatever was cooking in the kitchen found a way to reach the living room. Even the bathroom had a damp smell which invaded even our master bedroom. So in the process of setting up the sofas,curtains, carpets and rugs I started a regime of having the entire household swept with phenyl . This reduced though not entirely the persistent disagreeable smells but also made my house smell like a hospital ward .As the time was running out I began to panic and as it is said
“Jab dava nahin toh dua kaam karti hai” meaning when medicine does not work prayers do so I started burning incense sticks in every nook and corner of the house. The new concoction made the home a notch better but it was no where close to acceptable levels.  As the D Day began to come closer I began to panic and sought advise from my mother . She suggested that I use the Ambi Pur Air Effects Spring & Renewal Aerosol Air Freshener. Heeding her advice I procured the product from the market. Knowing fully well that this was the last opportunity to save the day. I used it around the house and waited with baited breath for my mother in law to arrive. The moment she entered she took a deep sniff and smiled at me approvingly. After all I had been intelligent enough to pick my mother in laws favourite aromas that is jasmine to wipe out all the bad odors and make my house smell clean and fresh. This was a great learning experience for me that taught me that
no home is complete without Ambipur and that picking up your mother in laws favourite is one of the ways to get her approval. Thank you Ambipur for saving the day for me.

 “I am blogging for #SmellyToSmiley activity at BlogAdda.com in association with Ambi Pur

Ambipur turned my home from smelly to smiley

My husband was posted in a small area when I got pregnant. There were no adequate medical facilities in the area so my husband requested for a temporary posting to a big city so that my medical needs could be attended to. Although I was pregnant yet with the help od a domestic amid I set up my new home. I am a voracious fish eater who loves to eat fish and any other non veg dishes. However by the seventh month of my pregnancy there was a sea change in my likes and habits. Neither could I stand the sight of fish nor eat it .Even other non veg dishes did not agree with my new found tastes in food and I began to throw up at the sight or aroma of non veg or fish. Now I was staying in a building complex where my neighbors were either cooking fish or other non veg dishes. As the odors of such food entered our home I would begin to throw up. This became a very precarious situation for me. As I was in an advanced stage of pregnancy It could have a serious consequence. I have no other place to go so my husband sought medical treatment for me. However none of the medication was of much help. I tried going out at the dinner time to avoid encountering such odors but for a person in my condition even this was becoming a non viable solution. Moreover invariably somewhere or the other either while going out or while coming back I would be greeted by such odors of fish or non vegetarian food and I ended up throwing up. My husband suggested that we move to a hotel for a few days but this was not a cost effective solution. 

Then a friend of mine suggested that I give Ambi Pur Air Effects Spring & Renewal Aerosol Air Freshener a try. Ambipur has a range of flavors and I could experiment with these flavors to free my home from the smell of fish and non veg food. Feeling this to be the last straw my husband purchased the entire range of aromas and flavors of Ambipur. He lovingly used Ambipur in every room especially mine had my favorite variant of Ambipur. For some reason I realized that neither the aroma of fish nor any non veg food was present in my home. Then I realized to which my husband confirmed that Ambipur had got rid of all the bad odors in the house including that of fish and non veg food. I remained calm that day and did not experience any nausea nor did I throw up. I had discovered the secret to free my home from bad odors thanks to Ambipur. Now my home has turned from smelly to smiley.

 “I am blogging for #SmellyToSmiley activity at BlogAdda.com in association with Ambi Pur

Live it up the Maxfresh Moment

The time for the college festival is still far off but this is that time of the year when we begin to plan for the year’s annual college festival.  Every year we look forward to incorporating a new element in the prestigious annual event for the college since it is the most sought after,anticipated and awaited event by the students ,professors and even the ex- students who make it a point to visit their alma mater during this time. Every year we have a theme for the annual event and for this year the consensus is building up on “Maxfresh” as the theme of the annual college festival. I am also part of the student’s team who are going to organize the festival. The responsibility of interpreting and developing the theme falls on the core member group of which I am also a member. My belief is that if we can feel relaxed then we can feel a revitalizing energy flow through our system and this freshness helps us feel the flow of vital energy
within our self and we are able to live and enjoy our life to the fullest. To achieve this the best and the most productive method is to take the route of dance and song. Something that would make every one let their hair down and dance as if there is no tomorrow. This way we let the freshness of the moment and more importantly the energy associated with the dancing and singing would unclog and cleanse our system so that the energy of fun frolic and free spiritedness may flow through us.
The best person to implement this would be Anushka Manchanda whose high energy singing leaves us no option but to sway to her songs and sing along. If you let go of yourself and go with the flow then the only thing more left to do is to dance on the beats of music.The person who could do this best is none other than Allu Arjun for he seems to have perfected the art of channelysing his energy into deftly crafted movements that are not only smooth but also so beautifully hypnotic that on one hand one is not able to take one’s eyes off when Allu Arjun is dancing and secondly it makes dancing look so effortless that the audience automatically begins to follow him and start dancing with him, singing along with Anushka Manchanda on the notes of all the popular songs that she has sung. Though the plan to host such a show is still under wraps but I simply can’t wait to see all the students of my college gyrate and try to dance along with the high energy dancing of Allu Arjun and going gaga over his moves and singing along with Anushka MAnchanda as she unleashes  the magic of her singing with songs like
Dance Basanti and I am sure that the whole campus would experience the maxfresh moment when they sing along with Anushka MAnchanda

Ni gori tera thumka
bada kinky kinky type da
Ni gori tera jhumka
bada funky funky type da
Kateeli teri ankhiyaan
Jaise nouk nukeeli knife da
Ni gori tera nakhra
Bada hanky-panky type da
 “I am blogging for #MaxFreshMove activity at BlogAdda.com. Are you?

Celebrating life with Bruno

Happiness and celebrations are priceless commodities that cannot be purchased from
 the market.
Yet they find a way to trickle into our lives like a fresh stream of water. No window
or door can stop them neither can a invite sign outside our home coax it to enter our
homes and our lives.
 For me its not about the big festivals that bring me joy its my pet dog Bruno. The moment
I enter the porch I can hear him barking and welcoming me home.As soon as I enter
 the front door he comes running towards me wagging its tail and when I bend down to cuddle it
then Mr Bruno begins to lick my hands and my face. This is his way of welcoming and greeting me.
 I can feel his love in the cuddle and then when I sit to watch TV it would come and
snuggle down  near me and keeps his head on my foot. He has a great sense of timing
.He has a number of play toys but the rubber bone that once used to be his soother
that he used to bite into when he was getting his teeth, the green tennis ball and
a red Frisbee are his favorites. Whenever his play time approaches he would pick
one of the toys that he fancies on that day and then brings it to me with the toy
 caught in its mouth. This is the indication that it’s the time of the day when I am supposed
to take it out and play with him in the garden.
If I do not take instant action of immediately getting up and take him to the park
them he would leave the toy and gently rub his burly head against my feet to get my attention.
 I find this gesture of his  full of love and affection and it makes me immediately very happy.
When I finally take him to the park its my job to throw the toy as far as possible and then it would run and fetch it for me.
 He does that in return for a cuddle and hug that he gets on each successful completion of the mission of retrieving the toy.
This activity not just strengthens our bond of friendship but also provides us moments to celebrate our life together.
There are days when I am away for work or out of town and when I return he would jump over me and start licking my face or keep going in circles wagging its tail. He makes me feel so important and loved and this love calls for a celebration in which we revel every day.

“#CelebrateLifeAtIvy by owning a dream home at Ivy estate, an 85 acre estate with 34 acres of greenery and open spaces. Join the 1600 happy families already living here. Check out this walkthrough video and decide for yourself.”

Dil ki deal to save two lives

My best friend was my next door neighbor. We were friends since our childhood. We shared the same likes and dislikes. Our tastes in books were the same and we often shared our favorite books with each other. Both of us loved to watch romantic movies and also were fans of the same hero. It was our daily routine to meet in the evenings and discuss the day’s happenings. Whenever my mother made our favorite dish I would go to her place and shared it with her. She also did the same. My best friend was about to get married and we friends were very happy about it. I was to be with her in all the preparations and celebrations. Right from the selection of the card to deciding the menu I was part of the entire process and why not I had been her best friend for so long that we were more like sisters. We spent most of our time together and depended on each other for almost every thing. We had a pact amongst us that we would not get married without each other attending the function. Who ever got married first would need the other to be by her side all along the preparation and celebrations.
As my best friend was getting married first it was my responsibility to be part of the celebrations and preparations. I had been super excited by the prospects of my best friend marriage who was more like my sister then just being my best  friend. The wedding ceremony for her was to be the next evening and was arranged at a farm house that was outside the city. I had been supervising the decoration, lighting and all other preparations. She and the family were to come there only in the evening. By afternoon it began to rain but we had nothing to worry about as our venue was fully covered with waterproof tents. We even had a covered area to accommodate any extra guests. I had made all the preparations and was waiting for my friend and her family to arrive at the venue. Suddenly the wife of the Gardner went into labor. I was the only woman around and by chance my car was the only motorized vehicle around. I was in a fix. On one hand was the wedding of my best friend who was more of a sister than a friend and on the other side were two lives at stake one that of a pregnant women and other that of the unborn child. It was time to make a choice and I had to make a big decision. I chose to drive the woman to a hospital which was several kilometers away. It was a long slow drive for me but I was able to take the pregnant women there safely and she delivered a healthy baby girl. I missed most of the wedding and by the time I came back my best friend was about to go to her new home. I thought that she would be angry with me but she was not she understood and supported my decision. That day I had made a dil ki deal that had saved two lives.

“I am participating in the #DilKiDealOnSnapdeal activity at BlogAdda in association with SnapDeal.”

Dil ki deal to help the needy

We are a group of five friends. We have all been the best of friends since our school days. We stayed in the same colony. We also played games together. We regularly organized cricket matches with boys of different colonies. We usually kept these matches on a Sunday as it was a holiday. We used to have lots of fun in these matches the dress code was strictly white. The two teams stood in two rows and greeted each other. The two umpires were two elderly uncles from both the colonies. The batsman   then walked on to the field twirling his bat with style while the bowler stood ready to bowl in his first ball of the innings. Those Sundays were the most memorable ones in our lives We had been in the practice of hanging out together and going out for movies picnics and long drives. This practice of ours continued even after school but then we moved on in our lives and moved to different cities. We never wanted to drift apart so kept in touch with each other over chat and mobile calls. We made it a point to meet at least once a year and go together for a holiday. This holiday used to be the most awaited event of the year for us and we all looked forward to it. We followed this practice to coincide this reunion with the birthday of any one of the member of the group by rotation. This way it used to be a grand birthday celebration for that person. That particular year the reunion was about to coincide with my birthday and I was really excited about it.  I had made special plans for my birthday and chalked out the itinerary too. As my friends arrived one by one the celebration for my birthday began to roll in. Everyone was very excited as we were meeting after such a long time that it seemed that we are meeting after eternity. We had decided to go to a hill station by road. As we started our journey our merry making reached a high pitch as we sang songs and made merry pulling each others legs, everyone was having a good time. As we passed through a village we were greeted by a desolate village.  We were struck by the silence of the village. The entire population of the village had started living in make shift camps as their homes were ravaged due to a recent storm. Even the sole water well that was the source of water for them had collapsed and had become unusable. It was a sad sight to see so many people having lost their homes. As we were about to move out of the village something stopped me. I felt I could not go and celebrate my birthday party when so many people are living without roofs over their head or without proper drinking water. I felt the compelling need to do something for them. We pooled whatever money we could and gave it to the villagers so that they could get the village well repaired and arrange for the food. This was my dil ki deal that I made to do my bit for those in need

“I am participating in the #DilKiDealOnSnapdeal activity at BlogAdda in association with SnapDeal.”