Tuesday 27 June 2017

Review of Life and Times of a Twenty Something by Reema D'souza ( A Lovely Account of a Girl Next Door)

Indian Bloggers

As April was commencing I was enthralled by the myriad theme reveals of my co-bloggers and some of them really caught my heart's attention. One of them was Reema Dsouza's 'Life and Times of a Twenty Something' which I could relate to almost instantaneously. The pressure of the A to Z Challenge kept me on and off her posts but as soon as her ebook was out, I was elated to grab a copy and I am so glad I did. 

I love the candour and honestly of the author in pouring her heart out in this beautiful compilation of her thoughts as a twenty something. It undoubtedly transported me to several years back and I related to every ounce of it and in fact every girl would. It is such a pleasure reading about her dreams, her graduation, her note to her future husband, her Friday love and many such interesting topics that she had beautifully portrayed as an innocent gal next door called Alana. You may choose to finish the read in one go or savour it chapter by chapter one at a time. It is an ideal read for both the scenarios.

If you are looking for a beautiful autobiographical account of a lovely independent and suave Indian girl, this one's for you. You can download it from Blogchatter Ebook Carnival here.



Book Blurb : There is so much that happens in our twenties. Graduation, first job, first salary, staying away from home, dating, being broke, being bored with the job that you worked so hard to get, and relatives and neighbours sneakily trying to find a suitable bride/groom for you when you've no idea about what you want to do next in your life. You are a mess. You thought you'd have everything sorted; you had those dreams in your eyes when you graduated. But when you look at it you've nothing sorted, you don't know which way to turn and you constantly ask yourself "What am I doing?" Those dreams that you once wanted to turn into reality are still dreams.
But then you have those moments of pure bliss! Buying something for your parents with your hard earned money, being appreciated at work, excelling in a skill you never thought you had, realizing that you have friends who are real gems and are always there for you, and maybe finding the love of your life. Twenties may be a mess, but then when you look back they are a beautiful mess!
Alana is a twenty something too and there is a lot happening in her life. Read more about her journey in the book.



Thursday 22 June 2017

Hidden Hunger: The Perils of Micronutrient Deficiency Among Urban Kids

Indian Bloggers

Hidden hunger, also known as micronutrient deficiencies, afflicts more than 2 billion individuals, or one in three people, globally. Hidden hunger is a form of under-nutrition that occurs when intake and absorption of vitamins and minerals (such as zinc, iodine, and iron) are too low to sustain good health and development. While undernourishment is clinically evident in impoverished children living in rural areas, malnutrition is the “hidden hunger” in an urban setting. We may think that infants are eating healthy but they may not be consuming the required amount of vitamins and minerals on a daily basis, which may be the primary reason for their nutritional deficiencies. According to National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau of India, over 50% of apparently healthy-looking children have sub clinical and biochemical deficiencies of micro-nutrients (like Vit A, B2, B12, vit C, iron, trace minerals like iodine, zinc, etc). Increasing dietary diversity by providing foods with adequate amounts of micro-nutrients is one of the most effective ways to prevent hidden hunger.



Shrouded symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies at an early stage



The percent ideal body weight index does not seem to be an adequate measure of nutritional status in children. In some cases, malnutrition is very mild and does not present any symptoms. Moreover, malnutrition can develop over a long period of time, so the symptoms may not seem obvious in the beginning. Early detection of deficits in nutritional status may result in the adverse effects of malnutrition on height and weight, and possibly clinical status, being prevented.



Infants fed on daily diet lacking enough micro nutrients do not meet the requirements for overall physical and mental growth, say doctors



In India, mothers generally focus on the physical growth of a child and not overall brain development and immunity levels. Diet normally followed in Indian households are rich in macro-nutrient supporting only physical growth but lack in micro nutrients essential for overall mental and brain development.  This translates to the fact that the child with normal height and weight may be suffering from a nutritional deficiency, which parents are not aware of. Gaps in daily nutrition with unsatisfactory nutritional quality results in nutrient deficiencies to set in at an early age.



Adequate nutrition planning by parents in early years is essential to complement child development



Micro-nutrients are a group of nutrients which are required in trace amounts for normal growth and development. Micro-nutrient deficiency is often referred to as “Hidden Hunger” because it develops gradually over time, their devastating impact not seen until it leaves behind irreversible damage. Millions of children suffer from stunted growth, cognitive delays, weakened immunity and infections because of micronutrient deficiencies. Primary food, therefore, must be nutrition dense as the need for nutrients are not fulfilled by mother’s milk after 6 months, making Infants susceptible to nutritional deficiency.



Eating patterns built during childhood serve as a foundation for life. More than 1/3rd of child deaths occurring annually, around the world, are attributed to malnutrition, specifically under-nutrition, which weakens the body's resistance to illness. If a child is malnourished during the first 1000 days of life, the child's physical and mental growth and development is slowed. This cannot be corrected when the child is older – it affects the child for the rest of his or her life. Fulfilling the micronutrient requirements of infants should be addressed on a priority basis, with parents and caretakers sitting up to the fact that a healthy and nutritious diet for infant is a requisite, not occasionally, but daily.

With micronutrients producing significant public health benefits, nutrition plays a vital role in the holistic development of a child. Moreover, good nutrition signifies a food which is a powerhouse of micronutrients.





Truly Yours Roma brings to you Top 10 Lehenga Designs For All Occasions

Indian Bloggers

I am one person who undoubtedly  loves to weave style and oomph with comfort in the dresses I meticulously choose to flaunt. Though I am mostly donning the western outfits, I have a great fondness  for the traditional Indian attires particularly lehengas which I believe go quite well with all body types and also all occasions small or big.

That reminds me how I plan my outfits months in advance so that I don't have to compromise on my choice in a hustle later or burn a hole in my pocket by paying a hefty sum for the one I like because I was in a hurry, yes I always do. For e.g. Teej is approaching which is a fast in our clan for the long life of our husbands and I already have on my kind the kind of fusion dazzling lehenga I would love to clad myself in for this festival which falls in the month of August. 

I personally prefer light weight A-line lehengas for they go well with my strong built and it goes without saying that I have my favorite shopping sites who never fail to amaze me with their mind-blowing range, for my lehenga preferences too vary with my mood from bright floral ones to sober indo-western fusions in fuchsias and greys and browns and they know how to appease my heart. Stepping into a gorgeous outfit on the special day obviously gives me such a kick and I know it's the same with all you fashionistas out there.

It's a further icing on the cake if I get it at an affordable rate without impacting my overall budget for the month. Plus planning it in advance gives me time to get it stitched at my boutique in the design I would choose for it because I generally buy them semi-stitched or unstitched which is the right thing to do always. I categorically advice this to my readers and my friends.
How about taking a peep today into how my real Favorite Lehenga Designs will look like. Below I present to you the Top Ten Lehengas that cater to the whole gamut of occasions all round the year and which I would love to have in my closet come what may. I also give each one a special name not only for fun but also because I mean it.

1. 'Epitome of Grace' Class of Lehenga : This Banglori Silk embroidered Lehenga Choli stole my heart at first glance. Truly classy, serves best all the formal occasions at work.


2.The Princess Lehenga : This beige colour zari patchwork lehenga is truly an owner's delight. Apt to be worn for the special dinner or family functions.


3. The Delicate Damsel Multi-Purpose Lehenga : Shall flaunt this gorgeous peach piece from Triveni Sarees when I am ready to rock the stage at a friend's sangeet or wedding.



4. The Ultimate Desirable Bridal Lehenga : This exquisite marvel is for the special wedding day and the Karvachauths later to relive the most precious moments of one's life in it forever.





5. The Elegant All Festivals Lehenga : This Bhagalpuri Silk Designer Lehenga accentuates a woman's beauty several fold no matter what the occasion would be. This indeed is a lovely addition to one's wardrobe.



6. For that Very Special Day Designer Lehenga : How I love this symbol of sartorial excellence. An enigmatic combination, will keep this one ready for that special evening every gal waits for.



7. The Royal Must-have Lehenga : This feminine classic is a must have for you lovelies out there to bring out your girly heart and soul out in open. No doubt I love it.



8. The DIVA LOOK Lehenga : The Diva in me is pretty impressed by this masterpiece that fills you with so much oomph and confidence as you adorn it and it actually awakens the Diva in each one of us. Am ready to shed those extra pouds to own and flaunt this one (Grin!!)


9. The Pride of Womanhood Lehenga : This lehenga is a classic as it is a true symbol of a multi-tasking multi-talented woman who takes pride in herself and can carry the colourful attire with utmost grace.



10. Every Occasion Lehenga : A girl's closet isn't complete till she has a pretty pink for herself and can gift it to herself for no reason. This lehenga is one such gorgeous piece, it can make a normal day an occasion and turn heads and woo hearts.

Trust me it would have taken me weeks to curate this list had I not found them all and scores of others at one place called Craftsvilla, which is undeniably the most trusted online address for all my ethnic needs with thousands of options at any price that suits the pocket. Delve into their world, for all your ethnic cravings.

P.S. Truly Yours Roma OOTD Post with my Teej Lehenga from this awesome online fashion destination, shall be up soon.



Sunday 18 June 2017

This Is To My Friend Ayesha, Who Taught Me Calmness

Indian Bloggers
Your soul is reflected in the words you choose to utter but if you are short-tempered and spit it out at the moment despite of having a clear heart chances are you may come across not as such a welcome person. Though you may realise it in a couple of minutes and seek apology or explain but the wrath has already taken its toll on the other person's heart. 

There's another category of people who aren't short tempered but are too vocal when they stand for any other person's rights and go to any extreme to fight it out. Unfortunately, not many appreciate this attitude and odds are you loose your loved ones too in the long run. Trust me, words have that impact. 

Until about a year ago, I was one such person who loved to speak her mind aloud at the spur until I found a dear friend Ayesha. We are poles apart in everything and there is nothing common amongst us and probably that's what weaves our chalk and cheese combination so strong. 

Since she has walked into my life, she has taught me a lot of calmness. I feel her infectious silence has rubbed on me and all her advice to me have been bang on. I have learnt to tackle the most difficult times with utmost patience and dignity, though I know the other person is wrong but I shall place my point later when he/she would be in a better state of mind to understand me. By that time even I would have judged the situation better and will give a more matured handling to the matter. 

This makes me feel I have suddenly grown up, from someone who lost her temper at the drop of her hat to someone who now generously forgives and takes pride in keeping mum and speak only when it's needed. This also increases the value of your words when they are spoken. I owe this transformation to you dear Ayesha and I owe my deepest gratitude to you for imbibing it in me. May our friendship only grown fonder and deeper till eternity. Love you to the moon and back.



Friday 16 June 2017

Review of 'Picky Eaters? Guaranteed Hacks To Make You Happy' by Dr.Amrita Basu and ADr.Abhijit Misra


This #AtoZChallenge I got addicted to reading Dr.Amrita Basu's good advice on her blog and I really found them worthy, well researched and highly useful. This was precisely the reason I picked up her and her husband Dr.Abhijit Misra's ebook  ~ Picky Eaters Guaranteed Hacks To Make You Happy.

The title itself sounded like a blessing for a mother of an extremely picky eater like me and I devoured the book of its useful contents in a single go. The doctor couple also are parents to a 5 year old damsel which added a practical hands on element to the narration from parents angle too and kept me further glued.

Undoubtedly, the book stated facts I was still unaware of like our diet in our pregnancy determines our child's food preference and it aided me to reason the dynamics of my son's behaviour towards food and I am indebted to the authors for the same.

I find the recommendations in the book quite relevant and easy to emulate to improve the good habits of our children. The facts related to nitty gritties like how to check and cater to our child's food allergies and an icing on the cake. 

Though I really wanted to read more on this subject from the knowledge duo, I found the ebook really useful.

I recommend this book to every mom for its worthy hacks encapsulated perfectly. You can download it by clicking here. You may also like to order their awesome ebook on Fruits Nutrition, check it out here on Amazon.


About The Authors: Dr.Amrita Basu is an ENT surgeon ,teacher in a medical college ,and blogs about health,wellness and her journey as a mom blogger.She is an avid balcony gardener and a voracious book worm.
Dr.Abhijit Misra is a pediatrician ,teacher in a medical college and the rock solid support behind  healthwealthbridge.com. They  are the co -authors of this book and partners in real life.

Book Blurb: Picky eating makes moms worried .Did you know .what you eat during pregnancy ,could change your unborn child’s eating habits?Knowing when to worry and how to handle picky eaters ,is what this book is about .Easy actionable hacks to make life easier for moms.


Monday 12 June 2017

Review of 26 Words : A to Z of Short Stories by Smita Pal (An ebook with a Meaning)

Indian Bloggers

From times infinite topics highlighting and aiming to attack the social disparities, stigma and inequalities have been closest to my heart. I myself am an avid writer of the subject, thus picking up author Smita Pal's maiden ebook on the same ~ 26 A to Z stories was indeed my first choice and I am glad I picked it up for the stories are fresh, raw and soul-stirring.

The weaving of the tales is beautiful and the subjects are vivid and diverse from all arenas of life. I would say it is the sheer brilliance of the author to build heart-wrenching and thought provoking anecdotes around words as simple as Apple, Bangles, Cat, Dog etc. narrated wonderfully. Her new ABCD holds a lot of depth for her readers. Once I began reading, it was difficult for me to put it down.

I would also like to mention the well conceived endings of the stories which leave your heart tantalised and craving for being the face of change in our society.

You will find a bit of yourself in each of her story and I love the perspective she has brought in to these tales which have been told a umpteen times before too. Nevertheless, the narratives are a clear indication of her sheer talent. Though in a very few places, I felt there was a scope for fine-tuning of the script.


The language and tone of the meaningful ebook are crisp and I recommend this anthology to every one beyond any doubt.


You can download the book here : 26 words – A to Z of Short Stories OR Grab a copy on Amazon here

About The Author: Smita, an MBA in Finance is a working mother who loves to write, cook, paint, read and do a lot many other things. In her free time, she can be found cooking, decorating her home, cleaning( She is a self confessed OCD), DIYing or blogging about life , her kitchen and her parenting debacles. She is also a camera ready mama, capturing her toddler’s antics on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theavgmom/ ).Though she loves writing, she has just recently re embraced this passion of hers fully and started her own blogging journey again. You can find her musing about things and trying to find the humorous side of the highly overwhelming parenting journey (Yes blissful too!) atwww.theaveragemom.in

Book Blurb : “26 words – A to Z of Short Stories” is a collection of 26 short stories on topics of social issues. Each story revolves around a word which starts with a letter of the alphabet and a social issue which begins with the same letter. It is my first ever attempt at writing and I feel strongly about each one of the topics chosen in my tales. My attempt is to speak up about these topics and bring them to notice.  We as a race have a lot to learn yet and it is still a long way to make our society as perfect as desired.  And the only way to achieve this will be by bringing the change ourselves. These tales of fiction are just a look at some of the problems that are entwined in our lives today.

TrulyYoursRoma's Rating of the Book : 4*/5



Wednesday 7 June 2017

#ContestAlert : Tata Tigor brings you an Enticing Opportunity with #TataTigorStyeBack

 
Hola My Precious Readers! 
 
You know I am a 'stylish selfie' addict and how it tickles my heart to click the most awesome ones whenever and wherever possible. Similarly being an automobile engineer I have an unparalleled love for cars. Thus hearing about the #TigorStyleBack contest toppled me off my chair. 

So my weekend plan is all set and I am too excited to land straight into the nearest mall around me where Tata Tigor is displayed and  satiate my inquisitiveness about the much applauded recent launch and post that click my most creative worthy selfie with it. How about clicking loads of them and then flaunting the best one across social media with the hashtag #Tigorstyleback at the below handles.

Facebook https://goo.gl/07Fl2q

Well, you can do the same too and win a truly awesome makeover from Zara and multiple worthy vouchers. Can it get simpler than this guys. Hurry up plan an awesome weekend break and participate in this awesome contest. I enlist the steps below to make it further easy for you peeps.
 

This is Truly Yours Roma wishing you all the very best  for this exciting and enticing Mega Contest :)
 
 

Tuesday 6 June 2017

Blogchatter, My Dreamcatcher Extraordinaire Which Made Me A Published Author of 2 #Blogchatterebooks in 2 years


(I take on the baton of Blogchatter Ebook Carnival from Smita whose Ebook 26- A to Z short Stories is also a part of the mix.

About Smita's EBook: “26 words – A to Z of Short Stories” is a collection of 26 short stories on topics of social issues. Each story revolves around a word which starts with a letter of the alphabet and a social issue which begins with the same letter. It is my first ever attempt at writing and I feel strongly about each one of the topics chosen in my tales. My attempt is to speak up about these topics and bring them to notice.  We as a race have a lot to learn yet and it is still a long way to make our society as perfect as desired.  And the only way to achieve this will be by bringing the change ourselves. These tales of fiction are just a look at some of the problems that are entwined in our lives today.)

Dreams are a vital part of our life and though we are passionate about them, at times we fail to steer them in the right direction to achieve our goals. The pessimism leads to some kind of an unknown frustration and you further fall into the trap of failure no matter how exceptionally skilled you are at the said task. All you seek is a dream catcher which induces positivity in you and for me undoubtedly Blogchatter is that Dreamcatcher Extraordinaire.

Last year when I took on #AtoZChallenge I came across this wonderful community which had a Midas touch on my blog during this  period when I published the twenty six true stories on Indian Women. I have said it before and I reiterate it that,  what I admire the most about Blogchatter is its vision, how it envisages a clear road map for its bloggers and opens new vistas for them from time to time like last year when they aided me full throttle in bringing out my first book 'Dare To Defy The Destiny'. Though I had loved every ounce of what I wrote for the challenge and it was very well received by the masses, I would have failed miserably in the technical aspects had it not been Blogchatter.


https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/dare-to-defy-by-roma-gupta-sinha/

Yes, last year, my first book saw the dawn of the day in their pioneering one of its kind 'Blogchatter Ebook Carnival' and I am so proud of this fact. In fact they gave it such a magical exposure that it still sells pretty well on Amazon. With time, my trust on them has only grown and I value my association with them from the bottom of my heart.

This year they gave wings to my second most cherished dream of publishing my first fiction novella, a heart touching unique love story ~ 'The Fragrance Of True Love' and my heart often breaks into a happy dance that whoever has read it, has dropped in words of admiration so generously. This is kind of marketing wave Blogchatter builds around your work and I truly trust my work is in the best hands with it which only improves  with time. Blogchatter's Ebook Carnival Season 2 has only grown better with time and this time they have broken all records to publish 36 ebooks  and giving the industry some real good work. A heartfelt congratulations to them for achieving such an incredible feat.


Please do consider this as a genuine post of gratitude to the Blogchatter community which has enriched me in ways more than one and I owe them a lot for establishing me as a writer. Well, I do understand I have miles to go before I sleep but I have got a perfect start and so I believe the end shall be magical too and the reason of my confidence you now know :)

(I pass on the Baton of Blogchatter Ebook Carnival to Ramya Gundala whose Ebook A Way, Not Away is also a part of the mix.

About Ramya's Ebook: A Way, Not Away is a collection of twenty-six short stories which explores various perspectives of distinct situations that you can instantly get connected with. Each story is based on different character’s day to day life and their strained relationships. Every story is connected to the next one with their if-else situations. Originally written for an online blogging challenge, April A to Z Challenge, they have been revisited to form this collection.)\



Friday 2 June 2017

Experience the true blend of Creativity and the Authenticity of Rakhi Gifts from GiftsbyMeeta


The festival of Rakshabandhan, the time to celebrate the heavenly bond between a brother and sister energizes and excites most Indian folks. The fast approaching this special festival that essentially let the sibling realizes their duty and responsibility towards their brother or sisters falling in, it is India’s unique festival. The siblings are busy with the preparation, sending their Rakhis to far located brothers, the shopping, the sweets and the gifting and so forth we all anticipate them and Rakshabandhan in fact the festival has an exquisite impression at our homes. Most of us love to be with our siblings and spent time tougher with family members but it is hardly possible with such a busy schedules we are occupied with. A beautiful present on this occasion whether from a brother to sister or vice versa essentially recue those siblings expecting from their brother or sisters. The impressive gifts do the right impression to those far located siblings and never let them feel isolated on this occasion. But the flavor that your gift will have must be adorable and the design should be intriguing, the delivery in time and the added creativity to the gift should bring that cutest smile.
GiftsbyMeeta, from year 2013, this was the festival then and again this year the brothers and sisters have been buying and sending Rakhis, rakhi gifts and experiencing the true blend of creativity and the authenticity. The expert designing of the presents for a particular festival from this store helps the brothers and sister from across the country to grow adoration for each other. And that heavenly bond just gets more grounded with each passing year which certainly requires an extraordinarily made gift for this occasion when joy is noticeable all around.
You can get the arrangement of the gifting amazements for him. The GiftsbyMeeta is offering the mega collection of presents for rakhi occasion on its website that is accessible every hour with home delivery options. The gathering includes the stuff like blossoms, chocolates, cakes, sweets hampers and many of the customized presents for not only the brothers but also for the loved sisters. In addition, the there are same day delivery services in more than 350 cities across the country as well as same day delivery in Delhi NCR within the 6 hours of the order time.