Home Decor with ZoomIn

It is 4 a.m. and 4 degrees here in Delhi as I am writing to you. This is set to be the coldest winters here in last 100 years. Having shifted here just a couple of months ago the deadly combination of the cold and the hazardous air quality is baffling us. Advised to stay indoors, I am trying to stay active and non morose by creatively doing up my new home and what better way to do it than weaving together the precious memories of our lives as photo walls.

I am ardent photographer and though have a designated digital space for all the priceless moments of our lives, I am old school in the way that I still love to print them as albums or adorn my walls with them thus giving my home sweet home a very personalised feel. For all my printing needs I rely on ZoomIn who know how to satiate my quality and aesthetic appeal desires with my pictures. 

I did this photo wall for our living space near the staircase area with them and along with many other beautiful adorning for my other rooms. The photo frames blew life into the dull wall and added vibrant colours to the hall. Almost everyone who came home has praised it so far and I am happy I had put my home confinement to some great purpose. It has become my most favourite place to pose too. 

I, my husband and sonny enjoy the art of choosing right pics for the right wall and spend some wonderful moments revisiting the wonderful memories and thus had undoubtedly become our favourite pass-time. 

The app is so cool to use that even my son easily does all adjustments and orders on it. They have a huge collection to choose from photo books, personalised magnets, calendars, collages, home decor photo frames, mugs and what not. They are all very moderately priced and are great value for money. They also make a great gifting option for our loved ones. 

I have recently ordered their square prints to do up a little fancy and peppy interior decor for my kiddo’s room and am so delighted to receive a complimentary planner for 2020 with it. The twenty four small square prints look so adorable and my little one grew an instant liking for them and arranging them beautifully in his room is our favourite winter activity at the moment. Stay tuned to our Instagram to know how exactly our final wall hanging decor looks like. 

Talking about the planner, it is a gorgeous little personal diary in pastels, my favourite colours with weekly planning calendar for each month for us to jot down our schedule. It also aids us enumerate our short term, long term and mid term goals. I have already started using it and am so impressed. A very thoughtful and a considerate gift for their customers. I had earlier ordered some photo books from them too and they are my keepsakes forever till now. 

If you are looking for some innovative photo printing for your home decor or for gifting purposes, ZoomIn App undoubtedly is a great option. I have been using it for years and they have always surpassed my expectations in everything ♥️. Stay tuned to get more updates from us! Wishing you all a happy new year and decade in advance 😊! 

And here's a special new year gift for all our followers, Use Code - ROMA2020  and get a free softcover photobook 20 pages 5.5". You need to pay only for Shipping &( designer cover which is optional).

If you like what I write, you can grab the copies of my four published books here: The Fragrance of True Love, Destiny's Favorite Child, Dare to Defy The Destiny and Empowered Women Empower Women

Best Baby Shower Gifts for Would Be Moms

Motherhood is the most beautiful chapter in a woman's life. It makes her feel complete. A woman learns to love someone unconditionally, she even learns to live for her child only. Her days start with the baby and end on him only. She believes in herself. Motherhood starts right after she gets pregnant and starts feeling the changes in herself. During one's pregnancy, there is no greater occasion to celebrate except for the baby shower. We can call it a rehearsal of celebration which will happen when the baby will come. Baby showers are truly an event where there are only positive vibes around and love. When anyone's invited in a baby shower, the first thing to prepare for, that comes in our mind is gifts. What should we gift? Gifting is a social custom that is an earthly expression of love. The same question stands upfront with a similar asking how to be the guest with the most unique gift. 

The gifting era has revolutionarily changed recently. Now people prefer more and more personalized and customised stuff to present to their loved ones. In such times, here is what I came across recently, Hand-painted Portraits Paintings. What was the last time you took a minute and admired a piece of art? It's something that touches our soul. The hardship an artist put into an artwork can't be appreciated enough. A Handmade painting doesn't only reflect the hardship but the essence of care into it too. 

BookMyPainting is one of such places where you can find this essence of care and happiness. It is a technology-enabled platform where you can easily get one of those beautiful creations. There is no smoother experience than booking a painting there. They have half a dozen art styles and a variety of options for your size preference as well. They really are doing great here with this. 

Are you not sure what art style should be selected? Let me help you with that! 

The art style should totally be selected keeping the would-be mother in the center. Her personality reflects it. You just need to notice that.

If the mother is an elegant, classic and retro lover, you might wanna consider the king of black and white sketches. I'm talking about charcoal drawings. These are made of Charcoal and have this fresh natural contrast which is unmatched. Charcoal goes very well with monochromatic light-colored walls and is the classiest of all the drawing techniques. 

If the would-be mother is still a kid inside, you should go for these old school watercolor paintings. They have these color splashes and a jolly vibe. Watercolor painting is an ancient technique from Japan and is widely renowned for its different aspects of portraying the subjects. It will be a wonderful gift for her.

There is one more art style that will do wonder with every woman. That is Oil Portrait Painting. Oil painting is one of the oldest art styles alive. They have sustained through renaissance to modern art and they are still adored the same. Oil is such a close depiction, that i bet sometimes you can't differentiate between real and the art. This will make the best baby shower gift ever. 

Here's a hidden gem. Pencil color sketches are the only available sketching technique that is colorful. They are an upgraded version of classic graphite pencil sketches. All the detailing of pencil sketching is preserved with color depiction. This is a must-go if you're looking for something so different as a gift for mother. You can get her wedding picture drawn in pencil colors. This is really going to touch her, I bet.  

You can find a Picture of the would-be mother from her childhood and get her a baby Portrait. Or you can have a picture in which she's flaunting her baby bump. These shots are just perfect for this cause. All these days you've been searching for the right gift and now you've found it. Gifts are really our love in the physical form of a material. A woman who will soon be a mother needs affection and care, more than anyone. Make sure you are there for her throughout this wonderful journey. 

I wish the mother a happy

future ahead!

If you like what I write, you can grab the copies of my four published books here: The Fragrance of True Love, Destiny's Favorite Child, Dare to Defy The Destiny and Empowered Women Empower Women

5 Facts one must know about Palm Oil

You all know that I like researching about what goes on our plate extensively. For some time now, it has been on my mind that how good is the cooking oil that we consume or which one is good for consumption or is it better idea is to keep alternating between them? Thus, among others, I evaluated palm oil too,  which caught my attention on account of the debate associated with it, has its success got the better of it and caused the competitors to create this scenario or....what’s the truth? Inspired, in this article,  I decided to share five facts one must know about Palm oil.

1.What is palm oil? 

Palm oil is an edible vegan oil we extract from the reddish pulp  of the Oil palms. The main source of palm oil are the Elaeis guineensis trees, which are native to West and Southwest Africa. Similar oil palms known as Elaeis oleifera are found in South America, but they are rarely grown commercially. However, a hybrid of the two plants is sometimes used in palm oil production. In recent years, oil palm growth has been expanding to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia. These two countries currently are producing more than 80% of the world's palm oil supply today.

2. Uses of Palm Oil

Palm oil is used as a cooking oil, in baking, in cosmetic industry, to generate biofuel and for several other purposes. Extensively used for frying it renders food great taste and flavour. You can readily find them in ready to eat foods, chocolates, breads, cookies, muffins, protein bars and diet bars.

I love Palm oil for its versatility as a cooking medium. What makes it good for cooking for me is its balanced composition which is 50% saturated and 50% unsaturated. It is also an ideal choice for frying because it does not disintegrate or mutate on frying. 

You will be surprised to know that our country is the largest importer of Palm oil and derives twenty three percent of the total global demand from Malaysia and Indonesia as per WWF. 

3. Advantages of Palm Oil 

Palm oil is one of the least expensive and most popular oils worldwide, accounting for one-third of global plant oil production. 

It requires just one tenth space to cultivate in comparison to any other oil seed plantation which I see at its biggest advantage. If you can get more nutritional value over a smaller piece of land (i.e. high land efficiency), there can’t be a more ideal scenario. The remaining land can be used for multiple other fruitful purposes like growing grains or fruits or vegetables as as per the need. 

Another advantage of Palm oil is that it helps in food security. Undoubtedly, food security is one of the most daunting global problems we are facing these days with as many as 815 million people chronically undernourished around the world and palm oil continues to play a significant role directly or indirectly in combating this issue.Not only is it rich in nutrients but also its prices and availability are optimum to ensure good security.

4. Health and Nutritional Benefits of Palm Oil

Palm oil is recommended for preventing vitamin A deficiency, cancer, brain disease, and ageing. It is also often used to treat malaria, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dementia, and cyanide poisoning.

 Palm oil also finds its benefits in weight loss industry and for increasing the body's metabolism which makes it a favourite in today’s times where the world is obsessed with fitness and rightly so. Palm oil is this making its way to more and more kitchens with each passing day.

5. Is Palm Oil’s success, it’s greatest enemy? 

I have come to believe that everything good today gets into a controversy and becomes debatable.It’s probably because of the Palm oil’s success that it is targeted.Thus it is high time we make an informed choice about the same as its benefits can’t make us overlook it under any circumstances. More information on this is readily available here: https://www.mpoc.org.in

Eat healthy and stay Healthy!

If you like what I write, you can grab the copies of my four published books here: The Fragrance of True Love, Destiny's Favorite Child, Dare to Defy The Destiny and Empowered Women Empower Women

Why Microgreens are the nutrient powerhouses? Benefits and How to Grow?

I recently shared about microgreens (the power house of nutrients as they are best known as in recent times) on my Instagram handle and the number of queries I got about them has made me put together this post for all of you, which has all that you wish to know about them. Many of you know last year has been critical to me in terms of health, fitness and nutrition and though I have always been an fitness enthusiast and healthy food advocate, post my endometriosis surgery last July(a condition which has no permanent cure and its medication leads to terrible weight gain), I have been more watchful towards ensuring that only the best healthy nutritious food comes on my plate and that nothing disturbs my morning walks, yoga and meditation regimes. In my search for the best, I came across the microgreens last year on the recommendation of Luke Coutinho and since then sprinkling them on our food is a norm in my family.

What are microgreens?

In simple terms you can understand micro-greens as juvenile-age plants and herbs of unlimited variety that are typically between 2-4 weeks old (vegetable greens, harvested after the Cotyledon leaves have developed). In terms of age, microgreens are older than sprouts but younger than shoots. These plants had developed its first pair of leaves when they are harvested.

You can’t miss them for their nutritional benefits, freshness and aroma and they are undoubtedly a chef’s delight.

I love them as they can be grown by us at our home in our balcony or a window sill in a tray or a small container. The joy of growing them with your little one, caring for them and then reaping the benefits as you pluck a few each day and garnish your food cannot be described in words. 

Microgreens in my eyes are the most versatile health-full ingredient that you can use to garnish your normal food, in soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and more directly without cooking or heating.

Benefits of microgreens

Microgreens are also incredibly nutritious and healthy, especially from a nutrient density perspective.

Researchers with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the United States Department have established that microgreens contain four to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts which is unbelievably impressive.

While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper.They are a great source of beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants too.Not only that, they are an excellent solution to battle hidden hungers, adding them to your diet is a great power-up, not to mention the precious green it adds to the ambience. They may be micro but their impact certainly is micro. 

In our metro life, at least there is something which is unadulterated and pure grown by us at home.

How to use microgreens?

When you wish to use the live microgreens from the trays it is recommended to use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the plant at the base, just above the roots, while holding a small bunch with your fingertips. To make sure you get the most flavor and the best texture, use the microgreens immediately after cutting.

Which are the best microgreens ?

Without a doubt, it is Broccoli which is a favourite of microgreen growers. It contains 550 per cent of the daily cumulative nutrients of Vitamin A, B, C and K as well as iron, magnesium and phosphorus. 

Only second is Basil, another good example of microgreens that are anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature. 

Kale, radish, sunflower shoots, pea shoots and wheatgrass are also worth growing microgreens.

Also, salad greens, leafy vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers can be grown as microgreens, though some varieties are better suited than others. Beginners may start by growing one type of seed, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard, chia, sunflower or buckwheat and then gradually add variety to their kitty.

How to grow microgreens at home?

1. Find a window sill or a location in your house where you get plenty of sunlight.
2. Thoroughly scan the seed packet(bought from a trustable organic source) to see if there are any special instructions.
3. Pick a shallow tray or container and line it with about an inch of organic soil mix, smooth it out.
4. Scatter seeds evenly on top of the soil and press gently into the soil.
5. Next, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and spray the surface with filtered water.
6. Place in sunlight and spray water a couple of times a day to keep the soil moist. 
7. In 2-4 weeks, you will witness one of thethe cutest marvels of nature,the tiny microgreens, smiling innocently to you.
8. Consume them refresh within 3-4 days and discard the waste in any plant of your garden, in some kinds of plants they even regrow.

 It is important to note that microgreens need about four hours daily of direct sunlight. In winter months, some may need even more. Leggy, pale greens are a sign of not enough sunlight. Light needs may also be satisfied with a grow light.

What to remember while growing microgreens?

Microgreens are generally considered safe to eat. When growing them at home, pay special attention to the quality of the seeds and growing mediums used which should be free from any contamination of harmful bacteria.

I researched a lot to ascertain that microgreens are not fads and when I was convinced they are worthy of being consumed seven days a week, I have adapted them as a must food habit. Hopefully, this article would have apprised you of all you wished to know about microgreens.

In Delhi, I also like the microgreens supplied by Gingko Greens if you will like to try them first before trying your hands at growing them :)

If you like what I write, you can grab the copies of my four published books here: The Fragrance of True Love, Destiny's Favorite Child, Dare to Defy The Destiny and Empowered Women Empower Women

A writer’s soul weaved into words

You know what pure writing is, it is to just let whatever emotions flood your heart flow out unconditionally, on a piece of paper without any fear of being judged for it or the urge to customise it for whatever reasons. That is what gives a writer's heart absolute bliss and contentment. Have been in this zone for quite a few times in past weeks and it won’t be appropriate if I don’t post those heartfelt pieces here on my blog, my live diary and my breathing space. The first one is for my mom who lives far far away in heaven, the picture above is of the bridge which one day will bring her back or take me to her or at-least I believe so.

Everyone has a mom

But I don’t have one

Why did you go away so early

I feel lonely without you maa

All I need is you

Running your fingers through my hair

If I make a mistake

You scold me hard rather than making a sullen face

And then forgive me like you always did

serving me my favourite rice and kadhi

It would taste of your fingers and your love

I never realised I am gonna miss your fingers so so much

Many years have passed

and perhaps I have grown up

Everyone expects me to act in a certain way

Mature and forgiving and perfect always

I am no more allowed to make mistakes

If I make I have to bear the repercussions in many hurtful ways

I still always try to spread a sunshine smile

But inside my heart yearns for your hug warm and tight

It craves for your chest where I can rest my head

And weep to my heart’s content

Everyone has a mom

But I don’t have one

The world is not the same after you have gone

For you were my magic talisman

Everything something went wrong

All I needed was to call you on your phone

Your precious smiles were my cool shade

In bitter, scorching and testing sunny life

The day you dressed me into a bride

Now I realise why my heart cried

I was such a baby

I thought whenever I wished to you I will fly

Never realised just a few months later

You will take a final flight to a land I can never find

The last time I heard your voice

I just thought you are little sick and will be fine

Why does God take away all good people so early

He forgets they too have a family

Your sweet voice still echoes in my mind

I love my dreams where you I always find

Smiling and caressing my tresses

Hearing my endless banter without judging

The irony is when I get up

You are nowhere to be found

Scared, I close my eyes back

But you have already left

Everyone has a mom

But I don’t have one

Why did you go away so early

I feel lonely without you maa

If only I can meet you once today

Even if it is for a few minutes

I will hug you tight and not leave your hand

Smother you with kisses and fake an anger asking where you went

I will cry and smile at the same time

For the tears won’t know

They rolled out of joy or sorrow

That emotion shall be divine

When I will hold my mom

I am sure you are listening up there

Do come down and meet me once

Thirteen years without you are way too long

Everyone has a mom

But I don’t have one

Why did you go away so early

I feel lonely without you maa....

———

The second one I wrote last week was for my husband on our anniversary as a tribute to our love, which goes like this.

Happy 14th wedding anniversary my love

Today is the best day to raise a toast to our sweet and sour yet delectable  bond

Thank you for giving me a truck load  of precious memories

and a life full of our affectionate banter

Feels good to look back

At our friendship of 20 years

Walking together embracing each other’s imperfections

Agreeing to disagree and still moving on

No more teens but still cuddling

Chuckling at all our PDA criticism

I agree I am a tough nut you have cracked

I too have handled the fragile you with utmost care

We no more fight(ok we do sometimes),

Perhaps have become more mature and wise

You know what’s the best part of my day

Taking with you those early morn strides

May we walk together like this together forever till the horizon

Without a word said, our silence speaking

This life has become special because you are in it

With you I wanted to grow old

And see how wonderfully we are doing it

As everyday gracefully unfolds

In your arms, life is so warm

Sorry for making you angry so many times

I must be grateful to you for keeping the child me alive

Need I say I love you to the moon and back a zillion times

————-

The third one is a small wish I made for my sonny precious on children’s day, here it goes

Soaked in your innocence and smiles

Life has always been a delight

Mum has always been short of words

To express what you mean to her

My sunshine, my guiding light

You are the power who always keeps me upright

With you my precious little angel

Life is indeed priceless and beautiful

With you my little one

I have lived my childhood again multiple times

Weaved uncountable memories

That warm my heart every time

You have kept the child in me alive

And given a wonderful meaning to my life

Today is children’s day , a day of every child

And I wish you whole heartedly the same my life

You fill my heart so much with pride

May you always shine and rise

Let every thorn of your life prick me thrice

But never try to bother you even once in a while

May all the roses of my life

Give you thrice as much comfort wherever you reside

———

All three are different overwhelming moments of the same heart which oozed out in words uninterrupted. Would love if you can recommend a title to any one of the above all any two or all three. The same shall be updated in this post courtesy your name.