2 year old as a BAD Example

My 2 and 4 month old is being looked at as a bad role model and bad influence. Just WOW.....

My child unintentionally hurts other kids by pushing or bitting and parents are  using him as an example of how you shouldnt act like him.

No, my child is not perfect and no I am definitely not saying its an acceptable behavior. I discipline right away by giving him Time Out, removing him from the situation and talking to my son after the situation so he can try telling me why he did what he did and he knows we dont hurt others.

Is it me or are parents getting more and more aggressive and expecting kids to behave like 30 year old mature adults. Where has the understanding of child behavior and psychology go?

Why are others parents using the victim card or calling out the offender when they dont want their child to misbehave? Why is my child being put under the bus?

I guess we cant all satisfy everyone and we cant expect everyone to understand. I know,no one said parenting was going to be easy and dealing with other parents was going to be easy.

Indian American Kid vs. American Kids

We have all wondered why my Indian kid doesnt eat or sleep on time. If you are one of those Indian moms whose kid only eats only white color food, blend food, only 1,2 different type of food, refusing to eat, gaging at just looking at what you have put on your plate, I feel your pain and so many moms do as well. Many of you may also be wondering why is my indian kid so stubburn and not eatting  by themselves or sleep on their own or play own their own.

Seriously, why does it matter whether you are Indian or American? Why do we find our sleves comparing and wondering what other parts of the world parents are doing? 

Yes, I too find myself comparing my child to other kids but I stop myself from wondering. Who cares if the kid in your son's day care sleeps by 7pm or your neighbors kid eats perfctly fine on his/herself or eats everything offered on his/her plate. No one said parenting was going to be easy. 

I raise my child the way I want him to be as a he grows up. Yes, I comfort my son, yes, I help him eat, yes, I pick  him up right away when he is wanting something or hurt. Not at all times, but I break alot of rules that we are suppose to follow. Who creates these rules anyways?

I put my son to sleep at 10pm so he can spend quality time with his father when he comes home from work. We speak to him in 2 different languages because its a skill he will appreciate when he is older. He will figure out language barrier on his own if he has issues in school. I put different types of cuisines on his plate as often as I can so he learns to eat variety. If at a playground, he is bullied, my husband tells him to stand up tall and learn to fight back against bulling. Literally, the list can go on and on. Look at each negative issue  from positive point of view.

I refuse to take part in this different culture race where there is no finish line. There is NO finishline when it comes to parenting no matter what part of the world you are from. STOP asking, Stop Comparing and Stop WONDERING. After all, we all have Only ONE thing in common which is PARENTING SO let your child be a child. Teach your child to be a good person and human.  And as parents all we can do is teach good values, culture and pass tradition. 

2015: Eating Smart Resolution

My new 2015 resolution isn't' to loose weight like every year after year.  In fact, this year I have decided to eat healthy and eat smart. I feel like every year I say I want to go on a diet, I end up eating more than I really need to eat.  So, I have decided to cut my portions to what I am actually suppose to eat.  By no means, my meals are healthy or perfect but I plan to make my meals much healthier than before. 

Here is what I am eating for lunch today. 1 cup of Salad with red peppers, lettuce, black beans, and feta cheese. 1 Cup Cheese Ravioli. 

Skincare Routine For Every Skin Type

Whether you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin, you must follow simple skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and glowing. 

Step 1: Wash your face morning and night with your favorite CLEANSER. This will help remove dirt and makeup.

Step 2: EXFOLIATE your skin twice a week. You could either use the store bought exfoliating scrub or simply mixing water and brown sugar mixture. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells.

Step 3: Use TONER.  This will basically help close pores. 

Step 4: MOISTURIZE your skin to keep your skin fueled, hydrated, protection from sun and to slow down aging.

Foods to Curb sweet Tooth

Yogurt with Honey



Brushing Teeth






Eating an Apple



Eating a Banana



Eating Dates



Eating a Coconut



Eating Piece of Jaggery






Tablespoon of Peanut Butter with Fruit

How to Treat Dry Skin

• Rub Honey over your Face/Body 10 minutes prior to showering
• Use Gentle Body Wash instead of soap bars
• Apply/Dab Oil on your skin.  Coconut, Olive, Almond or Baby Oil
• Apply Moisturizer (Lotion)
• Avoid HOT Showers
• Soak a small wash cloth in equal amounts of Yogurt and Milk mixture. Apply this wash cloth on your skin and let it rest for 10 minutes.  Wash off everything after about 10 minutes

DUPES: High End Vs. Drugstore Makeup Products

Save your self some money and get your self dupe for a High End Makeup products listed below.  The High End Makeup product is on the left and Drugstore is on the right.  

These products may have a huge price difference but they are very similar in formula, consistency, and how they look once you apply them on your skin.  I have listed average price but it may vary depending on where you are located and where you purchase them from. 

HIGH END Product on LEFT & Drugstore on RIGHT

1. MAC Prolong Wear Concealer ($20) vs. L.A Girl Pro Conceal ($3)

2. Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation ($64) vs. L'Oreal Magic Nude Foundation ($10)

3. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation  ($37) vs. Revlon Color Stay Foundation ($10)

4. Shiseido White Lucent Facial Cleanser ($30) vs. Pond's Flawless White facial Cleanser ($17)

Snack Idea: Dry (Suki) Bhel Recipe

 

1 Cup Mamra (Puffed Rice)

1/4 Teaspoon Chat Masala

1/4 Lemon or Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 Cup Tomatoes

1/2 Cup Onions

1/2 Cilantro

* You can add more or less of any of the ingredients listed above

Add All the ingredients

Mix Everything Well and Serve.

Healthy Sweet Potatoes Stew/Subzi

Healthy, quick, sweet, savory and Yummy Sweet Potatoes Stew/Subzi for Toddler over 1 year and Adults. It is healthy for adults and GUILT FREE.  You can puree it and serve, add extra water to eat it as a soup,  eat it with rice or with your choice of bread, roti or chappati.

Ingredients: 

1 cup: Sweet Potatoes 

1/3 cup: Tomatoes

1 Teaspoon: Oil

1/4 Teaspoon: Cumin Seeds (Jeera)

1/4 Teaspoon: Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch)

1/2 Teaspoon: Turmeric (Haldi)

1/4 Teaspoon: Ginger (Adrak)

1 Clove: Garlic (Lahsan)

1/2 Cup: Water

Salt to Taste

Method:

• Add Oil, Cumin Seeds, Red Chili Powder, Turmeric, Ginger, Salt, Garlic and Tomatoe
• Saute for minute or so
• Add Sweet Potatoes and Saute for about a minute
• Add  water and cook on medium to low heat till it starts boiling. 
• Pressure cook for 3 whistles. Let it rest for 10 minutes or till the pressure cooker cools down. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook on Medium to low heat in a pan till sweet potatoes are soft and tender
• Serve

Side Note: You can alter all spices based on your likes  and your child's tolerance for spices. Enjoy!

DYI: How to Clean Diamond Jewelery

Do it yourself (DYI): It's Easy, Quick and Fast. You will get amazing results just using 2 items. 

Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Jewelery

Before

Spread Toothpaste on the toothbrush and scrub away. You can use your Brush Bristles to get inside all the tiny little corners and holes

After Result: CLEAN, Shiny and Bright

Spicy Pesto Sandwich: Easy Lunch Recipe

Hello Everyone,
Here is my version of Spicy Pesto Sandwich.  You can of course make your own Pesto at home but I just didn't have time this time. Hope you enjoy this quick, easy and fast sandwich for lunch or quick meal. You can serve with chips, apples, or carrots.

Sriracha Sauce, Pesto Sauce, Bread, Butter, Tomatoes, Cheese

Spread Butter, Pesto & Sriracha Sauce

Place Tomatoes and Cheese of your Choice

Spread Butter on the outer side of the Bread

Toast till Crunchy and Enjoy

How to Teach your Toddler Colors Fast: Budget Friendly

Different ways I taught my son to identify colors fast, quickly, effectively and on a Budget. I used basic things I had around our home to teach him colors. I bought those flash cards but they were either eaten up or torn by my son.  So, I just used things around my house and used few tactics to teach him colors.  So here are tips and tricks that worked in teaching him to identify colors.  I hope these tactics and tips help you.

1. Set time everyday to teach your little one colors
2. Teach one color at a time
3. Be patient
4. Gather all different shapes and sizes in one color you plan on teaching
5. Keep repeating the color you are teaching. For Example, "Ball Red, Red, Red, Red"
6. Create Songs such as singing, "Apples are Red, Red, Red, Red"
7. Continue teaching one color for few days.  Include your child in the activity.  When you are out and about point out that specific color you are teaching.
8.  Spread out your choice of object to teach colors. Lets say you choose to use Paper in color Red. Spread them throughout a little section and have your child pick up those pieces of colors in Red from different parts of your home.
9. Use construction papers, Play Doh, Uno Cards, Legos, Balls or anything you really have at home.
10.  Don't force him to learn the color overnight. Repeat these tips and tricks every few days.

Good Luck! And I hope these tips help you as they have worked for me. Don't forget to Like & Share. Thank you :)

Mumbai Street Style Sandwich Recipe

Bread, Carrots, Peppers, Onions, Cheese, Butter, Chat Masala, Green Chutney, Mayo, Siriracha Sauce

Spread, Butter, Mayo, Siriracha Sauce, Chutney and Some Chat Masala

Add Vegetables and Cheese of your choice

Spread butter on each side and Toast till Crunchy

Yummy Goodness For your Tummy

Insanity Vs. P90X

Okay, so we have all been caught watching late night or early morning infomercials about P90X and Insanity.  I have caught myself eating potato chips and telling myself, I am starting this workout tomorrow.  But than I tell myself do I really want to spend all this money and the end result wont' be good. And I am for sure it doesn't work.  So was I wrong? Yes, I was wrong.

So here is my story and experience with P90X and Insanity. Back in 2009 I was traveling to Afghanistan for work and I saw tons of people in the gym working out in a small room.These people inspired me to just get into it and start working out.

And back in 2010, I started Insanity because I was tired of those typical workouts and I hated driving and going to the gym.  I just HATED IT.  So, one day I just said, what's the harm lets try it out. And so I was on my journey to completing Insanity Workout.

So you may be wondering what were the end results of both programs. Here are my thoughts.

P90X:

•  Weight Training, Yoga, Cardio but major focus is on Weight Training
• Its for folks who want to build muscle and burn Fat. You need weights to finish this whole program
• You won't loose weight overnight.  However, by the end of the program do expect to look toned and loose a lot more fat. I believe I had drooped about 5% of my fat.
• Build a lot of upper and lower body strengths.
• IT WORKED. Even though I didn't loose my goal weight, I did tone up a lot

Insanity:

• Get ready to sweat it out because it's HIGH INTENSITY based Workouts. It's a lot of running around, jumping around, and spinning it out
• 90% hardcore cardio based program
• You will loose weight if you workout and eat healthy
• You won't need weights. Just you, water, towel and DVDs
• I did loose weight and loved it. I could run longer, and breath better
• IT WORKED and accomplished my weight loss goal

So if you are in the market for a good program, BOTH OF these programs WORK just depending on what you are trying to do.  I mainly wanted to loose weight so I would choose Insanity.  It all really comes down to personal goals.  All you really need is MOTIVATION and SELF CONTROL to Accomplish any Program.  Keep in mind, I didn't exactly eat healthy but I was really trying my best to watch everything I put in my mouth.

I hope this helps many of you out there. If you have any questions or comments, just leave them down below. Thank you for reading :-)

Kid Friendly: Tindora Subzi (Ivy Gourd) Recipe

Hello Everyone,

Here is a quick recipe for you and your little one.  I am trying my best to offer the most unique vegetables so my son gets vitamins, nutrients and develops flavor.  Tindora is also known as Ivy Gourd. It's not a very basic recipe however, I made it in a way my son will enjoy it because it's simple and quick. I hope your little one likes it as well.  The reason why I don't provide exact measurements is because every toddler/kid has tolerance for spices so you can add pinch of all the spices listed below.  My goal is to offer variety to develop his little tummy and taste buds.

Ingredients:

• Tindora

• Oil, Salt, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Seeds, Sugar, Chili Powder, Garlic and Ginger
• Potatoes and Tomatoes (Optional). I didn't add them because my son will only eat these 2 vegetables and Skip Tindora

Method:

• Add Oil and Cumin Seeds
• Add Tomatoes (optional) 
• Add Tindora, Potatoes
• Add All the spices listed above per your taste.  
• Cook till the Tindora becomes soft and tender.  I cook them on low heat to get a little crunch.
  
  
  

  

  Before

  

  After

  Enjoy!

Lunch Recipe Idea: Vegetable Wrap With Hummus/Cream Cheese

Super Easy, and Super Quick. This is great recipe for when you are traveling or want a change from typical sandwiches. 

Things You'll need:

• Plain or Flavor Tortilla.  You can even use Roti/bread/Pita Bread
• Hummus (Any Kind)
• Vegetable Cream Cheese (Any Flavor)
• Any Shredded or finely chopped Vegetables. I use Carrots, Capsicum, Jalapenos, Onions. 
• Butter

 Method:

• Toast the store bought Tortilla since it's bit chewy and not fully cooked.  You can cook it on stove top or any sort of flat pan. Let it cool down for about a minute
• Spread Hummus and Cream Cheese. Do not over spread
• Spread Vegetables. Do not over stuff
• Wrap the tortilla.  
• Spread some butter on outer layer and Toast for 1 minute on each side on medium/Low Heat.

Enjoy!

How I lost 1.5 Pounds per Week

Breakfast:

* Black Tea or Coffee with artificial sweetener

* Half a Packet of Instant Oatmeal or 1 Banana 

 

Snack:

* 1 Cup Raw Carrots

 

Lunch:

* Salad with 1 ounce of Beans, Green Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Broccoli, Onions with 1 tablespoon of Fat Free/Light Dressing

* 1 Fruit

 

Snack:

String Cheese and unsalted Almonds

 

Dinner:

* Boiled Vegetables with Oregano, Garlic, Red Chili Flakes, Lemon. NO Salt

* Salad with lots of vegetables, 1 tablespoon of dressing. Add Boiled Chicken or Fish

* 1 Fruit

 

Bed Time Snack:

Tea with half teaspoon of Artificial Sweetener

 

How I got my 22 Month Old Toddler to Eat

As parents we all struggle to get all the nutrients and vitamins into our little ones. Let's face it, we try our best but we can't always be successful.  My son has been a poor eater since he was born and when he is teething it gets worse.  After about 20 months, I had enough of it because he just wouldn't eat no matter what I put on his plate.  So, after reading many things online, talking to doctors, nutritionist and other parents here are the tips and tricks that worked for me. I hope they work for you as they have worked for me.

• Be prepared mentally. Put your foot down and get strong for about a week.
• Offer Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Snack.
• Do not offer any meals or snacks in between.
• Put a plate of food with 3 options.  For Example, Lunch put whatever you want them to eat, veggies and 1 thing they enjoy.
• If they don't eat any of it, ask if they are done with the meal. If done, take the plate away.
• DO NOT OFFER any other foods if they did not eat their meal or snack.
• Distract them if they skipped their meal/snack because you want them to feel  and understand the hungry feeling. 
• Eat same foods yourself that you want them to eat.
• Eat Together as family. 
• BEING STRICT FOR FEW DAYS WITH A STRICT ROUTINE WILL REALLY HELP. The goal of this is to change their behavior towards eating.
• THEY WILL EAT when they are HUNGRY.  It's harder for us to see them not eat for 2,3 hours than it is for them.   

I hope these tips help you. Good Luck

Best Toys for 1 Year Baby and Younger

There are way too many toys for little ones out there.  It's super overwhelming and you give into buying everything.  But here are few toys that my son loved since he was a baby. These are great for getting their motor skills running and for development.  I hope your little one loves them as much as my son loved them. 

Quick: 7 Day Breakfast Ideas for your Family

7 Day Breakfast Ideas for you and your little one .............