Remove odour with Lemon

1• To remove the strong odours of fish or garlic from your hands, rub a bit of lemon on them before washing if off with soap.

2• If your fridge smells of stale food, cut a few lemons and keep them in the fridge. In no time the smell will be gone.

3• To get rid of the smell of petrol or kerosene make a paste of gramflour and water and rub your hands vigorously. Then simply wash off.

4• An old spice bottle still smells of the spice that was in it, throw in a handful of kitchen salt and pour a little water. Let it be for a while, then rinse with water.

5• Your cooking vessel shows a few burnt stains simply, boil in it a mixture of water and vinegar. The burnt spots will come off easily.

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Tips for women travellers

Stay Safe, But Don't Stay Home .
It's a fact that women need to travel with a little special care , just remember to follow the same basic street rules ,
1. Make smart choices and use your common sense. Don't be paranoid, but be aware that bad things do happen, and protect yourself.
2.Even when you’re all for spontaneity, pre-book your first night’s accommodation and how to get there to avoid glitches from jetlag and fatigue.
3.Trust your instincts. If you feel something is off, wrong, strange - get out, move on, flee, scream, whatever is appropriate. Do it quickly.
4.Consider avoiding deserted streets after dark; if you can't, then carry a small, heavy flashlight in your hand. Be careful on dark streets even if you have a companion
5.Muggers aren't interested in your bra. Sew pockets into it where you can keep some folded cash; if you do get mugged, you're not left helpless. A money belt works, too, but thieves know all about money belts.
6.If you have to wait somewhere, sit with other women or families to avoid being approached or harassed.Always bring a business card from your hotel when you step out to find your way back. 7.If you’re planning a trip to the wilderness, wear long sleeve blouses and pants to avoid bug bites. Bring toothpaste or cold cream to reduce severe itching when you do get bitten.
8.Dressing well can make a thief think you have mounds of moolah in your bag. And women's dress can be a major issue in some developing countries.
9.Be sure to know when the sun rises and sets. A bustling market can quickly empty out and be transformed into dark deserted streets. Plan to be back to your lodging or in a safe, busy neighborhood by dark.
10.When traveling alone, use public transport and stroll around places where the locals gather to get a feel of the culture and meet new friends.

Wine , Fish and Chocolate fights with Wrinkles

WINE
Drinking alcohol in moderation protects against heart disease, diabetes and age-related memory loss. Any kind of alcoholic beverage seems to provide such benefits, but red wine has been the focus of much of the research. Red wine contains resveratrol, a compound that contributes to its benefits — and, according to animal studies, may activate genes that slow cellular aging.
FISH
Thirty years ago, researchers began to study why the native Inuits of Alaska were remarkably free of heart disease. The reason, scientists now think, is the extraordinary amount of fish they consume. Fish is an abundant source of omega-3 fats, which help prevent cholesterol build-up in arteries and protect against abnormal heart rhythms.
CHOCOLATE
The Kuna people of the San Blas islands, off the coast of Panama, have a rate of heart disease that is nine times less than that of mainland Panamanians. The reason? The Kuna drink plenty of a beverage made with generous proportions of cocoa, which is unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.
Courtesy TOI

It is For your eyes only

Eye Care: Some Dos & Don’ts

1.Never work in dim light

2.Wear sunglasses out in the sun

3.Do not read continuously in moving vehicles, take break .

4.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, papaya and mangoes because these are enriched with beta carotene and are excellent for healthy eyes and proper vision

5.Apply cucumber water or thin slices of cucumber to the skin around the eyes, especially if this skin is looking dry . It improves your vision and also reduces puffs and bags under the eyes. This the best and easiest eye care tips .

6.Apply all-natural eye drops .

7.Splash eyes with cold water. Apply cotton wool pads, soaked in warm milk, light tea solution or rose water on the eyes. Press gently and leave for 10 minutes

8.Do regular eye exercise and make it a practice.

Exercise For The Eyes

1.Lift the eyes to the ceiling and then to the floor. Repeat. Look straight ahead, then to the left and then to the right. Repeat. Make a circle, first clockwise and then anticlockwise, with the eyes. Repeat

2.Rub your hands together until they feel warm, close your eyes and cover them lightly with cupped palms. Without applying too much pressure on the closed eyelids, place your palms on your eyes so that your nose remains uncovered, and no light rays are able to enter the eyes. Take deep breaths slowly and evenly, and relax yourself, and after your eyes see nothing but blackness, remove your palms from your eyes. Repeat

How to choose size of children shoes

Kids go through enough shoes that you may want to consider a plan just for their feet. Toddler's feet can grow an entire size or more every three months, and rough-and-tumble play takes its toll. Shopping for kids' shoes, though, doesn't need to be daunting. The key is to keep up with growth spurts by having your child's feet properly measured on a regular basis.

1.Wait wait

Wait to buy shoes until your child starts to walk. Research suggests that children develop healthy, well-developed feet when they learn to walk barefoot. Keep their feet toasty and unrestricted with soft booties or warm skid-free socks. Robeez (robeez.com) makes thin but warm leather moccasins in a range of colors and sizes that actually stay on little crawlers' feet.

2.Find a good Store

When it's time for your baby's first pair of shoes, take your well rested, recently fed child to a quality children's shoe store that stock brands . The best stores have patient and knowledgeable salespeople who are expert at fitting children's feet.

3.Measurement

Have the salesperson measure the length and width of both of the child's feet. Many babies have an extra wide foot and may need a special size.

4.Fitting

Make sure the shoes aren't too big, which can cause a baby to trip. First shoes should be soft and pliable to let new walkers feel the ground.

How to get rid of morning sickness

Try the following tips :

* Mix half a teaspoon of ginger juice, one teaspoon of fresh lime juice, one teaspoon of mint juice and one teaspoon of honey to be taken three to four times a day.

* Juice from 15-20 tender curry leaves with two teaspoons of lime juice and one teaspoon of honey to be taken four times a day.

* One teaspoon of mint juice, lime juice with honey, three times a day.

* Don't drink and eat at the same time. In other words, drink your fluids between meals, instead of during meals, to avoid too much bulk in the stomach.

*Take a walk. Exercise can sometimes help alleviate symptoms. Plus, it's good for your body. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying anything more strenuous than a walk, however.

*Don't forget to brush. If you do succumb to vomiting, take good care of your teeth by brushing afterward (at least rinse your mouth if you can't brush right away). Otherwise, the frequent contact with the harsh acids in your vomit can eat away at tooth enamel.

courtesy: TOI & howstuffworks.com

Skipping Fun

* Skipping is something everybody can do in their spare time

*It’s a simple and fun exercise and once you get the hang of it, you’re bound to like it

*Skipping is not complicated at all. It’s as simple as popping a pill. All you need is to learn the ropes (pun intended)

*Skipping is certainly not rocket science. All you need is a bit of muscular coordination

* The effort it takes to jump the rope for 10 minutes equals to running a mile in 8 minutes

* One hour of skipping burns 1,300 calories. Not bad at all for something that only requires a piece of rope and some free time. What say?

* Skipping also does a better job of protecting your joints from strain injury

* Skipping is good for your arms. As the shoulders get a really good workout from keeping that rope in motion.

Courtesy: TOI

Fern feature !

Ferns do not produce seeds, but they do produce spores on the underside of their leaves. To grow new ferns from your existing one, you can simply plant the spores. Carefully collect spores from a mature leaf frond by shaking the leaf over a piece of white paper. Sprinkle these spores on to moist potting soil in a glass jar. Cover the jar with clear plastic and keep it in a warm, lighted area. Wait until your ferns mature and grow (about 12 inches) to transplant them into your garden

• SOIL: Ferns prefer well drained sandy or humus rich soil. Elevated beds work well, providing good aeration and drainage

• LIGHT: Indirect light is best for healthy growth of ferns. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight. Filtered sun or early morning and late afternoon sunlight will produce a healthier, stronger plant

• FERTILISING: Ferns that are growing in humus rich soil, will require very little fertiliser. Use a fertilise that is high in nitrogen, about once a month during the growing season

• WATERING: Good watering practices are crucial for healthy ferns. During the growing season, you may have to water often. Depending on the weather, this may mean watering every few days. Most ferns prefer a moist, humid environment. Good drainage is also necessary to prevent drowning the plant

• CARING: The leaf of a fern is called the frond. Remove dead fronds periodically to ensure they look fresh and healthy

It's Picnic time folks !

The most difficult task of a picnic is remembering everything. Make a list on the computer of everything you might need for a picnic. Then as you pack, check off the items that you really need. Save the list for the next picnic trip. When you return, add items that you wished you had taken. Eventually, you’ll have the perfect list for your family.
Everyone likes to lounge on a picnic blanket but, sometimes, the ground is wet. Bring along a plastic tarp to put underneath the blanket.
Pick your picnic spot strategically. If mosquitoes are a problem, choose a higher, drier spot. On the other hand, if staying warm is a problem, choose a spot exposed to the sun and protected from cool breezes. If it’s hot, pick a spot in the shade in the hottest part of the afternoon.
Think safety. If you have kids along, make sure there are no hazards nearby like busy roads, deep water, etc.
Don’t forget the tablecloth. Inexpensive, plastic-coated ones make great picnic equipment, especially with kids.
Speaking of kids, don’t forget paper towels for those spills and cleaning wipes to cleanse dirty hands and faces. Put a dry towel and a wet washcloth on your list.
Bring plenty of liquids. Water is the best hydrator but consider juices and slushes. Try freezing punches or juices to a slush to take along in a cooler.
Include fruits in your picnic basket. Add fruits and fruit pieces to green salads and turkey or chicken salads.
Bring along a cutting board and a couple of good knives. Cutting boards are especially useful if you are without a picnic table. The hard plastic types are great for picnics.
Perishable foods must be kept cold. Bacteria grow best above forty degrees, and it takes plenty of ice in a cooler to keep foods below 40 degrees. Perishable foods should only be allowed to remain above 40 degrees for a couple of hours. Stick a first-aid kit and a calamine lotion in the car and leave it there. In case the weather changes, be prepared to retreat to a place of shelter. Waiting out there is much more pleasant with a few good books or a game the family enjoys. If you are going into the mountains or woods – or anywhere off the beaten track – be sure that someone you trust knows where you are going and when you plan to return. Carry folding camp stools. They are comfortable, inexpensive and compact. With these, you can stop anywhere and have a comfortable picnic. Include games and books. Frisbees and balls work for the kids. A badminton set works for the adults. And it’s nice to have a couple of interesting books along that you never find time to read at home. So, why not set off for a picnic right away?

courtsy:TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Your wrinkles Vanished !

1 Add grated carrots to spaghetti sauce. You won’t notice their presence and their carotene will feed your skin.

2 Add fresh spinach leaves to salad greens. Spinach contains more carotene than other types of lettuce.

3 Enjoy a daily fruit smoothie made of vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit.

4 For a special dessert that’s good for your skin, place chilled melon balls in a wine glass; splash with champagne and add mint for garnish.

5 Keep fresh broccoli florets handy in the fridge for a predinner snack. Serve with your favourite low-fat dip for a treat everyone will love.

6 Make fruit a part of every dinner meal.

7 Add broccoli and fresh spinach to pasta or tomato salads. They fit into just about every recipe.

8 Substitute papaya for tomato in salsa recipes. Not only will your taste buds tango, you’ll also get plenty of carotene!

Peas, Peas !

When most people think of peas, they remember them as the food that they loved to hate when they were children, yet one that was extremely fun to play with on their plates. Yet, many of them have become adults and learned to appreciate this vibrant and delicious legume due to its wonderful taste and texture. There are generally three types of peas that are commonly eaten: garden or green peas, snow peas and snap peas. Garden peas have rounded pods that are usually slightly curved with a smooth texture and vibrant green colour. Inside them are green rounded pea seeds that are sweet and starchy in taste.
Green peas provide nutrients, including vitamin C, which are instrumental in helping to prevent the development of cancer. A high intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risks for virtually all forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers like breast, prostate, cervix, and ovarian cancers. Vitamin C is your body’s first and most effective line of antioxidant protection. Vitamin C protects cell structures like DNA from damage; it helps the body deal with environmental pollution and toxic chemicals; it enhances immune function and it inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds in the body.
* All peas are good sources of vitamin A, C, folate, iron and phosphorus

* Frozen peas retain their colour, flavour and nutrients better than canned ones and are lower in sodium

* Peas freeze beautifully if they are fresh. Fresh frozen peas do not need to be cooked upon thawing. Just add to soups, stews or heat briefly before serving

* Green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. They are a very good source of vitamin K1, which activates osteocalcin, the major noncollagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside the bone .

How much time do you spend with your children ?

Thousands of dads have spent the much-needed quality time with their kids this Christmas. But how can they make sure this closeness lasts through 2008? A recent survey found that one in four kids don’t count their father as being part of their family.
BE A GREAT DAD :-
1.Balance work and family time:
Young children will demand your time as soon as you get home — regardless of how difficult your day has been. Try to leave work behind you by avoiding starting stressful jobs in the last half hour of the day and winding down on your way home by listening to music.
2.Have a ‘getting home’ routine:
A big hug when you walk through the front door and taking time to listen to what your child has been up to is crucial. Try to set aside time each night to help them with everyday tasks.
3.Find out what’s going on in their life:
Asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer will open up the possibility of real conversation between you.
4.Remember one-on-one time:
If you have more than one child, try to spend time with them individually. Doing things you both enjoy helps develop skills and interests.
5.Help with schoolwork:
Reading stories instills good habits and creates a great bedtime routine. At weekends, surf the Internet with your kids. Volunteer to pick up your child from school, taking the opportunity to visit their classroom and meet their teacher.
6.Carve out some Dad-only time:
Keep Saturday or Sunday mornings as “Dadonly” time. And plan something fun to do.
7.If you only see your kids on weekends...:
Make concrete arrangements and stick to them. Forget expensive trips or gifts — your children will benefit most from time spent doing everyday activities.

Your tiny pet : Fish !

* TANK SIZE:
Make sure your tank is large enough—about 30 square inches of surface area per inch of fish. Increase the size of the tank by 50 to 100 per cent before adding more fish.

* FISH SELECTION:
Mixing faster and stronger fish with slower, weaker ones should be avoided as the slower fish will not get enough to eat, and the faster ones will be overfed. SELF CLEANSERS: Add a few algae eating fish to your tank. They will help keep algae in check and you will have a cleaner looking tank.

* FILTERS:
The best time to replace or clean filters is while changing water.

* WATER:
No matter how effective and advanced your filter system is, it cannot extract all waste materials that accumulate.

Warm Discussion : Get your man to kiss you !

*Break the ‘touch barrier’. Touch his elbow, hold hands, put a hand on his knee. Breaking this barrier will help both of you get past some of the hangups the two of you may have about physical contact.

* Be mentally prepared as the moment approaches. Most first kisses happen towards the end of a date. Visualise in your mind what you want to happen.

*Look him in the eyes and bite your lower lip slightly. You should smile gently.

*Brush your teeth well before you get together. There’s nothing worse than kissing someone with bad breath, or someone who still has leftovers stuck bephysical,tween their pearly whites.

* Take a few steps forward and touch his elbow. By this time, he should lean forward.

* Stare into his eyes deeply and move your head towards him slowly.

* When he starts to close his eyes, close yours and lean forward slightly. He’ll be more than happy to do the work.

* When you do kiss him, don’t rush off to tell everyone. Some guys are shy and won’t appreciate your sharing something between the two of you with all your friends.

Top 4 time waster :Waste your time and be healthy !

DAYDREAMING
It might feel like the ultimate waste of time, but it’s just the opposite. Recent research suggests that during daydreaming, your brain may actually be processing important issues that aren’t relevant at that immediate moment, like strategising about tonight’s dinner to wondering about your kid’s mysterious cold. So forgive yourself for spacing out during that boring PTA meeting: Though you may not even be aware
of it, you’ve got other things on your mind.
NAPPING
It does a mind and body good. A 15-to-20-minute snooze can make you more alert and energised and improve your stamina, and longer naps can even help you learn and retain information better. That’s all the excuse you need to rest those drooping eyelids for a minute. MESSINESS
It is in the eye of the beholder. Just because you are less organised, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are slower or less efficient than those who have less scatter on their desk. And if you’re naturally a little sloppy, what really wastes time is struggling to maintain strict order. Sure, always searching for your keys isn’t exactly time efficient, but think of the treasures you’ll discover.
GOSSIPING
Whether positive or negative, it is a great way to pass some time. Gossiping helps us relate and bond with our peers over shared values and sentiments. In fact, it may even increase your endorphin levels, which reduce stress and lower your heart rate. No wonder they call it the gift of the gab!

Pic from : http://www.istockphoto.com

Laugh & Relationship !

Here is the tip to use humour
*Use humour to improve your relationship
*Be a humour hound. When something funny strikes you, enjoy it.
*Begin to cultivate an atmosphere of humour in your relationships.
*If you don’t laugh as much as you used to start associating with humorous and fun-loving people and avoid the downers.
*Learn to laugh at yourself.
*Encourage others . When someone sees that you have enjoyed their humorous contribution, they will be eager to continue sharing.

Enjoy : No hangover !

How to get rid of a hangover

* Drink plenty of water before going to bed as well as when you wake up in the morning.

* Eating some foodstuff while and after you are drinking will slow down the rate at which alcohol enters the blood, thereby reducing the hangover.

* Consume vitamin C tablets, as they lead to the breakdown of alcohol content in the body.

* Try to eat starchy foods to slow down the alcohol absorption.

* Limit yourself to less than one drink per hour.

* Try to alternate your alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic beverages such as water.

* Stick to non-carbonated drinks as carbonation can speed up the alcohol absorption.

* Try to avoid sweet drinks (and sugary foods) while you drink. The sweet taste of the drink can make it difficult for you to judge how much alcohol you’re actually consuming.

* Exercise will help get rid of your hangover by helping the body rid itself of toxins. The increased circulation gets blood and oxygen to your oxygenstarved brain. A good, brisk walk will also increase circulation with the results mentioned above.

* One of the quickest ways to cure a hangover is to make a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. The banana helps calm the stomach, and with the honey, builds up the depleted blood sugar levels.

Burning Padal : Fitness is just a few pedals away !

There’s a slight nip in the air. The mornings are more than pleasant, just perfect to relive those cycling days. The thrill is unmatched, the health benefits unrivalled. And you don’t even need an expensive health club membership. Just hop on to your cycle and pedal along…

NEWER, BETTER BIKES
Cycling is not just toiling hard on your cycle without reaching anywhere. Some of the latest cycles with gears even allow you to touch speed of 80 kph. These are specially designed bikes that need a bit of experience of having ridden a gear cycle.
With proper leg movement, you can touch really fast speeds.

START-UP TIPS
To enjoy your ride, you need to ensure a few things. Make sure the tyres have air filled to optimum
pressure. This makes the ride less bumpy. Brakes should work properly. With the kind of traffic we get to see in the city, proper brakes are a must.
All nuts and bolts should be properly tightened. The chain should be lubricated to enable a smooth ride.

RIDE WELL
It’s okay to choose a bike with gears but don’t choose a gear that allows you to pedal slowly. It’s a lot of effort put in without reaching anywhere. Once you get used to cycling, you’ll realise that fast pedalling needs lesser effort and it’s easier to maintain momentum too. Also pedalling at 70–80 revolutions per minute puts less strain on your thighs, knees, calves.

SOCIAL BIKING!
Cycling isn’t high on the priority list of city authorities. While the sport gains popularity, you will have to do the initial running around to make things work for you. Cycling can develop into one of the healthiest ways to socialise. Get in touch with other people—friends, relatives, cyclists—who share your passion. Form an online community, visit cycle shops to find out who frequents these places and form your own groups. If your college or workplace is close by, persuade colleagues or friends to go cycling rather than use bikes or cars.

PED PEP
To start cycling, you don’t need to undergo any special fitness regimen. Cycling is a fitness regimen in itself. You just need to get on to your cycle and start pedalling around in your neighbourhood. Try to rope in some enthusiastic friends or relatives and move in a group, as this will give you a larger road presence. This proves helpful when you make the transition from your locality to major arterial roads. Also initially you can just start with your normal cycle. Get the leg movement and pedalling right before thinking of moving on to cycles with gears

On a bicycle, you can travel up to 1,037 km on the energy equivalent of a single litre of petrol. Also, you can travel four times faster than you can walk—using the same amount of energy

Care for Tyre !

*Check air pressure in all tyres regularly. Simply stop at any petrol pump once a week and ask the attendant to find out if your tyres have adequate air filled.

* Always get the ideal tyres for your car. While bigger and broader tyres may be in, they may not go down well with your car and may wear out faster. Refer to the car manual to find out which tyre best suits your car. Some cars have a tyre placard below the driver’s seat.

* As much as possible, avoid sudden brakes or acceleration. These hasten tyre wear and tear.

* While parking, take care that your tyres aren’t brushing against a pavement or a wall.

* Always try and get you tyre’s fitting checked by a mechanic. Wrong/loose fitting can be dangerous for you.

* In case of cuts in the tyres, don’t settle for adhesives to fix the problem. Try and get them changed.

A New Sofa... How big is your family ?

You just can’t get rid of that stain on your old sofa, the fabric doesn’t match your taste anymore, or you’re moving to a new place and need something to fill a bigger (or smaller) space, so it’s time to retire your old couch and get a new one. If you’re in the market for a new sofa, here are some things to know before you buy.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE YOU NEED TO SIT:
When thinking about the size, think one cushion per person. A three-cushion couch seats three comfortably, whereas a two-person couch will only fit three if those people don’t mind snuggling.

HOW MESSY YOUR FAMILY IS:
If you have kids or pets, keep in mind that a sofa with a pattern will hide stains better than one without. In addition, if you think your sofa will undergo a lot of wear and tear, pick a sofa with a sturdier fabric.

WHAT YOU FIND COMFORTABLE:
Comfort means different things to different people. Do you have a favourite chair that you just sink into? If so, do more than just look for that same cozy feeling when shopping for a sofa: actually measure your favourite chair’s dimensions, including the back angle and the depth of the seat.

HOW MUCH SPACE YOU HAVE:
You should have at least three feet around a sofa for people to pass by—any less and your room will feel crowded and cluttered. Measure the footprint of any sofa you’re thinking of getting so that you’ll have an idea how far it comes out into your living room.

QUALITY:
Even if you’re on a low budget, you should look for a good-quality build when buying a sofa otherwise you’ll just have to replace it again, and sooner than you probably want to. To check the integrity of the frame, try lifting one front leg up. If the other front leg stays on the ground after you’ve lifted the first more than an inch, move on the frame is too flexible and weak. Your sofa’s feet should be part of the frame, not bolted on.

COLOUR AND PATTERN:
Before buying a sofa, ask for a swatch of material to take home. Colours and patterns can look very different under different lighting. Taking home a sample is always a good idea.

YOUR USAGE HABITS:
If you’re planning to do more TV-watching and book-reading on your new sofa than entertaining—you’ll want a sofa that holds up well and that is comfortable.