Oil free Deepam

Whats special for Karthigai Deepam? Did you light the 'deepam' in your home? Me...Well, I prepared Sweet Appam, Sabudana Vada and as usual Pooha mixture (with coconut and Jaggery). And living in the apartment with carpet covered floors, we can't even think of drawing Rangoli (Kolam) and i really miss it here. Then, we prayed lighting the lamp (Vizhakku) in our Pooja and I also lighted small scented candles (bought from the department store) and arranged in my kitchen counter top. Those candle lights reminds me of my celebration when I was in India, where we used to light the lamps with oil (Agal Vizhakku) and draw rangoli at the entrance of our home. We celebrate it for three days with lighting lamps. Those are real good times, just sitting and enjoying the sweets prepared by my mom.

Hope you too had brighten your home with lamps......

Glee with no sparkling fireworks

Yep! thats how you celebrate Diwali in America, without firecrackers. This is the time you miss your family and friends in hometown, the most. So try to distract your mind by making your taste buds happy. Thats it. What could make you more happy, than having a bite of juicy Gulab Jamun, that just melts in your mouth. I can hear you saying 'mm mm'. Now we are talking. So how did you celebrate?

Heard from my friend in UK that firecrackers are allowed there on Diwali. Thats nice. Man, she had a very good time. Me, yeah! i also had fun. We celebrated with our relative living nearby. It was a great idea of theirs to shoot the party poppers (available in party supply stores) and it was really fun. It emits a loud popping noise and shoot rainbows of confetti and streamers. I prepared sweets like Badam Halwa and Gulab Jamun and namkeens like Kara Boondi, also Murukku and Ribbon Murukku.

EOD, my taste buds were happy. Hope the same from you.

Its alright, you have the right to Write

Wait a minute, don't give me that look, i just tried to give my title a rhyme. You know what? Its possible to spill out everything in your mind in writing than talking to someone else. It is a great mind reliever. Say, you have a fight with your husband, and you both haven't had a conversation for a day, just take a piece of paper and write everything that circles your mind. Now, take a deep breath, oooh its all gone. I really don't wish the above situation for you. The point am trying to make here is, the best writing always comes from your heart, no compromise.

Am not telling you to maintain a diary and record your daily lives, instead let your mind open and write an article about the unusual situation you face or things you see or create your own. I know, most of the times people live in imaginary world, which always make them happy. Put those thoughts into words, share with the world and give a life to it. Anything and everything is possible here, just like a road with no dead end. You can develop the writing skills only by writing and writing.

Got blessings from the 'Goddess of Learning'?

Saraswathi pooja is performed for the blessing of life with good learnings. Books and musical instruments are placed before the Goddess and prayed. Usually, children will be admitted in schools and toddlers will be taught their first alphabet, the next day, (i.e) on Vijayadasami. It is the day to begin new business or education, which assures to be a success.

Ok, now let me tell you what i did. Its last sunday (09/23), i prayed the Goddess with my language learning software and few library books. I prepared Bonda (with Urad dal), Sundal (with chick peas) and a mixture of Aval (pooha)-Pori (puffed rice)-Vellam (jaggery) and had a wonderful meal.

Go ahead and share your day with all of us.

Click n Snap

I know you are making more use of it from the day one you landed on US, than before. One day, your eyes can forget the fun or lovely moment spent, but with just a click, it can capture your moments for it's life long. Nobody would go outing without this handy, palm size, moment capturing guy, mmhmm, am talking about your Camera. Thinking about the number of photos taken and sent to your parents or friends in home town? I know, isn't it crazy?

If you are a mom, capturing your kid's first crawl or walk or anything he/she does will make you joyous. Later when you go back and look at those pictures, it will remind you those moments spent, which cannot be replayed, that either makes you feel happy or sad, in a different way. I also do the same thing just like you, yep, often open my pictures folder and smile at it. They are some memories, eh? Of course you would have experienced this, right? I just got carried away with my moments.

The point am trying to make here is, why not turn your fun clicks into something with creativity and become a photographer? How does that sound? I mean, imagine yourself as a professional, isn't that great? Photography is really fun to learn with artistic eyes. Am sure you have a pair of it. You know what? Passion makes you really powerful. There are even online courses available. Did you know, pictures of dishes in cook book magazines aren't original, but fake. I have wondered, how could a dish become so picture perfect, and found that they are just feast for the eyes.

Capture the world with your magical eyes!!!

Wonders of Needle & Thread

Yep, they are just 2 handy little guys (i mean N & T) makes wonders in our daily wear. You too can make use of' 'em and create wonders around you, at your home. They call it as Embroidery/ Sewing/ Knitting/ Whatever, you name it. You can visit stores like Michaels or Joann or even Walmart to get your supplies. Better reserve Embroidery sewing machine as your next birthday gift from your husband. Now, start your base preparation like buying plain cloth, color threads and design pattern. If not, let hand kerchief be your first victim.

Once you are through with simple designs, let your next victim be camisole or tank top or skirt or anything you wear at home. There are plenty of design patterns available online. So download them and make use of it. You know what? There is a simple task yet to finish at your home. Just look around. Did you find it out? No? Thinking to clean your room? Oh c'mon! you can do that later. At least a guess? OK OK i will tell you, ta-da, its 'Curtains'. Very simple yet very enjoyable work. Find matching colors to your walls, dimensions and buy appropriate cloth (not ready made). Now, you are the designer.

Did i mention about wall hangings? Yes, that's something you could fill all your walls or a gift to your friends. What else could eat your time and make you happy other than your hand work and of course hard work?

Something is better than nothing

Wondering whats better? Earning cash. Oh c'mon i know you are H4, but still you could earn some cash filling out online surveys. It really works. You could spend your time checking out emails and get paid. Mmm, now you are interested, aren't you? Though the money earned is small, you will feel happy when they send you the check. There are plenty of online coupons you will get access to, just a click is enough for paid emails. If you are a money saver by using coupons, like me, then its for you.

Its that easy, you will have to sign up and start filling out surveys, with no CC needed. You can even play games, compete with others and win cash prize. There are many free or trial offers, that you are a click away. You get 5$ just for signing up. I know, isn't it cool? Thats it. You invest your time and they will send you the cash. I received my check. What are you still waiting for?

Perfect time for an extra degree!!!

Yes! Thats a good idea, continuing your education. There is definitely no full stop for studying. Its the one thing you can do till your last breath. Though you learn many things from your daily life, going back to school and studying will help your future H1b. Oh yeah! sure it will help your career. Wondering how? Thats quite easy, if you have the thirst to learn. Its mere involvement and hardwork. So interested?

Sure you are very much interested, aren't you? Excellent. If you wanna stay home and study, very well then, go and check for the best University and enroll for an online course related to your previous education/work. If it is a master degree, you will have to score TOEFL/GMAT/GRE before you start your course. Sure it will cost you, but every penny is worth spending.

Already have a master degree? OK, wish to do a short term certification course? Wonderful. There are many more options available. Say, you have computer/software/IT background try courses like Software testing, Coding, Web designing etc. If you have business background check courses related to Finance, Human Resource, Health care, Marketing and many. What else? Discuss with your spouse and decide it soon.

Already started counting the alphabets after you name???

Worth doing, for sure

Puzzled? Looking for what's worth doing? You gotcha. Its YOGA.

What are you, stressed? Living with aches/pains? Pregnant? You name it, its for you. It helps in many forms like improving posture (thinking of your husband sitting infront of computer the whole day? convince him to join you), increases flexibility in the body, focus mind, helps to lose excess weight and feel lighter, breathe fuller and deeper, massages internal organs and still more. It also helps to cure anxiety/depression, digestive disorders, back pain and more. There are different asanas for each category of people like house wives, working people, senior citizens, pregnant women etc.

What are you still looking for? Just check for YOGA classes around your location and register your name, today. After finishing your classes, start doing Yoga either morning or evening, whichever works for you. Usually morning is better, before breakfast.

Be flexible with your body and mind.

Be a Volunteer

Heard about volunteering? Of course you have. As, you have precious time in hand, thinking what else to do to kill the time, you can actually start volunteering around your location. This really helps you to meet people and socialize with them. You can gain knowledge or experience in related field of volunteering and also spend your time effectively. You will also get contacts, a chance to expand your circle, have new friends. Its that easy. You can find your desired area to volunteer from the site http://www.volunteermatch.org/

I came across a few like mentoring elementary school children with their home work, restoration of public parks, helping senior citizens. C'mon let us not just sit inside the house, rather explore. So, got your driving license? No? Not a problem. Check for volunteering within 2 miles from your home. You can take a brisk walk and burn calories. It will definitely change your routine from watching TV and surfing net the whole day.If you feel like not traveling to places, there are also virtual volunteering, where you don't need to travel instead, finish it at home using the internet.

Start marching gals!!!

An artist already?

'Cool', thats what you think when you see an artist with artistic nature. Then you are cool too, aren't you? Good. There are many forms of artists and am talking about drawing, painting, crafts, knitting etc. I know you all would have started these once you are bored, seeing the same four walls and thinking what else to do. You can make those handwork into hot cash. Oh yeah! i can see your eyes becoming larger and popping out. Whatever you do is valuable and no time waste. OK you know that. Say, if you are an expert in painting, you could do a fantastic piece and if you think its worth for selling, then sell it on eBay. Slowly, you can have collections of your works and your own show. Oh wait! I know its not easy, c'mon practice makes a person perfect. You can actually make your hobby into business. Sure, it requires a small investment. So don't just fill the room with your art works, fill the world. And that can be accomplished by this mantra. Here it goes

Practice, practice and more practice.

Vinayagar Chathurthi is on the way!!!

So, started planning for the celebration of Vinayagar Chathurthi? What, no? Its day after tomorrow and i already planned for it. I am a Hindu and i like the God "Pillaiyar" very much. Hurray!!! my husband will be home, as it falls on a Sunday.

OK, so you don't celebrate chathurthi, alright. How does Kozhukattai and Rava(Sooji) Ladoo sound? Hope you heard of these yummy sweets from your friends. No? Thats fine. Search for the recipe and try it,its easy to make. Am sure you will love it. Still there are many sweets we prepare and celebrate the day. But, the above said sweets are considered to be his favorite ones and mine too. After all we are going to have a beautiful feast in the name of God.

So, have a wonderful and yummy Chathurthi!!!

What? Container Gardening!

I know, it sounds weird. But thats perfect for the townhouse/condo/apartment dwellers like us. Yeah, every apartment has a patio or balcony, why can't we create a voluminous garden just for us? You can buy containers depending on the size of the plant, good potting soil and what else you are looking for? Thats it. Start a Garden. Its not that difficult, start with vegetables like tomato, green chili, cucumber or spinach etc., herbs like basil, parsley etc. When buying containers, make sure it has holes at the bottom and keep small rocks to prevent soil being washed away.

Once you start gardening, you will be busy watering them, seeing them grow and waiting to pluck them. Oooooh! plucking veggies is my favorite part. You gotta feel the happiness of cooking the home-grown vegetables. Am sure it tastes the best. No kidding, you will believe me.

You can also grow flowers, since spring is at its end, try some indoor plants. Money plant is a perfect indoor plant, which you can prefer year round. If you have big sliding windows, thats the perfect place for'em. Less care is required. It purifies air and you can place them anywhere(mostly placed in kitchen and restrooms). It will be winter in another two months, nobody will open their balcony door or windows. So, start with indoor plants and plan for container garden, the next summer.

GO GREEN!!

Wish to have somebody around you 24/7?

Oh yeah! you got the idea. So, interested in pets? What are you still thinking about? How about a dog or cat to accompany you at home, when your husband is in office or coming home late, sometimes (maybe everyday). You will be energetic, start walking around and even burn some calories, not visiting the gym. Its easy, you can adopt a dog nearby your place. There are many cute small ones and big ferocious dogs available. I know there is a pet policy in every apartment and you have to pay some amount. But think about this, you can train your pet to obey your orders. C'mon at least we will have someone there to obey whatever we say. If you are not planning for a baby in the near future, am telling you, a dog is a wonderful companion. OK, you don't seem to be interested.

Alright, does a live-fish-aquarium sounds good? Fish as a pet doesn't come under any pet policy. Fish are very relaxing to watch. Don't worry about the space, a mini aquarium needs a small place around the corner. Everybody gets excited to watch different colored varieties of fish in big aquariums. Why can't we try a bowl aquarium with small fishes like Platy, Zebra Danio, White Cloud, Guppy etc.

Ready for a pet,huh? Yes!! Thats what am talking about.

Got urge for learning?

Thats it. Learn a new language. How about 'Spanish'? Want to know why i said Spanish? The answer for this question will definitely kindle you to learn.

Let me start from your neighbors.Every community in all over US you will find Spanish speakers. Now you can say 'Hola' and get back a smile from them, whom you haven't even said 'Hi'. Don't wanna speak with'em?

OK now i got you. How about Mexican restaurants? We all like spicy food, that too most of us would have definitely dined out and had rice, beans, chips & salsa. Now you can greet them and order your food in Spanish. OK, so you rarely visit Mexican restaurants. Never mind.

Have you ever dreamed of visiting far-off, exotic, tropical places, and if you speak Spanish, you don't have far to look when you consider the great number of Spanish-speaking countries. Wherever you decide to go, be it to Central America, or to Spain, knowing the language will get you far. Alright, not interested for the trip?

Now you can't escape. Did you know many jobs require basic of another foreign language. So,you are going to be a Software Engineer and thinking that you will waste time in learning Spanish? No wait, think again. Don't you feel bored to do the same job as others. Keep your options open, then you will have plenty of things to do. And did you know that bilingual employees often receive a larger salary than their non-Spanish speaking counterparts? Don't worry you will get H1B soon.

Still there are more reasons to convince you learning Spanish, but the above said interested me more. Start getting materials from library/online. You don't require a proficiency certificate to speak with people.

Soon let me know, that you gals started learning.

Did u celebrate Gokulastami?

Yesterday was Gokulastami, did you all went to temple or prayed at home, like me? I prepared Vada and Appam, then went to my friend's home and had dinner together. I also made Krishna's foot prints with my hand dipped in rice flour batter. I know we all have carpets and its not possible to make on them. So, i made it on the cookie sheet and placed in front of Swami shelf. You can also share your way of celebration, if any and share recipes.

Make reading more interesting

You must be really bored of hearing and saying 'Reading books' as a hobby. Well if you are one, don't worry, how about magazines in the library? Oh! you are already reading it, then you can read newspapers near the magazines rack. If you are reading a cooking related magazine, try a new recipe and surprise your husband. You can also subscribe 1 or 2 magazines depending on your interest.

How about daily subscription to newspaper, maybe Local (your area) times, how does that sound? Give it a try. You will be up-to-date with news around the county, city and country. Yes, you will also get plenty of money saving coupons. Thats worth it, really.

You will also find things (in the supplement paper) to do during weekends like restaurants to dine out, short vacation getaways, sight seeing locations and movies etc.

Why should you exercise?

ou are a great homemaker. Oh yeah! you know that already. What else, think ...ok now you got it. Do you have time to shape and tone your body structure? Of course you do.

We all eat cheesy foods, oh! no don't think to cut the cheese. Think of hot, cheese bubbling Pizza before your eyes, then how can you think of cutting it? Still, plenty of desserts and ice-cream waiting for you to taste. I know we all crave chocolates, why should we give a break to it? Have a bite of rich dark chocolate..mmmmmm..it makes your taste buds happy, in turn, you feel good. OMG!!! did i mention about 'Tiramisu'? Just take a bite and close your eyes, did you see heaven? Still haven't tasted, c'mon dine out tonight and call it as "Dessert to heaven".

Now you have all these to add up calories and put on some extra weight. This will definitely make your body shape look bad. So, just start with a simple walk around your apartment. You also have fitness center in your community. Thinking of the old machines there, hmmm, ok how about swimming pool? What, yet to learn swimming? No probs, just do 10 min sit-ups, hip twisting and other stretching. Let it be a starter.

First step to solve a problem is, to begin.

Confidence Quotes

Be a happy H4 wife

We are lucky to be H4 wives. Ya am sure, don't look confused. After all we can do anything and everything we wish to do. Oh! c'mon, let us leave our husband to earn, we can develop other hobbies, go shopping and other things we dreamed while working in India. Just look at your husband coming home late, tired and hungry. Lets be happy and make him happy with our smile and a lovely dinner.