Towering Through Caramel!

Neeru’s husband Ravi was fond of sweets and she always felt elated when he used to relish all the dishes she would prepare for him. One bad day, all hell broke loose when Ravi was diagnosed with the deadly lifestyle disease that is diabetes. He, although being a man cried as he couldn't let go of his sweet tooth. But he had to.

For a few days, Neeru also couldn’t think of any alternative. She tried abandoning sugar once and for all in desserts prepared at home but although ingredients such as rice, milk etc. have an intrinsic sweetness, still that appetizing relish couldn’t be recreated by her. But, she didn’t lose hope, in attempts to keep a watchful eye on her husband's health. One fine day she came to know of Sugar Free Natura and thought of giving it a try. She thought of making Ravi’s favorite Caramel Custard with a twist. She took it upon her as a #DessertChallenge.

~~~ 

Custard Cake Tower

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Portion Size: 10

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

Utensils:

• Vessel: 1 nos. 
• Stirrer: 1 nos.  
• Bowl: 4 nos. 
• Gourmet Bowl: 1 nos. 

Ingredients: 

• Full Cream Milk: 500 ml. 
• Sugar Free Natura: 1 gm. 
• Custard Powder (Vanilla variant): 4 tsp.
• Chocolate Cake Slices: 5-6 nos.
• Fruit Gelatins. 

Directions:

1. Boil full-cream milk. 
2. Dissolve the custard powder in half-a-bowl milk. 
3. Pour the dissolved powder in the boiling milk, while stirring. 
4. Add Sugar Free Natura and stir to dissolve.  
5. Switch off the burner. 
6. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. 

Plating:

• Take one Gourmet bowl with lid. 
• Arrange two layers repeatedly: Vanilla Custard on top of Chocolate Cake Slice. 
• Top the tower with fruit gelatins. 
• Serve individually in smaller bowls. 

Custard Cake Tower was thus ready to savor! 

~~~ 

When Ravi saw it at first, he didn’t even want to taste it.


Now, he was of the belief that unsweetened custard would be insipid on his palate. Neeru asked him to give it a try.

The moment he took one spoon of custard, a big smile lit up his face but at the same time left him puzzled and looked towards Neeru as to how she was giving Ravi sweet custard!

Neeru let him in on the sweet surprise – Sugar Free Natura. 

Lo! Ravi's flavorless and vapid days are now gone with the wind as he can freely enjoy all his favorite desserts without bothering about his diabetes.  All thanks to Sugar Free Natura. 

~~~ 

P.S.: All images utilized in this post bear the blog's copyright. 

This post has been written for Sugar Free Natura, in association with IndiBlogger. 

Pamper Them From Within...

Tiny tots are true bundles of joy. They are the ones who light up our world, and the entire notion of not letting the child within oneself die is rephrased for life, after one embraces parenthood.

Quite naturally, the first emotion which a newborn evokes is that of protectiveness. Given that such skin is at the paramount of gentleness, fragility and delicate being at first touch, one can't help but admire and at the same time, be taken aback by the painstaking amount of caution that would go into realizing that such skin would be Supple, Subtle, Yet Susceptible.

Being a first-time mother back in the 90s, I too learnt the ropes gradually. It wasn't an easy task at first, but the patience has been worth it. After all, if motherhood had to be easy, it wouldn't begin with labor! :)

I've now come to realize that apart from some physical commodities and noticeable measures to shield a newborn's or toddler's skin, there's a lot which could work wonders from behind the scenes. However, these valuable insights often go unnoticed or are neglected more often as an oversight.

These five values could very well imbibe the essence of being #SoftestForBabySkin too, for they would not only keep the baby's skin soft but also aid them in the long run as an individual on the path of life. :)

 ~~~ 

Truth and Fairness: To lead life in a clear manner, there needs to be a substantial amount of truth and fairness around. It creates a cloud of positivism around. These positive vibes in turn simulate a certain cheer in and around the whole family to establish harmony amongst each other. The same is definitely going to impact a baby empathetically and will help in keeping their soft skin healthy.

Family Values and Bonding: The inculcation of family values, must be dealt with, on a priority basis. It is not only about enhancing the learnings of the baby who needs love and care but also about being upheld at home in a universal manner.
Some things in life are not to be announced or told as and when they happen; some emotions reflect everywhere. That is applicable in this case when the values and bonding are something which reflect in your actions, talks, behavior, words, looks, body language and almost everything you do. It is difficult to hide from oneself, let alone others, and it is more difficult to disguise.
You must not act irresponsibly with such a crucial matter as familial bonding as your baby's soft heart, body, skin and mind are definitely going to be impacted by, and derive a lot of energy from it to stay healthy.

Respect: Respect has to be maintained in voice and words - for others and for oneself too. What you speak and how you speak is very important. Both are significant because if you speak well but fail in selecting good words at the very instance they need to be said, it would be of no use. Similarly if you are brimming with great ideas and words at one instance in time but are not able to express them in front of others, it would weigh down on manifesting your opinionated self.
Harshness in the vocable would lead to your child adopting 'like-for-like' attitude as a child's mind and mannerisms parallel moulding clay. They would then pick up such harshness as they would believe that it is a way of life. Gentleness in spoken word however, would go into making your child gracefully express themselves, in accordance with the need of the situation always.

Space: Everyone needs space in life. You need to be generous in providing space to one another in the family. With toddlers, it is the first and foremost prerequisite because if absent, it would lead to irritability which would take on a toll on your child's health. You wouldn't want that to be the case, would you?

Wisdom: Let wisdom speak in your personal and professional life spheres. Wisdom gained from the many experiences you have had, as a mature adult is a treasure that needs to be preserved. Never let your wisdom go away. It is a keepsake which needs to be passed on, in the form of anecdotes to the young children in the family to enable them to face any situation in life with poise.

 ~~~ 

Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is #SoftestForBabySkin and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy.

Supple, Subtle, Yet Susceptible...

This post has been declared as one of the Winners of #SoftestFor BabySkin by Pampers India and Blogadda.  

~~~ 

September 25, 2015 

11:00 AM

New Delhi

It has been just three days that Poonam has returned from attending the launch of #SoftestForBabySkin. Well, I know because I read it on her blog. Didn't I?

And, I am green with envy. Because, she didn't take me with her. Leave alone me accompanying her, she's enjoying with another one here. 

Well, she's cuddling this excited individual here, but once she was back, she was with me. She had attended that event for me. While she then became occupied by the formalities associated with attending the event, like exploring the Goodie Bag she had received and recalling to jot down the exact proceedings of the evening, I was busy thinking to myself - 'This #SoftestForBabySkin Diaper is not the ONLY commodity you'd require to keep my soft skin safe'. 

Well, I kept it to myself initially, but now, I can't contain it anymore. Who better than me to counsel you on the other essential pointers to keep soft skin safe, dear Poonam? 

I am crawling to you. Just wait! 

Of course, it's me. After all, my skin is a valuable treasure. Alas, it is supple, subtle, yet susceptible. To counter that susceptibility, you would want to pair these five pointers with your preferred Pampers Premium Care Pants (which you had reviewed too) without a doubt. :) 

I am a pampered child. Yes, it has been so since the start. I do not complain, but I'm going to convey my cheat-sheet to protect my skin by the means of one-lined quotations. 

That's because I want you too, to guess what facet of baby-care it could point toward. Of course, I'd be elucidating each one's detail so that I am taken care of, properly and skin is able to retain its suppleness and softness and negate the susceptibility!

~~~

A Clean Home Is A Happy Home: A clean home is important. A clean environment is also critical for the same purpose. Every touch that comes my way should not only be gentle but also be antiseptic in nature, thoroughly sanitized. Well, I'm akin to being carried around in gentle arms or being seated on a warm lap, so you must ensure that you should also be neatly dressed. 

I Choose To Be Happy Today: Happiness around me with cheerful faces emanates a positive impact to my activity and keeps me joyous round the clock. There is a psychological impact which scores high on the list, to ensure my healthy growth. 

If there is a gloomy atmosphere around me, I apologize to remark that I would be better off with such a negative impact masking my positive energies. 

Well, with a child as cheerful as myself, it should not be such a herculean task for you to be your cheerful best, should it?

A Big No To Gloominess!
Keep me away from it, please.

Green Is My Favorite Color: This isn't because I was envious previously. I was born in nature's lap and would like to marvel at nature's each realm by being as close-knit to it, as possible. 

I would thus encourage the use of as many green products as possible. All commodities of daily use, be it edible or non-edible need to be liberated of chemicals and all synthetic products that could lead to life-threatening consequences in the long run or even otherwise need to be kept at bay. 

My milk bottle should be sterilized before every use, with the obvious pre-requisite that it had been procured from a reliable, known and quality source in the first place. The milk must be pasteurized, and that goes without saying, too. 

Green, leafy vegetables need to be washed and cleaned properly before preparation. I would not want to feed on dust and germs masked as food, even when I grow up. Similar precautionary measures follow for all such products present in the house, coming into my direct or even indirect contact. 

Nothing Is So Strong As True Gentleness: All-cloth towels are what I prefer. As soft as possible is how I prefer them to be. Synthetic clothes may have catastrophic consequences towards my soft skin. 

Similarly, oils and soaps that are used to tend to me are required to be chemical-free. No harsh or strong product should be applied to my susceptible skin. The products must be bought from a known and reliable source. You must try your best to examine thoroughly the 'Tests Approved & Certified' claims before procuring such products for me. 

There are plenty of manipulative sellers in the market who sell artificial products at a subsidized cost. Never allow yourself to be trapped by such lucrative but risky offers. Such offers might lead to serious repercussions later. You must not prefer saving some pennies in the first go but think wisely and consider my life which would be at stake afterward. An initial saving of a few pennies might lead up to huge spendings at a later stage in my life.

When Words Fail, Music Speaks: While I'm still at my baby-babbling, gurgling, and cheeky best, music serves as my best accomplice! Neither too loud nor too harsh melodies sooth my mind and calm my thoughts. Ensure to play soft music at a low volume to pep up the mood for me. I would then be at my active best. 

Keep observing the kinds of tunes and rhythms I tend to like more and that which evokes me into a playful mood.  For some time,  keep aside your preferences and match my beat as I dance to my tunes. My reactions to certain actions of yours would provide you with ample pointers, provided you are a keen observer. :) 

~~~

You could take my word for it, Poonam. Such a balanced environment would ensure the best conditions for me to play, laugh, learn and grow up perfectly. 

Your protectiveness would provide me with the perfect opportunities to be at ease with myself and the people around me. 

~~~

Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is #SoftestForBabySkin and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy.

P.S.: The images utilized in the post carry the blog's copyright and are not to be misused, howsoever. 

#TraditionMyWay This Diwali!

Diwali is the festival of bliss, goodness, and lights. Celebrations are at its peak during this festive tenure during each calendar year. The festival lends a certain inexplicable cheer to the mood and we all express our goodwill, love and a unique style in our own way by the means of a customary revamp of the wardrobe to usher in the festive spirit. After all, this Indian festive extravaganza brings with it a great opportunity to lighten the pocket, which must not be let gone, at any cost! ;)

I decided to paint my world festive with my own palette and brush in hand. To craft a #TraditionMyWay Diwali look for me was my aim. To express my festive style, I decided to choose complementary rather than contrast. After all, this is the time when fashion dons a new definition as the tradition meets individuality. 

The decorative lights outside must not only adorn the facade of one's house but also the light within must emanate to uphold the celebratory temperament and thus lead us on to discovering a better 'us' each year. 

I decided to go all the way to create my own world of vivid hues. I decided to gift a new look for my wardrobe to house as a keepsake this Diwali to bring a new styling with a twist. This Diwali had to be #TraditionMyWay. 

A customary gesture in the family has been to choose one of my Grandma's many exquisitely crafted Silk Lehengas paired with well-to-go-along and 'handled with care' jewelry sets. Though the entire ensemble may sound heavy to carry, the grace it imparts is unparalleled

This time around, instead of donning a look from the familial heirloom, I decided to look the 'light' way thanks to companionship offered by Jabong. I decided to select an elegant designer Saree and work around my Diwali look, #TraditionMyWay.

While I progressed browsing through the e-catalog, it became increasingly difficult for me to choose one, as I smitten by the vibrant hues of all Sarees. Selecting only one of the many was a time-consuming task. Yet, I knew when I had found the perfect one. I zeroed in on a graceful, gorgeous yellow saree from Hypnotex. My aesthetic designer Georgette Saree is fabulous, don't you think? 

~~~

Stilettos are the way to go ALWAYS, to be paired with those six yards of feminity - and that is a rule embossed in gold, in the Style Bible. After narrowing down on the color of the footwear and the occasion, it was meant to be worn to - thanks to the Color and Occasion filters on Jabong - I decided to opt for these Golden Stilettos by Shuz Touch. Classy, elegant and game on point!

~~~

The time then came to choose a classic timepiece, for me to flaunt. What could be more classic than black pearls? More so, when being proposed by timeless Titan Raga? This one wrist watch had aimed for my heart, hands down! 

~~~

To accentuate my look further and in keeping with the Indian tradition of wearing gold ornaments but with a twist, since it had to be #TraditionMyWay, I opted for trendy 18-kt black gold! Both the pendant and the studs from the house of Sparkles made sure that I sparkled my way through the family get-together. See the fabulous shimmer, which dazzles for yourself! 

~~~

The jewelry pieces were exquisitely crafted to lend the perfect amount of glamor pixie-dust to my ensemble! However, the two pieces of the Style Jigsaw left to place, were a complementary clutch and the perfect makeup kit. 

Well, if I was talking of pearls on my wrist, then I must possess an oyster too, from where to source those black beauties, ain't it? This sleek and spacious black polyurethane clutch from Dice caught my fancy and I fell in love with it. It has a voguish make, is waterproof and would thus last long. 

~~~

L’Oréal Paris has always been my one-stop-shop for all my makeup needs and thus this wonderful five-piece Go-Glam Pink Makeup Kit was chosen without a doubt. It has my five subtle items - Compact, Kajal, Liner, Lipstick, Blush-On and would be well-equipped to endow me with my minimalistic look this Diwali, with #TraditionMyWay, thanks to ‘http://www.Jabong.com/’. 

~~~ 

The entire ensemble made sure that I donned my stylish best, especially because it was #TraditionMyWay. It earned me the customary compliments from the better half too and made me realize that a subtle spin in the tale could also equate with the age-old fairytale. :) 

~~~ 

Happy Diwali, Dear Readers! :) 

Have a prosperous year ahead. 

~~~ 

P.S.: This post is written for #traditionmyway in association with Jabong. 

Please click on the images to visit the landing page of the respective products on the website. 

Luxurious Comfort In My City...

The first Win of 2016 at IndiB comes around as a gratification from Cleartrip! :)

~~~

Everybody's welcome here 

Everybody welcome to my city 

We ain't got no worries here 

I know you're gonna like it in my city 

You know you got a friend in me 

You ain't gonna wanna leave 

~~~ 

Surprisingly enough, this chorus from Priyanka's single rings true, every time I am prompted by a fellow blogger, or for that matter, any tourist who's exploring my city, Delhi to let them in on the experience of a resident. 

Now is the age of reviews. Categorically for the Travel industry - logistics, experiences, memories - all rely largely on word of mouth. 

The other day, my better half, Mr. J was busy boasting of a new FAM trip he had been invited to. Excitedly, he sat down, listing the regions he had, left to leave a footprint on, encompassing the Indian soil. 

The Seven Sisters,

The Peninsula Focal, 

Western Islands, Noble, 

And, My Ignorant Mister! 

The Seven Sisters of the East, the Central state of Madhya Pradesh and the Western islands of Lakshadweep were those left unexplored. Leave aside the trip in question, he had started day-dreaming of these picturesque locations soon enough. 

~~~ 

Well, it ought to be me to burst his bubble, ain't it? 

I added another city's name, much to his surprise! 

It should not take you long to comprehend that he would be taken aback by the mention of only one such city, and that would be our capital city, and hometown - New Delhi. 

Why, I was quick to question - 'Are you well versed with your own city, leave alone other regions of the country?' 

An even quicker Yes from him prompted me to drag him into the ring. :D 

We embarked on an intellectual city tour of sorts, thereafter. Multiple rapid fire rounds centered around the A to Z of Delhi were discussed. 

Out of the many points of discussion, one of them was about the extensive variety of hotels in and around the city. 

He very conveniently drew a parallel between regions of the country and areas of Delhi. 

Since the Eastern, Western and Central frontiers of the country were untouched, he prompted me to choose my three best hotels, In My City - one from each cardinal direction in the city. 

It wasn't so difficult as I resorted to surfing the ClearTrip App on my smartphone! :) 

It was as easy as choosing the city, and sorting the hotels, basis locality. 

I arrived at my best list and ousted my better half, quite easily. 

• Kempinski Ambience Hotel, Maharaja Surajmal Road
• Taj Palace Hotel, Diplomatic Enclave
• Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar 

These three hotels located in East, Central and West Delhi, respectively offer that desired amalgamation of comfort and luxury when opting for a stay In My City... 

Luxurious Comfort, as I like to call it is what is #KuchHatke. 

The Taj Palace is my most favorite. If you would wish to let go of yourself, and indulge in some royal pampering for yourself and your loved ones, Taj Palace would be the hotel to put your heart to. 

Classy interiors and a regal ensemble are what imparts that elegance to a premier property in the heart of Delhi. Top-notch location with top-notch amenities, and catering to each guest as one of their own. What else could one wish for? 

I would personally recommend a dining experience at Kafe Fontana, where a burst of colors is an aesthetic treat while the aroma of good food and the edge of live cooking add zing and zest to what satiates your appetite. 

~~~ 

The Kempinski Ambience would be the most preferred choice if putting up in East Delhi. This property has been tastefully set up within close proximity of the Yamuna Sports Complex to provide easy access to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. 

The luxurious recreational facilities at Kempinski Ambience take you on a journey of tranquility and peace. Take some time off to relax in the pool or soothe your senses at the Shanaya Spa, indulging in Asian and European therapies. 

~~~

Radisson Blu, on the other hand, embodies what the perfect location for a hotel should be. It scores on all given parameters - being pocket-friendly, proximity to shopping hubs, boasting of prim and proper facilities, and providing an opportunity for gourmet indulgence, in the form of Cupcakes. 

Yes, surely the edible ones - rather gourmet ones, being offered at the in-house Pastry Shop - sweet and savory delights! 

Moreover, the elegant designs of a Neo-Gothic era, Radisson's majestic decor is a perfect blend of ancient splendour and modern appeal. A harmonious blend of contemporary design and upscale exteriors is what would appeal to the senses, here. 

~~~ 

Who would possibly miss to applaud such tasteful selections in keeping with the modern yet archaic outlook of the city of New Delhi? Given a chance, I too would want to plan a day's escapade to these Luxuriously Comfortable Hotels In My City... 

Mr. J was clearly amazed when I had opted the best of Three Worlds while matching up to the tasteful exuberance of luxurious, yet comfortable properties In My City... 

So, when are you visiting? :) 

Everybody's welcome here 

Everybody welcome to my city 

We ain't got no worries here 

I know you're gonna like it in my city 

You know you got a friend in me 

You ain't gonna wanna leave 

~~~