How to keep kids safe from mosquitoes

Picture this:

Under the open sky, your kids are playing in the park with wild abandon, while you open the picnic basket with packed goodies for you and your family. As the sun sets, there's a smile on your face as you sit on the grass sipping juice and watching your children be happy.

Frankly, a mother like me would actually 'freak out' at the prospect of letting kids go free and wild in the open air surroundings. The probability of getting bit by mosquitoes is too high and is not one that is cherished. Not just kids, adults too are prone to mosquito bites that can increase the chances of diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya. And if you would have thought that wearing full-sleeved tops and bottoms is fine to avoid getting bitten, guess again! Not just in playgrounds and gardens, we need to protect ourselves and our family in indoor places too.

As parents, most of our focus lies around our kids, with them being the centre of our universe. However, they cannot be figuratively tied to a leash, kept indoors all day and be disallowed from exploring their surroundings. In fact, the more the kids explore and figure out things by themselves, the faster they learn.

So how do we solve this conundrum?

As it is rightfully said, prevention is better than cure. It is perhaps best to prevent mosquitoes from biting you and your kids. There are some ways and means to protect yourself and your kids from mosquito bites:

Clear out stagnant water
Stagnant water is said to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These insects are known to lay their eggs in the water which breed rampantly and infest your home. You out to check the flower pots, the roofs, the verandah and your bathroom for sitting water that may act as breeding pools. This must be done time and again, especially in the rainy season.

Placing herbal plants
It is believed that plants and trees like Tulsi (holy basil), Neem and Lavender are helpful in killing mosquito larvae. Once the larvae are under control, it can help in curbing and controlling the population of mosquitoes.

Using repellents
One of the ways is using a safe mosquito repellent. The idea of a repellent is to repel the mosquitoes by preventing them from landing or coming close. Although there are multiple brands in the market, the renowned brand, Good knight has designed repellents in the form of non-sticky gels, patches and fabric roll-ons that are 100% natural and provide up to 8 hours of protection from mosquitoes.

Good knight Cool Gel

Good knight Patches

You can easily stick the patches onto your child's clothes or apply the aloe gel when they are playing on the playground. The mosquito repellent's aloe gel is a natural element that is not only cooling but also works like a charm. You can safely use this mosquito repellent for infants by sticking the patches on cribs.

By using the ways that are in the best interest of you as well as your family, say goodbye to your fears of getting bitten!

Your Child's Career Planning- Are you on the same page as your child?

Once we become a parent, when someone asks us the best moment in a parent’s life, we would most probably say the day our child was born. And some years down the line, if you were asked what the next best moment in your life is? You would most probably say, the day you saw your child well settled in life.

And as parents, you would want nothing but the best for your child. Be it a shiny new toy, the best clothes, the best schooling, the best locality to live in – you will desire all the best things in life that you can afford for your family. And you always strive to do the best. Even when one fine day your child comes to you and tells you that he/she wants to become an Astronaut. You smile and say to your little one, to keep dreaming that dream and that one day you will make it happen for them, come what may. Your child continues to pursue on their passion and dream of becoming an astronaut one day when he grows up.

But have you thought about the best higher education for your child yet? Have you started planning for the finances for your child’s education? Did you #DoYourHomework for your child’s future?

Is your version of being future ready for your child’s higher education a mere education loan?

These and more questions were addressed through an interesting exercise for the new investor education awareness campaign called #DoYourHomework by Axis Mutual Fund.

A while back, I was invited to Axis Mutual Fund’s Blogger’s Meet at Axis House, Lower Parel in Mumbai to do my homework for my child's future.

About the Exercise:

The spacious room where the meet was hosted, had lined up six pairs of easels with their backs to each other.

Parents and their children were invited over and were asked to paint what they thought their child wanted to be when they grew up. Likewise, their children were asked to paint what they wanted to be when they grew up.

When they were done, their paintings were displayed for all to see.

Through the results, parents realised how different their opinion of their child’s ambition is from their child in most cases.

Through this experiment, parents realised whether or not they were on the same page as their child when it comes to their child’s aspirations.

In conclusion, I came to understand that children of this generation have the complete freedom to choose the career of their choice and keeping this in mind for my child - though I will undisputedly support it emotionally - I’ll have to also support it financially as well.

Try it out for yourself!

In case you found this interesting, just try this exercise with your child. You might just be surprised by the results!

After reading this post, you can head to the #DoYourHomework micro-site and explore the fun side of doing one’s homework with story books, colouring books for your kid and the #DoYourHomework calculator for parents.

Alternatively, you can also download the Homework App on your mobile.

You and your spouse work hard day in and day out. Now is time for your money also work hard for you. Get started on planning for your child's future, because it's is never too early!

All the best! 

My 5 tips to keep my baby's skin soft

There cannot be anything softer than a baby's skin. The bundle of joy of one's lives are cute, cuddly and adorable akin to a big ball of cotton!
Who doesn't love to touch, cuddle and caress them?

No wonder, right from birth, a baby's skin needs a lot of tender love and care, just like the baby itself. As they grow up, babies starts moving around by sitting, crawling and walking - the skin transforms to become more tougher, but not as tough as an adult's skin.
It is no surprise that babies answer nature's call frequently and their stool is often loose, till a certain age. And during this time, their skin becomes wet and damp and is prone to rashes and irritation. Even with the use of cloth nappies (or langotis), their skin is prone to rashes.

This not only puts the baby at discomfort but also the mother is agonized to see the baby irritated.
Yet, one would use diapers or nappy pads till babies grow up and potty train themselves; at about 2- 2.5 years. And some babies' skin is particularly more sensitive, that just any product - be it talcum powder, oil, diaper, moisturizing creams or baby wipes - won't agree with their skin.

How do I make playtime softest for my baby's skin?

Some tips I would recommend:

1. Use of cotton clothes
By and large I make her wear clothes made of cotton. Cotton clothes are best for humid weather of Mumbai. This works best at playtime as there is a lot of movement, and cotton clothes help in the air circulation & dryness - thereby letting babies skin breathe.

2. Avoid too cold or too hot surfaces
After a bath, when my daughter is ready to play, I place her toys on an cotton quilt and make her sit there. I do this, especially during winter as floors become cooler. Sitting on a cold floor can make babies' skin can get too dry and even a tiny scratch can hurt their soft skin. During summers, I make sure she is well hydrated and keep replace her clothes if wet from sweat.

3. Discard sharp & broken toys
Sometimes babies can get hurt during playtime due to sharp and broken toys. I make sure to rid her broken toys and avoid toys with sharp edges and points. Overall, toys need to be kept clean and dry as well.

4. Apply a moisturizer
To keep her skin soft and supple in winter, I always apply a mild moisturizer to her arms and legs post her bath, to prevent her skin becoming too dry and scaly. This is best when a baby is crawling.

5. Use soft diapers
I have largely used Pampers Pant style diapers only at night time. Now as my little one is an energetic toddler, the need is more.  She is more mobile now, often running around the house during playtime and always wants to go out for a walk. So when she is in her discovery mode with a diaper on, I do not want her skin to bear the brunt.

Pampers Premium Care Pants does exactly that. These diapers from Pampers give babies the comfort to play and discover, while it does its job protecting their skin and keeping them soft.

Switch to Pampers - #SoftestForBabySkin!


"This post is a part of the Pampers #SoftestForBabySkin activity at BlogAdda" 

Adding Smiles - How I turned a frown upside down!

As a Mom, I am very particular of the food my daughter eats. And I refrain her from snacking on food that is served in restaurants as the hygiene, nutritive value, freshness and oil used is questionable. Also, with the gamut of stomach-related illnesses around the corner, my level of protection in her food choices has quadrupled.

And thus I have made it a habit to make nutritious home food more delicious for my little one and the rest of my family.
On afternoon, just the other day, my nephew brought home burger and fries from a local restaurant. Looking at her cousin snacking on the greasy burger, my little one pestered me to give her the same. I refused, and tried to distract her, but alas! but kids will be kids and she threw a fit. Somehow I managed to calm her down to her nap.

It was then I recalled the website of McCain India I had visited earlier, that an idea popped to my mind. I rushed out to get a McCain Smiles pack, some egg-less mayonnaise, a head of lettuce, burger buns and cheese slices. I was going to make a yummy vegetarian potato McSmiley Burger.


Following are the step by step instructions:

McCain Smiles

McCain Smiles are mashed potato goodness into the shape of smiles. 

Preparation:

Open the McCain Smiles pack, prepare them by following the instructions on the pack. I deep fried them. You can cook them in the convection oven as well.

When I opened the pack, I assumed the frozen pack needs to be defrosted, but to my surprise, the pack specifically mentioned does not required to be defrosted. That saves time.

The McCain Smiles getting ready in no time.

As I popped the smiles in the kadai with heated oil, I was glad that they did not splutter the oil out. I waited till they were evenly golden brown on both sides. And then the smiles were ready within 3 minutes!

Look at them smiling!

I whipped up an easy peasy burger spread:

For the Burger Mayonnaise:

Take 1-2 tbsp of egg-less mayonnaise

Add a 1sp of olive oil to it.

Add a pinch of pepper & salt each.

Add 1 tsp of tomato sauce.

You can add finely chopped coriander.

Assembling the McSmiley Burger

Assembling the McSmiley Burger:

Now I cut the burger bun in half.
Buttered both sides of the bun. You can even toast them.
To one side I added few torn leaves of lettuce,
Over the lettuce I spread the burger mayonnaise I made.
On that, add cucumber slices, tomato slices and onion ringlets.

On top of this arrangement add the smiles.

Then add a slice of cheese.

Top it with some more burger spread or lettuce if you wish and add the other half of the bun on top.

And voila!

The McSmiley Burger

And with this yummy smiley snack on the plate, my little one's frown turned upside down! All smiles as she bit into my McCain tasty and magical creation. And in my daughter's smile reflected my big smile as I basked in the glory of my creation, thanks to McCain!

More so, my nephew came up to me and demanded this colourful version of his favorite snack. And I was glad to be adding more smiles to snack time.

Before you dismiss it as an unhealthy snack, take a look at it's nutritional content, with more details <here for a pack of 100g McCain Smiles.

Well known for the art of snacking, McCain has brought a wide variety of snacks for the Indian Platter. Their website has many creative recipes to suit the Indian palate and many dips to just snack away. 

Source: www.mccainindia.com

Watch this video for another recipe using the McCain Smiles.

About Brand McCain: 

McCain Foods (India) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of McCain Foods Limited in Canada. Since 1998, McCain has been engaged in agriculture R & D and in development of frozen food market in India and subcontinent countries. Not only are McCain products used by leading fast food chains, hotels, restaurants, catering companies but are also very popular for in-home consumption.

Do try my recipe and let me know how you added a smile with this snack!

One piece of #SachchiAdvice for LIFE

Generally, people are not really great givers. But when it comes to giving advice, people love to give it. More so, people give advice better than following it.


I have been on the receiving end of many such sermons and pieces of wisdom from time to time in my life. Be it from my parents, peers, friends, distant relatives, close relatives, acquaintances; I have even received advice from remote strangers that I barely know.

Yet, there is a common thread between all of the genuine advises I've received; is that they care about you. And that's why they give advice.

Of all the pieces of advice we receive, there is always one or more nugget of wisdom that makes a permanent imprint on our soul. One powerful phrase; that one one small kernel of avuncular wisdom that we're set to carry forward with us in the rest of our life.


And here, let me share my piece of advice:
It was the time when I was completing my degree. I was staying away from home, loving the independence, yet within the reach of my parents. One result day, I was shell-shocked to receive a setback or what engineers call - an ATKT. (Allowed to Keep Term; a second chance given when one fails a subject in engineering)
My entire world had collapsed. It was a huge deal for me, as I had NEVER failed, well, before that day. Even so, I had sworn to myself at the beginning of the course, that I shall give my hundred percent and will not blemish my academic record. But, it had just happened, without any warning. What's more, is that I had less than a month to clear the re-exam along with the other upcoming exams.


That day I returned home- in no mood to enjoy my freedom and independence- earnest to yearn that much needed comfort and solace of my loved ones. I was sad, in no mood to interact. It was almost bedtime, when my dad sensed me out of my usual self- all tired and weary from work - asked me to sit down and have a talk with him, He told me to spill what was in my heart. 
I blinked back tears, all composure lost and said "I have failed, Dad." I hung my head low, unable to meet him in the eye. To me my dad is my academic hero - always among the first of the class and took matters of academics very seriously. And was strict.

A moment had passed.

"So what?" he said. Bewildered, I immediately looked up at him straight in the eye of his ludicrous comment. "It's okay, Gauri" he smiled and said, "This too shall pass"

I looked at him with intrigue of not being admonished, but being met with understanding and yearned to know the explanation of those four words. Sensing my curiosity, my dad went on to tell me a story of a King and his Kingdom. Here's the story in a nutshell:

There was a King who was in search of a single answer to all situations and called the wise men of his kingdom to seek the answer. A wizened old man wrote the answer on a piece of paper, but asked the King to only read it when he is in extreme danger and not otherwise.
After this event, the King's kingdom was attacked by his enemies so brutally that he had fled by the skin of his teeth. Cornered and alone,  in that moment the King remembered the old man and read his answer - "This too shall pass" - was all that was written. 
This made the King realize that sorrow or danger is only but for a moment and it will pass.

He returned to his Kingdom and later gathered his men again and this time he annihilated the enemy.. Basking in the glory of victory in his kingdom, he suddenly thought he was the greatest king ever. Then his attention drew back to the old man's answer. He reflected again "This too shall pass" was the answer he sought. Even happiness and life's riches are short lived and is not permanent.

The King had finally found life's answer.

"THIS TOO SHALL PASS" - This piece of advice that made a huge difference in my life. That day was a complete turnover for me. Of course I cleared the re-exam, rejoiced in the celebrations of completing my course and went on with life. Yet I remember this piece of golden wisdom that my dear father had given me, in every difficulty I faced and will face; and in every victory I enjoy and will enjoy.

I could now recall how he must have drawn strength and gone through with life when he faced difficulties and sought the drive to go on. And it is now my turn to move ahead.

This was my piece of #SacchiAdvice. But this advice is not to be kept with oneself. Like Grandma's wisdom, it needs to be passed on from one generation to the next. 



“I am participating in the #SachchiAdvice Contest by MaxLife in Association with BlogAdda.”

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

I don't know where to start. As I reflect back on the 25 years with you, I literally have tears in my eyes. Where do I start? No memory can be more beautiful than the other. I cherish each and every lovely memory I have with you till date. 

Should I ask you to remember the lavish party you threw when I was born? Or should I ask you to remember the time when you refused to hold me for the first time ever after I was born, only because you had a cold that day? 

Shall I ask you to reminisce the time you scolded me while teaching me to ride the bicycle? And then gradually pushing me to drive a car and ride a scooter.

Or how about the time you helped me ace my maths exam in high school; when I was petrified of it?

Can you remember the time I lost your favourite umbrella in an autorickshaw? And yet you didn't say anything but you gave me your other one.

Or shall I remind you the countless times you used to drop me to school in the car when I missed the bus? Even when

Let me remind you of the countless times I waited for your return from your foreign trips bringing me a memento or a gift each time? I still remember you basking in the smile on my face.

In school, do you remember fighting against a teacher’s wrong for me? I admired the power of your writing then.

In college, when I was staying away from home, do you remember the time you and mom took me to the doc when I was too sick with fever to get up?

When I grew up, do you remember you the time I forgot my exam hallticket at home? You rushed to the exam hall and got it for me. And the countless times you backed me even when I was in trouble.

Dad, with tight hug, I want to thank you with all my heart-

For the education you gave me

For the opportunities you gave me

For making me independent

For the values you gave me

For always being my guide

For the friendship we share

For the always treated me as an equal.

For giving me my freedom to make my choices

For supporting me through and through

For trusting me completely

For making me strong, just like you.

I will always always always always love you.

- Your Gondi Gauri

“This father’s day, I am expressing my love towards my dad by participating in the #HugYourDad activity at BlogAdda in association with Vicks.”

Date with a Woman

I just got this in my mail. You must have already read this or such stories like this. Very heart-warming read!

DATE WITH A WOMAN


After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said I love you but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
'What's wrong, are you well ?', she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
'I thought that it would be pleasant to be with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.
When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, 'she said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting'. We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said.
'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary, but catching up on recent events of each others life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.
'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have time to do anything for her.

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.
An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me.

I love you, son.'

:)