Vara Lakshmi Vratham

Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by married woman for the well being of all the family members, especially husband, to get progeny etc. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength. 

On this day many women observe this traditional festival praying Varamahalakshmi for her blesses in the form of wealth and well being of their family. There is a strong belief that Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Varam).

Varalakshmi pooja at my home

Varalakshmi pooja at friend's place

Garden Makeover

Summer really makes us think newly., and brings some fresh thoughts and in turn some fresh energy. I thought to utilize this energy for good purpose and the result is ......

My garden makeover.......

It took me ages to convince my man.....

He goes., what is there to change ......

It was like this before....

And changed into this.......

Put the floor..... in front of the shed....and left the other bit as green.....
placed some nice plants to cheer us up.....
and...

we have painted our small shed....

Bought a swing., and a trampoline for kids....
This would be the perfect place to enjoy with the family members on a sunday....

And finally.........
Imagine to sip a cup of coffee in the swing......on a cloudy day...... 

Bread potato rolls

I had some left over bread. Thought of doing some snacks for kids. Instead of making them in the regular circular shape, I made them into oval shape which will be handy for little hands. Served them with loads of salad.

Bread Potato roll served along with salad

Ingredients:

Bread slices - 4 make them into crumbs
Potato - 2 medium sized boiled and mashed
Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
Green Chilli - 2 finely chopped
Coriander - 1 tbsp finely chopped
Crushed Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Salt
Oil to deep fry

Method:

Except oil, mix all the other ingredients with hands in order to bind them well. If necessary, sprinkle some water and make them into rolls.

Heat the oil in a broad pan. When it is hot enough, gently slip the rolls into the oil and fry them till golden.

Serve them with salad or sauce... your choice....

Dubai Airport

It is a major airline hub in the Middle East. There are some tremendous shops in the Dubai airport. I have taken couple of snap shots during my visit.

DDF Gold shop at Terminal 1

ha... the golden palm tree

Gorgeous scent bottle

Beautiful jewellery box 

The precious Swarovski diamonds

Amazing art...

Beautifully studded wine set

Courgettes curry

This is a simple vegetarian recipe. Courgettes simmered with onion, tomatoes and yoghurt in a fragrant mix of spices. This dish tastes good if served with chapathi but you can serve it with boiled rice, too.

Ingredients:

    Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp

    Onion - 1, thinly sliced

    Courgettes - 2 peeled and cut into circles

    Ginger+Garlic paste – 1 tsp

    Chilli powder – 1 tsp

    Turmeric – 1/8^th tsp

    Coriander powder – 1 ½ tsp

    Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp

    Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

    Tomatoes - 4, chopped

    Yoghurt – 2 tbsp

Method:

Heat oil in a large sturdy pan over medium heat.

Sauté onion until transparent. Add Ginger garlic paste and sauté everything. Add chopped tomatoes, mix and cook them until mushy by covering the pan with the lid.

Now add courgettes, salt, chilli powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin powder, garam masala and yoghurt and combine thoroughly.

Add about 100 ml of water, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 10 – 15 min, stirring occasionally.

Veg Sandwich

I have tasted this during my school days. I used to study in a residential school where they serve some healthy snacks in the evenings. One among them is this snack.

Ingredients:

Bread slices – 8

For the stuffing –

Onion – 1 cut into small pieces

Shredded Cabbage – 1 cup

Shredded carrot – ½ cup

Green chilli – 2 chopped into small pieces

Mustard + Cumin - ½ tsp

Salt

Turmeric – 1 pinch

Oil – 1 tbsp

Method:

Heat the pan with oil. When is warm enough, add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped green chilli. Saute for a minute and then add onion with a pinch of salt. Fry the onion till it turns transparent. Now add the shredded cabbage and carrot. Sprinkle some salt and turmeric powder. Stir everything and cook the vegetables covered till tender.

Trim the dark edges, place the stuff on one slice and cover it with another slice. Cut them into 2 triangles.

Warm Spring

A warm welcome to the spring....

Candle lights bring a warm look to the bathroom......

In another mode...