Curly hair needs special love and care, Curlvana Fortifying Curl Cleanser is the best shampoo to clean the scalp and maintain the curls.
Curly hair needs special love and care, Curlvana Fortifying Curl Cleanser is the best shampoo to clean the scalp and maintain the curls.
Hello Freinds
A different kind of post today.
A short Urdu poem written by me :)
( Sometimes I write Shayari also :) )
Inn bhuli bisri rahoo pe
kuch yaadein aab bhi baqi hai
Jeene ki tammana iss dil main
shayad aab bhi baqi hai
mat darra zindagi mujhe
umeed aab bhi baqi hai
Jeene ke liye, yehi bahut hai ki
Mera Rab mujhse raazi hai :)
A kind of motivational one,
I read this when feeling low
Umeed aab bhi baqi hai :)
Among all the ups and down's
we must remember " Hope is still there"
Share your view on this in the comment section below.
Ghazala
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mojo Box – A great way to sample brands before buying them.
Hello friends
In this post, I will share some health benefits of fasting and why is it so necessary.
* Fasting helps in weight management
Overweight or obesity is a common problem now in people of all age groups.
Fasting helps to control those hunger pranks and do mindful eating.
Less calorie intake helps in weight loss.
* Fasting promotes better health by fighting inflammation
One study has shown that intermittent fasting helps to decrease levels of inflammatory markers.
* It may improve heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
* Boosts metabolism
Fasting actually boosts metabolism which helps in weight control and weight loss.
* Could delay the aging process
The most common types of fasting which we can practice are:
* Water fasting
One needs to drink plenty of water for a particular time period avoiding any solid food.
This also helps to cleanse the system and remove toxins from the body.
* Liquid Diet
In this case, one can take only a liquid diet for a day or two, like fresh juices, coconut water, soups, etc.
* Intermittent Fasting
Here food intake is restricted for a few hours like 14-16 hours.
This helps to cleanse our body thoroughly and also helps in weight management.
* Partial Fasting
In this case, few foods are restricted like fast foods, nonveg, sweets, etc.
This also helps in weight management.
* Calorie Restriction
In this case, calorie intake is restricted so that one can easily do weight management.
Apart from this, we all know that all religion teaches the importance of fasting.
In Islam, we observe Roza during the holy month of Ramadan
Entire month all are supposed to fast during day time, can eat in evening and night.
Very small kids can skip, it's for the 7+ age group.
Initially kids are made to fast for a day or two and as they grow older they are asked to keep more.
We have been practicing this since childhood, so doesn't look difficult, in fact, is easy for us :)
Kids are taught about the benefits of fasting, taught to respect food, thank almighty for the food we are getting daily, help poor and needy who can't afford good food like us.
Hope you all liked this post and found it useful.
Do share your views in the comments section below.
This blog post is a part of the blog challenge " Blogaberrydazzle " hosted by Cindy D'Silva
Noor Chawla in collaboration with Mojo Box - A great way to explore new brands
Hello Friends
Back with one more healthy recipe :)
Today I will share a simple and easy-to-prepare oats recipe.
We all know that oats are healthy and should be included in our daily diet.
There are several sweet and savory oats recipes that we include in our diet.
Sharing one Oat porridge recipe.
Hello friends
Back with one more interesting post for my readers :)
In Today's post, I will discuss the benefits of running an Instagram Giveaway :)
We all know giveaway helps to connect with our followers & readers.
It also helps us to get new followers, more engagement on our page.
But it has several other benefits too :)
During my initial days of blogging some six years back, I started with Blog Giveaways
That actually helped me to get genuine readers for my blog posts, some of which are still reading my posts regularly.
Then it was Facebook contest & giveaways in collaboration with a few brands, that also worked well and helped me to get new readers for my blog :)
Next, the trend was Instagram
Which is still the most popular social media platform for many.
Initially, I did some giveaways of my own on Instagram, then in collaboration with some brands which helped me to get more followers.
Two years back I started a Giveaway page on Instagram with one of my closest blogger friends Zainab Raazi :)
Since both of us have done lots of giveaways together, we thought of starting a page.
Initially, it was too much work, too many confusions but gradually within 4-5 months things settled and it was easy to manage.
We are doing monthly giveaways with some bloggers and brands.
Our brand partners sponsor their brand's products as gifts :)
Now after running it successfully for two years :)
I have a few things to share :
1. It helped me to grow as a person
This is the best thing that happened :)
I got connected with new people, Influencers, bloggers, brands, and participants.
2. I learned Business
Yes, this is true for a person who has no background in the business.
I learned how to deal with Clients
How to convince brands to collaborate :)
For July Giveaway we collaborated with a celebrity Rakshandha Khan :)
Again that was a different kind of experience dealing with a celebrity :)
3. Growth of my Instagram page
From the giveaway page, every month I am gaining new followers and very good engagement from participants. Which is so good for my blogging profession.
4. WE could help many needy people via giveaways
This sounds a bit strange but it's true. Many of the giveaway winners personally messaged me and thanked me for the money and gifts they won from our page, said during the lockdown period financial situation was not good and the prize money helped them.
Again this made me think
We should have more cash giveaways where our winners get cash amounts as prizes.
So, for me, this journey can be called a Happy Journey :)
Sharing my page's link
Do check it out
Hope you all liked this post and found it useful.
Do share your views in the comment section below.
Ghazala
This blog post is a part of blog challenge BLOGABERRYDAZZLE hosted by Cindy D'silva
Noor Chawla and sponsored by Vox Box
Hello friends
A different kind of post this time :)
Recipe of Paneer Tikka on Tawa.
Paneer Tikka is one of the most popular Indian dishes, liked by people of all age groups.
Many prepare it on grill, oven, etc.
But today I will share a simple and easy method to prepare it on Iron Tawa.
Ingredients:
Paneer: 200 gms
Tomatoes: 2/3 medium sized
Capsicum: 2 medium sized
Curd: 3 tablespoon
Salt ( as per taste )
Garlic paste : 1 tspn
Haldi powder : 1/2 tea spoon
Red chilli powder : 1/2 tea spoon
Chaat masala powder : 1 tspn
Garam Masala powder : 1 tspn
Oil to fry
Method of preparation:
* Cut Paneer into small cubes
* Dice the vegetables into small cubes
* In a bowl add paneer, vegetables, and all other ingredients
Mix well and marinate for around half an hour.
* After half an hour, heat an Iron Tawa put two tspn oil on it and put marinated paneer and vegetables on it, and fry it on low to medium flame. Cook for around 5-8 minutes till the paneer and vegetables get cooked properly.
* Do not put it all together, do it in batches, so that gets cooked properly.
* One can sprinkle some lemon juice on it to get that extra tangy taste ( this is optional)
Delicious Paneer Tikka is ready to serve and enjoy:)
I tried this many times and it comes out too good :)
Takes less time than the oven and is quite easy to do, so do try it out :)
Paneer is a good source of protein and the curry dishes are a bit heavy, this tikka is light and easy to digest, also taste-wise too good :)
One of my favorite :)
This blog post is a part of blog challenge Blogaberrydazzle hosted by Cindy D'Silva , Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Vox Box and Journey Matters
Ghazala
A smiling face does not guarantee a happy heart.
We never know and can understand what the other person is going through as usually, people do not want to cry in public or do not wish to share their struggle and pain with everyone.
Especially the introvert ones.
So, Be Kind to everyone you meet :)
Before sarcastically complaining " You forgot me " or " You are too busy "
Pause and Think
Ask them about their health and happenings first.
They might not open in front of you but try to give some good vibes, some reasons to smile :)
As compared to our parent's and grandparents' time, cases of mental illness are much more now and sadly it remains unnoticed and uncared.
People are worried about physical health, education, carrier, money but not Mental Health.
Which can cause depression and mental problems.
There are many cases where bright students become failures in practical life.
Reason mental issues, lack of confidence, less practical approach towards life, less of emotional bonding with family and friends.
These all made me think deeply about this issue.
Are we providing a good environment to our kids and immediate family members?
The answer might be Yes or No
But thankfully we still have time to work on it.
Let's start with our families then close friends and then others.
Let's bond emotionally,
Let us try to be a Pillar of emotional support to all who need it.
It doesn't cost you money or much time,
Just a little patience and empathy :)
Empathy is something that can make you a Better Person.
As it will help you to understand and feel others' pain.
Before the pandemic started we all were living a very hectic life, busy with our jobs and daily chores, some even didn't care to stay connected with their relatives or old friends but then during the lockdown period, we had plenty of free time.
Many got connected with their long-lost friends and relatives again.
When I got connected with many of my cousins and friends and listened to their stories, then understood that everyone is going through some or another thing, everyone's challenge is different but it's there.
At times they don't even get someone to listen to their problems.
I know many a time it's not possible to help a few but at best we can listen to them and give them some moral strength so that they feel better.
So finally I would say let's try our best to provide emotional support to our near and dear ones.
Show them more kindness, give them a little more time.
Believe me " You will feel good, happy and satisfied "
One gets inner satisfaction by helping others.
In this mad race and mad world, let's show some kindness and empathy to others.
The world needs more kindness and more kind people.
This Blog Post is a part of Blog Challenge " Blogaberry Dazzle " hosted by Cindy D'silva and
Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with VoxBox and Journey Matters
Ghazala
Hairfall, itchy scalp, frizzy hairs are something we read and hear everywhere.
People of all age groups are facing hair problems these days, reasons are many like improper diet, use of excessive products on hairs which have chemicals, using curling devices, etc.
Post-delivery I am also facing some hair fall issues.
I try to keep my hair and scalp clean by using a mild shampoo ( the ones with less harsh chemicals)
and Aloe Vera gel to keep the scalp healthy.
In this post, I will share 3 of my favorite hair care products which I found too good :)
Talbina is a porridge made from barley flour.
It's a healthy food which is also known as Prophetic food as it was liked and consumed by our beloved Prophet :)
There are many health benefits of consuming Talbina.
In this post, I will share its method of preparation and its benefits :)
Method of Preparation
One needs barley flour, some fresh dates, dry fruits, and sugar/honey to prepare Talbina.
Mix one cup of water with one cup milk and let it boil then add two tablespoons of dry barley powder and cook it on low flame for 5-10 minutes till it is cooked and becomes like porridge.
If using sugar as a sweetener then add at this stage, if using honey can be added later.
Then add de-seeded dates and dry fruits of your choice.
And it's ready to serve and eat :)
The cooking process is very simple and takes hardly 10-15 minutes.
Ready to use barley powder or Talbina mix is available in the market as well on online stores.
I received one from an Instagram store. It's good :)
Health Benefits of Talbina:
1. It reduces depression.
2. It relieves stress.
3. It enhances mood.
4. Helps in weight management & weight loss.
5. Helps to maintain blood glucose level so extremely good for a diabetic.
6. Improves Immunity.
It's rich in Vitamin B, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper, antioxidants.
Zinc-rich food helps to get better sleep and reduce stress and barley is rich in Zinc.
So it can be called one of the best and healthiest food.
Very easy to prepare in less time, No oils or fat in it.
One can take a bowl of Talbina for breakfast or dinner.
Will also help in weight management.
We regularly prepare it at home :)
Do try it.
Hope you all liked my post and found it useful, share your views in the comment section below.
This blog post is a part of Blog Challenge ' BlogaBerryDazzle' hosted by Cindy D'Silva
Noor Anand Chawla & powered by Deyga
Ghazala
Health is wealth and we all want to have a healthy body and healthy mind.
But the most important question is "How "
In this post, I will try to explain how easy it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It's not rocket science, it's a habit and we just need to make a healthy lifestyle our habit.
Past few months I was studying Satvic Lifestyle and its benefits.
I read a lot about it, also watched some videos on Youtube on this topic.
So sharing what it is.
The word Sattvic means Pure Essence and Sattvic foods are thought to be pure and balanced.
Offering feelings of calmness, happiness, and mental clarity.
Sattvic lifestyle includes eating fresh vegetarian food, doing exercise and Yoga, doing intermittent fasting, etc.
The five main principles of Satvic Lifestyle are:
1. Eating Vegetarian
What we eat has a great impact on our health.
So eating healthy and eating the right food as per our age and medical condition is very important.
Sattvic lifestyle puts emphasis on eating a completely vegetarian diet and says NO to all non-vegetarian foods as much as possible.
One needs to include fresh fruits, vegetables in their diet.
A big No to all processed and packed food which we call junk food.
Replacing white sugar with dates & jaggery.
Replacing white flour with brown flour and white rice with brown rice.
2. Doing Intermittent fasting
Fasting has numerous health benefits.
It helps to cleanse our body.
Being a Muslim and keeping Roza every year, I was knowing this since childhood :)
Nowadays many practices intermittent fasting which is 16-hour fasting starting from evening till the next morning.
They suggest to take light dinner by early evening like maximum by 7 pm and then taking the next meal the next day by 11 am so that it makes a 16 hours gap.
This time period is required to cleanse the body, if we keep on eating frequently the body doesn't get sufficient time to do deep cleansing which results in the accumulation of toxins in the body, which are the main reasons for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol in the body.
Our body needs time to cleanse itself.
3. Doing regular exercise
The deficiency of Vitamin D is very common these days and the reason is we are not spending time in the sun. We stay indoors, hooked to our gadgets and hectic lifestyles.
We need to spend some time outdoors, doing exercise in the fresh air and sun.
So sattvic lifestyle also puts emphasis on spending time outdoors and doing regular exercise as simple as a morning walk.
4. Taking Fresh Detox Juice in the morning
Sattvic lifestyle recommends taking fresh detox juice in the morning, this helps to cleanse the system
which I already mentioned ( how it helps to remove toxins from our body)
The two types of juice which they mention are:
* Ash Gourd Juice ( White Petha )
* Cucumber Juice
With the help of either juicer or blender, one can prepare this detox juice and have it before breakfast.
This helps to cleanse our system.
5. Cooking in Earthenware
They recommend cooking our food in earthenware, not in steel, aluminum, or nonstick utensils.
The reason being food cooked in these is not healthy and they lose their nutritional value, whereas foods cooked in earthenware are healthy and retain all nutrients.
My Opinion about Sattvic Lifestyle
Being a fitness freak and person with an obsession with a healthy lifestyle, I found it too interesting :)
I tried to follow all that they are recommending.
* Brought some earthenware and now cooking my veggies in it.
They taste much better than when cooked in aluminum utensils.
I use minimal oil in cooking and cook on low flame.
* Doing morning walk is my routine for ages, now I try to spend some more time in the sun :)
* By the grace of Almighty, I have a practice of doing fasting so doing intermittent fasting was not very tough for me.
* Have replaced my regular meals with fruits and salads many a time.
That makes me feel better.
* Keeping away from non-vegetarian food is a bit difficult as when you are cooking biryani & kebabs and not tasting it is :(
But still, I have managed to reduce my intake of non-veg food and now having more vegetarian food :)
After doing all this the reward is :
I have lost few kilos Yay :)
I feel better and happy :)
So I would recommend all to try this as much as possible.
The results will surely surprise you :)
Do share your opinion about my post in the comment section below.
Ghazala
This blog post is a part of a blog challenge by " Blogaberry Dazzle " hosted by Cindy D'Silva Noor Anand Chawla and sponsored by BakezbyDaizy
( * Image source: Taken from Google)
After the Pandemic started and because of lockdown we all were bound to stay indoors as much as possible, it's being observed that stay at home has badly affected the mental health of many.
We were not used to this lifestyle, not going to public places or friends or relative's houses, staying in, and not being to meet many.
Most of the people spent time watching some series on Netflix or Youtube but again excess of that also gets boring.
Like many others, I also thought of pursuing my long lost hobbies to engage myself in some creative work and feel happy :)
Pursuing a hobby actually helps a lot to de-stress
* Our minds get excited when there is a new and exciting thing to do and accepts that challenge and that helps to change our mood :)
* A calming activity like painting or gardening lowers the stress level and relaxes the mind.
* Group activities like painting or baking with kids are fun.
* Writer and Poets feel satisfied and happy when they are able to write something good.
* Hobby time is away from regular work time, be it office work some daily household chores
so it's ME time.
* It helps to declutter our mind, we stop thinking about negative things and problems and mind is diverted towards hobby ideas.
* It takes our mind to a new world of imagination.
After marriage and with small kids, my schedule was too hectic, sometimes it was even difficult to get time to relax.
So this free time during the lockdown period gave me enough time to relax and do what I was not able to do earlier. I started spending more time on writing ( which is a part of my profession) as well as some time to do other hobbies like Painting :)
I used to do a lot during my school days than there was a long break.
Thankfully last year I started again.
I started with bottle art.
It was something different from the ones I was doing during my school days but I thoroughly enjoyed it:)
First I saw some Youtube videos to get some ideas of doing bottle arts and paints and then ordered some good sets of paintbrushes and acrylic colors from Amazon.
And started doing it on various glass bottles which were already there in my kitchen :)
( Just cleaned them well )
Now have placed those glass bottles as Home Decor at many places in my house and feel happy whenever I see them.
My art & My Happiness :)
My daughters also did some as they also got excited at the thought of doing bottle art.
Sharing some pics
This blog post is a part of Blog Challenge by ' Blogaberry Dazzle ' hosted by Cindy D'Silva , Noor Anand Chawla & sponsored by Bakes By Daizy
Ghazala
Since the Pandemic started, all around the world online teaching and learning is the most convenient way to learn and study.
Most of the schools are doing online classes but parents feel that it's not sufficient, students are missing many things.
We need something extra to teach them.
For that, we have some good options like recently I came across a learning app called Skipin.
Skipin is an adaptive Self Learning app by Wise Owl Private Limited.
One can easily download this app from Google Play Store.
Check here: Skipin
One needs to register there by providing their email ID and student's name and class.
Once done one can check the app.
They provide assignments and lessons for three subjects: Mathematics, Science, English.
One can access lessons and assignments of class they have registered.
There are 18 lessons in Science which includes Plant Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, Acids & Bases, Waste management, Soil basics, Respiration, Electric Current and its effects, etc.
So almost all topics are covered.
There are 12 lessons in English mostly grammar.
So one can improve their English grammar by doing these assignments give at SkiPin App.
There are objective questions given which needs to be done by students and this way they learn.
What I liked about this Skipin App:
1. One can easily download it from Google Play Store for free.
2. Registration process is hassle-free.
3.One can enroll their kids as per their age and class.
4. There are good study materials for three main subjects, Mathematics, Science, English.
5. Study material provided are good and questions are easy to understand and answer.
6. Questions are given in image form also so that students find it interesting and easy.
Overall I liked it and would recommend other parents to check it for their kids.
They have two options:
Free one where one can see some study materials.
Paid membership where there is a vast number of assignments, projects & study materials.
Do share your opinion about this in the comment section below.
Ghazala