Diwali Gift Hamper 2015

Diwali is the festival of lights. Away from my country I still manage to create the diwali ambience inside my home. Every year I decorate my house with lanterns. I enjoy making lanterns. I make them in dozens  to hang them all around the house. I put lights and a big "aakshkandil" in the patio.  And of course diwali can never be complete without the sweet and spicy home made snacks . They are made in all Marathi homes worldwide. Nothing can beat the fresh yummy home made "faral". Like always this year too I made ladoos, shankarpali, karanji, chivada and chakali. The difference this year was that I packaged it with some creativity. I got the dollar store silver containers. I used cupcake liners to place individual items. Then placed these inside the container. I covered the container with cling wrap. I used homemade gift tag in the shape of a "panati ". I made it using a card stock paper I had at hand. I had fun giving the faral package alongwith a aakshkandil to my neighbours and friends. I also received a nice surprise gift with the faral from one of my friends.

Should I just say diwali gift hamper? Share your ideas to package faral next year. Until then wishing you all happy new year. Welcome 2016.

Pinterest Projects - DIY Tile Coasters

The tile coasters have been on my DIY- to-do-list for a long time. Of course I had seen them on Pinterest. These coasters are cute and cheap. Great idea to make the coasters for Christmas presents. These coasters are very easy to make but not quick. The process involves some time for Mod Podge to dry before applying the sealant.

Materials used -

1. 4-1/4″ square ceramic tiles 10 cents a piece ( from Home Depot )

2. Scrapbook paper ( in pattern of your choice )

3. Mod Podge

4. Spray Arylic Sealant

5. Adhesive backed felt pads (from  Dollar tree )

Total budget under 10$.  You can make multiple sets of coasters with various scrapbook papers.


So here are the steps involved -

1. I used the tile to mark the dimensions on scrapbook paper. I wish I had cut the paper a little shorter to show the tile at the borders. ( Well !Now I know when I do new batch of coasters )

2. Then with a foam brush I applied  Mod Podge onto the tile and laid the previously cut square scrapbook paper on it . The paper should adhere to the tile nicely. Smooth it out with your fingers as needed.

3. Again with a foam brush I applied  a coat of Mod Podge , this time over the paper.  I used my fingers to smooth out any bubbles that crop up, pressing out toward the edges.

4. I left the coasters to dry for several hours .

5. I finished  them off with a coat of spray acrylic sealer to make them waterproof. Since I used the glossy one it gave a nice shiny finish .

6. Finally added some felt on the back to prevent coasters from scratching my furniture. I added felt couple of days after the spray sealant coat.

And that's it ! I was very happy with the way they came out.  I could not wait to enjoy a cup of tea with my cup resting on these coasters.

Pinterest projects - DIY Twine Wrapped Jar

The yarn wrapped bottles are hugely popular on Pinterest. So I decided to create my own with the materials I had at home. I used a jar that previously contained garlic paste. You can use any type of  glass jar or  any vase/ bottle . Not only is this cost effective, but it also adds a heartwarming and nice touch to your decor. Following are simple step by step instructions to complete this project.

1.Starting at top of the bottle I added a layer of mod podge with a sponge onto the bottle. Point the tail end downward so you can hide it later. Wrap each layer of yarn as closely as possible to previous one .

2. You can also let the yarn twist or overlap for a less symmetric look.

3. Use different colors and experiment with various textures like yarn, rope etc.

I use a baker's twine and wrapped one after the other for a clean simple look.

4. You can use this as pencil holder or for holding scissors next to your sewing machine or even for flower arrangements.

The different colors will give a pop of color if placed in bookshelves.

At the end of day it is all about having  fun with your creation.

Materials Used ---

1.Glass jar ( I had at home ) = FREE

2. Baker's twine 1$ each ( found at Target at The One Spot aisle )

 I use one whole spindle and few strands from another one )

3. Mod podge (available at Target in The One Spot aisle for 3 $ )

Total cost of project under 5 $

Concrete Words - The Coffee Mug - Part 2

This post is part of  a series where I choose and write about a particular "Concrete Word "

Concrete words are terms that identify things and events that can be measured and observed. Concrete words are tangible in some way. So I decided to write about such "concrete words ".

I enjoy my morning cup of tea in this beautiful mug . It has an elegant design and is beautifully crafted . It is a porcelain mug from Teavana. This mug holds a very special place in my heart. First because I received it last year as my graduation gift . It is undoubtedly the best gift I have received so far . It came in the mail as a total  surprise. It was neatly wrapped in a decorative box. The second reason that makes this mug special is even better. It was sent by a very special couple . They both are dear and near to me. So every single  time I sip my tea from this mug it reminds me of that special feeling . It gives me a sense of accomplishment . It reminds me of my achievements . It also makes me aware of my responsibilities since my graduation . It reminds me to be grateful for being surrounded by wonderful caring people in my life. And of course drinking caffeine has its own perks. I so need this mug and my dose of early morning caffeine especially now that I am a mommy on the go.

Inner Peace

" Peace of mind is not the absence of conflict from life, but the ability to cope with it . ".... Anonymous


We come across these words "INNER PEACE " every now and then. What is this inner peace ? Like most individuals I find inner peace to be transitory. The lasting inner peace, just as the monks and saints describe seems an impossible accomplishment. So I decided to ask myself  "What is it that makes inner peace so fleeting in my life? "

I started reflecting on this question for days and days. And that is when it dawned upon me that inner peace is a choice . I  (myself  ) have to make this choice . I  ( myself  ) need to and should choose to feel at peace, deep inside . But can I ? As I said earlier I felt that this inner peace was always fleeting. So what was making it so short lived ? The answer was simple. The biggest hindrance was the negativity inside me. The obstacle to this lasting inner peace was within myself . But where did the negativity come from ? I realized that it came from my surroundings . Sometimes it was due to the circumstances I was in . On some occasions it was the people around me that compelled me to think negatively .

 At first I thought that inner peace came to those who did not have to face day to day challenges. But we all face tough times at some point in our lives. No one can get rid of difficult situations unless you live a reclusive life . Actually tough times keep us going. Such experiences make us brave. Dealing with difficult people makes us stronger . It is hard to not react to anger or bad words. But by cultivating self control one can learn to stay calm. Hurt and grief will then be replaced by serenity. If we can face and overcome difficult situations with confidence and a smile on the face only then we can achieve lasting peace .  

Concrete Words - The Coffee Mug - Part 1

This post is part of  a series where I choose and write about a particular "Concrete Word "

Concrete words are terms that identify things and events that can be measured and observed. Concrete words are tangible in some way. So I decided to write about such "concrete words ".

I am a "chai" addict. I can never say "NO" to chai. Caffeine is an essential part in my life. If you have read my previous posts you probably know this by now. If not just click here , here and here . So enough said about my caffeine addiction.Well we have three different coffee makers at work. All 3 are different brands and different sizes. My favorite is the Keurig machine. Don't you love it ? Like the multiple coffee makers we also have numerous coffee mugs .They sit on a tray right beside the Keurig machine.These mugs have accumulated over years. Some of them were brought by residents, some by the office staff and attending physicians. And of course some are freebies too . Most of the times a kind soul (  read 'me' ) cleans them with generous amount of soap. Then I dry them and put them back on the tray. Some go in the cabinet while some take forever to make it back there. Anyways the motive of having these coffee mugs is to recycle . The whole point being to reduce the usage of paper cups and thereby the waste. This doesn't always work with everybody but I can at least try and do my part.So people please recycle. I said recycle.  

Among the several mugs at work I love the one that says - " Women are like teabags. We do not know our strength until we are in hot water ."  It stands out because it is the only one with a message / script on it.The rest have pictures or a decorative pattern on them. This particular message gives me inner strength.  Every single time I read it i feel empowered. This particular mug brings a smile on my face whenever I see it. It is like a friend whom I can count on to cheer me up.  And in addition it holds exactly the amount of chai I need to keep going .
Indeed a "winner " I must say. 

BBB - Baby, Books and Bumbo Seat

For years 4 pm has been my favorite time of the day . Once upon a time it used to be "chai time" . These days reading books to my 2 month old is the new 4 pm ritual. It is undoubtedly my favorite activity of the day . And hers( baby K ) too. She simply enjoys this time . 

Typically she is in her bumbo seat . I sit across from her and read the books aloud. I sometimes read the same book over and over again. It is never annoying but in fact a shared enjoyment . It is fun to watch as baby K gazes at the colorful pages with a sparkle in her tiny eyes . I intentionally turn the pages slowly so that she gets a good glimpse.  At times she smiles and coos as if she understands each and every word I read to her . It is a special bonding time for us. I see a curious little soul and a budding reader in the making. 

I encourage all parents out there to read to your babies. Reading not only improves speech and vocabulary but also helps develop a special bond . Your little ones love to hear you talk. They enjoy the rhythmic reading and listening to intonations. If you are wondering about the benefits of reading to your little one check out the AAP statement too.

 Recommendations by baby K for a starter library  - 

1. Brown Bear ,  Brown Bear , What do you see? - Bill Martin Jr/ Eric Carle

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle

3. Goodnight moon - Margaret Wise Brown

Working Physician Mom

Every working mom needs advice and support .This makes the transition into the new phase of life very smooth. I am glad I have a guiding star.

I met her during my residency . She was a year ahead of me . I spoke to her once I matched at the program. And our bond of friendship grew stronger and stronger since. 

During residency we always spoke about our future over chai time and occasional dinners . We shared our thoughts about starting a family . Her daughter was born a year before mine . Since then she has been like  road map to guide me through this journey. During residency I always asked her advice about reference books and articles  . Now it's about parenting and baby stuff. Our talks range from fever guidelines and otitis management to  swaddle blankets and baby clothes .

Both of us are working moms now. We are trying to juggle work and family life at the same time. Just like millions of moms out there. Sometimes its about the giggles and babbles .Sometimes its about the tired sighs and sacrifices. But day by day we are learning , trying to focus and prioritize. Sometimes easily and sometimes not so. But in the end its all about being a caring doctor and a loving mommy .

Dedicated to my physician mommy friend RD . Thank you for everything. Hope that our baby girls will also be buddies just like their moms. 

I translate spring season as ...

Spring means a fresh breath, fresh start

Time to get rid of all the heavy coats and thick sweaters
I think of spring as a perfect transition season
I love seeing that green grass, lush flowers and color everywhere
The days are warm and much longer
There is happiness all around with birds chirping and flowers in bloom everywhere
I am so ready to dress up in fun prints and vibrant colors
Time to wear those sunglasses and flip flops
It feels so liberating and rejuvenating
Spring brings back creativity and motivation
I am so looking forward to this spring
I  absolutely love spring
I cannot wait to spring in action

What about you ? What does spring season mean to you ?