Penny for your thoughts

They say there is light after a dark night.But are they talking about long winter nights or short summer nights?

Chocolate are women's best friend. They always cheer you up and they are just at an arm's length away.

Not everyday brings us something new - we just hope that the night has erased all the memories of previous day.

We don't grow old, time and life just etch their mark on us.

Nothing is worse than realizing that what you assumed to be true didn't even exist to begin with.

Nature doesn't strive towards perfection it  just exists the way it is. 

Your mind, and your body grow at different rates.

You don't know what you have, till you lose it.

As you grow older, you realize love and respect are action verbs.Without any action to support it, they are absolutely meaningless.

Money works  and often by the time you realize that, it is too late.
 

Motivational Quotes

“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”–Benjamin Mays

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”–Pearl Buck

 All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.”–John Kenneth Galbraith

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”–Maria Robinson

 

  “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

"Time is the coin of life. Only you can determine how it will be spent." – Carl Sandburg  

If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." – Bruce Lee

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no point in being a damn fool about it” – W. C. Fields

 

 

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

Some quotes that inspire

Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.”

Tomorrow will be better.”
“But what if it’s not?” I asked.
“Then you say it again tomorrow. Because it might be. You never know, right? At some point, tomorrow will be better.”
The first and final thing you have to do in this world is to last it and not be smashed by it.”

If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative."
— Woody Allen

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
— Maya Angelou

5 lessons in one hour

Recently, a friend of mine finally convinced me to go for a “Body talk” session. I am not a trusting person by nature, so it was after months of persuasion, that I caved in (actually, it was either that or a breakdown). Skeptical at first, my doubts vanished when I met the lady who was going to work on my body and “align” it.  

It was interesting to say the least and effective too. When I went in I am quite sure my eyes were fearful like a scared deer, trying to run for its life. After an hour of being in session with her, I felt like a weight had been lifted from head and heart. I was feeling lighter and calmer than I had felt in ages. The feeling of peace, clarity and emptiness was as close to a spiritual experience I have experienced to say the least.

I always considered myself to be more of a spiritual person, yet didn’t realize until recently how far away I was from climbing even the first step of spirituality ladder.

There were some interesting facts pointed out to me by the practitioner –

1. Don’t bottle up your feelings:  If you are feeling anger, let it out – punch a pillow or a bag – but don’t let the poison swallow you up. We are taught to hide and mask our negative feelings since childhood and over a period of time, we perfect it so well, that the mask pollutes your authentic self and you morph into something unknown.
2. Honor yourself: It was an interesting term for me – but I did get the gist that if I don’t honor myself nobody would do. This is an issue with many people – you don’t get what you deserve, you get what YOU BELIEVE you deserve.
3. Money is your friend: This is one issue I have struggled with and I am still trying to meditate on this fact and come to terms with it.
4. Don’t be hard on yourself: In our quest to be affable, and blend in, sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. I admire people who can take credit for all that goes well in their lives and blame others for anything that go wrong. They are the ones who are happiest.
5. Life happens: Yes, it often does when we are least prepared for it. I learnt that just like we need to wash off the dirt from our body frequently, we also need to clean our heads and our hearts from grudges and all the negative emotions that life throws at us. It is impossible for us to be unaffected by what is going around us, spiritual cleansing is as important as keeping your body healthy. 

picture : courtesy -Angie Scott  (Jasper)

5 lessons to learn in bad economy

There are times in life when you feel that life is spiraling downwards, and you don't know  when and where the fall will end or if it ever will. The key to remember is everything ends - bad times too. It is how you survive and what lessons you learn that matters. Life is funny that way, each time you think, that you have paid your dues and learned all that you need to know, it throws you another challenge.

But like someone said to me "Remember, everyday is a blessing". The key is to survive and overcome your challenges, without getting bitter and losing your innate goodness. It is so easy to wallow in self-pity or feel vengeful , all the negative emotions that  attach to you like boulders and sink you down.

I have been through days or weeks, fostering anger, vengeance and self-pity. Anyone who has been through these emotions ( and  I believe all of us have to some extent at some point of our life), knows that it is hell on earth. These days, people all over the world are suffering from the repercussions  of bad economy - yet there is something to be gained from it. Five lessons that bad economy has taught me are :

1. Simple Living : It is so easy to get used to luxury, that before you know it , you are the slave of  the indispensable comforts. Simple living is not just about good clothes, or shoes, it also extends to food. For some of us, it is not a choice, but a necessity. Yet the simple joys give you more pleasure than anything that you will own.

2. Thinking out of the box:  When you are in your comfort zone, there is no need to change things around. Tough times calls for tough actions and lots of brainstorming.

3. Reaffirmation of Faith: Nothing tests your faith more than hardships. Only when it is pitch dark, do we feel the need to hold to the fact that dawn is around the corner. Life changes - but faith is knowing that winter is always followed by spring and believing and waiting for it with patience and love.

4.Revaluation : Endings are new beginnings.It is life, and although there is always a tinge of sadness when a chapter is closed, look forward to new challenges. Looking back, learning  from your mistakes , accepting  that you can't change it and marching on ! Life is too short or long depending on the challenges we face. The key is not to let the challenges defeat you, let all the negativity slide off you back (Wish it was easy!)

5.Change your priority : The key to survival and living life to the fullest is to welcome all challenges and change with change in circumstances. The more flexible we are in our approach to receiving all that comes our way, the easier it will be to transition to new way of living. Yet, most of us are creatures of habit and only change our perspective when forcibly pushed out of our comfort zone.It is shocking how many unnecessary "habits" attach to us in good times. The cup of java, the cable, the weekly dinners and yearly vacations, all become part of our lifestyle. Hardships teaches us what is really important in life and that the enticement of "good life" comes with a price!

8 Quotes to Make you Smile

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers.”
― Maya Angelou

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”
― Joseph Addison


The groom always smiles proudly because he's convinced he's accomplished something quite wonderful. The bride smiles because she's been able to convince him of it.”
― Judith McNaught, A Kingdom of Dreams

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

A smile starts on the lips, A grin spreads to the eyes, A chuckle comes from the belly; But a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, Overflows, and bubbles all around

There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all.”

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

10 easy lunch ideas for school

1. Sandwiches: The good old staple for any meal – sandwiches are easy and can be tampered with to give a delicious and nutritious meal. Some varieties – chicken salad, egg salad, ham, chicken breast, burgers and tomato and cheese.

2. Wraps: are again very versatile, easy to make and can be eaten well cold. Ham /sliced chicken breast and cheese with lettuce, left over cooked chicken, or simply sliced peppers, lettuce and avocados and tomatoes. You can spice it up with a different sauces like BBQ, ranch or Ceaser and cheeses ( tex mex)

3. Noodles: Another favorite – be it pasta or simply plain old Chinese noodles, depending on what your kids eat. Again the options to add veggies or diced ham or sausages will add variety.

4. Soups: Nothing like the good old hot cup of soup to cheer you up on a dreary winter day. Try tomato, chicken noodle or sweet corn.

5. Pizza: Another favorite: make your own pizza at home –using store bought pizza base/pita bread, tortilla or naan bread. Use a variety of healthy toppings like spinach, tomatoes, ribboned zucchini, chicken, feta cheese or whatever topping is available at home. Use store bought pizza sauce, home made Alfredo sauce or pesto. Kids love pizzas hot or cold.

6. Chicken strips / nuggets: Another favorite –especially if your kid’s school allows the use of microwave for reheating.

7. Taco – Tacos are easy to assemble especially if you have the cooked ground meat ready in the fridge.

8. Sushi: My son learnt how to make sushi at school and I was amazed at how easy it was to assemble. Try using imitation crab (they are safer) and cucumber and carrots. Sticky rice can be refrigerated for a day.

9. Rice: Add chicken, add veggies, with soya for a Chinese flavor or cheese for an Italian touch.

10. Lasagna, frozen pastas, noodles in a bowl (not healthy, but last minute option), chili, taco soup, and fish sticks – all work well in case of emergency.

20 great snack ideas

1. Fruits: Nothing beats fruits for a snack. Sliced or whole apples, oranges (Clementine), bananas, or diced mangoes all make excellent snacks for the kids.

2. Vegetables with dips: Carrots with ranch is also liked by majority of kids.

3. Chewy bars: It is always handy to have them at home to bring a variety to the lunch kit.

4. Crackers and cheese: Cheddar cheese cubed with 4-5 crackers are always appreciated and enjoyed. Cheese strings, or cubed cheese are a healthy alternative too.

5. Yogurt: My kids love yogurt tubes – although at times I do wonder if paying the premium for the convenience is worth it. Yogurt drinks, or yogurt cups are also healthy.

6. Quesadillas, Crispy rice squares: There is a cool recipe for the same on our blog site.

7. Chocolate or oatmeal with raisin cookies. There are some great products out there like Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin, 3-Ounce Individually Wrapped Cookies (Pack of 12)


8. Sliced cake: Bake a chocolate or basic vanilla cake and you are good to go for a week.

9. Cupcakes/Muffins – homemade. You control the size when you make them at home and there are some cool recipes for healthier muffins.

10. Baked potato Chips/pretzels: Sometimes you just have to give and go with what pleases their palette.


11. Pepperoni sticks: I am not a big fan of this and save it as a last alternative

12. Whole wheat tortillas with salsa: You get your serving of grains and vegetables.

13. Handful of popcorn: Although this is controversial, it is a fun snack provided it is handed out in limit. You don’t want them to fill up on air!

14. Dried fruits –like apricots or mangoes: These are good just by themselves or with nuts. Some great buys are Peeled Snacks Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack


15. Home made trail mixture –mixing whole wheat cereals like cheerios with dried fruits and pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

16. Eggs: A healthy snack for growing kids, full of proteins and vitamins. Give them boiled or stuff it in halved pita bread with salsa.

17. Olives: If your kid loves olives – it is again a good and healthy snack. There are a variety of stuffed olives to choose from.

18. Baked goodies: If you do want to indulge your kid once in a while, try giving a square of Nanaimo bar, cream puff or any other baked good.

19. Tuna, mayo and cracker snack kit.

20. Rice Chips , banana chips, jello with fruits or plain chocolate pudding is also popular.You can also try Sensible Foods Roasted Edamame Crunch Dried Snack, Lunch box size, 0.75-Ounce (Pack of 24)


And to go with all these delicious snacks in these lunch kits for kids

5 tips to getting ready for Back to School

It’s that time of the year again – days are getting shorter, can see some leaves already changing color and of course kids and parent all having started the countdown of going back to school. The shopping frenzy for back to school is only surpassed by Christmas shopping. I don’t know about others, but for me school means its packing lunches, keeping track of grades, and early nights!



Each year the school gives a list of supplies and although I haven’t seen the list yet, I know that this year I am doing things differently. This year, instead of blindly going to the store at the last minute (it always is the last weekend for us!), I am planning ahead.





1. Take stock of all the supplies that are in good condition from last year. Over the years, the stock of erasers, crayons and markers has added up to the extent of I no longer have place to store them. This year instead of buying another set of everything for them, we are going through all that we have in good usable condition. And believe it’s a lot!

2. Make your own list. Now that you have deleted some of the items from the school list, make your own list. Kids grow up fast, especially teens. I can’t believe that my son grew out of his new pants within a month!

3. Plan ahead for the fall and winter. Make a list of full-sleeve shirts, light jackets and of course shoes. My kids grow through 4-5 pairs of shoes through the year –doesn’t matter what brand I buy. But at the rate they are going up, it doesn’t make sense for me to buy more than what is necessary right now.

4. Wait for end of the season sale . I intend to buy not more than 3-4 shirts for my kids right now. I will wait for the end of season sale to buy the rest.

5. Buy good quality backpacks and lunch kits (preferably with sections ) and you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the year.

5 reasons to take a break from Facebook

I will be honest, last couple of weeks have been very intense and not in the good way. The stress has been so unbearable, that for once I could understand the pain that drives people towards alcohol and drugs and could empathize with them. Only a couple weeks of despair and I was searching for ways to numb my pain.  That is, till the mind took control over heart and years of reading spirituality books, took the reins over.

When I was analyzing my fears, it dawned on me that the amount of time I was spending on social network was partly to blame for my distorted perception. . When the going is good, your mettle is not tested. True character of a person is only revealed under hardships. I realized that more than the financial loss, it was the shame, the embarrassment of failure, that was dragging me down. Even years of reading and practicing spirituality cannot bring down the inflated ego down.

Wasn’t I guilty of posting happy pictures, and falsifying my life on social media? Was my failure and stress the only reason that I was feeling down or was it that amongst the 190 friends on facebook, there didn’t seem to be one with a problem ?Here are  the five reasons I deactivated my account.(it is hard to wean away from an addiction ).

1. Too much of information:  Facebook is like gossip on a global scale. Honestly, knowing every detail of my friends was blocking my memory.
2. Narcissism: I have had enough of liking profile pictures.
3. Tired of comparison: Whether we like it or not, want it or not, we all are guilty of comparing our lives with our peers.
4. I have nothing to share: How much can you share openly with 190 people? It has come to a point that I have no smiles left to share and tears are not for facebook.
5. It is hard to differentiate between an illusion and reality. Facebook propagates illusion, and if you get too involved in it, it gets hard to come back to reality.