Meanwhile..

So, I'm having this calendar stare back at me and I'm surprised how I missed the fact that one month has already zipped by in this new ( and fast!) year. There have been so many tasks and events on my hands and when I finally take a breather....one month gone!

My elder son's school reopened and we are busy with his many tests. Not to mention his karate classes and his oh-so-frequent birthday parties for which I have to practically beg my friends or my husband to do the gift shopping. I have never been so intimidated by birthdays before! And if all this wasn't enough, an impromptu travel with a wailing four month old just about pushed the limits.

So now that I'm back home and settled into that on-my-toes routine, I somehow manage to distract myself with the help of the idiot box. And I find that I'm hooked on to some of the shows on Star World like 'Packed to the Rafters', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Melissa and Joey' and my ever favorite 'How I Met Your Mother'. Though I have to tear myself away from time to time for the baby, I make sure to keep myself updated (Thank God for repeats!!).

I guess that's the reason I'm fairly sane, managing the household and the kids. Kudos to all the mothers out there doing all this and much more!

'Appy New Year!

Here's wishing one and all a very happy, content and joyous New Year! May this year bring us closer and instill some sense in each one of us(which seems to be lacking based on the crazy happenings these days!). Be good and do good.

Happy New Year 2013!

Small Wonder!

My elder son came up to me one evening and said," Ammai, let's both read my Solar System book". I said,"Ok" and followed him to his room. Plonked on the bed, he was turning page by page when suddenly he  asked ," Are androids dangerous?" !!

My bundle can't even differentiate between asteroids and androids! The power of technology,eh?

Hangover

Diwali - the festival of lights, sweets, get-togethers and crackers is slowly fading away. This time we had a quiet and sober one at home ( because of the new born). But the usual brain storming sessions of sweet and savory recipes didn't lag behind! And here's what me and my mom came up with. Easy to make sweets.

My kolam (rangoli) also echoed the simplicity. Not an elaborate one this time.

The sweet taste of festivities still linger as I await yet another eventful year of happiness, realization of dreams and togetherness.

Have a wonderful year ahead!

Mummy returns!!

Wow!! I can't believe its been one year since I posted something on this blog! Well, what can I say? Been busy with home, son and becoming a mom once again. Yes, I am now a proud owner of a second baby boy! He looks just like his elder brother but I hope is not as troublesome.

Since it is Diwali time again( people must be wondering if I publish posts only during Diwali!), I wish you all have a happy and enjoyable time with family and friends. I sincerely hope that I continue to post on this blog more often than before!

No, not wishful thinking! :))

Cheers....Happy Diwali people!

Happy Diwali!!

It’s that time of the year again when lights of happiness dulls out every sorrow, every little struggle and every little hitch. The spirits of each soul, young and old, is enlightened with a new hope for the forthcoming year. May the radiance of Diwali fill our lives with all that we dream of. May we all have the courage and patience to overcome all obstacles in our path that lead us to contentment and bliss. May God be with each and every one of us throughout.

Happy Diwali everyone!!

Simple pleasures of food

Although I have spent my childhood growing up in culturally diverse places, I am a proper south Indian brahmin girl who loves her ‘kaapi’ first thing in the morning. A cup of freshly brewed filter coffee is an absolute must. It might be a tiny little detail in my entire routine for the day, but my day isn’t complete without it. Such are the impacts of simple foods in our lives.

Another one of my ‘simples’ is a plate of steaming hot idlis coupled with – no, it’s not sambar. Not for me. I love to team my idlis with the fiery and absolutely lip-smacking – ‘milagai podi’! Oh yes! I am a self proclaimed ‘podi’ lover! I simply adore the combination. When the white, soft, moon-like idlis smothered in the oil mixed orangish ‘podi’ enter your mouth, you can instantly experience bliss! The best part of the ‘podi’ is its crunchiness which goes very well with those soft idlis. And as I write this, I am reminded of one of the most unexpected but delicious encounters with my above mentioned comfort food.

I was in Chennai during one of my school vacations and I, along with my parents, made a surprise visit to one of my distant relative’s house (my aunt’s uncle or someone….I really cannot recollect!) Now since we had arrived during tea-time (or coffee time in Chennai!), we were warmly asked to stay for coffee and tiffin. The hostess quickly steamed some idlis and served them in banana leaves. For those who are not aware, any warm food that comes in contact with a banana leaf gives the food an entirely new dimension of taste. Those hot idlis with ‘podi’ on that banana leaf tasted heavenly. And as the hostess voiced her apologies for not being able to serve us a more elaborate meal, I, on the other hand, happily enjoyed as many idlis as I could!

Sometimes, even an exquisite meal cannot replace the plain tastes of our comfort foods.