Holiday Cheers

Howdy all,

Hows everyone coping with the holiday season the shopping,cooking,planning,traveling and so much more ?

I've been crazily busy planning for my trip to Cleveland and Detroit and I'm sooooooooooooooo excited.I've been going shopping for the perfect winter wear which looks elegant, keeps me warm and still has plenty of material on it to dress me modestly.Now thats a major hassle.Back home in the UAE, I never had problems finding clothes that were long enough to cover my derriere or loose enough on me to look like they were a comfy fit but not the perfect fit where all the curves of my body could be made out.Plus my petit size doesn't help me at all.So been hopping around from Kohl's to Macy's to Forever 21 to Zara's.

Besides all that shopping around, I've been procrastinating on so many posts on my eid affair and post eid.I can be such a lazy bum I know.
Also, I've started posting job vacancies that I find out about through my network in the middle east.The link can be found on my profile http://land-a-job.blogspot.com/.

Hmmmm, back to my holiday plans...So my hubby gets off work on thursday.We'll be leaving early morning on friday for cleveland if we do not encounter a snow storm.A day in cleveland then we'll drive on to Detroit.A day or two in Detroit and we might be headed to Chicago if we're not very tired and still upto driving some more.

I'll take pictures of anything crazy I encounter on my trip for my lovely blogger buddies :) and I look forward to hearing all about your holiday plans.

By the way this isnt my happy holidays post.I have another one to post before I leave for the trip.

Toodles

Capital Punishment for murderer of Moosa Mukhtiar Ahmed

After reading Alia's post where she wants to bring back real capital punishment for rapists and the like, my thoughts floated to a conversation I had with my Emirati friend a couple of years ago while I was at university doing my undergraduate studies.She seemed a little sad one day.I enquired about it.She usually had minor issues like stress and family related since she was a mother of two young girls.She would talk to me about her day to day challenges and would feel bettter.We would then head off for a steaming plate of Fettucine Alfredo with hot red sauce and laugh off all the worries.

Imagine the look on my face when she told me her source of concern for that day.She told me her mother's brother was at her place.Since she had 2 little girls and was a full time student, she stayed at her mom's place during the week where her kids were taken care of in her absence.So anyway, her uncle came over.He was very distressed because his son was behind bars.The reason being he had raped a young girl.

I was shocked to simply put it.My expression showed it all.I have never known a rapist or come close to someone thanks God.This was the closest I got.One of my bestest friend's cousin was a rapist awaiting trial ....

This was just the beginning.The bigger shock had yet to come when my friend told me her uncle was unhappy and she was unhappy for her uncle and wished her cousin got back home free.I was shocked,angry and upset.I was shocked because I couldn't imagine my friend being a woman herself with two young daughters felt sympathetic towards a rapist.I was angry because I felt she was acting selfish.She didn't care about the girl, the victim.All she cared was about her uncle and the cousin.I was upset because I couldn't believe this was one of my best friends talking  about rape like it happened everyday to every one and was no big deal.So anyway I totally flipped a lid and just went on and on about abuse and the physical and psychological effects on the girl and asked her to give a thought to the trauma she was going through.Finally, I asked her to imagine if something like that were to happen to her daughter.

Later, I felt sorry for her.She was confused.She didn't know how else to support her uncle.Her cousin was only 18 years old.She totally agreed with me on everything.She just felt it was unfair to her uncle.

My psychology professor used to say," Life isn't fair or unfair.Life just is."

Sexual abuse of any kind is a big deal and should be dealt likewise.I strongly support capital punishment.Besides being a severe punishment for perpetrators of sex crimes , it would be a lesson for other evil minded people to take heed and resist such temptations.I'm sure if they knew they'd be killed for it, they would not commit such criminal acts towards women and children.Of course, things are different thanks to our legal system.A crminal can easily get away with paying blood money or serving a sentence.

The story of 5 year old Moosa Mukhtiar Ahmed is so heart wrenching.My mom was so upset on reading half of the story, she couldn't finish reading.And to imagine something so monstrous taking place in the bathroom of the mosque.It was a sad, sad thing to happen and that too on eid.

Please remember the little boy's family  in your prayers.I hope justice is served for the sake of our daughters and children around the world.

The link to Alia's post is http://chasing-jannah.blogspot.com/2009/12/bring-back-real-capital-punishment-in.html.

More details on the tragic death of the little boy can be read at the following links.
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091203/NATIONAL/712029832/1041

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091209/NATIONAL/712089912/1042

Prezi - The zoooming presentation Editor

Check out the cool online tool for delivering better presentations with many effects such as zooming,visual effects and so much more.Its has an extra edge over the regular presentations with new features and the extra feature of publishing your presentations on the web.

There's a variety of presentations available on the website titled showcase.Do check those out for some cool stuff and info.In fact, even the not so interesting info looks so attractive on the presentation and makes you want to read more on the prezi website.The presentations can be zoomed in between the generic and the specific.It kinda looks like a movie.
The website has options for users.There's the basic free prezi and two other advanced features with payment plans listed.

http://prezi.com/

Candylicious, World's Biggest Candy Shop - Eat Happy in Dubai Mall

The pictures are enough to send you in a frenzy.Tens of thousands of candies in different colors and varieties are stacked up high along the walls.

Welcome to the worlds biggest sweet shop

Look at all those colors YUMMMMMMMMMMM

LOVE CHOCOLATE Oh yeah don't we all

Jelly Beans of every color and flavor imaginable

Candy Lollipop Tree

I know I got you all drooling by now...

Candy Shoppe plane for your candylicious travels

I could go in there and find myself lost amidst all that candy and I would be loving every bit of it.

I remember when I watched Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and  I was like, " I would love to have a chocolate factory like this where the walls are made of candy and there's tonnes of chocolate around me."

Looks like its come true.

Oh and if you're wondering the whereabouts of the chocolate factory.Its none other than Dubai.The totally cool unheard of stuff comes from there isn't it like the Burj Dubai,Ski City,Emirates Palace Hotel,Atlantis and the list goes on.I have been to a smaller version of candy shop like this in Las Vegas.But it was not even close to this one... at least in size.I can't tell about the variety as I have not been to the store in Dubai.So anyway, whatever you do we sheikhs can do it better ;)

Thats their motto by the way.Eat Happy :)

Do check out the links below for more eye candy :)

http://newslite.tv/2009/10/07/worlds-biggest-sweet-shop-open.html

http://www.candyliciousshop.com/

Images courtesy of FB group Candylicious

Thank you Google for Google Wave Invite

Surprise Surprise !!!

I received an invite from Google for Googlewave :).It was such a pleasant surprise when I logged on to my gmail on the night of November 30 and saw an email from Google.

I'm so excited about this new technology and can't wait to try it out.The best part is I've already got Nadia of the purple journal,http://thepurplejournal.wordpress.com/ and Mona of zaiqa, http://zaiqa.net/ as my contacts to start a conversation with.As I've already said, Google wave is a collaborative tool where multiple users can hold a real time conversation.Contacts who are online can be added to a single wave and can have a conversation with multiple contacts at the same time and also share stuff.Google chrome needs to be downloaded for googlewave to work though.

So girls, how about we get together on Googlewave and have a random,crazy conversation to check out the new technology and all the features ? Lemme know so we can have our very own all girls party on googlewave ;)

Google Wave - Google Invite me please

Google wave is the all new development to the regular google mail.Its like a one stop where people can collaborate in real time.Cool isn't it ?

It gets cooler.People can be added to the conversation and anyone can make changes to the content and even rewind the waves.Its a great tool for conferences,discussions,debates,team work,communities and so much more.

Does that sound like tele conferencing? Ummm....
Also, will we be able to see each other on cams while conferencing?

There's so many questions and so much to explore.Unfortunately, I haven't received an invite yet so cannot review the technology as yet.

I could do with an extra invite
Anyone, please ? ;

Meanwhile, check out the video which explains the function of google wave in layman language.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDu2A3WzQpo

Also, more can be read on http://www.google.com/support/wave/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=162898.

Best Buy Wishes Muslims Happy Eid al Adha - Happy Shopping at BB

The giant electronic retailer store Best Buy has been wishing the Muslims in the US a happy eid ul adha advertised along with its Thanksgiving sales.This move by a popular store such as BB is a pleasant change for all muslims living in the US.The recent attacks in Texas had again created an atmosphere of mistrust and fear among Americans and Muslims alike.However, this step taken by BB will help lessen the feelings of animosity or mistrust and make Muslims feel welcome around here inspite of the damage that a minority has done in the name of islam.

Have you spotted the cute note with Eid al adha greeting ? :)

And talk about timings :) Its thanksgiving and Eid ul adha weekend.So lets sincerely and humbly give thanks to the Almighty for His infinite blessings and celebrate eid ul adha in full spirit of utter submission to the Almighty in remembrance of our beloved Prophet Ibrahim AWS's act.

When Prophet Ibrahim AWS's  only son Ismael AWS was a young man, Allah SWT asked Prophet Ibrahim AWS to sacrifice him.Ismael AWS agreed to the same without hesitation saying  this was Allah's command and he would be patient with Allah's decree.When Prophet Ibrahim AWS was about to slaughter him, Allah commanded him to sacrifice a sheep instead of Ismael AWS for He was testing Prophet Ibrahim AWS.Such was the faith Prophet Ibrahim AWS had in Allah's mercy and His infinite wisdom.Later on, he had another son from his first wife Sara RAA who also went on to become a prophet known as Prophet Ishaaq RAA.Allah blessed Prophet Ibrahim AWS with two sons who were both chosen by Allah SWT to be prophets.He was rewarded by Allah SWT for his faith in Him and total submission to the Almighty.To this day, muslims all over the celebrate the spirit of sacrifice by our beloved Prophets Ibrahim AWS and Ismael AWS by slaughtering an animal.The slaughtered animal is then distributed amongst family and also given as charity to those in need.

Lets keep the spirit of our beloved Prophet alive and follow the tradition of selflessness and sacrifice in our relationships and dealings with people around us.Let us promise ourselves on this eid to learn to be more patient in difficult situations or people and to have a forgiving attitude.

Happy Eid ul Adha to all :)

Reference
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and%20features/direct/e3i34ed23c06f1a45805a365ba41d797ae7

http://www.islamicity.com/Mosque/ibrahim.htm

http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/?p=3399

Journey to Mecca - Ibn Battuta's pilgrimage at the Liberty Science Centre

Journey to Mecca is a travel journal of Ibn Battuta's travels from Tangiers in Morocco to Saudi Arabia to perform the holy pilgrimage or the Hajj.The short film shows Ibn Battuta as a young man who wants to perform hajj and leaves his homeland to do so.He is undeterred by the obstacles he faces such as pirates as well as harsh desert sandstorms and so on.He goes to Damascus and joins a group of travelers heading for hajj.After a journey lasting 40 days of continous travel in the desert, they enter Saudi Arabia.The last 15 minutes of the movie show him performing hajj and all the rituals of the pilgrimage.

The best part about the movie was the experience of watching it on a giant dome screen which is 88 feet in diameter.We felt like we were standing on the edge of a cliff while walking around trying to find our seats.The huge screen made you feel like you were part of the movie.The vast desert or the Nile river or the holy city of makkah and the kabah all looked simply magnificient on screen especially since it was all shot from  quite a height.It felt like you were on an airplane and watching the landmasses move below but only this was clearer and at a slower pace.

Although the movie was about 40 minutes, the experience of watching it on IMAX dome theatre made it totally worthwhile.Also, the last bit where Ibn Battuta takes you to Makkah and explains the different rituals of the pilgrimage makes it worth the money and time for muslims and non muslims alike.

The movie is being shown at the Liberty Scince Centre IMAX dome theatre during eid al adha weekend.As a special treat since eid al adha, there's gonna be halal food too :)

http://www.lsc.org/lsc/ourexperiences/theaters/imax

The movie comes right on time when its hajj season so we can learn about hajj,its significance for muslims and the rituals that comprise hajj.

Lets pray for the pilgrims who are away performing hajj for their good health and spirits.May Allah SWT accept their hajj and get them safe back home inshallah.

Very Berry Smoothie - Antioxidant Rich, Ideal for breakfast & to beat the flu season

Yummmm...I'm enjoying my breakfast smoothie this morning.I love smoothie mornings because smoothie can be whizzed in the blender within minutes.As I'm always trying to come up with healthier and yummier stuff, I tried my smoothie with uncooked oats.This is the first time I've added oats to my smoothie.The result is unexpected.It actually makes you want your smoothie more often or want to have more of the smoothie :)

I also added all the berries I had in my fridge namely cranberries,strawberries and blueberries.Cranberries are the most powerful source of antioxidants.You cannot have it plain because it is so sour.I usually add it to my cereal or oatmeal or smoothie.You start seeing cranberries in stores at the onset of winter or fall.Our local Farmers market stocked up on big bags of cranberries around a month back.Due to the antioxidants and vitamin C, they help the immune system grow stronger.As a result, come winter, you do not fall ill with infections or the flu.In fact, all berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Oats add fibre to the smoothie.It also has proteins and is a healthy breakfast option anytime.Oats gives a crunchy taste to the smoothie.Also, it adds to the consistency of the smoothie.

You can read more about the benefits of oatmeal at Mr.Breakfast.Here are their Top 10 Reasons to Eat Oatmeal http://www.mrbreakfast.com/article.asp?articleid=27

Ingredients
A handful of blueberries
A handful of cranberries
5 strawberries
2 handfuls of  uncooked oats
Maple Syrup
Milk or a mixture of milk and yoghurt

Add all the listed ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.Add maple syrup according to taste.

Note : You can also throw in a few almonds,raisins,flax seeds,bran cereal or any other fruit or dried fruit you have at hand.
You can also add a few drops of honey if using yoghurt.
If adding kiwi, make sure you add a banana along with it as the sweet flavor of banana will compensate for the sourness of kiwi.Or you can just go ahead and add a ripe kiwi.
Do not limit yourself while making your smoothie.Be creative and experiment as you go along.Any knd of fruit, fresh and dried makes it healthy and a great starter for the day.
If you have kids who do not like a particular fruit or dried fruit or their oatmeal, this makes sure they get it in their system with no resistance from them ;)

Burger King Big Fish fried with pork

Salaamz All,
From an online posting...this has been verified to be true (it is also on the Burger Kingwebsite):

After  receiving a message with concerns about Burger King fried products, Burger King was contacted to verify the information.
“These products are fried in a shared fryer: Pork Sausage, Pork Fritter*, TENDERCRISP Chicken, CHICKEN TENDERS, BK Chicken Fries, Original Chicken Patty, BK BIG FISH, Hashbrowns,Onion Rings, and CHEESY TOTS.”

The previous information was found off the http://www.bk.com/ website. Burger King was contacted to verify if this is also the case for outlets in Canada. The representative confirmed that this is also the case in Canada outlets.

Therefore, aside from the things we know we should not be eating such  as pork and chicken products from this franchise, we now also encourage everyone to abstain from eating the BK BIG FISH, Hashbrowns, Onion Rings and CHEESY TOTS due to contamination.

The French fries are fried in a separate fryer with vegetable oil.

Just passing it along.

 Source : Forwarded Email

Note : I have checked to verify the info.You can access it on their website.The direct link is provided below.Its on page 5, titled Fried Products.

Picture taken from http://rchaybok.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/img_0907.jpg

http://www.bk.com/cms/en/us/cms_out/digital_assets/files/menu_nutrition/IngredientsDeclaration.pdf.

Thought for the day - Be Kind

"If your faults become too much in front of the people, and you wish that they were to be concealed, then know that kindness covers all faults, and how many faults are kept hidden by kindness! No sadness lasts forever, nor any happiness, and you shall not remain in poverty, or any luxury." [Imam al-Shafi’i]

Keep thinking ;)

Source : http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/bridget-grenville-cleave/20071226524

              http://bigfaith.wordpress.com/2007/04/25/

Breathtakingly lovely Scenic Overlook - Morristown Highway New Jersey

The weather's been lovely since the weekend.Its predicted to be the same the entire week fluctuating between fifties and sixties Fahrenheit.I want to get in a lot of outdoor fun before the winter begins to set in.I have been wanting for a long time to head off somewhere peaceful away from the crowds and the city.

Having lived in the UAE for so long amidst skyscrapers,date palms and the vast desert along the highways, I simply love living in New Jersey with so much nature around me.In Abudhabi, everytime we needed to relax away from the  hustle bustle of the city, we would head off to the Corniche.The sight of the calm waters and the soothing sound of the sea would fill us with serenity.There is seating arrangement with round tables and benches in a dome like structure constructed at a distance from each other.Usually, armored with roller blades,bicycle,badminton rackets and KFC/South Indian snacks, we would head off to the Corniche for a lovely family time together on most weekends.

I miss the Corniche/the beach in New Jersey.However, the lovely parks with breautiful lakes and greenery gives me the same pleasure I used to feel at the Corniche.

The first thing I noticed on my way from the airport was the license plates on which New Jersey was nicknames as the Garden State.I thought it was due to the lovely greenery all over New Jersey.Apparently, it isn't so.Its so called because it was nicknamed by some mayor who thought NJ was a great place to enjoy with Pennsylvania on one end and NY on the other.History can be funny yeah especially on retrospect.I'm not a big fan of history so no more history lessons for the day :P

I usually do not realize when I'm feeling restless or moody for a while that all I need is lovely nature to enjoy and just totally relax.I have had enough of shopping malls and NY and restaurants for a while.I had been bugging my husband all weekend for something different.He took me to the mall thinking I needed some retail therapy (wink wink ) LOL But I came back totally unsatisfied with the experience.

On a random totally spur of the moment thought we headed to the highway.My hubby recalled seeing a sign somewhere on the highway for the scenic overlook.And here we are :D

This place on the Morristown/ Somerville highway is called the Scenic Overlook.Its basically a rest area and trespassing after sunrise is not allowed.We drove up on the mountain.WHOA !!

It was breathtaking.We were on the mountain top sometime before sunset.The air felt slightly chilly.But it felt so good to be on a mountain and breathing the fresh air.

You can see the highway down there.

There were thousands of trees in sight.Now I know why its known as the Garden State ;)

We walked towards the fence looked down straight at the highway.By the way,it read  "trespassing not allowed"  :~ It was just meant as a rest area.There were 2/3 cars in the parking lot.Both the drivers were "resting" in the rest area.They were actually reading.Another guy was just sitting and looking around.We were the only ones who were walking around and taking pictures like this was one of the seven wonders of the world :P LOL

This was the end where there was no fence.My husband was scared I was gonna slip and fall.I still managed to take one quick picture.

WHOA !!!

We were so high up there.We looked straight down at the highway.

Later on, another couple drove in.They also took pictures along the fence overlooking the highway.The lady was super sweet and offered to take our pictures.She said we looked lovely together and wanted to take more pictures.She made my day.Its so hard to come by such friendly people.

That was a lovely view of the sunset.

There's only 2/3 pictures more, I promise.

That was after the sun had set in and my last picture.

On the way down.

It was a weekend spent wonderfully.A refreshing start for the week ahead :)

Gawar ki phalli gosht / Cluster beans with mutton

My friday mornings are very busy as I prepare an elaborate lunch and keep it all ready on the table for my hubby.He's in a rush on fridays as he has to attend the khutbah/sermon and the  friday prayers followed by a quick lunch.

The menu for today was Bagara khana, Kaddu ka Dalcha and Gawar ki Phalli gosht.Roughly translated that is tempered Rice, Gourd with pureed lentil and Cluster beans with mutton.I hope I got that right ;)

Bagara khana is rice cooked with onions and tempered with shahi zeera/royal cumin seeds.Other whole spices are also added to infuse the rice with  the flavor and aroma.Bagara khana served with dalcha is a very popular hyderabadi dish.Its usually served alongwith Gawar ki phalli gosht or Beans ki phalli gosht/French beans with mutton or Sem ki phalli gosht/Sword beans with mutton or  Aloo methi gosht/Potatoes with fenugreek and mutton or just plain fried mutton.

I cooked bagara khana and dalcha using the recipe on Anjum's blog Cheers to Easy Cooking http://anjumsrasoi.blogspot.com/2009/09/dalcha.html. Her recipes really are easy and turn out delicious.She combines a lot of steps and reduces the cooking time which is quite helpful.

That's the picture of my dalcha in making.I made a small change to the recipe though.I used 2 tomatoes instead of 3-4 as stated in the recipe.It turned out absolutely yummy.

Here's my recipe for gawar ki phalli with gosht.I also added bite size pieces of a small potato.Its optional though.

Ingredients
Gawar ki phalli - 1/2 lb
Mutton - 1/4 lb
Tomato - 1
Onion - 1
Oil
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Salt - to taste
Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
Red pepper - 1/2 tsp or to taste
Potato - 1 small (optional)

Method

1.Marinate the mutton with ginger garlic paste,salt,turmeric,red pepper and pressure cook until tenderizes.

2.Heat oil in a wok.Add chopped onion and fry until transparent.

3.Add ginger garlic paste and fry for until it turns brown.

4.Add finely chopped tomato.

5.Add  phalli and about 1/4 cup water,cover and cook until the phalli becomes tender.If adding a potato, do so along with the phalli.

Note : Sem ki phalli/sword beans and beans ki phalli/French beans is also cooked using the same method.

That was my lunch and dinner on friday

As you've probably noticed, I'm not much of a photographer.You can get a better look at the bagara khana and dalcha at Anjum's rasoi
http://anjumsrasoi.blogspot.com/2009/09/dalcha.html

Enjoy this totally yummy authentic Hyderabadi meal :)

No Cholesterol Egg Salad Sandwiches

This yummy recipe can be used as a sandwich filling or as a spread on toasted pita or brown bread.I have taken the recipe from the Quick & Easy cookbook by the American Heart Association.The book contains more than 200 healthy recipes that can be made in minutes.Its highly recommended for working couples who are running against the clock to cook nutritious,tasty and quick meals.
Its actually a No-Cholesterol Egg Salad Sandwiches as its yolk-free.I have included yolk in my recipe though.

Ingredients
 6 boiled eggs
1/4 cup fat-free low cholesterol mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tbsp finely chopped green onions or shallots
2 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
1 tbsp mustard
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
whole grain bread
lettuce leaves

Method

Peel the boiled eggs and chop egg whites.Mash the egg whites together with the yolks.

Combine the mashed eggs with mayonnaise,green onion,bell pepper,mustard,turmeric,paprika and black pepper.

To serve, spread the egg mixture on slices of bread.Top with lettuce leaf and remaining bread slices.

Note : The egg mixture can be stored in the fridge for a week.It can be had for breakfast or as a snack.

Swine Flu - National Emergency

President Obama declared swine flu a national emergency on 24th October,2009.More can be read on http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/24/AR2009102401061.html.

There's also a shortage of the swine flu vaccine.CNN last night showed video footage of thousands of people lined up outside health care facilities to get their flu shots.But, apparently many of them had to be turned away due to the shortage of vaccines.

Lets hope the swine flu vaccines shortage gets sorted out soon.Meanwhile, lets try to stay clear of the flu  by following simple measures.

1.Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze with a tissue.Discard the tissue after use.

2.Wash your hands often with warm water and soap.

3.Do not touch,kiss or shake hands with people who have the flu like symptoms.

4.Stay at home if you develop flu like symptoms.

Like the saying goes, precaution is always better than cure.

When my brother in law was down with the flu, the doctor asked him and my sister to wear face masks at home all the time.My sister was asked to take the measures inspite of getting her flu shots early during the fall.

So lets play safe.

For more info, http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/

National Pink Hijab Day

I saw the event on my facebook news feed.One of my friends in California is attending the event.I signed up for the event and invited my friends to do the same.

The event serves the purpose of raising awareness for breast cancer as well as about the hijab.It will promote understanding about the hijab.Hijab or the veil is not a sign of oppression or extremism.There are many women out there who choose to wear the hijab by themselves without being forced by their parents or husbands or societal pressure.

More can be read about the campaign on the website http://www.pinkhijabday.net/index.html.

Weekend :D

Yaayyyyy!! The weekend's here.I've been waiting all week.Although I do not work or attend school, but I still want the week to end.There are so many reasons for the same.

1. I get to sleep later than usual and wake up even later.

2. I love the yummy brunch we have on weekends.It consists of khichdi (yellow lentil rice),khatta (tangy curry),pyaz ke ande (omelet cooked with onions) or foul medammas with boiled eggs and pita bread.This is usually followed by fresh fruit salad.

3.I love the leisurely pace we work at during the weekends.Its usually the brunch, followed by us just sitting on the couch lazing around and enjoying the peace and quiet.Its sheer bliss.

4.Later on we head off to a mall for window shopping and/or shopping and maybe snack or ice cream.On some days, we go to the Indian store in Edison for groceries and/or yummy spicy chat (Indian junk food).

5.On some weekends, we go to the Times Square,NY and walk around or just drive around.Later on, we get a shawarma from the road side food carts and get back to NJ late at night.

6.On some other weekends, we attend community events followed by dinner or /are invited over for dinner.

7.On some very rare weekends, we invite people over for dinner which has happened only once so far LOL

8.On one weekend we went bowling to Bowling city.On another weekend, we headed off to the Six Flags Wild Safari and totally enjoyed the day out.

8.One of the things I love about living in Hills borough is the peace and quiet it offers especially on weekends.You hardly see a soul in sight.There's no noise whatsoever.Just a sense of peace and restfulness which is very relaxing on weekends.

This weekend was a bit different since my hubby arrived late on Friday night.He was working away on his computer till early hours in the morning of Saturday.It started raining on and off basis on Saturday.And around 6 in the evening it turned out into heavy rains with thunderstorms.So we just decided to make it pizza night and had a yummy pacific veggie from Dominoes.The pizza was loaded with veggies like spinach,olives,roasted red peppers and also with a lot of cheese, feta and provolone.YUMMMMMM I strongly suggest you try it.

Sunday morning I woke up with a bad chest congestion and wasn't in the mood for doing anything.My hubby had already cooked baigan ka bharta (squashed egg plant).We had it for breakfast with brown pita bread.

Another pleasant thing that happened was I spoke to my aunt living in Toronto after almost an year and a half.I had met her last in Hyderabad at my wedding.It was such a pleasant surprise.

OH MAN I LOVE SURPRISES Dont we all ??

I thank god for small mercies which we so take for granted and a big thank you to my husband for such a pleasant surprise :D

Any more ideas for weekend fun ? Please share :)

25 Reasons - Why You Should Start Drinking Green TEA...

Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking GreenTea Now

Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits. It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health. And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor. Here Are The 25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now:

1. Green Tea and Cancer
Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E. This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.

2. Green Tea and Heart Disease
Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.

3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging
Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.

4. Green Tea and Weight Loss
Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally. It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day. That translates to 7 pounds in one year.

5. Green Tea and Skin
Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging. Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.

6. Green Tea and Arthritis
Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.

7. Green Tea and Bones
The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea. It helps keep your bones strong. If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.

8. Green Tea and Cholesterol
Green tea can help lower cholesterol level. It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.

9. Green Tea and Obesity
Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells. If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese.

10. Green Tea and Diabetes
Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.

11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's
Green tea helps boost your memory. And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.

12. Green Tea and Parkinson's
Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain, which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's..

13. Green Tea and Liver Disease
Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure. Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers.

14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure
Green tea helps prevent high blood pressure. Drinking green tea helps keep your blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.

15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning
Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.

16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar
Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.

17. Green Tea and Immunity
Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections.

18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu
Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu. Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.

19. Green Tea and Asthma
Theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.

20. Green Tea and Ear Infection
Green tea helps with ear infection problem. For natural ear cleaning, soak a cotton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.

21. Green Tea and Herpes
Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes. First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.

22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay
Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases. It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.

23. Green Tea and Stress
L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety.

24. Green Tea and Allergies
EGCG found in green tea relieves allergies. So, if you have allergies, you should really consider drinking green tea.

25. Green Tea and HIV
Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells. What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading.

Source : Forwarded Email

Scallions with bell pepper and split chick peas

Dinner last night consisted of Scallions with green bell pepper and split chick peas with veggie soup and indian bread/parathas.Scallions/green onions are known as pyaz ki patti in Indian.Scallions are quite nutritious and provide us with vitamins A,B and C.It can be consumed raw as in salads or otherwise.Usually, scallions are cooked combined with other food such prawns,green bell pepper and split chick peas.

Chick peas are a rich source of fibre and proteins.It also provides a good source of manganese and copper.More about the health benefits of chick peas can be found here http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/yatbg-chickpeas.cfm.

Green bell pepper/capsicum is known as shimla mirch in indian.It is largely eaten combined with chicken or minced meat or scallions or cabbage.The health benefits of green bell pepper are also numerous as can be read here http://www.everynutrient.com/healthbenefitsofbellpeppers.html.

Ingredients
4/5 bunches scallion
Oil - 3 tsp
Ginger- garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Red pepper - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
Split chick peas/chane ki daal - 3 fistful
Green bell pepper - 1 whole

Method
1.Wash the split chickpeas in cold running water until the water comes clear.Add water and let it boil until it becomes tender.You can check this by pressing the chickpeas between your fingers.If it gets crushed easily, its done.
2.Soak the scallions in water for 20 mins or so.This would help any impurities or sand particles lodged in the roots to settle down.Wash well with water and chop coarsely.
3.Heat oil and add ginger garlic paste.Saute the paste till it turns golden brown and gives an aroma.
4.Add the scallions as well as salt,red pepper and turmeric.
5.You can also add a little water, about 1/4 cup to make it cook faster.
6.After about 15 minutes when the scallions start changing color, add the boiled chickpeas.
7.In about 10 mins, add the bell pepper which has been chopped already in medium sized chunks.
8.Cook for 5 mins on high until the bell pepper become tender but not mushy.
Serve with warm indian bread/parathas.

Note : You can also substitute bell pepper with potatoes or shrimps.

Just for Laughs - Little Becky

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDEsLwufXk

Something I received in a forwarded email.
Enjoy :D

The Body Shop

We headed straight to The Body Shop to get some skin care protection for the winter.The consultant was really helpful.They also have useful pamphlets which guide you on how to choose the right skin care for your skin.Anyway, since mine is a normal to combination skin, I chose the vitamin E product.And now I've got myself a vitamin E intense moisturizing cream,a vitamin E cleanser and a vitamin E mist spray.The spray is used anytime of the day when the skin feels dry.It can also be used to set make up.I can't wait to try that one.While in the UAE, I had an Evian spray which was just so refreshing.I have tried to look it up in so many stores but haven't found any.Oh well now I have the bodyshop spray.

There's a buy 2 get 1 free offer on all the face care product.Plus, if you have the body shop card, you are entitled to another 10 % off.So that was a pleasant surprise.Also, the store has an upcoming event, the customer appreciation day where all products are sold at 25% of the regular price.I'm not sure about the date of the event.

So far it all looks good.My skin feels really pampered and plump after using the facewash.I have yet to notice the difference on using the cream.The spray too does wonders to the skin.You could spray it whenever and within a few minutes the skin gets a velvety feel.I'm gonna be trying all the products for another week or so until I give my final review on the products.

Until then,
Cheers

Shopping in NJ

Hi all,

Its been raining for about a week now.Seriously !!!And it rains all day and night.Wonder where that is ???hmmmm……New Jersey.Its beginning to get really cold here.We’ve started with our thermal wear and the long coats.I wonder when the gloves will be out of the closet and be put to use.The last I recall using them was on our trip to Lake Placid in Albany,NY.Boy was it freezing or what !!!This is in such a contrast to the weather in the UAE where winter doesn’t set in until late november.The winter in the UAE is actually quite pleasant during the day.It does get a little colder at night.But a single sweater/blanket is enough to carry you through the night.In fact, every time I complain to my mom about the dull gloomy weather due to the constant drizzling, she goes like wow…sounds real nice.I wish we had some in the UAE.Its still quite hot in the UAE.My family actually keeps the central air conditioner turned on .

We’ve also started the central heating since last week which leads to another major problem.Due to the harsh winter, we need to keep the central heating turned on which sucks out the humidity/moisture from air and leads to dryness of the skin as well as the inner lining of the nose.As a result, we tend to suffer from nose bleeds and extremely taut,itchy skin.So been planning for a while and finally headed off to the mall for winter shopping …yayyyyy
I’ll be updating soon about the visit to Bridgewater Commons, NJ.

Until then,
Toodles

Blogging and much more

After procrastinating for so many months, I’ve decided to blog about anything and everything under the sun.In fact, there’s so much to write about the happenings in my life and around me,my experiences and opinions about life in general.After having lived in the United Arab Emirates for 23 years and moving to the United States after getting married has been an experience.Marriage, in itself, as I’m sure all the married people out there would know is a totally new experience.

One of the main reasons why I’ve started blogging is to get connected with people to share ideas and look at their perspectives about stuff.Also, I love making friends and having a great time with people.And I really do not believe in restricting my friend’s circle to my kind/nationality.Again, this could be attributed to my growing up in the Middle East where you meet and interact with people from everywhere.Also, my culinary experiments in my multi cultural cuisine has attracted me to various blogs and to the fine art of blogging.During my one year as a bride with zero culinary skills, I have many times referred to well established cooking blogs like zaiqa,anjums rasoi,arabic bites,passionate about baking and such to save me from cooking a disastrous meal.

I’ve considered a journal or an online blog/journal to write down my thoughts and views since a long time.So here it goes and I hope I stick to blogging.

Cheers to blogging and a big hi to all the bloggers out there :D