A Taste Of My Creation

It’s not in any way an ipod  or an ipad or an iphone ,It’s just that  ipickled...

The world is still in mourning  over the death of the Apple genius Steve jobs  and at the same time  it is heartfelt to read so many eulogies from all over the world  accredited to this mastermind of the  apple products, 

However here at  home, I was beyond awe and felt like celebrating  when I  saw  an acclamation fastened by my younger daughter on  one of the bottled  jars, which according to her was  in appreciation for the  pickles that I had created .

See what I mean.. nothing to do with apples right?

                                Made   with a pinch of this and a dash of that 

A Good Read

I love books.They keep me entertained when I am bored.There's nothing like a good book which makes me feel quite relaxed and thoroughly contended. Recently I added a few more to my library.This  book which I am raving about in particular, kept me spellbound throughout my reading session.It is based on a true story with full of suspense and drama.This is a story of one woman's struggle to gain freedom from the clutches of the one person whom she thought the world of.And how she endures the  pain and torture  in a country far,far, away from her home. Even though I enjoyed the authors vivid  narration, I still wished she hadn't dragged  religion into it or insulted the culture..I am sure it would have been a totally different picture  had she learned to  adapt to her  new life style with love,admiration and respect. 

Inspirational Blog Award

I sincerely  appreciate  my  blogging pal Moon for her kind gesture passing onto me this  award .I  got to know her through her amazing blog 'Themoonsmile2' which is bounded with ambiance and warmth.The  stories  about her family  which  she narrates  in her blogging are very interesting and  impressive.I am touched by her kindness .Thank you my Friend!

And with the award ,I have to answer the few questions  tagged.

What makes you laugh,smile or giggle?

My childrens' anecdotes.

What are the dreams for the future?

To see my children guided in the right direction.

If you are to go on a cruise where would it be and why?

I'll probably decline the  offer to go cruising.I am afraid of the ocean....

How would you spend your vacation time and with whom?

Spending  quality and quantity time with my family.

If given a choice what life would you choose? Your life now or the past?

My life now..

Is there something you wished before when you were young but you did n't get it

Cannot think of any..

Have you been in a situation where you might have given up but still you chose to move on..

This is a tough one..Can we move on to the next question please?

Is there someone in your life who has been your source of  strength and inspiration?

The ordinary people doing the extraordinary....

Here are some deserving blogs that I wish to tag this award

CloudNine

Abby's Cooking Kitchen

From My In Box

Please pass this on..

• Copy and paste the award on your site and copy the link of the person who gave you the award. 
• Then answer the tag questions! 
• Nominate any blogs you feel deserve it.

When Things Go Wrong As They Sometimes Will...

This Ramadan, I was strong-willed to make good use of the month. Besides the extra prayers that I was offering  to the Almighty in appreciation for the  bountiful resources and blessings that he has had showered on all of us: me, you and everyone. I was also determined  to make use of Ramadan - which also relates to fasting, to reduce some of those extra fat from my body. A strategy was firmly set to do some exercises, to burn off those huge amount of calories that was going to be shoveled into my mouth at the time of breaking the fast. With  great strength of mind (so I thought) I wrote down in my notepad the list of items ‘to do’ that would help me keep in shape. And the first entry in the list was  ‘eat less fried food’. Did I abide by my rules? I didn’t think so. The foremost reason was due to the food that I kept preparing for the family to feast at the end of each fast (iftar) which was a daily occurrence during sunset. While preparing the food for iftar, I would be persistent which food would be shoved into my mouth and which wouldnt. But all those became momentary, when I sat with the rest of my family to break our fast. Who wouldn't take pleasure in eating the 'hot hot’ samosas, and the mouth-watering  crispy pastries or the spicy rice porridge that  bubbled  in the pot. I just couldn’t resist. And the plan to do some ‘work out’ didn't go well either: the mere thought of running on the treadmill made me go weak at the knees.

Happy Eid

Wishing all my Muslim readers a joyous Eid-Ul-Fitr. This is a happy occasion which is celebrated just after the ending of Ramadan.  

Ramadan In Saudi Arabia

I haven’t been updating my blog recently. It’s Ramadan, the month of fasting. The month where we tend to pray more and ask the Al mighty for forgiveness. Muslims all over the world abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. This act is obligatory towards all muslims irrespective of caste whether rich or poor. Every day, right through this month, millions of people who are fasting, do exactly the same thing, when  the call for magreb prayer (sun set prayer) is heard. Families gather around the table to break their fast. Only after the initial consumption of dates and water that the other meals are served. During this month the rich do a lot of charitable work. According to a local newspaper, the Saudi Gazette, a million worshippers are served everyday, with – yogurt, dates, and Saudi coffee for iftar (breaking of fast). More than 10,000 citizens and local residents bring the food into the mosque on small carts. Zamzam water is distributed to the congregation from water coolers. Zamzam is the name of the sacred well in the holy city that supply the water to billions of people. For worshippers from across the globe, to break their fast in the two holiest mosques in Saudi Arabia is a great experience. They are fortunate to experience this one of a kind moment.

Photo source: Arab News

Muslims across the globe break their fast with  dates (fruit grown on palm trees)

A Trip To The Tea Country

The Tea Country is the most picturesque location of Sri Lanka with spectacular views of mountain ranges and narrow valleys, meandering roads and waterfalls. During our recent summer vacation, we had the opportunity of staying in a bungalow which was nestled amongst tea bushes, overlooking the Castlereagh reservoir. The beautiful Rivendell bungalow is set upon the crest of the tea plantations. The cool climatic condition was an added windfall to all of us who were trying to get away from the humidity in the capital city.The magnificent view from the bungalow’s balcony was breathtaking. The setting in the vicinity is  naturally embedded. The sight of tea bushes, waterfalls and a reservoir was refreshing and revitalizing.The whole ambiance in this location was a complete change. I think, for the first time in many years, we were breathing pure, fresh and clean air. This getaway was a great experience. We spent three lovely days here, with new things to explore and experience.We carry with us beautiful memories of Rivendell.

Tea plantation - Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is known for producing quality tea

The food served here was traditional rice and curry. In Sri Lanka, almost all the vegetables are cooked with spices and coconut milk.I got to indulge in some favourites too.‘Mallum’ green leaves  minced and eaten as a salad .I loved the sweet and spicy taste of red beets, which was finely cut into julienne.Mouth watering Thallana Battu (Thai eggplant) was cooked with a lot of spices and fiery condiments.