All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Eggless Herb Biscuit

Eggless Herb Biscuit Recipe

Herbs always provide flavor for any type of cooking. Herbs like rosemary, cilantro, oregano, dried parsley, dill, mint all give different flavor when you add it to snacks or other dishes.

They have medicinal property too and eating them raw may not be tasteful for some.

Here is a way to add various types of herbs in moderation to eggless biscuits and make biscuit taste more delicious.

Eggless Herb Biscuit Recipe

1. 2 ½ cups all purpose flour

2. 4 tsp baking powder

3. ¾ tsp salt

4. 1 teaspoon sugar

5. ½ cup cold salted butter, cubed

6. ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

7. ¼ cup chopped fresh chives

8. 1 cup milk

9. In place of egg: Add one of these ingredients ¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce OR ½ cup smashed banana OR ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, egg replacement (of your choice) and herbs. Whisk until mixed.

4. Add butter to the mix. Using finger or pastry cutter cut butter into pea sizes

5. Add milk and mix well – form a dough.

6. Roll dough ¾ inches and cut the biscuits to the size you want.

7. Transfer to baking sheet/pan and bake.

8. Bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.

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Reference: www.werindia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 22, 2017
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Pollen Attack

Pollen Allergy in Kids

Seasonal allergy also known as “hay fever” in children can be very irritable and can be very severe.

If you’re allergic to pollen, your body sees it as a threat. So, any time you’re exposed to pollen (or another trigger), your immune system gets ready for a fight.

Once an allergen enters your body, your immune system makes proteins called antibodies. They help look for and then get rid of the allergen.

When antibodies find an allergen, they alert blood cells called mast cells. They, in turn, release chemicals like histamine. That’s what causes inflammation. Tissue around small blood vessels tightens. Fluid escapes. That’s how you end up with a runny nose, swollen nasal passages, and congestion.

Pollen Allergy in Kids

What is the best way to combat pollen allergy?

  • During pollen season wear mask when you step out to play
  • Wash your face and hands 3-4 times a day
  • Wear fresh cloths once you come home
  • If you which are the plants might be having effect on you – stay away from those plants

Precautions for Parents:

  • If there are flowering indoor plants – remove them
  • Talk to your child’s caregivers – teachers, babysitters, coaches, parents of their friends – and bring them up to speed on your child’s allergies and their triggers.
  • Hanging laundry outside can attract pollen, causing your child’s allergies to flare up. Use dryer or dry clothes inside the house instead.
  • If you know your kids are allergic to pollen, then listen or beware of the pollen count in your area.
  • Talk to your pediatrician and seek suggestion regarding any tests that are required for your child for pollen allergy.
  • Reduce outdoor activities during high pollen levels times such as between 05:00 – 10:00 am. Pollen levels also drop after heavy rains.
  • Keep windows closed and use air conditioners because windows and attic fans can attract pollen.

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Reference: www.werindia.com

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Image credit: Image by Sally Wynn from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 19, 2017
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How to prepare for opportunities that you will get?

How to prepare for opportunities

“The biggest obstacle in our lives are the one that mind creates”

Every opportunity that we get in our one life can take us towards our goal. One opportunity that we get can make a difference between an extraordinary life and mediocre one.

We all get many opportunities life, we miss some and can take some. Sometimes it depends on the circumstances in our life to pick or not to pick an opportunity. Most times we hesitate to take advantage of an opportunity that is staring at us.

What we always don’t think or realize is – we all have one life and if we miss opportunities then we may not get another one. Yes, it is hard to make decisions that can change our lives for better as we don’t know where it takes us. However, if we don’t pick an opportunity we may regret for not taking a decision.

How to prepare to exploit opportunities?

1. Look for an opportunity: Opportunities don’t last forever. When there is one, take steps to make sure you don’t miss out on something that can change your life for good. Or at least give it a try and see how you feel.

2. Saying yes often: When opportunities come around say yes and give it a try. When you get a chance to exhibit your talent grab it. Give it a try, negotiate & if you don’t like the experience you can always look for something else. It is not easy, but who knows – you may achieve success!

Instead of sitting and worrying on day to day to life – if you get an opportunity to travel and if you can afford why not? You may not get a chance to travel again to same place. Explore new places, try new things & find your inner peace!

3. Try new things: Be open to new ideas and be open to it. It is like trying new food. You may initially hesitate but once you know how good the food and what benefit you get then you won’t hesitate to try it again.

4. Risk and opportunity: Always remember – opportunities and risk always go hand in hand, they go together. The best opportunity is always the riskiest one. Starting a business is not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you have insight, goal and hardworking and, if an opportunity is waiting for you then take some risk in your life. It is a combination of risk and opportunity where, don’t forget money is also involved. We have examples of people opted for such risks and made it a success in life.

5. Meet and talk to people: Develop a friendly attitude that boosts your people circle. When you develop your network, it gives exposure to more and more opportunities. When you talk to people they may share their vision, ideas or may become your guide/mentor for a successful and happy life.

6. Don’t be afraid and don’t hesitate: Opportunities don’t come often in your way. One need to be very fast to grab it before it goes to someone else. Discuss with your friends, partners, family members and decide. Don’t forget that there are other people who wait for ‘that kind of opportunity’ and you may lose out.

7. A positive attitude helps: Don’t imagine negative or setbacks before you proceed. If so, you won’t be able to take risk and go nowhere in life. Success often depends on positive attitude and energy with which you can win heart of many people. Positive attitude gives confidence to you as well as to the people (in you) who provide opportunity for you!

8. Focusing and sticking to goal: When you are not focused, or don’t know what is your focus in life, then you will not recognize the opportunity in your hand. Understand what you want to do in life and take it to that direction. If you know your goal, then stick to it. Focus, determination and sticking to the goal always will give more opportunities and, you will feel that opportunities are created for you when you start seeing them in many numbers. If you know what you want out of life, your mind will focus in on that and be on the lookout when an opportunity arises.

Don’t be passive in life. Be creative and curious that helps you to understand the opportunities of life for better. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in life. Getting scared to do anything is a step to failure in life. Remember by doing mistakes one will learn and gain experience. Whether it is right or wrong, looking for an opportunity and exploring new things in life helps you to grow and be a better person. Opportunity comes for prepared mind as it can recognize it.

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Reference: www.werindia.com

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Social media and online safety

Social media and Online Safety of Kids

Kids would love to own social media and especially teens would love to have at least one social media account. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry there are nearly 60% of teens are on social media (in US alone). And while being online is a good way to keep in touch with friends, it’s important for parents to be proactive about Internet safety.

Unfortunately, there are people who can use your child’s personal information to steal identities, bully them or begin an inappropriate relationship. The family meeting now involves discussions on Internet safety for kids — what parents expect from their children in terms of responsible Internet usage, and discussions about common-sense precautions that will keep kids safe online.

What goes online, stays online: Children often get drawn into peer drama, blowing up the social media sphere with arguments and snarky commentary. Bully behavior may crop up, leaving kids feeling vulnerable and alone. Kids may be quick to take a video and post it online without thinking through the consequences. Parents can do a lot to explain that what goes online stays online.

For parents: Did you know?

  • 17% of teens say they’ve been contacted online by someone they didn’t know in a way that made them feel scared or uncomfortable
  • 30% of teens say they’ve received online advertising that was inappropriate for their age
  • 39% of teens admitted to lying about their age to gain access to websites.

Help protect children from online dangers by following these safety tips:

  1. Keep your child’s profile private so that only family and people you know see photos, important dates and other information.
  2. Make sure they’re not posting personal details, including phone numbers, home address, and the name of their school or other types of identity.
  3. Only allow them to publish photos and videos that do not jeopardize their safety or their integrity.
  4. Make sure they choose a strong password that cannot be guessed, and that it gets changed every three months.
  5. Never allow them to accept friend requests from people they do not know.
  6. Keep an open dialogue with your children. Ask them to let you know if they’ve received private messages from a stranger, or from someone at school who is teasing, harassing or threatening them. Those could be signs of cyber-bullying or even a sexual predator.
  7. Kids should post only what they’re comfortable with others seeing.
  8.  Social media services and websites change their privacy policy and settings from time to time. You need to keep up to date, and it is a good idea to check each of these every few months to see if there have been major changes. If there are changes go to your child’s account and make necessary changes or help them to make changes.
  9. Remind kids that once they post it, they can’t take it back. Even if you delete the information from a site, you have little control over older versions that may exist on other people’s computers and may circulate online.
  10. Tell your kids not to impersonate someone else : Let your kids know that it’s wrong to create sites, pages, or posts that seem to come from someone else, like a teacher, a classmate, or someone they made up.

Mobile Safety and Social Media: Internet safety for kids includes mobile. More children have access to the Internet from their phones, tablets and handheld gadgets than ever before. Mobile access also means that kids have the ability to very quickly move to new social media sites before you will ever see the evidence on the family computer. Setting firm rules about joining new sites is key, as is keeping communication open. Ask why your child may feel the need to jump into a new social media site, whether it is to get away from bullying behavior or simply to be a part of a newer, kinder, gentler online community.

Social networking sites, chat rooms, virtual worlds, and blogs are how teens and tweens socialize online; it’s important to help your child learn how to navigate these spaces safely. Among the pitfalls that come with online socializing are sharing too much information or posting comments, photos, or videos that can damage a reputation or hurt someone’s feelings.

Reference: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lupuca/8720604364 

Image credit: Children at school https://www.flickr.com/photos/lupuca/8720604364 CC BY-SA 2.0

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 18, 2017
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Benefits of Indian Martial Arts

Benefits of Indian Martial Arts

Here are few benefits of Indian Martial Arts:

1. Cardiovascular Health: One of the most important exercise benefits associated with martial arts is an improvement in your cardiovascular health.

2. Weight Loss: Weight loss is another great benefit associated with martial arts.

3. Increased Muscle Tone: By participating in martial arts, you can greatly improve the amount of muscle mass you have in your body.

4. Improved Reflexes: In order to be a good martial artist, you must have very fast reflexes. Research has found that by participating in martial arts, you not only improve you reflexes.

5. Improved Mood: Researchers have found that participating in a regular exercise routine is one of the best ways to improve your mood. Performing martial arts is not only a good way to relieve stress and frustration, but may actually help to make you happier.

6. Concentration and focus: Martial arts focus on opponent and self defense mechanism. Practicing ancient art only increases brains activity, boost memory, helps in concentrating, focusing and learning.

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 12, 2017
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Mardani Khel: “Manly Sport”

Mardani Khel: “Manly Sport”

Mardani Khel is an armed method of martial art created by the Maratha. This traditional martial art of Maharashtra is practiced in kolhapur.

This martial art is considered to be a manly sport, which traces its history to Maratha warriors, includes 14 ways to wield a sword, sticks and other weapons. Like all good martial arts, it also teaches you the weaknesses of the human anatomy in attack mode.

The Kolhapur civic body started a program to train girls and women in this art for self-defense.

The use of weapons such as swords, katyar (dagger), lathi-kathi (bamboo sticks), veeta (darts), bhala (javelin) and dand and patta (long-bladed swords) continued but the moves were made more stylish and less lethal. The popularity of this defense art is increasing.

Pari-Khanda: “Armour & Sword“ It is style of sword and shield fighting from the state of Bihar. This art is created by the Rajput. Pari-khanda steps and techniques were used by villagers to defend their village and birth place. These moves are also used in traditional Chau dance.

Kathi Samu: “Sword fight” is very old Indian martial art originated in Andhra Pradesh and was used by mastered of the royal armies of Andhra Pradesh. The martial art is also known as Sword Fight or Daal Fariya. The swords used for Kathi samu are of various types. Besides the long, curved sword, they also use a Limcha, used in the wars earlier, and Pata, a sword with a wooden cover.

Both Pari-Khanda and Kathi Samu – teaches self defense skills, attention to surroundings, good attitude and helps in building muscle strength and healthy movement of the body.

Reference: http://indianmartialstudies.blogspot.com

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Lathi: “The Stick”

Lathi: “The Stick”

Southeast Asian Martial Arts Weapon. Lathi is an ancient armed martial art of India. It also refers one of the world’s oldest weapons used in martial arts.

Lathi or stick martial arts practiced in Punjab and Bengal region of India. Lathi still remains a popular sport in Indian villages.  Lahti is actually a 2-5 foot stick usually made out of bamboo. This long bamboo weapon is often combined with a shield.

Other weapons such as the sword and knife are occasionally used by Lathi Khela students. A practitioner is known as a lathial.

It is a fitness regime for many villagers in North East India. They also perform various acts like Baoi Jhak (group fight), Nori Bari (mock fight with sticks), Fala Khela and Dao Khela (mock fight with sharp weapons) and Chhuri dance to music, in the presence of hundreds.

These groups may also learn the arts of dao khela (knife fighting) and fara khela (sword fighting), both of which are preserved today in the form of mock-fights.

Matches are generally one-on-one, but the art also includes mock-group fights or baoi jhak.

In lathi the center of energy is the heart chakra, and practitioners fight in a more upright position. It helps mind to focus, strengthens muscles and shoulder. Quick action helps in achieving active movement of the body.

Do you know? Rich farmers and other eminent people hire lathial for security and as a symbol of their power. The Lathi is used mainly for crowd control.. It is also known for the infamous “Lathi Charge” where policemen charge as a group while swinging Lathi in order to disperse protesters, etc.

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Thang Ta: “The Art of Sword and Spear”

Thang Ta: “The Art of Sword and Spear”

Thang Ta is popular term for the ancient Manipuri Martial Art also known as HUYEN LALLONG. Manipuri martial arts with swords and spears, is a strong yet gracefully sophisticated art. It is a life style rather than sport.

Concept: The art of the battle and the use of weaponry, when its warlike engagements were over, developed into a system of wielding objective elements in organic relationship with the cosmos.

The body itself became a space where the tensions and dynamics of creation was worked out in a system of movements reflecting the essence of these creative forces.

The whole world of the dynamic cosmos was recreated within the world of the body of man.

The Thang Ta is also form of Life style. It can be practiced in three basic supplementary ways – religious, demonstration and combat.

  • The physical aspect of combat of Thang Ta: Breath control, meditation, medicine, politics and ethics
  • Lifestyle: Helping others and doing good to the society
  • As a martial art: It helps in concentration, defense, protection and teaches devotion and to believe in faith
  • Health of mind: It teaches high ethical standard: For example – not to harm a weak opponent and forgive the person (in the battle).

Reference: http://www.newsgram.com/

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Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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