How to make a delicious Pound Cake #GuestBlog

So how is the Sunday shaping up for you all? I am spending this lazy day watching some TV (IndvsNZ match!) & writing this blog. Diwali is a week away and am sure most of you are busy cleaning up your house, making sweets, buying new clothes, jewellery, decorations, isn't it? 

I louve Diwali and there are umpteen reasons to it. One of them being togetherness! It brings family, friends, at one place, enjoying the fun and frolic of the festivities. 

Few weeks back I met my ex-colleague/mentor/amazing friend, Ann. She is brilliant with what she does. Especially baking. I miss those days of my PR stint with her when she would bring us all delicious treats to savour! One of them being this. A Pound Cake!

Today's blog is all about that recipe, a guest blog by my friend! Read on & don't forget to try it :)

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As a young kid I was always fascinated with cooking. (I think it had a lot to do with my grandmother; she taught me to make soup). I tried out so many recipes and my family encouraged me; they were just happy to get yummy stuff to eat.

When I moved to Mumbai to work, I felt the need to develop a new hobby. To learn something completely new. I saw a show on TLC on cupcakes (I can't remember the show) and it all looked so yummy and delicious that I figured I could do that as well. So a quick Google search , found a simple cupcake recipe and voila that was the beginning of my baking fascination and journey.

Several years later , I am constantly supported and encouraged by my friends and colleagues and family (again they are just happy to eat yummy stuff).

Thank you Megha for the opportunity to share my story. Megha and I made a pound cake & the recipe is below. They are simple & easy. Do try it and send us some pics as well.

Ingredients: (All should be in equal quantity)

• Eggs
• Flour and Cocoa
• Sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla essence- 1tsp
• Baking Powder- 1 tsp

Method:

• Sieve the Flour and baking powder 3 times.

• Cream the butter for 2-3 mins.

• Slowly add in sugar little at a time creaming the mixture continuously. Do so till the butter-sugar mixture is light and fluffy.

• Separate the egg yolks and whites.

• Add the egg yolks and vanilla essence to the butter mixture and mix well.

• Now beat the egg whites and alternately add egg whites and flour to the butter mixture. 

 

• Add chocolate chips, nuts as per your requirements.

• Pour into greased trays. and bake in pre-heated oven 300 degrees. 

 That's it! :)

If you do try out this recipe or have any questions, write to Megha: shrimali.megha4@gmail.com and I will answer them all!

Happy Baking :)

Spend your Saturday with Baatli Co.& SOL #WeekendAlert

SOL – A Waldorf-inspired School in Goregaon East along with Baatli Co.- an upcycled art decor venture, are hosting an intensive glass bottle cutting-and-painting workshop on Saturday, October 15, 2016 for all the Mumbaikars! 

The workshop, being conducted before Diwali, will teach you how to re-use discarded alcohol bottles and convert them into beautiful hand-painted lamps and tea-light holders. Picture that in your mind and am sure it sounds amazing, right? If not, look at a few pictures below.

I personally feel that these bottles make up for a lovely decor piece in your own house or can be gifted to the dear and near ones' as a festive gift. 

SOL - A Waldorf-inspired school, encourages adults & teenagers to engage in meaningful work such as sweeping, cutting vegetables, or doing handwork crafts, bottle-cutting being one of them; which brings a sense of calmness to the space. The handwork crafts seem to possess an almost magical ability to settle participants, which is what the duo are hoping to achieve through this workshop.

Waldorf education is teaching based on universal, human principles, whatever the subject and an orderly education of Head, Heart and Hands is central to these principles.

Pradeep Yeragi, founder-parent of SOL - A Waldorf-inspired school with Ritika Varshney from Baatli Co. are looking at making this 2 hour intensive session as therapeutic as possible for the participants by teaching them various ways in which bottles can be cut and the different techniques that can be used to paint them. Indulging in art and craft will provide the participants an opportunity to relax, to feel a sense of accomplishment, to improve fine-motor skills, to develop a meaningful life-long hobby and to maintain an alert mind.

Baatli Co., conceptualised over a year ago is trying to re-define home decor through its unique, eco-friendly, affordable and customised products. Started in May 2015, Baatli Co., has been re-using discarded and used alcohol bottles and giving them a second life by turning them into beautiful bottle-lamps that are hand-painted and customised.

Do join in to experience calm in chaos! 

Connect here:
SOL Waldorf School
Baatli Co.

Let's Celebrate our existence! #InternationalGirlChildDay

It has been a lovely day today. It is mother’s birthday, it is Dussehra and it is a holiday. How about you? 

Early morning when I opened Facebook, it notified me of an important day. Day of my existence, day of 90% of my reader’s existence… International Girl Child Day! 

My family has always celebrated the birth of daughters, celebrated my life and accomplishments more than I do. 

As I sit down to put down my thoughts together on this beautiful day, many thoughts cross my mind. Some good, some okay, some bad and some, demanding change.

In many parts of India, the birth of a girl child is not welcomed. Right from her arrival, she faces discrimination, humiliation, and oppression at every stage of life. When it comes to healthcare, education and growth opportunities, she is neglected because of her gender. Some manage to survive and foster new paths to follow. Most, however, surrender hopelessly to the sad fate assigned to them.

We all yearn to be part of a world where girls are celebrated. Where, they are treated equally, with love and respect. What is urgently required in society today is a change of attitude.

Girls must be given the same opportunities and protection as boys, and must be treated at par. A girl’s childhood can and must be preserved, cherished, nurtured and protected. Because, she has the right to survive, develop, be protected and participate in decisions that impact her life.

A UN-declared international observance day of the girl child, it celebrates her power and unique rights. Her dreams, virtues, desires, ambitions, courage and strength… It is the day to celebrate her existence.

“Girls by virtue of their gender face discrimination and challenges at every stage of their lives. The deep seated patriarchy combined with poverty keeps them away from many rights and comforts which generally come easily to boys. Be it female foeticide, education, health, early marriage or household responsibilities, girls are usually the first ones to suffer. That is precisely the reason why empowerment of girls is not just necessary but also the need of the hour. We have so many examples of girls who with the right support and guidance have shattered perceptions and stereotypes and have managed to make a mark for themselves despite the odds. We need to work towards a society that treats everyone equally and where girls don’t have to fight for a space that is rightfully theirs,” says Soha Moitra, CRY Regional Director – North.

Picture by CRY Volunteer Tapesh Kumar

Every day we hear stories of atrocities vs success of women/girls across the world and in our nation. How do we become a part of the movement to empower girls or how do we make sure that we do our part to give them the best? There are a few things that I like to believe in and take care of. For example: Education.

I have had friends whose parents decided to marry them off because it was their ‘age’ to do so. “Career can happen later,” these were their words. Say No. Unless you do feel that settling down is THE thing to do. Settle down when you want to, not when others want you to. Study, get education, pursue internships, and pursue your hobbies. There are way too many NGOs and workshops available around us. Make use of them! If you are capable enough, adopt a girl child OR teach kids of your house maids or driver, etc. Knowledge passed onto others always helps you too.

I came across a wonderful case study by the team CRY India on this regard – No teacher, no Study! Happy reading :)

14 year old Suman’s inspiring story is an example of how empowerment can help bring about a change. Suman’s school in Hasiyawas, Ajmer had been upgraded from primary to upper primary in 2014 but no additional teachers were recruited for more than a year leading to irregular classes and poor learning outcome. By the time Suman reached class 8th there were only teachers left to teach close to 150 students in the school. Having seen no improvement over the past one year Suman decided to take matter in her hands. She decided to boycott her classes along with her friends. Slowly more and more students joined her, preferring to help their parents in their work rather than going to school and learn nothing. This prompted the principal to escalate the matter to the Block Education officer who promised to look into the matter. Meanwhile Suman mobilized the Education committee as well as other villagers to campaign for better education in the school. They met various stakeholders to make them aware of their problems. To further pressurize the administration students along with their parents also locked the school building and threatened to take transfer from this school. Worried about the developing situation and seeing the children’s resolve the District Education Officer quickly sanctioned recruitment of additional teachers.

Suman’s persistance and unique ways forced the education department to finally recruit three teachers after a gap of almost 2 years. Children in the village not only regularly go to school now but are also determined not to let anything come in the way of their education.

Just a simple thought, a stern decision and result? Brighter future! What is your step? How will you contribute to the difference?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below :)

Keep believing in your dreams!

Kiehl's Original Musk: Bath & Shower Liquid Body Cleanser #Review

If you ask me about what makes a weekend start off at an amazing note, it has got to be definitely a good sleep the night before. However, what also makes the morning cheerful is a bubbly relaxing bath! Weekend is the time when I get to spend more time on myself and for personal care. First and foremost is cleaning your body properly. Let it moisturise from deep within and be fresh. All your creams and powders and perfumes will only add to it, but what’s the foremost step is to clean it well :)

I had heard about the Original Musk series by Kiehl’s long back but could never get my hands on it. Until now! Quite a lot of International bloggers whom I follow recommend this or have reviewed it at least once on their blog. What is it made of and how it fared on my body is what I am writing down below to share with you all.

Product Photographer: Stuti Shrimali

What does the product says
This richly foaming bath and shower gel with glycerin, sweet almond fruit extract and sodium PCA gently yet effectively cleanses skin, leaving it superbly soft, clean and sensuously fragranced with the distinctly modern scent that is Kiehl's Original Musk. Non-drying for a soft after-feel. Not tested on animals.

My thoughts
Been a while that I have stopped using a soap bar on my skin. Cinthol and Dove have always been my favourite apart from Pears; however, with changing times and season, my skin has got more adapted to shower gel plus, it is SO convenient to use, carry, keep, etc. Don’t you agree?

The Kiehl’s Original Musk manages to do what it claims, i.e. leave my skin feeling superbly soft and generously fragranced. 

Product Photographer: Stuti Shrimali

Key ingredients are: Aloe Vera, Glycerin and Sodium PCA. 

• Now, Aloe Vera is my personal favourite when it comes to skin. The plant’s gel is known to soften and soothe skin since ages. I have this plant at my home and manage to use it on my skin every Sunday before washing it off with lukewarm water.
• Second, Glycerin… Now we all know the essential usage of this ingredient, which is to moisturise skin. It helps the skin to gain more elasticity and make it plump.
• Next, Sodium PCA: This is something that I had to google about and the primary characteristic of this is to increase skin’s softness. It is derived from amino acids and highly water-absorbing, partly responsible for the skin’s moisture-binding capacity. Phew!

We all know how to use the shower cleanser, don’t we? Well, for this one, you wouldn’t need to much amount because only a couple of drops are sufficient for the whole body. Apply liberally in-shower or bath to cleanse and soften the skin. Leave in for a few seconds and then, rinse.

That’s it :)

Your skin will not only get cleansed, will smell good but also, soften over time. Adding this product to my favourite list and recommending you all to use it at least once!

The one in the picture is a 250 ml bottle priced at 1250/- INR.

Will you try it? Tell me in the comments section below about your favourite Kiehl’s product or a body cleanser/shower gel you LOUVE!

Hair Care tips I swear by + Oriflame Giveaway

Hey friends! It has been quite a tiring month and I cannot wait to move to September. Hair fall has risen and I can see the age is getting on me, don’t you think? Frizz never goes away and the problems stay… a major reason for the same being the Monsoon. So how do I make sure that the mane is happy and the life seems better?

1. Wash hair twice a week: Let’s count Sunday and a Wednesday as two, I make sure that my hair is washed twice a week. If you have got them drenched in rain, make sure you wash them to avoid itchiness and hair loss.
2. When outdoors, cover: Always carry an umbrella, raincoat with a cap or simply a scarf.
3. Lukewarm water is what you need: Not too cold, and not too or. Hot water leads to hair fall and makes it brittle!
4. Do not comb wet hair or tie them: Be it summer or rains, do not comb wet hair. It makes them weak and leaves with broken n strands. Leave them open to brittle and lifeless hair away.
5. Dry them well: Drying your hair properly and not going overboard with the hairdryer is the key. Be gentle and use your towel to dry from the scale to the ends. Do not tie up the towel on your hair for long.
6. Oiling: Oil you hair once a week do it right. Too much oil on the hair doesn’t mean good hair. Use optimum amount and try to lukewarm it before using.
7. Use the right shampoo and conditioner: Use one which is gentle on the hair an. Check your hair type and go for what suits it. Avoid too much conditioner or it may make them look flat.
8. Go for a hair spa: Pampering sessions for you and your hair will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Once in 3 months, is what I suggest!

No colouring, too many hair products, styling, etc. can ruin your hair more during monsoon. Go for a short haircut and keep them clean. 

A secret tip to keep the dandruff away: Use Aloe Vera gel on your scalp. Do not buy the product from the market but grow a plant in your garden and apply the natural gel. Rub it on the scalp, keep it on for 30 minutes and wash it off with first, normal water and second, clean with shampoo and conditioner.

Coming onto celebrating the last weekend of this month and an almost goodbye to Monsoon, here’s an Oriflame giveaway for you all!

You can win this Hair Restore Therapy Kit by following these simple steps:

1. Leave a hair care tip that you swear by in the comments section below OR tweet to me using the hashtag #OriflameHairCarexMegha

2. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for an added point(s).

3. Share this blog on your social media platforms using the hashtag #OriflameHairCarexMegha and don't forget to tag me where you post it.

Easy right? :) I have used this product before and loved it thoroughly!

Go on, participate. The contest is open until 15th September! Good luck <3

Note: Open to Indian Residents only. There will be ONE winner only. 

Love,

@WanderlustGirl_

Guest Blog: Best jobs to get into if you think about food all day!

It doesn’t matter if you eat to live or live to eat, food is an undeniably important part of our lives. Most people now have a stable nine to five job where you walk in and meet the same people every day and get into a routine, being jaded is only a matter of time .For most cooking is a form of therapy, something that takes our mind off things after a long day of work. But what if you could be around food all day, here are some professions perfect for foodies!

What you will need before getting started:

Before starting on your foodie dream I would recommend getting some experience in either a hotel or a restaurant so that you have a fair idea of how the business is run, better yet find a chance to do it overseas so that you can bring a new and exotic flavour to your cuisine .Check out some great job offers at Neuvoo. I personally did my internship at a Mövenpick hotel but it depends completely on your goal .

Food truck chef: 

This one has been a bit overdone in the past few years the number of food trucks went up exponentially, but there is a reason behind why the food truck is so popular .It’s because there are very little start-up costs, typically just a van and maybe a backup generator both of which are pretty much onetime costs. The second advantage of a food truck is mobility, you can test different parts of the city and evaluate how big the market is, and even play with prices to experiment and find out which is most profitable .The prices and market can then be compared with rent levels if you would like to start a restaurant in the future .This is something that many food truck owners often miss out on!

Take a look at Brothers Maine lobster and their success story, after getting an investment this small company is now franchising and has really grown from when it first started.

Image source: www.tes.com

Personal Chef: 

This trend is really gaining momentum, the concept is cooking for a small group of people for a special occasion, most personal chefs often work on a free-lance basis but there are a few companies that offer the service and signing up with them could be looked into. The reason this is becoming so popular is the customer’s desire for personalisation and to get away from crowded restaurants. The biggest advantage about this job is probably getting to meet and cook for some VIP clients if you are really good!

Writing a cook book: 

The amount of paperback books being bought is definitely on the decline with more and more people become more conscious about the environment and fewer people having time to read .However social media has given us a way to put our recipes out there without having to find a publisher .Starting a you tube channel or a Facebook page could be an outlet that you could explore .I would also recommend looking into the Paleo diet (which is pretty much eating like a caveman) this age old way of eating has now become a major trend !

Food production and retail: 

Okay this one come with its large number of challenges ,but if you have the perfect recipe to make something that tastes great and you think you can make money on it then go for it .However bringing production costs down can be a big issue as finding a big kitchen to make your wonderful recipe would be expensive .Then when that is done having it in retail will eat into your margins (pun intended) .Online selling is a good option but shipping costs could make your product less competitive .

Take a look at a start-up that makes customized granola bars called element bars!

Food critic and columnist: 

This one takes a bit of writing talent, however could be a great way to try a different restaurant every day, it also means having a stable job with a newspaper or magazine.

Opening a beach shack: 

Okay so I saved the best for last .The lifestyle of having a shack is unbelievable not to mention your office will probably have a great view of the sea .The biggest difference about working in a restaurant that caters to leisure travellers as opposed to business travellers is the mind-set that your customers would have ,having a beach shack would mean your service time could be longer and you would probably have to deal with fewer complaints as most of your customers are in a holiday mood, paradise often comes with its dangers, competition can be stiff and business can be seasonal not to mention the licences that you would have to pay for in advance.

Image Source: www.holidify.com

Thank you for reading and let me know if I have missed out on any great foodie professions .Let me know what you think and do share your experiences if you have been involved in any of these professions yourself .

By: Manvendra Kikkeri

A student and part time writer, Manvendra's current obsessions are food and travel. He is currently studying hospitality and hotel management.

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