Friday, April 23, 2010

Adding a Google Gadget to your blog

Creamy jello coconut desert


NEEDS:

coconut milk***********600ml
fresh milk*************600ml
sugar*****************200gms
sugar*****************2tbs
gelatin****************60gms
water****************4tbs
vanilla essence********few drops
pineapple/fruits u like**2tbs
whipping cream for decoration

Follow this>> >>

preperation of fruit:
  1. cut the fruit into small cubesand soak in 4 tbs of water.
  2. then add 2tbs ofsugar and vannilla essence to it.
  3. the jus boil it in low flame,and keep aside.

preparation for creamy coconut:

  1. boil the fresh milk and sugar,then bring it to warm.
  2. add coconutmilk into the warm milk.
  3. then add the 10mins soaked gelatin in to the milk mixer and mix well .
  4. freeze this mixer in a serving goblet for 15mins.

serving:

  1. take the goblet and add the fruit above he jello coconut
  2. the add the whipped cream above the fruit

note:can also add agar-agar,crystal jelly powder instead of gelatin

Soya kebab



Soya Kebabs Recipe
Indian, Starter

A nutritious kabab made with soya chunks and tofu.
Good For

Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Weight Loss, Healthy Bones, Women Health, Post-menopausal Health, Gastrointestinal Health

Health Factor
Low Cholesterol, High Protein, High Iron, High Minerals

Cooking Time
15 min

Ingredients (Makes 6 Kebabs)

Soya bean chunks, soaked and drained - 2 cups
Onion, finely chopped - 1 large
Green chillies, finely chopped - 2
Coriander (dhania) powder - 1 teaspoon
Cumin (jeera) powder - 1 teaspoon
Red chilli powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Ginger (adrak), grated - 1 inch piece
Chaat masala - 1 teaspoon
Dry mango powder (amchur) - 1/4 teaspoon
Tofu, grated - 150 grams
Pressed rice (poha) soaked and mashed/breadcrumbs/oats - 1/2 cup
Sago (sabudana) - 3-4 tablespoons
Garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon
Fresh coriander (dhania) leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon
Oil - to shallow fry
Salt - to taste

Instructions

  1. Blend soya chunks, onion, green chillies, coriander powder, salt, cumin powder, red chilli powder, ginger, chaat masala and amchur in a blender.
  2. Add tofu and continue to blend for two more minutes. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, add poha, sabudana, garam masala powder and coriander leaves and mix well.
  3. Divide the mixture into sixteen equal portions and shape them into round kababs. Heat sufficient oil in a frying pan. Gently lower the kababs in the oil, a few at a time, and shallow fry till evenly golden brown on both the sides.
  4. Drain on absorbent paper. Serve hot with green chutney

Gorgeous gods creation

Awesome ! Enjoy and reflect.
We all need a little science. AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL... .....




Astronomers Select Top Ten MostAmazing Pictures
Taken by HubbleSpace Telescope in Last 16 Years

….they illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful.'
Michael Hanlon/AH (Nov 25th, 2006)
After correcting an initial problem with the lens, when the
Hubble Space Telescope was first launched in 1990, the floating
astro-observatory
began to relay back to Earth, incredible snap shots of the
'final frontier' it was perusing



Recently, astronauts voted on the top photographs taken by Hubble in its 16-year journey so far. Remarking in the article from the Daily Mail, reporter Michael Hanlon says the photos 'illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful.'
Enjoy!


Hubble Telescope's top ten greatest space photographs. Awesome!!!



The Sombrero Galaxy - 28 million light years from Earth - was voted best picture taken by the Hubble telescope. The dimensions of the galaxy, officially called M104, are as spectacular as its appearance It has 800 billion suns and is 50,000 light years across.





The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes.. . The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from earth





In third place is Nebula NGC 2392, called 'Eskimo' because it looks like a face surrounded by a furry hood. The hood is, in fact, a ring of comet-shaped objects flying away from a dying star. Eskimo is 5,000 light years from Earth


At four is the Cat's Eye Nebula.



The Hourglass Nebula, 8,000 light years away, has a 'pinched-in- the-middle' look because the winds that shape it are weaker at the centre



In sixth place is the Cone Nebula. The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).



The Perfect Storm, a small region in the Swan Nebula, 5,500 light years away, described as 'a bubbly ocean of hydrogen and small amounts of oxygen, sulphur and other elements'.


Starry Night, so named because it reminded astronomers of the Van Gogh painting. It is a halo of light around a star in the Milky Way.



The glowering eyes from 114 million light years away are the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation.



The Trifid Nebula. A 'stellar nursery', 9,000 light years from here, it is where new stars are being born............. ......... .....
The end....you have just seen the Top 10 Hubble Pictures

Thursday, April 22, 2010

About Antioxidant





Antioxidants- The new mantra

We keep hearing a lot about anti-oxidants and some of us know that it is sort of useful so we pop anti-oxidant pills. Antioxidants have been linked to a variety of benefits starting from treatment of arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, asthma, infertility and the latest to create ripples is the anti-aging effects of anti-oxidants. So what is so special about antioxidants that they can cure so many diseases? The common factor in all health problems and degeneration of the human body is a process called oxidation.

What actually happens is that environmental toxins, radiation, pollution, emotional stress, bad diets, pesticides in food, all lead to a process in which a killer is released called a free radical and this is generated within the body, this free radical circulates in the body and destroys cells, enzymes and tissues wherever it travels. This process leads to a slow and progressive breakdown of the body.In-fact in researches done on laboratory animals it has been well documented time and again that feeding an optimal calorie diet containing foods with antioxidant properties makes them live 40% longer and also has an amazing improvement in health. Low levels of vitamin A and E is associated with Alzheimer’s, lung cancer. Low vitamin C is associated with cataracts. Low levels of vitamin C and E were associated with heart disease. Antioxidants also boost the immunity and has shown promising results in degenerative diseases and fatal diseases like cancer and even HIV.
The star antioxidants are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, selenium and zinc.


  • Sources of Antioxidants

  • The richest source of antioxidants are foods in their natural state.

  • Sprouts of mung, channa, lobhia, alfa-alfa, beans, (sprouts have been called the fountain of youth)

  • Green vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, peas, capsicum, green leafy vegetables like methi, bathua, sarson (mustard greens).

  • Vegetable juices, fruits (should be eaten on an empty stomach to get the best benefit).
    Good sources of vitamin E like walnuts, almonds and other oil seeds.

All About Antioxidants


Plant foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains contain many components that are beneficial to human health. Research supports that some of these foods, as part of an overall healthful diet, have the potential to delay the onset of many age-related diseases. These observations have led to continuing research aimed at identifying specific bioactive components in foods, such as antioxidants, which may be responsible for improving and maintaining health.

What are Antioxidants?


Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage to the cells whic over time can lead to mutations such as cancer. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, vitamin E, and vitamin A, and other substances.
Antioxidants can be either direct or indirect in their effects on free radicals.
Direct antioxidants like vitamins E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, neutralize only one free radical molecule at a time on their own, and are consumed in the process. While direct antioxidants are valuable, researchers say, they are inferior in that each one is deactivated after it takes out one free radical.


Indirect antioxidants are prevalent in cruciferous vegetables, brightly colored berries, certain spices and herbs (sulforaphane from broccoli, curcumin from turmeric, or anthocyanins from berries). They jump-start the body to make its own antioxidants, mounting a powerful defense against oxidative stress for several days. The indirect antioxidant effects are long-lasting, triggering an ongoing process that may last for days.
New research is showing that all antioxidants - whether "direct" or "indirect" - seem to work better together. For example, when vitamin E and C are combined in the lab, their antioxidant activity more than triples. Meanwhile, several new studies suggest that taking too much of a single antioxidant like C or E can backfire and promote more free radical production.


What are the benefits of Antioxidants?


Antioxidants are the naturally occurring nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables. They've been proven to protect human cells from oxidative damage and provide:
Stronger immune resistance to flus, viruses and infections.
Greatly reduced incidence of all cancers.
Prevention of glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Reduced risk of cholesterol-oxidation and heart disease.
Anti-aging of cells and overall body.

What are the different types of Antioxidants?

There various types of Antioxidants and their sources can be given below:

Vitamin A: This fat-soluble vitamin is required for bone formation, gastrointestinal and eye health and in assisting the immune system and skin. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, oranges, mangoes, guava, papaya, milk, yogurt and egg yolks.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C scavenges free radicals that are in an aqueous (watery) environment, such as inside your cells. Vitamin C works synergistically with vitamin E to quench free radicals. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vitamin E: This fat soluble vitamin safeguard cell membranes (largely composed of fatty acids) from damage by free radicals. It also protects the fats in LDL or the "bad" cholesterol from oxidation. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil.

Selenium: It is a mineral that must be taken in measured amounts because large doses of the element can be toxic. It forms the active site of several antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase. Foods rich in selenium include fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic.

Beta-carotene: It is thought to be the best quencher of singlet oxygen (an energized but uncharged form of oxygen that is toxic to cells). Beta-carotene is also especially excellent at scavenging free radicals in low oxygen concentration. Beta-carotene is found in carrots, red and yellow peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mangos, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables.

Lycopene: As an antioxidant, lycopene is twice as potent as beta-carotene in protecting white blood cells from membrane damage caused by free radicals. Lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate and cervical cancer. In addition, lycopene may also help prevent heart disease through this same antioxidant mechanism by inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation. Finally, lycopene is known to play a role, along with beta-carotene, in protecting the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Foods rich in lycopene include tomato and tomato products, pink grapefruit, watermelon.

Lutein: Lutein are cartenoids found in highest concentrations in the macular region of the eyes (the back of the eye where the retina is located), where they are believed to filter out damaging blue light and prevent free-radical damage to the delicate structures in the back of the eye. Lutein help prevent age-related macular degeneration and the development of glaucoma and


cataracts. Foods rich in lutein include dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kiwi, Brussels sprout and spinach.

Lignan: Foods rich in lignan include flax seed, oatmeal and barley.


How do I get more Antioxidants in my diet?

you can eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants by following some smart and simple strategies:



  1. Serve colourful vegetables. Tempt hungry kids (and adults too) by serving a tray of veggies and dip whenever they are hungriest.

  2. Go for whole grains. Buy whole grain cereals, breads, whole wheat pasta, brown rice and barley.

  3. Fill up on vegetables and fruit. Try to fill half your plate with vegetables and or fruits at each meal. Have a fruit or vegetable with each snack too.

  4. Enjoy a small handful of nuts (60 ml or 1/4 cup) in salads, over cereal or yogurt.
    Choose the whole fruit over the juice most often. Often the best health benefits come from the edible skin or peel. (Remember to wash it!).

  5. We can also control the levels of free radicals we are exposed to by avoiding smoking, harmful chemicals, and other environmental hazards like UV radiation and pollution. But we cannot completely escape either free radicals or their effects.


Healthy diet


Tips to Maintain a Healthy Diet


  1. Whole grain products contain the entire kernel, and that is healthier. Examples are whole grain bread, pastas, crackers, bagels, tortillas, and brown rice.

  2. Fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, melons, and strawberries are excellent sources of Vitamin C.

  3. Betacarotene is found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables such as apricots, peaches, carrots, tomatoes, and squash.

  4. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, and romaine lettuce are great sources of folic acid.

  5. Non-dairy sources of calcium are salmon, sardines, dates, oranges, pinto beans, broccoli, kale, and calcium-fortified juices, breads, and cereals.

  6. Choose cheeses made from part-skim milk. Examples are Jarlsburg, Swiss Lorraine, string, mozzarella, tybo, lappi, and farmers cheese.

  7. Choose yogurts made from non-fat milk. Skip the extra sugar by choosing those made with aspartame. This sweetener is actually two naturally occurring amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid. They are widely found in food and not hazardous to your health.

  8. Keep this in mind as you use butter: An avocado cut in eights, a strip of bacon, a teaspoon of cream cheese and five nuts are all equal to a pat of butter or five grams of fat.

  9. If you can not live without candy, save it for a special occasion rather than an every day indulgence.

  10. Drink in moderation. Though a glass of red wine may prove to lower cholesterol levels, remember a glass is 6 ounces not 16 ounces!

Is tea good for health


Tea - A Healthy Drink

The story of tea begins over four and a half thousand years ago. According to Chinese mythology, the Emperor, Shen Nung, scholar and herbalist, was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water. A leaf from the tree above dropped into the water and he decided to try the concoction. The pleasant aroma and refreshing taste enchanted him and soon everyone in the realm was drinking tea. Tea soon became renowned for its properties as a healthy, refreshing drink. Its soothing, healing and invigorating effects have been appreciated throughout the world for hundreds of years. Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world exceeded only by water. India is one of the most prolific tea drinking countries, after some south eastern countries like Japan, China.
There seems to be some debate by various lobbies regarding whether tea is good for one's health or does it end up harming us?


When tea harms


It is alleged that tea can actually decrease the amount of iron which is absorbed by the body. People who are habituated to drinking tea after meals, are the worst affected since tea consumed right after meals can indeed lead to the above allegation. Studies done on this hence advice people to avoid tea after meals and say it is not to be used as a digestive.
Like anything that's done in excess, too much tea also has negative effects on one's health. In other words excessive consumption of tea can over stimulate the nervous system, which is a fact. Too much tea can lead to restlessness lack of concentration.
On the same frame the other talked about ill effects of tea seem to be acidity and gas; although this is true but only in cases of strong tea, which is richly brewed and had with milk or lemon. Light green tea does not have this effect

Goodness in a cup of tea

It is truly believed that tea has many beneficial affects like an increase in concentration levels, good memory, alertness and stamina to work. It has the ability to shake us out of our afternoon lethargy! It is essential to remember nevertheless that moderation is in our best interest.
Tea also is very rich in antioxidants that clean the whole system and are responsible for the process of aging or the cholesterol deposits which cause the hardening of the arteries, skin pigmentation and also kidneys becoming weak.
Tea is said to be rich in fluorides which protect the gums and teeth and are also good for one's oral health. Another wonderful benefit is that tea is also a mood elevator.

Kinds of Tea


There are about three main kinds of teas, namely green tea, black tea and oolong tea.
Green tea is considered non-oxidized, Oolong tea is semi-oxidized and Black tea is fully oxidized. By these terms, it means the ways the leaves are prepared before they get into the market are different. Each tea has a distinct flavour, colour and aroma. And one has to taste them all to know and enjoy the many varieties.

Types and flavors

Jasmine (good for removing water retention), chamomile (soothes the nerves), fruit flavored tea (sooths the nerves and decreases the appetite, acting as a dietary benefit).
Each of these teas has health benefits as mentioned but other than that they have lovely flavours and can really tickle your taste buds. Jasmine is light and aromatic, and chamomile is stronger in taste and light on the palate. Fruit teas are considered so tasty and versatile as one can just as well have them cold!
Something that really strikes a chord when it comes to health is the way one takes one's tea concoction; the best way would be to take tea without milk and add tulsi or ginger to a light green tea. One can drink it first thing in the morning (ginger only in cooler seasons, as it is heaty). You will feel great, it will clear all airways, give you a clear voice, prevent sinus, asthma and will detoxify your body.
Over all the benefits clearly out weigh the negatives... so go head and enjoy the various flavors to your heart's content!

Benefits of coffee



Health Benefits of Coffee

Legend has it that coffee was discovered around 850 A.D. in Ethiopia by a goatherd who observed that his animals were unusually lively after eating bright-red berries. Inside those berries were the coffee beans that later went on a global journey. Now, with more than 400 billion cups consumed every year, coffee is the world's most popular beverage. It is not surprising that coffee is a major force in international trade with approximately 5 million tonnes being produced annually in the 50 plus countries that grow the coffee crop. In fact coffee is second only to oil in international commerce.

Millions of across the globe seek their morning cuppa coffee to help get a start to their day, and most of them drink more than just one cup throughout the day. There are people who swear by it, and say that they just can't get up and get going without their coffee, and others simply love its rich, simplistic taste.

There have been many investigations into the effects of coffee upon health. Unfortunately many of the early case studies were strongly related to other social habits such as the consumption of alcohol, smoking and lack of exercise. This has led to coffee having quite a bad reputation. For years, coffee was suspected to be bad for you because of the excessive amount of Caffeine. New information, however, is giving coffee lovers even more of a reason to reach for the mug in the mornings. These benefits are:
  1. Cardio-protective: Coffee reduces the incidence of heart disease, because it rids the blood of excess lipids.
  2. Anti Asthma: Drinking coffee can help to control asthma, and in some cases can even be used to treat an asthma attack when conventional medication is not available.
  3. Anti Diabetic: Coffee intake may reduce one's risk of diabetes type 2 by up to half.
    Anti-Gout: Coffee consumption decreased risk of gout in men over age 40.
  4. Anti Cancer: 2 or more cups of coffee per day can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 25%. Coffee consumption is also correlated to a reduced risk of oral, esophageal, and pharyngeal cancer.
  5. Gallstones: The likelihood of developing gallstones is decreased nearly 50% by drinking at least 2 cups of coffee per day.
  6. Headache: Coffee contains caffeine, which increases the effectiveness of pain killers, especially migraine and headache medications.
  7. Liver cirrhosis: The risk for this condition is reduced by 80% with the ingestion of 2 or more cups of coffee each day.
  8. Parkinson's disease: Studies have found that coffee drinkers reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
  9. Reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease: Several studies found that those who drank more coffee were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life.
  10. Tooth decay: A compound in coffee called Trigonelline has anti-adhesive and antibacterial properties, which helps prevent cavities. It may reduce plaque formation also.
  11. Laxative/diuretic: Coffee is also a powerful stimulant and can prevent constipation.
    However, on the negative side, coffee can cause a number of problems for susceptible individuals, particularly in large doses:
  12. Acid imbalance: Caffeine can cause indigestion, skin irritations and arthritic flare-ups.
    Increased cholesterol: In some individuals, coffee can raise cholesterol, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
  13. Infertility, miscarriages and low birth weights among babies: Women who are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant should avoid excess caffeine consumption, which may increase the risk for a variety of fertility problems.
  14. Kidney stones: This condition can result from the strain that caffeine puts on the kidneys.
    Nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and trembling: Excess caffeine can over stimulate the central nervous system. This not only causes anxiety in susceptible individuals, but can also exhaust the adrenal glands over time, decreasing resistance to stress and thus increasing vulnerability to disease pathogens and other health hazards.
  15. Possible addiction: People who quit coffee often experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, headache, decreased energy and alertness, difficulty concentrating, and even irritability and depression.
  16. Stretch marks: Caffeine consumption increases the risk of developing stretch marks.
    Most studies show no negative effects from drinking under 300 milligrams a day. People are most likely to get the most benefits of coffee without the drawbacks if they drink within 3 cups a day. But all people are different so overall, the decision to consume coffee should be based on your personal health profile.

What to drink in summer?

  • What to Drink in Summers?

    Nothing says summer more than nice tasty drinks in the evening. These summer drinks presume at most importance in India where the summers are scorching hot and in some regions the temperature might get shot up to 46 Degrees. Most of us have certain summer drinks we look forward to revisiting each year, drinks that epitomize the sensation of summer. They may evoke happy memories from our childhood like the nimbu paani (lemonade) that you used to have at the stall beside your school.

    India has a rich and varied tradition of summer drinks. It has been passed on from generation to generation. Most of them are season-specific, depending on what the seasonal fruits of that month are. They are also region specific with favorites changing from state to state, again determined by the fruits, herbs and vegetables grown locally. There are so many natural ingredients in India which are excellent coolants. But what are the best summer drinks? Here is a list of drinks that you can sip this summer:

  • Watermelon juice:
    It is wonderful thirst quencher which contains all the minerals required for the body. It has low sugar which does not disrupt a diet program or increase your weight. It contains magnesium, phosphorus, iron and beta carotene. You can even make ice lollies with watermelon juice. However, avoid using bad quality watermelons as it might upset your stomach.

  • Papaya juice:
    It is wonderful digestive aid and can be consumed by everyone. It is great for people with weak digestion, non-vegetarians and for those who need enzyme supplementation to improve the digestion of proteins. It is good for detoxification and for people who want to improve liver function. However, pregnant women should avoid papaya juice in large quantities or taking it regularly.

  • Nimbu Paani (lemonade):
    Lemon is a good source of vitamin C. It improves immunity in the summer and is excellent as a thirst quencher due to its cool nature. One should always add a pinch of rock salt and zeera (cumin) powder to enhance its taste. However, drinking concentrated or large quantities of lemon can cause an uncomfortable acid kind of sensation in the stomach.

  • Lassi/ Butter Milk (Chaach):
    Very cooling in nature and is available all over the country. It is a good source of calcium, protein and very filling in nature. However, people of certain constitution or blood group may feel uncomfortable with dairy products.

  • Panna:
    Panna is one of the most popular drinks on the western coast. It is made with raw mangoes which have a cooling effect on the body.

  • Jal zeera (Indian salty cumin lemonade):
    It is a very traditional ayurvedic drink which consists of all the spices which have a cooling effect on the body.

  • Rose water:
    Rose water has rose as a base which lowers the aggravated pitta. It can be added to any drink to enhance its aroma and flavour.

  • Smoothie:
    A smoothie is a blended, chilled, sweet beverage made from fresh fruit. In addition to fruit, many smoothies include crushed ice, frozen fruit and vegetables and frozen yogurt.

  • Coconut water:
    It is very refreshing natural drink and takes care of mineral requirement in the summer when the soaring temperatures deplete all the water and salts from the body.

  • Khus sherbet:
    Khus (poppy seeds), according to Ayurveda, decreases the temperature of the body and aids in cooling the body. This drink was greatly patronized in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

  • Ice tea:
    Though too much of tea is not good for health but a refreshing ice tea in the evening can be very invigorating.

  • Thandai:
    It consists of almonds, milk, rose petals all of which have a cooling effect and is absolutely fabulous in taste.
    And finally a little bit of advice; avoid those fizzy, carbonated drinks that you see all around you. Although they are easily accessible, they're just filled with empty calories, artificial sweeteners, colours and flavours which do you no good at all. So get back to natural, homemade and healthy drinks and have a great summer. Cheers!

Cool summer drink



Mint lassi:


Supplies needed:


1/2cup(or) 4 ounces Non-fat or Low-fat Plain Yogurt
1/2cup(or)4 ounces Unsweetened Soy Milk or other Non-Fat Milk
Ice - crushed as required
4 tablespoons Mint Leaves - washed
1 teaspoon Lime Juice
Sea Salt to taste



Directions to make:


Chop or tear mint leaves into pea-size pieces. Measure all ingredients into smoothie maker or blender. Smooth or blend for 45 seconds or until mixture is of consistency to taste. Enjoy. At these portion measurements, the recipe makes 4 servings of about 8 ounce each

Mehandhi on hair

Applying mehandhi on Hairs

Mixing henna powder for your hair is the same as it is when mixing for skin. Just as you need to leave the paste on your skin for hours you will also need to leave the paste (or mud) on your hair for hours. Once you have applied the paste on your hair, wrap your scalp with clingfilm and put a warm hat or towel over your head. After 6 hours wash it out by wetting it thoroughly. Usually there is dried paste that comes out easier if you use some conditioner to loosen it up. After all the paste is rinsed out of your hair it doesn't feel soft and silky immediately. That seems to occur a few days later. Henna won't completely change the color of your hair. It will make it red but the color is more of a transparency over your hair

About black mehandhi

Please stay away from this dangerous substance!!!!

There is also something called black mehndi or black henna. It is grown ONLY for the purpose of dying hair and will leave a grey ashe colored stain on your skin. It contains harmful PPDs (that are banned from many areas around the world, but still available) and may cause respiratory failure and other medical problems. I beg you not to use this, because I have seen the effects of its evil wrath. Some of my friends were getting ready for a party and decided to try this crazy substance. It LITERALLY ate away at their skin. It was disgusting. SO PLEASE NEVER TRY BLACK HENNA!! Also, understand that mehndi and black mehndi are two entirely different things. One of them can be dangerous if you are allergic to it (black henna) and the other is safe and health promoting (henna). When I say health promoting. I mean that it is known to be good for your hair and skin.

How to make mehandhi

How to Apply Mehendi?

You can make your own powder by drying henna leaves in shade. It might take weeks for them to dry to a crisp and you need to grind them thoroughly. You may also buy henna powder from the market.
Preparation of henna mix
1. Henna powder sieved through a muslin cloth.
2. Well strained strong tea decoction.
3. Eucalyptus oil (few drops).
4. Strained lime juice.
5. Sugar (one table spoon).
Mixing ......
Take the henna powder in a bowl, add the tea till it becomes a thick paste (similar to a dough). Add eucalyptus oil, sugar and lime juice and mix well to make it into a smooth and thin paste. Leave it covered over night or during the day if you prefer to apply in the night.

Make a Cone....
  • Take a thick plastic cover or use any thick freezer bag
  • cut it into shape of rectange 7" * 4".
  • Twist one corner of the cover to make a cone.
  • Tighten the tip to make tiny hole.
  • Hold the tip and fill the paste and tie the broader end tightly with a thread.

You also get readymade cones from the market.


Let imagination fly...
Now have fun. What ever you draw is beautiful and is a master piece in its own.
Note

You should leave the mehendi to dry on your skin and keep it on for as long as possible (4 to 6 hours if possible - you may go to bed also with it). Scrape it after that. The color will become deeper if you leave it untouched by water for another 4 to 6 hours. A deep color may last upto two weeks. The coloration varies from person to person

Top 10 summer beauty tips

1. Concealers can hide spots, blemishes and imperfections. Apply to those areas your not happy with before your layer of foundation.

2. Highlighter along the cheekbones gives a youthful and pretty summer glow

3. Make sure you regularly take vitamin supplements and treat your hair to an intensive mask every once in a while for fabulous looking summer shine.

4. Spend time shaping your eyebrow line as it can make a big difference to your face and really make your eyes stand out.

5. For a natural wave, when you have washed your hair, instead of using rollers, wrap your wet hair in rags and leave to dry. When you un-roll them you'll have a natural wave and bounce that will last all night.

6. Make a facial scrub part of your weekly routine to scrap away dead skin leaving healthy, clean and fresh skin.

7. A light application of bronzing cream and leave you looking sun-kissed without needing hours in the sun. Top this off with some shimmer powder for the evening.

8. You don't need expensive moisturizers to keep your skin moist. After washing vaseline can lock in 10x as much moisture as bare skin alone.

9. In the hot summer months and especially when sun bathing, ensure you keep the SPF 30+ cream on your face to help stop wrinkles forming as you age and to keep your skin moisturized too.

10. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on really hot days as dehydration is very bad for your skin, nails and hair.

Just regularly follow these simple steps and you will glow all summer long

Modern mehandhi designs
















Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Jewellery making

How To Make Ear Hooks:

Read the instructions here and then watch the video or vice versa. Then gather your jewelry making supplies and start creating your own ear hooks for your own handmade dangling earrings.

Supplies Needed:
* 2 eye pins
* 2 beads
* Flat-nose pliers
Instructions:
1. Use your flat-nose pliers to straighten the eye pins.
2. Insert a bead into each eye pins.
3. Grip the bead and use your pliers to bend the pin towards you just above the bead.
4. Gripping the beads on both eye pins on your left hand with the pins pointing away from you.
5. Use the arm of the pliers to curve the pins.
6. Straighten with pliers.
7. Bend tips slightly.
Now the ear hooks are ready for you to create your dangling earrings