Monday, December 31, 2007

Pep Talk!> How Kindness is Good for You

Image: Bed of Roses
Artwork by: Tanya Munshi
Artwork Copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi
In this fast-paced life, kindness is often forgotten. Kindness is the simplest emotion as humans that we can offer to a person, an animal or a plant. But did you know being kind is also good for you, not just the person you are being kind to?

Being kind to someone boosts your self-worth and makes you feel important. Positive acts like kindness generate a sense of well being, or the ‘the feel good factor’, which in turn uplifts your spirits and keeps you optimistic.

Staying happy boosts your self esteem. Being happy in turn reduces stress levels in your body. This in turn helps you to stay healthy since being happy boosts your immune system.

Since stress is the root cause for several illnesses, sheer kindness can drive the stress and tensions away. Kindness is the cure for depression. Once depression is removed, other health problems like eating disorders, ulcers, acidity and sleeplessness all go away.

Published in Tips4me.com, on July 23, 2007
Link:
http://www.tips4me.com/tips/inspiration/others_main.asp?file=/tips/horizon/hori.htm

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Home> How to Preserve Food at Home

Image: What's Cookin'?
Painted by: Tanya Munshi
Artwork Copyright: Tanya Munshi


Text by: Tanya Munshi
Living alone and working doesn't leave you much time for personal work, let alone taking a look at your kitchen. While most of us eat out, some prefer keeping stock at home that is easy on their pocket and tummy. However, food items stored for long periods need preservation.

Storage
i. Veggies
While preserving vegetables in the refrigerator, 30-year old Lekha Limbu, an instructional designer in Pune suggests, "Ensure the veggies are moisture-free before placing them in the fridge. For a longer duration, take them out once in three to four days and dry them with a cloth." To save time, buy pre-cut vegetable packs that are easily available in supermarkets.
When you buy beans, lady's finger, brinjal, etc., place them in the sink under running water and wash off the dirt by rubbing them thoroughly. Then dry them with a clean cloth, or leave them in a basket to dry on their own. Place all sets of vegetables separately in packets before placing them in the vegetable tray.

ii. Meats
To preserve freshly cut fish, chicken or meat, put it in a large bowl of water and wash every piece individually under the tap ensuring all waste material is washed off. After cleaning fish, apply salt and turmeric (this acts as a preservative) and place them in portions in the freezer.
Chicken and meat too, after cleaning, can be placed in packets and stored in the freezer. For packed meats and chicken, clean the packs from the outside before placing them in the freezer. It is advisable to consume all non-vegetarian items within a week of purchase and storage.

Food handling at home
Anuj Gemawat, a 26-year old Bangalore-based hotel management graduate and hotelier, has some basic food handling hygiene tips.

Cleaning
Keep unclean food separate from cooked/cleaned food. When cleaning any food item, meat or dishes, ensure it is done away from the cooking area and a dustbin is kept handy to dispose waste immediately. Sanitise this area after every use, especially after cleaning meat products.

Preservation/storage
Store cooked articles above uncooked ones. Remember to cover all food in the refrigerator in order to stop the aroma from escaping.

Marinating
Use a clean bowl for marinating meats. Once mixed, never leave the meat open. Cover it with a cling wrap and set aside for marinating.

Waste
Never leave any food waste strewn around. Garbage must be collected in a bag and taken out once or twice a day.

Detecting the freshness of food
Every food item displays a unique characteristic of getting spoilt. Generally, leaving food out in the open at room temperature overnight is a sure way to spoil it. "To keep hot food in temperatures of over 63 degrees C and cold food frozen below 4 degrees C is the best way to preserve it," says Gemawat.

If the food is moulding (attacked by fungus), lumpy (curdling) or smelly (rotting), it is clear that it is spoilt. In general, one is mostly able to distinguish spoilt food using a combination of senses - smell, taste, touch, sight and even experience. Never consume such products or give them to someone else to consume. Dispose of such food immediately and clean the utensil in which it was kept.

Limbu checks for the expiry date on packaged or tinned products, and the appearance and smell of baked goods and milk products. She also tries a simple experiment at home, where she places eggs in a bowl of water - any egg that floats is the rotten one. Fruit juices that coagulate, puffy juice packets, cooked vegetables that let out a yucky smell and look sticky, and curd that smells foul or coagulates are what she discards as waste.

Bharti Danu, a 30-year old schoolteacher in Mumbai, usually buys stocks of vegetables for a week at a time. The simple storage solution she offers is that one should keep all masalas, pulses, maida, etc. in the freezer, as chances of pulses and flour getting attacked by insects are higher in humid cities like Mumbai. She also uses Ziploc packets that are easily available in most supermarkets to store veggies in the fridge.

30-year old Naina Dey, a professor in Kolkata, offers a checklist on detecting spoilt food:
a) Milk - Curdles
b) Curd - Tastes rancid
c) Cooked vegetables - Smells rotten
d) Cooked fish - Stinks
e) Cooked meat and chicken - Stinks
f) Fruit juice - Tastes rancid

Nutritional value of stored food
"Cooked food is meant to be consumed within 24 hours of preparation or, at best, stretched to a day later, if refrigerated properly. Raw vegetables, however, will always have the same nutritional value as when fresh, till the time they start rotting," says Gemawat. The nutritional value of food is lost by cooking methods such as boiling, frying, etc., not by storing it.
He further adds that one should never stockpile things in a kitchen just because the prices were a bargain. Today, almost every suburb has a good departmental store, which provides fresh veggies, and meat too is easily available. "You could even use grocery shopping as a means of exercise by walking to your store and back regularly."

Cooking better and faster
Healthy cooking is food that is oven-baked or pressure-cooked. Boiling or frying makes food more tasty, but rids it of nutrients, making it less healthy. For a quick, tasty meal, pressure-cooking is the way to go.

Easy home tips
Tip 1:
Before keeping green chillies in the fridge, remove their stems. This will keep them fresh for longer.

Tip 2: Beans have a tendency to have fungal growth on them, if they aren't washed and dried properly before placing them in the fridge.

Tip 3: Don't throw away milk packets. They are the best food grade packets to store fish, chicken or meat in portions.

Tip 4: Prepare cotton bags out of cloth pieces or pillow covers. These keep leafy vegetables fresh for a long time.

Tip 5: Place vegetables and fruits in separate bags in the fridge, as fruits emit ethylene gas which, in turn, causes vegetables to yellow.

Tip 6: If you plan on storing eggs for more than a month, apply cooking oil with a brush on the egg shells; this will prevent the eggs from rotting sooner.

Tip 7: To preserve paneer for a longer time, cover it up with blotting paper and keep it in the fridge.

Tip 8: Never keep any cooked food outside for more than two hours, refrigerate as soon as it cools down. In case of thawing, never prolong it for more than two hours. If you have a microwave oven, thaw it immediately just before cooking or sitting down to eat.

Tip 9: Store fruit such as grapes in perforated packets in the fridge. Fruits such as bananas, melons, plums, etc. can be refrigerated after they have ripened in order to extend their shelf life by a day or two.

Tip 10: Packets used for breads are food grade packs that can be used to store lemons and chillies in the fridge. In fact, storing fresh coriander leaves in packets and curry leaves in newspapers keeps them fresh longer.

Published in Rediff.com, on October 27, 2006
Link: http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2006/oct/27store.htm

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Birds> White Barn Owl

Image: The White Barn Owl
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

The White Barn Owl

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Last evening, after I returned home from a walk as I was unlocking the door, I felt I was being watched. For the last couple of days, the lights on the common area of our floor had not been working as a result it was dark. That was the first time too, I forgot to switch on my porch light.

I looked to my left and saw a beautiful large White Barn Owl perched on my window and looking at me. He blinked a couple of times and so did I. For a moment I was slightly taken aback as I had never expected to see a White Barn Owl perched right next to me. As a matter of fact, this is third White Barn Owl that I have spotted in the last two years that too in different places all across India.

I like to believe, that an owl is a good omen. The Goddess Lakshmi, the Indian Goddess of Wealth is known to ride a White Barn Owl. As a result, in Bengali households, one never drives away an owl, especially the White Barn Owl, as it symbolises good fortune and wealth. This is a kind of totem that helps save and preserve such rare species of birds. According to Bengalis, the White Barn Owl is also considered as a Brahmin (an upper caste amongst the Hindus) and is worshipped as the vahan or the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi.

I was the happiest to spot this beautiful bird. I grabbed my digital camera, which is always kept handy in my study. I came out of my house and he was still perched in the same spot. I took a picture and captured this beautiful bird's image. I was tempted to take more pictures, but I did not want to disturb him.

I personally feel, that as humans we should be interested in nature, but we should know where to draw the line. Especially, in case of privacy. If you ever spot a rare animal or bird, and have a camera take one or two good pictures and leave it at that. It is not fair to disturb the animal or bird. Remember, it is us who are exploring in their territory and not the other way round.

In Sociology, we had studied Totemism. Usually, most tribal communities have a totem, like a plant, an animal or a bird and one can identify a clan or tribe on the basis of their totem. According to Wikipedia, "The totem is usually an animal or other naturalistic figure that spiritually represents a group of related people such as a clan."

Believe it or not, usually such plants/ animals/ birds are endangered species, which the tribals (who are closest to nature, than the urban populace), mark it as a totem and worship it. In that process, harming or killing the plant/ animal/ bird is considered sacrilege. For example, the Black Buck in Rajasthan is a protected species by the villagers and tribals as a totem. Similarly, by making the White Barn Owl a symbol of good luck we signify it as a totem.

A few days back I had read in the newspaper that a certain group of people sacrificed white barn owls to please the gods to obtain more wealth. This is blind faith and highly unpardonable. We must understand that the White Barn Owl is by far one of the most rare species of birds and needs to be protected.

So the next time you spot an owl or the majestic White Barn Owl, know that good luck is soon to step into your life and hope that no one ever harms the beautiful creation of God.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Home> Furntinure Safety Guide

Text by: Tanya Munshi
The right furniture can help you make a style statement with your home decor. However, apart from looks, it's very important to keep in mind basic furniture safety, especially if you have kids or pets. Here are some handy tips for furniture safety at home.

Safe Furniture For The Home
~ The surface of the furniture should have a smooth finish. Any roughness or sharpness on the surface or edges should be avoided.
~ All the screws, blots etc. should be well hidden and fixed firmly into the furniture to prevent any snagging.
~ The foot stand of your bed should not be too high. It might get risky if you try getting off in the dark.
~ Fix your bookshelf to the wall; this will prevent it from tipping over in case overloaded with books.
~ Fix anti-tip furniture straps/brackets in the wall for furniture like cupboards, book shelves, racks etc.

For Kids And Pets
~ For bunk beds, the top bunk should have safety rails on either side, with at least 15 inches open at each end.
~ For kids below six years of age, avoid getting a bunk bed as they may roll off in the night and/or hurt themselves against the railing.
~ Replace square/rectangular tables with round tables or tables with blunt edges. This can prevent kids from getting hurt.
~ Install child-proof locks for cabinets containing medicines, toiletries and harmful kitchen items.
~ Avoid using glass table tops. Stick to durable wooden tops which do not pose a breaking risk.
~ Remove extension cords from the kitchen to prevent tripping. More so, wherever possible, get enclosed wiring to prevent any accidents.

Published in Tips4me.com, on October 22, 2007
Link:
http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/others_main.asp?file=/tips/home/furnishing.htm

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Pets> Travel Tips with your Pet Dog

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Pets are always going to be special and a part of a family. So why our four-legged friend should stay at home and not have all the fun? To make your outings more special with your pet dog, here are some tips to ensure a smooth sailing.

Health Check Up
Before planning, check your pet’s medical records. All his vaccinations and shots should be up to date. A visit to the vet is a must before embarking on a journey. Get your dog thoroughly checked for any illnesses, ticks etc. If your dog suffers from motion sickness, ask your vet for a solution. Chances are your dog may not be able to join you for a trip. If you are not aware of this, then ask the vet for any medication. While travelling, carry your pet’s medical file. Keep it handy, as you may need to show it whenever necessary.
Documents you need to carry with you are
· Health certificate
· Rabies vaccination (especially for the last 12 months)

Accessories
Your dog should have a firm collar around his neck. Don’t forget to add his name tag with your details at the rear. Your name, complete address and phone numbers should be mentioned at the back of the dog tag.
Carry your dog’s food bowl, his favourite toy and his bed during your travel. Usually dogs get restless during travel. If they have their own bowl, bed and toy they feel kind of settled, as this is what they relate to as being at home. Don’t forget to carry a litter bag for your dog. Maybe a muzzle will also be handy, especially if he is going to be transported or handled by professionals.

Checklist
Check with the hotels or your hosts whether dogs are allowed. Some hotels do allow pet dogs that are accompanied by guests. You would need to confirm the extra charges for the same. Check with your host whether any family member is allergic to dog fur. In that case, your pet dog no matter how cute and cuddly he maybe, will not be welcome into your host’s home. Last but not the least; don’t forget to carry his favourite snack, a first aid kit and a dog shampoo. These items are essential while going on a holiday with your dog.

Published in Tips4me.com, on November 22, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/petcare/others_main.asp?file=/tips/mustknows/pcmk.htm

Monday, December 24, 2007

Pets> Handy Tips to Bathe your Dog

Text: Tanya Munshi
Giving your dog a bath can be fun for you but not necessarily for your dog. All you need to know are some easy tips to ensure that even your dog enjoys a refreshing bath.

Before A Bath
o It is important to keep in mind your dog’s
• Age
• Breed
• Type of skin
• Length of fur
• Type of fur – thick or thin
o Check with the vet the frequency of bath and the type of product to be used keeping in mind the above parameters. For instance, if a dog has a skin infection, its frequency of bath will vary from that of a healthy dog.
o The size of your dog is also an important parameter. A small dog can be bathed in your bathroom, but a large dog’s bath is suited better on a terrace/backyard.
o For an indoor bath, a hand shower is the best way to bathe your pet. Keep shampoos and towels handy beforehand.
o If it’s an outdoor bath for a large dog, it’s preferable that you have someone to hold your dog while you bathe it with a garden hose/pipe. Large dogs are a little more difficult to handle during bath time than smaller dogs.

During A Bath
o Always use shampoos meant for dogs. The pH balance of dog shampoos are different from shampoos used by humans. Using shampoos meant for humans can cause excessive drying of your dog’s fur.
o Brush its fur forward and backward before a bath to allow the shampoo to reach the fur roots.
o If your dog allows you, place cotton swabs in its ears to prevent water from entering its ears. But remove them after the bath.

After A Bath
o After its bath, allow your dog to shake off as much water it can on its own.
o Then rub your dog with a dry towel to take off the remaining water from its coat.
o Wrap your index finger in a cloth and gently clean its ears.
o To prevent infections or ticks, boil a bunch of neem leaves and cool the concentrate. After the shampoo, give a last wash with the cool neem water.
o Once its fur dries up completely, comb your dog’s coat for a perfect look.

Published in Tips4me.com, on June 25, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/petcare/preview_main.asp?tip=caninegrooming_cg

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Home> 10 Ways to Keep your Kitchen spic and span

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Lovely living rooms, dingy kitchens -- that's pretty much the story at most homes these days. Here's how you can turn those greasy kitchens into culinary havens, with 10 easy tips.

Tip 1: Say no to grease
Clean up spills to avoid build up of grout on exhaust fans, chimneys, lampshades and kitchen walls. "Sprinkle baking soda on oily or greasy surfaces, allow it to soak up the mess and, after an hour, clean up thoroughly with a cloth," says 26-year old Anuj Gemawat, a hotelier from Bangalore.

Tip 2: Say goodbye to utensil burns
Burnt your kadai or pan? Pour half a cup of warm water mixed with a dishwashing solution. Allow it to cool and your stubborn stain will vanish. While cooking, keep the chimney / kitchen window open and let the exhaust fan let out the fumes.

Tip 3: Want a spic 'n' span dustbin?
Wash it once a week with a disinfectant and washing powder. Use disposable garbage bags if possible, which must be tied up at night to prevent roaches, lizards or mice from exploring them. Garbage must be cleared once or twice a day if possible, depending upon the waste accumulated.

Tip 4: Clean kitchen napkins
Soak napkins in hot water daily and then wash. Soiled napkins kept for long attract bacteria. As far as possible, avoid using a sponge in a kitchen; use tissue rolls or cloth wipes instead.

Tip 5: Slabs and sinks
Once a day, pour hot water through the sink drain to remove odours and kill germs, or drop three to four tablespoons of baking soda down the sink, followed by hot water. Pouring a cup of vinegar or lemon juice does wonders in cleaning your sink's drainage. Clean kitchen slabs with baking soda or squeeze a slice of lemon to remove stains. But wash it off quickly as these liquids are acidic in nature. For marble tops, clean up any spills or juices immediately, as marble is highly prone to stains. Rub borax powder with a moist cloth to clean. For granite tops, use a mixture of dishwashing solution and warm water. For ceramic or tiled tops, use an old toothbrush and diluted laundry bleach with water. Borax powder can be purchased from any departmental or hardware store.

Tips 6: Cleaning utensils
Add a little vinegar in warm water and use this to rinse them post washing. Or make a concoction of one-fourth cup of vinegar in warm soap water. Dab half a lemon in baking soda and rub it on utensils to get rid of stains.

Tip 7: Floors and windows
Mix half a cup of white vinegar and half a litre of water to clean the floors of your kitchen. Don't forget kitchen windowpanes, which also tend to get greasy. Use 50:50 white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and scrub with old newspapers for sparkling clean windows. Good products include Kiwi Kleen Glass Anti Dust, Glass and Household Cleaner, priced at Rs 40 for 500 ml and Easy-Off Bang Multipurpose Surface Cleaner, priced at Rs 65 for 400 ml.

Tip 8: Cleaning electrical equipment
First unplug your electrical equipment -- mixer, food processor, micro-oven, etc. Take away loose particles using a dry cloth. Then take a mild detergent or sanitizer in a sponge to clean the insides of the equipment. Avoid using lots of water, as this is electrical equipment.

Tip 9: Spring-cleaning and food storage
Once a month, clean your entire kitchen. If you're living in humid cities like Mumbai or Kochi, chances of insects infesting foodstuff such as pulses are higher. After you open a pack of chana dal, rawa or poha and the like, make sure you close the packet with a rubber band and put it in the fridge. This will ensure longer shelf life and prevent insects from creating havoc in your food cabinets.

Tip 10: Pest control
These include roaches, lizards, silver fish, ants, termites, bed bugs, and even pigeons (the list varies according to climate, season, geography, etc). Giridhar Pai, Vice President (Services) of Pest Control (India) Private Limited says, "Due to presence of soil around a bungalow, additional pests such as rats, geckos and other garden pests are more likely to make an appearance. However, it has to be remembered that most pests can fly, crawl or climb, and can access an apartment at any height. Get an Annual Maintenance Contract for your house that guarantees a minimum of three services during the contract period."
Pest Control (India) for instance, offers the Household Pest Management package, which can be completed in less than an hour, in an average sized flat (800 - 1,200 square feet in Mumbai city) and costs approximately Rs 2,000-2,500. It includes three scheduled services for a year and additional services if pests are detected between the later two services.

Other home remedies
Use an insect repellent once a week in the kitchen, especially at night before going to bed. Ensure all food products are kept away from the spray though. Leaking taps should be repaired to deny pests' access to water, as damp areas lead to mould, which attracts pests. Finally, cracks and crevices should be sealed off.

Published in Rediff.com, on September 7, 2007
Link: http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2006/sep/07kitchen.htm

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Home> Care for Cutlery & Utensils

Text by: Tanya Munshi
As a guest you feel important if your host has set the table with the finest cutlery. As a host, with a set of well-maintained cutlery and utensils, you enjoy cooking and presenting food for family and friends. So here are some handy tips to care for your fine cutlery and utensils.

Cleaning Silverware
o Always store silver cutlery in a box or drawer, covered with a cloth.
o Rinse off silver cutlery soon after use to prevent staining.
o Use a soft cloth to polish the silverware. Don’t leave silver-plated cutlery for too long in cleaning solution. Always use a diluted dishwashing solution to wash silverware.

Stainless Steel Cutlery
o They are usually highly resistant to corrosion, rust and stains.
o Avoid direct heat/flame on any stainless steel product.
o Never dip/use them with vinegar for too long. The salts present in the vinegar cause discoloration.
o Always use a dishwashing solution to clean stainless steel cutlery.

Copper Vessels
o Copper is a good conductor of heat. Copper vessels heat up and cool down very quickly. So always use low flame and never keep empty copper vessels over a flame.
o Preferably use copper vessels with a stainless steel/silver coating.
o Wash the vessel while it’s still warm, using a dishwashing detergent and soft scrubber. Never use steel wool or strong detergents and scrub the vessel harshly.

Non-stick Cookware
o Always use a non-stick cookware on low flame.
o Always use wooden ladles while cooking in a non-stick pan.
o Wash such utensils with a liquid detergent soap and a soft scrubber.

Porcelain, Bone China And Ceramic
o Always wash them with a light detergent.
o Never place them in a microwave for heating if they have a metallic (silver or gold) plated design/coating on them.
o Avoid exposing them to extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Woodenware
At times, oil and food reside on wooden ladles can attract ants. Soak wooden ladles for about 10 minutes in hot water to remove all residues. Wash with a good detergent and dry immediately.

Published in Tips4me.com, on June 04, 2007 Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/others_main.asp?file=/tips/kitchen/appliance.htm

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Home> Care for Books

Text by: Tanya Munshi
For a book lover to see his/her books in an unkempt condition is quite painful. A good collection of books owned by anybody -- whether a book lover or not -- is a status symbol and speaks volumes about the individual’s personality. So here are some handy tips to care for man’s oldest friend -- books!

Handling Of Books
~ Most of the time a book loses its brand-new look due to poor handling. This usually happens because of dog ears, keeping the book open and upside down, leaving it in the open to gather dust and dirt.
~ Books should never be handled while eating food. A drop of food will stain the pages forever.
~ Ensure your hands are clean, dry and grease/oil free before handling a book.
~ Avoid turning a page by dabbing your finger to your tongue. Keep a wet sponge instead if you must. Better still, avoid any moisture coming in contact with your books.
~ Remove a book from the shelf by holding the firm edges and not by pulling a single cover.
~ Turn the pages one by one, not two or three together and flipping them. Flipping through pages can cause the pages to bend.

Care For Books
~ Always use book marks. You can get book marks from your local book store or paint your own.
~ Dust your book shelf regularly with a soft brush. Vacuum the book shelf and throw in some naphthalene balls to prevent silverworms and other insects from eating into your books.
~ Regularly remove all your books from the shelf and gently flip through the pages. This will let out the moist and soiled air from the books.
~ If you have leather bound books then its best to keep them covered with a cloth or book cases meant for leather-bound books.
~ Never write in books with a pen. Preferably use a pencil if you wish to scribble.
~ You can occasionally dust some talcum powder in between the pages to keep the pages moist free. This also prevents fungal growth in the corners of your books.

Storage Of Books
~ Avoid placing lights over your bookshelf or shift your bookshelf if sunlight reaches it directly.
~ Direct light can cause the coverings and the pages to fade.
~ Avoid keeping books tightly against one another in a book shelf. Books should be kept in such a way that they can be easily removed.
~ Place heavy books flat on a separate shelf.
~ Classic/ archival books that have some loose papers should be kept in an air-tight box and should be handled with extra care.

Published in Tips4me, on June 04, 2007
Link:
http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/others_main.asp?file=/tips/home/cleaning.htm

Monday, December 17, 2007

Pep Talk!> How to Tackle Negative Thoughts

Image: Flying Colours
Artwork By: Tanya Munshi
Artwork Copyright: Tanya Munshi


Text by: Tanya Munshi
Positive and negative thoughts are a part of everyone’s life. Yet most of us get worried as to why we had negative thoughts creeping into our heads. Nonetheless, here are some tips to tackle negative thoughts.

Identifying A Thought
o Firstly, we need to identify the kind of emotion that has crossed our mind.
o Is it a thought, feeling or action? A thought is a most common phenomenon.
o For example, a negative thought could be stealing money from a friend’s wallet. Now you need not worry about this. Just because you thought of this, doesn’t mean you will do it.
o A feeling is where you want to go and pick out money from your friend’s wallet and action is the part where you have given into your negative thought and gone and done it.
o In all this, there’s good news. All negative thoughts can be controlled, converted and replaced with a happy or a positive thought.

What To Do When A Negative Thought Creeps In
o Simple, take it in and throw it out. Some can do it as simply as this, while for others it can take some time.
o People who worry take a bit longer to overcome a negative thought than non-worriers. But it is not to say that negative thoughts cannot be overcome at all.
o As soon as you get a negative thought try and identify it – is it a thought, feeling or action.
o As soon as you identify the negative emotion, you can objectively view it and discard it.
o Get busy with things like studying, sports and reading or hobby classes and don’t allow negative thoughts to creep in.
o And even if it does, so what? Develop a ‘So what!’ attitude and you will notice a difference.

Negative Thoughts And You
o Most of the times, we end up blaming a situation or a person for our negative thoughts.
o But the fact is we ourselves are responsible for our own happiness.
o You can choose to be happy or sad. Hence, you can choose to think positive or negative.
o Remember it’s all in your mind and to overcome it, you need determination and will power.
o Having faith in the almighty is another weapon against negative thoughts.
o Imagining the worst case scenario allows you to look at negative thoughts in the face and it will stop bothering you.

Published in Tips4me.com on May 28, 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Pep Talk> Worry - How you can Combat it

Text by: Tanya Munshi
You chew your nails and worry yourself sick. Whether it is a presentation, a date, an exam or an interview -- you always have butterflies whizzing through your stomach, creating havoc.
"Everyone experiences anxiety or worry in their life," says Prachi S Vaish, a practising clinical psychologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. "We worry when an event is perceived stressful by us and we do not have sufficient resources (material or emotional) to cope with it. The situation, however, can be helped -- once we decide to help ourselves."
Worry overpowers us when we adopt a fatalistic attitude towards life. We tend to attach too much importance to the most trivial task; a failure in achieving even the smallest goal makes us lose confidence. As a result, the next time a bigger task comes up, instead of facing it with enthusiasm, we panic.
Pune-based instructional designer Rahil Mahtani, who is 27 years old, says, "During a stressful situation, I take some time out from my daily routine to visit a calm and quiet place; this clears my head of all the mess and helps me think rationally."
Let's take five scenarios in our lives that can be potential factors for worry...

1. Work: Looking at greener pastures
Have you noticed a friend/ colleague who cribs about work all the time? Perhaps, he/ she does not have the correct job profile.
This can happen to anyone at any point in life. It isn't easy dealing with the fact that, despite having the qualifications, you're not blessed with the desired career break or are dissatisfied at work. Sometimes, you're overqualified for the job you're in and feel frustrated that your colleagues, who have fewer qualifications, are getting the same package. Or, for that matter, the fact that your batchmates from college are making pots of money in their jobs. Remember, the grass will always be greener on the other side. It's time you took stock of your own life.
"Objectively viewing your life can help you cope with such situations," says Vaish. "Ask yourself why you quit your previous job and be honest with yourself. The reasons could be as basic as poor salary, poor treatment at work, boredom, dislike for your boss, criticism, etc."


Try this
~ If you can learn how to take criticism in your stride, it can do wonders for you; consider it to be constructive feedback.
~ If you're ill-treated at work, muster the courage to stand up for yourself. It's scary as hell the first time you do it, but then you gain a sense of confidence that will not let anyone walk over you.
~ If you're stagnating at work, walk up to your HR manager or your boss and tell him/ her it's time for a project change/ refresher course or even an office picnic.


2. Relationships: The achy breaky heart
Love is one of the most complex emotions known to mankind.
We love, get hurt, and yet we fall in love all over again -- proving that we can't escape it. We know things can go wrong in love, for reasons like not receiving enough love in return, gnawing insecurities, feelings of jealousy, betrayal or the fear of getting dumped.
Imagine the worst-case scenario -- getting dumped. Is that the end of the world? Let that teeny-weenie voice inside your head scream "NO!" No relationship is more important than you yourself.
Whenever you depend on others to make you happy, you will be dejected. Work towards feeling secure within yourself. Concentrate on your work, friends and family as well. Do not make that one relationship the centre of your existence.


Try this
~ If you are going through a break-up, try and adopt an attitude of 'whatever happens, happens for the best.' Thank God for this opportunity; at least you did not land up with the wrong person the rest of your life.
~ Betrayal is one of the worst things that can happen in a relationship, but then, if you really want to live happily, forgiveness is the key that will help you to move on. In such cases, the person who hurt you is not worth crying over.
~ There are more fish in the sea. You're young and have your whole life ahead of you, so don't fret.
~ You don't always meet the right person at the first go. In fact, it's better to meet a few wrong people, to know whom to avoid in future. Thank your stars when you finally meet Mr or Miss Right.


3. Pre-event jitters: Meeting/ exam/ presentation
When our worry/ anxiety exceeds normal levels, the most common physical reactions are palpitations, headaches, diarrhoea, hyperventilation, dry mouth, excessive sweating and giddiness.
"Although it is normal to experience a slightly faster heartbeat before entering an interview room, it is pathological to have it beat so fast that it feels as if you are having a cardiac arrest," says Vaish.
You know you have crossed the normal level of anxiety/ worry, when worry start interfering in your daily activities and you're unable to perform tasks for the fear that something might go wrong. "This does not have to be deliberate on your part; you might genuinely feel you're sick, nauseous and weak. What is actually happening is that your nervous system is telling you you're very anxious and that's when you use this sickness to escape a seemingly threatening situation," adds Vaish.


Try this
~ Calm yourself before an exam or a meeting by doing slow, deep breathing exercises.
~ The key is not to panic; once you panic, you will not recall things you already know.
~ Walk into an exam/ meeting telling yourself it IS important, but it is not the end of the world.
~ Finally, imagine the worst-case scenario. Think of the preventive and corrective measures you can adopt to ensure that such a situation does not actually take place. For example, while studying for an exam, keep in mind the worst thing that can happen to you -- failure. The corrective measure to adopt would be to autosuggest you can do well. This will help you study harder and pass the exam.


4. Low self esteem: I'm not good enough
~ Underperformance in academics or sports, your looks, weight, family background, mental makeup, etc, can be culprits when it comes to low self-esteem.
~ Sometimes, even failure in love can lead to low self-esteem. When the so-called 'perfect' man/ woman walks out on you, it leaves you with a feeling that you're not worth it.
~ For the lower age group, even basic factors like low marks in class, not having many friends to hang out with, not having trendy clothes to wear, or having to wear spectacles can lead to low self-esteem.


Try this
~ Think about it -- is what has happened so important that you should lose your self-esteem? For example, if you think you're not smart enough, there is no harm in joining a personality development course or a finishing school. Take up productive methods to boost that low self-esteem.
~ Disciplines like yoga and meditation can help you channelise your energies and thoughts towards something more positive and productive.
~ Set smaller and short-term goals that gradually lead to a bigger goal. For example, if you want to lose weight, set a target of losing at least one kilo a month so that you will lose at least 12 kilos in a year. Or, learn something new, like a new language for example. This will not only help you stay focused; it will also boost your confidence when it comes to achieving new goals in life.
~ Being organised and focused helps you plan your tasks well and finish them on time. It also helps stop procrastination.
~ Remember, it's really okay to make mistakes.
~ Focus on hobbies/ activities you're good at and develop them further, be it painting, dancing, or singing. Not everyone is blessed with such talents.


5. Poor health: When your body fails...
Chronic health problems like asthma, allergy, etc, can pull you down. You may worry about what is actually wrong with you. Things tend to get to you when you can't go out and enjoy life the way others do. But the truth is -- every worry has a solution.

Try this
~ Vaish says, "Firstly, the cause and depth of your health problem can be determined by finding a good physician/ specialist for a second opinion on the treatment you've been getting."
~ Getting a second opinion not only ensures a correct diagnosis; it infuses you with fresh hope and helps you build up psychological strength to fight the ailments.
~ Once you start feeling better physically with new medication, you can improve your morale further by listing all the improvements you have personally managed to achieve lately.
~ Start an exercise/ yoga/ meditation regime. As soon as you wake up every day, tell yourself you will be healthy and happy today. Affirmations can help in changing situations for the better.


Published in Rediff.com, on December 04, 2006
Link:
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2006/dec/04worry.htm

Monday, December 10, 2007

Pets> Feed your Fish Right!

Image1: Feeding the fish


Image2: Meal time!
Image Copyright: Tanya Munshi


Text by: Tanya Munshi
Fish are friendly aquatic pets. Sporting vibrant colors, they swim about as if hurrying some place important, all within the fish tank. Don’t go by their size, they too have hunger pangs. So feed them right and keep them happy!
1
Fish Eating Habits
Fish eating habits can differ from eating from the top of the water to plucking bits of food from the bottom. Some fish prefer eating at night, even though most fish eat during day time. Your fish should be fed, as per its eating habits and not as per your convenience. Drop food that sinks to the bottom, for the ease of bottom feeders. For the night timers, switch off the tank light and then drop in the food. Some carnivore fish like to hunt down a prey before eating. So you can drop live worms.

Note, fish food usually doesn’t have a long shelf-life. So it’s best to buy in small quantities that will last you maximum for a month.Once done, take care to remove any uneaten residue of food in the fish tank. Left-over food can soil the water in the tank.
2
Types Of Fish Food
~ Fish food varies from pellets, flakes, powders, and the like.
~ Get hold of fish food that comes with a mixture of two types.
~ The main ingredient that keeps your fish healthy is protein. Pick up a protein-rich diet for your fish.
~ Don’t bore your fish by giving them the same food daily. Change from pellets to flakes or powders.
~ Some larger variety of fish are vegetarians, even if they look like meat eaters. So research well before feeding.

Published in Tips4me.com, on July 30, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/petcare/others_main.asp?file=/tips/fishfacts/ff.htm

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Home> How to stay safe while cooking

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Cooking is your passion and you are always in the kitchen stirring up a storm. Else you may be cooking for a more basic reason -- you need to eat. Either way, kitchen safety is very important.
Unfortunately, your kitchen has three key ingredients required to start a fire: fuel, flame and air. "Besides fires, cooking hazards like hot oil splattering and steam are responsible for burns and scalding," says 26-year-old Bangalore hotel management graduate and hotelier Anuj Gemawat. Other culprits include gas leaks and malfunctioning of electrical equipments and cooking utensils. Well, it's better to be safe than sorry. So, follow our guide and avoid any disasters in your kitchen.

What to wear
Wear loose fitting clothes because they do not stick to the skin. No flowing garments like free-flowing dupattas or wraparound skirts. In case your clothes catch fire, take off your clothes immediately. Preferably wear cotton, as it soaks oil splatters and does not stick to your body. Avoid synthetic materials in the kitchen; if it catches fire it tends to stick to the body, causing harsh burns. Basically wear clothes that breathe since the kitchen is a hot place and you should not feel hot and stuffy in your clothes. Also, avoid wearing a lot of jewellery; as metal retains heat and tends to get very hot near flames or even in case of oil splatters.

Kitchen safety tips
  • Never use the kitchen in a hurry. Always remain calm as haste leads to accidents.
  • Turn off the gas and regulators after use. Regularly check the gas, pipes and replace anything with the slightest wear and tear.
  • Keep a list of emergency numbers -- of neighbours, spouse and doctors -- handy, preferably in one area like on the front of the refrigerator. Inform everyone at home that it is there. The following emergency numbers are applicable all over India: Fire Brigade: 101Ambulance: 102Police: 100
  • Clean up spills immediately before someone slips and falls.
  • Avoid using curtains in the kitchen.
  • Avoid using extension cords, as wires strewn across the floor may cause someone to trip.
  • Switch off the gas before receiving a phone call or answering the doorbell.
  • When deep frying, place the saucepan/kadhai of hot oil on an inside gas burner (if you have a four-burner stove) so it cannot topple. If you have a two-burner stove, use a very stable cooking utensil for frying. And remove it from the gas and store safely as soon as you are done.

Pets and kids

  • Train your pets not to enter the kitchen. Pets get tangled in wires and drop gadgets in the kitchen or spill food. After completing your cooking, shut the kitchen door to prevent pets from entering.
  • Don't allow children to play in the kitchen. Keep matchboxes, lighters, hot oil and knives out of their reach.
  • Keep enticing food like sweets/chocolates away from the gas area, as your child may be tempted to climb to get it when you are not around.

Kitchen equipment

Pressure cooker
"There are three main parts: the locking mechanism, the gasket and the pressure vent/seal," says Gemawat. If any of these items are not working properly (leaks or worn out), get it replaced/ repaired immediately. Never use a cooker that has exploded before. Get it replaced/ repaired at the earliest, as it can explode anytime again.

Other electrical equipment
Keep all your electrical equipments (except a fridge, of course), unplugged at all times when not in use like the microwave, mixer etc. This will avoid any accidental fires, sparks or short circuits.

During emergencies

Fire
First cut off the source of the flame (gas, stove or electric plug), then douse the fire with a fire extinguisher or a blanket. If it is not possible to get to the source and if the flame seems to be getting out of hand, evacuate the place as soon as possible and call the fire brigade and an ambulance.

Burns (minor/ major burns)
Dr Sailesh Mehta, a Mumbai based practitioner says, "Wipe the affected area with a clean damp cloth or else the wound will start hurting very badly. Then give the area an ice-rub and apply an antiseptic cream. Usually antiseptic creams have a cooling effect that help you to bear the pain and heal the wound."

Cuts and wounds
"If the cut is deep, first hold up the affected part with your other hand so that the wound stops bleeding," says Dr Mehta. "Then put the affected part of your hand/ finger in a bowl of ice to arrest the bleeding completely." You can then administer first aid such as an antiseptic cream or band-aid.

Electrical shock
Immediately isolate the source of the current with a non-conductive element like a wooden plank, rolling pin, wooden ladle or rubber gloves. "If you receive an electrical burn (from a toaster or a hot oven), then treat the affected part with cold water and ice compress," suggest Dr. Mehta.

Hot oil spluttering on the skin
Mehta suggests, "Whenever hot food, water, or oil splutters on the skin, immediately put the affected area under a running tap. The idea is to cool off the skin as heat tends to damage skin tissue. Then give a cold compress and apply an antiseptic cream to soothe the pain."

Steam scalding
Immediately take the victim away from the source, under a fan and apply an ice pack in the affected area.

First-aid/fire-fighting kits

"A kitchen should always have a first aid and a fire fighting kit, which must include a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher," says Gemawat. "Ensure that everyone knows the location of such items and how to use them. All these items must be kept in the open and be clearly visible to all," he says. Several buildings have fire-fighting devices such as fire extinguishers and water hoses installed in the passageways and kitchens.

"In case of a small fire you can cover it with a fire blanket as well as cover yourself/kids for protection while escaping, " says Kishor Handu from Citadel Security Systems in New Delhi, which specialises in fire safety products.

However, it's a good idea to invest in a fire extinguisher, which can be classified into various types:

  • Class A: Fires involving wood, paper, cloth etc (solids)
  • Class B: Fires involving petroleum products etc (liquids)
  • Class C: Fires involving LPG, CNG gases etc (gasses)
  • Class ABC: Fires resulting from all three

"The ABC type extinguisher is the best choice as it beats any sort of fire as well as can be operated with ease even by a child," adds Handu. It costs about Rs 1,500 for 2 kg (model). A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher costs Rs 3,300 and is meant for electrical and kerosene related fires.

The Yellow Pages in your city/town has a list of companies, which provide fire safety products like fire extinguishers for home and office use. Most companies offer a demo on how to use fire extinguishers and other fire fighting products.

Published in Rediff.com on August 01, 2006
Link:
http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2006/aug/01safe.htm

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Home> The Art of Bonsai

Image: Fragment of Nature
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi


Text by: Tanya Munshi
Apartments usually call for paucity of space. An easy alternative to having large plants in your house is to switch to bonsais. Here are some tips for bonsai plants that add a touch of nature to your apartment.

What Are Bonsai Plants?
~ ‘Bon’ means ‘tray’ and ‘sai’ means ‘plant’, together pronounced as ‘bahn sy’.
~ The art form originated around the Third Century BC in China and later travelled to Japan.
~ Bonsai plants can be cultivated indoors and outdoors in trays/pots.
~ Plant species that can be cultivated as bonsais include flowering plants like pomegranates, apricots and plum and conifers like spruce and pine.

Bonsai As An Art Form
~ You can classify a bonsai plant on the basis of its size, shape, age, and the number of trunks.
~ Most people want their bonsai plant to look like a 100 year old tree with thick trunks and old bark, which can be achieved by regularly tending to the plant.
~ Before planting the sapling in a shallow tray, check that the roots of the plants are healthy. ~ Trim the unwanted parts of the root.
~ Place the plant in a shallow tray and cover it with a layer of soil.
~ Plant other plants around this sapling. Use moss as it helps the plant look aged and also helps in retaining the moisture.
~ There is no need for extra fertilizers for the initial six months, just sprinkle water on the moss regularly.
~ After six months, you can change the look of the bonsai plant. You can get bonsai wires and wire the trunks or branches of the plant and leave it on for the next three to six months.
~ After that, you can remove the wires and leave it or re-wire the plant to a new shape or position.
~ Now you can take the plant out from its soil, clip the roots if they are too long and re-plant them into a new pot in fresh soil.

Selection Of Bonsai Plants
~ The appearance of a bonsai plant depends on the personal care and attention it receives.
~ Select either outdoor or indoor plants depending on the amount of light, temperature and humidity that is required by the plant.
~ For outdoor plants, choose hardy species like spruce, pine etc.
~ For indoor plants, choose tropical plants like natal plum or ficus.
~ Most flowering plants are a combination of indoor and outdoor. They are the ideal choice for a bonsai as you can place them inside during winters and outdoors during summers.

Published in Tips4me.com, on May 07, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/others_main.asp?file=/tips/home/homegarden.htm

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Home> Tips for Hassle Free Moving

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Moving out of a house can be emotionally and physically taxing. By following simple packing rules, it can be made a lot simpler.

Boxes & Cartons
~ For cardboard cartons, use a broad cello tape that will hold all the corners and the separated portions. In case of weight, the cartons will not open up by force.
~ Use curtains to cushion the base of the boxes before placing other items and to cushion photo frames and fragile items in between.
~ Label each box as 1, 2, 3 or a, b, c. Write down in a notebook what each number or alphabet stands for. When you shift to a new house, you will know exactly what box contains what item.

Electronics & Furniture
~ Use small boxes (such as chocolate tin boxes) to keep all the screws and bolts of your electronics/furniture while dismantling.
~ Tape loose cords, wires and cables separately, place them in separate packs and label them. This will help at the time of re-opening.
~ Ensure all your electronics are cushioned with thermocol. Usually this material is provided in all electronic packages.
~ Empty your fridge and clean it thoroughly 24 hours before packing.

Crockery & Other Items
~ Bubble wrap each crockery item. Use newspapers as an alternative if bubble wrap is not available.
~ For packing books in a carton, throw in some naphthalene balls. Sprinkle talcum powder between the pages to help absorb moisture and prevent the books from getting musty and smelly.
~ Seal all the shampoos, medicines and cooking oil bottles to prevent leaking.
~ Pack medicines separately, though it’s wise to carry a medicine kit along with you.

General Tips
~ Before packing, get the following items – bubble wrap, bold waterproof markers, lots of cello tape, scissors, paper knives, cutters and locks and keys.
~ Get printouts in big bold letters to denote the journey of the packaging and whom it belongs to. For example – ‘Name – New Delhi to Mumbai.’
~ For locks and keys, mark every lock and key with a number – either by a waterproof marker or pasting a piece of cello tape with a number on it. This will help you in opening the boxes with ease.
~ Always store the original packing material of electronics or other items.
~ Ask for an inventory sheet, an insurance paper and, most important, a receipt for all your payments from the person you hired to move your things.
~ Keep the packer’s and the driver’s cell phone number handy to help locate your truck.
~ Carry all valuables, clothes, shoes and important documents with you.

Published in Tips4me.com, on April 10, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/others_main.asp?file=/tips/quick/quickhints1.htm

Monday, December 3, 2007

Pep Talk> How to Sleep Better

Text by: Tanya Munshi
You wake up grumpy and irritable, with a heavy head and no mood to learn or take up a new task. It's not a hangover, its how you feel when you don't get your regular dose of sleep. Sleep has deeper, long term health benefits. So think before you stay up late often.

Benefits Of Sleep
  • Your brain shuts down its tasks of all its emotions, decisions and interactions. So when you wake up in the morning, you are fresh to handle a new day.
  • It helps you to deal with stress in everyday life.
  • It gives you energy and boosts your immune system.

Lack Of Sleep

  • It makes you less attentive in class/work as it directly affects your nervous system.
  • It can lead to poor memory and poor performance.
  • It can make you moody and irritable.

Develop Healthy Habits

  • Quit smoking and alcohol, as nicotine can disturb a normal sleep cycle.
  • Exercise daily for better blood circulation in your body.
  • Try not taking a nap during the day as this may disturb your sleep cycle at night.
  • Get a health check up done; maybe you're low on iron, vitamins and minerals. Taking multi-vitamins may help, but do consult the doctor first.
  • Drink water at least two hours before bed time. This will prevent you from waking up frequently to visit to the bathroom at night.
  • Never take sleeping pills, especially without consulting your doctor. In fact, it's best to do without pills.

How To Sleep Better

  • Try and maintain a regular sleep routine. Make it a point to hit the sack by a particular time daily.
  • Ideally, you should get 7-8 hours of sound sleep. If you don't get enough sleep one night, compensate it the next night.
  • Eat a light diner; this will prevent you from feeling uneasy and aid digestion.
  • Don't sleep immediately when you lie down. Practice relaxation and calming exercises. You could also listen to soothing music or read a light book.
  • Drink a glass of warm milk or warm water with a teaspoon of honey before going to bed. This will induce sound sleep. If you have a lot of tension then write them down in a book and sleep. This will prevent your worries from creeping into your sleep.

Published in Tips4me.com, on May 2, 2007
Link:
http://www.tips4me.com/tips/inspiration/others_main.asp?file=/tips/horizon/hori.htm

Home> Style Tips for a Studio Apartment

Text by: Tanya Munshi
A studio apartment can be difficult to decorate, given there aren’t any real distinctions between the various rooms. But even a small den can be refurbished to have both comfort and style. You could hire an interior designer, which would be expensive and you may just end up with a factory product home. Or you could just do it yourself! Here are some tips on how.

Choose the right furniture:
o Cane, wrought iron and particle board furniture suit a studio best because these materials don’t look bulky and make a small room look spacious.
o Choose furniture you can put to multiple uses like a box bed with storage space inside.
o Studios may sometimes lack in privacy. You can place an antique book shelf or an elegant screen to separate your bed from the living room area and also look great. Place hooks behind shelves or screens to hang clothes. You could also attach a soft board to pin up notes, phone numbers and photographs to personalize your space.
o Alternatively, use one main piece of furniture that can have multiple uses. For instance, a single big cabinet can accommodate a TV, music system, a mini bar, books and other knick-knacks. The shelves can be used to keep clothes.

Decorate right:
o Even with a small space like a studio, it is possible to add personal touches rather than just keeping things functional. For instance, use a shoe cabinet as a table to keep your keys and a small potted plant to welcome you home.
o Avoid putting many pictures on the walls to avoid clutter. One large painting or poster shall do the trick.
o A studio can look messy very easily so avoid clutter like scattered laundry and magazines. Keep a cane basket for laundry and a small wrought iron stand for magazines.
o Use light-coloured curtains, letting the sunlight in, which will make the apartment look brighter and bigger.

And what do you know, you have adorned your studio with a brand new look!

Published in Tips4me.com, on March 12, 2007
Link:
http://www.tips4me.com/tips/homehints/preview_main.asp?tip=home_furnishing

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Pep Talk> The Power Of A Smile

Image: Candy Shop!
Artwork by: Tanya Munshi
Artwork Copyright: Tanya Munshi



Text by: Tanya Munshi
There’s no crash course to tell you how to smile right and feel good. A smile is very humble and as a result, we don’t take much notice of it. A smile has enough strength to stop a cold war and make friends. Here are some benefits of smiling.

It Makes Your Optimistic
~ A smile is like a shield that keeps you safe from negative thoughts and pessimism.
~ By smiling it keeps you happy, which in turn gives you happy thoughts.
~ Happy thoughts help you in being optimistic in life.
~ Being optimistic makes you mentally strong and gives you inner strength.
~ Being happy makes you aware of your surroundings. You eat healthy, sleep better and work well. What more do you want for a healthy and hearty life?

It Keeps You Youthful
~ If you smile often, you create a positive feeling about yourself.
~ This keeps you away from bad habits like smoking, drugs and alcohol. This in turn helps you to stay youthful and energetic all your life.
~ By smiling more often you tend to be participative in social activities that help people.
~ Being constantly depressed and sad can add those wrinkles and age to your face. Imagine what effect smiling can do? A smile can erase those premature wrinkles.

It Boosts Your Self Worth
~ If you smile a lot, you make more friends. Having good set of friends boosts your ego.
~ You get noticed at parties and gatherings and are liked by all.
~ People find you charismatic. They find you attractive and cheerful and hence more easygoing.
~ A smile spreads in a flash. It costs nothing, it takes no effort and it makes someone’s day and it adds to your blessings.

So, how about a great dazzling smile! :)

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Pets> Shifting with your Pet!

Text by: Tanya Munshi
A pet is like a family member and while shifting you would like your pet to be as comfortable as possible. Hence, it is strongly advisable to choose a reliable moving company that will be kind to your pet and transport it safely.

How To Choose A Mover And Packer
There should be a pet moving specialist within the moving company.
  • Professional pet handlers are trained to respond to pet’s needs and ensure their comfort during transportation.
  • The company should be equipped to move pets in safe and healthy conditions, be it within the country or internationally.
  • The company should be well informed regarding rules of transporting pets to foreign countries.
  • Pet movers should be certified by an animal and pet welfare board within the state/country.
  • Two Main Services

    Usually, a certified mover who also moves pets should be able to offer you two kinds of services:

    Accompanied
    ~ Where both you and your pet can travel together on the same flight.
    ~ Though your pet checks in with you, it will rejoin you only on arrival.

    Unaccompanied
    ~ Here you don’t get to travel with your pet.
    ~Your pet will be collected at home and ‘packed’ safely by experts and taken as cargo.

    Shifting Your Pet

    • Ensure the box used for packing your pet is big enough for it to sit up, stand, lie down and stretch comfortably.
    • The box should be well ventilated and strong enough to keep the pet safe inside during transportation.
    • There should be a food and a water bowl readily available for your pet.
    • The base of the box should be equipped with an absorbent litter tray.
    • Ensure that your pet is not transferred in a cage, especially during transportation by air.
    • Your pet’s specifications, care, food timings etc should be stuck on the box.

    Published in Tips4me.com, on April 9, 2007
    Link:
    http://www.tips4me.com/tips/petcare/others_main.asp?file=/tips/safetymeasures/sm.htm

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