101 INSPIRING STORIES BY G. FRANCIS XAVIER

  

  

 

101 INSPIRING STORIES – Principles of Successful Living by G. FRANCIS XAVIER is the book about which I’m going to present a blog post for the #TBRChallenge monthly activity of BLOGCHATTER.

This is one of the many inspiring books from the renowned “Motivator” Dr. G. Francis Xavier. This harvest of stories has been gleaned from lands he visited and books he read. Xavier, who conducts full-house personal growth courses has brought out this compendium in an interactive form, making the reader give the answers at the end of the story, which is a novel approach.

 Stories and examples are the best way to inspire, and this volume can be gifted to anyone. It is useful for preachers, speakers, and teachers. The book appeals to readers of all ages. It has stories to inspire and promises uninterrupted chuckles till the end. There are also quotations on success.

Have you heard about STORY MEDITATION? Yes, you read it right. This is the special feature of this book.

First, see what the author has to say about it

“The end of the story is not revealed and the participants are urged to come up with their own answers. I call this process “story meditation”

To get maximum benefit from this book: Go through the story. Reflect for a moment on the two questions at the end. Think of the possible answers. Then refer to the answers given. If you follow this procedure, your creativity will improve and you will get the maximum out of the book.” Confirms the author.

Moreover, he confesses that “my contribution is the language and the explanation of the implication of each story.”

This you will notice as you start reading the book because the book contains 101 inspiring stories many of which were from well-known sources like Edison, Newton, President Lincoln, Roosevelt, Lord Mountbatten, Piere Curie- French scientist, Aristotle, Socrates, Henry Ford, Padesewski- A renowned scientist, Thomas Gray, DR Samuel Johnson, Son of King Louis XVI, Sage William Allen White, POP Star –Cliff Richards and Indians like Gandhi, Nehru, Nirala, Buddha, Emperor Akbar to name a few.

 

One of the stories in the book reminds me of the following poem:

“Depend not on another, rather

Upon thyself, Trust to thine own exertions

Subjection to another’s will only gives pain

True happiness consists in self-reliance.”

 

Like these, there are such interesting and inspiring stories in this book that will help us to improve our personality to a considerable extent.

Each chapter has a small story followed by questions &answers. This will surely take you back to school days but certainly won’t be boring.

With catchy titles and simple writing, the book has a magnet-like power to attract readers and keep them hooked till the end. Though the story is completed in a few minutes, we will love to move to the next one immediately and this curiosity will continue till the last story. Each story is entirely different and has a strong message to keep up with life’s challenges and live a fulfilling life.

In English, 101 refers to showing the most basic knowledge about a subject, i.e. crude and basic. Here in this book, 101 stories refer to quantity as well as the basic qualities that are needed to be acquired in one’s life.  

“Be Tactful”, “Know that you know little,” and “When should you begin the education of your child?” were my three first favourites.

Do take time to read the book and pick your favourites.

(This blog post is a part of  Blogchatter's Monthly #TBR activity for November. Details here : https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatters-reading-challenge-tbr-challenge)

DON'T MISS MANGO GINGER THIS WINTER

 

 

 

The arrival of winter is indicated in the vegetable market with an entry of loads of mango ginger for sale attracting customers with its aromatic sign.

Yes, mango ginger is a winter food. Mango ginger has a warm, winter afternoon flavor with sweet, earthy, floral, and peppery undertones. It's milder than ginger or turmeric, but has hints of both. 

It is a rhizome which is pale yellow inside and lighter color outside. When it is crushed it gives sweet smell of unripe mango. The flavor is predominantly ginger with a delightful faint aroma and taste of mango. However, the taste is not as sharp as ordinary ginger is.

Mango ginger is a winter staple in Telugu homes and is often used in pickles. Some common ingredients for mango ginger pickles include green chilies, tamarind, and fresh turmeric.  Here you can try the simple version of MANGO GINGER PICKLE. A flavorful pickle made with mango ginger is a popular accompaniment to rice in South India. 

Mango ginger is a spice and vegetable with a rich flavor that's used in many ways in Indian cuisines such as:

Grated mango ginger can be used to make aloo tikki by combining it with mashed potatoes and paneer. 

The mango ginger can be used to make a marinade for tandoori aloo, gobhi, or paneer. 

Mango ginger can be used to make a dressing with a punch of flavor. 

Mango ginger can be used to make savory relishes and chutneys. For example, Mamidi Allam Pachadi is an Andhra-style condiment made with mango ginger, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and red chilies. 

 Mango ginger can be used to make a simple chutney with turmeric, coconut, green chilies, lemon juice, and sugar and salt. 

Mango ginger can be grated or finely chopped and added to vegetable curries, dals, or meat dishes. 

Mango ginger powder can be mixed with wheat flour to make soup sticks that are higher in dietary fiber and antioxidants. 

 

 

 This Mango ginger is native to India and is cultivated mainly in India and Malaysia. It grows best in fertile wetlands, partly shaded areas, and sunlight. 

It is a popular spice and vegetable in South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Far East Asian cuisines. It's also a revered herb in traditional South Asian medicine. 

Mango ginger is a relative of ginger and turmeric, and shares many of their Ayurvedic healing properties. 

Do include this winter food in your diet and you will surely relish its taste.

(This blogpost is a part of Blochatter's bloghop, Details here: https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatter-blog-hop-a-new-way-to-write-collectively)

ATTRACTIVE NEW ARRIVALS OF ANNUAL PLANNERS FOR 2025

   

The New Year 2025 is fast approaching and markets are booming with innumerable annual planners.

We as customers have got countless options to choose from. Various sizes, colours, designs, and many freebies on purchase of it.

Planners can be a practical gift because they help people stay organized and declutter. They can be used to document tasks, long-term goals, and more. 

TRACK FOR THE DREAM LIFE:

The purpose of a planner is to create your dream life. To stay on track. Write things down so it doesn't stay in your head only and you forget what you are going to do.

 Yes, planners can make excellent gifts for various occasions that are too perfect for a New Year. It can be used throughout the year. Here are some reasons why planners can be a thoughtful and practical gift choice.

Amid our busy lives, it's common to feel overwhelmed by many tasks and commitments. A weekly or daily planner acts as a centralized hub where you can document everything from daily to-do lists to long-term goals.

For a regular daily and yearly planner, it has a little calendar page for each month to write your plans on any given day, and then a page with several lines for each day of that month to write your schedule (classes, appointments, events, etc.).

You can try the latest products here: https://www.theartloom.in/product/lush-forest-2025-annual-planner/

If you would like to use e-planners:

An annual planner can help you organize your activities, set goals, and improve your productivity. You can find annual planners and templates online, or you can create your own: 

Online annual planners

You can find annual planners and templates online from sites like Boardmix and Miro. 

Create your annual planner

You can create your annual planner by putting one page for each week and one page for each day. This allows you to use the same monthly document 12 times over. 

Annual planning software

Annual planning software can consolidate financial and operational data from various sources into a single platform. This can help reduce data inconsistencies and improve accuracy. 

Anyhow, planners in any form will be best in their service.

 

BHOGI PALLU - A RITUAL PERFOMED ON CHILDREN

 

 

For this week’s Bloghop I chose to write about a Childhood memory associated with a ritual performed particularly for children under 12.

Though it is not performed in our houses as it is not part of Tamilian culture, we, the children in the area, gathered at my friend's house, (Govind &Nikilesh) who was from Andhra Pradesh.

Bhogi pallu Ceremony is performed for children, usually below 12 years, on the day of the Bhogi festival before sunset. It is believed that this ritual will protect the children from any evil eye (called “Nara Dishti” in Telugu) and will bless them with better health and an abundance of prosperity.

Bhogi Pallu is a special ritual in which fruits and coins are collected and showered on the heads of small children to protect them from negative forces. This ritual brings happiness, good fortune, and success.

It is believed that by performing Bhogi Pallu, harmful or unfavourable things for children, which are also referred to as dishti, would be removed from their lives.

 

Significance

The ritual is performed on the first day of Pongal, which is also known as Bhogi Pongal. It is observed in the southern states of India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. 

Children under the age of twelve are seated on a chair and have fruits and coins showered on their heads. 

The ritual is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and success to the children. It is also thought to provide the children with the blessings of Lord Indra, the god of rain and clouds. 

The fruits used in the Bhogi Pallu ritual include Jujube or Indian date, Gooseberries, Small sugarcane pieces, and Rice. 

 Bhogi pallu is performed by the community /family/neighbours together. The kids receive blessings of health and prosperity during this occasion.

Elders say that “Regi pandu is called arka phalam (Sun’s Fruit), during this occasion we are reminded of the significance of the Sun as a provider of health and life. Thus symbolically we are seeking blessings from the Sun God for the children.”

           The tradition begins with performing Harati to Lord Krishna, with the children sitting on a chair.  First, Harati is offered to Lord Krishna, followed by applying Harati to the children.  After the initial offering of Bhogipallu to Lord Krishna, the children are given a little bit of the fruit three times.  This process continues until everyone has had their turn.  Additionally, mothers set up a parant (a traditional sieve-like plate) and give yellow saffron to neighboring women, along with serving southern Tambulas (betel leaves and nuts).

            During this, children are also showered with small coins along with Bhogipallu.  It is believed that if a plum stands on the child’s head, they become a “Bhogi,” because it is said that Narayana (Lord Vishnu) performed intense penance in Badrikavana to please Lord Siva.  During that time, the Gods showered badari fruits (plums) on Narayana’s head.  As a symbol of that event, the tradition of offering Bhogipallu to children is observed.

Though there are numerous reasons and stories behind the ritual, it is generally believed that Bhogi Pallu is a ceremony in which all fruits and money are gathered and scattered over the heads of young children to protect them from evil spirits.

There is a decline in the practice of these rituals in urban centers, but memories of these are still bright and clear.

(This blogpost is  a  part of Blogchatter's bloghop :https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatter-blog-hop-a-new-way-to-write-collectively )

WHY TURNING 40 IS ALWAYS SPECIAL?

  

   

 “Life really does begin at forty.”  Carl Jung

When one turns 40, the birthday celebrations are great and treated as a very special occasion. The person has crossed milestones from being an infant, baby, toddler, teen, adult, and grown-up individual.

Turning 40 is a significant milestone in one's life, a moment that deserves to be celebrated in style and with unforgettable memories. It marks the culmination of years of experiences, achievements, and personal growth.

The good news is that one survey found that life is better once you turn 40. 40-year-olds tend to face less stress. They also tend to feel happier and more confident too. We want your 40s to be the best decade you've experienced.

Generally symbolising a period of testing, trial and then, finally, triumph, the number 40 can give significance to new life, new growth, transformation, and a change from one great task to another great task.

While you cannot turn back time “turning 40” suggests something exciting! The simple phrase “turning” means you can turn into anything you want to be. You can turn to anything that you want to. It also means you can turn on your passion, turn on your greatness, turn the page, turn the corner and move on!

THE NEED TO CELEBRATE:

You've achieved so much in 40 years, now the best is yet to come. Four decades of awesomeness is no joke! So here's to forty more years of happiness, prosperity, and health! 

As you age, you start to understand what's important in life. You have a better sense of what makes you happy. You better understand the importance of health. You're not as afraid of death as you once were and are more focused on living in the moment.

What makes a 40th birthday special?

 The literal term for a 40th birthday is called a “Ruby Jubilee.” Forty is spiritually significant since it marks the middle of your life.

In Sacred Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, transformation, a change from one great task to another great task, etc.

Turning 40 often comes with a significant shift in priorities and values. This period allows for introspection and evaluation of past decades, providing a clearer picture of what truly matters.

GREETINGS:

“Happy Birthday at 40, May this milestone be a day of joy, surrounded by the love of family and friends. May your forties bring you laughter, love, and the realization of your aspirations. Here's to celebrating you and the wonderful journey ahead!”

This is a message to all those turning or turned 40 in 2024.

If any of your siblings is turning 40 in NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER, here are some ways to celebrate his/her 40th birthday:

Give a gift: A traditional 40th birthday gift is rubies or jewelry with rubies. 

Send a card: A classic card that says "40 Today & Fabulous Happy Birthday Sister" is a thoughtful gift. 

Give a wish: Here are some birthday wishes you can say to your sibling:

"Maturing doesn't have to be boring, and you certainly aren't. Thanks for filling my life with 40 years of fun". 

"We've celebrated so many of life's milestones together. I'm so happy to celebrate another big moment with you". 

"As you enter this new decade, just know you are aged to perfection. Happy 40th!” 

"No matter how hard we fight, you will always be the best brother/sister in the world for me. Enjoy your forties. Happy birthday". 

Throw a party: A 40th birthday party is a great way to celebrate a new phase of life. 

 

Try to make birthdays always special, as it is a day exclusive for him/her.

FLORIS AND BLANCHEFLEUR - A BOOK OF FRENCH CLASSIC ROMANCE

   

  

Certain romances fall properly speaking outside the scope of the four great bodies of romances. Some of these are legends, obviously inspired by the struggle between Paladin and Saracen, and the spirit of Crusader interwoven with curious tales of magic. In one, William of Palerne, there is the were-wolf motif: in another, one of the most agreeable, Robert of Sicily, an angel for a while takes the place of the king, in order to chasten his pride:- Long- fellow made delight use of this story; another deal with Richard Coeur de Lion.

More interesting as a romance is the tale of Floris and Blanchefleur.

The story of Floris and Blanchefleur concerns the all-absorbing passion of two lovers who overcome difficulties and desperate perils, and in the end, are united.

The story explores themes of young love, emotional development, and the power of romantic love over the force of arms. 

At was one of the most popular stories of the Middle Ages. Originating in the East, it attained a wide circulation in Western Christendom, probably through the agency of the Crusades, and the history of the story is almost as interesting as the story itself.

It seems to have been introduced into France in about 1106 and was connected by the Jongleurs with the French cycle (Charlemagne). There were two versions, an “Aristocratic” or “courtly version”, and a “Popular”.

In the popular version, the hero is transformed from a lovesick youth into a man of Knightly courage.

The English translation made by a poet in the reign of Henry III some hundred years later reproduces from the earlier French version the oriental air of softness and luxury but condenses the sentimental element. The poem is written in short, well-constructed rhymed couplets.

The story exists in four imperfect medieval manuscripts, which indicate oral transmission. The tale was popular throughout Western Europe. The English account, Floris and Blancheflur (or Flores and Blancheflour) was composed in the East Midlands dialect about 1250 and is commonly held to be one of the most charming romances in Middle English.

 Blanchefleur as a girl's name is of French origin, and the meaning of Blanchefleur is "white flower"

Blanchefleur ("white flower", also Blancheflor, Blancheflour, Blanziflor) is the name of several characters in the literature of the High Middle Ages. Except for in Perceval, the Story of the Grail, Blanchefleur is typically a character who reflects her name—an image of purity and idealized beauty.

Floire et Blancheflor is a medieval romance and chivalric love story. It is a French metrical romance that was popular in Western Europe between the 12th and 13th centuries. The story is about the separation and reunion of young lovers, Floire and Blancheflor, who are from different religions. Floire is the son of a Saracen king, while Blancheflor is Christian. 

The story is thought to be of Greco-Byzantine or Moorish origin. It was told in many different vernacular languages and versions during the Middle Ages.

POETICAL THEME:

Floris and Blancheflour is a Middle English poem that emphasizes the power of romantic love over a force of arms. The tale is about the separation and reunion of young lovers, Floris and Blancheflour, who are born on Easter Sunday and named Paskes Flourie, or "flowering Easter". 

Romantic love: The tale shows how romantic love can preserve life and ensure a good end. 

Flower imagery: The poem uses flower imagery over fifty times to represent the power of love to renew itself. 

Verbal play: The names "Blancheflor" and "Floire" are a kind of verbal play, with "white" and "flower" both denoting purity. 

 ORIGIN:

The tale has many origins, including:

French

The Middle English version comes from the Old French "aristocratic" version, Floire et Blancheflor.

Oriental

The tale has many details from The Arabian Nights, such as the Tower of Maidens, eunuch guards, and odalisques.

Indian

The tale has analogs in Indian literature, particularly the Jatakas of the early fifth century. 

The tale has been popular for retellings, including a version by Boccaccio in 1336, and a romantic ballad by Swedish poet Oskar Levertin in 1891. 

With the theme of separation and reunion of young lovers, the book was popular throughout Western Europe.

This is a story in which there is much to remind us of the charming 12th-century French romance, Aucassin and Nicolette, and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

These Oriental romances differed from the Saxon romances in their more fantastic and sentimental treatment. In their inception, at any rate, they were fanciful, allusive, whimsical, tender rather than stern, and passionate. Some of them became Westernised to suit the fiercer taste of the Saxons and the more vigorous inclination of the Normans.

Few of them were ever so popular as the Arthurian Romances, yet they played a part in modifying English literature and tingeing with softer outlining the British romance

LENGTH AND POPULARITY:

Reading classic romances translated from French to English can be a rich experience that involves considering the cultural and historical significance of the work, the literary excellence of the original translation, and how it has influenced other authors. 

The popularity of legend of Floire et Blancheflor has achieved so much success with the reading public to survive until nowadays: one may still find modernizations and retellings of the story in all Europe literary background, especially in France and Spain.

The Middle English romance Floris and Blancheflour is 108 pages long. You can read a free digital version of the book on the Internet Archive. 

STYLE OF THE BOOK:

Floris and Blancheflour is a Middle English romance written in the East Midlands dialect around 1250. It is considered one of the most charming romances in Middle English. Here are some of the characteristics of the book's style: 

Linear plot: Each section of the story depends on the previous one. 

Romantic: Unlike other romances of the time, which were often bloody and martial, Floris and Blancheflour is more romantic. 

Couplets: The book is written in couplets. 

Themes: The story includes themes of conflict between Christianity and paganism. 

Reunion of lovers: The story is about a pair of lovers who become separated and later reunite. 

Disguise: The hero assumes a disguise, as is common in medieval romances. 

Magic ring: The story involves a magic ring that makes the wearer invulnerable to death. 

Floris and Blancheflour is a retelling of an Old French romance from the mid-twelfth century. The story was popular throughout Western Europe and is known in many European languages.

VERSIONS AND LANGUAGES: 

The story of Floris and Blancheflour has been told in many versions and languages, including:

Old French

Floire et Blancheflor is the original French version, which dates back to around 1160. A popular version was published around 1200. 

Middle English

Floris and Blancheflour is the Middle English version, which was composed around 1250. It's considered one of the most charming romances in Middle English. 

Middle High German

Florie und Blansheflur is the Middle High German version, which was written by Konrad Fleck around 1220. 

Middle Low German

Flos unde Blankeflos is the Middle Low German version, which was written after 1300. 

Middle Dutch

Floris ende Blancefloer is the Middle Dutch version, which was written by Diederic van Assenede around 1260. 

Italian

Florio e Biancifiore is the Italian version, which was written after 1300. 

Old Norwegian

Flóres saga ok Blankiflúr is the Old Norwegian version, which was translated into Swedish around 1312. 

Greek

Florios kai Platziaflora is the Greek version, which was written around 1400. 

Castilian

La Reina Jerifa Mora is the Castilian version, which was written before 1500. 

 

Floris and Blancheflour is a Middle-English romance that is worth reading because of its themes of young love, emotional development, and the power of romantic love.

( "This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile" (link to https://bohemianbibliophile.com/)

BLESS YOUR CHILDREN WITH A FUN FILLED CHILDHOOD

 

Childhood is important because it shapes the foundation for future learning, behavior, and health. 

Early childhood experiences from birth to age 8 affect the development of the brain's architecture. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults.

 The brain grows rapidly during childhood, making more than a million new connections each second. 

Early experiences shape a person's beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. 

A strong foundation in childhood helps children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. 

Positive childhood experiences can help reduce the risk of mental health problems. 

Positive childhood experiences can help reduce the risk of violence, delinquency, and risky sexual behaviors in teens. 

For all these to happen and to be in a smooth way, parents play a predominate role in ensuring a safe & healthy childhood a major part of parenting

 

Yes, parenting is not an easy job.

 Parenting requires a lot of time, energy, and emotional strength as it is their constant responsibility which can be exhausting at times.

Parenting requires support, attention, skills, and close supervision.  Which sometimes can be more stressful and responsible than other jobs, but there's no paycheck, bonuses, or paid leave. 

Parenting requires making difficult choices and personal sacrifice. However, parenting can also be a rewarding experience. 

Indeed, parenting is a 24-hour responsibility. It is a tremendous amount of work. It can be exhausting, demanding, frustrating, and intensely challenging. It requires patience, dedication, and a constant eye on the long game.

 

Despite these challenges you make sure to bless your children with a fun-filled childhood:

Celebrate their joy: Express your love and happiness for your children, and celebrate their joy. 

Encourage their curiosity: Encourage your children to stay curious and ask questions. 

Support their dreams: Encourage your children to dream big and reach for their goals. 

Cherish their innocence: Celebrate the innocence and happiness of childhood. 

Create a safe space: Create a safe space for your children to express themselves and share their feelings. 

Acknowledge their potential: Acknowledge your children's potential and value. 

Be a role model: Show your children how to be kind and respectful. 

Be committed: Be committed to your children, even when you're tired or frustrated. 

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY

A TEMPLE WHERE LORD MANIFESTED HIMSELF AS BRIGHT LIGHT

  

      The Divya kshetram TIRUTTANKAA (TOOPPUL) is located in the temple town of Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Deepaprakasar, also known as Vilakkoli Perumal, in the standing posture. The Goddess is Maragathavalli. The sacred water is Saraswathi theertham, and the sanctum sanctorum is Sreekara Vimanam.

The Legend is that the demon in an attempt to disturb the yagna conducted by Brahma darkened the world. Responding to Brahma's prayers Lord Vishnu is said to have manifested Himself as bright light to enable the Yagna to be continued unimpeded. Hence the deity is called Deepaprakasar.

This is the Avatara sthala (Birthplace) of Swami Vedantha Desikar and there is a shrine of Desikar with Lakshmi Hayagrivar.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated in this Kshetram.

STAYCATIONS STEAL THE SHOW OF TRAVEL

 

    

We travel to take a break from our routine, and busy lives and to relax for a while. To travel, we need to make certain arrangements in advance so that we can have a tension-free trip. Here are a few things you need to focus:

Bring a relaxed mindset: Intentionally travel to relax and have a carefree time. 

 Disconnect from work: Detach from work emails, social media, and calls to immerse yourself in the vacation. 

Pack light and smart: Choose versatile, comfortable clothes that suit your destination and purpose. Pack only the essentials, and use travel-sized toiletries, accessories, and gadgets. 

 Listen to music: Music can help relax and uplift you while traveling. 

 Take breaks: Listen to your body's cues, such as headaches, muscle tension, or stomach discomfort, and take breaks when needed. 

 Practice deep breathing: Breathing exercises can help promote generalized wellness and reduce anxiety. 

 Consider a staycation: A staycation can be a great travel idea that's easier to plan and allows for more time to relax. 

 Before choosing a staycation, read along to know more about it.

A staycation is a vacation spent at home or nearby, rather than traveling to another place. It can also refer to a period of time when a person or family stays home and enjoys leisure activities within day trip distance of their home. 

 The term "staycation" is a combination of the words "stay" and "vacation". It's also sometimes called a holistay. 

 Many people prefer staycations because they are convenient and cost-effective. Staycations are vacations spent at home or nearby, and can be a great way to take time off from your daily routine and make memories with loved ones. 

 Here are some reasons why people prefer staycations:

Cost

Staycations are usually less expensive than traveling because there are no airfare, lodging, or visa costs. You also save money on travel expenses like taxis and other local transportation.

Stress-free

Staycations can be less stressful than traveling because you don't have to deal with jet lag, packing, long drives, or airport waits.

Flexibility

Staycations are flexible and you don't have to worry about last-minute cancellations.

Local support

Staycations can benefit local businesses by providing them with customers. 

 Finally, If you decide to go for a staycation. Here is a list of places that will help you to choose from

India has many places to stay for a staycation, including luxurious getaways, places with natural beauty, and budget-friendly destinations: 

 Oleander Farms, Karjat: A picturesque property in Saltt Karjat 

 Sage Cottage, Uttarakhand: A charming boutique homestay in the hills, lakes, and forests of Jagalia Gaon 

 Chittoor Kottaram, Kerala: A royal mansion surrounded by gardens and palm trees, accessible by boat ride through the Kerala backwaters 

 Coorg: A staycation destination in the Western Ghats that's surrounded by greenery all year 

 Udaipur: Also known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is a budget-friendly destination with colorful markets, lakes, and regal architecture 

 Kodaikanal: A popular destination with mountains, forests, and white waterfalls 

 Munnar: A top getaway for families, with valleys, mountains, and diverse flora and fauna 

 Jaipur: A popular tourist destination with forts and malls 

 Varanasi: A winter vacation destination known for its spiritual ambiance and historical temples 

 Jammu and Kashmir: A destination with green valleys, cool breezes, and gentle streams 

 Nainital: A hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand with lakes, peaks, and a pleasing climate 

 

You can't beat a staycation for minimising the hassle and maximising the holiday. Staycations are usually much more affordable, and it makes for a fantastic holiday when more people can get involved! A staycation has the advantage of a much shorter travel time, which helps keep everyone happy.

 

HOW NOT TO KICKSTART YOUR DAY

 

The title may seem odd because kick start means a positive start. Why not make a positive start?

Here, I talk about things you do by chance, which will never be a kick start; rather, they will be the opposite.

If you want a kick start, avoid these. You are supposed not to do the following things at the start of the day.

Hitting snooze: Going back to sleep can make you groggy and less prepared for the day. 

 Using electronic devices: Checking your phone or TV right away can be a time suck and expose you to harmful rays.  Checking emails or social media before you're ready can make you late for work. 

 Starting your day with negative news: Instead of starting your day with depressing news, try to find positive and uplifting stories. 

 Getting ready in the dark: Your body's internal clock is sensitive to light and darkness, so getting ready in the dark can make you feel groggier.

 Drinking coffee on an empty stomach: Drinking a cup of coffee on an empty stomach increases your tolerance to caffeine which can trigger the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Having coffee first thing in the morning can make you feel groggier, stressed, and frustrated for the rest of the day.

Skipping breakfast: Skipping breakfast can make you more likely to overeat later in the day. 

 Smoking:  Researchers have found that smoking within 30 minutes of waking up is more dangerous than waiting an hour or more. Smokers who light up first thing are more likely to develop mouth and lung cancer. Skipping your morning cigarette is an important first step to protecting your health.

Alcohol: You should be careful when it comes to any kind of alcoholic beverage first thing in the morning.  if you start needing a drink as soon as you start the day, it may be a sign of addiction.

Other than these not brushing your teeth, twisting your body, and not having a bath all harm you because What you do in the morning can have a big impact on your whole day, including how you feel, how productive you are, and how you handle challenges.

 

So be cautious of what you do as soon as you wake up.

DON YOUR CREATIVE HAT AND BECOME AN INVENTOR

  

  

 

One easy way to get creative with your cooking is to experiment with spice blends. Choose a few complementary spices, mix them all up, and make your marinade. Cooking is all about making your recipe and daring to try new flavors.

Culinary creativity can be related to artistic creativity in various ways. It should include elements that appeal to all of the senses and emotions, as well as delicious and different food and beverage ideas. 

Look for inspiration in cookbooks, magazines, online resources, and your own culinary experiences. Make a list of potential ingredients and flavors to add to that exciting recipe. A well-balanced, successful recipe has a harmonious combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients.

Here are some innovative ways to explore cooking:

Try plant-based cooking

Create unique vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as BBQ jackfruit sliders or vegan butter chicken. 

 Experiment with ingredients

Use new ingredients that are not common in your region, or try seasonal or exotic produce. You can find inspiration from local markets, specialty stores, online sources, or even your garden. 

 Explore different cooking techniques

Try roasting, grilling, sautéing, or steaming. You can also experiment with various heat levels to achieve different textures and flavors. 

 Modify recipes

Use recipes as a starting point, but feel free to modify and adapt them to suit your taste. 

 Even in Ancient times, recipes were invented over time through trial and error, and the earliest written recipes date back to around 1730 BC: 

 Early humans may have discovered cooking by accident when they found that meat that was cooked in a forest fire was easier to chew and digest than raw meat. 

 The earliest known written recipes were found on cuneiform tablets in Mesopotamia and date back to around 1730 BC. Other early written recipes include Akkadian tablets from southern Babylonia, which date back to around 1600 BC. 

 There are also ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that depict the preparation of food. 

The earliest surviving collection of recipes in Europe is De re coquinaria, which was written in Latin. The current version of the text was compiled in the late 4th or early 5th century. 

 Finally, after a lot of research, it is confirmed that to invent new recipes, you can try these steps:

Find inspiration: Look for ideas in cookbooks, magazines, food blogs, restaurants, bakeries, or while traveling. You can also get inspired by new ingredients, seasonal produce, or a new cooking tool. 

 Choose a theme: Select a concept or theme for your recipe, such as a cuisine, holiday, or dietary restriction. 

 Make a list: Consider what flavors and ingredients to include in your recipe. 

 Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things. For example, you can try using ingredients in unexpected ways. 

 Taste: Taste the ingredients you have available and consider how they can be used. 

 Balance flavors, textures, and nutrients: A well-balanced recipe has a harmonious combination of these elements. 

 Write your recipe: When writing your recipe, include the ingredients in the order you'll use them, and write directions in a logical order. You can also include substitutions or additional methods. 

 Cooking is one of the fastest ways to flex your creative muscles mainly because you are playing with temperature, a very time-sensitive mechanic. Whether it's a stir-fry or something else the length of time for a piece of food is significantly shorter than any painting or sculpture.

So Don your creative hat and become an inventor!