"BookFoodLanguage is a vibrant space for book reviews, literary reflections, food stories, language insights, and cultural explorations. Discover honest reviews of fiction and non-fiction, delicious food experiences, tips on language and communication, and thought-provoking write-ups. A perfect blog for readers, food lovers, and curious minds seeking knowledge, creativity, and inspiration."
Every journey teaches us something. Some lessons come through
success, while others emerge from mistakes, missed opportunities and
experiences that make us pause and rethink our approach.
As a blogger, one important lesson I learnt over the years was
that consistency
alone is not enough to make a blog successful.
When I started Book Food Language (BFL) on 5 September 2016, my
primary intention was to write, share my thoughts and explore subjects that
interested me. Books, food and language formed the foundation of this space. I
began with one post a week, enjoying the freedom to write about subjects close
to my heart.
Gradually, blogging became an integral part of my routine. From 1
November 2019, I moved to daily blogging. Maintaining a regular publishing
schedule required commitment, discipline and considerable effort. There was
always something to write about, an idea to explore or an experience to share.
But somewhere along the way, I realised that publishing regularly
was only one part of blogging.
The mistake was assuming that consistency alone would bring
growth.
A blog needs much more than a steady stream of posts. It needs a
clear purpose, quality content, an understanding of its readers and meaningful
engagement. Writing and publishing are important, but so are connecting with
readers, discovering new opportunities, collaborating with fellow writers and
making content accessible to a wider audience.
I learnt that creating content and building a readership are two
different responsibilities.
Over the years, I have explored book reviews, food and culinary
traditions, Indian culture, travel, language, festivals, personal experiences
and awareness-related subjects through BFL. Each subject has offered a new
opportunity to learn and communicate.
Book reviews have helped me become more analytical. Writing about
food and traditions has encouraged me to look beyond recipes and explore their
cultural significance. Travel and personal experiences have given me
opportunities to share observations that might otherwise remain personal
memories.
Participating in blogging communities, campaigns and writing
challenges has also helped me discover different perspectives and connect with
fellow bloggers.
Looking back, I realise that mistakes are not necessarily
setbacks. They can be valuable teachers if we are willing to reflect, make
corrections and move forward.
Today, I understand that a blog should not merely be a collection
of published posts. It should have an identity, offer something meaningful to
its readers and continue evolving with time.
BFL, which began as a personal writing initiative, has grown into
a space where books, food, language, culture and personal stories come
together. The journey is still continuing, with new ideas, new collaborations
and new possibilities.
What has blogging taught me?
·Consistency builds discipline, but quality builds credibility.
·Writing is important, but understanding readers is equally
important.
·Engagement matters as much as publishing.
·Collaborations open doors to new ideas and opportunities.
·Never stop learning, experimenting and improving.
·Do not measure your journey entirely by numbers, views or
recognition.
Most importantly, do not allow the pressure to publish regularly
to take away the joy of writing.
My takeaway after years of blogging is simple: Success may bring
recognition, but mistakes bring clarity. Consistency keeps you going;
reflection helps you grow.
A blog, like its writer, must keep learning and evolving.
Here's to continuing the journey, one post at a time!
Over to you, dear readers!
If you are a blogger, writer or content creator, what is one
professional mistake that taught you more than any success? Have you changed
your approach because of an experience? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Let us learn from one another.
Bio: Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih is
the winner of the Shakti Bhatt Prize 2024. A poet, novelist, dramatist, and
nonfiction writer, his latest works include The Distaste of the Earth (Penguin
India, longlisted for the JCB Prize 2024, and shortlisted for the Kerala Literature
Festival Book of the Year Award 2024) and the epic novel Funeral Nights (Westland,
India/And Other Stories, UK), which won the Professor Tabu Ram Taid Literary Award
2026. He teaches literature at North-Eastern Hill University, Shilong.
( THIS IS THE 10 th WEEK - 11 TH YEAR of BFL- PART OF GUEST POST SERIES- POST -10)
I’m a three-egg beater pancake eater, the pancake maker – Super Pancaker.
I get my kicks doing the mix: eggs and milk butter and flour, let it stand for half an hour.
I’m a three-egg beater pancake eater, the pancake maker – Super Pancaker.
I can flip pancakes in the air. Oh! It’s landed in my hair.
No matter, now it’s done. Anyone here, want that one?
No? I’ll eat it, fair’s fairy Eurghh! My pancake’s hairy!
I’m a three-egg beater pancake eater, the pancake maker – Super Pancaker.
Every child has a passion, an imagination and a
dream waiting to be discovered. Our responsibility is to encourage, support and
give them the freedom to explore.
Children's Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate
childhood, innocence, curiosity and the limitless imagination of young minds.
Celebrated in India on 14 November, it also reminds us of Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru's affection for children and his belief that they are the future of our
nation.
This Children's Day, let us look at children from a
slightly different perspective. Beyond their academic achievements, marks,
grades and classroom performances, let us recognise their individual interests,
likes, dislikes, talents and choices.
A Pancake Maker – A Little Poem with a Big Message!
Michael Rosen's delightful poem The Pancake
Maker is an interesting read for children. The narrator introduces himself
as a pancake enthusiast, describing how he mixes eggs, milk, butter and flour
to make pancakes. He enjoys the process, flips a pancake into the air and, in a
hilarious moment, finds it landing in his hair!
The amusing expressions, repetitive lines and
playful language make the poem enjoyable. Children can easily relate to the
excitement of making something with their own hands, experimenting and having
fun, even when things do not turn out as expected.
But there is another interesting thought hidden in
this simple poem.
The narrator enjoys making pancakes. He takes pride
in what he does and calls himself a 'Super Pancaker'. It may sound funny, but
isn't this what we want every child to experience? The happiness of discovering
something they genuinely enjoy doing!
One child may love cooking, another may enjoy
painting, singing, dancing, gardening, reading, writing stories, playing a
musical instrument or exploring the world of science. Some children may be
fascinated by machines, while others may find happiness in caring for animals.
Every interest deserves attention and
encouragement.
Are We Listening to What Children Really Want?
As parents, teachers and elders, we often have our
own ideas about what children should study, which activities they should pursue
and what careers they should choose. Academic excellence is important, but it should not
become the only measure of a child's abilities or future.
A child who is not particularly interested in
mathematics may have an extraordinary imagination. A child who enjoys spending
time in the kitchen may develop an interest in culinary arts. A child who loves
observing birds, plants and insects may eventually become a naturalist,
environmentalist or wildlife researcher.
We must learn to recognise these interests instead
of dismissing them as mere hobbies or distractions.
How Can We Encourage Children's Interests and
Choices?
1. Listen without judging: Give children the
freedom to express what they like and dislike. Their opinions and preferences
matter.
2. Provide opportunities: Let them
experiment with cooking, drawing, music, sports, reading, gardening, crafts and
other activities. Exposure helps them discover their interests.
3. Encourage curiosity: Welcome their
questions, however simple or unusual they may seem. A curious child is an
enthusiastic learner.
4. Allow mistakes: Just as the pancake in
the poem lands in the narrator's hair, not everything will go according to
plan. Mistakes are part of learning. Let children try again.
5. Avoid comparisons: Every child has a
different pace, ability and temperament. Comparing siblings, classmates or
neighbourhood children can affect their confidence.
6. Respect their choices: As children grow
older, involve them in decisions about their education, extracurricular
activities and future careers. Guide them with information and experience, but
do not impose your unfulfilled dreams on them.
7. Celebrate small achievements: Appreciate
their efforts, creativity and willingness to learn rather than focusing only on
the final outcome.
From Childhood Interests to Future Careers
Not every hobby has to become a profession, and not
every childhood interest will remain the same forever. Children change, explore
and discover new possibilities as they grow. However, their interests can provide valuable clues
about their natural abilities and inclinations.
A child who loves making pancakes might grow up to
become a chef, food entrepreneur, food scientist or cookbook author. Or perhaps
making pancakes will simply remain a happy childhood memory!
The important thing is not the career itself, but
the confidence to explore possibilities and make informed choices. Let us also remember that success does not have a
single definition. A fulfilling career is one that allows individuals to use
their abilities, find satisfaction in their work and contribute meaningfully to
society.
A Children's Day Resolution
This Children's Day, let us make a small resolution
as parents, teachers and elders.
Let us spend time understanding children rather
than constantly instructing them. Let us encourage their questions instead of
expecting unquestioning obedience. Let us appreciate their individuality
instead of trying to make everyone fit into the same mould.
The world needs doctors, engineers, teachers,
scientists and administrators. It also needs artists, musicians, writers,
chefs, farmers, sportspersons, environmentalists and countless other
professionals.
Every profession has its importance, and every child
deserves the opportunity to discover where their interests and abilities lie. A happy childhood is not about preparing children
only for examinations or future careers. It is about giving them the
confidence, knowledge, freedom and support to become responsible, independent
and happy individuals.
Let children dream, discover, experiment and
choose. Let us be their supporters, not decision-makers of their entire future.
After all, every child has the potential to become
a 'Super Pancaker' in their own chosen field!
Happy Children's Day! 14 November
May every child have the freedom to dream, the
courage to explore and the encouragement to follow their heart.
A question for parents, teachers and readers:
Do we really listen to what children want to
become, or do we decide their future for them? Have you encouraged a child's
unusual interest or talent? Share your thoughts and experiences in the
comments.
Let us celebrate children not merely for what they
achieve, but also for who they are and who they aspire to become.
A good night's sleep begins with a
good mattress. Yet, choosing one is no longer as simple as visiting a bedding
shop, selecting a size and asking for a comfortable mattress. Walk into a
mattress showroom today and you are likely to be overwhelmed by the choices:
cotton, coir, foam, memory foam, latex, spring mattresses, hybrid mattresses
and several varieties with different layers of materials and fabric finishes.
Have you ever wondered how
something as ordinary as a mattress has changed over the years? From
traditional hand-made cotton mattresses to today's technologically designed
bedding, the journey has been quite interesting.
In earlier days, mattresses were
largely made of cotton. The cotton was filled into a stitched cover, beaten,
loosened and rearranged whenever it became compact. These mattresses were
familiar in many Indian households. They were simple, could be maintained and
repaired locally, and were often made to the required size.
Then came coir mattresses,
followed by foam mattresses and, eventually, combinations of different
materials. Today, manufacturers offer mattresses with multiple layers, special
fabrics, cooling properties and varying degrees of firmness.
But does a higher price or a more
sophisticated design necessarily mean better comfort?
Not always!
The right mattress should suit our
body, sleeping habits, budget, household requirements and, importantly, the
climate in which we live.
1. Understanding the different
types of mattresses
Before making a purchase, it helps
to understand what goes into a mattress.
Cotton mattresses:
Traditional, familiar and often
locally made.
Can be customised to the required
dimensions.
Cotton tends to become compact
with use and needs periodic beating and fluffing.
Can absorb moisture, so proper drying
and ventilation are essential.
Coir mattresses:
Made from coconut fibre, a
familiar natural material in India.
Generally firmer and allows better
air circulation than many dense foam mattresses.
Suitable for people who prefer a
firm sleeping surface.
Quality, density and construction
matter. Some varieties can become uneven or lose their original firmness over
time.
Foam mattresses:
Available in different densities
and firmness levels.
Provide cushioning and can be
comfortable for different sleeping positions.
Some varieties retain more heat,
which can be uncomfortable in hot and humid weather.
Quality of foam, thickness and
density influence durability.
Latex and memory foam mattresses:
Latex offers cushioning and
support, with some varieties providing better airflow than conventional memory
foam.
Memory foam moulds around the body
and reduces pressure points, but some varieties can retain heat.
Both are generally more expensive
than basic cotton or coir options.
Hybrid mattresses :
Combine materials such as foam,
latex and springs.
Aim to offer a balance of support,
cushioning and airflow.
Their performance depends on the
quality of the individual layers and overall construction.
There is no single material that
is best for everybody. What matters is how the mattress feels and performs
after regular use.
2. Which mattress is suitable for
the Indian climate?
India experiences different
climatic conditions, but heat, humidity and monsoon moisture are common
concerns in many regions.
In cities such as Chennai, where
the weather is warm and humid for much of the year, ventilation becomes an important consideration.
Here are a few things to remember:
Prefer materials that allow
reasonable air circulation.
Avoid choosing a mattress purely because
it has a thick, plush top layer.
Be cautious about dense memory
foam if you tend to feel hot while sleeping.
Coir and suitable open-cell foam
constructions can be worth considering.
Latex is another option, although
it generally costs more.
Use breathable cotton bedsheets
and allow the mattress to air regularly.
A mattress that feels comfortable
in an air-conditioned showroom may feel quite different in a bedroom without
air conditioning.
My suggestion: Test the mattress
in person, and consider how it will feel during the hottest months and the
monsoon season, not just on the day of purchase.
3. King size, queen size or a
regular cot mattress?
This is one of the most important
decisions. A mattress can be excellent in quality, but if it does not fit the
cot properly, it becomes an uncomfortable purchase.
Commonly available Indian mattress
dimensions include:
Mattress size
Approximate dimensions
Single cot
3 × 6 feet
Double cot
4 × 6 feet
Queen size
5 × 6 feet
King size
6 × 6 feet
These
are indicative sizes, not universal standards. Some manufacturers offer lengths
of 6 Before placing an order:
Measure the inside length and
width of the cot, not its outside dimensions.
Check the available mattress
thickness and the height of the cot.
Measure the bed even if you
already know it is called a king or queen size.
Check whether the manufacturer can
make a customised size if required.
Do not assume that every king-size
mattress from every manufacturer will have identical dimensions.
4. What about mattresses with foam
on one side and coir on the other?
Some mattresses are designed with
different materials or firmness levels on either side. One side may offer a
firmer coir surface, while the other has a softer foam surface.
This can be a useful arrangement
for households where sleeping preferences differ or where someone wants the
option of changing the feel of the mattress.
However, check the following:
Is it genuinely designed to be
used on both sides?
Is the foam layer of good quality?
Does the manufacturer recommend
flipping it periodically?
Are both sides suitable for
regular sleeping?
Does the warranty cover reversible
use?
Remember, not every mattress can
be flipped. Some have a designated sleeping surface, with the supporting layers
underneath. Turning such a mattress upside down may affect comfort and
performance.
5. How firm should a mattress be?
A common misconception is that a
very hard mattress is always better for the back.
Equally, a very soft mattress is
not necessarily comfortable for everyone.
The right firmness depends on body
weight, sleeping position and personal comfort.
Side sleepers: Usually benefit
from cushioning around the shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers: Generally need a
balanced surface that supports the body without excessive sinking.
Stomach sleepers: Often prefer a
firmer surface to avoid excessive sinking around the abdomen.
Medium-firm mattresses are a
sensible starting point for many adults, but there is no universal firmness
that suits everybody.
Do not buy a mattress simply
because it carries the label 'orthopaedic'. Ask about its actual construction,
firmness and support.
6. Pillows matter just as much!
A good mattress alone cannot
ensure comfortable sleep. The pillow also plays an important role. The pillow should support the head
and neck without pushing them too high or allowing them to sink excessively.
Pillows are available in cotton,
foam, memory foam, latex and other fillings.
Consider:
Your usual sleeping position.
The height and firmness of the
pillow.
Whether the material retains heat.
Whether the cover can be removed
and washed.
Whether the pillow can be cleaned
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
It is worth investing in
good-quality pillows rather than choosing them merely because they are included
in a mattress package.
7. Cost, durability and
maintenance: What should we check?
A mattress is a long-term
household purchase. It should not be selected on the basis of the initial price
alone.
What to check -
Why it matters
Material quality
Determines comfort and
performance
Foam density
Helps assess the quality of foam
construction
Firmness
Should suit the sleeper
Fabric covering
Should be durable and
comfortable
Thickness
Should suit the bed and sleeper
Warranty
Understand what is actually
covered
Trial period
Helps assess comfort at home
Maintenance
Should be practical for everyday
living
A
few useful maintenance habits:
Use a washable mattress protector
to guard against sweat, spills and stains.
Keep the bedroom ventilated,
particularly during humid weather.
Rotate the mattress from head to
foot if the manufacturer recommends it.
Flip it only if it is designed for
two-sided use.
Avoid excessive moisture while
cleaning.
Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for drying and storage.
Do not assume that a ten-year
warranty means the mattress will remain as good as new for ten years. Read the
warranty conditions, including exclusions for stains, sagging and improper use.
8. A checklist before buying a
mattress
When visiting a showroom, don't
hesitate to ask questions. After all, this is something you will use every
single night!
What is the
material used inside?
Is it coir,
foam, latex or a combination?
What is the
density of the foam?
Is it
single-sided or reversible?
Does it
retain heat?
Is the
outer fabric removable or washable?
What is the
exact length, width and thickness?
Is there a
trial period?
What is the
warranty period and what does it cover?
Are pillows
included in the price or charged separately?
Also, lie down on the mattress for
at least 10–15 minutes in your usual sleeping position. A quick press with your
hand is not a proper comfort test!
One more useful point: look for
applicable BIS certification and product-standard details. BIS revised its
bed-mattress specification, IS 13489, in 2025, incorporating additional
mattress materials and constructions. Ask the seller about the relevant standard
and certification for the product you are considering.
9. Which one would I choose?
There is no need to buy the most
expensive mattress in the showroom.
For a typical Indian household, I
would consider:
A good-quality coir mattress for
those who prefer a firm surface and want a relatively breathable option.
A good-quality HR foam mattress
for those who prefer cushioning, provided its density and construction are
satisfactory.
A latex or suitable hybrid
mattress for those willing to spend more on a different combination of comfort
and support.
The final choice should depend on
the actual product, the sleeper's preferences, the climate and the budget.
Above all, don't get carried away
by attractive advertisements, fancy names or discounts. A mattress is not a
decorative item for the bedroom. It is an essential part of everyday living.
From the traditional cotton
mattress to modern bedding :
Looking back, the old cotton
mattresses had their own charm. They were familiar, simple and often locally
made. We knew whom to approach when the cotton became compact and needed to be
loosened or replaced. Today, we have more choices,
better-designed materials and different combinations of comfort and support.
But we also have more decisions to make! Perhaps the best mattress is not
the one with the most layers, the highest price or the most impressive
advertisement. It is the one that gives us comfortable sleep, suits our
climate, is easy to maintain and serves us well for years. A good mattress is an investment
in everyday comfort. Choose wisely, sleep comfortably and take good care of it!
What is your experience?
Have you continued using
traditional cotton mattresses, or have you switched to coir, foam or latex?
Do you prefer a firm mattress or a
soft one? Have you found a particular type that works well in the Indian
climate?
What about king-size and
queen-size mattresses? Do you find the available sizes and quality consistent
across brands?
Share your experiences,
suggestions and shopping tips in the comments. Your experience might help
someone make a better choice!
