Category: Lifestyle

Gestational Diabetes – How to take care

It was quite insightful when I recently attended a meet on Gestational Diabetes (GD) hosted by Momspresso. Featuring experts from the field, the session dwelled on GD and various aspects around it. Given the topic and the interest it has from people all around, here are some key takeaways from the session.

Key risk factors

  • Being overweight and Obesity
  • Family history
  • Age above 30

The rising awareness levels and the sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles we lead have resulted in doctors prescribing gestational diabetes (GD) tests for all pregnant women. The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is generally done at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, but a lot of doctors advise this in almost in every month of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

Complications that can arise during and after pregnancy:

  • Babies can be larger as compared to their gestational age
  • Increase in amniotic fluid
  • Prolonged and painful labor
  • Obstructed labor due to large babies
  • Possible need for a c-sec             
  • Chances of preeclampsia, which can result in smaller babies
  • In extreme cases, it can also cause foetal deaths
  • Possibility of infection post delivery
  • Heavy bleeding post delivery
  • Babies can grow to be obese and diabetic
  • Possibility of learning disability in kids as they grow
  • Increased risk og GD during second pregnancy and later in life

How can pregnant women and lactating mothers guard against GD

  • Lifestyle changes – This can be prevention as well as a cure. A balanced diet along with exercising regularly is a big help.
  • Self monitoring – Use a Glucometer to keep a regular check on sugar levels
  • Breastfeeding – A major recommendation for new moms

On a finishing note, doctor recommended medication as well as insulin is safe for pregnant and lactating moms.

Lastly, maintain a healthy lifestyle, with the right diet and exercise to stay away from GD.

Love thy Bling!

Jewellery has been part of the Indian culture for centuries altogether. From the early days of civilization, it features in conversations related to art, designs, trade as well as gifting. While initial designs were mostly necklaces, headbands and bracelets, over the years Jewellery in India has undergone socio-cultural influences to be an integral part of the Indian lifestyle. Metal, especially gold and silver have always been considered pious and essential. It also finds mention in important literature. It has for ages been known to signify style and wealth. Kings and emperors have created gold jewellery artifacts that are national and international marvels. Certain royal families have known to be so particular about gold jewellery that they restricted its wearing to only royalty.

While the rules from that period don’t exist anymore, the craze for gold Jewellery is still there. It might relate to each individual differently, but I think I say for almost every woman that we do like a bit of bling. For example, even at home, I like tiny earrings and bracelets, but my mother has a thing for bangles and my mother in law (MIL) has an affinity for necklaces. It is part of our conversations, our festivals and ceremonies, our relationships and often a part of our savings and investments. Fun fact –  I have heard someone say that Indian women together own more gold than some countries put together. No wonder, the sheer number of jewellery markets, malls we have and not to forget the special occasions dedicated to the purchase of gold jewellery or as I like to call it ‘license to shop’.

Let me share a funny story – I had just got married to my boyfriend of 6 years and his mother, my MIL was in town. Now she is normally a quiet shopper and doesn’t have too many opinions to give when we are out shopping. So this one time, we went shopping for gold jewellery. My bf/now husband had forewarned me about MIL’s affinity with gold shopping and boy was there a change. Once we were at the store, she knew exactly what she wanted, she enquired like a seasoned shopper and it has been just like that every time I have been out gold shopping with her.

However, purchasing gold jewellery can be tiresome with so many markets, so many designs and so many factors that go along with the buying process and don’t even get me started on the alignment of timetables for gold shopping. But I have found a reasonable alternative, I tried Homeshop18 (here) recently to pick up a pair of earrings for my cousin’s birthday and I can say it simplifhttp://www.homeshop18.com/gold-jewellery-store/ied the whole purchase process. The sheer variety of designs, ease of shortlisting and doing this all from your phone or computer just made it so convenient. I proceeded to select a few designs and shared links with a couple of friends (gold buying is a group exercise ) for their feedback. Once the design was finalized, it was payment time and with several options available it was quite a seamless exercise. What’s more they even have an EMI option to ease out full payments upfront.

Do visit Homeshop18 and have a look at the extensive collection of jewellery they have on offer.

Read Dos and don’ts of buying gold jewellery.

Any queries regarding buying gold jewellery online? Read this link.

Father’s Day Gifting Ideas

With Fathers Day just around the corner came the sudden idea of indulging in some DIY at home with my daughter to make something special for Daddy. It’s always a task for a non-crafty person like me to tickle my thinking skills for something creative. However, we as a team, i.e. me and my daughter were leading in the enthusiasm department to make something nice for daddy. Thanks to our loving daughter Sarah, we have a day to acknowledge the most valuable person in our family, her father.

We thought of adding a bit of our personal element to our gifts this year. We didn’t only go for DIYs, so I have some ideas for moms like me, who barely pass in the creativity department!

First came up with a card which involved googled ideas but a lot of patience from my side as giving paints to a toddler even with supervised aid isn’t the best idea :/
However clumsy the outcome was they were much appreciated by daddy dearest as he’s well aware of how handicap I’m in such departments. He’s the winner when it comes to surprises, gifts, and creative ideas.

 

Framed Card with Handprints

Best Daddy Ever…Hands Down…Unquestionably

But hand printing is not our set game. We did this last year and learned it the hard way when this clumsy outcome was also in our 4-5th attempt. Getting handprints of my energy ball was no easy game so I settled for this and couldn’t use the same sheet, so very smartly cut out this and pasted on another bright background sheet.

Daddy and Baby Footprints

Following in Daddy’s shoes forever. Daddy’s forever darling..

It didn’t come very pretty but not bad for a non-crafty mommy’s first attempt.

Surprise meant we couldn’t tell daddy what we are up to so instead if his footprint we took his shoes and colouring the base took the print on a sheet. Next, we chose our baby’s shoes to print on top of it. Nothing stands clearer than black and I guess the combinations worked.

PS: A suggestion we used sports shoes and it didn’t look that great, I guess normal office wear formal shoe would have left a better print.

Tshirt Paint

I took a t-shirt of Sarah when she was a newborn. I had saved it because we were emotionally attached to it, and didn’t want to give it away. What better idea to save it than to paint it for Papa.  We used fabric paints in dark and bold colours to make them stand out.

Next, I have something for moms who can’t do DIY or don’t have the time to plan and execute!

Personalized T-shirts for kids

Pack your kid in a cute t-shirt that says Papa’s Favourite and send her/ him to your husband to spend the day with :D, kidding! Kids wearing a tee that says they love their Papa is such a sweet gesture. I got this cute tee from Zeezeezoo. The t-shirt is a great fit and comfortable cotton stretchable fabric, perfect for summers.

Essentials for men

Off late my love for natural products has been growing and the first thing we bought for Daddy was an essential kit for papa by Mamaearth, minus all the chemicals and loaded with all the natural goodness and love for him. The Power Papa Pack has 4 products specially formulated for men using toxin-free ingredients: Oil Control Facewash, After Shave Lotion, Beard and Hair Oil, and Energizing Shampoo and Bodywash. I’m excited to know how he’ll like them. Some pampering goodies for him!

Spa Voucher

This is something he doesn’t know about, and I hope he doesn’t read this blog for 2 more days 😀 Have bought him a coupon for a Swedish Spa (sounds fancy to me), and hopefully, that’ll be an experience he’ll never forget (no pun intended 😉 ). After all, it’s a decent spa I considered after taking reviews and suggestions from friends – Blue Terra Spa.

Still 2 days to go Mommy! Hurry up and plan a surprise for dearest Daddy, shower him with gifts and make him feel appreciated and pampered for the rock solid support he gives you! We love you Daddy yesterday, today, tomorrow & forever.

South Asia’s first ever Co Working & Co Play Space “Monkey Business” launched in Gurgaon

With summer vacations soon going to begin, it’s tough for us moms to keep them engaged in meaningful activities, keep them entertained and manage to finish our work for home and office. How about I tell you there exists a co-working space that not only provides a chair and desk, air conditioning and Wi-Fi but also provides world-class onsite Childcare facilities in Gurgaon. A first of its kind co-working space in South Asia that provides onsite childcare, Monkey Business is spread over 3000 sqft of area.

It is a haven where Young Parents can concentrate on work while their child plays and learns in the kid’s area. It also provides the option to the companies to hire seats for their women employees, especially new moms, here. The thoughtfully designed Play Zone includes a cozy nap area, a feeding and diaper changing room.

With a lot of pretend play toys and fun activities, it is sure to keep your child engaged while you work peacefully.

As Gagan Mathawan, the co-founder of Monkey Business puts it, “Monkey Business was designed from my family’s life experience. When we had our twins, my wife had to take a sabbatical from work because we did not want to leave our kids with nannies. This is how the idea of Monkey Business was formed.”

Monkey Business could start a new, progressive trend in co-working spaces and corporates that will support and empower returning moms.

Top 10 Reasons I Love Being A Woman

For the major part of my life, I had hated being a girl/ woman. I wanted to be a boy, play football with boys, and not the girly games that most of the girls used to play, or chit chatting with them. As I grew older, and passed out from school, I started accepting and loving myself being a woman.

I began to love my body, my physical self, the fact that my body menstruated; the hair on my body needed to be shaved/ waxed like my peers; following fashion trends, which I was always hopeless at. I managed to start liking dressing up in fancy clothes with freshly waxed skin, pairing accessories with my attire, and the fact that I created another life with this incredible body!

Being with Friends

The things I loathed during school time, I started enjoying in college. Going out with friends, discussing dresses and makeup, talking about crushes used to be the highlights of my day. Still having the same friends to discuss the same things over and over again, is just amazing!

Respecting Women

Despite a lot of crimes against women, we have to accept the fact that our voice has started to be heard. We can say our opinion in the society, speak up against the society! There is still a very long way to go, but I’m glad the change has started!

Some other reasons to lighten you up:

This is not a hidden fact that women are multi-taskers! Ask a mother – ha ha ha…

No, it’s not the Bro Code, but something stronger than that! The secrets shared, the slumber parties, the bitching about others (*wink*).

Women can be silly, humorous and cute at the same time! Ever seen a man like that??

All women may not have the perfect hourglass figure, but we all are curvy and sexy in our own very way!

Cheers to womanhood, feminism and equality!

This blog post is a part of #Womensdayblogparty. I’d like to thank Deepali for introducing me. Read her post for this blog party here (link)
Also do go to my friend Uttara’s blog post on Top 10 Reasons why I love being a woman to read her perspective on the topic.

Transforming the 9 Yard Look with a Designer Blouse

Fancy saree Blouses are a rage and make the whole look with an understated saree party worthy! They can change the whole saree look to sexy, indo-western or a heavy party one. A designer blouse has the super power to make a simple saree look graceful and pep up the whole look for the occasion.

While the saree on its own is elegant and classy, styling up the attire a little bit with designer blouse adds to its charm. What is a saree with a mismatched, dull blouse? Here is a list of blouses that would suit all according to different occasions.

Sexy Back Perfect for a Cocktail Party:

Make the heads turn with a designer back or a backless blouse. Be the center of attraction in the dazzling designer blouse with a bright saree. Nail the perfect look with this bridesmaid-worthy blouse. Opt for a padded blouse for a better fit and comfort.

Carry a High Neck With Grace:

Team a traditional silk saree with this high neck embroidered blouse. The detailing around the neck will add to the glamour of a graceful silk saree. Wear this jaw dropping design without showing your skin and prove that conservative can be sexy too! The intricate design around the neckline is the USP of this blouse. Tie your hair up for a sensuous look.

Hand-Woven Crochet Blouse:

Flaunt this hand crocheted backless blouse in a day function with a sexy sheer saree. Rock a mehndi ceremony and don your bridesmaid hat with this eye catcher blouse. I suggest going for a padded blouse for a good fit.

Charm the Crowd with High Neck Front Zipped Blouse

Raise eyebrows with this classy blouse at a formal dinner or wedding and brighten the look with heavy kundan earrings. This would be perfect for a winter outdoor party, where you’ll be appropriately dressed, not freezing for fashion, yet looking totally chic. Finish the look with some mogra flowers (gajra) in hair with a top knot, and carry this ethnic blouse in a sensuous way.

Black Stretchable All-Rounder Blouse

A black stretchable velvet blouse is a must have in the wardrobe, especially for young girls. The classic black color would go with almost every saree for a college fest or farewell! The stretchable fabric makes it long lasting with changing sizes.

Multipurpose Gold Sequin Blouse

Silver/ golden blouses are a must for any woman’s wardrobe. They go with almost every party saree, and can always be a fallback option when the original blouse ditches us or doesn’t fit us—happens, happens (wink wink). The sequin work can up the look of a simple saree and make it look livelier! If you are wearing a simple saree, let the shimmery blouse do the talking.

Go ahead, pep up your saree look with these designer blouses and add to its grace with some bling vibrancy.

The experience of buying a family car

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Buying a car in India is a phenomenon. It not only involves a lot research and leg work but also multiple discussions at home. Preference, budget, expectation, safety, drive experience – all these words cross your mind when you decide to buy a new vehicle. We have recently bought a new car and the whole experience has been wonderful and full of excitement. The most excited for the new car though, was my 3-year-old daughter who has a huge crush on SUVs or “big-cars” as she likes to call them. Cars.com is a great website to know everything about cars and compare them!

Since, I am fresh from being involved in the process of buying a new car, let me share some insights and steps that might come handy for you.

Prepare a budget:

You need to have an indicative budget or a range in mind, because it is very easy to get carried away with emotions. A mid/big sized vehicle can become expensive, but planning the budget, financing, payback terms etc help you to make a sound decision.

Features

The house will always be divided on what you want from the vehicle. While the cosmetics of the car and the amount of technology it is carrying, will always guide the discussion, but certain things like space, safety, comfort should be amongst the top priority.

Space & Safety:

If kids are going to be frequent occupants of the vehicle you are buying, space and safety (apart from Style) are the two other ‘S’ factors that you should never compromise on. It’s always handy to carry some extra luggage!

Experience car before you buy:

When you are planning to buy a new one, there will be no shortage of advice. But trust me, you will know your car only once you sit in it and experience it. Never discount the touch and feel aspect of buying a car

The perfect family vehicle has to satiate expectation of more than a couple of people. It has to have something for everyone. My husband for instance wanted something with cruise control and with other automated features, I wanted something that guarantees safety and comfort and my daughter just wanted a big black car that plays her favorite poems and songs.

100 Things That Make Me Happy

So here I’m sharing my list of things that make me happy. There it goes!

  1. Waking up to a bright sunny day
  2. Listening to the sound of waves
  3. Collecting Wine
  4. Falling asleep on my partner’s arm
  5. Binge watching series on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon
  6. Getting massage and spa treatments
  7. Home decoration
  8. When I finish DIY projects
  9. Travelling to places
  10. Buying magnet stickers of places I visit
  11. Painting – Madhubani and abstract
  12. Taking a walk in a park or town
  13. Eating corn from cob
  14. Blowing bubbles
  15. The smell of rain on soil
  16. Wearing my husband’s clothes
  17. When restroom is clean
  18. The smell of freshly washed clothes
  19. When cotton pajama pant fits perfectly
  20. The view from the top
  21. Having peanuts with salt on a lazy afternoon
  22. Look of clean carpet after I vacuum
  23. Super detailed happy dreams
  24. Playing Board Games
  25. Seeing that I lost weight on scale
  26. Making list of groceries
  27. When I feel hydrated
  28. Watching manga cartoon series with my husband – Naruto, The Last Airbender, Dragon Ball, One Piece
  29. Watching him eat 
  30. When he cooks for me
  31. Iced tea on a hot day
  32. Following Avengers and Star Wars Series
  33. Reading comics
  34. When I do things that feels like I’m honoring my family traditions
  35. Shopping at flea market
  36. Picking fruits/vegetables/flowers directly from trees/plants/bushes into a basket
  37. Swimming pool filled with flower petals
  38. A long warm bath with scented bath salts
  39. Aroma of burning scented candles and oils
  40. Picking pine cones off the ground and using it for decorative purposes
  41. Buying lipsticks of all shades
  42. Shopping of cloth/accessory/makeup/shoes/bags…
  43. Catching a rainbow
  44. Collecting corks
  45. Enthusiasm and excitement of Friday evenings
  46. Clear night sky with shining stars and moon
  47. Freshly baked cake
  48. Smell of coffee
  49. Eating fruits
  50. Eating homemade gajar ka halwa and cholle-bhature
  51. Drink freshly squeezed fruit juice
  52. Warm tomato soup
  53. Freshly baked scones and bagels
  54. Smell of baked goods
  55. Feel of sand and warm water on my bare feet
  56. Collecting stones and shells
  57. Dawn and Dusk – it’s always breathtaking
  58. Holding hands of my loved ones
  59. Watching butterfly sitting on flowers on a warm day
  60. Sitting on porch observing life
  61. Potato chips
  62. Marriage shopping list
  63. Baby clothes and shoes
  64. Cute floral dresses
  65. Planning surprises
  66. Spring and Fall – such splash of colors
  67. Blasting music at home and car when alone
  68. Finishing a good novel/book
  69. Taking a nap on sofa while watching TV
  70. Perfect hair/skin day
  71. Trimming plants
  72. Clean sink and dishware
  73. Sipping tea – black, green , herb infused
  74. Feeling pretty after manicure and pedicure
  75. Writing with a gel pen
  76. Going to the theatre
  77. Freshly grown garden herbs
  78. Doing something adventurous, like canoeing, hiking, camping
  79. Eating simple “typical” food
  80. Doll up in traditional wear and jewelry
  81. Birds chirping and singing
  82. Opening presents
  83. Finding money in pocket
  84. Warm apple cider
  85. Friends’ company with a lit fireplace exchanging stories
  86. Laughing at inside jokes
  87. Finding a good parking spot
  88. Going  for late night drives looking for hot coffee, cake and ice cream
  89. Getting compliments from strangers
  90. Buying game CDs for my husband
  91. Watching my niece eating noodles
  92. Getting comments on my blog
  93. My birth date
  94. Cooking nutritious and healthy food
  95. Taking photographs of nature and selfie
  96. Gossiping with my sister, mom, friends and aunts about everything
  97. Sunrays filtering through clouds
  98. Ambience of Universal Studio
  99. Sitting close to my hubby
  100. Doing local shopping at tourist destination and buying souvenirs 

Here’s my list guys. Make yours and have fun.

XOXO

Tripti

Importance of right food during pregnancy

One of the most important things to take care of during pregnancy is what you eat, what you avoid. Although, the weird cravings will be there, it is essential to make wise choices and adopt a balanced and nutritious diet, which is good for you as well as the baby. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables as well as proteins and cereals in your diet; remember a pregnant woman needs about 200-300 extra calories per day than usual!

Once you’re pregnant, you need more calcium, iron, folic acid as well as a lot of protein to complete a healthy diet for yourself as well as provide the necessary nutrients for the baby. The nutrients that need to be included in the diet during pregnancy are:

Folic acid – It helps in increasing the production of red blood cells, and prevent birth defects in baby’s brain and spine, known as neural tube defects. Foods rich in folate are: lentils, nuts, peas, avocado, dark green vegetables, citrus fruits.

  • Calcium – It helps in the formation of baby’s bones and teeth. If the consumption of calcium is less, the body will extract the mineral from mother’s stored in her bones and give to the baby for building bones.
  • Protein — The body needs more protein to help build the organs of the baby, such as the brain and heart.

The essential food groups that should be included in your diet are explained below.

  • Fruits and Vegetables – Remember, ‘mother nature’ is your best friend and the gifts of nature including fruits and vegetables are the best source for necessary vitamins and folic acid.

  • Breads and Grains – Once you’re pregnant, you would need a lot of energy and the best source of energy are breads and grains. Whole grains ensure that you have the supply of essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B, fibre and even some amount of protein.
  • Chicken, Fish and Eggs – Chicken, fish and eggs are extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a source of essential amino acids which are critical in formation of muscles during pregnancy.
  • Dairy Products – Dairy products including milk, cheese, curd, butter etc are a major source of calcium which helps in building strong teeth and bones, as well as ensure normal blood clotting, and muscle and nerve function.

This blog is in association with Blog Marathon #WomenWellness that is running by 12 bloggers with 12 different topics related to Women health and Wellness. Thank you Snigdha for introducing me. Her blog is HERE Please do follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates..

Next in the series is Anamika Debnath from beautyandlifestylemantra.com. Please do follow her on all the social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.