tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31602438006428874762024-03-05T09:29:35.173-06:00IndoUSMOMSJayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-4979738928195779812016-06-13T23:02:00.000-05:002016-06-15T11:53:00.885-05:00How to get $15 off your purchase at Costco??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">S</span>hopping has taken new dimensions over the past few decades. When I was young, I have shopped at mom and pop stores near my house in India. They are very convenient, you just tell the shop keeper what you want and he gets it for you, you pay cash, get the balance and leave. Then came the Super markets and Credit card age, where you shop in bigger super markets picking what you need and pay by the Credit card. Then came the one click shopping, where you order things from one provider and it gets delivered to your home.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Now we are at a point where you dont have to step out of your home if you want to shop at multiple stores and all gets delivered to your door step within 2 hours. Google Express is one such service that makes your shopping easier. It was first launched as a trial in the bay area and slowly expanding to other cities. Google Express the same day or overnight delivery service is available in Austin now. I have heard good things about Google express from my friends in Bay Area. I am really happy that it is now in Austin too.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What is Google Express ?: You can order from stores like Costco, Whole Foods, Target all in one place. You just add items to your cart and pay by Google Wallet or any credit card .</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtukZIf9usR3YhMJmYIitH_6vSPWkvxqY4MeyQvhlBluEkzKhKz5XUtvLrpccfpzgWX6d8mxFIfsgVb0Okaj8fnnxsC-FjLjKxpS15myfv8FEdx2sfLsFpefOY9tNCHGxHI-KfeIqHne4/s1600/screen+shot+2014-10-14+at+10.32.08+am.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtukZIf9usR3YhMJmYIitH_6vSPWkvxqY4MeyQvhlBluEkzKhKz5XUtvLrpccfpzgWX6d8mxFIfsgVb0Okaj8fnnxsC-FjLjKxpS15myfv8FEdx2sfLsFpefOY9tNCHGxHI-KfeIqHne4/s400/screen+shot+2014-10-14+at+10.32.08+am.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Is there a delivery fee? : Delivery is free for Google Express members as long as they place an eligible order .Order greater than $15 and excludes <a href="https://support.google.com/shoppingexpress/answer/6077688?hl=en&ref_topic=4541748">restricted items</a> are eligible orders. If you don't meet the eligible order then you pay a $3 minimum order fee. For non members delivery fee starts from $4.99 per eligible order.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Are all orders delivered within 2 hour mark ?: No , only selected orders. The minimum order is $35 for a 2 hour delivery.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> How much is the Google Express Membership? <b>You will get a free 3 month trial membership</b> after which it is $10 per month or $95 a year.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wQowLZ3J0fRkJZycgN67gyNwKCpnDGxq8GL7o05Mce7_dRJpR4iA6eF82rUzGOvp6yJwMH30g0vOz0ssZn6FHuyWlx4K2C76bCYuvEQ10StLW42aDraoOptpBKGAwME4-EJn-nvRgfI/s1600/Google_Express_DC_Membership_Fee.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wQowLZ3J0fRkJZycgN67gyNwKCpnDGxq8GL7o05Mce7_dRJpR4iA6eF82rUzGOvp6yJwMH30g0vOz0ssZn6FHuyWlx4K2C76bCYuvEQ10StLW42aDraoOptpBKGAwME4-EJn-nvRgfI/s400/Google_Express_DC_Membership_Fee.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Who is eligible for 3 months free trial membership? : Someone new to google Express, you should be 18 yrs or older, reside within our delivery area and have an active membership.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Who process this? : The store processes your order and arrange for a driver to bring it to you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>How do I know if Google Express is in my area? :</b> </i><i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Goto <a href="http://google.com/express/invite/QF77VV3EU">googleexpress.com</a> and put your area zip to see if Google Express in in your area.</span></b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What should I do to get $15 off from my first order? : Goto <a href="http://google.com/express/invite/QF77VV3EU">googleexpress.com </a>then select your items and use the code </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4957b2; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">QF77VV3EU </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">and place your order.You will get $15 off your first order. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><i>New moms dont miss this offer, it would come in handy for any baby products, also if you order anything from Costco you can use the code </i></b></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4957b2; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">QF77VV3EU </span></span></i><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i>to get $15 off your first purchase.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Hope this helps and please do share your experience with Google Express if you have already ordered through it.If you want more updates from us please do like our Face Book page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Indousmoms-866511393382329/?ref=bookmarks">INDOUSMOMS</a> and we will send you regular updates.</i></div>
<br /></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-71886370764570790252016-05-26T22:07:00.001-05:002016-05-26T22:47:24.768-05:00My favorite vegetable briyani recipe !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>oms take up various roles, but the critical one is cooking a healthy meal for the family. Dads do help in household work , but cooking and getting a healthy meal on the table mostly falls on the mother's shoulders. I generally love to try different recipes for a dish until I hit the one everyone likes in the house.</div>
<br />
Vegetable Briyani is not something my mom made at home, I have always ate it in the restaurants. Usually restaurant briyani are too spicy or too oily or has very less veggies, or it is just rice and lacks flavor. I have always wanted to try making it at home. Then I kept searching for a good recipe and finally found one. I made notes of this recipe from a video by Chef Menu Rani Chellam.<br />
<br />
People who have tasted this Briyani have always asked me for the recipe .So here you go !!! .This recipe involves marinating the masala mix the night before, then cooking the veggies and the rice separately and mix them all.<br />
<br />
Ingredients needed:<br />
<b> For marinate :</b><br />
Yogurt - 2 cups<br />
Fennel seeds - 2 tsp<br />
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp<br />
Chilli powder - 1 tsp<br />
Garam masala -1 tsp<br />
Coriander powder -1 tsp<br />
Cardamom -3 pods<br />
Cinnamon sticks -2<br />
Ginger garlic paste - 2 table spoon<br />
Star Anise -3<br />
Bay leaf - 3 leaves<br />
Cilantro chopped - 1cup<br />
Mint chopped - 1cup<br />
Tomato diced - 1 cup <br />
<br />
<b>Vegetables required:</b><br />
Carrot chopped -2 cups<br />
Beans chopped - 2 cups<br />
Cauliflower - 2 cups<br />
Potato-1 cup<br />
Peas -2 cups<br />
Onion - 1 cup<br />
Bell Pepper -1 cup<br />
<br />
Basmathi Rice - 2 cups<br />
Ghee - tsp<br />
<br />
<b>Marinate</b>: Keep yogurt as the base and add all the ingredients in marinate section and let it marinate for 2 hours. It looks like this :<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflhlSYNVNsQiyXb6t1XWFz4jYhJGxfnm1LfmLSkx0qDo9y9wxAqut5loMtSAfrwn7zpKdy5KTtkSVi0wqIcXwG5g1Jpor5AtM8cuqiBXC2hpYFs7XKfTxZfhDapeOadpRdUYBwH9jeZs/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflhlSYNVNsQiyXb6t1XWFz4jYhJGxfnm1LfmLSkx0qDo9y9wxAqut5loMtSAfrwn7zpKdy5KTtkSVi0wqIcXwG5g1Jpor5AtM8cuqiBXC2hpYFs7XKfTxZfhDapeOadpRdUYBwH9jeZs/s320/IMG_5705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Cooking rice</b> :Soak basmathi rice for 20 minutes. In a pan add some ghee, fennel seeds, bay leaves ,cardamon. After the fennel seeds turn color add the rice and add water in ratio of 1: 1(For 1 cup of rice add 1 cup of water). Close this with a lid and wait till the rice cooks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPA1WFVrfBW1dnOpwqPjXWIBm2PGRg4-Id4lQfKzftlldBYX9voskzYpRQMcqoxrILtd4qR7E7QDBdQ9yP6ZKnTj-rBj_Py42DP-UjIqOOGd2_Ih24F9xSky4clEhFQ2L8GzEcpjUZzY/s1600/IMG_6145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPA1WFVrfBW1dnOpwqPjXWIBm2PGRg4-Id4lQfKzftlldBYX9voskzYpRQMcqoxrILtd4qR7E7QDBdQ9yP6ZKnTj-rBj_Py42DP-UjIqOOGd2_Ih24F9xSky4clEhFQ2L8GzEcpjUZzY/s320/IMG_6145.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Cooking Veggies</b>: Add all the vegetables and salt in a vessel and cook in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles. Steam cook the vegetables meaning, pour water only in the cooker vessel, not inside the vessel with vegetables.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTSRic7U_15q6b0lMX9J0IqR5H4xRoEHz1-hPmXxcWc3l-S9hTP1Jw3mJ6DZ3C2m8SqjJAnn4siXuMhpDzhX78ZospTbbnunX8nFQSLQsMihnXgVw5o2WHq7DqS03FzbNJdoOukPWUkA/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTSRic7U_15q6b0lMX9J0IqR5H4xRoEHz1-hPmXxcWc3l-S9hTP1Jw3mJ6DZ3C2m8SqjJAnn4siXuMhpDzhX78ZospTbbnunX8nFQSLQsMihnXgVw5o2WHq7DqS03FzbNJdoOukPWUkA/s320/IMG_6140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In a pan add add a teaspoon of ghee, fennel seeds and then fry onion and bell pepper , add a pinch of salt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCMbaXfbvNMnqmPvMiJ7fuvPPVUxb1lhkewVZhZiKK4aUzk2LAIw1Sh1gtMb66WMzuAmCb_vYV7kHa4bCwO34Zm2mHYIRzKWeZjq2S48Ycak-yhTwbeWCt8b9062TvIUjhB-F3HphLMo/s1600/caff571d-4995-4028-bc97-137be511580d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCMbaXfbvNMnqmPvMiJ7fuvPPVUxb1lhkewVZhZiKK4aUzk2LAIw1Sh1gtMb66WMzuAmCb_vYV7kHa4bCwO34Zm2mHYIRzKWeZjq2S48Ycak-yhTwbeWCt8b9062TvIUjhB-F3HphLMo/s320/caff571d-4995-4028-bc97-137be511580d.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After onion and capsicum is fried add the vegetables and mix them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37PS1rlF4Wcvr4SBJNZJhiCT24_LpDVUtibDEucjFzlnNkHgXNKD-wpf_O55uJjxxfHNeS2T28VGCxL2QmIRa96lHwPrVG_Ehc6keHFQnHrr7vYpYx99nczgmLzy-il7WRwZqalY0B4M/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37PS1rlF4Wcvr4SBJNZJhiCT24_LpDVUtibDEucjFzlnNkHgXNKD-wpf_O55uJjxxfHNeS2T28VGCxL2QmIRa96lHwPrVG_Ehc6keHFQnHrr7vYpYx99nczgmLzy-il7WRwZqalY0B4M/s320/IMG_6141.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Then add the marinate to this mix<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDukavC99HRmFfehh9Y20JBDAjdON9BuOvpqY1lOiYWVZ9nxgECFouer_TDCqdjavhSwwhBR-EWBOVy7W3CgEBsr-Foe7Q41mhu2yJYLjaV5CjdTzWkD5WjdpCD5WHl891N3qNcQ-rpc/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDukavC99HRmFfehh9Y20JBDAjdON9BuOvpqY1lOiYWVZ9nxgECFouer_TDCqdjavhSwwhBR-EWBOVy7W3CgEBsr-Foe7Q41mhu2yJYLjaV5CjdTzWkD5WjdpCD5WHl891N3qNcQ-rpc/s320/IMG_6143.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The curd will ooze some water. Cook the mixture well, add some Briyani masala at this point if you feel you need more masala. You can add soy chunks at this point(optional). Let it cook completely until all raw smell is gone.<br />
<br />
Add this mixture to rice and sprinkle the remaining coriander and mint leaves as you mix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrw_7BqufbCdfTlLvxI8EBvLZrcrKD-NGwt1cAgN4jF7t2rvMGIb5cT8SlRt-92Q01fW6KTiEjX4GWMDD3oXmDgA2tEvZ0VVJyZ2MhYYqVJHA5xGvR9NzBpar6WMHAfZfDJCgWWhTFuk/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrw_7BqufbCdfTlLvxI8EBvLZrcrKD-NGwt1cAgN4jF7t2rvMGIb5cT8SlRt-92Q01fW6KTiEjX4GWMDD3oXmDgA2tEvZ0VVJyZ2MhYYqVJHA5xGvR9NzBpar6WMHAfZfDJCgWWhTFuk/s320/IMG_6149.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Yummy vegetable briyani ready. Serve it hot with onion ratia and enjoy !!<br />
<br />
To get updates please do like our Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Indousmoms-866511393382329/">https://www.facebook.com/Indousmoms-866511393382329/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-50872677800354702012016-04-23T07:12:00.001-05:002016-04-23T07:24:41.269-05:00Why haven't I done this more often??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ave you ever done something that made you feel very good and thought to yourself "Why haven't I done this more often?". I experienced it last week, read more and I will tell you all about it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Handling pain in any part of your body, be it back or wrist or shoulder and doing your daily chores is not easy.When I was young my parents used to complain about back issues or joint pains only after they were in their 50's,. These days , due to the nature of our job, the stress we go through at home and work, not having the time to cook our every meal, most of us develop joint/back/shoulder/neck issues as early as 30 years. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Last Monday I woke up with a bad shoulder and right wrist pain. It was a sharp pain and not being able to do things as fast as I usually do was very frustrating. I had hard time sleeping due to the pain. I tried to do stretches and yoga to see if it would help, it didn't. I tried talking to the nurse at work, she told me it could be my posture. The number one culprit for such pains is having desk job and not following the ergonomics correctly. The nurse suggested me to start using my left hand to operate the mouse.I tried cold pack that didn't work. Finally I booked an appointment with my doctor.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>On Wednesday I saw the below picture about the benefits of "Massage" online :</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJZVHIY7r-dfLc_muim6GefzGDvSAvJ5-JIUSgVPx0g99dVn-KNcDYTk1n75KkpUz5ZOM26E9brdUF_5-mz9WIHISN9abJlbHnvG51bvIyLx3qJ7ciqQdTTIy5dH12TMePkRqIitBco/s1600/massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJZVHIY7r-dfLc_muim6GefzGDvSAvJ5-JIUSgVPx0g99dVn-KNcDYTk1n75KkpUz5ZOM26E9brdUF_5-mz9WIHISN9abJlbHnvG51bvIyLx3qJ7ciqQdTTIy5dH12TMePkRqIitBco/s640/massage.jpg" width="536" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> After I saw this ,I realized that I haven't gone for a massage in the last 3 years. I had bought this groupon online <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7557390-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/therapeutic-massage-with-jodie-brown-1">Therupetic massage with Jodie Brown</a> and completely forgot about it.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I immediately called and set an appointment for the very next day. I went with zero expectations. It was a small place, Jodie the massage therapist welcomed me. I explained to her about my pain . She did a wonderful job with aromatic oils, warm towels and soothing music. That 1 hour just flew by. After the session , I felt so good. It was very relaxing and it did help me with the pain. I was able to sleep better that night. I was wondering why I didn't do this more often ?? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Days just go by and we try to rush into everything, but remember you all need some time for yourself. Stop the madness and do something good for yourself now and then. Believe me you will never regret it.</i><br />
<br />
<i>If you like this post and would like to get future updates please like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Indousmoms-866511393382329">FB page </a>or subscribe by providing your email id. </i></div>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-4032729662017986442016-04-17T20:48:00.004-05:002016-04-17T20:58:46.537-05:00List of best Montessori Schools in Austin <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span><i>ontessori is an amazing method of teaching for young kids. If you want to know more about Montessori<span id="goog_470459135"></span><span id="goog_470459136"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> check this post <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2014/06/montessori-way-of-teaching-what-is-that.html">Montessori way of teaching</a>.I believe this method is best for kids from 3-6 years and it forms a good foundation in this age group of kids.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHDU6IoybaTZvu2PEJ-jMS7ngJijJkuG3kNkOHiDeLclZdqUxPHPkEuE0ioubMGJAOMRBsTz3styjE8tU3jN7AHuSjBz2xj0QOwF3zoCF1kQm7E4sdfsOoQ73KkhuaGTxR5YIO6dKb0M/s1600/solid_foundation_banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHDU6IoybaTZvu2PEJ-jMS7ngJijJkuG3kNkOHiDeLclZdqUxPHPkEuE0ioubMGJAOMRBsTz3styjE8tU3jN7AHuSjBz2xj0QOwF3zoCF1kQm7E4sdfsOoQ73KkhuaGTxR5YIO6dKb0M/s400/solid_foundation_banner.png" width="400" /></a><i><br /></i>
<i>Most Montessori schools in Austin have a long waiting list. You have to start looking out for a good school , when your kid is around 1 year (or even earlier) to get an idea on which one might work for you.Usually Montessori schools close for summer , some might offer summer camps. Please make sure you see the calendar of each school before you decide whether it will work for you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>Here is the list of Montessori schools that I know of in Austin :</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHPhzSzIjC0P_LGRXTzCwPecCG0eM1Ssd_57pjK544jQKr9pZ7o1IpV283sge1yuD1F2EHm7mwPbcYzhraF1pTQ7R8BTrMR_eSP4Gp8hkjSkxUUYlgtS5pDJAoLFyZvi6SdRi638xIcA/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHPhzSzIjC0P_LGRXTzCwPecCG0eM1Ssd_57pjK544jQKr9pZ7o1IpV283sge1yuD1F2EHm7mwPbcYzhraF1pTQ7R8BTrMR_eSP4Gp8hkjSkxUUYlgtS5pDJAoLFyZvi6SdRi638xIcA/s400/logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<b><i>South Austin :</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i><b>Austin Montessori School</b> : I have heard great reviews about this school. This is one of the oldest Montessori school in Austin. They provide healthy snacks for the kids.You can get to know about their admission process here <a href="http://austinmontessori.org/admissions/">Admissions </a>.This School is near Sunset Valley. Check their website <a href="http://austinmontessori.org/">Austin Montessori School</a> for more information</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Khabele</b>: I have visited this school and have heard very good reviews about it. Some parents who send their kids here love it. They have a good curriculum.Early childhood campus is located in South Austin at 6305 Manchaca and it consists of two different programs. Young Children's community from 18 months to 3 years and primary from 3-5 years. Khabele also offers elementary to 12th grade. Check out their website for more information <a href="http://www.khabele.org/">Khabele</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Athena</b>:I have visited this school and love their campus. They are located at 1503 Morgan Lane near South Lamar. It have heard good reviews about this one as well.They offer toddler program 24 months to 3 years and primary program for 3-5 years. Check out their website for more information <a href="http://athenamontessoriacademy.com/">Athena Montessori</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Lake Hills Montessori</b>: They have multiple locations in Austin. There is one in RM620 , near Lake-way area. I visited this school and liked it. They offer Young Primary (2-3 yrs) and Primary (3-5yrs) program. Check out their website for more information <a href="http://www.lakehillsmontessori.com/">Lake Hills Montessori </a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Mariposa</b>: Some of my friends send their kids to this Montessori school. They are really happy with it and give very good review on the school and teachers. They offer different programs from 8 weeks to 9 years , check here <a href="http://www.mariposamontessori.com/#programs">Programs</a> . They ave 2 campuses in Brodie and South Lamar. Check out their website for more information <a href="http://www.mariposamontessori.com/">Mariposa Montessori </a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Park Side Montessori school</b>:One of the best Montessori school in South Austin.They usually have a long waiting list.They offer programs from 3-12 years check here <a href="https://www.parksidecommunityschool.org/our-programs/">Programs</a>. They are located at 3207 W Slaughter Lane. Check out their website for more information <a href="https://www.parksidecommunityschool.org/">Park Side Community</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Central Austin :</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Children's school :</b> I have personal experience with this school. I can say it is one of the best Montessori school in Austin. They nurture the kids in true Montessori way. Head of the school and the staff are very flexible. I really love this school. They are located at 2825 Hancock Drive . They offer programs from 2 -7 years check here <a href="http://thechildrensschool.org/programs/">Programs</a> . Check this website to know more <a href="http://thechildrensschool.org/">The Children's School</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Cedar Park/Brushy Creek :</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Brushy Creek Montessori:</b> One of my friend sends her kid to this Montessori and she is really happy with it. They offer different programs from 8 weeks to 6 years, check here <a href="http://www.brushycreekms.com/child-care-programs#enroll">Programs</a>. They are located at 3017 Polar lane Cedar Park. Check here for more information on this school <a href="http://www.brushycreekms.com/">Brushy Creek Montessori</a> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Cedar Park Montessori: </b>I see good online reviews for this school.<b> </b>They are located at 400 E White Stone Blvd. They offer toddler, primary and elementary programs. Check here for more information on this school <a href="http://cedarparkmontessori.com/">Cedar Park Montessori</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Cypress Creek Montessori :</b></i><i>I see good online reviews for this school.<b> </b>This is located at 2006 Sun Chase Blvd. They offer pre-primary and primary programs. Check here for more information on this school <a href="http://www.cypresscreekmontessori.com/">Cypress Creek Montessori.</a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Round Rock :</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Smart Steps Montessori: </b></i><i>I see good online reviews for this school.<b> </b>This is located at 1000 Crushing Drive, Round Rock. They offer programs from 18 months to 6 years. Check here for more information on this school <a href="http://www.smartstepsmontessori.com/">Smart Steps Montessori Montessori.</a></i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i><b>Round Rock Montessori :</b></i><i>I see good online reviews for this school.<b> </b>This is located at 1818 Sam Bass Rd , Round Rock. Check here for more information on this school <a href="http://rrmstx.com/">Round Rock Montessori.</a></i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i><b>Sunrise Montessori Preschool :</b></i><i>I see good online reviews for this school.<b> </b>This is located at 104 Northwest Drive, Round Rock. Check here for more information on this school <a href="http://www.sunrise-montessori.com/">Sunrise Montessori Preschool</a></i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>If you send your kids to a Montessori school in Austin and I have missed it please let me know and I will add it. Hope this list helps people who are looking for good Montessori schools in Austin. If you like this post and would like to get future updates please like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Indousmoms-866511393382329">FB page </a>or subscribe by providing your email id. </i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-38088914704618279372016-04-02T23:54:00.001-05:002016-04-07T14:06:48.474-05:00Interesting facts about Model-3 that you need to know !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t has been only 2 days since TESLA announced MODEL-3 and the pre booking numbers are off the charts. Elon Musk, the CEO of TESLA announced this in the company's design studio in Hawthorne, California. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The preorder numbers have crossed 200,000.We have heard of pre order for</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I -phone's to hit record numbers that costs below $1000. This is the first time in the history , a car worth around $35-40K is getting so many pre orders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> What is so great about this car ?? This is the first question that pops out when we hear a news like this. Lets us see some interesting details about this car</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">1) It is promised to be the best car you can get in the $35-40K price range. This is a bold and confident statement made by the CEO on the presentation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">2)The car will deliver at least 215 miles of range , which is pretty impressive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">3)The CEO announced that TESLA doesn't make slow cars, the base car will do </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">0- 60mph in less than 6 seconds, which makes it the fastest car on roads.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">4)Supercharger support is standard which is a good news, also the number of supercharging stations will double in 2017 to what we currently have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">5)Safest car possible, autopilot mode is standard and all safety features are active automatically.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">6) Comfortable car, five adults can fit in comfortably.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">7) The looks cool with one piece of glass extending from front to the back of the car , that allows unlimited sky view(!!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">8) Trunk space is huge, we can fit a 7 foot surf board easily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Wow !!! what more can we ask in a car. Check out the cool pics here :</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgZCHT_oTgJ5SOsCBoXZQ0XNyaZO1hImRg_QuyiP2FsmJsidD7NsuOUqGnSYHri_zKm09-sqgb61oPE__Ra3Yn1YkOrKubGutiQYdKLPFpPyizOjwTmh5Wmt2ts_vRRgo4-TM06Hpf6I/s1600/model3crop-marked.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgZCHT_oTgJ5SOsCBoXZQ0XNyaZO1hImRg_QuyiP2FsmJsidD7NsuOUqGnSYHri_zKm09-sqgb61oPE__Ra3Yn1YkOrKubGutiQYdKLPFpPyizOjwTmh5Wmt2ts_vRRgo4-TM06Hpf6I/s400/model3crop-marked.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLF5MBE9x3gAfihk5IK5Ee9y1TGFo2RVV6moqWVMTtySKMTomKBBdNPfyYlmzFVe7izz1aDkwUncOKbic34Yi8-JgiC8RFar5H535OfNYl-VUArmiEpkJexDCeubz81a_3Ybjs1EIkPI/s1600/photo-mar-31-9-30-52-pm-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLF5MBE9x3gAfihk5IK5Ee9y1TGFo2RVV6moqWVMTtySKMTomKBBdNPfyYlmzFVe7izz1aDkwUncOKbic34Yi8-JgiC8RFar5H535OfNYl-VUArmiEpkJexDCeubz81a_3Ybjs1EIkPI/s400/photo-mar-31-9-30-52-pm-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr15vhjnoipxkdIBSSBbg1dOr813IRpcNYuAkBZFIdSNDvUBmLPnWTx7bsGUkEZD18ebQ2gmNO7lYsDp5J4x3qeg4OEERtZ7vz09QqNBjnFN7jZ1xm9H5Kco8GhTByF5tAVnRqLgodFP0/s1600/red_1.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr15vhjnoipxkdIBSSBbg1dOr813IRpcNYuAkBZFIdSNDvUBmLPnWTx7bsGUkEZD18ebQ2gmNO7lYsDp5J4x3qeg4OEERtZ7vz09QqNBjnFN7jZ1xm9H5Kco8GhTByF5tAVnRqLgodFP0/s400/red_1.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPauDKIUrFuwjgQUEe-dpJoXdeHtH3XN6AxHBdPR8b_VpjASiR7D67qtnNBDIBjRGtpV8wOMZZRmoJFaOpMHUJ68IgAtvEN1lajgqu5ZWlajzcA-3Lqwt3_hHpIp8Gy2UF_4Z0dUK6QL8/s1600/tesla-model-3-first-ride-028-1020.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPauDKIUrFuwjgQUEe-dpJoXdeHtH3XN6AxHBdPR8b_VpjASiR7D67qtnNBDIBjRGtpV8wOMZZRmoJFaOpMHUJ68IgAtvEN1lajgqu5ZWlajzcA-3Lqwt3_hHpIp8Gy2UF_4Z0dUK6QL8/s400/tesla-model-3-first-ride-028-1020.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">So when do we get this car if we preorder now for $1000??? - In 2017 , that is the only fact that is not interesting to me. But HOPE is everything , lets wait and see what happens. How many of you are ready to preorder now ??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br /></div>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-58015025275359546722016-03-17T20:11:00.001-05:002016-04-07T10:42:34.806-05:00Planning a camping trip?? Check this out <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Spring is the right time to get out and have fun. Usually we plan out a fun camping trip during this season to enjoy the nature. We want to be outdoors and also want to enjoy the little luxuries that we are used to in our own home.During camping trips , we have so many things to plan out. We have to decide the days of the trip, decide a place and work out many other trip details. We always forget to take some small things and we get reminded of it only after we leave home or even worse once we reach the destination. Just think about how many times you have done it.<br />
<br />
When we camp at remote places it is hard to find a store and buy things.When you forget things it is a big deal. So how do we make sure we take everything?? . Don't worry, there is a solution.Making an extensive list always helps. It makes you think ahead .Plan out the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and take more than required since during vacation we tend to eat more than usual. Also with experience you will add more things to the list.To help you all with the process I have an extensive list of camping essentials from one of my friend , I have found this very useful. Also I have some links to products that have good review, check them out as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9ES3huUAw0FX1Hapj6-50w93A6OlR151do4HwqJXvuxSp-gI1l4x_293DO5tm3wemZK3w_YRyQZ6ZIrlaGCQexW0ljfJvbxal25aG0QGjPhlAAp947OSBPqS-a6gYQ2SVZKpdnewEHk/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9ES3huUAw0FX1Hapj6-50w93A6OlR151do4HwqJXvuxSp-gI1l4x_293DO5tm3wemZK3w_YRyQZ6ZIrlaGCQexW0ljfJvbxal25aG0QGjPhlAAp947OSBPqS-a6gYQ2SVZKpdnewEHk/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Shelter :</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UTCHIRM?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00UTCHIRM&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Tent</a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>, Ground cloth/ tarps(2), Hammer/ Axe<br />
<br />
<b>Bedding:</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZ74B2S?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00IZ74B2S&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Sleeping bag</a>s , Sheets/ blankets, Utility bags for storage , Comforters<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>,Pillows <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<b>Cooking:</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span><br />
Water bottles,Cooler, Ice, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009PUR5E?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0009PUR5E&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Stove</a>,Propane tank ,Matches, Lighter,Firewood<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>, Fire liquid ,fire extinguisher, Table cloth , Plates/ bowls/ tumblers Spoons/ forks/ napkins, Aluminium foil, Paper towel, Trash bags , Dish soap/ scotch brite , Containers for food ,cooking oil , cooking pots ,spatula, knife, ladels, tongs, peeler ,can opener, cutting board ,ziplock bags,Sugar/ salt/ pepper ,chilli powder,<br />
turmeric powder,jeera powder ,spices,ghee/ butter, Tea, bru ,cheese sticks<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>,Milk, banana/ grapes/berries ,cheerios,chips ,snacks,Tava,Frying pan (upma, curry) <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>,Deep pan (for boiling milk) <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<b>Personal <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>:</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Shower shows/ flip flops ,Towels/ wash cloth ,Shower gel/ shampoo ,Toothbrush/ paste ,Mouth wash, Deodrant, Comb, Razor, Feminine products,Toilet paper ,5 gallon bucket<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>,Medications,Contact lens/ solution,Sunglasses/ regular glasses ,Cell phones and chargers,Quarters for shower <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<b>Miscellaneous :</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span><br />
Sunscreen,Chapstick/ Vaseline ,Extra batteries/ bulbs,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007P5AJV8?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B007P5AJV8&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Natural no deet bug repellant</a>,Camera,Books/ magazines/ puzzles,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BPWDMOS?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00BPWDMOS&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Camp chairs</a> ,Portable fan,First aid kit ,Tissues<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>,park map/ trail map,Marshmallows, graham crackers, hershey bars (smores),Flashlight/ batteries, Pocket knife, Playing cards/ games ,Tennis ball ,Beach ball and hat, Frisbee,Duct tape ,reservation info/ confirmation ,Notepad/ pen ,umbrella,Money/ID/credit card ,scissors ,hats ,Walking/ playing shoes.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<b>Kid's stuff :</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Diapers, wipes,sippy cups ,Snacks - gold fish, yogurt etc,blanket,night dress,books,n<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KFNDWSY?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00KFNDWSY&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">on toxic baby Sunscreen</a> , swim diaper,floaters,hats ,sunglasses , <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Y8EOHW?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001Y8EOHW&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Probiotics</a>, medicines.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">Please share this with people whom you think it will be useful, also add other items that you think </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">will be useful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">Link to Facebook page :</span><span style="white-space: pre;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom-866511393382329/">https://www.facebook.com/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom-866511393382329/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-16328856499955666642016-03-10T21:51:00.002-06:002016-03-10T21:51:40.084-06:00Fun things to do with kids during spring break in Austin !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy women's day to all the wonderful ladies. I attended an event organized at my work place on March 8th. I t was a wonderful event with loads of information on women empowerment .The day was well spent.<br />
<br />
The famous Indian-Asian fusion restaurant ,MASALA WOK in Austin has a groupon deal. <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7557390-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/masala-wok-austin-tx-7">Click here to get the deal </a>. This is one of my favorite restaurant. They have Naan, Rice, Noodles and gravy. <a href="http://masalawok.com/indian-food-menu/">Click here to view the menu</a>.<br />
<br />
Next week is spring break. If you haven't planned anything ,dont worry.There are some fun things you can do with your kids in Austin.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Austin Rodeo</b> :From march 12-26 Rodeo Austin Carnival is open. you can buy a <a href="http://ev9.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ASOT%3AROD16%3ARAFOD%3A&linkID=tex-sot&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=RODEO&cgc=">one day pass here </a>. It is $8 for adults and $5 for kids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlntW3JLlVa5rcsxpxb68NhzzBVMw7cxxGr7Z50Ifrtdo2c6zlq-GFYC2WfG__K2I3NTeipdpRzREVYzxKksCDVON0NnTEKLS4kuDr8jMs_A6xk4PuukTcC10l8KCCFEE1N4DJ4Hp67E/s1600/rodeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlntW3JLlVa5rcsxpxb68NhzzBVMw7cxxGr7Z50Ifrtdo2c6zlq-GFYC2WfG__K2I3NTeipdpRzREVYzxKksCDVON0NnTEKLS4kuDr8jMs_A6xk4PuukTcC10l8KCCFEE1N4DJ4Hp67E/s400/rodeo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Library</b>: You can always take them to a library. Through out the week there are several events. <a href="http://library.austintexas.gov/events/search">Check for events in library here</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66fe3IrWAFFMMAo9sX6qEzCol-vxnZEgWylO52cPQHXgHus_hy3VKlmd4h0xFcHA2iuyrdTBXaVH_RXSJsD1d2B6IpDCNybwWQjIn1XJvQobfz4vmRv57Zyiz8oedXHbgeqMGHrdFICA/s1600/library.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66fe3IrWAFFMMAo9sX6qEzCol-vxnZEgWylO52cPQHXgHus_hy3VKlmd4h0xFcHA2iuyrdTBXaVH_RXSJsD1d2B6IpDCNybwWQjIn1XJvQobfz4vmRv57Zyiz8oedXHbgeqMGHrdFICA/s1600/library.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Austin Public park events</b> : There are some events conducted by Austin public park. <a href="https://www.austintexas.gov/department/events/288">Check here for more details </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWQZ92tIOz1w-g45pdTd5J0jadjrOC23Sqy3u26-Yp5tvrLaDYNcSVRxBdMF8gJXocj5oV-nxXl0pGq3soDFs9HddBnsLH5nMsjxeIElBs2Q1kb93Ax2v2JeEhodbSHEk2cPgKIW4_XM/s1600/AUstin_recreational.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWQZ92tIOz1w-g45pdTd5J0jadjrOC23Sqy3u26-Yp5tvrLaDYNcSVRxBdMF8gJXocj5oV-nxXl0pGq3soDFs9HddBnsLH5nMsjxeIElBs2Q1kb93Ax2v2JeEhodbSHEk2cPgKIW4_XM/s400/AUstin_recreational.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Thinkery : </strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">You can go to thinkery on Wednesday.. It is open from </span><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">10am – 8pm (Community Night from 4 – 8pm – admission by donation). To know more about thinkery check this post <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2014/05/thinkery-does-it-really-makes-kids-think.html">Does thinkery really make you think ? </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0feXl0ZVF04EOVddIyUGbbeop8eQVas_TIN0CwnuOyXPuSoP3-tPXdRWmTKTQ76DVkUkODwX5dXAbwM8QvJQJJ33GJBz2KpmoVvCVJBu3AcAaemKk79KhJJhAQigqQygvZFMzxolKh8/s1600/think%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0feXl0ZVF04EOVddIyUGbbeop8eQVas_TIN0CwnuOyXPuSoP3-tPXdRWmTKTQ76DVkUkODwX5dXAbwM8QvJQJJ33GJBz2KpmoVvCVJBu3AcAaemKk79KhJJhAQigqQygvZFMzxolKh8/s320/think%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">SXSW </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">has many free events</span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">. Get your<a href="http://guestpass.sxsw.com/"> free pass here</a>. </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">There are some free family events that you can </span><a href="http://explore.sxsw.com/free-2016" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">check here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> </span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwMNgNn_gnG3hKiYPCpCL9bq17wvs_6ixvmglkz6kmy5OG8KC4qrwHK6puc-OjSsBTr9sXDx4-TNBgJZ5c4nsowcznsFmpVlq9T7Qoi9nGVBFAzby160r-2Jem3-iZlPH8YKd5rwvJuQ/s1600/sxsw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwMNgNn_gnG3hKiYPCpCL9bq17wvs_6ixvmglkz6kmy5OG8KC4qrwHK6puc-OjSsBTr9sXDx4-TNBgJZ5c4nsowcznsFmpVlq9T7Qoi9nGVBFAzby160r-2Jem3-iZlPH8YKd5rwvJuQ/s320/sxsw.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">Egg hunt :</b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> Easter egg hunt is a good way to keep kids engaged and it is a lot of fun. There is a free event in Barton Creek Mall and Lake line mall. <a href="http://family.do512.com/events/2016/3/12/barton-bunny-bash-feat-the-easter-bunny-the-biscuit-brothers">Check here for more info </a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjZbEI9mCvwZKeRCrQvW0_ycu9k-Okp1llKS6K3WAmGPWD2OrIILCmWM-eu6Z9KNmCOk302Gfk-sr0-8sTvusP8bE3A2gsLvCNiR-2WchrfqF_cZoWuH7Fh9DOGmCDdgvfsRbZVVC2OA/s1600/egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjZbEI9mCvwZKeRCrQvW0_ycu9k-Okp1llKS6K3WAmGPWD2OrIILCmWM-eu6Z9KNmCOk302Gfk-sr0-8sTvusP8bE3A2gsLvCNiR-2WchrfqF_cZoWuH7Fh9DOGmCDdgvfsRbZVVC2OA/s320/egg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">Check this post for more ideas on <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2014/06/places-to-visit-in-and-around-austin.html">places to visit around Austin</a>. Have a wonderful Spring break. Do share this post with people whom you think it will be useful to. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">Link to Face Book page :<a href="https://www.facebook.com/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom-866511393382329/">https://www.facebook.com/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom-866511393382329/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-36556290316015202762016-03-04T22:17:00.001-06:002016-04-07T10:39:58.892-05:00Overwhelmed?? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever wondered "What am I doing with my life?? Where is all this going? , Why am I working so hard? What am I running behind?". These thoughts often come to my mind and makes me feel overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
All of us at some point think how did our parents manage everything?. Most of our lives are fast paced and we somehow try to fit so many things into it. Also we are guilty about the things we cant do.Everyone I speak to have their own problems. Some you can share with people around you but some most people around you cannot relate to.<br />
<br />
So how we we pause the mad race that we all are running. Is it even possible. As kids grow the responsibilities keep changing for us and there is always something to do. After kids we have to constantly keep adapting and changing.How can we do all this??. This leads to stress and the mental stress starts showing up in your physical health.<br />
<br />
Dont worry there are some solutions. At every stage of your life when you feel overwhelmed you need to analyze these things:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfE0mFZDCRd1WDrAysOILucs9I6B5WAp3JrVP8RWmsE5gfFCtfFIFjY8tmOjCoXSWizJUyDnGrxwYnw0SuwBko5zDAFnKzEwSEMb8TcHqDrzHn_QRMa41i-s0bstJRR4tHcvlEd-XCp4/s1600/brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfE0mFZDCRd1WDrAysOILucs9I6B5WAp3JrVP8RWmsE5gfFCtfFIFjY8tmOjCoXSWizJUyDnGrxwYnw0SuwBko5zDAFnKzEwSEMb8TcHqDrzHn_QRMa41i-s0bstJRR4tHcvlEd-XCp4/s1600/brain.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1)Am I prioritizing things that I need in life: Always think what is the most important thing in life at that point.<br />
2) Am I doing something for myself that bring joy to me: Find something that you enjoy. Blog writing and sharing things is my biggest stress buster.<br />
3) Am I feeling guilty of something: Sometimes we cant provide our kids fresh food always. Dont be guilty it is ok.<br />
4) Are there some things that I am doing that I can cut down on: Sometimes we want our kids to learn everything and stress too much about the classes they go to. See if you can cut some.<br />
5)Everything happens for a reason : Yes everything happens for a reason. Most incidents in our life happen for a reason and we need to see what it teaches us.<br />
6)Always think about how to slow down : Try to take a day for yourself in between when possible.<br />
7) Come to terms with certain things: If your house is not clean always come to term with it and it is perfectly ok.<br />
<br />
These are some things that I try to follow. First we need to keep us mentally and physically happy only then we can spread it to others in our family. I know many of us will be in the same boat, please share what all you do keep yourself happy and spread the joy to others.</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-8504228592873315692016-02-24T22:43:00.001-06:002016-04-07T10:40:30.520-05:00No worries..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At every stage of our life, we worry about something. As a kid we worry about small things. As we grow, there comes more responsibilities, you have to get a job , get married, have kids. After we come parents we worry right from the first day of our kids. I just feel like the worry is never ending.Even today my parents are worried about their grand kids :).<br />
<br />
Life is a roller coaster ride, we worry about ups when we are down and worry about downs when we are up. We all know worrying doesn't help anything, still it is very hard to control our mind.What if I told you I have a solution to all your worries. I am sure you will laugh at me. I dont have a solution, but there is a simple flowchart . If you follow it, you can become more logical about the things you worry about than act emotionally.I found this flowchart online a few months back. I am trying to follow this for small worries that bother me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItEwLtYo00qjBcPggfT0_iQ90FlZy3elqd9Q1ZIbF1ojrbxNM3rYh5y3WlENdbkavN0WPnTBHMazbw8UtxUzHd-yaFu4cAjHIbKkBn_KvINqC0CFJXasDehppieq8trVewytwb_7XgrY/s1600/dON%2527T+WORRY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItEwLtYo00qjBcPggfT0_iQ90FlZy3elqd9Q1ZIbF1ojrbxNM3rYh5y3WlENdbkavN0WPnTBHMazbw8UtxUzHd-yaFu4cAjHIbKkBn_KvINqC0CFJXasDehppieq8trVewytwb_7XgrY/s320/dON%2527T+WORRY.png" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
For example, most of us (mostly moms) worry about getting back to work after a baby, worry about kids not eating, worry about work related issue, worry about future. I always analyze those worries through this flow chart. Most of my worries usually take this path " Do you have a problem -> Yes -> Can you do something about it -> No ->Then dont worry".<br />
<br />
The more we train our minds to let us be happy the better it is for us.Please share your thoughts on this. See you soon with another post.<br />
<br /></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-61159959548328864852016-02-18T20:44:00.000-06:002016-04-07T10:41:19.291-05:00What makes you and me happy ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I watched a TED talk video shared by one of my friend on Face Book about a Havard study on what makes human happy.<br />
<div>
<br />
In the talk he explains that all of us think our main goal in life is to be<br />
1) Rich or<br />
2)Famous or<br />
3) Really work very hard to achieve one of the above.<br />
<br />
But what really makes someone happy is good relationship. They have studied the brain development and also the physical health of around 700 people over their entire life to understand what really makes someone happy.People in a good relationship have always been very happy physically and emotionally than people in conflict. Being in a conflicted relationship can lead more harm to your health than you can imagine.Also people with a big social network have also been really happy. Watch the video below to see more<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8KkKuTCFvzI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8KkKuTCFvzI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Loneliness is something that can kill you.It is so true that people can feel lonely even in a crowded place. It is just a state of mind. Also holding a grudge against someone deteriorates your mental health. Man is a social animal.The talk ends saying , it is surprising how having a good relationship is never a life goal , when that is what really matters at the end of our life when we are at our 70's or 80's.<br />
<br />
After I listened to the talk , I realized how true it is. Having a good relationship is not very difficult but needs a lot of understanding and patience. Social network is another thing. In this fast paced life it is very difficult to maintain a social network, not just Face Book or Twitter.Meeting new people and making new friends is something we have to try to do at every stage of our life.One thing to remember is after the kids grow up, it is only our friends with whom we can connect.<br />
<br />
Listen to the TED talk and share your thoughts. My first thought was , I was surprised as to why it took so long to find this little secret. Good night and see you soon with another post.</div>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-51305338209939378432016-02-12T07:40:00.000-06:002016-04-07T10:41:58.174-05:00Joys of having a daughter !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Daughters are always special. They are compassionate and loving.After I read the book , Men are from MARS and women are from VENUS, I understood some basic differences between men and women. But only after I see my son and daughter, I really understand the depth of how each gender is so different.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfayNxnToph95JewdO-2ZmIxGzAkW2N8GZRYqCGLSHiybBL8SfNp8eE8dNiNGfbgpUl-ceMgGEKVeF_f5IYsUlZ5hogKj4UPSPB86X-JisE-LVVsNTEbfl8juHHd52eSCo4y8Amz5S7c/s1600/daughter+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfayNxnToph95JewdO-2ZmIxGzAkW2N8GZRYqCGLSHiybBL8SfNp8eE8dNiNGfbgpUl-ceMgGEKVeF_f5IYsUlZ5hogKj4UPSPB86X-JisE-LVVsNTEbfl8juHHd52eSCo4y8Amz5S7c/s1600/daughter+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My life got more colorful after my daughter. My daughter looks a lot like me , but her characteristics resembles my husband. As soon as she wakes up she would come and hug me and give me her morning smiles. If not for her I would have not known about fairy tales or peppa pig. If not for her I would have known how to pretend and play. When my kids figure out I am not in best of my mood, my daughter will first try to comfort me. She would just say "You are my baby and I am your mommy you can come and sleep on me". My son on the other hand will be more curious on what happened and how to solve it. Even at this very young age I see a vast difference between them.<br />
<br />
My daughter always hugs me, give me kisses , admires whatever I wear. She will tell me "I like the dress you are wearing and the ear ring too". She loves a lot of art work. She likes to comb my hair , dress me up., give me a massage. I know she is so little that I always let her not to , but still she will at least pretend to do all this.<br />
<br />
Also she would pretend to cook for me, help me with laundry and so on. She would always be next to me asking if I need help. I hope all this continues as she grows older too. Fingers crossed :).When she gets a quiet time, she knows what to say so that her dad will let her go. "She would hug him and say you are the best daddy". That mostly will get her out of trouble.I know that our son also cares for us and he loves us, but daughters are very very expressive. Every day evening just 5-10 minutes with her would make me feel refreshed.Everyday evening no matter what she would come running and give me a hug when I pick her up.<br />
<br />
The relationship between daughters and parents are always special. Happy Friday to all of you and have a wonderful long weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-5523668715200401272016-02-01T22:07:00.002-06:002016-04-07T10:40:51.052-05:00Is eyebrow threading good or bad ??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently I read an article shared by my friend in a group about how important the area around our eye is. The main nerves and the acupuncture points are here. Also the skin is very soft and sensitive We are never supposed to do threading or use tweezers and pluck the hair around this area.<br />
<br />
This made me thinking, in my mom's generation , only people in show business used to wear make up and also trim their eyebrows. I am not sure when it became very common that everybody can do it. I have never seen my grandmother or my great grandmother correcting their brow line, but they looked more beautiful and happy. I remember in that generation people used to apply castor oil to their eyebrows so it will grow well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ4IsQhz_KBWm8EYtcKspYte-flh3_xisLL4ufFhI03NSQv2hMOcm0FZzEerYBIMiX3PRq4L6M5OZlqf0bfL1sIW-7anzZZRDJvISjoyXDJIVhc5XPUCkoeUhsSZnig5vjc6ZXc3PmdY/s1600/eyebrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ4IsQhz_KBWm8EYtcKspYte-flh3_xisLL4ufFhI03NSQv2hMOcm0FZzEerYBIMiX3PRq4L6M5OZlqf0bfL1sIW-7anzZZRDJvISjoyXDJIVhc5XPUCkoeUhsSZnig5vjc6ZXc3PmdY/s1600/eyebrow.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Compared to waxing eyebrows, threading is a lot better. I believe anything in moderation is fine. But we should not be so obsessed with it . I know few people who feel bad to be in a gathering if they have not trimmed their eyebrows and also some who do threading more often than required.This applies to any form of hair in our body.Too much of shaving and make up is also bad for your skin.Remember that most people dont notice all this ,try to be with people who notice your inner beauty. It is good to look fit, beautiful and feel more confident, but have to be careful of our choices to get there.<br />
<br />
I think at-least next generation should be more confident in whatever way they look and more importance should be given to everyone's inner beauty than the outward appearance. Please share your thoughts on this.</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-17798939055867589502016-01-26T22:22:00.002-06:002016-04-07T10:41:37.539-05:00Summer Camps in Austin !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Summer is fast <span style="font-family: inherit;">approaching . Many families where both parents work it is always quiet challenging. Many of y</span>ou will be searching for summer camps around Austin. This is my first time and I did a small research and found some interesting links that I would like to share with you all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb1mZU_nrb_TQ4gaTLEpYnRcjNumCvYmbFh7xEkwzRUMegdszX4BIu1uyy1XAK6XmetQwu9KHsPobmYI1lbokPalDINU2Khe2knRmc24HW0Fu-ixc4Edw5bOryJuNXfRi0af21GSgtu0/s1600/summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb1mZU_nrb_TQ4gaTLEpYnRcjNumCvYmbFh7xEkwzRUMegdszX4BIu1uyy1XAK6XmetQwu9KHsPobmYI1lbokPalDINU2Khe2knRmc24HW0Fu-ixc4Edw5bOryJuNXfRi0af21GSgtu0/s1600/summer.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1) City of Austin offers a variety of summer camps. You can check this link fro more info <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/summercamp">http://www.austintexas.gov/summercamp</a>. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Summer Camp registration opens Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
2) Austin Chronicle offers an extensive list of summer camps . Check this link fro more information <a href="http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/summer-camps/">http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/summer-camps/ </a>. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Submissions due Monday, March 16.</b></span></span></div>
<br />
3) Austin 360 also provides some ideas about summer camps in Austin<br />
<a href="http://campguide.austin360.com/">http://campguide.austin360.com/</a><br />
<br />
4) YMCA offers summer camps for which <b>registration starts from February 15th 2016.</b><br />
<a href="http://www.austinymca.org/programs/summer-day-camp">http://www.austinymca.org/programs/summer-day-camp</a><br />
<br />
5) You can also check Yelp to look for best summer camps in Austin<br />
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=summer_camps&find_loc=Austin%2C+TX">http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=summer_camps&find_loc=Austin%2C+TX</a><br />
<br />
6) There is an Austin summer camp fair conducted by Nurture my child. Check this link<br />
<a href="https://www.nurturemychild.com/news-events.asp">https://www.nurturemychild.com/news-events.asp</a> on <b>February 28th 2016.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I have a question to all of you , who have gone through this process before. With so many camps to choose from, how do we know which ones are the best for our kids ?? . Also if any of you can guide the new ones like me on how you chose a summer camp for your kid the process , it is much appreciated. Please post your comments.Based on the inputs I will update my post. Thank you very much and have a good night.</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-73096250564253963822016-01-13T22:07:00.001-06:002016-04-07T10:43:28.506-05:00Feeling Lucky :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy new year !!!!. Hope all of you had a wonderful break. I think most of you might have checked this post <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2015/12/water-water-everywhere.html">Water water everywhere</a>, we have fixed it and it works really well.During our break we played <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ABA0ZOA?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00ABA0ZOA&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Jenga block game</a> with our friends. Even my 5 year old showed some interest in playing this game. It was a lot of fun. There is a deal in amazon and it costs $8.68 now. Get it and try the game and see, you will surely love it.<br />
<br />
The Texas Power Ball lottery has reached its record number $1.5 billion.We all think that the person who wins the lottery is the most luckiest person. According to me everyone with a job , family , house ,food etc are lucky.In life we always have a lot of aspirations but at the end of it, I feel we are missing the most important things.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDgkMzFbwh1SPsNXuaQTlZd4CKbelR4r3wc4rimvZBkZIlO44K1CLFfxeka-e_mxnax4O0eWJjYv7YcSVJXncrQmaiKlY6ZypYRJqzZT7hHYCrBpzLKCNF5wU0xXNQ1YltT2TwhY6X0Q/s1600/lucky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDgkMzFbwh1SPsNXuaQTlZd4CKbelR4r3wc4rimvZBkZIlO44K1CLFfxeka-e_mxnax4O0eWJjYv7YcSVJXncrQmaiKlY6ZypYRJqzZT7hHYCrBpzLKCNF5wU0xXNQ1YltT2TwhY6X0Q/s1600/lucky.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At many instances I have considered myself very unlucky like when I failed my drivers license or had a high risk pregnancy or when life doesn't go as I think it should. Then I read these lines that said<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you have a lot of dishes in sink to wash feel lucky that you cooked and had food </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you have too much laundry to do feel lucky that you have a family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When your car brakes down feel lucky that you have a car </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When things dont go so well at work feel lucky that you have a job</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you have a horrible day feel lucky that there is night and you can just sleep and end the day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you wake up very late , fell lucky you are alive for another day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Positive thinking is my resolution for this year. It is just January, but already this trick is making me react better to life situations, hope this would inspire some of you as well. Have a wonderful night and meet you soon with another post.Do share your thoughts on this.</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-57932342055877954842015-12-24T11:53:00.000-06:002015-12-24T11:56:30.763-06:00Never buckle your kids car seat their winter jacket on , check this post to know why !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Holidays everyone!. With awesome weather in Austin a light jacket like this for $10 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YETJDRE?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00YETJDRE&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">U.S. Polo Assn. Boys' Cut and Sewn Fleece Hooded Jacket</a> would be good for kids now.<br />
<br />
Car safety is a very serious thing, especially in the United States, where the speed limits are high and accidents are very common. With the growing crowd in Austin and the traffic on freeway/highway, we see at least one to two accidents per day.<br />
<br />
During winter we always make our kids wear their jackets before we get them on the car. Buckle their car seats thinking it is tight and safe. I have done that many times myself. After watching the below video, I am really surprised as to how wrong it is.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9uEfou4sJQ0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9uEfou4sJQ0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Even if the car crash happens at 30 mph speed, it would cause enough damage to the kid. Also I see that my kids are very uncomfortable to sit in the car seat with their jackets on. May be it is a good idea to remove their jackets and buckle them up. In Austin it might not be that difficult to do it compared to places with below 0 degree temperature.<br />
<br />
Whatever might be the reason , keep this in mind when you take your kids, as shown on the video we can cover the jacket on the kid or even use a blanket.<br />
<br />
Have a safe and happy holidays !. Please share your thoughts on this.</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-5303974260479695242015-12-18T00:02:00.002-06:002015-12-18T09:36:28.249-06:00Water Water everywhere !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Holidays !!. It feels so good to drive home seeing all the beautiful lights around the city. The holiday spirit is seen everywhere and I like this season. I am pretty sure all of you are looking forward to the break.<br />
<br />
As I was going through Groupon deals this morning, I thought about today's topic. It is not about the Chennai floods, but about something that every Indian who came to the US would have gone through. When I first came to the US, the restrooms and the bath tub in US was something totally new to me.I think many of us would have went wrong with using the shower curtains for the first time and filled the restroom with water. I was not very happy using the toilet paper either but eventually got used it it.<br />
<br />
When my parents and in-laws visited us for the first time, the biggest thing that they had to adjust to, apart from all the other things in a new country was the restrooms. This is a very common problem which many of us have gone through but we hardly discuss about it.<br />
<br />
I asked some of my friends about what they did , and they said they gave their parents the flush able wipes from Costco. I did the same too. But still my I could see water everywhere in my restroom now and then. It is very clear that at that that age it is very difficult for our parents to changes things that they have been doing all these years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh393cc2A0aunJ7Rk0BlHGDbDRNFcgs89oIxrqaZ8hbzsJRjA-sTNlDdFcoZHDmYmFBq57AKaF_aZ10FmUsJvdZzbpTJbYp9SHSg9YzKzP2EeAWGYHXbu0weMks6gk-4votZTE3w6bB9nM/s1600/biodet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh393cc2A0aunJ7Rk0BlHGDbDRNFcgs89oIxrqaZ8hbzsJRjA-sTNlDdFcoZHDmYmFBq57AKaF_aZ10FmUsJvdZzbpTJbYp9SHSg9YzKzP2EeAWGYHXbu0weMks6gk-4votZTE3w6bB9nM/s400/biodet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When we bought our house the first thing that my father in law mentioned after asking some of his friends, who apparently mentioned that their son/daughter provided a water pipe in the restroom for them in the US , he urged us to get it done. Our builder was not ready to do it. We wanted to fix one but eventually forgot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Years passed by until I heard about this product Bio Bidet simple Bidet attachment. It is very simple to attach and very convenient to use.It has amazing reviews and also there is a great deal in Groupon for just $24.99. <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7557390-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/gg-bio-bidet-luxury-bidet-system-7%3Futm_source%3Drvs%26utm_medium%3Dafl%26utm_campaign%3D7557390">Biodet Groupon deal</a>. Hurry this is a limited time offer . I think this is a great product and will help us to feel more clean.<br />
<br />
Since some of you asked me on how to install this check this video :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8bRkyEaDLqU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8bRkyEaDLqU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The best part about this is, you can save so many trees and also the cost of toilet papers in your family's budget.After seeing this, I think my father in law who has not visited us for nearly two years might make a trip soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please do share your experience about this product, good and bad. It will be very good to know.</div>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-55219773300417166142015-12-13T13:50:00.000-06:002015-12-14T17:20:45.003-06:00Five interesting places in Austin to host a birthday party for kids!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Trail of lights 2015 in Austin Zilker park is a spectacular show of lights. Make sure you take cash when you go, ferry's wheel ride is $6 per person and the horse ride for kids is $4 per rider.We took a Zip pass which is $15 /person and free for kids below 5 years. Check this out for information on tickets <a href="http://austintrailoflights.org/2015-tickets-specialty-nights">Special tickets</a>. We parked near Stratford since it was not closed that day, it is better to get the $15 parking online so that you can park near the park and walk.In general for any information on Trail of lights check this website <a href="http://austintrailoflights.org/faq">Trail of Lights FAQ</a>.<br />
<br />
Being parents of 2 young kids, we attend birthday parties almost every weekend. We hosted our kids 1st birthday party in a community hall. As they turn 2 or 3 it is better to host it in a more fun place. If it is summer, we can host it in a park, but during these cold months we are forced to have in indoors. Usually the most famous ones are Chuck E cheese, check this post I wrote sometime back <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2014/05/chuck-e-cheese-rocks.html">Chuck E Cheese </a>, Pump it up , Little Gym. Check out this deal with Austin Aquarium , we have been thinking to take our kids here for a while now <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7557390-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/austin-aquarium-1">Austin Aquarium</a>, they also have a special deal for hosting birthday parties there. I would like to write about 5 places that we went last year :<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0ro0uqS8q93rnUx9C3nz4bm5Akb1ad7uMpgEYwTr471pj0Quixvr8wlm99UwmbXDmOTcin_wXJM9K4zl7VZLhil-J87VT90_ssFhuS5oJ6KaR7myTBzwoaCUv-y7KcxYD1JNGD8CJQA/s1600/birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0ro0uqS8q93rnUx9C3nz4bm5Akb1ad7uMpgEYwTr471pj0Quixvr8wlm99UwmbXDmOTcin_wXJM9K4zl7VZLhil-J87VT90_ssFhuS5oJ6KaR7myTBzwoaCUv-y7KcxYD1JNGD8CJQA/s1600/birthday.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
1) Hoppin House : This is in South Austin. We had our kids birthday party this year at Hoppin House. Their service was extremely good and they made sure everything went on smoothly. The best part I liked was that they gave us a fridge magnet with the picture of the kids who attended the party. It is a nice thing to look back when all the kids are grown ups. Check here for more information <a href="http://www.hoppinhouse.com/">Hoppin house</a>.<br />
<br />
2) Thinkery: I think most of you know about this place if you are in Austin. My kids love going to this place, just that we dont have time to take them more often. Best thing about attending birthday party here is that the rest of the day after the party is free. Check one of my post about this place about it <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2014/05/thinkery-does-it-really-makes-kids-think.html">Thinkery</a> also for more information about this place check <a href="http://thinkeryaustin.org/">here </a>.<br />
<br />
3) Foodie-Kids: This place is in Far West Blvd. My son was invited to a birthday party here and he enjoyed making pizza and cup cake . It is like a 1 hr cooking class for kids and it is a lot of fun. To know more about this place check here <a href="https://foodie-kids.com/">Foodie Kids</a><br />
<br />
4) Book People: This is a good place to host younger age birthday party.They read a book to all kids and let them color personalized sheets and also do a craft with the kids. My kids had fun here. To know more about this place check here <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">Book People</a>.<br />
<br />
5)Champions West Lake : This is a GYM kind of place, kids had a blast along with an instructor. I liked that they also let kids to learn balance and showed them some new tricks. Check out here to know more<a href="http://www.championswestlake.com/"> Champions</a>.<br />
<br />
As I went through the Evite list, I realized that we have been to many parties and enjoyed everyone of them. Thanks to all our friends for having us. I know the amount of time and money we spend on making sure everyone has fun. Also if there are other locations that are not well known to everyone leave them as a comment here. I am planning list them under the<a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/p/cities.html"> Cities </a> tab in my homepage so it will benefit others. Have a nice rest of the week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-19588693815259563312015-12-05T21:31:00.001-06:002015-12-06T08:05:43.608-06:00Chennai floods relief fund<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hope all of you are doing good. If any of you are looking to get Sam's club member ship there is a good deal on Groupon for first time or for people who are not Sam's club member in past 6 months. <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7557390-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/sam-s-club-439-austin">Sam's club membership for $25</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
Most of us know about the Chennai floods. It is heart breaking to see the videos on NEWS ,Face Book and Twitter. A lot of mixed emotions ran through my mind seeing all this.I have lived in that city for 22 years and has never seen such a disaster. How did all this happen ? These are some of the reasons that I think could have contributed:<br />
<br />
1)People from different parts of Tamil Nadu come to Chennai due to IT expansion and hence its population drastically increased in the past few years<br />
2) That lead to land scarcity for people to live so more lake and low level areas being converted to multi story apartments.<br />
3) Concrete everywhere and no open space for water to be absorbed by soil.<br />
4) No proper drainage system to channelize water from reservoir during rainy season<br />
5) People who dont follow any rules and corrupted government.<br />
6)Every time when people violated rules they never realized it would come back to bite them.<br />
<br />
This video is thought provoking :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hbi_qOu6vYA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hbi_qOu6vYA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
I dont think we can fix all the damage already done. We have to just hope that the city gets back to the state where it was before. There are so many NGO's and other go fund me links <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/mvc.php?route=search&page=3&term=chennai+flood">https://www.gofundme.com/mvc.php?route=search&page=3&term=chennai+flood</a> set up to donate money.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
I have done my part please do contribute some money to help them if possible. Also there are many initiatives started but the various Tamil Sangam across US . Below are some of the initiatives to collect money for Tamil relief fund:<br />
<b>Austin</b> : <a href="http://www.suvaiindiankitchen.com/">http://www.suvaiindiankitchen.com/</a> - Their website says "<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 27px;">Dine with us and we Send 1</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 27px;">00% Proceeds </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 27px;">For Chennai Food Relief </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 27px;">Dec 6 Sunday, All day. & 25% discount on entire order".</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 17.5636px;"><b>Houston</b>: You can donate through Greater Houston Tamil school at their website </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 17.5636px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://houstontamilschools.org/">http://houstontamilschools.org/</a> and donate through paypal</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 17.5636px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Bay Area Tamil Mandram</b> : Bay area Tamil Manram is collecting funds through this paypal link </span></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/huxwkgz" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/huxwkgz</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: left;">
<b>Sacramanto Tamil Mandram</b> : They are collecting money through this paypal link <a href="http://www.sactamil.org/jmain/index.php/tamil-nadu-flood">http://www.sactamil.org/jmain/index.php/tamil-nadu-flood</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: left;">
<b>Las Vegas Tamil Mandram</b>: You can donate through this link <a href="http://www.vegastamils.org/Home.aspx">http://www.vegastamils.org/Home.aspx</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: left;">
<b>Arizona Tamil Sangam</b> : You can donate here <a href="http://www.azindia.com/donatefor.aspx?id=21610&donate=donate" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.5636px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.azindia.com/donatefor.aspx?id=21610&donate=donate</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: left;">
It is so heartening to see so many Tamil organisations collecting money for this cause.Please check your local Tamil Organisation and help the people in need. Also if you know of more organisations please add it to the list.</div>
</div>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-69042719338991078292015-11-26T16:05:00.002-06:002015-11-26T16:16:40.989-06:00Fun way to spend Thanks Giving break at home with kids !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello All, It feels so nice to write a post again !!. Happy thanks giving to all of you. I am really thankful for this break from the general routine that gave me a some free time to write. November has always been special to me. I have some of my friends birthdays falling in this month. In India important festival Diwali will fall around this time of the year. After coming to US, the only things that comes to my mind when I think of November is "Thanks giving" ,"holidays" and "deals".<br />
After 2010 , November turned even more special as both my kids have their birthdays in this month. I am really thank full for having them in my life. They keep me busy and motivated.<br />
<br />
Last week when I thought about this 5 daybreak with the kids at home, since we didn't plan on going anywhere, I was worried as how to engage them. They are slowly growing out of all the general activities that we used to do. I browsed through online and found a new way to spend time with them and found out that board games would be a good way to keep them engaged. It is working like a charm. If you have kids 3 years and up try some of these board games at home, it not only reduces TV time but also keeps them focused and engaged.<br />
<br />
1) Snake and Ladder: My kids love this game and it is our house favorite now. This is only $5.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHRHVE2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CHRHVE2&linkCode=as2&tag=httppreethipr-20&linkId=VC3EBFRD4WCL6FJZ" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00CHRHVE2&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httppreethipr-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httppreethipr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CHRHVE2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Old Maid : This is a good card game for kids. As of now we dont follow all the rules but yet it is fun to play with . You can get them fro $1 in dollar stores.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Sorry : We recently got this and my son loves this game. He wants to play this all the time !!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8VHIMG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D8VHIMG&linkCode=as2&tag=httppreethipr-20&linkId=WSMYG3F5USBRPXS5" rel="nofollow"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00D8VHIMG&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httppreethipr-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httppreethipr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00D8VHIMG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4)Magnetic tiles: This is only $16. This is also a very good way to keep kids occupied.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016P6LKGU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B016P6LKGU&linkCode=as2&tag=httppreethipr-20&linkId=4TVPJA26QTUXQWBZ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B016P6LKGU&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httppreethipr-20" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httppreethipr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B016P6LKGU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
5) Connect : This is a fun game for the kids to play.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D8STBHY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00D8STBHY&linkCode=as2&tag=httppreethipr-20&linkId=3SWFHCR5L3PYVCVR" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00D8STBHY&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=httppreethipr-20" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Playing board games is a fun way to spend family time. Please share other things that you do as a family and that helps to keep your kids engaged during winter and rainy days .</div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httppreethipr-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00D8STBHY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-16272236644959790422015-08-06T21:44:00.000-05:002015-08-06T21:44:16.319-05:00Our Garden :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Summer !!!!I really like summer since we can get out without a jacket, socks and other accessories. Kids get to play outside and above all we can do gardening.After reading this post <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2015/07/planning-road-trip-with-young-kids-here.html">Planning a road trip with young kids ?? Here are some tips !!</a> many of you asked me to post about my garden.<br />
<br />
We have a friend who really inspired us to start our garden. When we bought our house we decided where we wanted the vegetable patch. We built a raised bed around that patch and filled it with soil bought from<a href="http://www.geogrowers.net/"> Geogrowers</a>. <br />
<br />
Usually we buy seeds and saplings from<a href="http://www.naturalgardeneraustin.com/"> Natural Gardeners</a>. In the past two years we have planted few fruit trees and veggie plants. For Texas heat plants like okra,eggplant,peppers, tomato, mint and cucumber usually thrive well. We have planted all these this summer.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLeNYSSSR6ddshng08LnMGeQ8vH8pTiIGgDiNXj0lsKHPDnCFsgpbhiQY_Ux_JkYUoSWzmnVQCGED5RUFHOIARUm_j8kqjk463PsQ6R-VbMhGp6qGXAk9smvolprNaGg3MmxxoMzB_QA/s1600/cucumber.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLeNYSSSR6ddshng08LnMGeQ8vH8pTiIGgDiNXj0lsKHPDnCFsgpbhiQY_Ux_JkYUoSWzmnVQCGED5RUFHOIARUm_j8kqjk463PsQ6R-VbMhGp6qGXAk9smvolprNaGg3MmxxoMzB_QA/s200/cucumber.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzL0VLEWarDSekg5TxvOOYjiyvvHM7ZsPai7grQi82gQ0FVoI938VPKodGlEyYfDInxrslBPayhcN0MgyJ9_YgmKGcEKL8gpzcdvbzYUoh2qlYpw_PjcRsnZ6Y861tAphAa3MLqN4CPk/s1600/tomato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzL0VLEWarDSekg5TxvOOYjiyvvHM7ZsPai7grQi82gQ0FVoI938VPKodGlEyYfDInxrslBPayhcN0MgyJ9_YgmKGcEKL8gpzcdvbzYUoh2qlYpw_PjcRsnZ6Y861tAphAa3MLqN4CPk/s200/tomato.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7eH0B-lDItkyQGbUfGgdYFnnk-FUi2eSu6jAjY1V9rW2fSYnwqnhE6FV1hi5S94j_bm-mibk7bNddy9UfLQLRO8WZsrHCbYT27EZ9i6iSmgt6Eo2mp2THpyoiArliTpMTsNBlpg7IlE/s1600/eggplant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7eH0B-lDItkyQGbUfGgdYFnnk-FUi2eSu6jAjY1V9rW2fSYnwqnhE6FV1hi5S94j_bm-mibk7bNddy9UfLQLRO8WZsrHCbYT27EZ9i6iSmgt6Eo2mp2THpyoiArliTpMTsNBlpg7IlE/s200/eggplant.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggplant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHBiyjj8LZ8bfldVuAUmpDen1Y_07V364KZngdXd5VtrhT5vw7PPASmqkzxNONYDNP66_GomoHc2nbvroKFeIAuStuYTDItd_gcgVr3djn_kbVStjHaLif2DqhfmmyNKWktsBRLVFl9o/s1600/produce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHBiyjj8LZ8bfldVuAUmpDen1Y_07V364KZngdXd5VtrhT5vw7PPASmqkzxNONYDNP66_GomoHc2nbvroKFeIAuStuYTDItd_gcgVr3djn_kbVStjHaLif2DqhfmmyNKWktsBRLVFl9o/s320/produce.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produce collected over a week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1ylZYZ_q193AoqcIM0BJEwHsVwaq8WmmzUPvHmNKk73BNGol4Cwst0e0rXWESy5dBH70JWu4spAUQYPgrF9-OvPJsvP3YzkXayekZb1Cv54BBwjsI3aFK6x-IFKgqIrDd71kr_lCkRM/s1600/chillie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1ylZYZ_q193AoqcIM0BJEwHsVwaq8WmmzUPvHmNKk73BNGol4Cwst0e0rXWESy5dBH70JWu4spAUQYPgrF9-OvPJsvP3YzkXayekZb1Cv54BBwjsI3aFK6x-IFKgqIrDd71kr_lCkRM/s200/chillie.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTebrVSxXRITUZ-uokmZMSf9Td3KiR1wa6moXrimMUH_-IZuU-1KNTxtsKqmnf5u5M65aBypi6gcc8Vp1JmlEhyphenhyphenp4aPDszuvzz8E2E8jJXpXKGnr_DrVpLk4YZP3JrFpgwpkRWVi0FssM/s1600/mint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTebrVSxXRITUZ-uokmZMSf9Td3KiR1wa6moXrimMUH_-IZuU-1KNTxtsKqmnf5u5M65aBypi6gcc8Vp1JmlEhyphenhyphenp4aPDszuvzz8E2E8jJXpXKGnr_DrVpLk4YZP3JrFpgwpkRWVi0FssM/s200/mint.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mint </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gardening is a lot of work and it needs a lot of maintenance. My husband set up drip irrigation using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0108ZF56A?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0108ZF56A&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">soaker pipes</a> and a using a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004INGS8S?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004INGS8S&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20"> timer </a> we set up the time when the vegetable bed should be watered. We also use<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012BGXVQ?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0012BGXVQ&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20"> neem pesticide</a> to protect plants from pesticide.<br />
<br />
Gardening is a an art and it takes a lot of hard work. Finally when you cook something using veggies from your garden it is a great sense of accomplishment. My kids really like to see the veggies grow from flower. I know many of you maintain a wonderful garden. Do share some pics and also tips. Have a wonderful week and will meet you all soon with another post.<br />
<br />
If you found this post interesting do like my FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom/866511393382329">IndoUSMoms</a> and also follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoUsMoms">@IndoUSMoms</a>. </div>
</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-72464667104095565902015-07-25T22:38:00.003-05:002015-07-25T23:18:21.906-05:00New Technologies in Indian Wedding !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy weekend !!! . We are slowly hitting 100 degree Fahrenheit in Austin. Will have to wait and see how this summer turns out to be.<br />
<br />
There is a good deal on Groupon for <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7557390-10872943?url=https%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/h2o-hand-car-wash-detail-11">Car Wash</a>. $54 worth car wash for $33.There are different locations from which you can choose one to get your car washed.<br />
<br />
Indian Weddings are fun-filled. You get to meet a lot of relatives and friends in weddings.I usually love the lively atmosphere.Best part is you dont have to worry about cooking and just enjoy. To know more about our wedding check this post <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2014/04/our-wedding-story.html">Our Wedding</a>.<br />
<br />
Wedding is also a big business where everyone is trying to make money in an innovative way. Technology plays a major role in Indian weddings over years , using which people come up with new ideas to make more money. I remember my mom showing her wedding pics in black-and-white. They had only one color picture taken , which was a great deal at that time.When my aunt and uncle got married, color photos were common. Later by the time my brother and my cousins got married digital pictures was the trend. Also email invites was prevalent at that time. There has always been some new technology getting introduced every decade.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLezvJN7egn5IBGDTYI1UIw54NNJQewcUTxLmjpOpHnEp4iAsQQFcTMuaF6HU2_A5Lftsx7-_MtBqPMZCjiIlaJPkuZac638vThyphenhyphenjrOHZBEEO5inVtXpNWz20V-KTlfMYDu1ZOzrv5OZs/s1600/Indian+Wedding+Hd+Wallpapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLezvJN7egn5IBGDTYI1UIw54NNJQewcUTxLmjpOpHnEp4iAsQQFcTMuaF6HU2_A5Lftsx7-_MtBqPMZCjiIlaJPkuZac638vThyphenhyphenjrOHZBEEO5inVtXpNWz20V-KTlfMYDu1ZOzrv5OZs/s400/Indian+Wedding+Hd+Wallpapers.jpg" width="400" /></a>Now I see some of my friends creating a website for their wedding and sharing pictures and their love story, which I think is a great idea. Then came the live streaming of the wedding for people who are not able to attend. Latest fashion is to take a short video and also a variety of pictures and post them on social media. This gives a peek into the wedding for most of us who are abroad and cannot be there in person.<br />
<br />
The biggest thing I miss living in US is attending Indian weddings that would have given me an opportunity to at-least wear my wedding sarees more often :). I wish there was some technology that will let me travel to India for a weekend and enjoy these weddings. Please share your thoughts on this.<br />
If you found this post interesting do like my FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom/866511393382329">IndoUSMoms</a> and also follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoUsMoms">@IndoUSMoms</a>. </div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-33046643430823648792015-07-20T22:21:00.000-05:002015-07-20T22:27:42.589-05:00Planning a road trip with kids this summer ??? Here are some tips !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hope all of you are busy. Busy is always good :). This weekend we harvested okra, eggplant and cucumber from our garden. I cooked those vegetables and all tasted good. It is a great feeling of accomplishment !!.<br />
<br />
Our kids had a 2 week summer break this July. We did a road trip to Florida. We went to Pensacola beach, Daytona beach, Lego land, Clear water beach and Atlanta. The trip was around 3500 miles. My husband loves driving and I drove for a few hours in between to give him a break. Some tips that made our road trip a success are :<br />
<br />
1) Once you plan your itenary book Hotel rooms accordingly.<br />
<br />
<b>Things to eat :</b><br />
2) Next will be the things to buy , a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNV91U?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000LNV91U&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Cooler</a> is absolutely essential .<br />
3) Get juices, water chocolate milk from Costco. All these will go into the cooler.<br />
4)Take snacks like gold fish mini bags , Oreo mini packs , gummy bears mini packs for kids so it is easier for them to handle.<br />
5) For adults take trail mix and nuts, breakfast bar , something that fills you well.<br />
6) Fruits : My daughter just loves fruits so we took some fruits.<br />
7)Flavored yogurt was a great hit among my kids. It fills them and also helped to cool their body. We bought a flavored yogurt pack and put it in our cooler.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Things you should not forget to take:</b><br />
7) If your kids are young around 2-3 years old take a small potty and enough pull ups.<br />
8) Stroller: Stroller is something we tend to forget.<br />
9) Put small plastic bags as trash in front of your kids seat and ask them to throw all the trash in there.<br />
10) Have paper towels handy as you can clean any mess easily with it.<br />
11) Take enough trash bags to put the old clothes.<br />
12) Reusable spoons for kids to eat something.<br />
13) Take sunscreen and hat if travelling during summer.<br />
14) Phone/laptop chargers<br />
15) GPS<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo5E_683cnfaA3qs1eUghWyXpADERPawoGSrTT-0cTZ_9-UChluKOyIOBK-OlulJ_Mlez8UYsn-UjM398deW1Fz1X3w-ii4vEAUwvsQIJBOOelAd1DXBWPh-pVcKiSILujmjgDGUTjyY/s1600/Pensacola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo5E_683cnfaA3qs1eUghWyXpADERPawoGSrTT-0cTZ_9-UChluKOyIOBK-OlulJ_Mlez8UYsn-UjM398deW1Fz1X3w-ii4vEAUwvsQIJBOOelAd1DXBWPh-pVcKiSILujmjgDGUTjyY/s320/Pensacola.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pensacola beach , loved the white sand beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Things to pack</b><br />
16) Plan and pack : Travel light ,take only required clothes.Take shoes and flip flops as you might need both of them. Since we were travelling to beaches I had a seperate bag with beach stuff which we wont take out from the car unless we go to a beach.<br />
17) Every night pack things you need for the next day in the backpack.<br />
18)Pack all the medications for kids like especially probiotics <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZINDCY?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000ZINDCY&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Florastor for kids </a>. It helps to keep their tummy happy. Their tylenol, band-aid, allergy medicine etc.<br />
<br />
<b>For entertainment in the car :</b><br />
19) We took latest collection of songs on a CD and also got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033G9NUQ?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0033G9NUQ&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Curious George DVD</a>, which my kids watched on repeat mode. One of my friend suggested that you can also rent from RED BOX as you go and return it next day at some other RED BOX location which I thought was pretty cool.<br />
<br />
Please add if I have missed something. We really enjoyed the experience. Advantages of a road trip are , it is cheaper, very flexible and you can change plans based on how things go, you get to see mother nature and changing weather patterns, spend a lot of family time in the car . Do try one trip and you will think twice about flying to a place next time.<br />
<br />
If you found this post useful do like my FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom/866511393382329">IndoUSMoms</a> and also follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoUsMoms">@IndoUSMoms</a>. </div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-27245979407181692092015-07-14T23:30:00.000-05:002015-07-14T23:38:38.401-05:00Healthy and Quick breakfast ideas !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My week is sailing through slowly. Getting into routine after a vacation is really tough. Trying our best.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is "Prime Day" and all prime members of Amazon get great deals, even better than Black Friday deals during thanks giving. If you are already not a prime member you can sign in for a 30-day trial today for no charge <a href="http://www.amazon.com/tryprimefree/?ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1435791329639&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=httppreethipr-20&linkId=5V46NLRKFMVBYELP" target="_blank">Happy Amazon Prime Day July 15 - Exclusive Deals for Prime Members - Start Free 30-Day Trial</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=httppreethipr-20&l=pf4&o=1" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and you can view all the deals tomorrow. There is 40% off on all grocery items, there is going to be great deals on electronic items and also on back-to-school items, dont miss this opportunity.<br />
<br />
Breakfast is the most important meal of our day. The name clearly states that we break our fast after sleeping through the night. Usually it is a good practice to drink a glass of water as the first thing in the morning. Following that you have to eat breakfast within one hour of waking up.<br />
<br />
When I was young, I remember having south Indian delicacies like idly, pongal, dosai, poori or upma for breakfast. These days we dont have the time to make all that. It is a fast paced life and in most household both parents work and they are always on the go. I looked up some healthy breakfast ideas and we follow this at our home now. I thought of sharing it with you all<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn4JLHRJZ4t_Z6PZuSuSxB3dmpm_4iPUD9TtQ2ogV9knxuOttA37JrV-1aFMgaSA1Af5txXEjqXcouTnsgTCstMCpGuoJD5CB292MDiKf_Bv4vhPYw4lqlxz3npoNXmo3MKTR2DXO2C8/s1600/Breakfast-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn4JLHRJZ4t_Z6PZuSuSxB3dmpm_4iPUD9TtQ2ogV9knxuOttA37JrV-1aFMgaSA1Af5txXEjqXcouTnsgTCstMCpGuoJD5CB292MDiKf_Bv4vhPYw4lqlxz3npoNXmo3MKTR2DXO2C8/s400/Breakfast-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
1) <b>Oats with milk and sugar</b>: This is the most favorite. We all like this. It is simple to make. Boil oats in water for a few minutes once it is cooked add some milk and sugar.<br />
<br />
2)<b> Smoothie</b>: This is becoming big these days. Most of us have a Vitamix at home. You can put in fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, honey, milk, avocado whatever you feel like having and have a smoothie.<br />
<br />
3) <b>Home-made Yogurt+ Berries+ Granola</b>: This is our house favorite, kids love to eat it and it is also healthy.<br />
<br />
4) <b>Eggs</b>: I am not a great fan of eggs, but I like the egg white omelette, my husband loves scrambled eggs and omelette. Our kids haven't developed a taste for it yet.<br />
<br />
5) <b>Bread</b>: We always get wholegrain or Honey+ Sprouted wheat bread and have a toast with a spread. I love the spicy spread from Trader Joe's.Peanut butter + Jelly is our house favorite<br />
<br />
6) <b>High Fiber low sugar cereal</b>: Kids love Cheerios , we try different cereal every time. We love everything with a pinch of cinnamon and nuts on them.<br />
<br />
7) <b>Breakfast Bar</b>: This is the last resort when we really wake up very late and dont have the time to fix any breakfast.<br />
<br />
8) <b>Milk and Orange Juice:</b> You can have one of these along with the breakfast.<br />
<br />
9) <b>Quiche</b>: My husband makes this quick quiche<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8E4dKsYNzb4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8E4dKsYNzb4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
On weekends I usually try to make pancake or waffle for my kids with fruits. Usually they have a fruit as morning snack at school , so I dont give them a fruit during weekday. Also I try to make poha, idly or dosa during weekend mornings. Sometime we have the normal breakfast that we eat during weekdays also.<br />
<br />
I am pretty sure each household have your own hidden breakfast tips, please do share them. If you found this post useful do like my FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom/866511393382329">IndoUSMoms</a> and also follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoUsMoms">@IndoUSMoms</a>. </div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-58189133607228384642015-07-11T16:38:00.001-05:002015-07-14T23:31:41.150-05:00Some tips to keep kids engaged at home during summer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hope all of you are enjoying your summer break. We went on a long road trip and are finally home.Slowly getting back to routine :).<br />
<br />
There is a great deal for new customers on Gyft.com. They are giving you $5 off when you purchase gift cards worth $15 or more for over 200 retailers that are associated with Gyft. Some of the popular retailers are Whole foods, Kohls, Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Home Depot, Itunes, Best Buy, Ebay, Express, GAP, BabiesRUs , ToysRUS, Old Navy, The Childrens Place, JC Penny etc. I recently got a Whole foods $15 gift card for $10 through this. Check it out ! . <a href="http://track.flexlinks.com/a.ashx?foid=1069495.1532772&fot=9999&foc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summer Special! Sign up today & get a free $5 Gyft card at Gyft.com! *New customers only. See site for details.
</a><img border="0" src="http://track.flexlinks.com/i.ashx?foid=1069495.1532772&fot=9999&foc=1" /><br />
<br />
After reading this post <a href="http://indousmoms.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-do-you-engage-your-kids-at-home.html">How do you engage your kids at home?</a> many of you asked me to share what other activities I do with my kids at home. I try my best to present different activities to them so they are engaged and also have fun. Some of them are :<br />
<br />
1) Flash cards: Flash cards are an excellent way to teach kids alphabets or numbers and it will also keep them occupied for a while. I ask them to arrange the cards in alphabetical order or just lay them down and call out an alphabet and they will pick it up. For my 2 year old I will call out the pictures on the card and she will pick and give it to me. You can use your imagination and play differently. You can buy something like this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0769647197?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0769647197&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Flash cards</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy069Sn-cx1UESvD8BqcrDbvUfm9_u8OfCo0_dcw3zPTmg7gWtuNwTrK0-LPtDw0OjzSV0PUU3XnjJJOC8EnJgOEmYGISMv8hrimmlB1e-Z8BaCgwvEQ80fPb2Wq3VMvTUCMwShB1fW3U/s1600/flash_pranav%2526Riya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy069Sn-cx1UESvD8BqcrDbvUfm9_u8OfCo0_dcw3zPTmg7gWtuNwTrK0-LPtDw0OjzSV0PUU3XnjJJOC8EnJgOEmYGISMv8hrimmlB1e-Z8BaCgwvEQ80fPb2Wq3VMvTUCMwShB1fW3U/s320/flash_pranav%2526Riya.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids at work </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFsXoYC8tgo_ulK1MbztTipiKM0j5J-UJpYKv2a1Q2o8_jG-hcypazR9Pg97S6ee_TsOurBwYoBXpOu2izu-wuz_0dN6OFp8hXBhavAz9J0isKnBsvnHU_ES53u-U8SGEeRO4MyFJPJA/s1600/flash_cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFsXoYC8tgo_ulK1MbztTipiKM0j5J-UJpYKv2a1Q2o8_jG-hcypazR9Pg97S6ee_TsOurBwYoBXpOu2izu-wuz_0dN6OFp8hXBhavAz9J0isKnBsvnHU_ES53u-U8SGEeRO4MyFJPJA/s320/flash_cards.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arranged for the pick up game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2)Beads and threads: This is a favorite activity of my kids. They make their own necklace and bracelet out of it.You can buy some beads <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D9DMMW?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004D9DMMW&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">1000 beads sale</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HC2MEKI?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00HC2MEKI&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">bead string</a> and you will be amazed on how kids love to work with them.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQirF_nJ5IHHPWW-WYTrPmoSJ7zdVfpn4ce2wsLL8rJJ-zWW5CzZKEafwy6F2xmB_-knv3NP_hMW9LwwXmz-XAUkr9DFELxFZFWrEgNeAQ0IjsP7s4-hgwHEj3n0wViSrsMoFetlbG7h8/s1600/riya_beads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQirF_nJ5IHHPWW-WYTrPmoSJ7zdVfpn4ce2wsLL8rJJ-zWW5CzZKEafwy6F2xmB_-knv3NP_hMW9LwwXmz-XAUkr9DFELxFZFWrEgNeAQ0IjsP7s4-hgwHEj3n0wViSrsMoFetlbG7h8/s320/riya_beads.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter busy with her beads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
3) Colored Popsicle sticks: These are a great resource for activities. You can do color sorting with them or shapes or alphabets. This is also a good time consuming activity.You can buy some colored sticks like these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018N4CM0?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0018N4CM0&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Colored sticks</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx_yrgqrSx_5fOWWuKwTlDMYOIbe0LUnMYSY1bkmfKPShzAZvEvEDXXKX92Hn7QCrstj-ZFGtKtkF089pSqJF57rpsZSPaOfjzM8X7wtu43v1BXSIauTsg-R1qNJLg0ni78Yee198Ajo/s1600/alphabets_olor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx_yrgqrSx_5fOWWuKwTlDMYOIbe0LUnMYSY1bkmfKPShzAZvEvEDXXKX92Hn7QCrstj-ZFGtKtkF089pSqJF57rpsZSPaOfjzM8X7wtu43v1BXSIauTsg-R1qNJLg0ni78Yee198Ajo/s320/alphabets_olor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Popsicle stick alphabets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4) Milk can lid game: This is the cheapest activity. Just collect all milk can lids and stack them and use something as a striker to hit it. This is also a good time consuming activity.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoM-3L-azaK7wt1NwUMr3t3BkyFYQXFpJHwqaRzpWaong6esLHF-iWt01pviXdYggYdDV6oHtmQm0fOSaU2vI9gSs7XDJE-fkSb8ByJA5HsY7-mqv-6wP81DPCVEcy1FEUAU7iJTfkBs/s1600/Pranav_milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoM-3L-azaK7wt1NwUMr3t3BkyFYQXFpJHwqaRzpWaong6esLHF-iWt01pviXdYggYdDV6oHtmQm0fOSaU2vI9gSs7XDJE-fkSb8ByJA5HsY7-mqv-6wP81DPCVEcy1FEUAU7iJTfkBs/s320/Pranav_milk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son at work with the milk can lids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We do a lot more activities. To manage the mess I place all the raw materials in a good container and make my kids clean them after they are done.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_h-5flPyQkGnC4lKQKxvXluBSBXr1k6VTeWN9YANzAxoKfpVkfxvHoHhu2-vQ0bbbDtiIgPqgExsF9Nh3UPUuztORJ1hH4hwkCHOz_zWuPw7JVtEwRZjI9NPXdR5qCkj8zv0830MlPM/s1600/new_material.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_h-5flPyQkGnC4lKQKxvXluBSBXr1k6VTeWN9YANzAxoKfpVkfxvHoHhu2-vQ0bbbDtiIgPqgExsF9Nh3UPUuztORJ1hH4hwkCHOz_zWuPw7JVtEwRZjI9NPXdR5qCkj8zv0830MlPM/s320/new_material.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sometimes they will not have the mood to do anything. I try to go at their pace and will just throw ideas. Also I keep removing some activities that they are bored playing with and introduce new ones. My aim is to minimize their TV time and also spend more time with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Stay tuned to know more activities and also share other things that you do with your kids. If you found this post useful do like my FB page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom/866511393382329">IndoUSMoms</a> and also follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoUsMoms">@IndoUSMoms</a>. </div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3160243800642887476.post-37266619978064390302015-07-05T17:39:00.000-05:002015-07-14T23:31:50.490-05:00Natural serene place within one hour drive from Austin !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy 4th of July weekend everyone. Fireworks are amazing everywhere and we enjoyed it a lot yesterday night.<br />
<br />
It is summer and we all want to be outdoors to keep the kids occupied. I have heard so many good reviews about a park and wanted to go there for a while. You can plan a day trip from Austin to this park and be back home by evening. Two weeks after the Memorial day break we went to the "Pedranales Falls State Park". Photo courtesy Anand Lakshmanan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMv45_j7Tn70kMtePFiJ9z3oqnNinX_O8bXU17ONIU5oFDjM8dUARb0I-0bAkj67_ScEnAncOKb_7rBVc8nlkbF7YH1SZIv7YXm1oJ1CXTA6oWcXUvlIySVwIOhdHhFGiqCwKzt5ICp8/s1600/pedrenales.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMv45_j7Tn70kMtePFiJ9z3oqnNinX_O8bXU17ONIU5oFDjM8dUARb0I-0bAkj67_ScEnAncOKb_7rBVc8nlkbF7YH1SZIv7YXm1oJ1CXTA6oWcXUvlIySVwIOhdHhFGiqCwKzt5ICp8/s400/pedrenales.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedranales State Park </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think the timing was perfect since there was plenty of water in the falls after the rains. We loved to sit in the flowing water and kids enjoyed playing with some of the water and sand toys.This State Park is only 1 hr away from the heart of the city. The place was very serene and completely out of the city life. As you drive be very attentive since the board to this state park is very small and you could easily miss it . Check this website for the address and other information <a href="http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls">Pedranales Falls State Park</a>.<br />
<br />
There were many unknowns before we left and I asked one of our friends who had already been there, he did give us a lot of tips and also after we visited I came to know a few things that I would like to share here<br />
<br />
1) The hike to the Falls is roughly around 1.5 miles from the parking lot at the head of the trail and we did the downstream trail.Old parents can do it and you can take a stroller if you have young kids.<br />
<br />
2) If possible pack lunch and go , something like a sandwich since the nearest place to find a restaurant is Dripping Springs which is about 20-30 minutes drive from the park.<br />
<br />
3) We did the twin Falls Hike, it was very steep and also muddy ,you can't take a stroller on this hike.<br />
<br />
4)You can drive around the park and make sure you stop at the visitor center and pay the entry fee ($6 for adults and children 12 yrs and under free) and get a map of the park.<br />
<br />
Things to take if going on a sunny day :<br />
1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYV2F7E?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00HYV2F7E&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Sunscreen</a><br />
2)<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043GEVHA?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0043GEVHA&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">Insect repellent OFF</a> : It is advisable to have deet less than 20% on such repellents.<br />
2) Hat/Coolers : There is a deal on kids hats <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RPP78T4?&ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00RPP78T4&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">girls hat</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RPP7W9K?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00RPP7W9K&linkCode=xm2&tag=httppreethipr-20">boys hat</a><br />
3) Food<br />
4) Stroller<br />
5) Enough water or Gatorade<br />
6) Change of clothes and a bag to get your wet clothes<br />
7) Shoes (for hikes) and Sandals (for water area)<br />
8)Try to take backpacks as it would be easier to walk around with the stuff.<br />
<br />
You can always leave a comment or mail me if you need more information about the park.We did not do all the trails but don't mind going again to do some as my son loved it.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the summer break and do share some pics of other places you visited with your family around Austin. If you found this post useful do like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/IndoUSmomsblogspotcom/866511393382329">IndoUSMoms</a> face book page and also follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoUsMoms">@IndoUSMoms</a>. Have a wonderful week ahead.</div>
Jayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793062069437548131noreply@blogger.com0