Happy Birthday... My Love

No one knows you quite like me,

The world sees what they choose to see.

Harsh, rude, a little tough,

Yet I know a heart that's soft enough.

You care in ways words cannot say,

Giving, helping, come what may.

Love isn’t spoken, yet always there,

Shown in moments, in the way you care.

Through storms and trials, we stood tall,

Hand in hand, we’ve faced it all.

Sometimes I wonder how and why,

But deep inside, we need no reply.

Some husbands yell, some husbands roar,

In our tale, that’s my chore!

You stay calm, composed, and wise,

Yet your temper—I’ve seen it rise!

“Opposites attract,” they say, so true,

I laugh, I chatter—nothing new.

You, reserved, with words so few,

Talking only when you need to.

A smile for a photo? Oh, what a task!

A thousand clicks, yet none you grasp.

I giggle, I pose, while you stand still,

But I love you, stubborn or chill!

We’re opposites, yet blend just right,

Like day and night, like dark and light.

Ishannk and I send love your way,

Wishing you joy on your special day!

Stay blessed, stay strong, stay just the same,

For in our world, you light the flame.

2 March 2025 – 7 March 2025

Old is Gold – A Step Back to Traditional Cookware

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, convenience and speed are given top priority. This is why non-stick and aluminium cookware have become common in most kitchens. However, while these options may seem convenient, their long-term effects must be considered. I realized this and finally decided – to return to traditional cookware!

I recently removed all non-stick pans and aluminium utensils from my kitchen and replaced them with cast iron cookware. Initially, it was a bit challenging, but as I started using them regularly, I began to understand their benefits.

Adopting Traditional Cooking Habits - There are certain traditional habits that we inherit, and one such habit I have adopted is leaving the ladle in the curry after tempering. This allows some natural iron to seep into the food, making it healthier.

However, I used to rely on aluminium kadais for making dishes like upma and sheera, non-stick cookware for frying bhajis / sabjis, and a non-stick pan for making rotis—except for bhakris, which were always made on an iron griddle. This inconsistency had been bothering me for a while. Finally, my sister and I went shopping and bought cast iron cookware.

Initial Challenges and Solutions -

Bringing iron cookware from the market and simply washing it once before use is not enough. After washing and drying, you need to apply oil (sesame or coconut) all over it and let it sit for about half an hour. Then, wipe It clean with a cloth, wash it again thoroughly, and only then is it ready for use. If this process is not followed, food like fritters may turn black.

For the first couple of days, I faced some difficulties. Cooking dinner while also helping my child with studies meant occasional distractions. As the saying goes, “नजर हटी दुर्घटना घटी - A moment’s distraction can lead to an accident”, and sure enough, my bhajis stuck to the pan. But I told myself, “Vegetables little burned, turn out crisp and delicious!” I tried different techniques to season the pan properly. The stubbornly stuck bhajis finally came off after soaking the pan, boiling that water, and scrubbing it gently.

Another challenge with cast iron cookware is cleaning and maintenance. These utensils need to be washed and dried immediately to prevent rusting. I found a solution—I soak them in soapy water, and my house help washes and dries them right away. If you have someone who can handle this task efficiently, switching to cast iron cookware becomes much easier.

Next Step – Brass Cookware and storage containers

Now that I have started using cast iron cookware, my next goal is to introduce brass utensils into my kitchen. I already have a copper water pot and a silver glasses, but I also wish to replace my stainless steel plates, bowls, and glasses with brass ones. 

Also planning to replace my plastic storage containers with brass containers. It will take time though.

Brass utensils have a unique charm—both in looks and functionality!

The Journey from “Non-Stick” to “Sustainable”

Non-stick cookware offers temporary convenience, but choosing sustainable alternatives is crucial for long-term health and environmental well-being. Using traditional materials like iron, copper, and brass is not just about returning to old ways but making a conscious shift toward sustainable and healthy living.

You Can Make the Change Too!

If you are thinking of eliminating non-stick and aluminium cookware from your kitchen, start with a cast iron kadai. It may take some time to get used to it, and food may stick initially, but over time, you will adapt, and the benefits will become evident.

Market - Demand snd supply. I am sure, if demand increases, we will have 'Kalai wala' in every nook n corner

“Old is Gold” is not just a saying—it is the best choice for a healthier life!

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Photo from google.

The Evolution of School Bags: From Balance to Burden

That horizontal school bag was such a classic! It was simple, sturdy, and well-balanced—something today’s bulky backpacks often lack. There was a certain charm in the way everything fit perfectly: textbooks at the back, notebooks neatly divided, and those little front pockets that held small but essential treasures.

Carrying tiffin in the same bag was just normal back then; separate lunch bags were rare. And yes, schools in the ’90s usually had just one lunch break, so there wasn’t much need for extra storage. Those days, functionality mattered more than fancy designs.

Do you remember how these bags had those thick, almost unbreakable zippers? And sometimes, if the bag got too heavy, the strap would dig into the shoulder, leaving red marks by the time we reached home. But still, that bag lasted years!

Then came the vertical school bags, and honestly, they never felt as balanced as the 

old horizontal ones. All the weight gets concentrated in the center, making it harder to carry. The upper part near the shoulders usually stays empty, which means all the strain falls on the lower back. No wonder kids today are constantly complaining about back pain and feeling frustrated with the book load! These vertical bags just stack everything on top of each other, turning them into a heavy, sagging burden. Maybe that’s why so many kids now drag their bags instead of carrying them!

Those wheeled school bags seem to be designed for kids who never have to worry about bumpy roads, muddy paths, or even stairs. And yes, while many schools now have lifts, they’re still mostly reserved for teachers and staff. Back in our childhood, even teachers used to take the stairs—no complaints, no shortcuts. Maybe that’s why they still seem so fit and active today!

In those rich, air-conditioned schools where kids roll their bags effortlessly and take lifts instead of stairs, they’re completely missing out on the natural workout we had every day. Now, since they aren’t burning calories the old-fashioned way, they’ll have to go to the gym and jump up and down on a tire just to make up for it. Funny how times have changed—what was once a daily struggle for us is now considered a fitness routine!

The kids aren't to blame—it's really the design and trends of school bags that need to be reconsidered. The focus on style over practicality often leads to uncomfortable and inefficient bags. 

What’s needed is a return to well-thought-out designs that prioritize balance and comfort over aesthetics. It’s not just about looking cool—it’s about making sure kids are carrying their books in a way that’s healthy and sustainable for their bodies.

Curly tales 5

Curly tales 5 - Perfect hair day or wash day vs day 4/5

Curly girls know that wash day is a Perfect Hair Day. But what about other days. Its not possible to wash 2-3 times a week. So here are my tips..

Oil and Water Mix: Keeping curls hydrated and nourished throughout the week can definitely make a huge difference. Adding a bit of oil mixed with water is a fantastic way to refresh curls and keep frizz at bay. Curly hair rarely looks oily because it tends to absorb oils deeply, leaving your curls nourished and shiny without appearing greasy.

Aloe Vera Gel and Water Mix: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray lightly on your curls. Aloe vera hydrates, reduces frizz, and helps redefine curls naturally.

Pair Aloe Vera Gel with Oil and water method for added moisture and shine. Your curls will thank you!

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Disclaimer: All photos are from January 2025.

Black t-shirt photo: Taken on the morning of 25th January 2025, just after hair wash.

Black dress photo: Taken on the evening of 25th January 2025.

White and blue dress photo: Taken on 17th January 2025, 5-6 days after hair wash.

(Some assumed the black t-shirt photo was old one, hence this disclaimer)