A cup of Assam Tea

      We are on the threshold of a new beginning, I don't want to call it an end because of as always beginning is thrilling and inspiring. But, it is essential to look back as well. I had a tremendous eventful year. I started my blog this year and never imagined I could write that much without skipping even one week. Blogging has positively changed my life forever and gave a new meaning to my life. To my readers, I can't thank you all enough.       As I talked about a great year with the incredible beginning, I am thankful for it ended with a great ending as well. The last event in the last month of the year was Ctbloggersoiree. The event was organized by Connecticutbloggersbabe or ctbloggercollectives. Yes, I was lucky enough to attend ctblogger soiree with good food and company, more precisely with people in your own niche, almost like a dream come true. With all the hassle of life, I am glad that I could attend it. Blogging event like...

      Even though I am complaining about the cold, and unpredictable weather, I can't deny the merriment and joy of the holiday season with some great food and great company. As you know, I am from India, and I am not used to celebrating Christmas as a holiday, but after moving to the USA, we now look forward to this snow-white Christmas holiday. I help my kids deck up the Christmas tree and enjoy their never-ending list for Santa. The last couple of years during Christmas I have always baked Christmas cake. This is a healthier version of the regular Christmas cake and is alcohol-free. I use wheat flour instead of refined flour and jaggery in place of white sugar. The cake is loaded with the goodness of dry fruit. My kids love it too. Great for after Christmas snacks, very filling because of the dry fruits. Do let me how you like it. Have a great holiday and enjoy the festive season.   Ingredients 1. 2 cups whole wheat flour 2. 1/4 cup of dates 3. 1/4 cup...

      How is the holiday feeling? Snowing and sipping your cup of tea or coffee has its own charm. Decked up the tree but this is also the season when things start to slow down. Time for a vacation. I love snow, I love the holiday, at the same time I imagine great Caribbean vacation as well. Today, I want to make it short and share with you few of Puerto Rico vacation pictures, probably that will inspire you to visit Pristine Puerto Rico. Nature, culture, and wonders. Enjoy the season's festive offerings and take a break too.

      I can see lights, lanterns, glam and glitters, yes holiday season is here. How about your holiday wardrobe. Are you ready? While in summer we don't like cakey makeup, in holiday nothing hurts to add a bit of glam or glitters to your regular outfit. Earring - A great pair of earrings... I love large or statement earring. A pair of earrings definitely elevates your basic look to glamorous one. As a busy mom, I prefer instant fixes. I love to wear statement earrings. And here your basic look get an instant chic makeover. Necklace - Just like earring, I like statement necklaces. To dress your basic sweater or blouse add a statement necklace.  Lipstick  - A red lipstick or bright lipstick... I can't think of the holiday season without red lipstick. Obviously, depending on your preference deep maroon or crimson red. A red or bright lipstick can make up or break up your looks. A right bright or red lip.  Sequins - A bit of sequi...

      Artisan, the location itself will sweep your feet away, located in Delmar hotel in the Blue Back Square. An ambiance that is a class apart, compact and modern highly welcomes you on the set. Interior setting is a modern minimalist approach, yet achieves the pop of color with vibrant, intricate art on the walls. The full pack Friday crowd already gave us the vibe of popularity that it has gained in the Hartford country foodies heart. Having said that we had to wait for a while but after some time were seated comfortably. They have a compact American farm to table menu, and as a sober, I started my day with cranberry juice.       For the appetizer, I went ahead with royal shrimp a grit.No surprise the shrimp came cooked to a perfection with grits with a little extra perk you needed for the shrimp and succulent risotto sauce. That excused the exclusive taste you expect in a high-end restaurant like the artisan.      ...

      Hope you all had a fabulous and flavorful Thanksgiving. After moving to the USA Thanksgiving is one holiday I look forward too. And after having my children, we celebrate it even more. The last couple of years, we always celebrated with our close friends and cousins. My family doesn't live here but our close friends and cousins always make us feel at home. This year is no exception. I believe that festival not only brings food to our table they brings our heart closer too. My mom always says sharing food spreads your love. It is that time of the year where we are thankful for all little things in our life food, silly jokes, fun which make our life flavourful. By the way, what's your favorite food in thanksgiving table? I have many, can't just name one. I made cranberry sauce with an Indian Twist. You can call it relish too. Use it after Thanksgiving as a spread or jam as well. Cranberry sauce with Indian jaggery instead of white sugar. Ingredien...

      A gloomy November afternoon can be a hearty afternoon if you have a great array of delectable food. The thought made us visit blue plate kitchen with their conscious choice of locally sourced sustainable food. Modern set up with an open kitchen concept, a gracious welcome greeting made our warm-up instantly. As brunch was getting served in the afternoon, we ordered from the eclectic brunch menu, a perfect melange of American affair with global cuisine. We started our day with fresh squeezed orange juice. Little pulpy but with a homey and fresh feel personified. For the appetizer, I opted for Mediterranean platter. It consists of hummus, falafel, quinoa, tabouli, feta cheese, kalamata olives, pickled cabbage, cucumber salad and herbed crisps. An excellent appetizer choice for anybody and everybody with a decent amount. A combination of little guilt and guilt-free choices. I love crisp falafel and hummus.       My son chose ginger chicke...

      I have a habit of not throwing things away. Keep them with me for years and years. This also creates a little trouble in my life from time to time. People who advocate minimalist approach, say that it is not just clot and clutters your physical lifestyle and mental state. I have old New Year cards sent by my school friends, a small container that mom sent snacks couples of years back; there are so many countless things, a little swan by brother's friend bought with his pocket money, my paper where I received a great compliment from my teacher. Not only physical attributes, but fragrances, little fragments of childhood lullabies, a  small conversation, people names, compliments, so many things stay with me.        If you are a mother or parent, you might know how much your child's milestone memories matter to you. Just the other day we had our community get together. I was planning on what to wear, then an old saree came to my mind, ...

      I always believe that the best things about travel are the memories, curated memories. Now just like me, this fall,  I remember the memory of summer travel to Martha's Vineyard. Located to the south of Cape Cod Massachusets, this island is 100 square miles (260 km2), and the third largest on the East Coast of the United States, Marthas Vineyard is not only former presidents Mr. Obama's favorite destination, it could be yours too. It is easily accessible through ferries and buses are readily available to travel inside the island, if you are not renting a bike or a car. Pristine beaches, scenic cliffs, lighthouses and charming towns, Martha's Vineyard, the tiny island can please you in so many ways. If you are lucky to visit, I am sure it will hold a little piece in your heart forever. The Aquinnah Cliffs - If you want to witness nature's own live painting, this is what it is, The Aquinnah cliff.  The beauty beyond words with the vast view of ...