6 essentials for hair growth

Most of us worry about our hair for different reasons, let it be dandruff, premature greying, thinning or heavy loss of hair, split ends etc. If one has a knowledge of the various nutrients which are essential for hair, these worries can be reduced. Let's have a quick snap of all those nutrients our hair is made of and the diet which provides them to us.

1. Chromium:

Deficiency of Chromium causes loss of hair. Have onions, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, bananas and apples to supply this element to your hair.

2. Protein :

Proteins helps in rebuilding of new cells in our body and hair. Chicken, fish, eggs, milk and milk products like paneer, cheese, ghee, curd etc.,, soya, nuts, cereals and pulses provide adequate essential amino acids required for hair.

3. Iron:

 Foods like meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, ragi, jowar, oats, wheat, apricot etc. reduces anemia and improves hair growth.

4. Vitamin C:

 Iron absorption in the body is enhanced with the intake of vitamin C. Eat more citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, berries, curd, chillies, guavas, apples to obtain this vitamin.

5. Biotin:

Biotin generates keratin which helps avoiding premature graying and controls hair fall.  Unpolished rice, egg yolk, cereals, milk, curd and liver are rich in Biotin.

6. Copper:

Prevents premature graying and avoids hair fall. Beans , eggs, fresh green leafy vegetables, pulses and cereals, meat and fish are rich in copper.


Also drink water in plenty to keep your hair hydrated and shining!!!

Madurai Meenakshi Temple...A marvelous architectural spectacle!!

Madurai Meenakshi temple (in the district of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India) is well known through out the world for its marvelous architecture  and sanctity. I got the lucky opportunity to visit the temple last October along with my family. We reached Madurai in train and checked into the hotel we've already booked. On my way to hotel, several jasmine flower vendors caught my attention and I was astonished by the view of Madurai jasmines which are known for their mesmerizing smell and amazingly bigger size.

We got the opportunity to have the view of the deity, Meenakshi amman, twice. Once in the morning and another in the evening. All of us were really contented due to this. Madurai is also known for its Sungudi cotton sarees, which are amazingly soft and light in weight. I have purchased two after shopping for three hours !! Trust me ,I was spoilt by the choice !! I also bought a kilo of coffee powder and a kilo of tea powder. They smell and taste really wonderful. The hot idlis and coffee here in the local hotels is amazing. Also the food is served in authentic south Indian style on a banana leaf which tempts your taste buds.

Next time you plan to visit Madurai, make sure not to miss above, apart from enjoying the marvelous architecture of the temple. If you are not habituated to hotter climate, the best time to visit this place is during winter and rainy seasons of India because the temperatures here always higher than the normal. Here are some of the glimpses from my trip.

West temple tower. Four temple towers are constructed on four sides which are known for their sculptures of various deities, demons and other hindu religious figures.

View of North tower from inside the compound of temple

West tower at a close up

View of the temple on entering from one of the main entrances

Another gate tower

A view of Thousand pillar hall

Pillars and architectural view of Thousand pillar hall. Lord Shiva as Nataraja in the middle.

Elephant at the entrance of the main temple.Many children and devotees take its blessings.

Musical pillar in the Thousand pillar hall. It emits seven basic intonations of music, when striken.

Architecture on the ceiling of the hall depicting many religious and historical figures.

Idol of Lord Nataraja, the god of dance, in the middle of thousand pillar hall.

A view of temple tower at night.

Give your kid's room a makeover!!

 
It is always very tough to make kids love their belongings for a longer time. Very soon their tastes keep changing either because of the influence of visual media or due to comparison with others.Constant research is required for parents, especially moms, to keep their little minds active. By giving their room a makeover using these wallies according to their taste, they are sure to get a lovely surprise from you and you will win the sweetest comment for ever "Mom, I love you!!"

[ Wall stickers image source: www.thekidswindow.co.uk ]

Family.. The Indian way!!

Family is the basic foundation stone for an Indian community. Right from the birth to the death, each and every celebration is linked with family. When a child is born, naming ceremony is done in the presence of all family elders and relatives with joy and pomp. First rice feeding and first hair shaving of a baby must be done only under the presence of maternal uncle and other relatives.

 If it is a girl child, even more care is taken by the entire family members, including grand parents, maternal and paternal uncles, aunts, parents and siblings. The event of a girl attaining puberty is celebrated according to tradition and the girl receives all the moral and mental support from the elders along with their blessings. The real Indian family sentiments and joys are best viewed at the time of marriage of their son or daughter. If a person buys a house, then his sisters are a definite must at the time of house warming ceremony. When a person dies, all the relatives must be present to ensure that the soul rests in peace and all the rituals are carried accordingly.

Neighbors and friends too form a part of family in India and are always a help in one's thick and thin. In the Indian context, stronger family bonds ensures a safer community and a happier nation. Even a highly educated girl will automatically tune her mind to take care of her family after marriage and gives career a second option in most Indian families. She takes care of her in laws and maintains cordial relationships with all other relatives. Kids are always ensured that they maintain friendly relation with their cousins and are taught a habit of sharing. Any family occasion will be a colorful gathering of all the friends and relatives, which is a nice opportunity to share their joys and lessen their sorrows.

On this family day 2014 (in some parts of  the world), I would like to express my hearty thanks to God for giving me such a wonderful family. My grandmother was the first to mention...she loved us unconditionally but she's gone to god to share her love in the heaven.My Dad who is my best friend since my child hood, my mom who cares us and guides us, my little sister who is my friend and guide and my little brother who always fights with my son, my husband who is my support forever and encourages all my ideas, my little son who changed my world, and my in laws who takes care of me like their own daughter, my maternal uncle who is  my well wisher, my friends who help me a lot and all other relatives who taught me what life is!!

Rejuvenate your sex life!!

It is a common observation worldwide that women lose interest in sex within years of marriage and especially after child birth. The reasons may vary from person to person but some general causes and their possible solutions are discussed in this post.

Cause: Inferiority about one's physique

You may feel low in terms of your beauty, not being perfect at some curves , that extra fat or dried skin or may feel shy to share your imperfections with your husband.

Solution:

Remember, nobody is perfect. Try to improve your physique by doing simple exercises like walking, cycling, cross training, jogging, weight lifting, swimming or yoga. Spare some time for yourself to improve your looks and gain confidence by following some home beauty tips. Groom yourself well and boost your confidence levels. And the plus point is enjoying sex regularly releases hormones which improve your beauty too!!

Cause: Stress

Meeting deadlines at office or taking care of kids the whole day or all the household tasks may leave you stressed by the end of the day. This can make you not to show any interest in love making.

Solution:

Appoint a maid or a baby sitter to help you in household tasks. Plan perfectly all your office tasks to ensure that you are not left stressed by the end of the day. Do yoga or pranayam every morning to keep stress at a bay. This positively brings many changes to your health.

Cause: Communication gap

Little petty arguments  do occur between any couple that may turn into big cyclones. This can cause lot of mood disturbances and ego problems creating a gap between you two.

Solution:

Before you start arguing, think twice whether really you have any use to do so. If not just, pay no heed to others comments and after some time, try to cool the environment. Remember, a simple sorry from your side (though the fault is not yours) can bring dramatic change in the second person's attitude in the long run. Open your heart with your beloved on one lovely moment and share all your feelings. Plan some time out for yourself and enjoy that "your" time. Go on trips, long drives and surprise plans to keep your romance active.

Cause: Health issues

Women, sometimes, may experience pain or irritation at their private parts during the act. This could make them stay away from sex. Breast feeding, PMS or menopause also affect one's sex life.

Solution:

Don't hesitate to meet your doctor and explain the problem you are facing. Take the doc's advice and maintain hygiene. Regular health check ups can help to improve your wellness. Experiment with sex positions and convey to your partner which is more comfortable to you.

Cause: Improper diet and lifestyle

Junk food, smoking and drinking plays havoc on one's health and effects biological cycle.

Solution:

Have more fresh fruits and veggies. Eat food rich in zinc to improve your sex life. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.Maintain regular timings for your diet and sleep. Have a light dinner and drink warm milk before going to bed. Try herbal supplements with the advice of your doctor.

Cause: Ambience in your bedroom

Regular bed and blankets or wall decor or unwanted discussions in the bedroom can push you into a monotonous mood.

Solution:

Play with colors, keep changing your bed room decor, blankets, pillows , curtains and all you can. Keep the room neat and maintain proper lighting in night time to arouse your mood. Don't allow any electronic gadgets like mobiles, tablets,TV, PC or laptop or any else. Limit them to your study room. Don't discuss any financial matters or household matters in the bedroom. Bed room is meant only for relaxing and rejuvenating oneself!!