Vats of Food!

Well, no, there aren’t quite vats of food happening today!

Usually on Vaisakhi my Mother in Law (MIL) would be busy making a large saucepan of something savoury and delicious, and a huge pan of Kheer, rice pudding. There would probably be pakoras (bhajis)or samosas too… but they aren’t around at the moment, and, in fact it is just me, the kids and Sonu Singh who are at home at the moment!

So, it’s almost pointless making these things (that’s if I could!)

I am going to attempt to make Khichdi today instead, as I am attempting a type of detox that my Pops recommended, a natural colonic if you like!

I’ve had castor oil this morning.. YUCK! It should help me cleanse myself internally, then when that has worked its magic, I am to eat lightly, veg soup, at lunch, maybe and then khichdi, at dinner time

Khichdi is a very basic food, people call in Bamaar Dha Khana, food for the sick! It is easily digestible, and wholesome, basically a porridge like dish made from rice, yellow and orange split lentils, and nothing else apart from water, some cumin, salt and pepper, and a knob of butter!
All you need is a medium sized bowl for the lentil measuring, like the ones in my picture. I use one and guess the measurements… Nothing too exact!

Ingredients
1/2 bowl basmati rice
1/4 bowl orange split lentils
1/4 bowl yellow split lentils
1 level tspn cumin seeds
Generous knob of butter
Salt and black pepper to season
Boiling water, approx 1.5 litres

What to do

1) Wash through the rice and lentils.
2) Dry roast the cumin seeds in the bottom of your pan.
3) When you can smell the cumin, drain the lentils and rice and add.
4) Pour in boiling water.
5) Add knob of butter.
6) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7) Put on low heat and simmer for 45mins to an hour, stirring regularly.
8) When most of the liquid is gone, and it is of ‘just wetter than porridge’ consistency, switch off the flame and allow to rest.

And ENJOY!

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And maybe I’ll lose a few of those stray lbs that decided to creep on last week too!

Visiting the Gurdwara Today

It’s not even 9.30am, and already we have been extremely spiritual, given the auspicious nature of the day today! As it is Vaisakhi, we usually go to the Gurdwara to pay our respects, and because we had to drop Hubby Dearest to the station today, it seemed a good idea to start the day in a religious way!

The Gurdwara this morning

The Gurdwara this morning

The flags are up, ready for the Nagar Kirtan, the religious procession that will be happening on Saturday.

The Chanda, the flag, to show that there is a Gurdwara here

The Chanda, the flag, to show that there is a Gurdwara here

Yup, that’s my two, standing at the base of the Chanda, the flag of the Khalsa, paying their respects before going inside.

The Entrance hall

The Entrance hall

It’s a beautiful building, and there is amazing wooden carved panels, brought over from India, where expert carvers created the panels.

One of the panels

One of the panels

As you go up one level there is a stained glass window, depicting the symbol ΰ©΄, Ek Onkar, meaning there is one God.

Ek Onkar

Ek Onkar

Then the domes that you can see for the outside are decorated on the inside with mosaic work.

The Outer Dome

The Outer Dome

Then when you go inside the Darbar Sahib, to actually pay your respects, there is another stunning stained glass window, and the decorated area where the Guru Granth Sahib sits.

Prayers are happening

Prayers are happening

The stained glass window depicting the Khanda, our symbol of the Sikh faith

The stained glass window depicting the Khanda, our symbol of the Sikh faith

And again a beautiful dome with mosaic decoration.

The inner dome

The inner dome

We’re hoping to have a peaceful day now, at home, but there are still Karate lessons later!

Enjoy your day everyone!

But I Smile Anyway...

Don’t Go! You! Stay!

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Dont go Daddy!!!

Daddy is off for a couple of days, yip he’s trying to get into bags again…

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You're not going anywhere mummy!

Right, well he didn’t listen… So I’m gonna sit on your hand bag… That’ll make sure you don’t go then mummy!

But I Smile Anyway...

The Real Neat Blog Award

It appears to be that time again…! This time the lovely Akanksha has nominated me! Thank you so much dear, all wards are much appreciated! πŸ™‚

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The rules for the award go like this:

Insert the award logo onto your post.
Answer the seven questions they asked you.
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate other bloggers and ask them seven questions and let them know you’ve nominated them!

So, logo set, thanks have been extended, now for the question and answers!
My questions to answer are:

1. Which is the last book you read?

Gifted and Talented by Wendy Holden – I like a bit of easy reading, and I like Wendy Holden’s books!

2. When’s your birthday?
3rd September, a Virgo!

3. A place you’ve always wanted to visit.
The Taj Mahal… I’ve been so close, but never actually there!

4. β€œKyunki soch kabhi bhi aa sakti hai.” What’s the wackiest place you’ve made a life changing decision in?
OMG! I don’t know! The Toilet??!

5. 2 am party with friends or a 2 am date with coffee and Netflix?
Nowadays it would be 2am, in bed, fast asleep!

6. Your favorite outfit. (Please post a picture in that, please?)

I love wearing my Indian outfits! Here is a quick pic of one!20140627_1141127. What’s the one thing you’ve tried plenty of times but have always failed at?
To grow up!!

My Nominees
One Sip At A Time A new blog I’ve started following recently
Single Family Asylum Oh he makes me laugh!
Learning Web Development I’ve learned a lot from this NEAT blog!
The Return Of the Modern Philosopher Austin… a funny guy with a great blog!

My Questions to my Nominees
1) Love or money?
2) Where would you ideally love to live?
3) Real book or electronic device like a Kindle?
4) Who is your biggest inspiration?
5) Do you have a pet?
6) How important is family to you?
7) What has been your best ever blogging day?

Please don’t feel obliged to accept and take part, its just a little fun, but I appreciate you r blogs, whichis why I have nominated them! πŸ˜€

Rob!!! I think I’m gonna need that pinny now!!!

But I Smile Anyway...

Baby Shower Cakes To Make You Wonder…WHY!!!!!???

I’m going to insert a warning here now… If you are of a nervous disposition, or don’t like nauseating stuff, you may not wanna look!!!

What were they thinking??! Seriously! Have you seen the post from the gorgeous Edwina of Edwina’s Episodes about Wacky Wedding Cakes?
Well, I mentioned to her that there was a few, ERM, ‘tasteful’ ones for baby showers too, and I said I’d share… So here you are!!

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Cute, yeah??


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I can still cope...

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Okay, now this is getting, erm, creative!

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After the event...! Baby, placenta n all!!

Are you ready??

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The look on her face!!


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And hers!

But the most graphic?
Sorry in advance!!

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This...

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And this!!!

I mean… Seriously???!!! I think that would put me off the ‘beautiful moment’, rather than make me go “Awww!”

All images sourced from Google Images

But I Smile Anyway...

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