DIYLifestyle

3 DIY Halloween Decoration – Last minute DIY Halloween decoration that’s cheap

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

No DIY Halloween Decoration? Is that a Halloween even? These last minute DIY Halloween decorations are easy and cheap. Halloween door hanging, Halloween bunting, Halloween scary wall hangings – all ready in 30 minutes.

What do you need for the DIY Halloween Decorations

  1. Some colored papers (orange and black mostly)
  2. Scissors
  3. Glue stick
  4. Stapler
  5. Ribbons
  6. Black marker pen

That’s all easily available in your house. I reused some old printer papers on he blank side for the whites.

Let’s have a look at the Last minute DIY Halloween decoration that’s cheap

I had almost forgotten about Halloween till yesterday my 4 year old asked which decoration we are doing for Halloween? He remembered what all we did last year. So I had to make a few things for him which he could participate in too!

DIY Halloween Decoration

#1 Halloween Door Hanging

This is a door hanging that you can hang on your main door.

did halloween door hanging

What will you need for this DIY Halloween Decoration door hanging?

  1. White, green, orange, black paper
  2. Black marker pen
  3. Yellow and orange cuttings
  4. Scissors
  5. Stapler
  6. White ribbon

How to make the Halloween door hanging?

  1. Take a bowl and trace a circle on a few colored papers.
  2. Take a black marker pen and draw character faces
  3. We made a ghost on white paper, jack-o-lantern face on orange, a black cat with some paper cuttings for the eyes and whiskers and green ghost (my son called it Hulk)
  4. Staple each of the circles one below each
  5. Stick a ribbon at the back and hang it on your front door

Super easy and super quick DIY Halloween decoration. Part from the black and orange chart paper, I had everything at home.

did halloween door hanging

#2 Halloween Door Banner or Halloween Bunting

For all Indian festivals we add these festive ‘torans’ or buntings so why not a DIY Halloween Decoration to adorn the door as a door bunting!

What will you need for this DIY Halloween Decoration door banner?

  1. White and orange paper
  2. Black ribbon
  3. Black marker pen
  4. Stapler

How to make the Halloween door banner?

  1. Take a circle coaster and draw two circles each on white and orange paper
  2. Cut them in circles and make pumpkin faces and ghost faces
  3. In another white paper draw a bigger ghost and draw the eyes and mouth with a black marker
  4. Take a black ribbon a little longer than the breadth of your main door
  5. Find the middle of the ribbon and staple the bigger ghost upside down
  6. Staple the other characters leaving proportionate distance
  7. Tie it on top of the main door frame

This last minute DIY Halloween decoration took us only 15 mins from start to hanging! And my son is super excited about it.

diy halloween decoration

#3 Halloween Wall Hanging

This is also a super easy last minute DIY Halloween decoration.

What will you need for this Wall hanging?

  1. Black chart paper
  2. Pencil
  3. Scissor
  4. Black ribbon
  5. Orange paper
  6. Marker pen

How to make the Halloween door banner?

  1. Draw outlines of bat, scary house and crescent on a black chart paper
  2. Cut them out and attach a ribbon from each with a stapler
  3. Cut another piece of black paper in triangles and staple together in a witch hat shape
  4. Tie each of the pieces to a longer ribbon and hang it on the wall

did halloween wall hanging

My son is super excited for his Halloween day, thanks to Youtube. Now since he is such a Halloween enthusiast, I can’t really escape it. I still don’t know what I am going to dress him up as for his Trick-o-treating. Last year he wanted to Dress up as Captain America and this year also he wants to be Captain! Let’s see what I can make up for him.

So let me know if these easy last minute DIY Halloween decorations helped you in saving the day.

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meningitis in kids
For New MomsMommy & Parenting

Meningococcal Meningitis: What every parent should know about this deadly disease #TogetherAgainstMeningitis

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Moms are the first care givers for babies thus being updated with healthcare information helps to a great extent. I am a firm believer of protecting my child from ghastly diseases through vaccinations. There are times we are unaware about near fatal diseases, and we are not even helping our kids with complete immunization. Did you know Invasive Meningococcal Disease can kill or disable an otherwise healthy young person within 24-48 hours? (5)

Meningococcal Meningitis

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. (1)

What an online session on meningitis taught me?

I attended an online session on meningitis where Dr. Vijay Yewale, former president, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, mentioned how Invasive Meningococcal Disease is a rare but potentially devastating bacterial infection. Some facts that he shared were alarming.

  1. Meningococcal Meningitis can occur to infants, adolescents and adults
  2. Meningococcal disease can be spread through respiratory droplets (e.g. Coughing, sneezing) and coming in contact with an infected person (coughing, kissing)
  3. Symptoms are like flu – fever, nausea, head ache, stiff neck
  4. Fast diagnosis and treatment are imperative as it can get fatal as rapidly as within 24 hours

 

Meningococcal Meningitis in children may cause blindness, deafness, seizures, collection of fluid around the brain, brain damage, learning difficulties. 15% children who survive can have lifelong disability. (5)

 

Is this disease vaccine preventable?

Meningococcal Meningitis is vaccine preventable. Unfortunately, the meningococcal vaccine, despite the severity of the disease, is still not a mandatory vaccine listed in India’s immunization program. It is a mandatory vaccine in countries like US, UK, Netherlands, Australia. (6)

But since adolescents play a key role in the transmission of Meningococcal bacteria it is always a good option to get your child vaccinated for it. Ask your doctor about it today.

meningitis-vaccination-routine

(source)

I am being an informed parent. It’s always better to be informed and take precautions. As parents we should always teach good hygiene to our kids – washing hands every time before they eat, use hand sanitizers, cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing.

meningitis-vaccination

As a mother, I would strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor today to understand this deadly disease better. Forewarned is forearmed.

 

Join the movement against Meningococcal Meningitis today!

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views solely of the blogger. This is a part of public awareness initiative on meningitis supported by Sanofi Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information. This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child’s health should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields mean the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. TinaBasu or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.

 

Sources:

 

  1. https://www.webmd.com/children/understanding-meningitis-basics#1

    https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=meningitis-in-children-90-P02528

  2. https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-is-meningitis/frequently-asked-questions/
  3. https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/health/story/story/meningococcal-vaccines-what-you-need-to-know/1/388548-297991-2014-09-24
  4. https://safety.colostate.edu/meningitis-disease/
  5. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis
  6. https://www.indianpediatrics.net/dec2013/dec-1095-1108.htm

 

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New Mom LifeParenting

Type Of Crib Sets Best For Newborn

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Choose the best suitable crib for your newborn from the various types of Crib Sets Best For Newborn.

A crib is one of the baby and toddler nursery items that every mom should have. However, since cribs come in different designs and sizes, it can be overwhelming to pick one for your little one. With so many models to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow in on one specific crib that perfectly suits your baby.

To make choosing less daunting, you need to keep in mind some of the qualities of a good crib. With this, you won’t make a choice based on design alone, but also the value of the crib.

Before looking at the types of cribs available, let’s see what makes a good crib.

Qualities of a Good Crib

  • Safety – A good crib is one that meets the safety standards in place. Since babies sleep for many hours in a day, it’s important to ensure they’re safe while asleep. The crib you get for your little one should meet the mandated slat widths and have fixed sides among other safety requirements.
  • Adjustable mattress height – When buying a crib, make sure the mattress height is adjustable. This allows you to lower the mattress as the baby grows to prevent them from climbing out of the crib.
  • Casters – This is a popular feature in portable cribs. Since you may want to watch your baby sleeping, a crib with wheels is much more convenient. You can easily move it around and take it wherever you want it.
  • Rectangular crib shapes – While oval-shaped cribs look stylish, finding a mattress for a special crib shape can be so difficult. Therefore, to make your work easier, just get a rectangular-shaped crib and coat it with paint that blends with your nursery theme.

    Crib Sets Best For Newborn

Types of Baby Cribs

There are three basic types of cribs you can choose from. The best choice depends on the space available in your nursery and your future plans.

  • Standard Crib: This is a traditional crib that’s sturdy, comfortable, and safe for the child. It’s durable and can be passed over generations. It’s a perfect first bed for your baby and the best choice if you’re planning to have more kids within a few years.
  • Convertible Crib: For parents who need something their child can use into their teens, this would be the best choice. Just as its name suggests, this type of crib can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed or even a full-sized bed. If you want invest in a piece that will serve you for the longest time, a convertible crib would be the best choice.
  • Portable Cribs: If you’ve limited space, a portable crib or mini crib would be the best option. Not only is it space-saving but also easy to move around. If you’re always on the go most of the time, this little crib will be of great help. However, the disadvantage of owning a mini crib is that the little one will outgrow it quickly.

Baby cribs are available both online and in local furniture stores. Once you’ve made up your mind on what to get or your baby, just go through the available options and make a choice. As you shop for your favorite crib, you can also buy other home furniture pieces such as a black floor-mounted stool.

Type Of Crib Sets Best For Newborn

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Mommy & ParentingParenting

Do these to Reduce Screen Time – Less Screen Time More Green Time – #GrowRight

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

‘How to reduce screen time’ is every millennial mom’s stress point. With everyone having their own devices it gets difficult to regulate screen time. If your child is glued to the TV or the mobile phone for long hours you must work towards making few lifestyle changes. If you want them to Grow Right, try to reduce their screen time and dependency on technology – less screen time more green time.

 

Why Screen Time is harmful for kids?  What is the situation in India?

Addiction to screen – be it TV, mobile phones, tablets, playing games or browsing social media for long hours – all affect growth and development in kids. It can lead to a disorder that is also referred to as SSD or Screen Dependency Disorder that involves sleep problems, behavioural problems, obesity, aggression and violence, and much more. In a study of 10,000 Urban School Children in Delhi, India, by AIIMS doctors it was established that in 40% cases myopia progressed as a result of excessive screen time. Practise ‘less screen time’ rules right from elementary school age.

 

How to reduce Screen Time in Young Kids? Less screen time more green time #GrowRight

How to reduce screen time

 

Parenting is not an easy task, a lot of times, parents hand a device to their kids to engage them, or keep them quiet. But that’s the onset of addiction. According to reports Indian parents are nurturing screen addiction in their kids by handing over a smart screen due to their busy schedules and over protective approach towards physical safety. You, as a parent need to make these lifestyle changes to make less screen rime a reality. The best thing I have done for my son is to hide the iPad!

#1 Establish Family Rules – No screen zones

Create family rules and no screen zones in the house. When you sit together at the dinner table, do not allow phones or iPads. Lead by example, because kids pick up what they see. Family times must not get overridden with technology.

reduce-screen-time-in-kids-story-time-no screen zone

#2 Spend Time with kids, engage them in activities

Spend time with your kids by being physically present with them. When they grow up, they don’t remember gifts, they remember the time you spent and memories you created. Engage kids in art and craft, outdoor plays, pick up a sport you both can do together. Enrolling kids for extra-curricular classes and packing up their schedule will do more harm than good. Let them develop interest by trying out different activities.

#3 Involve them in house hold chores

In India, we hardly involve kids in daily chores. It’s better to make kids self-sufficient from an early age. Involve kids in simple chores like, placing their clothes in laundry basket, arranging their toys, making their own beds. I love to involve my son in the kitchen – doing simple stuffs like getting vegetables from the refrigerator, shelling peas, beating eggs, etc. I also let him mix his PediaSure in the milk. I have kept the bottle at a place from where he can pick it up and he scoops out the powder, adds it in his milk and mixes with a spoon.

reduce-screen-time-in-kids-household chores

#4 Involve them in gardening or adopt a pet – teach empathy

When you teach kids how to take care of plants or a pet you are teaching them empathy. These are values that a book can’t teach you.  Let them help you watering your plants or give a shower to the pet.

reduce-screen-time-in-kids-gardening

#5 Monitor the screen time

Researchers ask parents to keep screen time to one hour or less for children aged 2-5 years old. Maintain a screen time schedule and once you have set a limit don’t let kids extra time over the limit. Maintain passwords and use parental control.

reduce-screen-time-in-kids-monitor-screen time

#6 Have story time sessions

Storytelling is an amazing medium to teach kids. Story time sessions need not be limited to bed time stories only. Make stories about their daily life that will have lessons. Want them to grow right – encourage kids to tell stories, this improves their original thoughts.

reduce-screen-time-in-kids-story-time

Parents, set good examples for your kids to reduce screen time. The less time you spend on screen in front of them, the less they’ll want to watch something. There’s a surge in mobile phone usage in kids these days – it’s not just harmful for their development, it involves security risk too. Remember, less screen time, more green time. What do you do to reduce the screen time for your kids.

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chatuchak-best-shopping-places-in-bangkok
TravelTravel Destination

5 best Shopping places in Bangkok for cheap clothes and accessories

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Bangkok has emerged as the sort after shopping destination for cheap clothes and accessories. A trip to Bangkok is not complete without hopping around the shopping hubs in the city. The city offers many wallet friendly shopping markets and malls which is unique to Bangkok. Cheap shopping in Bangkok with high street fashion, handmade stuffs, and fashion accessories is any shoppers dream. There are various shopping malls, night markets, and other shopping areas in Bangkok.

Some of these best shopping places in Bangkok have more than 5000s of shops selling cheap clothes, handbags, cosmetics, accessories, footwear, luggage and many more. You can even find dupes of high end brands at dirt cheap prices. Doesn’t matter if you are visiting Bangkok on a Budget, you must visit the shopping districts.

What do you need to remember while visiting the shopping places in Bangkok?

You need to remember these shopping areas are highly competitive and the golden rule is to BARGAIN. Bargain hard to get deals and its common to bargain even in malls like Platinum Fashion Mall or MBK, where people sell in wholesale.

best shopping places in bangkok

Let’s find out the 5 Best Budget shopping places in Bangkok for cheap clothes and accessories.

1. Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam

platinum-fashion-mall

Located in the amazing shopping hub called Pratunam, this 6 storied complex is a high street fashion mall specialising in fashion clothes and accessories. The Platinum Fashion mall is a wholesale shopping mall filled with small outlets which sells kids-wear, ladies wear, menswear, footwear, luggage, lingerie, accessories. You name it and it’s there. If you are someone looking to grab good deals you’ll be happy to know, haggling, bargaining is all part and parcel of this high street fashion mall.

How to save your Baht at Platinum Fashion Mall?

Remember, this is a wholesale mall, you can easily get a good deal when you buy at least three items from the same shop, the shopkeepers are pretty open for bargaining. Thai cotton material is pretty good. I have bought summer dresses from Platinum fashion mall which costed me 100 Baht which is equivalent to 233 INR (which is dirt cheap).

 

I even got some cute mobile covers, which were imported from Korea for 99 Bhat (again super cheap). The mall is open till 10 in the night so even after a lot of sightseeing you can visit the mall at leisure.

Apart from the shops, it houses a food court, several cafes, KFC and Mc Donald’s and also the four start Novotel Bangkok Platinum on top.

Are you travelling on a budget? Check out some Free Things to do in Bangkok that wont cost you a dime!

2. Pratunam Market, Pratunam

Pratunam is the shopping district of Bangkok. If you are visiting Bangkok for shopping purpose, try to stay in Pratunam area so that you can just walk into these markets. There are various 5 star, 4 star and budget accommodations across this area. If you are looking for cheap shopping area in Bangkok, Pratunam market is the answer. There are around 4000 shops that sells clothes and accessories at rock bottom prices.

pratunam market

Pratunam market is bang opposite to Platinum fashion mall. This is a huge area, for fancy dresses like cocktail dresses and gown look at the shops around Petchaburi Road. Visit this market for bulk orders for cheap clothes and accessories – handbags, watches, souvenirs, home décor stuffs.

The market itself is open for 24 hrs, but the best time to visit for shopping clothes and accessories from the retail stores is 10 am – 8 pm. It’s a bustling place in Bangkok for cheap clothes and accessories, and you can buy a lot of stuff in 500 Bhat!!!

3. MBK Center, Pathum Wan District

Located in Pathum Wan District and across Siam Center and Siam Paragon, MBK Center or Mah Boon Krong, is a famous shopping mall in Bangkok for cheap clothes and accessories. Reportedly this mall receives a footfall of 100,000 visitors every day!

This eight storied mall contains more than 4000 stores. Tokyu, a departmental store, alone is spread over 4 storeys. While you can expect bargaining, negotiations, haggling in most of the stores, it won’t work at stores like Tokyu.

mbk center bangkok best shopping places in bangkok

Pro Tip:

Stores on the higher floors have cheaper clothes and accessories than the stores in the lower floors. The rent of the stores in the lower floors, near entrance is more and that’s why this disparity. You can get great deals on handbags and footwear at MBK.

I bought some 10 handbags from MBK for gifting purpose alone! Don’t fall for the high end fashion brand goods found in MBK, most of it is first copies of MK or LV bags! The MBK center also houses 5 star hotel – Pathum Wan Princess Hotel

4. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak

chatuchak-best-shopping-places-in-bangkok

Chatuchak weekend market is the largest market in Thailand. Spread across 35 acres of area this market houses more than 8000 shops!!! If you are spending a weekend in the city, this is a must visit shopping places in Bangkok for cheap clothes and accessories. Don’t forget your walking shoes, because this is a huge area, and you might not cover the entire shopping area in one visit. I would also suggest you to get your sun hats and sunscreen. I visited in April and it was hot and sweaty!

Chatuchak is great for clothes, accessories, ceramics, home décor, souvenirs, antiques, food. Be very sure to check goods before buying, specially if you are buying, art or antiques. There can be copies too.

Bargaining is common in most of the shops, if you have any local along with you or know a few Thai words, you might strike better deals. Always beware of pick pockets and be careful of your belonging!

5. Union mall, Lat Phrao Junction

If you like Korean fashion and accessories – you can’ miss Union Mall. Spread over 8 stories, the Union Mall offers hundreds of shops at good bargain prices. You can find fancy dresses, foot wears, handbags and cute accessories. It sometimes is even cheaper than Platinum fashion mall! This mall is mostly visited by young locals and collection of fancy dresses and wigs are pretty good. There are plenty of mani-pedi shops offering Thai Massage, fish pedicure and much more. Don’t forget the vintage collections on the upper floors.

union mall-bangkok

So here’s an extensive list of best shopping places in Bangkok for cheap clothes and accessories. In my next post I’ll list some of the night markets that you must visit in Bangkok. If you like street food and cheap stuffs – you must visit the night markets! Ohh, before I forget, always carry the local currency in cash if you want to buy stuffs in these little shops in any of the markets listed above. It is better to pay here in cash than taking out your Mastercard or Visa.

 

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fight acne in monsoon
BeautyBeauty & MakeupDIYLife & StyleLifestyle

5 Home remedies to get rid of acne in monsoon

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Fight acne in monsoon with simple home remedies without taking a lot of stress. Use natural ingredients neem, tea tree oil, potato to fight acne in monsoon.

Monsoons are here and you are already wondering why are your breaking out so much! Girls with oily skin literally hate one thing about the monsoon – oily skin! The humidity and moist weather are known to make your skin oilier and lead to various skin problems like acne and pimples. Instead of using chemical laden products use these simple home remedies to get rid of acne in monsoon.

Why resort to Home remedies to get rid of acne in Monsoon?

Home remedies are cheap, believe it or not! Skin care regime with natural products and ingredients from the kitchen is one the best ways to maintain your skin! You don’t need too fancy products. These ingredients are easily available and leave no side effects. I am a big supporter of home remedies for skin care and hair care.

home remedies to fight acne in monsoon pinterest

#1 Steam your face

The humidity and pollution tends to clog our pores on skin leading to acne in monsoon. The best way to deep cleanse your skin is to steam your face regularly. Once in three days steam your face using a facial steamer or just sitting close to a pot of hot water, covering your head. For best results to fight acne in monsoon you can add a few neem leaves in the hot water.

#2 Use Neem in Face packs

Neem has various anti-fungal properties and helps to lighten scars and pigmentations caused by acne. Make a paste of few neem leaves, add a pinch of wild turmeric powder and apply it on your face. This face pack will help you reduce scars and give a smooth glowing skin.

turmeric and meen to fight acne in monsoon

#3 Scrub with Brown sugar

If you have oily skin, you are also fighting blackheads and whiteheads along with acne in monsoon. The best way to treat blackhead and whiteheads is using a mild scrub after you have steamed your face. Steam opens up the pores and scrubbing helps to cleans the dirt from the pores.

Take 2 teaspoons of brown sugar and a teaspoon of honey and mix. Apply this on your face and scrub for a minute or till the sugar melts. Wash it off with water and apply a skin toner which will help to close the pores.

brown and honey to fight acne in monsoon

#4 Potato juice to treat ace in monsoon

Potato is not just a wonder ingredient for all your carb cravings, it’s a wonder skin lightening ingredient. Use potato slices on skin, or grate a potato, squeeze out the juice to apply on your skin. The potato juice helps in reducing acne and lightens pigmentation on skin as well.

#5 Use tea tree oil

Essential oils are a big part of any skin care regime. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient that you can use to fight acne in monsoon. Pure tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. It is known to calm the skin and reduce the sizes and intensity of acne and pimples. With essential oils you need to be careful about the quantity you are using, because these are high concentrates.

Pour a drop of tea tree essential oil on a cotton pad and dab directly on the areas where you have acne.

tea tree oil to fight acne in monsoon

Fighting acne in monsoon becomes the biggest concern for everyone with oily skin. However, a lot also depends on the kind of food you are eating. Replacing coffees with herbal tea or green tea helps because they have a high amount of anti-oxidants. Making little changes in your diet – less oily and spicy food – helps in keeping acne at bay. Let me know if you any other home remedies to fight acne in monsoon.

 

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