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Cherry Crumble California Kids Clothing Review – Spring Summer Collection

by tinabasu February 12, 2019
written by tinabasu

Cherry Crumble California Kids Clothing Review – Cherry Crumble California has launched their Spring Summer Collection 2019 in India and are available on various online shopping sites.

Kid’s clothing is cute. Whenever you go shopping for your kids you want to spend hours going through all the cute dresses jackets. That scene changes however, when you have a boy! Boys fashion isn’t as exciting as the girls. But sometimes you do get lovely prints and color combinations. When I received this lovely neon colored t-shirt by Cherry Crumble California from their Spring Summer collection 2019 I knew this was going to look sporty and trendy on Mr. Bluey.

cherry crumble california kids clothing

He wore this Hockey Polo T shirt from the Cherry Crumble California Spring Summer Collection to school on a no uniform day. It’s light breathable and has some beautiful bright colors to make that statement! I liked the color blocking of this t-shirt which gives it that sporty look.

Hockey Polo T shirt by Cherry Crumble California – How does it feel?

The t shirt is made of 100% cotton which is light and extremely comfortable. I always try to use cotton and natural fabric for my son since they are breathable and doesn’t give any rashes of discomfort to the delicate skin. This is top grade organic cotton that feels soft.

The Polo Neck gives the t-shirt a suave trendy look. I have a serious affinity for collared t shirts and polo necks.

I opted for a 4-year size and it fits him perfectly. He is 3.5-year-old but I tend to buy a little bigger size so that he doesn’t run out of the size in two months. Believe me they grow up in a wink!

cherry crumble california kids clothing

Did my son love his new T-shirt?

You can guess that from his smile. He wore it to school and then at park for his play time. I as a mom always insist on playing outdoors and I take him to the park every single day. This is the age where they need to run and jump and hop and skip and get dirty.

He looked enjoyed his playtime with friends while I captured his smiles.

cherry crumble california kids clothing

The Hockey Polo T-shirt has a bright color blocks design with bright blue and neon green on the front. It also sports a numerical 3 and the bunny logo. The half-sleeve t-shirt also has orange color blocks on shoulders and arms.The back however is neon green that gives it a sporty look.

The T-shirt sells at an MRP of 1599 (but right now there’s a 55% discount going on their site)

PROS:

– Amazing varieties of trendy designs.

– Good quality clothes!

– The Spring Summer Collection looks pretty good

– Material is very good and comfortable

CONS:

– Price. But the discount currently is amazing!

Overall Thoughts

If you are a mommy of a boy you know the hardships of finding something that looks trendy and fashionable! Everything I seem to like is for girls! But I liked the t-shirts and party wears from the Spring Summer Collection 2019 by Cherry Crumble California.

I liked the pop of colors and they look bright on kids.

Have you checked their collection yet?

February 12, 2019 19 comments
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Health & WellnessLifestyle

Combiflam is safe to consume – yes, I’ve checked the facts

by tinabasu February 6, 2019
written by tinabasu

Worried about all the viral news about Combiflam? Do a fact check before panicking over such WhatsApp forwards. Let me reassure you that Combiflam is safe to consume. Read further to find out.

As someone who has had Combiflam from time to time for pain relief and help me ease my body aches, it shocked me when I read a bunch of frantic messages from a friend of mine on WhatsApp “warning” me to stop using Combiflam. When I asked her who her source was, she said it was a news article going viral on social media.

Not one to panic without cause, I immediately asked her, “When you come across any news on social media, do you believe it blindly? How about some fact checking before you start panicking?”

My rational voice calmed down her panic and the two of us went on a fact checking expedition.

combiflam is safe

What is Combiflam?

Combiflam is a commonly available painkiller that is a big help when you need relief and can’t meet a doctor. Combiflam is used for fever, muscle pain, headache, etc.

Such common drugs are convenient, but there is a lot of buzz on social media lately about them being unsafe or banned. Everyone seems to be wondering is Combiflam safe? Let’s dispel some common myths about Combiflam that are doing the rounds.

Dispelling the rumours

Our first check was a video by Dr. GP Dureja. According to him, Combiflam is okay to consume for 3 to 4 days if you have joint pains or backaches. But an overdose of any painkiller is problematic. When a patient has been prescribed to take painkillers, it is absolutely safe.

My friend and I were quite satisfied with what Dr. Dureja explained but just to be on the safer side, we also contacted a family doctor to get her take on the matter. She said when taken in recommended doses, Combiflam is safe to consume. It is always good to check Combiflam dosage with your doctor, or any medicine for that matter!

Combiflam is safe

Combiflam is a popular painkiller and I use it when needed. Overuse of painkillers can lead to low threshold of pain, so it’s important to know when to take the pill instead of popping it every time you think you are not feeling well.

combiflam is safe

Last October I was suffering from backache. When I visited the doctor, he prescribed Combiflam among other medicines. While he told me that Combiflam is safe to consume, he also mentioned, just the painkiller will not help my backache. I was getting the backache because I was spending a lot of time sitting on the desk. Along with the painkiller for 4 days, I changed my work habits and took short breaks in between to walk around to run errands. Bad posture and continuous sitting affect your back, especially when you have cold and cough.

Don’t start panicking over some WhatsApp forward or a Facebook post. It’s always better to do your fact checks and read the scientific explanations. Or the best way is to ask your doctor if you have doubts.

February 6, 2019 25 comments
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lalbagh flower show 2019
TravelTravel Destination

Date with son at Lalbagh Flower Show 2019 Bangalore

by tinabasu January 24, 2019
written by tinabasu

Lalbagh Flower Show 2019 Bangalore – a spectacle showcasing hundreds of varieties of flower – Poinsettia, exotic orchids, chrysanthemum, you name it and its there.

What happens when you have an unexpected holiday in school and your kid doesn’t let you finish work? Wrap up everything and get out of the house and spend some quality time. That’s exactly what I did today. It was a date with my son and we checked out the Lalbagh Flower Show 2019. If you have been in Bangalore then you will know January and August are the times when the Lalbagh Botanical garden, Bangalore hosts the bi-annual flower shows – showcasing hundreds of species of flora.

what not to miss at lalbagh flower show

My son is very fond of gardening (something good he has picked up from me). He follows me to the garden often to water plants and dig the soil. Thus I wanted to take him to the Lalbagh flower show 2019. And if you are in Bangalore around this time you shouldn’t miss it too.

Lalbagh Flower Show 2019 – What do you need to know

Dates: The flower show is taking place at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore between 18th January to 26th January 2019. It’s open from 9 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee: Adults Rs. 70/-, entry fee for children on public holidays and weekends Rs. 20/- You can enter from any four gates of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden.

Parking: There’s ample parking space at the adjacent Hopcom grounds at a fee. Entry of cars inside the garden is restricted.

Lalbagh Flower Show 2019 Theme – Gandhi

The 209th chapter of the Lalbagh Flower show is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and is celebrating his 150th birth anniversary. While you can spot a 12-foot-high Gandhi statue meditating amidst the garden you can also hear Raghupati Raghav playing in the background.

gandhi

Be prepared with your walking shoes because Lalbagh Botanical Garden is a vast expanse. There are buggy services too that you can avail to go around the garden. The flowers are arranged and displayed inside the glasshouse. As you approach the glasshouse you are greeted with giant replicas of Gandhi’s trademark glasses and charkha on the either sides of the glasshouse.

 

lalbagh-flower-show-2019-gandhi2
lalbagh-flower-show-2019-dandi-march2
lalbagh-flower-show-gandhi

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Flower species you can spot at the Lalbagh Flower Show 2019 Bangalore

There are more than hundreds of varieties of exotic flowers displayed in this flower show. You are greeted with 250 varieties of orchids in several hues in a pyramid followed by a large expanse of colourful Poinsettia. If you love flowers you will love the arrangements of Rose, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Darjeeling Cymbidiums, Lilly, Carnation – you can spot them all.

 

There are plants for sale too that you can get for your garden. Apart from plants you may find handmade décor items, organic food, garden utility items up for sale in stalls around the glasshouse.

 

Now let’s leave you with some beauties that I spotted at the Lalbagh Flower Show 2019.  

January 24, 2019 24 comments
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new years health resolution
Health & WellnessLife & StyleLifestyle

5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy 2019

by tinabasu January 18, 2019
written by tinabasu

When we are swept up in the liveliness of the holiday season, it’s tempting to make overly ambitious new year’s resolutions.

“I will never eat junk food again!’, ‘I will learn to play one new instrument every month!”

Raise your hand if you have ever set such crazy-ambitious New Year’s resolution, only to lose sight of them around February! I am sure you are raising your hand right now! 😉

Such resolutions make you realise that you might have bitten off a little more than you could chew. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way in 2019. The key is to set the right New Year’s resolutions.

For 2019, you can fill your resolution list with easy, ‘good-for-you’ health goals. With one tiny positive lifestyle tweak each day, you will feel fantastic by month’s end and make 2019 your best year yet. Plus, these resolutions will surely give you that “Hell Yeah” feeling of satisfaction when you realize it’s April (or even November) and you are still going strong. Here’s how:

[full_width background=”#ffffff”]1. Practice Mindful Eating[/full_width]

eat healthy salads(Image Source: Shutterstock)

These days, it’s common to chew your food with your eyes glued to the screen. However, eating when you are distracted can lead to overeating. Therefore, take time to slow down, pay attention to your food, and pause between bites to know how much you are eating.

By practising mindful eating, you can easily notice when you feel full, and you can more likely enjoy the food you eat.

[full_width background=”#ffffff”]2. Eat More Veggies And Fruits[/full_width]

eat fruits(Image Source: Shutterstock)

We have almost forgotten our childhood days when our elders used to force us to eat all possible fruits and veggies and home-cooked food. Yes, it’s vital to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet; even experts recommend the same! It’s time we say goodbye to fancy foods like burgers and pizzas and eat fresh fruits and veggies instead. This simple, yet highly effective New Year’s resolution can really boost your day-to-day health.

Try eating the recommended portions of vegetables and fruits each day to keep your body energized with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. To encourage everyone in your family to eat fruits and vegetables, make them visible. For instance, have some carrot sticks available for snacking or set out a fruit bowl in the kitchen.

[full_width background=”#ffffff”]3. Integrate Exercise[/full_width]

integrate workout(Image Source: Shutterstock)

Most of us look at exercise as an add-on, something that we do if we can find time. However, it’s much easier to accommodate exercise in your daily routine if you find smart ways to incorporate it.

For instance, climbing the stairs to the 3rd floor will take just a minute longer than waiting for the elevator. Similarly, jogging to the mailbox at the end of your driveway will take a minute or two. But it’s so much better than simply leaning out of your car window as you drive by.

To keep yourself fit, you can also engage in activities that you enjoy, like dancing, swimming, running, speed walking, and more!

[full_width background=”#ffffff”]4. Cut Out Unhealthy Habits[/full_width]

say no to unhealthy lifestyle(Image Source: Shutterstock)

One of the best things you could do to improve the quality of life is quit smoking. As doing so will lower the chances of getting smoking-related illnesses like heart diseases and lung cancer. Further, you will also have more energy, and your smoking will no longer affect the health of people around you.

Similarly, as all the hangovers may have already hinted, excessive alcohol consumption can entail serious health consequences. This can include chronic sickness, obesity, high blood pressure, liver ailments and not to mention an empty wallet! So, check if you are drinking excessively every weekend (or daily) and curb this unhealthy habit at the earliest.

[full_width background=”#ffffff”]5. Buy Health Insurance[/full_width]

buy health insurance(Image Source: Shutterstock)

As a happy and healthy individual, you might not think of ‘buying health insurance’ as one of your new year’s resolutions. But there are clear benefits to getting a health insurance policy at the earliest (before you turn thirty).

Our sedentary jobs and hectic schedules have increased the occurrence of lifestyle diseases. Moreover, stress-related hypertension is taking its toll on young professionals who have no idea how unhealthy they are until a serious emergency happens and they wake up to reality. This is a significant reason as to why you must purchase a health insurance policy in time.

By helping you pay off your medical bills, health insurance can help you save your hard earned money in case of medical contingencies. Put simply, with an active health insurance policy; you can receive the best of treatment without worrying about expenses.

Thus, there is no denying this fact: Health Insurance has become a necessity today! Therefore, buy one at the earliest. However, before making your decision, carefully review all the options and choose a plan that will give you the best protection.

[full_width background=”#ffffff”]Concluding[/full_width]

A healthy person is certainly a happy person. Remember that your health lies in your own hands. Therefore, follow the resolutions mentioned above and lead a happy and healthy life in 2019 and in the years ahead.

Cheers to ‘Good Health’ and ‘Good Health Insurance’!

January 18, 2019 18 comments
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practical tips for new moms
New Mom LifeParenting

15 Practical Tips for New Moms that actually work

by tinabasu January 15, 2019
written by tinabasu

Practical tips for new moms – don’t forget yourself because you have a baby. Want to keep your sanity intact follow these tips.

New mom? Already feeling the heat of motherhood and thinking how to keep your sanity intact? I understand. I have been through that too. When you become a new mom, your bay becomes your world. You are feeding, changing diapers, singing, putting her to sleep and trying to rest while she naps. It is also the time when you get a lot of advice and tips from friends and family – “do this, it will be good for baby”, “do that, baby will sleep more”. There’s no scarcity of these “new-mom-tips” but do they all work out? Here are 15 practical tips for new moms that actually work. And they will also help to keep your sanity!

practical tips for new moms

15 Practical Tips for New Moms that actually work

  1. Have a balanced diet for new moms that includes Vitamins A, C, D, E iron, – all help in breastfeeding
  2. Breastfeeding is the gold standard in child nutrition but in case it is becoming too much of a problem – supplement with formula – ditch the guilt.
  3. Invest in gears that make the first few months easy – D pillow for breastfeeding, breast pumps if you have to express, try baby wearing to get your hands free, pram for taking baby out on stroll,
  4. You WILL experience hair fall and skin pigmentation – don’t lose your sleep over it. These are hormonal and will get okay on its own. And the mom bun will be your default favourite hairstyle!
  5. Take care of yourself – if you are not fit and happy – the baby can’t be healthy and happy. Go out for Spa days or call in the salon ladies home.
  6. Make a diaper changing station and keep diapers, wipes, sheets and dustbin arranged. You will be changing a lot of diapers.
  7. Keep baby wipes and box of tissues in every room – you will encounter lot of accidental puking, pooping and peeing throughout the first few months.
  8. Do things as you want to do and as you are comfortable doing instead of taking in all the unwanted advice. It’s your baby, your rules.
  9. DO NOT Google everything – why the baby is sleeping for longer time, baby poop color – new moms can get paranoid with everything related to baby – I have been there – and reading up too much only stresses you out.
  10. Show love to baby – even infants form brain synapses arising from emotional well-being. There is no such thing called too much love. Don’t cut loose on hugs and kisses.
  11. A decent first-aid training is always advantageous. Kids can gag, choke – it’s always good to be informed and trained
  12. Ask the dad to co-parent. Distribute work, child rearing is not just your job alone.
  13. Make a routine, infants like routines have scheduled bath time, tummy time, feeding time, sleep time.
  14. Take rest when baby sleeps. Baby’s feed every two hours in the first month and sleep rest of the time. House work can wait – don’t stress out yourself. Ask a family member for help, if required. Sleep deprivation can lead to unhappy mom and stressed baby.
  15. Don’t forget your friends. Socialize so that you don’t feel alienated. Call your friends home or go out for coffee.

Now you can thank me for sharing some honest words! If you keep these practical tips for new mom handy then I am sure you’ll keep your sanity intact. Motherhood is cherishing yet tough – so hugs to you!

January 15, 2019 24 comments
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places i visited in 2018
TravelTravel Destination

6 Places I travelled to in 2018 and didn’t write about

by tinabasu January 13, 2019
written by tinabasu

2018 was a year for travel. There were many places I travelled to in 2018 – some for the first time and some for the second or third time. But the funny part is, apart from some Instagram shares, I didn’t write a single thing on them! Why? Don’t ask. Even I don’t know why I travelled yet I didn’t end up writing a single post! I guess it’s time I do some travel posts which I have been postponing for God-knows-how-long. But first which are the places I travelled to in 2018?

Places I Travelled to in 2018

places i visited in 2018

#1 Bhuvneshwar, Odhisa,  in January 2018

We made a weekend trip to Bhuvneshwar, the capital city of Odhisa to meet our extended family. This city of temples was laid back and beautiful. This is also where we met (now Late) Sheroo and found how fond of dogs my son is!

#2 Thailand, in April 2018

It was summer holidays and why not travel somewhere nearby with the little one and my parents. This was Bluey’s first international travel and we got his passport done quickly. I wasn’t quite sure how he will take to a busy travelling schedule so we kept it relaxed. This was my second time in my favorite shopping destination Bangkok! But, to be honest, my last time around in BKK for shopping was better than this time. We chose to stay in Pratunam area as it is close to all the great shopping destinations in Bangkok, but somehow I wasn’t too excited about what I saw. Last time I checked Hong Kong had better collections!

safari world Bangkok

We also spent a few days at Pattaya living just next to the beach. And again, I wasn’t too happy with how Pattaya has become so congested and beaches are so crowded and unkempt!

#3 Day trip to Diamond Harbour, West Bengal in May 2018

Diamond Harbour is a small township in the south of West Bengal. It is located at a point where the Ganges turns south to meet the Bay of Bengal. This is a popular road trip people take from Kolkata as it is just around a 50 kilometre drive. This is a popular picnic spot around the city in the winters and May isn’t actually a great time for outdoor visits in Kolkata because its hot humid and sultry. We went for a day trip to a resort Punyalakshmi, and it was beautiful.

#4 Goa, in October 2018

Believe it or not, this was the first time I travelled to Goa after many failed plans! This was a full family trip where the ever absent husband decided to join in. More than the pristine beaches we ended up enjoying our crabs and lobsters 0 what else do you expect from a Bengali family!

I’m still missing the lazy life and laying in the cabanas for long hours. I have to visit Goa again – just to laze around and gorge on lobsters.

Baga Beach Goa

#5 Coonoor, in November 2018

Coonoor is a hill station in Tamil Nadu and has some amazing views. This was my second visit and we decided to stay within a tea estate yet again. Waking up to green rolling hills has its own benefits. You can’t miss those moments when you want to ditch the city life!

Coonoor

#6 Ooty, in November 2018

Queen of hills Ooty is the most famous hill station in South India. This was my third visit to Ooty and I still love it and might go back again. Last two times I hated travelling through the roads that have never ending hair pin bends – I feel sick to the core in hilly roads. This time around, our driver mentioned that road is closed we escaped the torture of hair pin bends. Both me and Bluey slept through our drive till we entered Kabini forest area! Yes that was a loooong nap!

Ooty Botanical Garden

Ahh, that’s a lot of travel for the year. And I am not even mentioning the annual winter trip to Kolkata in December. I am still wondering, as I write this post, what happened to all the post ideas I had while travelling! 2018 must have been a lazy year because I did some major MIA. Now that I have figured that out – I’ll do more posts on the places I travelled to in 2018. So keep reading – some interesting posts are lined up.

January 13, 2019 15 comments
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Welcome! I’m Tina Basu, a parenting author and lifestyle blogger dedicated to making family life simpler, healthier, and more creative. Dive in for practical parenting guides, self-care routines, and fun DIY inspiration. Let's make everyday life beautiful - click my photo to learn more!

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