Life & StyleLifestyle

20 Positive New Year’s Resolution to make that you can stick to

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

New Year’s Resolutions are hard to stick to. I happen to lose steam by the time its March (honestly, by end of Jan)! If I can stick to something till June, I’ll be more than happy. It’s a lot easier to talk about weight loss in January, than following it for the rest of the year. So why not pick some positive New Year Resolution to make this year that I can actually stick to! I am hoping they will keep me happy and going throughout the year!

positive new years resolutions to make

  1. Spend more time on yourself – Self-Care is big on my list this year.
  2. Add gratitude to your routine – I am going to make sure I find a way to thank one person every day (they can be my super market cashier, buggy driver anyone)
  3. Make more time for a new hobby – mastering Zentangle or Mandalay Art is on my radar
  4. Start your days early – Being the morning person is a good thing, you make enough time for work and your self
  5. Don’t Miss Fitness – This year I have to visit the gym at least 4 days a week
  6. Spend less time complaining – Instead of complaining work towards finding the solution
  7. Read books. 2018 my reading was extremely poor – blame Netflix for it. This year I plan to read at least 15 books.
  8. Learn something new – I plan to learn a new software and use that professionally –  I like learning new things
  9. Less on Credit. I am putting the credit card inside the drawer – that needs to happen today.
  10. Spend time with family – I try to do that as much as possible. Staying away from parents and in laws means you spend less time with them. I speak to my parents every day. This year I plan to take my mom in law for a trip somewhere.
  11. Learn a new cuisine – experimenting in the kitchen is great, learn about a new cuisine, eat and experiment.
  12. Spend more time in the nature – I like taking the long walks amongst greenery. I am blessed to have a nice campus. This year I am also making my garden prettier
  13. Stay away from politics – Believe me this will be productive, to stay away from politics –  ALL KINDS, including the elections
  14. Write something new every day. You can journal, write a diary, just express yourself. I have to get back to writing fiction – If you didn’t know already, I am a published author!
  15. That also reminds me I have to make an effort to redo some of my old writings.
  16. Take up a Photography challenge – there are numerous photography challenges on Instagram, search with hashtags. Practice makes it perfect, there’s no short cut, if I want to make my feed and blogs look better I have to keep practicing!
  17. Social Media Cleanse – sometimes social media can be toxic. Sundays I take off from Social Media – no Instagramming, no FBing, no posts, no checking feed.
  18. Let go of toxic relationships – if you have a toxic relationship – family, friends, boyfriend, or anyone – let go of them. No point in being in toxic relationship
  19. DRINK WATER – Instead of several cups of tea, coffee or soda through the day, drink water – plain simple water or infused water is the best thing you can give to your body.
  20. Make yourself happy. People around you will be happy if you are happy and spread that warmth.

That’s how I see my 2019. New Year Resolution can be hard to maintain, but these resolutions, hopefully, will be easier to maintain. But the best part is this will keep you happy all year round.

Cheers to a wiser, brighter year!

And hey, Happy New Year from Tina & Bluey!

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Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes
For New MomsMommy & Parenting

Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes now comes in Medical Grade Cloth – Safest baby wipes in the market #NewLaunch #SuperThickwaterWipes

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Mother Sparsh, India’s Wipes Brand, has launched premium 99% Water based Baby Wipes in Medical Grade Cloth. #UnscentedWaterWipes #SensitiveWipes

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

A mother’s diaper bag is never complete without baby wipes. Mine is a three-year-old yet I find it impossible to go anywhere without the baby wipes. But which baby wipes can you use safely without having to worry about skin rashes or allergies? My baby has a sensitive skin and I tend to avoid anything that has sulphates or fragrance. Artificial fragrance often irritates the skin. So when I got to know about the new launch of premium baby wipes – Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes which is made of medical grade cloth – I had to give it a try. And here’s what my observations are about the Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes.

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

Is the Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes something new?

If you have been following me on social media, you must be knowing I am quite a big fan of Mother Sparsh baby wipes. I have used their 98% Water Wipes earlier and it was pretty good. But the new launch of Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes is a premium range of baby wipes which is specially formulated for extra sensitive skin of newborns.

While the 98% Water Wipes are great for everyday use, this new launch of premium wipes is made for neonatal care and extra sensitive skin.

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

What’s special about Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes? #UnscentedWaterWipes

Artificial fragrance can irritate skin – specially the extra sensitive skin of newborns. The new Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes are completely unscented and derived from plant fabric. These wipes contain 99% pure water that are free from parabens, alcohol, sulphates, fragrances and any other chemicals which make them safest wipes for neonatal care.

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

Medical Grade Cloth? What is that?

While using this baby wipe I found the fabric is thicker than the usual wipes in market. That’s when I checked the labels. These baby wipes are made from a fabric that is all natural and derived from plant pulp. They are three times thicker than the ordinary wipes. The cottony cloth fabric is natural and soft making it non-reactive and non-allergic.

It turns out these baby wipes are not only good for your baby’s skin but for the earth too. The plant fabric is 100% biodegradable. Little less stress on your carbon footprint.

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

Who can use the Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes?

These unscented sensitive wipes are hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and are safe for usage on delicate skin. You can use these 99% Water Wipes even on newborns for

  1. During diaper change
  2. Cleaning face and neck after feeds
  3. After getting back from walks and strolls
  4. Post exposure to dirt

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

Comes with Moisture Lock Lid

My son is three and capable of washing his hands by himself. But my handbag always contains a pack of baby wipes whenever I am going out. This water wipe pack comes with a reseal able sticker and a protective plastic lid that helps to lock the freshness and moisture of wipes for longer. The lid makes it easy to carry this pack of wipes in your bag.

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

My tiny human can take it out and lock back himself – such a relief that the wipes wont dry out!

Mother Sparsh 99% Water Wipes are available at 299/- for 72 wipes.

Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

What is the difference between Mother Sparsh 98% water wipes and Mother Sparsh premium water wipes?

Features Comparisons Mother Sparsh 98% water wipes

( Scented)

 Mother Sparsh 99% water wipes

( Unscented )
Fragrance YES (Scented/fragrance wipes) NO (Unscented)
Skin Type Normal Skin Sensitive skin/Extra gentle
Fabric Plant derived/Natural fabric Plant derived +

3- times thicker + Medical-Grade fabric
Plastic Lid Not available (Resalable Sticker) Yes (Moisture lock plastic lid)
Biodegradable/Eco-Friendly YES YES
 

Price

  

188/-

(80 Pcs baby wipes)

  

299/-

(72 Pcs baby wipes)

 

This post has been sponsored by Mother Sparsh but the views are completely personal.

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make friends with probiotics
For New MomsHealth & WellnessLifestyleMommy & Parenting

Why you should make friends with Probiotics for a healthy gut

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Probiotics are live microorganisms that restores the gut flora. Make friends with probiotics for a healthy gut. These friendly bacteria are also helpful for a good immune system.

What are the two diseases in kids that worries a mom? High fever and diarrhoea. Not to mention, sometimes I worry about the pro-longed running noses and coughs too. If you are someone who likes to keep babies away from anti-biotics then you must be the one who looks for natural alternatives to strong medicines. While we shun all the bacteria and germs from our lives, little do we realize some bacteria are actually good for our immune system.  Did you know some of the medicines that paediatricians recommend for diarrhoea contain probiotics, or the good bacteria? Make friends with probiotics for a healthy gut life and a good immune system.

make friends with probiotics

But first, what are probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms, or the good bacteria, that helps to restore the natural balance of gut bacteria. Illness like diarrhoea, digestive issues, allergies, depression and even obesity can lead to an imbalance in the gut bacteria with a rise of the bad bacteria. Probiotics when taken in adequate quantity helps in restoring this imbalance by introducing good bacteria.

Which are the probiotics for a healthy gut?

There are many variants of bacteria that are classified as probiotics and you should read the labels while buying products that contain probiotics.

Lactobacillus – Found in yogurt and fermented foods this probiotic strain helps in controlling diarrhea.

Bifidobacterium – Found in dairy products, it helps if you are suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and improving the intestinal micro flora.

How to consume probiotics for a heathy gut and good immune system?

There are several food products available in the market that comes with probiotics. You can directly consume them.

  1. Yogurt
  2. Buttermilk
  3. Fermented Cheese like Gouda, Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan
  4. Fermented vegetable products like – miso, sauerkraut, pickles
  5. Infant formula with probiotics
  6. Health drinks and juices fortified with probiotics
  7. Chocolate and ice creams
  8. Nutrition bars
  9. Dietary Supplements
  10. Idly and dosa (the fermented batter contains traces of probiotics)

food that contain probiotics

How much of this “good bacteria” is good for you?

A probiotic must contribute at least 1 billion colony forming units (CFU), and a typical dosage is between 1 and 10 billion CFU daily for adults and 6 Billion CFU for kids aged above two.

DuPont Bloggers Meet

DuPont™ Danisco® are pioneers in in-depth knowledge of food and nutrition with years of research and expertise in pharmaceutical, food and beverage and dietary supplement industries. At a recent bloggers meet, I caught some insightful sessions on probiotics by leading experts. Let me share some key takeaways on how to make probiotics a daily routine in your life, from the experts.

Is it safe to give probiotics to new born babies?

Many infant formulae are fortified with probiotics to help in lining of the gut with good bacteria. It is absolutely safe to give probiotics to new born babies.

Is probiotics good only for gut health?

“Gut bacteria microbes is a complex part of gastrointestinal system. It is not the digestive health that reaps benefit from probiotics, they are beneficial for good liver and kidney health”, Dr. Anders Henriksson, Principal Application Specialist, DuPont Nutrition and Health.

He shared a few studies where to was found regular consumption of probiotics in babies also helped in skin allergies like eczema.

Probiotics contribute to healthy digestive system in turn boosting the immune system.

probiotics perspective

How to choose a probiotic product?

Read the labels of products to check

  1. Strains listed in ingredients
  2. Listing of health benefits
  3. Claims backed by research
  4. Guarantee of dose at time of consumption

“It is important to check the dates on packages. To be effective, the probiotic should be live when you take it”, said Dr. Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Clinical Nutritionist and HOD Dept. of Nutrition and Dietetics.

how to select probiotics product

Eating fermented food like idly daily, do you still need probiotics?

Fermented food like idly and dosa contains probiotics and it’s a good practise. But the amount of probiotics is not enough for daily dosage. It’s better you are aware of the dose of probiotics you are adding in your daily routine from different sources.

Any side effects of probiotics?

Probiotics are safe and there’s no such thing called over dosage of probiotics that will lead to health complications. The amount that is required is used up by the body and the excess is flushed out.

DuPont HOWARU Advantage

Efficacious strains of probiotics are not always present in all commercial yogurt of or fermented milk. Probiotics can be taken in the form of health supplements to ensure you are getting the correct dosage. DuPont HOWARU range of premium probiotics are scientifically proven to help keep the digestive system running smoothly and to support the body’s immune system.

Their strains are added in many products worldwide. The series of products consists of

  • HOWARU Protect Earlylife,
  • HOWARU Protect Kids,
  • HOWARU Protect  Adult,
  • HOWARU Protect  Senior and HOWARU Protect  Sport,
  • HOWARU Shape,
  • HOWARU Balance,
  • HOWARU Restore, HOWARU Transit or HOWARU Dophilus

 – all available as ready-to-market products or in concentrate form.

dupont howaru probiotic drink mix

This was a very insightful session I visited on probiotics. The probiotics scenario in India is pretty new whereas worldwide it is very popular. I happen to give probiotics to my son daily as a routine for a stronger immune system. And now you know too why you should make friends with probiotics for a healthy gut and stronger immune system in your kids and your family.

how to choose probiotics

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stimulate brain development
For New MomsMommy & ParentingParenting

5 simple activities for babies to stimulate better brain development – #FeedIQ

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

The best thing you can do for your baby is to provide the right environment for stimulation through a variety of activities. Here in this post I will be sharing 5 simple activities for babies to stimulate better brain development.

Want smarter kids? Why not create an environment that is full of various activities early in childhood? Studies have shown early stimulation through activities leads to better brain development in kids. Encouraging your infants and toddlers with everyday activities is a fun way to stimulate their developing brain. The best thing you can do for your baby is to provide the right environment for stimulation through a variety of activities. Here in this post I will be sharing 5 simple activities for babies to stimulate better brain development.

But first, what is the essential for a baby’s brain development?

As a mom, the single best thing that you can provide your baby is your breastmilk. Breastmilk is not just food for babies, it contains vital immunity boosting antibodies, healthy enzymes that line the gut. Breastmilk is also known to reduce the risk of viruses, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections and many more.

Did you know, 90% of the baby’s brain growth happens up to 1 year of age? The first six months are crucial because a baby thrives on breastmilk only and not even water. Breastmilk contains vital nutrients like DHA, Natural Vitamin E, choline, iron that are all responsible for good brain development. A mother’s diet, hence, needs to be enriched with foods rich in DHA and Natural Vitamin E and if required fortified with supplements like SimMomIQ+ that support breastmilk formation.

breastmilk has DHA, natural Vitamin E needed for baby's brain development #FeedIQ

Along with breastfeeding, provide an environment for your baby where he feels protected, loved and finds ways to fulfil their curiosity. Stress is bad for even babies. A baby needs the environment where he is emotionally secured. Simple things like oil massage, singing, reading, playing peekaboo helps in infant cognition and better brain development in kids. These are ways you Feed IQ to your baby.

stimulate brain development

#1 Stimulation activities for babies (0 to 3 months old) – Sound and Touch Activities

The first three months in a baby’s life is crucial because they are putting on weight and adjusting to the world outside the womb. Feed, sleep, nappy change can be the only thing that your baby is doing for first few weeks. But slowly introduce activities like Massage Time, singing, rocking, taking out for short walks, play peek-a-boo.

play peek-a-boo with baby

#2 Stimulation activities for babies (3 to 6 months old) – Movement and Sound Activities

By the time they are 3 months old their vision gets better and they can detect and follow movement and sound. Invest in a play gym mat, rattles, hang colourful toys on the crib so that they can watch and follow the movement. Singing to them, or reading out a story is also a good way to stimulate their brains.

#3 Stimulation activities for babies (6 to 12 months old) – Sensory Toys

By the time your baby is 6-8 month old he has learnt to sit up. Introduce sensory toys like books with texture, introduce finger foods around 7 months, make obstacle games with pillows and cushion, stacking ring games etc. Once they learn standing up give them toys that can be pushed.

#4 Stimulation activities for babies (1 yr to 1.5 old) – Talking

Talking, singing, reading forms brain synapses that help in developing language. The more they listen to conversations, songs the easier it is to pick up. Even if your baby doesn’t know how to speak and only can say few words, keep talking to them. Ask them questions which they can answer in one or two words. Start with yes and no, they find these easier to respond to.

#5 Stimulation activities for babies (2 yr old) – Role Play

By the time your baby is 18 months to 24 months old he has already learnt to say words and perhaps sentences too. Do games like pretend play and role play. Kids learn by observing, learning and doing. It promotes imagination and creativity.

encourage roleplay

When you provide an integrated environment at home or child care facility to promote these stimulations they end up in helping the brain development in babies.

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New Mom LifeParenting

When I held my son for the first time #FirstTimeMom – Mother Sparsh

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

When your baby is born it is not only his birthday, it is your birthday too – as a mother. Being a first time mom is special. The joy of learning that you’re expecting a baby, braving the first trimester hurdles, feeling the first flutters in your belly, till holding your baby in your arms –  each moment is exceptional. As a first time mom, you want to relive those moments all the time. The bond between a mom and baby is the purest connection in the world. Mother sparsh is full of love, care and tenderness.

 

The Day I held my Son for the First Time – First Time Mom

Two days after my baby shower I got admitted at 39 weeks for a c-section because the cords were distressing the baby. Just out of anaesthesia, I was little drowsy and in pain. But someone has said it right – when you see your baby for the first time all the pain, discomfort and distress vanishes like magic. I fell in love with my bundle of joy the moment he was given to me.

At 3.5 kgs he was the prettiest and pinkest baby with a big mop of hair. Even if there was a surge of hormones ricocheting around my body and mind still zooming on and off from anaesthesia holding the new born in my arms gave the happiest tears of my life. It was magical, like a dream and overwhelming. I probably went through a million emotions in those few moments adoring my little one.

The promise I made as the #FirstTimeMom

The sense of being a mother, the first and foremost caregiver, kicked in while I was pregnant. Each time I saw him in the sonography room I grew more and more connected with him. When I held him in my hands I had made a promise to my little Bluey – I will get only the best for him. I will do everything in my hands to give the best upbringing and care to my baby.

There’s no replacement for a mother’s love and care. Mother sparsh is pure and a mom only wants the best. That is the time I had decided no day care or nanny for my baby – I’ll do everything.

 

And I kept my promise. Throughout his infancy I took up the job of his first caregiver and did everything from giving bath to oil massage. I also am a mom who reads the labels of products very well before getting it for my baby. If it’s not 100% chemical free or not safe for my little one’s skin, I don’t use it.

Mother Sparsh – Touch that’s Gentle & Pure

Baby wipes are a mom’s best friend. You need to keep them handy when you have a little baby. As much as you should be careful about changing their diapers every four hours, you also need to be careful how gently you can wipe baby’s skin.

Mother Sparsh launched India’s first water-based wipes. These wipes are pure containing 98% pure water. Mother Sparsh Water Wipes are also gentle for your baby’s skin because they are derived from plants making it highly breathable and absorbent. This skin friendly natural fabric ensures they are mild, gentle and tender on your baby’s sensitive skin – just like the gentle touch of a mom. It is very convenient for moms who are travelling. Use it during diaper changes or for cleaning babies face after feeds.

These wipes are not just gentle on baby’s skin they are gentle to the environment. Since they are derived from plant fiber Mother Sparsh Water Wipes are 100% biodegradable.

 

 

What I loved About Mother Sparsh 98% Water Wipes?

When I get anything for my baby (even now) I read the labels. Mother Sparsh 98% Water Wipes scores high in being natural and safe for babies. Did you ask why I liked it?

  • Alcohol and paraben free
  • No polyester – plant based fiber
  • 100% biodegradable
  • clinically proven water wipes preventing bacterial and yeast growth
  • hypoallergenic and pH balanced
  • Easily available in market or online
  • Cost Effective (MRP 175/- for 80 wipes)
  • Suitable for new born

Thank you Mother Sparsh for making such a gentle product which is as pure and gentle like a #FirstTimeMom.

This post has been sponsored by Mother Sparsh but the views are completely personal.

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tips for drinking water in pregnancy
New Mom LifeParenting

Tips for Drinking Water during Pregnancy – Benefits of Hydration and Beyond

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Tips for drinking water during pregnancy – Keeping yourself hydrated all the time is crucial when you are expecting. Learn the benefits of hydration during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a critical and important phase in a woman’s life. It is necessary to maintain health and hygiene during this phase. Having a proper diet and sleep along with a good mood for the mother, play a vital role in initial developments of the baby. Proper knowledge of the food and liquid intakes of a mother during pregnancy is essential for both the parent-to-be as well as other members of the family. Having an adequate amount of water during the entire period of pregnancy to hydrate the body is crucial.

tips for drinking water in pregnancy

DEHYDRATION AND PREGNANCY


Dehydration occurs when our body loses water at a rate faster than the water intake. This is a serious health issue for all but is more critical in case of a pregnant woman. During pregnancy, the water intake of the expecting mother must be significantly high for the healthy development of the baby. Also, lots of complications for the mother may occur if her body is not getting a proper intake of water. These include – defects in the neural tube, inadequate breast milk production, low amniotic fluid, and even premature labour. These complications may further give rise to birth defects in the baby.

You Might Like: Importance of mother’s nutrition for baby’s cognitive development

Symptoms of Dehydration

The symptoms of dehydration during pregnancy often relates to maternal overheating. Moreover, with less intake of water, there are chances that your urine color may turn dark yellow, as opposed to normal urine color. In both the cases, having adequate water intake helps.

dehydration during pregnancy

FURTHER BENEFITS OF WATER INTAKE DURING PREGNANCY

Besides controlling dehydration, proper water intake during pregnancy has some more health benefits.

Oxygen Supply

Water is responsible for carrying oxygen and other nutrients to our cells and tissues. This is why staying hydrated ensures that these nutrients reach the baby womb and contributes to its overall development. It is a known fact that dehydration is highly responsible for headaches, cramps, and dizziness of the mother. Staying hydrated hence helps in getting rid of these complexities during pregnancy. Moreover, having enough water alleviates morning sickness and indigestion.

 

Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

One annoying problem that most mothers face during pregnancy is the urinary tract infections which can also be kept at bay by having a proper and adequate amount of water throughout the period of pregnancy. Water intake is also essential for flushing out the toxins from the mother’s body. These toxins are believed to have an influence on the health of the baby.

Reminding yourself for Drinking Water during Pregnancy

Most mothers struggle to stay hydrated during the period of pregnancy. It is therefore recommended for them to carry a bottle of water everywhere they go. Having a bottle handy will remind them to sip water from time to time and eventually stay hydrated along with it.

tips for drinking water in pregnancy

FAQ about drinking water during pregnancy

Below are some of the frequently asked questions that most mothers want to know about drinking water during pregnancy.

1. How much water should I drink during pregnancy?

Besides having other liquids like milk, juice, a mother should have a daily intake of at least 2 litres of water regularly. It should, however, be understood that the mother’s bladder is already under pressure by the growing uterus and so excessive liquid intake should be avoided. It is always recommended to take the advice of the doctor in this matter.

2. Is it safe to drink cold water during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant during the hot summer days, ice-cold water or juices definitely seem refreshing, However, it is recommended that you take cool water, at least until the baby is born. Similarly, hot liquids can be substituted with the warmer ones.

3. Can dehydration cause cramps during pregnancy?

The flow of blood to the uterus is reduced due to dehydration. This may lead to uterine cramps or contractions.

tips for drinking water in pregnancy

TIPS FOR DRINKING WATER DURING PREGNANCY

Drinking water for a pregnant woman is extremely important as the health of both the mother and the baby is dependent on it. But, drinking pure water is also important. This is why I recommend getting the best water purifier for your home. To help you stay hydrated, we have come up with these few tips that you might find useful during the time of your pregnancy.

  1. Start your day with water: Try having 2 glasses of water every morning before you start doing anything. After a sleep of 6-8 hours, our body slightly gets dehydrated automatically. To prevent this, it is a very good idea to take 2 glasses of water every morning.
  2. Few sips of water before going to Bed: Similarly, taking a few sips of water just before going to bed helps in maintaining the hydration levels while sleeping. It is recommended to take a small glass of water 10 minutes before going to bed.
  3. Eating hydrating fruits: Besides taking water directly, fruits and vegetables also supply adequate water to our body. So including fruits and vegetables in your diet ensures you receive enough water for your body.

This Guest Post was brought to you by Kedy.

Author Bio:

Kedy is a digital marketer and founder of Kumaon Planners. He writes to inspire readers in life and work. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

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