things that made you happy thankful thursday
Life, Musing & AnecdotesThankful Thursdays

5 things I saw that made me happy in last two weeks #ThankfulThursday Jan Week1

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Hello people, welcome to a brand new year and a brand new #ThankfulThursday Month! Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous New Year. May the New Year keep you in good health wealth and see you happy always.

So how has been your first five days of the year? Did you decide on your New Year resolution? I have stopped stressing on the word “resolution” because whenever I think of that word I remember I have never stuck to it beyond a few weeks!!! But this year I have decided fitness is my goal – eating healthy, going off caffeine, reduce sugar, and take less stress. How about that? Doable right? Hope to be on track with it.

#ThankfulThursday Jan Week 1 Prompt

This time we have two prompts for you and you can write on either of them. Tell us about 5 Things you saw that made you happy or tell us about a goal that you have achieved or aced.

things that made you happy thankful thursday

goals you have achieved thankful thursday

5 things I saw that made me happy in last two weeks

Year-end travel to Kolkata is like a permanent fixture in our life. We make this annual two week break to be with our family and relatives in Kolkata. This December, however, we spent just 9 days amongst family, friends and good food! So what have I observed in last two weeks that made me happy?

My Toddler is a Rock star Flyer

As a kid I always felt scared during take-off. And all the time I have taken my son on a flight have been worried if he would get scared too or have ear pain. But it turned out that he’s a rock star flyer. In my Travelling Tips with Toddlers guest post I had mentioned why it’s important to keep the kids jaws moving. I myself follow this for my kid and it has always worked. I was happy to see him rather enjoying the boring flight with his personal entertainment (iPad and Teddy and a ton of snack)!

Open Air Gym at Lions Safari Park

Rabindra Sarobar is a famous spot in South Kolkata. It’s the favorite morning walk place for South Kolkata residents. The Lions Safari Park in Rabindra Sarobar has seen a major upliftment with an open air gym for public. My mom’s a regular visitor and she has been saying great stuffs about it. I loved the fact it has a foot reflexology path too!

Decorating two Christmas Trees in two cities

I decorate Christmas trees every year since I was a kid. This year I saw active participation from my toddler. He was super pumped to see the tiny Santas and stars and the colorful decoration items. He has been watching Christmas videos on YouTube and doing Christmas crafts in Playschool. I was happy to see him help me put up the Christmas tree. We did up another tree at my house in Kolkata which also saw Mr. Bluey participating in the decoration process.

Family Heritage

This time we thought of going through some of the heirloom stuff of my husband’s family. His family was Zamindars of Kasimpur (which now falls in Bangladesh) and they have tons of beautiful interesting things in the house in Kolkata. They have trunks full of royal clothing that the Rajas used to wear! We didn’t dare open them though! But brought some rare wooden furniture which we plan to restore and keep in our home. These are few generation old priceless items and I don’t think carpenters of this generation can even make them. I’ll be happy the day I can restore everything.

A Wonderful Year of being the Lady Boss

Mid 2016 I had gone self-hosted in both my blogs and started my design business. 2017 saw it leaping towards the word called accomplishment. It’s a year of being a Lady Boss and surviving solely on my blogs and business. I pay my own bills, make my own investments. Absolutely thankful, for being on my own and being my own boss.

How to Participate in #ThankfulThursdays?

  1. Follow @twinklingtina  & @misra_amrita on Twitter
  2. Prompts will be announced every Wed 20:00 hrs IST
  3. Write the post and Link Up with Tina or Amrita
  4. Read, comment, share on host and co-hosts posts and at least two more posts linked in the party Pro Tip – Networking and commenting is good for your blog’s health and ranks.
  5. Use #ThankfulThursday in your post and share in social media using the same hashtag.
  6. Every week we will have one featured blogger who is the best reflection of this community spirit
  7. Please keep your posts and engagement civil. Adult content or hatred towards any religion/comunity is strictly prohibited.

Add your links below.

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TravelTravel Destination

Top 5 Places to visit near Mumbai for an awesome Instagram feed

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Mumbai is the land of dreams. From beaches to Bollywood the city offers you everything. Here are Top 5 places to visit near Mumbai that you should never miss.

Mumbai doesn’t need an introduction. Mumbai is the queen of cities, many visit to live their dreams, many to open their fortunes and many to explore and be in awe of what the city offers. Besides being the financial capital of India, Mumbai offers you everything from beaches to Bollywood. Don’t miss these 5 attractions and places to visit near Mumbai for an Instagram feed that will soothe your eyes.

Top 5 places to visit near Mumbai for an awesome Instragram Feed

places to visit near Mumbai awesome instagram feed

Gateway of India

Constructed in 1924 Gateway of India is the most recognized monument of this bustling city. It’s also where the last of the British troops departed which marked the end of British rule in 1947. It is one of the best places to get your DSLRs or phones out for some candid shots. The Taj Palace Hotel stands on the opposite which itself is iconic too. You can take a ferry ride to capture the entire waterfront on your lens.

gateway of India places to visit near mumbai

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves is the most recommended places to visit near Mumbai. The ancient rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island are worth your visit if you’re spending a few days in Mumbai. There are enough hotels in Mumbai of every kind of budget that you can check in and make a day trip to the Elephanta Caves. The main cave in the Elephanta island, devoted to Lord Shiva, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and houses some impressive sculptures and artwork. You can reach there by taking a ferry from the Gateway of India.

elephanta caves, places to visit near mumbai

Dharavi Slum

Dharavi, apart from being Asia’s largest slum is also very popular with photographers and photojournalists. This massive slum, located near Mahim in central Mumbai, is a bustling place full of small-scale industry and not just a dwelling place for the less fortunate. It offers myriad emotions to capture in your lenses and reflect on your awesome Instagram feed.

places to visit near mumbai awesome instagram feed dharavi slum

Vasai

Visit the Peaceful palm-lined streets, unspoiled beach of Vasai, on the northern outskirts of Mumbai, and get the feel of Goa. It has a rich taste of history, in the 16th and 17th century Vasai was a headquarters of Portuguese rule with a thriving fort city. Visit for ornate churches, virgin unspoiled beaches where you can feel the serenity and grab those Instagram worthy moments. Vasai is one of the best scenic places to visit near Mumbai.

vasai mumbai awesome instagram feed

Kala Ghoda Art Precinct

If you like art then this is the place to be. It is Mumbai’s cultural center apart from the Bollywood buzz. This crescent-shaped stretch is home to some of the best art galleries and museums and even some pavement galleries.

kala ghoda mumbai

It doesn’t matter if you are in Mumbai for work or leisure, Mumbai offers you ample sites to get an awesome Instagram feed. If you are planning a holiday trip to Mumbai you can reach by almost every means – trains, flights, cars, buses. Check Mumbai to Chennai flights for best deals this holiday season. Mumbai is especially popular for New Year’s parties which you can enjoy this holiday season.

 

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ganglion cyst
LifestyleHealth & Wellness

This is why you must take good care of your Wrists

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

A ganglion cyst refers to a small, lump like growth usually occurring along the arm at the wrist. Take care of your wrist and know your options if you develop one.

ganglion cyst

What is Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst refers to a small, lump like growth usually occurring along the arm at the wrist. The cyst may be found on any part of the body, but the hand is its most common site. The result is a fluid-filled sac on the skin of the affected area, and pain or discomfort to the patient.

Why does it pain if you develop Ganglion Cyst?

The growth of ganglion cysts have also been seen to happen around the ankles or the feet, and they are sometimes painful. This pain occurs because the fluid inside the cyst tends to press the nerves running in the area, this results in pain to the patient, a doctor will advise for its removal. The cyst may also restrict movement of the patient, depending upon the part where it occurs. Also, the cyst has a negative effect cosmetically.

Remedies

In many cases, the doctor does not prescribe Ganglion Cyst excision right away. Some cysts, especially the smaller ones, tend to go away on their own. Surgery is deemed unnecessary unless the cyst causes pain or discomfort to the patient. It is not the only treatment option available for the patients; Aspiration and a wrist brace are the most frequently used treatment options for a ganglion cyst.

In the aspiration procedure, a needle is plunged into the cyst by the doctor. The doctor then proceeds to draw out and remove the fluid which is present in the sac. This causes the cyst to shrink, and the pressure in the surrounding areas is relieved. The shrinking of the cyst, combined with the relief from pain gives the patient some needed comfort. However, aspirations do not remove the cyst completely, so the fluid can again fill the sac, and the cyst may continue to grow to its previous size.

Other Treatments

Another treatment method includes the use of a wrist or ankle brace, to control the ganglion cyst. The most common cause of the increase in the size of the cyst and increased discomfort is the movement of the area surrounding the cyst. The brace effectively restricts the movement, thereby letting the cyst shrink and reduce its pressure on the nerves.

Doctors usually prescribe these non-surgical procedures initially, before opting for ganglion cyst excision surgery in India. Since the surgery is more invasive than the other treatment methods, it also carries more risks. Surgery for ganglion cyst removal is usually done by a doctor who specialises in hand, wrist or elbow surgery. It is carried out under local anaesthesia, so the patient is awake during the whole procedure. Before the procedure, the surgeon identifies the cyst and draws a line marking its position. The area is then numbed, and an incision is made along the line using a scalpel. The cyst is then identified, and it is removed along with its stalk or capsule. The open incision is then stitched closed and allowed to heal. The process is an outpatient procedure, so the patient may leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery.

There are many capable surgeons and doctors in the nation, who perform ganglion cyst removal. PSTakeCare helps you compare the costs and facilities at each hospital, along with the qualifications of the doctor performing the surgery. You can even book online doctor appointment through the website, so make sure you select the right person and place for the procedure!

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moov spray
LifestyleHealth & Wellness

Spray or foam: What’s your choice?

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Pain relieving foams are fast becoming popular, but are sprays better for you? Let’s find out.

moov spray

Mankind grapples with a lot of pain on a daily basis. In fact, most of us are unaware of the several niggling pains and aches building up in the body over the course of a day. It is only when the pain makes itself felt that you take note of it.

Life is so hectic today, that even young children are in constant stress. This stress translates itself into body ache that may be dull at first. Over time, if not treated or paid attention to, the pain can develop into a bigger phenomenon that you cannot ignore. The pain can occur anywhere in the body, but most often in the parts of most use – such as the back, shoulders, legs and major joints.

Dealing with pain – foams v/s sprays

Most people who deal with fatigue-induced pain use pain relieving medication for relief. However, topical applications of creams, foams and sprays are a better alternative.

Pain relieving foams are slowly gaining popularity in India, owing to their widespread use in treating sport-related injuries. They exhibit deep, rapid penetrating action to offer relief within minutes of application. The foam is applied on the skin and allowed to dry, where it begins to form a fine powder as it dries. Its liquid component penetrates into the painful tissues and joints to numb the intensity of pain.

However, the foam is not a very convenient option if one is to use it daily. For one thing, it takes a little time for the foam to get to work – on application, you have to wait for it to dry. Then you have to wipe off the residue off your skin when the foam dries into powder. Besides, pain relieving foams are quite expensive in India as of yet, because they are not widely available like creams and sprays.

In contrast, pain relieving sprays like Moov work much better and faster than foams do. Moov spray exhibits effective, fast action on application – just spray the painful site and let the liquid get absorbed into the skin. Upon absorption, Moov spray goes deep into the painful joint or muscle and gets to work on numbing the pain at once.

Moov spray is a more economical, faster acting and completely convenient pain relief remedy. You can use it anywhere, anytimemoov spray.

How to use Moov pain relief spray

  • Clean the skin where the spray is to be applied. Make sure the skin is not cut or irritated.
  • Apply the spray in a short blast, holding the can about 10 cm away from the skin.
  • You may gently rub the liquid into the skin to aid absorption, but the liquid dries up on its own as well.
  • Rest the painful body part after applying the spray. Ideally, you should spray the area just before bed.

Dealing with daily aches and pains becomes easier when you have a reliable pain relieving system like Moov creams and sprays to help!

moov spray

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Life & StyleLifestyleTravelTravel Destination

The Road Trip – A Destination Every Week

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Driving an own vehicle is the ultimate way to travel, and the adventure that comes with this freedom cannot be arranged by a bus or a chauffeured cab.

self drive car

Sponsored Post

People who do not own cars may feel that they are missing out on the many road trips that one can enjoy around the region. From Goa to Kodaikanal, Bangalore is conveniently connected by major highways to all the top destinations of Southern India. However, the informed traveller is discovering the joys of a rental self drive car and turning into reality, all those long soul-searching drives that get envisioned so often. It is really easy and affordable to rent a car in Bangalore and head off into the sunset (or sunrise) with friends and family.

Top Destinations

Nature lovers in Bangalore are very lucky. Some of the largest, most continuous pristine eco-spaces are located just a few hours’ drive from the city. One of these is Kabini reserve – a hotspot for bird watching and nature photography. The Bangalore-Mysore-Masinagudi road trip blends culture and untamed wilderness. The first stop would be the city of palaces – along with its rich markets of silk and sandalwood. The next destination,Masinagudi, is 275 km from Bangalore and falls in the Mudumalai Park – a home to animals like the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant and the elusive leopard.

Day Getaways

Sometimes, time does not permit a long escape, but India’s Silicon Valley has some hidden gems just beyond the city limits. Many weary city folks head off to the peaks of Nandi Hills to rejuvenate their minds and bodies. The landscape of the Deccan gives way to winding hill roads as one approaches old summer palaces and witnesses vineyards on the way.

Bollywood fans would remember the rocky landscapes of Ramanagra, made immortal on film in the movie Sholay. These granite formations are a haven for nature lovers and adventure junkies. A drive to Ramanagara can involve some rock-climbing, rappelling and zip-lining. Just 78 kms from Bangalore, one can find the 400-year-old Guddibanda Fort. The trip involves a nice climb up a hill. A nearby lake adds to the scenic vistas that welcome visitors.

The Cauvery River is the lifeline of the state and along its banks, there are many less-explored places where one can enjoy a day trip. Doddamakali is a scenic spot to drive to, located only 115 km from the city. A lot of outdoors enthusiasts come here to try their hand at angling and there are trekking routes to explore too. Galibore is where one can just soak in the beauty and sounds of the riverine landscape.

With companies like Zoomcar, one can hire a self drive car in Bangalore on an app. Assurances like 24/7 on-road support and inter-state permits make this an ideal choice for long journeys.

Bangalore is a base-camp for many adventures, and with a bit of research, magical destinations can be uncovered every week. With a rental, travellers can have a hassle-free and uncompromised road trip – most importantly, easy on the pocket too.

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Camping sites near Mumbai
TravelTravel Destination

Mumbaikars, Go Weekend Camping To Unwind This Winter

by tinabasu
written by tinabasu

Camping and adventure are the ‘in things’ for young professionals. These Camping sites near Mumbai are popular destinations for short weekend trips.

Everyone looks up to weekends to get away from the mundane. As winter sets in, let’s explore places where you can go camping and unwind. If you are a person who doesn’t shy away from sleeping under the stark sky lit with million stars, then this list is certainly for you. Below are 7 unique Camping sites near Mumbai which will certainly impress you.

7 Camping sites near Mumbai for your Weekend Trips

Camping sites near Mumbai

Revdanda Beach Camping

Camping sites near Mumbai Revdanda beach

A black sand beach, a Portuguese fort with a chapel in ruins, coconut and beetle-nut plantation and a monument of the first Russian traveler are few unique things you would find in this coastal beach that stretches beyond the Kundalika creek. I am talking about Revnanda beach, a secluded beach on the outskirts of Alibaug.

Enjoy camping by this beach with the local Parsi community, while they serve you the most authentic fish thali.

Andharban

Camping sites near Mumbai Andharban

Come winter, and the dark forest becomes home to numerous migratory birds that flock from faraway places.  The flora and fauna of this place is at its alluring best as winter sets in. Camping under the sun-kissed behemoth trees with the gushing sounds of river Kundalika and waking up to the chirping of birds is an experience on its own.

Matheran- Charlotte Lake Camping

Camping sites near Mumbai Charlotte Lake Matheran Mumbai

Matheran is famous for being the most unpolluted hill station of Maharashtra and Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. Located just about 90 km from Mumbai, it makes a perfect weekend getaway. Charlotte Lake is one of the most spectacular and picture-perfect spots of Matheran with lush green surroundings and camping by the lakeside is the best way to break away from the hustle around. Since the lake is the primary source of water supply to the hill station, boating and other recreational activities are restricted. You may walk down to Lousia point and Echo point which is nearest spots.

Bhandardara

Camping sites near Mumbai Bhandardara Camping

At an altitude of 2471 ft ASL, Bhandardara, a water reservoir surrounded by Sahyadri hill ranges is a treat to the eyes. You camp under million stars amidst the serenity of the Arthur lake. The destination is an absolute delight for star gazing and star photography too.

Sandhan Valley

Camping sites near Mumbai Sandhan Valley

What’s winter without some adventure? This winter, go trekking to the valley of shadows that offers a combination of both adventure and camping. You get to experience the thrill of rappelling if you haven’t already done it earlier. The campsite of Sandhan valley is surrounded by peaks from Ajoba range and you wake up to a mesmerizing sunrise.

Shirota Lakeside Camping

Camping sites near Mumbai Shirota Lake Camping

11 Kms from Lonavala, far away from the usual din and surrounded by dense forest cover, is located the secluded Shirota lake. This place remains my all-time favorite camping destination due to the serenity and quietude it offers. You can enjoy a barbeque and bonfire night with music and games galore.

Bhira – Devkund

Camping sites near Mumbai Bhira Devkund

A small trek to the picturesque Devkund waterfall crossing the river stream and camping at Bhira can be your next weekend getaway. Away from the city bustle, the water of this scenic pond is crystal clear and you can bask under the sun-kissed waterfall.

Have you started camping yet? Would love to know about your weekend camping experiences.

***

Today I have Dipanwita from Cocktails Mocktails and Life guest posting on my blog as part of #mymojo hosted by Shalzmojo.

Bio: Dipanwita is a solo backpacking traveler who loves to indulge in photography too. Being a history buff, she loves exploring untamed roads, veiled cultures and everything that’s almost lost in history. Her travel stories reflect a connection with history, culture, and people of the places she has been to. Coffee, good books, and good conversation can get her going anytime.

Dipanwita

Read how she stepped into China without a Visa  

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Linking up for #wordsante with Namysaysso for every post deserves some love

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