Exploring Long Weekend Destinations!

I am a person who almost travel everyday with Google.....sigh*...wish i could in reality!

I enjoy all types of vacation - beach, hills, offbeat, relaxing, exploring...any... means any, it should be vacation ;)

So, the upcoming long weekend is on mind... but where to go is the big question..which I ask myself & hubby everyday?  When the answer is nearby destination...it takes away your mind! Yes, literally....staying in capital from last 7 years I have done almost all the nearby destination which a dilli-walla can think about. If you are on the same boat...come join me & let think little different....because many times we miss the opportunity of travel, because of the lack of exciting options. I don't want to visit those places which are overcrowded,  its simply waste of time, money & energy for me. Please, don't feel hurt, if you travelling to one of the overcrowded places.

Nearby destinations means relaxing vacation for us. Since my hubby doesn't like doing physical work(read here too much of trekking,walking)  ;) Now, that i have a toddler who enjoys doing various activities.... I have to keep that in mind too...

Now, that its monsoon time.....enjoy the cloud play, the dew drops, the saundhi mitti ki khusbu(smell of wet land), book while sipping hot coffee/tea with hot pakoras(fritters) or just get drench in rains. Here, are few options.....which i thought would be great to explore..

Mashobra is only 10 km away from Shimla on Shimla-Naldehra road, yet a different world. Surrounded by towering pine & cedar trees, with its amazing view & serenity all over, the lovely hill spot in an ideal gift of nature. This place is still unexplored by many tourist. Perfect for long holidays were one can unwind, relax & explore.

Kasauli We have already visited this place. Dense fog, rains, sunshine with chilled weather welcomed us. But, its on my list again. It's pretty small town where one can walk ....walk...& do more of walks...just admiring nature. Sit & watch cloud play while you sip your hot beverage. A mixed forest of pine, oak & huge horse chestnut encircles the town. This colonial sleepy town is perfect for long holidays.

Kanatal I witnessed my first snow here. This place has given memorable moments to me, though it was just 1 night stay at this beautiful place. So, its on my list again. It offers a spectacular view of snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas & lush green forest. It's on Chamba-Mussoorie highway. Enjoy your resort stay or just walk down to discover apple orchards, fruit trees, wild flowers, pine forests, tiny temples and smiling locals.

Kanjojodi Its almost 500 kms from Delhi on Nahan-Shimla Highway. A camping place with river streams & rocky terrains. Google is not telling me much about this place...But i am pretty sure this seems to be a perfect offbeat destination.

Neemrana Fort palace The nearest of all the above places with its own heritage charm. 122 km from Delhi on Delhi-Jaipur highway. Just drive down to one of the heritage hotels/ resorts and enjoy the spectacular view of Arravali hills. Relax, enjoy the hospitality of Rajasthani culture.

All the above information & pictures are sourced from Google. What are your travel plans for the bada-wala weekend? Do share/comment about offbeat or unexplored places you know about.

Hold-in-my-arms!

I realized that my son is growing up...he is no more tiny-winy infant who can be curdled in your arms. He is growing up. I remember when he was tiny, I used sling to carry him, then stroller, he like a obedient infant would enjoy all the pleasures of going everywhere. He did sleep when we went for lunch or shopping, and when he woke i used to make him eat, once he was done... he enjoyed looking at everything with interest.
I always thought he's so well-behaved, good baby types who would enjoy life & when he would grow up in toddler i would have fun with him for the outings.

Ah! this is very far from the truth. Today taking my almost 25 month old toddler out of the house is a big task. He decides what he want to wear(that means half the wardrobe coming out). He don't want to wear diaper..(it takes atleast 2-3 rounds of the house to make him wear it). So, you know it's kinda shouting, pulling, pushing, yelling, running, grabbing, jumping... involved. I really get exhausted before i go out...though after all this i gather some energy from the positive side of my life and step out.
- He gets down own his own... jumping on every single step, sometimes even taking two steps together. Yes, I am scared!
-When we go to fancy restaurant, we feel guilty of going there... eyes hovering upon us because we are not that parents who enjoy their meal leaving baby to nanny(i respect everyone. everyone have their views.). He screams, he bangs table, he wants all the cutlery in reach with him, he ask for extra straw, we completes our meal where the floor & table also eat. So, we make it quickly n take exit soon(saying sorry for the mess & tipping a good amount)
-Half shopping time goes waste on his tantrums only. His little fingers will hold each dress for mommy ...n if this is not much he wants to go to the trial room too!
-Doesn't he feel cold, hundred times a day have to make him wear socks...so you imagine the situation with gloves n cap.

Ah! too much..isn't it? I know its a period which will over soon. He will start with his playschool soon...& i will be getting some time for myself... It's just a phase.! Everyday he says new words, he makes us laugh by making faces...(yes his already a expert in this).. We run ...we chase each other.. I know time will be flying soon.... so soon, so till that time ..storing up all the lovely memories to talk when we go back to fancy restaurant like a civilized person..he will shop more sensible....and then we can talk about the toddler time..the fun.. the craziness & the time when i could hold him in my arms.

Getting decked up!

It's that time of year..when everything is getting decked up for the festive season...you might be in-between shopping spree for yourself, gifting ideas, home decor n what not.. 
We like our house neat n clean & beautiful all year round...but who doesn't like that extra little effort in festive time..

Diwali,also known as the “festival of lights,” is one of the most important festivals of the year for Hindus,  and is celebrated with grandeur as families perform traditional activities together in their homes.During this festive time small clay lamps(i adore them in every shape and size) are filled with oil and lit to signify the triumph of good over evil, fireworks are burst to drive away evil spirits and decorative designs with colorful powder are made to welcome deities. It’s my absolute favorite time of the year, so vibrant and full of energy.!

So, here are some decor ideas that i would like to share:-

Flower + clay powder rangoli

Painted rangoli with poster color

Flower rangoli

pic source: google

pic source :google

pic source: google

Clay pot filled with rose petals

Apart from this there's lot many things you can do to make your home look inviting and warm... 
Silk/brocade cushion covers
LED lights in different shapes & colors
Hang lanterns(paper/cloth/glass) around
Lots of marigold flower/mango leaves around...it has it's own charm
Hang Bandarwars at the entrance

Hope it's an interesting post & yes Do share your ideas too....
Till next time
Hv fn..Tk cr :)

Flying with your kid is NO Rocket Science!

I always thought how will i travel with a kid... I mean there were always few infant/toddlers whenever i flew. I love kids, yes, now more than ever.. But, then the least 2 hours would become like lifetime.

So, when Baby V's time came to flew with me which was first when he was 4 months old.. i took a day flight..asked the air hostess to adjust me in the first row(little more of leg space) n help me with the bassinet. Ahh.. all was fine.While returning back i took a late night flight...so that we can both(atleast he) enjoy our little naps.

All was fine..till we decided to go on a holiday little far.. 5 hours journey..that too sitting in a one place... that too for an infant who is 9 month old who want to reach for everything, who wants everything in is mouth.....we dreaded..Baby V is not a cranky kid but he's moody,he can snap if things don't go his way(no paternity test required here). Would we be the helpless parents trying to pacify our child or would we be the savvy, self assured, comfortable parents who know what to do? But we did, n we survived(from the big rolling eyes).


Here's few things to keep in mind-
1- Priority- Take fights which suits your baby, because you don't want a cranky/shouting/irritating baby next to you... do you?
2- Always carry your baby stroller.....your baby may refuse to sit in that but you can keep your hands free ;)
3- Use the baby queue/line when you are travelling international.. they work more quickly.
4- Try to give important meal before the flight time.. that way you can entertain with small meals or snacks in between.
5- Most parents fear this. And rightly so, as the change in cabin pressure can cause earache which can be pretty annoying and scary for the little one. The best way to avoid it is to ensure that the baby is feeding during these two events. If your baby is breast-fed, hold out feeding him while the plane is taxiing because he may finish just before take off and defeats the purpose. In this case.. rub ears.
6- Pack some favourite toy/books.... this works best. Also, pack some new toy to surprise and distract the bored baby.
7- Update your phone/ipad with new game or videos. It's a life saver.

I am NO expert but this my personal view/experience. I am sure you would have plenty more to add to it, may be even i will have some more suggestion in future. I will be more than happy to receive suggestions in the comment box below.
Yes, the important part is having fun... if they are having fun why should we stop our self.!
Do you travel with your kids a lot? How do you manage them.. ?
Till next time ...
Hv fn Tk cr :)

Print on Print !

The general question these days to me are.. What are you blogging about?? Are you getting paid?? How do you manage toddler, home and a blog??
My replies are I blog about everything that comes across to my mind.. infact i have become more thoughtful these days..!
No, i am not getting paid for writing anything... this is just like a diary to me which i used to write when i was kid.
I hardly get tried of it...because i love what i do.. I love my baby, home and myself(read here blog). Yes, if any day i feel i am not able to manage any one of these... i would stop loving myself(read here blogging) and i won't crib about that..(there are many other things to do..and i an Opportunist. ;))

Wearing here is a dress which was worn here also.. difference is i styled it again in a different way. I love the floral part & the graphic tee.... and took a kashmiri wristlet to go with it :)

So, here's a same question again... What do you do with a piece of cloth which you like but you don't feel like wearing it... U discard or you come up with interesting way of wearing it ?? Would love to know.. Do drop your comments.. I love reading them :)

Dress- And(2011)
Tee- Bangkok
Wristlet- kashmir, gift
Shoe- Inc. 5

Till next time..
Hv fn.. Tk cr :)

Random Talk :)

Life is getting monotonous... it seems i am drowning...with work, health, and with ideas..Nothing new happening...nor any travel plans yet....
But yes... something is approaching ... A week more n October starts... My Birthday month...People says What special??? You are getting a year older...one more candle to your cake, a few more wrinkles and a year less to live... But that's OK with me..I am girl who had always bought  flower to herself(i won't mind if u wish to send me some flowers ;) )... and i don't complain about that :)
On another thought.. Baby V is keeping me on my toes...as usual..he's getting notorious day by day....
Weather getting better everyday..winter's approaching.. It's perfect time to read a book with coffee in your hand :)
These are my last year birthday pics.. Dinner at Dhaba @ The Claridges, Delhi with hubby n baby.

                                                                  He loves camera :)

Time is Running!

Honestly, if you would have asked me how fast time goes, when baby V was born, i would have said nothing, i rolled my eyes n stare up at u..n give u a blank look...being sleep deprived and an exhausted mummy...time was standing at it's pace. I tried to find time for myself..but i didn't get any..
Baby V is already 22 months old... 2 more months & we will be celebrating his 2nd birthday.... n definitely not a newborn baby now..Well he's still a baby..but not my super tiny newborn...no more tiny-winy clothes...no more rattles... (I m little emotional now)...My baby is growing up.... Can i Ask time to slow down???
Don't get me wrong... But still i would like to cuddle him in my arms...talk to him for hours(definitely without getting disturbed from him)...but now he runs here n there....make faces(u know they can't sit still)...
I like how he views the world n react to it..I love seeing everyday how he learns something new... New words, new things, he imitates us..in every possible way...The look on his face when he tries new food... he's already started making his choices...for toys-food-clothes n of course for people too...he's even started to pull out his own clothes.....How he gets excited when his daddy comes home from work... i love to see his dimples when he giggles..those puzzle look he gives at new toy... I mean I can't STOP here... The smile he gives when he sees me every morning after waking up...those-are-the-best !
Though i don't want him to grow up so quickly..... Still, I'm loving every moment !

Baby V if you will ever read this in future....i want to tell u one thing....... I LOVE YOU BABY! 

Discussion over Comparison ?

I wonder sometimes why do people compare other with the third person...or things with other things... it's such a AH feeling.. How it sounds when an old lady will compare your kid with her aunt/uncle or someone more older than her.... Gawd.. I hate it(i even don't know that person)... I don't like people comparing your height, weight,skin colours with others(i mean, grow up people)... Everybody is unique...everybody have their own personality...what ever it may b  .... I don't remember if any day my parents have compared me to my cousins or any of my friends(i know i am not best...but yes they are best Parents)....They always wanted best out of me but, yes, which parent doesn't want that......Discussion are different... Comparison is different..

Let's talk about clothes:- These pics were in my archive folder from long(i think almost a month)....# New pieces worn here.....Tropical printed top was a found in between many clothes..in small corner at the side(was asking me to pick-me-up & i could not say NO...)& it has a lovely back(could not take a pic... may b next time). The pointed pumps was love at first site :) & the earrings were gift.

Posing with baby... I like to make faces ;)

Top- Benetton

Skirt- Marks & Spencer already seen here

Shoes- Charles & keith

Earrings- youshine.in

Bag- Kazo already seen here & here

What do you think about Comparison?? Is it a healthy practise?? Do drop your comments below..would like to know :)

Till next time

Hv fn.. Tk cr :)

                                                                                                                                                                      

August Love !

Loving everything about August..... Perfect sunny days... to gloomy n rainy days....I stand in my little balcony n stare at the sky.....watch the birds fly here n there...soak myself in some rain....just like a kid .....The month has just started n i am enjoying every bit of it.....even the festivals(it means holidays) starts from this month...I don't know why i am excited .....but yes i am (will share the reason if i come to know ;) )...... Just enjoy the natural pics (definitely will come up with sensible reason to write.....but isn't this sensible....don't u enjoy nature/weather).... Keep scrolling...

Pics are taken from my Phone Camera.. & location is my small little Balcony :)

Enjoyed rain & ginger tea..... Hope u enjoyed.... I know this is heavy on pics...was it worth..do write below in comments.... would love to read back... Till next time... Hv Fn.....Tk Cr  :)

Link of my Facebook Page :-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mummynheels/404668172937403?ref=hl

Cumin/Jeera Biscuits

Ok, so in between settling down in my new house, managing my baby n welcoming guests(read here neighbours…the ones I like and the ones who are little lousy neighbours n their kids) I had little time for experimenting/making something good in the kitchen(from the regular dal, roti, rice,sabji) or i wud order something ….outing n getting ready was different thing right now L

So today when I didn’t had any one to welcome n chit chat nor any electrician or plumber to work at my place….i thought of making cumin biscuits… just for myself (I wanted to eat something fresh, just out of oven J )

Cumin/Jeera Biscuits:-

1 cup wheat flour(its healthy)

2 tbsp plain flour

½ tsp baking pwd

2tbsp  pwd sugar

1tbsp sugar

Salt to taste( i used ½ tbsp)

75 gms of melted butter( I used amul butter)

1 tbsp of jeera/cumin

Milk as required (I even used some malai)

Method:-

Shift both the flours wid baking pwd +pwd sugar + salt.

Add sugar n jeera

Pour butter n mix well with fingers.

Knead  dough with adding little malai/mlik.

Take small portion of it roll it out with rolling pin n cut any shapes wid shape cutter.

Grease baking tray .. arrange biscuits on it n bake it in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes.

Allow it to cool.

Wow.....its ready to eat... njoy.. !!!

Hope u try it out n let me know how it was...

Till next time..

Hv fun...tk cr.. 

Keep scrolling down for pictures :)