Loving the Flames – a peek into Unplanned Bonfires & Loving the Flickers!

Exploring Mood Enhancing Benefits of Sitting by Fire

I am not a pyromaniac, though I have a history of playing with fire and some mood-elevating medicines. Where is this coming from? Recently, I blogged about the Lohri bonfire and it emerged that lighting-up a small bunch of sticks and some random woody stuff from here and there, re-catalyzed the love for flame that once existed. For the longest time, when I was a child, there was this love for burning-up things and watching them melt and turn into a black mass.

[Suggested Reading: Celebrating Lohri in 2018]

Why some people cannot get enough of loving a woman's navel?

The navel, also known as the belly button, is a small depression located on the abdomen. The anatomy of the navel includes the following parts:

Umbilicus: This is the visible part of the navel, which is the small depression on the surface of the skin.

Umbilical cord: During pregnancy, the umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta and allows for the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing fetus.

Umbilical ring: This is the small opening in the abdominal muscles where the umbilical cord was attached.

Umbilical stalk: This is the small piece of tissue that connects the umbilicus to the umbilical ring.

Umbilical granuloma: This is a small, benign growth that can occur in the navel, usually after the umbilical cord has been cut at birth.

Scar tissue: The navel area may contain scar tissue, which results from the cutting of the umbilical cord.

What is the easiest way to clean the grout lines in your home?

A grout line is the small gap or space between the tiles in a tiled surface such as a floor or wall. The grout is a material, typically made of cement or a similar mixture, that is used to fill these gaps and hold the tiles in place. It also helps to keep the surface sealed and protect it from water damage and mold. Grout lines are usually narrow and not always visible, but they can become discolored and dirty over time, and require cleaning to maintain the appearance of the tiled surface. The color of the grout is usually chosen to be similar to the color of the tile, which makes it less visible, but it can also be chosen to be a contrasting color.

My Wavering Aversion to Cabbage – Don't Count on It

Google Funny Animal Pics for the Funniest Images

The good things first – I can eat cabbage, without any apprehensions, when it is used as a part of a bigger salad ensemble or layered between multiple slots of a sandwich. I like the crunchiness, I like the greenness of this leafy veggie. However, there is one problem – if I eat it too raw or too cooked, it challenges my threshold for patience. I share this weird relationship with cabbage. If I can smell the odor that emerges from a leafy veggie being cooked, I just cannot eat it. Camouflage this smell and it becomes very edible. Leave it absolutely raw without anything sprinkled on it, and it becomes difficult for me to chew it. Served it as a part of kuchumbar salad preparation, and I start liking it. This journey hate & love journey began in school.

Don't Look Down upon Window Shopping Food - It is a Thriving Sub-culture

It is not aimless if you have a habit of visiting alleys and local markets that are overflowing with food stalls, roadside eateries, open cafés and vendors that sell food in the raw, semi-processed and highly packaged form. The reason? This too is a type of window shopping! Why should the idea of physically browsing through shopping lanes without any intention of buying be restricted to apparel and lifestyle niche only?

Seeking Compliments Has Got Nothing To Do With Vanity…In Most Cases

There is this skewed perception that if you are curious about how many compliments you will get for a favorite pullover you are wearing to the office, there is something very narcissistic about you – it seems that the debate for seeking admiration about yourself is pretty much settled, i.e. you are chasing vanity, it boosts your ego levels. However, this idea is rather messed-up. A compliment or two can be very soothing, helping you get in the right mood when starting your day or navigating through it. A difficult day at the office can seem less overwhelming if someone admires your wardrobe combination or the new watch you are wearing.

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Something Soulful about Gajar Ka Halwa: Addictive Winter Feasting

Am a typical Punjabi in many ways, including the gastronomic preferences. It is winter season these days and my sweet tooth cravings guide me toward one direction only – a bowl of heavily roasted Gajar Halwa, overwhelmed with almonds and cashews. Why?

There is no substitute for it! There is no other sweet preparation in or around the city that comes even close to the flavor of blood red carrots, slowly cooked for hours.Yes, there are many commercial eateries that put-up this winter season treat for folks like me but honestly, the retailed version is never up to the mark. The variety prepared by my wife has been patiently cooked for hours, sometimes spread over a couple of days without taking the shortcut of adding condensed milk or excess khoya. The difference can be seen, and felt, in the first bite. Moha’s version of Gajar Halwa has that laidback smokiness to it.

Is eating popcorn late in the night a good idea?

Snacking at night can be beneficial or detrimental to your health, depending on the type and quantity of food you consume. Eating a small, healthy snack before bed can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote better sleep. However, consuming large amounts of high-calorie foods late at night can lead to weight gain and other health problems. It is important to pay attention to your body's hunger cues and choose snacks that are nutrient-dense, rather than relying on snacking as a form of entertainment or stress relief.

Eating high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods late at night can be detrimental to your health. Some specific examples of foods that are best avoided at midnight include:

Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, and other fried foods are high in calories and can disrupt sleep.

Sweets: Candy, cookies, and cake are high in sugar and can cause blood sugar spikes that can affect sleep.

High-fat meats: Processed meats such as bacon and sausages are high in saturated fat and can be difficult to digest, leading to discomfort and poor sleep.

Spicy foods: Spicy foods can cause acid reflux and heartburn, which can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep.

It's important to note that eating any food before bed can disrupt sleep because it takes time for the body to digest the food and also consuming large meals can also cause discomfort. It's better to eat a light, healthy snack before bed, such as yogurt, fruit, or nuts.

Popcorn is a whole-grain food that is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and other important nutrients. Some of the specific health benefits of eating popcorn include:

Fiber: Popcorn is high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and promote healthy digestion.

Antioxidants: Popcorn contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Low calorie: Popcorn is a low-calorie snack that can be a good choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Gluten-free: Popcorn is a gluten-free food, making it a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

It's important to note that not all types of popcorn are created equal, so it's best to choose popcorn that is air-popped or lightly seasoned. Avoid buttery or cheese-flavored popcorn, which can be high in calories, fat, and sodium.

Why buying genuine cacti online is difficult?

Cacti are a group of plants that are part of the Cactaceae family. They are native to the Americas, and are known for their unique adaptations to arid and desert environments. They have thick, fleshy stems that store water, and often have sharp spines or bristles to protect them from animals. Cacti also have small, shallow root systems that allow them to quickly absorb water when it is available. They can survive long periods without water and can grow in extremely hot temperatures. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and are popular houseplants and garden plants. Cacti can also be used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. They are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air and their ability to improve humidity in a room.

Why are tiled walls not a good idea for the bedroom?

When considering home improvement projects, many people opt for tiled walls. They are easy to clean, stylish, and can add value to your home. However, tiled walls may not be the best choice for the bedroom. In this article, we will discuss why tiled walls are not a good idea for the bedroom and some of the potential drawbacks of using them in this room.

Tiled walls can make a bedroom look sterile

When considering tiled walls for the bedroom, it's important to keep in mind how they can affect the overall look and feel of the room. Tiled walls can give the bedroom a sterile, hospital-like feel, which may not be ideal if you're trying to create a warm and inviting space. Additionally, tiled walls can make the room look cold and uninviting. If not maintained properly, the grout between tiles can also crack and crumble, which can give the bedroom an unfinished or "under construction" look.

If you're set on using tiled walls in your home, it may be best to hire a professional to install them. This way, you can be sure that they are installed correctly and that any potential issues are avoided.

The grout can be difficult to clean

Cleaning grout can be a difficult and time-consuming task. If not cleaned properly, grout can become stained, mildewed, and moldy. It can also crack and crumble. Replacing grout can be a difficult and messy process.

To clean grout, start by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a bowl. Then, using a old toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush, scrub the grout with the mixture. Rinse the area with clean water afterwards. For difficult stains, you may need to repeat this process several times.

To prevent grout from becoming stained or mildewed in the first place, it is important to seal it after it is installed. You can purchase grout sealer at most hardware stores. Once applied, grout sealer will need to be reapplied every few months to keep it effective.

Tiled walls can be cold and impersonal

Tiled walls can make a room feel uninviting and impersonal. The hard, glossy surface of tiles can give a bedroom a sterile, hospital-like feel. Tiles are often used in public spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens, which can make a bedroom feel like less of a personal space. Tiled walls can also make a room seem smaller and more cramped.

If you're looking for a cozy, inviting bedroom, tiled walls are probably not the best choice. Consider painting the walls instead. You could also use wallpaper or fabric to cover the walls. These materials will help to make the room feel warmer and more inviting.

You may not be able to hang pictures or artwork on tiled walls

Hanging pictures or artwork on tiled walls can be difficult, as tiles are smooth and hard, making it difficult to get nails or screws into them without damaging the tile. The grout lines between tiles can also make it difficult to hang pictures or artwork straight. If you are determined to hang pictures or artwork on tiled walls, you may need to get creative with your methods. Picture rails or adhesive strips may be better suited for hanging pictures or artwork on tiled walls than nails or screws.

You may need to hire a professional to install tiled walls

Hiring a professional to install tiled walls may be the best option for several reasons. A professional tiler will have the experience and expertise to ensure that the job is done correctly, and can also advise on the best type of tiles to use for your particular project. Tiling is a delicate process, and even if you are careful, you may void the warranty on the tiles if you attempt to install them yourself.

Another reason to hire a professional is that they will have the proper tools and equipment for the job. Tiling requires special saws, cutters, and adhesives, which most people do not have in their homes. Attempting to install tiles without the proper tools can be dangerous, as well as being more likely to result in a poor finish.

Finally, professionals have access to trade discounts on tiles and supplies. This can save you a significant amount of money on your project, as well as ensuring that you get high-quality materials.