Interior Home Improvements

Medley News: Did you know that home proprietors, real estate mediators and home builders are expenditure more time and effort refining the look and feel to the inside of a home? I’m sure you’ve heard that home building is at an all-time low and more homes are on the market countrywide. Attractive canisters cautiously positioned on a coffee table alongside a magazine or two gives a neat arrival. One of my preferred fixture pieces for dramatization is decorative boxes. They are inordinate as they can be used to hide away extra mess, used as a side table or to hide electrical strings.  Moreover totaling a few decorative home fittings you should also eliminate extra furniture that can make the room look messy. In its place of having an eclectic collection of pivotal points try to taper it down to one. If you can’t number out what the focal point should be, I advise toting a nice wall decor piece. This could be a collection of painting or an exclusive clock, mirror, large photo frame or wall-hanging.  Intended for the kitchen the first thing you necessity to do is de-clutter!! Perfect as many items you can from your counter tops so that viewpoint buyers can see the space. To make the room look attractive and warm place a set of earthenware canisters on the stand. Carry out the arrangement or color scheme by placing a few directing accessories on your island and kitchen table.  The bathroom is a room many vendors clean but oversee the small traces that consumers will notification promptly. If your budget certificates, substitute the floor covering if it has seen improved days. If the cost related with this is not possible acquisitions or substitute your used bath carpets for innovative ones. You may not be conscious but possible buyers will look privileged the cabinets to check out storage space so make unquestionable you tidy that space up to. Fresh bath towel and corresponding fittings sideways with a clean sink, toilet and tub or shower is a necessity!  Though this list may look somewhat long it really is very short. Planning in advance and set aside money to substitute worn out substances will in the long see I trust that the best fittings, furniture, utilizations or whatever else for your home should make you contented, if you like it purchase it. If it does not aspect right in the place you planned it for place it somewhere besides. I do not have faith in that items should be selected only based on the style of your home. You may be amazed to find out that the painting you selected for your dining room truly makes a statement and gives your bedroom the aspect it’s been misplaced and the one you’ve been tiresome to accomplish. Selecting the right home fixture all boils down to consuming what makes you feel contented after all it is your home and you are the one existing in it and give you a healthier chance of accomplishment your requesting worth. Source: Medley News, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→November 28, 2013

David Cameron shares tips for happy marriage

David Cameron has revealed the secret to his successful marriage to wife of 16 years, Samantha. The British PM, 46, said resolving a row before bed time is the key to wedded bliss. And he said that despite his day job of running the country, his missus, 41, still likes him to share kitchen duties when he gets home. “Don’t go to bed on an argument, and share the cooking,” the Sun quoted Cameron as saying. Mr Cameron had previously declared how he can remember the details of his wedding night “minute by minute”. The PM said the couple keep their romance going with a weekly “date night” either at home or in an Italian restaurant. The couple have three children - Nancy, eight, Arthur, six, and two-year-old Florence. Son Ivan, who had cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, died at the age of six. Source: Indian Express, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→November 13, 2012

Beat Acidity with Common Kitchen Herbs

Eat lots of Green Vegetables & Fresh Fruits to keep Acidity at Bay!

Acidity is a condition wherein there is an excess production of acids by the gastric glands of stomach into the lower esophagus. The major symptoms of the ailment are heartburn, gas formation & blazing pain in the stomach. This article incorporates some natural herbal remedies to treat acidity, that are not only effective they don’t have any side effects as well.

• 1. To cure acidity, mix equal amounts of powdered clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and have a tsp of the same after meals. 
• 2. Mix equal proportions of Harad (Terminalia chebula) with Indiangooseberry (Emblica officinalis) powder and store in an air-tight jar. Take a tbsp of the same after meals to get relief from acidity. 
• 3. Dry roast a tsp of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seeds & carom (Trachyspermum ammi) each. Now boil the seeds in a cup of water till water reduces to half. Add sugar to taste. Strain and drink. 
• 4. A mixture of carom & salt can be administered whenever acidity occurs. 
• 5. Boil a tsp of cumin seeds in a liter of water, simmer for about 10 min. Have the same twice daily for a week. 
• 6. Boil a tsp of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) in 100ml water & leave it overnight. Strain water & add a tsp of honey to it. Have it after meals to cure acidity. 
• 7. Drink pomegranate (Punica granatum) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris) juice (1/2 cup) with a tbsp of honey. Take this empty stomach for a month. Eating vegetables like cucumber, spring onions, carrot, beans, pumpkin and drumsticks are all known to be effective against acidity. Include foods like bananas, lemon, watermelon, jaggery, almonds and yogurt in your diet. One must avoid aerated drinks, spicy and fried food, vinegar, chutneys, pickles, chocolates, etc. Cut down on smoking and alcohol consumption. A regular morning walk is useful for those suffering from acidity. Some yogic exercises like Pranayam (breathing exercise), Surya namaskara (sun salutation), Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose), Pachimottanasana (back spine stretching pose) & Makrasana (crocodile pose) can prove beneficial as these help to improve the body's metabolic rate. Don't forget to take adequate sleep. Learn to manage day to day stress & anxiety! Wish You All a Happy & Healthy Living! Source: HerbHealth

Read More........→September 27, 2012

Ginger tea can reduce stress, aid digestion: experts

Packed with antioxidants, the humble ginger has a whole range of health benefits and is a 'must-have' in your kitchen! Even one sniff of ginger tea can improve your mood, relieve stress and is great for digestion and aiding the absorption of food, experts have claimed. Stomach acid is crucial to human digestion and when stressed its production can break down. Hot water with a slice of lemon and chopped ginger is an excellent way to stimulate digestion, experts believe, the Daily Mail reported. "Ginger can help as it stimulates the taste buds, triggering digestive secretions," dietician Alice Mackintosh said. "Ginger contains a potent antioxidant, gingerol, which helps cleanse the harmful chemicals our bodies produce when we're worried, so ginger can help psychological stress too," Mackintosh was quoted as saying by the paper. Ginger can also impede motion sickness, reduce inflammation, fight common respiratory problems and encourage normal blood circulation. For ladies, placing a hot towel drenched in ginger tea on stomach provides relief from menstrual cramps, experts have advised. Source: Indian Express

Read More........→September 23, 2012

5 most dangerous vegetables to use

1: Pumpkin

A UK study has ranked the most dangerous vegetables by how many injuries they cause in the kitchen. The study found that 88 percent of people injure themselves in the kitchen, and that 39 percent of those cases were because of a difficult-to-cut vegetable.

2: Rutabaga

3: Butternut Squash

4: Turnip 

5: Jerusalem Artichoke

Source: Fresh Plaza

Read More........→September 16, 2012

Health Treasure Hidden in your Backyard

Herbs of Medicinal Value!

We find various herbs commonly growing around us but never take much notice of them. But you will be surprised to know and learn about their therapeutic and medicinal potentials in treating common health ailments. The Ayurvedic and the Siddha system of medicine have been incorporating such plants in treating illnesses since ages. Its time to recognize this wealth of health easily found grown in our backyards and kitchen gardens and make use of it in staying healthy. (1) Neem is used for multi purpose remedies. This includes sprains, flu, skin diseases, heart diseases, fever, indigestion, viral infection, etc. Some serious health concerns like cancer, kidney diseases, sexually transmitted diseases are also claimed to be treated by neem extract. (2)Basil (Tulsi) acts as blood purifier and anti bacterial. It is effective against cough & cold. Basil enhances digestion, improves appetite & increases blood circulation. Regular consumption of basil the
boosts up the immune system. (3) Peppermint is carminative, relieves muscular spasms, increases sweating, stimulates secretion of bile and is an antiseptic. It’s therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind, flatulence, bloating and colic. Studies indicate that it relieves colon spasms and helps to cure ulcers. Peppermint also eases headaches. Menthol, its main constituent, is known to have antibacterial properties. (4) The Indian Gooseberry is aphrodisiac, hemostatic, carminative, stomachic, diuretic and laxative. Being nutritive, it increases red blood cells count. It is one of the highest natural source of Vitamin C (3,000 mg / fruit). (5) Ashoka relieves diabetes, treats dyspepsia, diseases of the blood, tumors, abdominal enlargement, colic, piles, ulcers and bone fractures as well as diarrhea & bleeding piles. The leaves of the plant has a special blood purifying property. It also serves as an excellent uterine tonic and is very useful to treat syphilis and biliousness. (6) Coriander leaves stimulate appetite and improves digestion. These are rich in magnesium, potassium & fibers. Regular consumption boosts immunity and purifies blood. Studies how their role in curing diabetes. (7) Lemon helps to control Blood Pressure, purifies blood, reduces swelling of the spleen & strengthens the immune system. It is rich in vitamins C, B, B2, and calcium & iron. The plant protects our body against germs and bacteria. (8) Betel leaf exhibits carminative, stimulant, astringent and aromatic properties. The leaf improves taste & appetite. Betel leaf juice is a tonic to brain, heart, liver and other internal organs. It is beneficial in improving bowel action in cases of constipation. Betel leaves juice also cures eye problems and night blindness effectively. (9) Peepal tree is useful in inflammations & glandular swelling of the neck. Its root bark is useful for stomatitis and in ulcers. Roots of peepal tree are good for gout. The roots when chewed are considered beneficial for treating gum diseases. Its fruit promotes digestion, checks vomiting, treats asthma & is useful in urinary troubles & heart diseases. The leaves of peepal are also used to treat constipation. (10) Bay has a reputation for soothing the stomach and relieving flatulence. Its leaves are known for their ability to relieve aches & pains associated with rheumatism, & for sprains, bruises, and skin rashes. Source: HerbHealtH

Read More........→August 11, 2012

Use Focal Points to Boost Your Kitchen Design

Medley News: If your kitchen scheme desires an improvement, consider focal facts. Here’s how to effort by means of a service provider to zero in on two or three main parts to accent.  A small number of places that brand persons stop and at a guess, “Wow!” are the highpoint of any good kitchen strategy.  If your kitchen desires a little triumph influence, here how to go nearby adding it. Twitch by enchanting a cold, hard look from place to place. Make-believe you are sighted it for the first time. Are there a few parts that stick out that want a good renovation or designer’s trace?  Kitchen Contractors: It aids to have a few renovation contractors yield an appearance. Ask the service provider for thoughts on speedy fixes and longer period plans. You want to consider what brands wisdom for your kitchen project and financial state of affairs. Remodeling Focal Points:  The kitchen cabinets are a inordinate, first place to jolt, as they are the attention of maximum kitchen projects. If you’re functioning with older cupboards that absence the panache and ease of today’s cupboards, it’s worth requesting the service provider around newer produces. There are numerous different wood classes, such as cherry and maple, and exclusive stains and coatings to think through. Additional key focal opinion is the countertop and sinks part. A granite countertop and stainless steel sink can enhancement any kitchenette project. This is a honestly fast renovation plan and one that can be finished with new cupboards or as its own plan.  The backsplash part above the countertop can correspondingly be a inordinate focal opinion. If your wall is decorated, think through adding an upscale stone tile with a exclusive pattern. This is one renovation improvement that adds inordinate pictorial entreaty and can brand cleanup at ease. There are numerous means to use focal facts to improvement your kitchen project. Narrow down your selections, select two or three places, and have particular fun. General Tips:  A small kitchenette design needs resourcefulness in approaching up with storage results. Some thoughts to stab include: Today’s utilization builders have originate up by means of more compressed space-saving applications brand small kitchen design at ease, such as refrigerators that are less deep, as well as applications that can be hung beneath cabinets like microwaves. Additional thought-provoking contest in small kitchen enterprise is generating an impression of space through underneath cabinet lighting or underneath the counter. Through the appropriate sort of lights the kitchenette can be finished to look as if larger and better-looking.  Flooring tiles can be positioned on a slanting, and in galley panache kitchen hardwood flooring can be track the measurement of the kitchen.  For storing you can dangle up pots and pans. This is a faultless approach to free up cabinet space, and they improve a convinced allure and appeal to your small kitchenette design. The interiors of cabinet doors can be used to dangle up the whole thing from gears, oven mitts, and other miscellaneous substances. Food store storing with units that verve all the approach to the ceiling through the upper cabinets to deliver more space for once in a while used substances while creating the lower cabinets more available by means of rollout shelves, lazy susans, and tilt-out containers. Source: Medley News, Image: flickr.com

Read More........→June 25, 2012

Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger or Zingiber officinale is an aromatic spice belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. The rhizome is rich in essential oils and contains Vitamin A, C, E, B-complex, sodium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and calcium. It is high in potassium and manganese which help develop immunity to resist the diseases. Ginger also contains silicon which helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails. For its aromatic, culinary and therapeutic benefits, ginger has been used in

Read More........→June 23, 2012

Set your priorities Working women

A working woman has suffered from many problems like attending the ceremonies of family, to take care of children and many other responsibilities. This article is for such women who are in working and suffering from such problems: Set the tasks according to priority: Either you are in office or in home set the priorities of the tasks. Maintain a diary for office works. Write all the tasks in the diary along with time to finish that task. Also make plan in your mind how to complete that task in time. At home set the priorities on holiday which work is more important. It is important that do the shopping for kids, attending the ceremony of a relative or call a mechanic for maintenance of electricity. Sometimes all the schedule is set and some other important job come to your door. Do not get panic. Be cool and calm and think what to do first very calmly. Divide the responsibilities It is an estimation that a working woman works for 14 – 18 hours per day. In regular schedule, this can cause stress to a woman. Take help of other family member at home. Appoint a kitchen maid for providing kitchen services. Prepare the children with habit of self service. It is not necessary that a woman always take leave when the children have fever or examinations. Ask your husband too take leave someday. Keep your profession separate from house panics Your children are not feeling well or they are appearing in examinations. Do not make such excuses in the office for coming late. These all the problems are for your house. Do not inter mix these issues with office work. Do not engage yourself in gossips. Give attention to your work only. Office is a placae to work not a park to gossip. Source: Medley News, Source: flickr.com

Read More........→June 19, 2012

Eat Healthy : Pick up fruit for a quick pick up

If you are thirsty, need a quick pick-me-up or satisfaction of sweet craving; and your body craves for that extra nutrition, instead of opting for a pack of juice with select nutrients, just pick up a fruit with all of them, and take a luscious bite of life It is 8 am and you are still in bed. The alarm clock ‘forgot’ to ring as usual and you groan as today is yet another day for you to go without breakfast. Fifteen minutes later you’re dressed. Grabbing your laptop case, you make a dash for the door, lingering for a few minutes at the kitchen counter. You are tempted by the array of fruits in the basket, but due to time, or lack thereof, you decide instead to take a tetra pack of the very same and hasten towards work. Probably the commercial of a fruit juice manufacturer influenced you to consider not only its holistic and nutritional value, but also approve of it as being a worthy substitute to that tiny fruit you were advised to eat every day. However, what really put the cat in the bag was the option of drinking your fruit and having it too – the mere convenience of it. The inconvenient truth, however, is that regardless of the type and make of the fruit juice, the essential and most vital nutrients come from its whole. A fruit pressed or squeezed to make juice loses most of its nutritional value in addition to fibre and some water soluble vitamins. The fruit juice that has lost its fibre and large amounts of nutrients is basically just a concentrated source of sugar and is deficient in nutrients that in whole fruits supplement digestion and metabolise. Although fruits originally contain an ample amount of fibre, the commercial juicing process separates the juice from the fibre such that the juice ends up containing little or none of it. Thus, numerous health benefits such as aid in absorption of nutrients, boost in colon health and reduction in the risk of colon cancer, low cholesterol, and prevention of constipation provided by fibre are lost. This creates a deficiency of this nutrient in the diet of a person who chooses fruit juices over whole fruits on a regular basis. Even though fruit juices have nearly zilch nutritional advantage over actual fruits, they are artificially fortified to combat other nutrient deficiencies. Some fruit juices are fortified with vitamin C, D, calcium, potassium etc. This is extremely beneficial to lactose intolerant individuals, as Vitamin D and calcium play a significant role in bone strength and can be absorbed from 100-percent fruit juice, instead of dairy products. For example, juices such as that made of orange, can be fortified with Vitamin D to serve as an oral supplement to maintain the vitamin D levels in adults. But that can be managed with sunlight or vitamin supplements. However, a large number of fruit juices that are sold commercially, contain numerous added sweeteners (sucrose or high fructose corn syrup), as opposed to only a small fraction of real fruit juice. This results in consumption of a huge amount of calories without actual nutrition on intake of these beverages even if it is freshly squeezed. Many fruits have a high glycemic index; that is, they contain a high percentage of sugar. Since the sugar content of juices of all fruits is much higher than that of the actual fruit, people end up consuming ‘extra sugar’ which may lead to future problems such as increase in blood sugar and worsening of glycemic control. In addition to this, some fruits have edible skins (eg: apples, strawberries, grapes etc.) which are important for biological activities - they are one of the sections of the fruit which interact with sunlight that create coloured pigments that absorb different wavelengths of light. These pigments include carotenoids which are basic metabolism-building blocks and flavonoids, which not only have varied biochemical and antioxidant effects that protect us from various diseases, but also aid numerous metabolic processes. Besides this, the skins of some fruits like grapes have actually been found to have the ability to aid in minimising the risk of cancer and providing protection against the harmful UV rays. Even though fruit juices that are 100-percent natural, contain bioactive compounds called phytochemicals that help fight disease, like any other food, they are a high source of calories and should be prescribed if a high caloric requirement is needed or due to difficulty in chewing or swallowing. Fruit juices are usually prescribed to people suffering from major illnesses who need to increase their sugar intake. In this case too, fresh fruit juices are given preference over canned ones. Usually around 5-6 oranges are used to make a glass juice. If you try eating the same amount, it’s obvious which choice will be more filling. However, if you would still rather drink the fruit rather than eat it, a healthier option would be fruit smoothies as they have comparatively higher fibre content. Besides, a smoothie is more filling and extremely easy to make. For a banana and peach smoothie, take half a banana and two peeled peaches. Throw the mix into the blender along with a few cubes of ice. Blend for about two minutes and you’re good to go!  Image Link Flickr, Source: The Hans India

Read More........→June 18, 2012

Thailand's Prime Minister cooks a traditional Thai dish with David Thompson

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra cooks a traditional Thai dish with David Thompson, an Australian chef, during the 'Thai Kitchen to the World' event in central Sydney. (Reuters) Source: Indian Express

Read More........→May 28, 2012

Efficacy of Ginger

Tips For More Healthy: Ginger, is more than just a spice kitchen, because it proved efficacious repel a variety of diseases. Even NASA, has attracted examine the efficacy of ginger to overcome the hangover of the crew. No one knows the exact origins aka ginger plant Zingiber officinale has been known as medicinal herbs that since hundreds of years ago. In China, dried ginger has been used as a raw material for medicine by a physician who lived at the time of Emperor Shen Nong, who lived 2000 years BC. In China also found two of the first medical book discusses the properties of fresh ginger in the year 500 AD. In addition to the country's bamboo curtain, which is rumored to have known ginger 2000 BC is India. Western countries that use too much ginger as traditional medicine. At least that was evidenced by the discussion of efficacy of ginger plant that is written in the anglo Saxon medical books published in the 11th century. Two centuries later, Ginger is the spice of the kitchen which is very popular in the UK, after the black pepper. Price herbs is also when it is exorbitant, to gain 1 pound (half kilo) of ginger, has to spend an equivalent amount for seekoor bunch of sheep.MEDICAL HISTORY In China, fresh ginger is considered different from dry ginger. There is even an ancient plant expert who thought the ginger comes from two different plants. Healers often use fresh ginger to ward off 'cold' or 'poison' and reduce nausea. While dried ginger in use to cure deficiencies 'chill' on stomach pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough and

rheumatism. In India fresh ginger is also used to treat nausea, asthma, cough and severe pain and sudden, are also used to cope with heart palpitations, indigestion, decreased appetite and rheumatism and even, in the 19th century, ginger juice to cure asthma and cough that popular in India. For cough medicine, ginger juice is mixed fresh garlic juice and honey, while to relieve nausea, fresh ginger add a little honey and a pinch of roasted peacock feathers. Fresh ginger powder can also be mixed with some water, then stir in paste form and applied to the temples to relieve headaches. Most Europeans drink ginger tea to overcome digestive disorders. A research says that drinking two or three cups full of the ginger can reduce the symptoms of gout (arthritis due to excess uric acid), flatulence or indigestion (from too much booze). In addition, ginger also has properties facilitate the circulation of blood. LATEST RESEARCH Modern researchers turned out to members supporting the use of 'traditional herb' is ginger. From the research, ginger extract, either from fresh ginger and dried ginger, efficacious in dealing with bacterial infections, fungal infections, seizures, pain, wounds and gastric disorders, tumors, cramps and allergic reactions. Ginger extract is based on rigorous standards of gingerol, which extracts do not lose flavor and aroma of ginger sharp. Research on animal experiments in mice that did in China and the State - Western States, showed that fresh ginger is effective to relieve pain and infection. Experiments in vitro (laboratory) showed that ginger inhibits oxidation (are antioxidants) that can reduce the risk of cancer, and also inhibit the growth of germs. Ginger is also beneficial for blood circulation. Plant rhizome has a property anticoagulant (anti blood clotting), which is more powerful than garlic or onion. Ginger is also able to lower cholesterol because it can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the blood and liver. Research conducted by experts in Japan show that ginger can lower blood pressure by reducing peripheral blood flow rate (flow drah edge). The experts also anyone try ginger to treat migraine. This test encouraged ayurvedic therapies to treat disorders of the nervous system. Efficacy of ginger as a migraine drug it still needs further study. In most cases preferred ginger research to determine their effect on digestion. In the land of China, the results of research conducted terhdap humans showed that a drink made of fresh ginger can reduce gastric acid secretion for several hours. Then increased again after some time. Other research states that dried ginger root aakan strengthen the stomach, small intestine and prevents vomiting. Recent research shows acetone and methanol extracts from ginger has a strong effect to inhibit the occurrence of stomach ulcers. Other studies show that gingerol able to overcome the affect toxicity (poisoning) in the liver by increasing bile acid. Source: Tips For More Healthy

Read More........→May 02, 2012

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor takes tour of White House kitchen

Indian Express, Agencies : Washington, India's celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor was given a rare insight into the historic kitchen of the White House, which prepares the food for US President Barack Obama, his family and the large number of guests invited to the resident of the first family every day.  Kapoor was not only given the tour of the historic kitchen, but also had an intensive discussion with the team of White House chefs led by its executive chef, William 'Bill' Yosses, for several hours yesterday.  He was accompanied by K N Vinod, an eminent Indian-American chef from Washington who runs three popular Indian restaurant in the nation's capital.  Yosses, said to be a great lover of Indian food himself, took Kapoor and Vinod around the White House kitchen, but also gave him a tour of the kitchen garden of the First Lady Mitchell Obama.  A frequent visitor to Indique and Indique Heights – the two popular Indian restaurants in the nation's capital – Yosses discussed at length of the growing popularity of Indian food in the US and at the white house.  Kapoor presented his latest encyclopedic work on Indian food, 'How To Cook Indian' to Yosses and submitted copies of it for the President and the First Lady.  "It was a great experience," Kapoor said after his, what he termed as – once-in-a-life experience.  "It is great to see how interest in India food is growing. When (Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh Comes (to the White House) Indian food being on the menu is quite understandable. But Indian food is being introduced in other ways also," he said.  Kapoor said, a trip to the White House Sunday, on the eve of Easter when it is expecting 30,000 visitors and the kitchen is making preparations for them, reflects the gaining importance and recognition of Indian food in the White House.  Yosses took them around and shared behind the scene preparations for the Easter.  Before visiting a White House kitchen, one would expect a fairly large, but that's not the case, he said.  "Being a chef I can tell you that cooking 4,000 people from that kitchen is not an easy thing, which can be very very challenging," Kapoor said. Source: Indian Express

Read More........→April 13, 2012