Happy New Year 2015

Well... not just AirAsia, the ship wreckage, MH 370, the shootings and murders, the intolerable & unacceptable assaults on women and many others I am unaware of...!

2015 New year Resolution - Save Money!

Think you can SAVE MONEY in 52 weeks?!!

Why not we take up a resolution for 2015

Or should this be a challenge?! Even better... 

All you got to do is download the attachment and end of every week, deposit the amount. How about considering a piggy bank... 

You could reverse the deposit chart, as in 

Week 1, deposit KD 1 and follow the pattern till Week 52, where you deposit KD 52!

All the very best to you money savers :)!

The Freelancer Me... Project Management & Designing

Well not that I have heard of Freelance Project Manager - I believe we are glued to the concept of Full time, on site, corporate "some designation" job. Most of the companies deem it necessary to appoint a full time Project Manager with a, b, c criteria'. Agreed. Acceptable... (to a certain degree!) 

Anyways...

Here is me, a Freelance Project Manager and Designer who gives great value to an organized and well coordinated management! Many a times, project managers / companies run on a tight schedule - time constraints. One may have a blurred insight how to go about managing their project. Templates, when properly designed are one of the best time saver and least cost tool that a project manager can use.

What I do?

-Virtual Assistance
-Write up your project
-Create Work Breakdown Structure

-Schedule your project (that can be maintained thereon by your team)

-Flow Charts - Gives you the gist of the process flow in a single glance
-Online Researcher

-Templates / Forms & checklists (like the charter, project plan, communication plan, cost management, procurement management, risk register, performance report, Project meeting, project checklist, invoices,  etc etc...

-Flyers, Newsletters, Magazine advertisements, Posters, Invitations, Business Cards, Banners, Menus, Signage, Graphic animation etc

Well... for few reasons, like:-

-You save on high paid cost (salary)

-You save on the other overheads that come along with a full time employee

-You have an easier way of managing work

-You get to focus more on your other areas of work.

-Your team has a trouble shooting guideline on how to go about and they are not clueless.

-You know your deadlines and each process that need to be completed

-You get to better decide and plan future projects and how to utilize your resources
-Classy and creative designs
-Other unlisted reasons which may take up the entire space. Get in touch with me, you would best know :)

Oh and BTW...

;)

Alright then, message me on how best I could be of assistance...!

Celebrating his birthday...

HE CELEBRATES..!

Yes, today 24-Jun-2014, my dad celebrates his birthday! 

Wishing him many more happy and glorious days and years ahead. I write this... as if I am talking to myself (sounds like a "open personal" diary)

How it was celebrated? Well I am here in Kuwait and dad is back in Kerala (vacation). So, yes, though not physically present, wishes were sent across.

Made me think and realize that my dad is getting old and older and how much of a pain, stress, tension, uncomfortable situations I have put him over several years. 

As of today, it is similar to the story of "Prodigal Son". Not that I was greeted with a feast and finest clothing :D. I am back home with regrets and repentance. I understood it is difficult to be happy. But I have learnt (and still learning) to find happiness in all the little things I have, the few relations close to me. Wants are way less, had a crash course of real life events, the days I am content is all that takes for a peaceful night's sleep.

Happy Birthday Pappa! And thank you so much for all the support and patience. 

Thalessary Biriyani

THALESSARY BIRIYANI

There are 2 classes of non-vegetarian cuisine in Kerala. 

1. Malabar cuisine, from North Kerala. This has Mughlai-Arab influences.
2. Syrian Christian cuisine, from South Kerala. This is a mix of Kerala traditional dishes which is rich in coconut and the Syrian, Dutch, Portuguese and British recipes.
Thalessary Biriyani is a Malabar cuisine recipe. This is prepared using Khaima or Jeerakasala rice (short grain, white, thin rice). 

I doubt basmati rice is used. However, I used basmati for my version of Thalessary Biriyani :)

Lunch Box - Takeaway "my version" Thalessary Biriyani

Half cooked layered rice and biriyani masala (chicken is cooked with this masala). Sealed with damp cloth and then cooked the "dum" style till fully cooked.

Super blend of spices topped with roasted nuts, bista (fried onions) and coriander leaves labels this dish simply unique and irresistible.  


Update: Recently used the proper Jeerakasala rice to prepare this dish. Visit: - Thalessary Biriyani video

Breakfast in a glass

BREAKFAST IN A GLASS

Fruity breakfast - Image taken for photo shoot

On request, fruit breakfast. Customized fruits in custard. This one was served chilled with oats, watermelon and apple.

Hope "YOU" enjoyed it!

Variations in hot custard with nuts and chocolate syrup!

Baby eczema

BABY ECZEMA

This is painfully a very common situation for babies in Kuwait.

Main idea is to first...

Treat eczema; then continue with a standard moisturizing pattern

You may be advised to apply certain herbal oil with turmeric or other home made applications, gram flour scrub etc etc etc and n number of etc for 15 - 30 mins and then wash off!

To my best understanding, your baby is already suffering from eczema, there may be already some blood stream infection that needs to be treated internally as well. Antibiotics are often required to eliminate the infection and control the eczema.

You treat it first...

The immune system normally develops during the first six months of life. There may be some imbalance of the white cells that is causing ''loss of skin barrier function''; then irritants (soap, dirt, detergents) and allergens (dust, pollen, dust mite) can penetrate the skin. 

In my baby's case (note that this treatment is not necessarily applicable for another baby), it was: -

1. 1 week of antibiotics - Profinal, in 2 days, noted significant changes

2. A hydro-cortisone cream - Elocom on the stronger side for 1 week - 10 days

3. A mild cream - Protopic for 1 or 2 weeks 

4. Moisturizing cream - UEA for daily application

1 week treatment was a fantastic speedy recovery which was then followed by usual routines that included the below

Thereon: - My basic tips to control or reduce flare ups...

1. UEA moisturizing cream got over in 5-6 months. I shifted to AVEENO eczema therapy cream (oat content). Before consultation and medication, I used to use CETAPHIL moisturizing cream.

2. Bath is in QV lotion - a 5 mins bath (no hot water). No scrubbing. No towel rubbing. I just wrap her (meanwhile I dry her hair). On unwrapping, her body is moist like and I apply the AVEENO cream. You can do the home remedy at this point on a regular basis before bath session - for instance, a home made oil with turmeric and herbs, gram flour scrub, yogurt pack, olive oil body packs, glycerin rosewater mix, coconut milk bath, there are numerous home packs. But, please... stick to 1! Make sure you regularly moisturize your baby to combat dryness.

3. One can wait till baby turns at least 2 to start feeding all that an adult consumes! He / She has several years ahead to feed on egg, fish, chicken and meat dishes! From 0 - 2 years, your baby is going to get all the nutrients from breast milk / formula milk, vegetable and fruit based recipes. You can give multi-vitamins as well. So, try your best not to unnecessarily bring in a reason for your baby's allergy or rashes. 

4. Weather contributes to dry skin - extreme hot or cold conditions. How much your baby can stay indoors, do it!

5. Changed the carpets to stick on vinyl carpets - maybe 5mm thick.

6. Use only cotton clothes, even if you tempted to doll up your baby for an occasion!

7. Wash clothes in the mildest detergent or a hand wash will do. 

8. Keep your hands clean before attending to your baby.

9. Play and Sleep regularly... not you, the baby! Playing and sweating can open / unclog the pores. It seems that perspiration contains a natural antibiotic that can fight bacteria.

As an when I remember more points, will update.

P.S.: AVEENO products are not available in Kuwait. In order to NOT run out of tubes and containers, I stock them up. Yes, undoubtedly, friends and relatives choose from the lot I have at a minimal rate.

5 oz AVEENO Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream

18 oz AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Update as of 12-Aug-14

New stock of AVEENO Baby - Eczema Therapy

Beef Roast – Woodlands, Salmiya

KERALA BEEF ROAST - FROM WOODLANDS, SALMIYA

A favorite delicious dish of Kerala - Beef Roast. Dry dish in an awesome gland tingling flavor of onions, red chilli powder, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, garam masala, vinegar, coconut slices... *slurp*

Kerala Beef Roast

If you are looking for a typical Kerala style super spicy beef roast with coconut slices, this is it! I would say this is their masterpiece. 

Rated as one among my favorites and I would rate it the best I have had in Kuwait. The same with chapatti is the right combo, it is better to consider cold salad after the meal because of its spice. 

The price is KD 1.000 and is very economical, the quantity they give can be shared by 2 if you are not a heavy eater. I would rate it 4/5, I’m a frequent buyer of this and wish the same to be prepared with lesser spice.

Steak Lovers Wrap - 10.Oh.8

STEAK LOVERS WRAP

Certified Black Angus steak grilled with sauteed onions and mushrooms.

Steak Lovers Wrap

The content may look less but this dish is very delicious and filling. Ideal for my breakfast - waiting time around 15 mins. 

The highlight of this wrap is the really tasty sauce they mix with the steak which gives you the juicy effect. It’s something which you can also try at home if you know how to cook the steak as it is. Unfortunately there are no fries with it; it is just 2 wraps in a plate with some potato chips. 

The cost is KD 3.750 and I would say it is worth the price. I would personally rate it a 4/5; I prefer French fries to potato chips. 

About 10.0h.8

A small, quiet and cozy outlet in Sharq, Shuhada Street. Supposedly, a percentage of their proceeds goes to charity - which is "thumbs up"! 

Thats their facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/10oh8

California Steak – Cheesecake Factory

CALIFORNIA STEAK

Thinly Sliced Grilled Steak Covered with Sauteed Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers and Cheese on Our Toasted Sour dough Loaf. Served with French Fries or Green Salad.

California Steak – Cheesecake Factory

My better half, hands down decided to try this out. So this is his review: -

"Firstly, this is pretty filling meal for a single person. You can have it as a perfect brunch to skip your afternoon lunch which I normally prefer to have as a full meal lunch. The sandwich is delicious and I can assure you that this selection will not upset you. The dish takes 15-20 min to be prepared since they require time to sauté the beef steak. The spice on the beef is not much; for the spice lovers, it would have been tastier to add a bit more of chilli. However, the overall combo of the steak, mushroom and cheese gives it a mouthwatering effect. 

The French fries is another heavy add on which is pretty healthier compared to the French fries you get from McD or KFC. Interestingly, the sandwich  does not contain lettuce or any other leafy ingredients . There are no tomato slice and cucumber as well. 

The cost is KD 5.250, a bit high but deserves the cost. I personally would rate it a 3.75/5 as I would have preferred to have roasted bacon included in the sandwich to give it a perfect finish."

Don't judge me based on a social networking site(s)

DON'T JUDGE ME BY SOCIAL MEDIA

"I sent him/her message on Whatsapp, he/she did not reply. But they appear online"

"I sent him/her message on Facebook. It shows 'Seen on ..'; but he/she did not reply as yet". He/She is commenting on other posts, though.

"Hey, you did not like my page". Imagine, you like a friends' page and due to a technical error, the like does not appear and is misinterpreted as "Not liked by so and so person!"

Have you ever experienced this?

How much judgmental do you get by an individual's social activities?

How much do you believe these social platforms which can face technical errors?

How much of obsessive "Google-ing" will one do to know about a person? 

I am an avid user of social media. This social media may show a certain portion of me. The other portion of me you really need to get out of the virtual internet world to know more.

I have my reasons to NOT respond instantly. I may want to reply during my leisure time, take time to phrase my sentences since the digital world cannot express emotions; reasons can be endless but not intentional!

Make your internet time productive - stay in touch with close friends and relatives, work on your business, do some academic course, research work on any productive field, blog, online shopping etc. 

Also, do not forget to Look up from your digital devices. There is world and life more to uncalled doubts, tiffs, assumptions and negatives.

Do visit my previous blog, Bored of Facebook. 

Live in relations - For or against?

LIVE IN RELATIONS

Ok, not that live-in relations never made it to the finals. Certain live-in relations do get converted to legally wedded for life!

My thoughts on this is by default, conservative! A big NO... Personally, I see it as:-

• You are bound to each other - physically & emotionally
• You live your respective lifestyle
• And finally, there is "no commitment" and in certain cases "no string attached"

A brief introduction to live in relations
A live-in couple have no worries on any legal rituals. So, there is no framework of responsibilities. One can walk out from this relation as and when they please. 

This is called cohabiting and has its analogy to probationary period. During this period, if you do well at your workplace, the probation status is removed and you are awarded with a permanent employee tag with better privileges. On the contrary, if you do not do well, you are terminated from service. Similarly, with cohabiting, there is this lax behavior towards commitment and time will reveal whether this is to stay for life or end mid way for another probation!

The cons weigh more than the pros (if any)
If you want to live just for the thrills, with no value to morale's and with no strings attached, then this is fine for you.

For those of you who values morale and relationships, this is not for you. No commitment and/or responsibility invites more tension, stress and never ending conflicts. This could be any, all or combinations of the below: -

1. The excitement dies off once the chase is done with. 
2. Sexual enthusiasm and passion deteriorates or dies with time.
3. Physical and sexual abuse cannot be ruled out.
4. With time, both of you get to know the "real" person - the behavior, the habits - the negatives register at the back of your head real quick creating the beginning of "Gosh, ...." 
5. Financial standings may not be shared for common goals. 
6. Responsibilities (which I see is the prime thing) are not shared all the time and a small issue can trigger emotional conflict and radiate to areas of Point 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; thereby feeling that this relation was a mistake.
7. Social acceptability - this varies with the culture differences. 

Towards the end, there may not be any motivation to get this working into a life term relation and becomes easier to just walk away from your "partner".

My conclusion

To be with the right person, you do not have to LIVE with multiple partners and give yourself away... period! 

Be wise, take out your communication skills, use your decision power and let your head rule your mind and bottom.
Know what you want from this gifted LIFE. 

Yes, married life is definitely not bed of roses. It calls upon set of responsibilities, problems to encounter, conflicts to sort. So, save your time and energy to tackle the real spice of married life - that which is more responsible and mature in nature!

All the best!

Baked Macaroni without Cheese

BAKED MACARONI WITHOUT CHEESE

Macaroni, carrot, broccoli, peas, onions, sausage in a smooth blend of sauce - flour, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, paprika powder) 

Vegetable Fried Rice and Pepper Chicken Curry

VEGETABLE FRIED RICE AND PEPPER CHICKEN CURRY

Vegetable Fried Rice

Chicken Curry in thick pepper gravy

Fried Rice with carrot, peas, pepper and salt

Chicken Curry in thick pepper gravy 

Spaghetti with vegetable and egg

SPAGHETTI WITH VEGETABLE AND EGG

Spaghetti, carrot, peas, egg, onion in a neat blend of spices - pepper, salt, olive oil, garlic, ginger, red paprika.

Look up from your phone - live life the real way

LOOK UP FROM YOUR PHONE

Have a look at this video

Look up from your phone, shut down the display... Live life the real way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

A few lines from the video...

I have 422 friends, yet I am lonely. I speak to all of them everyday, yet none of them really know me.

....

All this technology we have is just an illusion. Community, companionship, a sense of inclusion yet when you step away from this device of delusion, you awaken to see a world of confusion.

....

A world where we are slaves to technology we mastered where information is sold by some rich greedy bastard, the world of self interests, self image, self promotion - where we  will share our best bits but leave out our emotions.

....

No one will be there, if a group message will do

....

We don't know if anyone is listening

....

Talk to one another, learn to co-exist

...

Its not very likely you would make worlds greatest dad if you cant entertain your child without using an iPad. When I was a child, I would never be home. I will be out with my friends. Now you see no children outside, swings hanging still. No skipping, no hopscotch.

....

We are a generation of idiots, smartphones and dumb people. Look up from your phone, shut down the display

....

The time you taken all you made, all you made by giving life some attention. How glad you dint waste it by some invention. 
....

Look up from your phone, shut down those displays. We have a set number of days - Don't waste your life getting caught in the net as when the end comes nothing is worse than regrets. 
....

Give people your love, don't give them your like.

....

Disconnect from the need to be heard. Leave distractions behind...

Kuwait - Expense and Lifestyle

KUWAIT - EXPENSE AND LIFESTYLE

So, consider a very basic non extravagant chart

Example - 1 month expense, for 2 persons - both earnings totaling to KD 1000 only:

Rent - KD 150 to KD 200
Cooperative / Bakala - KD 80
Outside food when you are tired and want to spoil yourself - KD 15
Mobile re-charge - KD 5 
Car Fuel KD 15 - KD 20
Personal care - KD 20
Personal buys - KD 20
Entertainment / Sports - KD 25
Home improvements - KD 20

Applicable Interval payments - 

• car service - depends on kms, vehicle type and what need to be done
• gas 0.250 - 0.750
• telephone - KD 30
• satellite - varies
• internet - varies
• Gifts - varies
• Medical - varies
• Travel - varies

So, 
200 + 80 + 15 + 5 + 20 + 20 + 20 + 25 + 20 = KD 405

Rest of the amount (say around KD 600) can be kept aside for those interval payments during the year (and savings, if any). So, a savings of KD 600 for the next 11 months seem pretty neat! 

Those with kids, I understand you need to add up real good; primarily for their education. I am not there as yet, please account and adjust that amount in here as well :)

So, ideally you spend KD 405 for 2 persons a month... for your rent, food, mobile, fuel, personal care and outfits, sports and home improvement needs. If you consider to convert monthly expense of personal care, buys, entertainment, home improvements to interval expense... you most definitely get to save a certain sum additionally :). 

Well, that's a little quality life with the basic necessities met and with a little saving :). The rest of it, I'd advise you to practice yoga :D

40th wedding anniversary - Mom and Dad :)

40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - MOM AND DAD

Marriage established : 17-Jan-1974 

4 decades of togetherness : 17-Jan-2014

A milestone indeed for mom and dad :)... considering all the storms they had to weather and wonderful memories they have gathered over the years.

Ruby anniversary as it is called...

But I decided to make it a little more personal and inexpensive :)

Got my family a hand made gift - Family members are represented by bears and cute dolls; the anniversary couple seated on a red sofa and the extended family surrounding them. Well, I made the sofa and the little pillow in between the couple - that says "Family Forever" :). I assembled all the family members appropriately, name tagged them, a little note on celebrating mom and dads'40th wedding anniversary :).

Now, I guess I need to make a transparent covering for it... working on it :)

So yes, this is my Ruby Anniversary gift for a lovely family that deserves happiness forever :)