Rashmi's Space

It is Saturday morning. Birds chirp as they sip water from the potted plants in the balcony that I have freshly watered just now. There is very less traffic on the road today as it is the weekend. I take my coffee and sit on the swing in my balcony that I rarely get to sit on. As I sip, I savour the bliss of this unhurried morning. I relish the calm, the silence. And I wonder – why aren’t my everyday mornings like this? Why is it only on Saturdays that I get to experience this beauty of the relaxed morning? And I sigh.   Because I know the answer to that question. I know, that every day, at this time, I am in the kitchen, rushing to get tiffin boxes of breakfast, lunch and snacks ready for my family – coming up with innovative ideas, worrying about portions and running against time to get it all packed and sealed for the day in the meal boxes that my family will carry with them for the long day ahead. Nutrition in bite sized pieces. That is what I am doing at this time on ...

It is early evening. I have just had my evening tea and my young one has run outside to play. Soon the sun will set and it will be time to light the lamps. And then I will ask myself the same question I have been asking for years – what do I cook for dinner today?   What, now you are shaking your head and muttering tch tch under your breath because you opened this post looking for some serious intellectual or political or even emotional quandary women find themselves into? Well, I will have you know, that this one question is a huge intellectual, political and emotional problem rolled into one! Now you'll say what's the big deal? There are so many dishes to choose from; just go ahead and choose one! And I would agree, only; my problem stems from this very variety of choices that are available to me!  Okay, then ask the family, you say. Fine. So I ask the man of the house what his preferences for dinner would be; and “anything” comes the reply. Hmmm, that went...

This is a sponsored post for Quaker Oats and was first published on MyCity4Kids.com Ah, breakfast – a meal that we enjoyed as children, tried to skip as adolescents, have practically no time for as adults; and yet, swear by, as parents! Growing up we have all heard our parents insist that we have breakfast first thing in the morning if we have to be healthy; but it is only when we become parents ourselves that we actually understand the importance of it. It is only as a parent that we even begin to appreciate the benefits of not skipping breakfast in the morning! But of course, by then, our children have grown up and decided they aren’t interested in breakfast anymore. The truth is that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and has long term health benefits that are second to none. And among the many benefits of breakfast, the most important ones are – Breakfast gives our brain and body, the fuel it needs to face the day. Breakfast provides the es...

This is a sponsored post for Quaker and was first published on MyCity4Kids.com  Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. A meal to be had within an hour of waking, breakfast offers many benefits to the body and the brain. So obviously, this is the best time to consume some of the  healthiest things  so as to enhance the benefits of breakfast. Of course, snacks too are important for growing children at regular intervals to keep their energy levels up. And one of the healthiest inclusions in all your meals can be none other than, Oats! However, we Indians love our paranthas, pooris, and our idlis so much, that a steaming bowl of porridge first thing in the morning is out of the question for us; no matter how healthy or how filling it may be. And that is exactly the problem I have been trying to tackle ever since I got to know the  long term health benefits of Oats . You see, oats being a whole grain, rich in fiber and generally great fo...

This is a sponsored post for Quaker Oats and was first published on MyCity4Kids.com  6:00 AM Wake up 6:30 AM Wake little one up 7:00 AM Force the little one to have at least a cup of milk before he leaves for school, while he tries to run all around the place, avoiding the glass of milk in your hand! Sounds familiar? Well, children, especially those who go to school early in the morning, are reluctant to eat or drink anything before they leave for school. But knowing what a busy day they have ahead, we parents are keen for them to have something before they rush for the school bus – even if it is just a glass of milk! Of course, knowing that growing children need a lot of energy, parents constantly seek out foods our little ones would agree to have in the morning before they start their busy day. And as responsible parents, most of us look for something with the least bit of preservatives and the most bit of energy. Having an active grade-schooler at home, I...

A cup of coffee for your little one?  Or how about tea?  No?  How about a chocolate milkshake then? Or may be some soda?  Oh! And some cookies to munch on? Well, that's alright then!