There’s a downpour of blessings and you can’t wait to welcome your bundle of joy into this world. But, before you do, you’re probably stumped with just how to ring in the celebrations. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are some trending shower ideas that fits a theme, and more importantly, won’t necessarily burn a hole in your pocket.

Time honored traditions

A traditional baby shower or godh bharai, as popularly called in India, is a ceremony that is celebrated to shower blessings to the mum-to-be. Along with the blessings, it is a joyous occasion where close relatives and friends come together to celebrate the new life that is about to be brought into this world. Godh bharai quite literally means ‘filling the lap’ of the expectant mother with abundance and joy, and is usually celebrated in the seventh month of pregnancy.

GAMES:

To make the function fun and exciting, you can indulge guests with some games to keep them entertained. For example, your guests could guess the girth of the mother’s belly with the help of a ribbon. The closest match can be announced as the winner. Another game could be to remember the baby items passed around in a tray. Simple games like passing the parcel and musical chairs can also add loads of fun to ceremony.

DECORATION:
Karishman Gowani, owner of Millk, Mumbai, says, “The classic godh bharai has its own charm with traditional hand-crafted lamp shades and jhula (swing) for the mum-to-be.” You can decorate the jhula with cute baby products or just go with the classic floral decoration. Make sure the jhula has a proper backrest for the mother and this is where the traditional puja can also be done, where everyone could bless the mother and the baby. Another exciting way to do up the place is by placing childhood pictures of the expectant parents all over the walls. They will be overwhelmed. You could also use a mother’s favourite toys, books or clothes from her childhood to decorate the venue.

PARTY FAVOURS:
As a token of remembrance, providing your guests with a souvenir would be a nice gesture. You can get some dupattas and bangles for the women, as this is something everyone likes to wear. You could set up a photo booth where all the guests get an opportunity to be clicked with the mum-to-be. Towards the end of the ceremony, guests could collect the pictures along with a decorative frame. They can cherish this memory forever.

Get ready to set sail with your guests and have a contemporary, yet chic baby shower. The nautical theme seems to be everyone’s favourite and is a huge hit with every first-time mother. The reason is its classic red, navy blue and white colour scheme. Make a customised anchor-shaped invitation that will welcome everyone aboard. 

GAMES: Afra Kochra, co-owner, Kiddiegram, says, “For the games, you can use the following ideas like, change a doll’s diaper blindfolded in the shortest time, memory game with baby items, decorating bibs and message in a bottle where you get the guests to put in some useful advice in the bottle for the mum-to-be.”

FOOD:
Food plays a major role in any celebration. Always decide the menu based on the theme chosen for a particular occasion. Afra further adds, “There are a lot of snacks that you can serve adhering to the theme. For example, potato boats, sea shell pasta, fish n chips, seaweed dip, submarine sandwiches and seamosas, are just some options.”

PARTY FAVOURS:
Some options for party favours could be: Afra says, “We gave out bottles of shower gel with the caption, ‘From our shower to yours.’ Other options include, anchor-shaped cookies, bath sea salts packed in glass bottles or scented soaps shaped as starfish or other underwater creatures.

DECORATION:
A nautical baby shower theme offers personalised banners, table decorations in the same navy blue and red colours, as the invitation. You can have the signature anchor decoration all around the place. On the table you can place personalised placemats and candy centerpieces. Custom, colourful ceiling decorations will accentuate the place and highlight the theme.

Ritika Nangia, founder, Funcart.in, says, “For an afternoon and evening filled with elegance, laughter and understated glamour, Vintage is the perfect theme. A vintage-themed garden party is easy to plan and has an unparalleled charm, with minimal preparation.” Going vintage means an elegant affair with the perfect décor, food, favours and games, well within your budget.

GAMES:
Ritika suggests, “You can add a twist to the vintage games like baby shower bingo, a hula hoop contest or pin the diaper on the baby are some of the delightfully nostalgic games that will zing up your vintage garden party.”

FOOD:
Afra suggests, “Since it’s hi-tea, you would not be required to serve lunch or dinner but rather evening snacks. In this case cocktail, bite-sized dishes would be appropriate. For example cucumber sandwiches, scones, cheese platters or individual servings of assorted desserts like profiteroles, cookies or mini cupcakes. You could have a DIY tea or coffee station where the guests could prepare a hot beverage they’d like to sip on.”

PARTY FAVOURS:
“Some options are Vintage-themed lace punched gift tags, leather luggage tags, personalized calligraphy notes, handmade chocolates and exotic teas are some of the great ideas to pamper guests and help them remember your soiree for a long time to come,” says Nikita. Other return gift items according to Afra are, scented candles, pot pourri pouches and marmalade packed in mason jars.

DECORATION:

Ritika explains, “With a few well-placed props and décor items, the party can be a great success without burning a hole in your pocket. Items like vintage tableware, teacups and linen can easily be procured at a low cost from a local thrift shop or online shopping portals.” Vintage doesn’t necessarily mean decking up the location with pastels. Ritika advises that colours like turquoise and red can also be great options. To lay out the food, you can display a shabby chic table, sidetable or even a dresser. She further adds, “A vintage telephone, a leather suitcase or a gramophone are some inexpensive ways to create the illusion of a vintage affair.”

Beach bums

Another theme that is popular among the masses is the Beach Baby shower theme. With this particular theme you can experiment a lot with the colours and décor. It will certainly enliven the joyous occasion. Karishma enthusiastically says, “Beach baby shower is my personal favourite. The combination of teal, gold and white colours make the place look vibrant and extravagant.”

GAMES:
Some game options Karishma suggests are, a beach bag filled with baby products for a sensory game, make a doll ready for a beach party in under a minute and fill in coconut water in milk bottles and find out who finishes first. These games will certainly turn the heat up at your gathering. The best part is that all your family and friends would be rather excited to participate in these games.

FOOD:
Karishma suggests, “Jelly fish and starfish shaped sandwiches, cocktail umbrellas pinned over cupcakes or fruit tarts, non-alcoholic jello shots, coconut water and watermelon popsicles to beat the heat are some of the ideas that you can look through.”

PARTY FAVOURS:
A wooden crate filled sunglasses, striped hand towels, mini treasure chest filled with chocolate gold coins, shell or jelly candles, garlands and floral tiaras can make for some interesting giveaway options. The budget for the party favours can be above `350.

DECORATION:
This theme is ideal for both indoor as well as outdoors. You can add elements of dream catchers, fishing nets, shells, beach photo booth, props like sunglasses and hats. Karishma says, “Lifesized surf board titled ‘Baby On Board’ along with a vintage barrel and tree trunk labelled with the name of mum-to-be painted on it.” She further adds, “As you enter, a backdrop of a beach will be propped up for selfies to save memories forever. Tables will be lined with fish nets and shells as well as mason jars filled with summer flowers. Decorative includes colourful jellyfish, dream catchers and seaweed hanging from the ceiling.”

 

 

The festive season is usually filled with a whole lot of love, laughter and excitement. To get you in the festive mood, we think a bit of change is in order? And what better time than now, to redecorate? We bring you the latest trends in home décor, particularly when it comes to the comfort of your little one’s personal spaces. Read on to know more

 

FURNITURE

Latest Trends
When selecting furniture for your kids bedroom, it is essential to make sure you buy safe, sustainable and high-quality products. Choose furniture that will grow with your baby. Mumbaibased independent interior designer, Ayushi Kanodia, says, “Functionality as well as longevity when selecting the furniture should be a priority. Elements of imagination and fun should be a part of their room. Parents also constantly worry about the kids growing out of the furniture. Hence, having the right balance between fantasy and functionality is what is trending these days.”

Select furniture based on the theme of your kid’s bedroom. Founder and creative director, StudioCREO, Parushni Aggarwal, says, “Do you wish to keep the room playful or want to give it a dreamy outlook? For every theme, an array of furniture is available for children. And they are available in bold and contrasting colour choices. A bed bunk is an all-time kid’s favourite. Couple that with comfortable bedding and a monogrammed or striped headboard and you’re good to go.”

Safety
No parents would ever want to compromise on their child’s safety. Children often run around the house and are active throughout the day. They tend to spend quality time in their room, hence, it is important that the furniture is not sharp-edged. Ayushi says, “This is a first priority when designing a kid’s room. Having furniture edges rounded and smoothened should be the way to go. Besides that, consider using water-resistant wood and inflammable laminates.”

Budget
Invest wisely! As your children grow, their understanding and demands will increase. They will start making a call as to what they would like in their own room. So while they are young, make their room child-friendly as well as budget-friendly. Designer and director, Peek-a-boo Patterns, Garima Agarwal, says, “With the DIY trend taking up a big place in interiors, parents have become creative. This has enabled them to go easy on the pockets too. The overall expenditure has been variant as there is demand for both premium and basics.  At the same time, the range has been wide enough so designers are carefully selecting some accessories that are fun but not expensive along with high-priced units, for example, wardrobes.”

Keep In Mind
● Furniture should be functional and ergonomically designed.  For example, a study table should be at the right height.
● For storage pieces, practicality plays an important role. This would make the room clutter free.
● Parushni says, “Make sure your interior designer has met your kids and have spent considerable time with them to understand their needs. It’s foremost to integrate kid’s room with the interiors commensurate to their personality.”
● A fun piece of add-on furniture is a rocking chair personalised with your little one’s initials.

FURNISHINGS

Latest Trends
Furnishings have become the most important accessory while designing a child’s space. They are a great way to add a dose of texture and colour to a kids room. “This is because the theme can be created by using thematic furnishings like curtains and bedding. They are like icing on the cake—helps in giving a visual appeal to the room,” says Garima. According to one of the founders of My Baby Babbles, Mithila Chirawawala, “One of the biggest trends right now are play tents and play mats which encourage a creative hideaway— a place for your kids to call their own. Add this to a playroom or den and let your child’s  imagination run wild.”

Talking about another trend that is here to stay is personalisation. Mithila further adds, “You can never go wrong with adding fun, personalised accents across a kid’s room. Spell out your kid’s name with attention-grabbing, alphabetshaped cushions in bright fabrics or coloured wooden letters. A name plaque at the entrance door, a pretty wall clock or a funshaped cork board will add charm and personality in your little ones space.” Experimenting with different materials like denims for blinds is also a big hit.

Safety
A kid’s room is susceptible to having paints, colours and pencil marks on different things, especially on furnishings. Hence, Ayushi advises purchasing furnishings that are machinewashable without fading out.

She further adds, “In terms of bedsheets, one can go for the anti-bacterial one which will safeguard your kid from rashes.” “Usage of organic fabrics and natural dyes are in vogue. These are safe for a child’s sensitive skin. Easy maintenance fabrics take frequent washes—that helps in maintaining your child’s hygiene,” says Garima.

Budget
Ayushi advises, “It wouldn’t be wise to spend a lot on furnishings in a kid’s room since we know that at some point there will be crayon or paint stains. Hence, opting for rough and tough materials that is machine-washable should be the way to go.” Have an array on display in your child’s room. From bedding and cushions to rugs and fancy clocks, you can get creative. Despite having one too many items, try not to splurge.

Keep In Mind
● A good window treatment is important to complete the look of the room. The colours of the curtains have to be co-ordinated mainly with the walls.
● It is important that all the paraphernalia of the interior is organised well.
● Parushni says, “Space organisation is a key aspect. Kids usually have a lot of stuff scattered around. Look out for  spaces where you can make room for their essentials. They love when there’s space available for them to wander.”
● A toy shelf or bookshelf just above their bed can meet their discerning demands.
● Experiment with lights, incorporate rugs or carpets to enrich dull floors. Also, you can furnish with interesting tiles for a more colourful outlook..

In this fast-paced world, as most of us have come to realise, it’s make or break. But if you think that you’re only expected to establish yourselves as adults, think again. Today, even children need to prove their caliber when it comes to securing an admission in that sought-after preschool. Of course, it’s only natural that as parents, you want the best for your child. And unfortunately, the key to success is perhaps the first most important thing yout toddler will be expected to do—tackle that preschool interview. Naturally, this spells panic and stress for parents causing them to put undue pressure on their children. However, there are ways around it. M&B brings you a few tips and tricks to effectively prepare both you and your child for thatlife-changing interview

BY SANIA DHIRWANI

What to do before the interview:

Before you can think of what’s going to happen at the interview, it helps to mentally prepare yourself, and your child before hand. This means, don’t overthink things and have a game plan!

Effective Communication
First and foremost, parents should keep in mind that while preparing their child for the interview, they need to be extremely patient so as to not end up making the child fear the interview. Tasneem Mesiwala, director, Serra International Preschool and Childcare, says, “General conversation skills is the key to appearing for an interview. People usually underestimate the confi dence-building aspects just a meaningful conversation can have. If a child indulges in open, stimulating conversations right from birth, have a general chat during an interview will be second nature.” She further adds, “Moreover, the more you  allow your child to explore and interact with other kids and even adults, whether at a park, market or even restaurants, the better their communications skills and confidence will be.” Ease your child into thing. Pressurising him to do something will only backfi re as he’s likely to lose confidence.

Do Your Homework
Meet the director before hand and understand what the school requires your child to know. Tasneem says, “A good school curriculum will include all the basic concepts a child must know in his growing years. Colours, shapes, alphabet, numbers, animals, days, months, etc., are some of the basic concepts.” She also adds, “Younger children may be asked to play with other children during the interview, so parents should be prepared to inform their child ahead of time.”

Confi dence Boosters
It is essential for your child to understand that his parents or guardian will not be around for a few hours when he is away at school. The child needs to be mentally prepared. Tasneem advises, “A great way to ensure your child dosn’t lose his nerve, or confi dence is by familiarising him with his surroundings. If possible, take your child to the preschool you want to enroll him in, and show him around. A visit to the school once or twice before the interview, combined with a restful night’s sleep before the interview, will be favourable for a positive session.”

Parents-to-be prepare for their baby’s arrival much before the due date. Slowly and steadily, all the necessary items on that checklist are ticked off. From stocking up on baby clothes, feeders and diapers, there’s so much more that parents need to take care. One such aspect is technology, a rather underestimated part of childcare and safety. M&B brings you some nifty tools that will help make parenting a whole lot easier

BY SANIA DHIRWANI

Video Baby Monitor

ABOUT
Don’t underestimate the importance of a baby monitor. From keeping track of your baby’s sounds, to even keeping a close eye on her when she’s in her crib and away from you, a baby monitor becomes a necessity for a busy parent.

BENEFITS
● To keep an eye from another room: With a video monitor, parents or caretakers do not need to constantly visit the child’s room. Just by watching in the monitor, parents can be assured of baby’s safety without disturbing their play or snooze time. Baby’s sleep pattern can be disturbed by incessantly checking in on her. Any potential hazards can be avoided just by glancing at the video monitor.
● To track sleep accurately: When you are training your baby to sleep on her own, it’s essential for parents to check how much sleep she is actually getting. When you leave the child alone, it is common for a baby to toss and turn without making any sound. An audio monitor might not be able to track all the movements.
● To provide security: This is one of the biggest advantages. It provides security both outside and inside the crib. As your child will grow, there’s a good chance that she might try to get out of the crib. In the process, she can fall and hurt herself. While you may not be able to completely eliminate potential dangers, you can certainly be aware of them. Morever, if you have a nanny to take care of your baby, you can monitor the nanny’s actions and ensure she’s providing your child with the care he needs.

LIMITATIONS
● Sound interference: In wireless video monitors, there may be some irksome and buzzing sounds. These sounds can be caused by other wireless  devices around the house like the wireless phone or wifirouters, that can interrupt the signal and cause disturbances.
● Limited range: Video monitors maybe free from the clutches of wires but they do come with a limited range
for hassle-free viewing. If you travel beyond a certain range, your phone might not be able to track your baby’s movements as you are not in the required frequency range.
● An expensive investment: Most working parents have a set budget for their expenses. Purchasing a video monitor can be an expensive affair, especially if you are opting for special features like wireless and HD camera.

SAFETY MEASURES
● Select a video monitor which delivers a longer range and creates less interference.
● Size does matter. Purchase a one that has a small receiver that can be easily carried around the house. Select the one that can be connected with an existing smart device you own.
● Low-battery indicator is one of the important features you should look out for. Get a monitor that lets you know with an alarm or fl ashing lights that you need to change the batteries.
● Some latest monitors tracks your baby’s vital signs. For example, a video monitor will alert the parents if the baby hasn’t moved recently, keeps track of the temperature in your baby’s room and even gives predictions when your baby will be awake.
● Many video monitors feature infrared light or night vision so you can see your baby on the monitor even when she’s asleep in a dark room.

Electric Breast Pump

ABOUT
With the increasing need for two incomes, and the maternity leave policies being three months in some companies, nursing mums tend to wean there babies earlier than required. Owning a breastpump helps take away the feeding worry for mums resuming work post birth.

BENEFITS
● Effi cient and ease-of-use: An electric pump helps you to extract more milk in less time, a useful tool for busy mums. Unlike a manual pump, the work is automatically done for you at a pace that you preset. This saves you from aching hands or difficult-tomaintain pumping patterns.
● Available in multiple types: There are a plethora of options available in the market that suits different needs of a mother’s lifestyle. Vishvanath Kanan, Medela, says, “Mothers with premature or low birth weight babies can opt for a two-phase double electric breast pump like freestyle that mimics baby’s natural sucking pattern, and thus increases and maintains milk production. Double pumped milk is also high in energy content and therefore benefi cial for preterm and low birth weight babies.” Further adding, he says, “Working mothers on the other hand can use electric pump and save a lot of time compared to manual pumps. A double electric pump in particular can save up to two hours of pumping daily.”
● Best alternative to breastfeeding: From an improper latch, inverted nipple or even busy schedules, breaspumps can be a great time saver. An electric breast pump solves maximum of your problems and is one of the most useful gadgets a new mother should own. Your baby will still be taking pure breastmilk even when you are away or are outdoors and finding it inconvenient to breastfeed your baby in a public space. Rajesh Vohra, CEO, Artsana, says, “Chicco NaturalFeeling electric breastpump is designed to extract milk in an effective, practical and delicate way. The extra soft silicone cup gently envelops the breast and the special texture ensures a soft and delicate  contact on the skin. Mothers can adjust the flow level that best suits her needs. It can operate through power cable as well as with battery.”

LIMITATIONS
● Cannot be carried everywhere: Some workplaces do not give you the privacy of pumping. The process of carrying the entire kit everywhere can itself be cumbersome.
● Hampers emotional bonding: According to some studies, pumps cannot act as a substitute for the mother. It cannot replace the motherbaby bonding that breastfeeding ensures. Excessive use of a breast pump can also interfere with the milk production.
● A noisy device: The downside of electric pumps are not as portable as battery or manual breast pumps. They tend to be more noisy and its hard to express discreetly with the sound of an electric motor thumping away. It is also dependent on an external power source.

SAFETY MEASURES
● Mr Vohra says, “The expression must be soft and gentle, otherwise it maybe uncomfortable for the mother. Adjustable flow rate is also an important feature as all mothers have different comfort levels. It should have an easy grip considering the mother  has to hold it for a while. Make sure the material of the pump is BPA free.”
● Select a model that allows you to pump both breasts at once. It will cut the pumping time by half, and doublepumping also boosts milk production by emptying both breasts. Look for one that comes with a case.

There’s nothing quite as exciting as the changing seasons. And as the temperature heats up, paying attention to your diet is particularly important, especially if you’re expecting or have a fussy eater at home. Operations Manager and Executive Chef, Anshul Sethi, of the Fortune Park Lake City Hotel, Thane, has designed a meal exclusives to tease your taste buds and help you stay healthy. What are you waiting for? Dinner is served

Broccoli Broth

YOU NEED:
1 cup broccoli fl orets
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp chopped garlic

For the stock
2 tbsp chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped carrots
10 gms salt
5 gms freshly ground pepper

YOU MUST:
Heat olive oil in a deep nonstick pan. Add in the garlic, onion, carrot and celery and sauté for two to three minutes. Now, add in the broccoli florets, salt and two and half cups of water. Let it cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, before you season it with salt and pepper. Put on the lid and let it simmer for eight to 10 minutes. Serve hot with bread rolls

Mushroom and Spinach Timble with Fruit Salsa

YOU NEED:
100 gms chopped fresh fruit
1 finely chopped red bell pepper
1 finely chopped yellow bell pepper
5 gms jalapeno slices
5 gms chopped green chillies
2 ml tabasco sauce
10 ml lemon juice
Salt to taste
10 chopped button mushrooms
10 gms chopped garlic
15 gms chopped onions
35 gms blanched and chopped spinach
30 ml olive oil
5 gms parmesan cheese
5 gms fresh basil leaves
5 gms fresh thyme
20 ml balsamic vinegar
10 ml honey
10 gms brussel sprouts
10 gms rocket leaves
20 gms iceberg lettuce

YOU MUST:
Sauté some of the onion, green chilies, coriander and jalapeno in olive oil. Remove them from the fl ame and add in the bell peppers and fruit. Season it with a few drops of tabasco and lemon juice and set aside. Next, create a duxelle (fine mince) of the mushrooms by sautéing it with some garlic and the remaining onion. Season this mixture with the fresh herbs and set aside. Next, sauté the spinach with the remaining garlic in olive oil and set aside.

FOR THE GARNISH:
Toss the blanched brussel sprouts in a little of the fresh herbs and set aside. In a separate non-stick pan, heat the balsamic vinegar and honey and bring it to a string-like consistency. Set aside when done.

PLATING UP:
Use a mould that is four inches high and three inches in diameter to plate up the salad. Spread the spinach mixture on the bottom to create a vibrant green layer at the centre of the plate. Next, evenly spread the mushroom duxelle and pat it down to create a compact and firm layer. Finally, top it off with the fruit salsa. Before serving the dish, make sure you have sufficiently chilled it. This will ensure the layers remain perfectly stacked. As a final touch, scatter the brussel sprouts and rocket leaves on the plate and glaze it with the balsamic and honey reduction.

Sesame Palak Paneer with Coriander Roti

YOU NEED:
150 gms malai paneer
250 gms fresh spinach
1 finely chopped large onion
1/2 tsp kasuri methi powder
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
1 tbsp oil or ghee
1 tsp white butter
2 to 3 fi nely chopped green chillies
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds

YOU MUST:
Take a sauce pan and boil the spinach on medium heat. Make sure to not overcook the spinach. When done, drain the water and set aside to cool. Grind to a fine paste when completely cooled and set aside. In a pan, heat the oil or ghee. When suffi ciently hot, add in the cumin seeds. After they begin to splutter, add the green chillies and onion and sauté till it turns golden brown. Next, add in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté till the rawness dissapates. Next add in the kasuri methi, kashmiri chillies, salt, garam masala and mix well. Now add in the spinach paste and cook well. When the mixture begins to leave oil, add in some water and let in simmer for about two minutes. Finally, add in cubes of malai paneer, the white butter and mix well. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve it with coriander roti.

Multigrain Egg Wrap

YOU NEED:
250 gms multigrain fl our
3 eggs
2 tbsp ghee
1 inch piece ginger
2 green chillies
2 large onions julienned
2 capsicum julienned
1 carrot julienned
Salt and pepper to taste
5 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp fi nely chopped coriander leaves
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp Kitchen King masala

YOU MUST:
Start by making the dough. Add the multigrain fl our, salt and water and knead till soft and smooth. Cover the dough and set aside for 30 minutes. Next, divide the dough into equal balls to roll out. Next, apply some ghee to a dough ball and roll it into a thick chapati. Repeat the process till all the dough balls have been rolled out. Next, pan fry the parantha, occasionally drizzling with ghee, till evenly cooked. Your multigrain paratha is ready. Next, crack your eggs into a bowl and beat it adding some salt and pepper and set aside.

For the filling, heat oil in a pan and add the onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies and sauté until onions turn translucent.Next, add the julienned capsicum and carrots, and sauté on high flame for a few minutes. Add salt (as needed) and all the spice powder. To this mixture, add in the chopped coriander leaves, tomato ketchup. Turn off the heat and mix well. The vegetables should retain the crunchiness, so avoid overcooking them. Set the mixture aside.

Next, heat a tawa, and heat a little oil in it. Then, pour over some eggs and let it start to cook. Then place the parantha on top of the egg mixture and press it well. Once the egg gets cooked, flip it over to the other side, cook for two to three seconds and remove from heat. Now place two to three tbsp of the prepared vegetable filling on egg side of the parantha and roll it tightly. Wrap it in a butter paper and serve with mint chutney.

Avocado and Berry Mousse

YOU NEED:
1 large avocado
50 gms whipped cream
100 gms sugar
100 ml water
50 gms Fresh berries
8 gms gelatin
2 egg whites
50 gms cream cheese

YOU MUST:
For the berry and avocado puree, add in the berries, avocado, sugar and water into a sauce pan and heat the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and blend it till it turns into a fine puree. Set aside and let it cool for an hour. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and sugar until fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped cream and cream cheese till no lumps remain. Next, soak gelatin in 20 ml water and melt the same on double boiler until the gelatin dissolves. Slowly add the gelatin to the egg and cream mixture, and mix in the puree. Mix well to avoid any lumps and pour into moulds to set. Keep the mousse in the refrigerator for at least two to three hours. When you’re ready to serve, remove the mousse from the moulds and garnish with chocolate and fresh berries

 

Many couples choose to go on a Babymoon in an attempt to spend some quality time together before the stress of parenthood actually begins. M&B takes you on a journey and tells you everything you need to know about travelling  when pregnant

BY SANIA DHIRWANI

Kerala

ABOUT
People associate the term nature with God’s own country. Travellers across the globe come to Kerala to enjoy nature, its calm and serene atmosphere and the backwaters. Not only is it a place widely chosen by honeymooners, it is also gaining popularity as babymoon destination. Surround yourself with nature, sit back and relax with your partner.

WHY?
The climate: Kerala enjoys a tropical climate and the temperatures stay fairly consistent throughout the year. Mumsto- be can have a relaxing getaway in the region known for its beaches and backwater canals. Also, you can spend quality time in the seaside resorts of Kerala—popular tourist attraction— while unwinding with your partner.

Picturesque hill stations: Apart from the backwaters and the beaches, Kerala has some beautiful hill stations with tea and coffee plantations. One of the most popular hill stations is Munnar and Silent Valley. You can visit the dams, and if you’re lucky, you could catch a glimpse of wild elephants of Kerala. The hills in Munnar are not steep and the roads are broader, making it safe to travel.

Stay in houseboats: Not many places in India offer stay at houseboats. Kerala is one of them and you cannot miss out on it. Houseboats of Alleppey and Kumarakom is perfect for babymooning.

HOW TO TRAVEL?
The safest and fastest way to travel to Kerala is by flight from anywhere in India. From Mumbai it takes two hours to reach the destination. During pregnancy, you need to make sure that your travel is not quite hectic and you reach your destination quicky, in case of an emergency. Make sure you consult you doctor before you venture out. Taking a train means at least 22 hours of travel time.

MUST VISI T
Sree Padmanabhaswamy
Temple
Bekal Fort
Silent Valley Nationa Park
Periyar Lake
Tea Gardens in Munnar
Athirapilly waterfalls

Dharamsala

ABOUT
Nature’s gift to mankind comes in the form of the city of Dharamsala. Mountains and greenery surround this city in Himachal. It is one of the major tourist attractions in India. If you want to witness snowfall and travelling to Switzerland is a little too far, then Dharamsala is the place to be.

WHY?
For the food: Most of the restaurants and cafes in Mcleod Ganj have outdoor seating with mesmerizing views of the peaks and the deodars. Apart from the Tibetan cuisine, you can expect to indulge in good Indian and Continental foods to, and a mum-to-be can satisfy all her pregnancy cravings.

For the trek: Do not worry, you do not have to climb mountains with the belly bump. The Bhagsu waterfall trail is a can-do for anyone. You can sit on the rocks over there and dip your feet in the cold water. It is worth the little effort will you take to walk. Alternately, you get a little exercise as well.

The Dalai Lama Temple: It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful temples. It is situated in the main market of Mcleod Ganj. It is the perfect place to meditate and de-stress. The prayer chants will help you relax and will certainly be a soothing sound for your baby too. The temple is clean and colourful and you are surely to get good vibes from the place.

HOW TO TRAVEL?
There is no direct train or flight to Dharamsala. Take a flight to Chandigarh and then book a private car that will take you to Dharamsala. Travelling in your own car will provide you with comfort and you can take a halt whenever you feel uneasy or just want to stretch your legs. Do not travel by bus. Bus journeys are uncomfortable and will make you nauseous.

MUST VISI T
Triund hill
Bhagsu waterfall
Dal lake
Kangra Valley
Naddi view point