Dry Baby, Happy Baby

What are the things that make your baby happy? Write a post about the sweet, silly and fun things that make your baby happy, and how a dry diaper contributes to your baby’s happy moments.

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Another post for babies! IndiBlogger prompts/topics make you wander your mind and come up with such posts! I never thought I would be writing about babies and diapers! :D

What makes my baby happy? Well, many things. To list a few -

1. Consistent sleep at the correct time

Babies love to rest. If you don't allow them to sleep in the time they need to, they become cranky and irritable. Getting proper sleep for good duration helps them wake up happily and calmly.

2. Cuddle sessions

Brief cuddle sessions make my baby know how much I adore her and makes her super duper happy!

3. Hot water bath

It is a soothing experience for my baby as she feels comfortable when I put her in new loose, dry clothes after a warm bath.

4. Massage

A long massage stroking her limbs gives my baby relaxation and helps her sleep better without any battle.

5. A good diaper

While other diapers focus on keeping dry on the outside only, the new Pampers Baby Dry Pants promises dryness on the inside too. The magic gel in it locks the moisture and prevents leakage for up to 12 hours. Which is why I chose it for my lovely daughter - it truly pampers her and keeps her happy.

6. Playful game sessions like peek-a-boo and hide and seek (without instructions)!

Such sessions help me connect and bond with my daughter, Alia. Playing is good for baby's soul. Don't instruct them frequently, just let them be.

7. Lullaby  

My voice to her is melody. It puts her to sleep instantly as I rock her in her cradle.

8. Dancing to 'London Thumakda'

This has become her favourite song off late, so whenever it comes on TV/Radio, she starts jumping and dancing. It is heaven to see her so happy.

9. Feeding her on time

This is  a very simple strategy to keep babies happy. Feed them at correct times and they will not be bad tempered.

10. Tickling

I tickle Alia by making funny faces. When I say 'Boing' it makes her giggle! And it is adorable to see my little one burst into laughter.

11. Visiting parks

Alia loves parks. She gets super excited and chirpy as she knows she will have the best time of her life there!

12. Toys

Alia loves toys. All kids do, they love to spread all their toys in the house and play with them endlessly.

13. My attention

Yes babies love when they are given attention, especially by their mothers. Mother's smiling face makes the baby happy too. I invest time in talking to Alia, maybe she is too young to understand my words, but I still do, it helps us 'connect'!

These are a few sweet, silly fun things that make my baby happy! But all these things work only when she is dry and comfortable. Pampers Baby Dry Pants promises dryness, hence it promises happy moments to your little one! Indeed, dry baby, happy baby. :)

P.S: This post is for IndiBlogger Happy Hours. See here for details: http://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers.

See the new Pampers Video Ad :D

Bedtime Rituals For My Little One!

The title of this post should tell you that this post is about babies! I love babies, to be honest! Some people don't as they complain that babies are cranky. But I completely disagree. Babies are such angels.

Sleep is important for babies. But to put a baby to sleep is a battle for many. To make it battle free, parents should use some tips and tricks.

Pleasurable tricks ensure that your baby sleeps peacefully and wakes up happy. These tricks soothe your child and calm them. Establish a daily routine so that they get used to the pattern slowly. This even helps in disciplining your child.

Here are some fun bedtime rituals I share with my little one, and how they help give my baby, Alia a good night’s rest. Do read mine and share yours in the comments too.

First of all, avoid TV and you yourself be away from your smart phones. This is the time to bond with your bundle of joy at the end of a long, hectic day.

Brief cuddle and kissing sessions to show her how much I love her.

A steamy hot water bath helps my daughter Alia release her pent up energy after the day and relaxes her. It is a soothing experience for her and babies like being washed up - clean, comfortable and dry. I gently massage Alia's  limbs with long, firm strokes. I dry her with a warm towel and change her into a clean diaper and loose clothes after her bath.

While other diapers only focus on keeping dry on the outside, the new Pampers Baby Dry Pants promises dryness on the inside too. Which is why I chose it for my sweetie - it does not disturb her sleep and truly pampers her.

She pouts as I feed her the milk bottle. Then we play a simple round of peekaboo for some time!

This game entertains her as well as tires her! Then I carry her in my arms and roam around in the house with dim lights, show her the moon and we gaze at the stars in the sky as she innocently waves them.

Then I sing her a lullaby with a gentle back rub to drift her off to sleep on a rocking chair. She loves the soft melody of my voice that comforts my little sweetie. You don't realize but a mother's voice is music to the baby's ear.

I say a short prayer for my little one and for the safety of my little family. I tuck her in, snuggle and kiss her forehead and it's a good night in the warm bed for us.

These tricks make bedtime with Alia less harrowing for me. Try using these to avoid wars with your kid at bedtime, just love your kiddies, because at the end of the day - they are your little bundle of joy! Babies are made for - Love. Sleep. Play. Let them be carefree and do what they are best at.

There's no other peace comparable to something I see when my angel sleeps peacefully as she occasionally snoozes in my arms and I can't resist kissing her forehead.

See this video - how happily a Pamper kid wakes up: Pampers Video Ad

P.S: This post is for IndiBlogger Happy Hours. See here for details: http://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers.

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My Bucket List! #BefikarUmarBhar

Today's life is so hectic that we are all tied up by the web of clock. Wrestling the sands of time, we have less or no time for our family and even lesser time for our own selves.

So many times we are just heading towards something, with no idea why we want it and whether we really want it or not.

Have you ever imagined, what if there were no worries? Absolutely nothing to hold you back, no commitments, etc. You would love to fly off to another world given that situation, isn't it? Sometimes, it is okay to just let go off all the burden - job, relationship, etc and fly with empty shoulders.

I am a dreamer and an optimist. I feel dreams might become a reality someday, you never know.

What if you were 'befikar'?

These days the song I hum often is 'Matlabi' from the movie Roy. Isn't the song simply fabulous and teaches you to just be free for your own self! I absolutely love these lines,

"Befikar dhadkane, iss tarah se chale
Shor goonje yahaan se wahaan!"

Usually people prepare a bucket list of things to do before they die, and I haven't got the chance to even do that! But thank God, this Happy Hour topic gives me some time to spare for myself and my wishes.

We all plan things we wish to do some time when we are free from the other hassles of life. Here are the top 5 things on my Bucket List that I would do if I was #BefikarUmarBhar to finally live the life I always dream of in my free time!

1. Go on a sudden vacation!

Yes studies are important, commitments are important too. But I wish that one day, I escape all this suddenly, without letting anyone know - on a vacation to Miami ALONE! (Queen style) To roam around the beautiful and mesmerising beaches in a floral gown - carefree like a free bird.

2. Take my instincts seriously and pursue my passion.

Writing is my calling. It is the only thing I wish to do almost all the time. I have even started penning a book. But again the 'weight' on my shoulders doesn't let me pursue it to a level I want to. I want to pursue writing full time. I wish to take my inner voice seriously soon and try a profession in writing!

3. Cut off unnecessary attachments and spend more time with family.

Live life with ease, act like a kid, be with people who don't mind it! We carry a bag full of attachments, I would say superficial attachments and people. We spend our entire life trying to seek 'true' happiness, but we fail to see that our true happiness lies not in the number of contacts on our Whatsapp list, but with the time we spend with the people we truly care for and vice versa! I would like to shun every name-sake friend in my list/ toxic people and just be with the people I love truly. I am sure I'll be liberated of all the unnecessary drama.

4. Travelling the world and see the wonders of the world!

I am a travel lover. I think that comes naturally to writers. Because they like meeting new people, knowing their stories and fabricating those into bestsellers ;) Travelling expands your horizons. I wish to go to London, New York, Paris, New Zealand. I intend to go Scuba Diving and Paragliding! This has been a secret desire. I wish to go with my husband for Scuba Diving to experience the marine life closely and the vast ocean. I plan to try paragliding - the extreme of all sports. I'm sure it will be memorable and spectacular! Also, I want to fly in a hot air balloon!

5. Be the reason behind a huge difference to someone's life!

I like social work. I like doing good to people, without wanting anything in return. As a bucket list item, I want to educate a child in future with all the expenses. A permanent difference to someone's life and so good to know they can never repay you back. :)

P.S: This post is for Happy Hours powered by IndiBlogger. See here for more details: http://bit.ly/BefikarUmarBhar

See the video here: IDBI Federal Lifesurance Whole Life - Befikar Umar Bhar Advert

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Unconditional Love with ZenFone!

5 reasons why the Asus ZenFone is my ideal Valentine, this year!  

1. Self Love: Treat Yourself! Who needs a Valentine?

My alone feels so good! I'll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude. Ofcourse, this smart phone is sweeter than my solitude. It's okay to gift yourself, sometimes.

Valentine's day is associated with love and romance. But being single isn't a crime, after all. I love me.

Spare yourself of all the girlfriend-boyfriend (non-smart) drama. ;) Love thyself and pamper yourself with this 'ideal' smart phone!

2. Walk hand in hand with the changing technology.

Technology changes fast. And so are people changing girlfriends and boyfriends these days! They are fine and 'cool' with breakups and make-ups. We have 'Kidults' today ~ kids who behave like adults! Have girlfriends and boyfriends even before their milk teeth have fallen off! Okay, enough of pun intended! *winks*

So in such a world, isn't it fair enough to wait for the 'perfect' person while grabbing unconditional love from other sources. Non livings things do not expect anything in return - just like this smart phone.

3. I like 'Smart' people and 'Smart' things around me!

Happiness is .. Getting a smart phone as smart as Asus ZenFone!

Gadgets are convenient. This smart phone that you can hold in your hands can do wonders for you. We can talk, text, WhatsApp, video call, listen to songs, blog, etc.

And who knows Asus Zenfone might make you meet your 'real' Valentine too! ;) Life and people are both constantly changing. It is nice to have a companion in Zenfone that shall be with you longer than the length of relationships these days!

4. Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is hard to compete with. Some walks you have to take alone. And the journey from your place to buying yourself an Asus ZenFone will be the one you shall never regret! 

This Valentine, re-define love.

Gadgets give you unconditional love - without limitations and conditions. This phone loves me unconditionally - A blogpost about it can help me earn a voucher worth 1K!

5. 'Baap' features of this phone! ;)

This should have been my reason 1 and it is! But save the best for the last! The specifications of this awesome gadget will make you fall in love with it!

Asus ZenFone 5 smartphone with 5.00-inch 720x1280 display is powered by 1.6GHz processor alongside 2GB RAM and 8-megapixel rear camera. I kept scrolling the web page containing the features of this phone; I was tired of scrolling, but it didn't end soon! Have a look yourself here.

To list down a few: 

Long battery,

Simple, yet beautiful looks,

Can handle multiple tasks and gaming applications. Highly responsive,

64 bit memory,

Dual sim, dual HSPA+,

Gorilla glass 3,

Intel Atom multicore processor .................. and so on!

All this at an affordable price! Truly a value for money product! It is an awesome gift to yourself - an ideal 'Valentine'! Believe you me! 

P.S: This post is for Indi Happy Hours in association with Experience #UnconditionalLove with the Zenfone. Pamper yourself! See the awesome video:  #UnconditionalLove Advert 

Buy this cool phone here: http://www.flipkart.com/asus

Image Source: https://www.indiblogger.in/happyhours/asus-zenphone-unconditional-love/

The World Remade. My Style.

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could just not fail?

The fear of failing stops us from attempting things. But what if the cause is as noble as 'rebuilding the world for a better'? The fear doesn't exist anymore.

The question is, how can I remake the world by my small existence?

When you say 'remake the world', it reminds me of the song's lyrics by Jimmy Cliff- 'Remake the World' from the album 'Follow My Mind'!

"Too many people are suffering
Too many people are sad
Too likable people got everything
While too many people got nothing

Remake the world
With love and happiness
Remake the world
Put your conscience in the test
Remake the world
North, south, east and west
Remake the world
Gotta prove that are the best, yeah

Remake the world
Come on human dignity
Remake the world
Wipe strife and poverty
Remake the world
Get racism from your sight
Remake the world
Be you black, be you white, yeah

We wile remake the world
With love and happiness
Remake the world
People, put your conscience to the test."

Remaking the world is not about today, it is about being a visionary. It is about creating a better world, so that people remember you even after you die.

Busy remaking the world, man often forgets to remake himself. Change is messy. While changing things, you yourself need to mend yourself. Mother Teresa said that "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." Hence, vision with action is important.

Remaking anything is difficult. Because people are too used to the original and consider it as 'good' by default. It is a pressure for the one whose remaking because remakes should always be good/better ones, or else no one wants to see them again!

What I would do to rebuild the world, my way?

End religion.

I know, many people would question me about morals, but I believe, morals can exist even without the barriers of religion. The greatest morality should be Humanity. The world will change when people will start thinking logically rather than believing blindly.

Just look how much violence and outright hate has been caused by religion. I don't promise that ending religion would end all of it, but yes, definitely, it will create a huge impact.

I would convince everyone to open up to changing their minds when something new comes up and pursue the truth behind it. Exit emotions, enter logic - no herd mentality!

I would eradicate corruption and scams. All the hard earned money from common man is going to the filthy politicians.

Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world, said Nelson Mandela. I would end wars, educate poor and invent the 'happiness pill'.

I would eradicate Cancer from the world.

All this adds up to a much better world. This kind of world would make me exclaim with pride and happiness – “Here’s The World, Remade! My style!”

There are many challenges to overcome. But we humans alone have the power to change things! In the end, it's our choice and our voice.

Changing the world does not happens overnight, but it won't happen by not making an effort either. Your role is just as important as the next person's. Little things you consider as insignificant too create an impact. It is a 'ripple effect'. It all starts with us, and our willingness to help create the world that we dream of. You don't have to be elected to change the world. You just have to be committed towards it.

I. The creator, who shall rebuild the world. I is not just me. It is you and everyone around you on an individual level.

Changing and remaking the world is harder than you expect, but it is worth it. So, Renew, Reinvent, Reimagine with Ideas that Excite, Inspire, Empower Experiences that Enlighten, Illuminate, Educate and Icons who Dreams, Do, Deliver.

I am participating in the #TheWorldRemade activity at BlogAdda in association with India Today #Conclave15.

This post is for Blogadda!

Bye, Bye Pimple Mania. Hello Clear Skin!

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Pimple... Again?!

Pimple! An irritating word, isn't it?!

Although having pimples is not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress for anyone. And being a girl, you always desire clear and pretty skin for that perfect selfie or group photos. So for me, the flare up of pimples is a serious threat, emotionally!

Living with pimples? - On no! You just want to hide away! You are aware of your looks and how you appear to others, and it's natural to want to look your best. You fight it bravely in your teens, accepting that it is an unavoidable price you pay for growing up! They call it  'puberty.' But pimples haunt even adults.

You have an important meeting or an occasion or a date lined up; you look in the mirror and BAM! you see a full-fledged honking mode pimple on your forehead or cheek! Then those spots begin to hurt, become swollen, red and hot. Greasy skin and pimples are such confidence-killers. They make you go crazy and bring times when you don't want to leave your house and just moan over it, alone! 

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I go weak when it comes to being confident, when I'm attacked by - PIMPLES. For me, I guess, it's a vicious cycle: Stress-pimples-stress-pimples and so on! Just when you think your "bad skin" days are over, pimple attack strikes again.

What troubles is not that we get pimples, but the scars they leave behind. And I will sound freaky, but you want to get rid of those high point monsters on your face so soon that in panic, you are tempted to prick and squeeze them till they burst, which is even a worse way.

You wish to expend all your time and money in getting rid of those monsters. I tried several things too. I visited several dermatologists, waited in queues to get some magic solution from them for my bad spotted skin. But alas, none satisfied my quench for the magic solution. They applied chemical peels, skin creams but it gets unaffordable sometimes and even itchy to your skin!

As you save your skin from the corrosive acids from the mouths of toxic people, also save it from the harsh, bumpy pimples and maintain it beautiful and supple!

My last resort was Garnier PureActive Neem Facewash and thankfully it has been the last and final resort indeed! It is soothing green gel-based face wash. This product keeps pimples and acne at bay and is superior and highly effective in reducing spots. I saw positive results within a week's use! It also freshens you up with the cooling effect - thanks to Neem in it! The fragrance is pleasant and refreshing.

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Neem is an evergreen tree and is known to have antibacterial properties. The curative power of neem and tea tree oil in Garnier Pure Active Neem Facewash purifies and deep cleans pores to remove impurities, fight excess oil and dirt caused by pollution, giving you pimple free clear skin.

Get rid of those pimple smacks and unwanted blemishes, make that splash of water on your face more good with #GarnierPureActive Facewash.

This miraculous product helps my skin fight against pollution, makes it soft and keeps it safe by -

1.       Fighting bacteria

2.      Fighting pollution

3.      Removing oil

It is suitable for both men and women. Its organic and chemical-free nature keeps you away from impurities. Also being soap-free, it does not rob the skin of its natural oils, hence does not leave your skin dry and prevents recurrence of pimples.

With Garnier Pure Active Neem Facewash in tow as my companion and protector, I am a beautiful woman with a clear skin and a clean heart. This affordable product has been a boon to me, really!

Ratings -4.8/5

P.S: This post is my entry for contest powered by Indiblogger! Details: http://bit.ly/GarnierPureActiveNeemWebsite

Beard-Sporter To A Clean Shaven Look!

Facts - A massive 80% of women surveyed indicate that they prefer to see the clean shaven face while 77% of women have opted not to kiss a man due to having a beard or stubble.

Beards and stubble are associated with hipsters because improbable facial hair fit well with the new pioneer element of hipsterness who don't have time to shave!

Nowadays, I find beards sprouting from the unlikeliest faces. Eeks! That's not fashion, men! Many men have formed the zealous conviction that their beards place them at an advantage with the ladies. Well, that's opposite to the facts!

Unfortunately, some guys have turned it into a fashion statement. Men tend to believe it makes them look more masculine. Amusingly, the beard has turned into the padded bra of masculinity because maybe it helps them appear 'big' (read: mature) somehow and 'push' their masculinity up! *pun intended*

Agreed, every beard has a story. Be it laziness or not finding a razor around or cherishing adulthood or showing off the exam pressure or sporting a scientist look.

Honestly, if a man is really confident with his sexuality, he should not try to prove it through facial hair but with intelligence, wit and by making a woman feel special through his efforts. We, women go to great lengths to get ready for that big first date and make a lasting impression, so should men!

***************

Ashar hadn't shaved for 2 weeks now. At first it seemed like a nice change of pace, but now I hate the hairy, face-hugging alien that’s taken over his face. I feel like my husband's face is like a million tiny needles poking me. Despite repeatedly telling him, he kept saying that it suited him. I agreed. It did suit him. He did look hot and tempting. But that's not the way one goes to work. Most importantly, Aliya. Our one year old daughter; she doesn't find Ashar's stubble pleasant.

After urging him alot, Ashar shaved this morning! He affectionately came to Aliya covering his face with a towel. Aliya lifted the towel to be confronted by a complete stranger! She simply said, 'Oh!' in her innocent voice!

Ashar repents of having lost out on fun time with Aliya. Aliya now chuckles comfortably in her daddy's arms to have her clean shaven daddy back! She looks her father up and down, gently caresses his freshly shaven skin, it’s as if she looks into his clean and pure soul. My beautiful baby proves her unconditional love as she rests her head on her daddy’s face in one of the most amazing and emotional moments. My Aliya now plays peek-a-boo with her father again. She's a Daddy’s Girl!

Gentlemen, now your turn. #WillYouShave? Grab your Gillette razor today!

Check this ultra cute video of a Baby Girl's Response to Daddy's First Shave:

P.S: This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette

Preethi Venugopal (http://tulipsandme.blogspot.in/) tagged me to write this post for the #WillYouShave activity by Gillette. 

I wish to tag -
http://karan-sampat.blogspot.in/ (Karan Sampat) 
https://ashadeofpen.wordpress.com/ (Shruti Fatehpuria)
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/ (Anita S)
http://jyotsnabhatia.blogspot.in/ (Jyotsna Bhatia) to take up this challenge.

Write a blog on any of these themes-

1. Missed chances- Stories or instances where you missed out on an opportunity because of a non-shaven face

2. Luck or Confidence?- Will you leave your fate in the hands of destiny or will you step up and say yes to a well- groomed face to be at your best everyday? #WillYouShave?

Ladies, you have a say in this too! Write a blog post about the men in your life on the following themes.

1. An instance when a stubble came in the way of a man's chance to make a good impression

2. An instance when a well groomed look ensured that they struck gold on an opportunity given to them

Last date for entries is midnight of 1st December!

Winning Mindset

Winning is about being alive.

Winning pushes you to further replicate more wins!

Winning is always something that keeps you grounded, never gets to your head.

For me, winning begins when you think you would not live through the day, yet you do! 

Winning is, people respecting you, for what you are and not for what you pretend to be.

Winning to me, is to see my parents happy because of me. Winning is when they say, they are proud to have a daughter like me.

Winning is not only when you are receiving, but also when you are giving; giving such that the person can never repay you back.

Winning is not when you are the best for once, it is getting better each day!

Winning is not winning materialistic things, but winning a valuable possession like someone's trust.

Winning is when you realize that the things you are passionate about are not random, but they are your calling.

Winning is not losing faith and getting discouraged, but believing that you are born to win and someday you WILL!

Winning is being stubborn and knowing what will work and what won't! 

Winning is being passionate about your work, deeply liking what you do! It is not excelling at everything; but being known as THE BEST for what you love doing!

Winning is not letting anything that happened yesterday affect you today.

Winning is not about today, it is about being a visionary. It is about creating a better world, so that people remember you even after you die.

‘Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude,’ quotes Zig Ziglar!

I think the winner is the chef who takes the same ingredients as everyone else and produces the best results.

Bruce Lee quoted, ‘Forget about winning and losing; forget about pride and pain. Let your opponent graze your skin and you smash into his flesh; let him smash into your flesh and you fracture his bones; let him fracture your bones and you take his life. Do not be concerned with escaping safely. Lay your life before him.’ Winning is also giving a tough fight!

Winning has such an emotional impact on us, does it not?  What I believe is that it's great to build a winner's mindset instead of obsessing about winning.

Winning should not be to feed your ego and boost self worth, it may sure propel you to temporary victories but will still not take you anywhere worthwhile.

Is winning only what happens when someone else loses? Do you have to finish first every time you play a game in order to feel like you have won?

Some believe, ‘If I don't finish first then I'm a loser. Even if I finish 2nd I am still the first loser!’ With such a superficial mindset, you have more to lose than gain!

I have always viewed “winning” as a competitive attachment. After much speculation, what I have found is a whole new world where life is lighter, the word “win” doesn’t need to exist.

My true “wins” are inside of me, not external of me.

If you win the race and stand alone – have you succeeded? In order to feel a real sense of achievement, you need to reach inside and align your goals with what feels right for you.

Often our aspirations are based on outside expectations resulting in hollow victories. All of us have the ability to listen to ourselves – to hear what is really going on inside. 

The problem is, with the outside noise of life with all its expectations and assumptions it drowns out our inner voice. And we proclaim ourselves as LOSERS.

My idea of winning is not limited to just collecting trophies and certificates; it is a broader spectrum. I believe each of us is a WINNER! We just don’t celebrate the fact.

This post is exclusively written for ‘WINNING for India Today Conclave 2014’ Contest powered by Indiblogger. For more details visit http://www.indiatodayconclave.com