Coconut oil Benefits....

There’s been a lot of hype about coconut oil lately, for us it brings back the memory of our mother massaging this oil every weekend, for healthy & shiny hair. Well it’s really not a cure for all, and what works for some people may not work for you, but it still is pretty handy to have it around - acts as wood, metal or leather polish, Nail and Cuticle Treatment, diaper creams, prevents dandruff, shaving cream, frizz hair fighter, prevents stretch marks, makeup remover, use it on toast instead of butter or popcorn topping, stir or cook into dishes, pan fried vegetables, coconut milk for sweets & curries or even just as a salad dressing.

With a little bit of resourcefulness and a dash of creativity, you can find over one hundred everyday uses for coconut oil.

 Moisturize Your Skin: The very first thing on this list, before even delving into the “edible” benefits of coconut oil, has to be moisturizing. In lieu of your regular lotion, coconut oil delivers a refreshing, healing, burst of moisture that penetrates your skin and works truly and heals it. Initially you can feel oily but that’s why it’s important to only use a little-it goes a long way. Give it a minute and it will dry beautifully. Use as you would regular lotion. Works well on elbows, cracked or dry heel. (Can add few drops of lavender oils for its aromatic smell and to relax your nerves).

Conditioner: In places where coconuts grow plentifully (like the Philippines, India and Thailand), it's not uncommon to see lots of thick, shiny hair. But is it all genetics? Maybe not.  Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair. You can use it on your entire scalp/head for deep conditioning, but you can generally just use it on your ends, where it’s the hardest for the body’s natural oils to reach, and where the most breakage occurs. Can leave it overnight or massage it followed by hot towel steam. Leaving your hair soft & smooth. ☺  

SPF Lip Balm:  We should really apply sunscreen to your lips for full protection. Coconut oil also has a mild SPF protection. Apply some coconut oil just before heading out into the sun and reapply every few hours. You can mix it with beeswax, it’s easier to apply & stays longer.

Exfoliating Body Scrub: For a fun little project, melt a tablespoon of coconut oil, add white or brown sugar, you can add more if you would like the texture to be coarser. It serves as a base for body or face scrub. You could add bit of coffee powder or any essential oil, depending on the mood or flavor of the week. ;)

Rash Soother: Works great on rash, bug bite or any kind of itching and painful swelling. Coconut oil, with its anti-inflammatory effects, is an obvious go-to for helping the swelling. It will also help take the edge off the dreadful itching, curbing the vicious cycle of scratching and further irritating your skin.

Oil/Butter Replacement: There’s no better way to get the benefits of coconut oil than to replace other less desirable fats with it. When cooking or baking, substitute it for butter or just about any oil. It lends moisture, freshness, and richness to baked goods, and a subtle complementary flavor to savory dishes. How much you substitute will depend on the recipe you are making. Gives a perfect flavor to ethnic dishes, can be replaced instead of butter for cookies & cakes or even fry eggs, & saute vegetables. Coconut oil can make a bowl of rice in to much healthier meal.

Make-Up Remover: Your face is something you would like to protect. So when it comes to removing make-up, don’t turn for harsher store bought products instead you can use coconut oil, which gently and safely removes all traces of make-up (and leaves your face feeling healthy and refreshed.)  It works well with eye make-up, waterproof or not.

Here is a quick & easy DIY homemade makeup remover pads

What you will need: 20-25 pads

• 1  wide mouth jar
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 squirt of tear-free baby wash
• Half a cup of purified water
• Packet of cotton pads
• Optional: Tea Tree Essential Oil (will help with acne, but should NOT be used on the eyes)
• Microwavable bowl  

 Instructions:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 squirt of tear-free baby wash and half a cup of purified water.

2. Microwave in 10-20 second increments until melted and well blended.

3. Place about 20-25 cotton pads in your jar.

4. Pour your liquid mixture over your pads in the jar. Press pads down to help soak up the liquid. Add more pads to fit, by pressing down.

5. Secure lid tight and keep in a dry, cool place.

6. Use your pads to remove your makeup daily.

Coconut oil isn't just healthy for humans. Also beneficial for pets.

• Rub some coconut oil on your dogs or cats paw, when they start to get really dry, cracked and rough.
• Clean your dog’s ear, apply coconut oil & gently wipe out the dirt with a cotton ball.
• Rub a tad onto your dog’s nose if it is perpetually dry and cracked.

Many health and beauty benefits are said to come from coconut oil, but just like any fad or trend, it can be hard to distinguish fact from fiction.

Happy Nourishing!!!!

Sardinian adventure of sun, sand and scenery

Sardinia, a perfect summer destination for beach lovers and underwater recreational activities, has some of the best beaches in the world. North-eastern part of the Sardinian islands, especially Olbia may be lesser known to tourists and hence less crowded and more affordable. With turquoise and azure blue waters set against white sandy beaches, north east of Sardinia is still not popular amongst tourists especially Indian expats living in Europe (rarely you’ll find an Indian). Rocky beaches with calm and crystal clear waters in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea have such an alluring appeal to tourists.

Best time to go

You can either enjoy hotter weather in June-July but you’ll find crowded beaches with people thronging everywhere and highly priced resorts or on the other hand around mid or towards end of May before the season begins would be an ideal time. You will find lesser crowds. Resorts and hotels are comparatively cheaper around this time. Climate can be pleasant and not sultry hot. But on the flip side, with temperatures not too high the beach waters can be chilly to get in.

How to get there?

When compared to the more popular Cagliari on the south or the French islands of Corsica on the north, Olbia in itself might not be a happening place but is an ideal base to stay if you want to explore the north eastern part of Sardinia. Best way to reach Olbia is the Costa smeralda airport with many budget airlines operating flights from major European cities. The frequency of flights however is not much. If you are already on mainland Italy for a vacation, there are ferries operating into Olbia from Naples, Palermo, Genoa etc., The duration of the ferry travel depends on the port you depart from.

Accommodation: Olbia town has many hotels. There are some resorts along the main roads on outskirts of Olbia which are closer to the beaches but would be only suitable for travelers with car. Driving throughout the north east of Sardinia is doable from Olbia.

Luna Lughente (authors’ choice) Resort hotel with friendly staff, good restaurant and an infinity pool with spectacular view of gulf of Olbia. Only drawback is its little difficult to spot from the road.

Travelling within

Best way to travel within Sardinia would be to rent a car and drive around since public transport is not that great. Numerous car rentals available at Olbia airport like: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt etc.,

Sightseeing

Although there are some archaeological sites (Giants’grave) on Sardinia, the obvious choice of sightseeing in and around this region is beach hopping. There are umpteen beaches.

Pittulongu beach – one of the closest beaches from Olbia town.

Costa smeralda (Emerald coast)- considered to offer one of the scenic drives along the Sardinian coast. There are many places to stop and take photos of this superb coastline. Porto Cervo on this coast has lavish villas and fancy yachts which belong to the elite who live there. With posh restaurants which are exorbitantly priced it can cater only the upscale crowd but no harm in visiting the place. Cala granu is a small typical Sardinian beach close to Porto cervo.

Maddalena archipelago- ferry to maddalena leaves from Palau. Cars can be taken onboard the ferries which costs around 50 euros for 4 including a small car for a round trip. The prices can be higher during Summer/peak season. Boat trips to different islands like Spargi, Budelli (pink sands) from maddalena, leaves early in the morning (which unfortunately we missed :().

Activities

Numerous activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, aqua scooters, para sailing but all of them begin only around mid of June.

Food

Well known for sea food (lobsters, squids, octopus etc.,). Not many Indians prefer the sea food because it may not satisfy the Indian palette (read less spicy). For Vegetarians you’ll find authentic Italian options to choose from like penne arrabbiata, gnocchi, tiramisu, panna cotta etc., Get a taste of the local port wine if you can.

Our suggestions:

• Renting a car from Olbia airport and driving around would be a wise option if you want to explore the more secluded beaches.
• Watch out for jellyfishes in some of the beach waters. Although they are quite small, their sting can sometimes be painful especially for kids. Take precautions (vinegar reduces pain).
• Avoid Porto Cervo for food and stay if you are a budget traveler.

So load your backpacks with lots of sunscreen and your best swimwear and enjoy this Mediterranean adventure in Sardinia which is truly a paradise on earth.

Happy beach hopping!!

Banana Muffin

Banana is a staple fruit on every household shopping list, but most of the time we end up wasting it as it becomes all gooey when fully ripe. But did you know that it is much tastier and sweeter too when fully ripe? This banana muffin is the best way to use the fully ripen banana without wasting it and also a trick to include it in the diet of fussy eaters and banana haters.

Prep time - 20 min Cooking time - 15 min ,Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

Self raising flour - 2 cups
Eggs - 2
Sugar - 1 cup
Vanilla essence - 1 tsp
Ripe banana - 2
Pinch of salt
Butter - 2 tbsp

Method:

• Mash the bananas well with a fork and add sugar, salt, butter and beat well.
• Beat egg in separate bowl.
• Combine both wet mixture and add vanilla essence.
• Pre heat oven at 180 ͒  for 10 min.
• Lastly fold the flour in, don't mix or beat after combining the flour.
• Arrange the muffin cases and scoop the mixture into the muffin case filling only half the case.
• Keep it in the preheated oven for 12-15 min.
• Bake until done.
• Remove it from the oven and let it cool down.

Tips:

• Add a tablespoon of milk if the mixture is too thick.
• The top will be crispy , but inside it will be soft and spongy.
• Check if done by inserting a toothpick, if it comes clean your muffin is done.
• You can add choco chips or nuts as per your preference for extra flavour.
• It stays well for two days if kept in fridge.

This is a tasty and easy to make ahead recipe to replace your regular breakfast  and can also be packed for kids lunch boxes as its filling and nutritious too. Enjoy it with a hot cup of tea or just as a snack, either way it's healthy and yummy .

Happy baking !

Summer facial from our very own kitchen.....

 

Most of us know that we need to drink plenty of water to be hydrated, so does our skin which needs to be hydrated especially in summer. A good facial leaves your skin smooth, bright and flushed. It’s fun to get a facial at a spa, but living abroad and running to the spa often burns holes in our pocket. Now you can get the same great results in the comfort of your home without spending much.

We have an idea of the basic facial regime: wash, scrub, face pack, toner & moisturizer. The procedure can vary for different skin types.

• Coffee face mask: While the mask will remind you of your morning cup of COFFEE, it’s actually an ideal mask for all skin types. Take 2 tsp of ground coffee with 1 tsp sugar ½ Portion of olive oil & juice of half a lemon. Mix the ingredients well and apply, lightly massage the scrub for few min and leave it for 10-15 min, wash of your face with warm water. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid rubbing your face because the coffee grounds could potentially scratch your skin. It's really up to you, you'll get a feel for what your skin can take and how finely ground the coffee is. It can also be used as a body scrub .You can store the leftover paste in the refrigerator.

• Banana Mask: You can use banana as an all-natural, homemade facial mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. Another popular mask recipe calls for 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 medium banana.

• Papaya Mask: This papaya face mask is great for acne and also helps lighten and even out skin pigmentation. This is a powerful mask that can lighten scars as well, leaving you with bright, flawless skin. Papaya, Honey, Lemon contain antibacterial properties that will kill off acne-causing bacteria from the skin. Papaya also has a deep-cleansing action that will push out all the gunk from clogged pores. Blend or mash few pieces up the soft ripe papaya into a lump-free puree and apply.

• Yogurt/Milk Facial Masks: You don’t have to go to a spa to give your face a quick assist. To cleanse your skin and tighten the pores, slather some plain yogurt /milk on your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes. For a revitalizing facial mask, or to relax your nerves you can mix 1 teaspoon plain yogurt & orange pulp with 1 teaspoon aloe pulp. Leave the mixture on your face for at least five minutes before rinsing it off.  Add a spoonful of oatmeal to act as a scrub for face & body. You could also add strawberry, mixed berries, turmeric, oats, pomegranate, inside meat of pumpkin, cucumber or egg white – depending on your mood. :)

• Turmeric mask:  For centuries in India, a facial mask made with turmeric was applied to a bride's face before the wedding for a radiant looking skin and this tradition continues till date. Turmeric is also used to help cure acne, lighten and brighten the skin and fight age spots. It is fairly simple to make your own turmeric facial mask, using ingredients that are readily available.  Take 1-2 tsp gram flour in a bowl and add the turmeric, milk and honey to it. Mix all the ingredients and make it as fine smooth paste. Sandalwood powder and turmeric paste mixed with milk or rose water also helps to improve the face glow and lighten the dark skin tone. If it is used weekly, this mask should produce positive results.

• Lemon Facial Masks: Create a facial that both exfoliates and moisturizes by mixing the juice from 1 lemon with 1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil. Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1/2 lemon juice and mix well. Apply the face mask onto your clean face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Gently use warm water to loosen the face mask. Do a final rinse off with cold water.

General tips:

• Pull your hair back with a headband to prevent hairs from getting stuck in the mask; it’s quite sticky at times.
• The mask should not be applied around the eye area.
• To save time, put on the face mask before doing something like getting breakfast ready or soaking in a bath, so that you kill two birds with one stone.
• After the mask dried up, it may get stuck to your skin in some areas. Do not pull it from your skin while washing. Gently massage such areas with water till the mask slackens and comes out.
• Although, there are a wide range of beauty and skin products but use of these natural ingredients like mint, tomatoes, egg white, olive oil, clay, charcoal, teabags, oatmeal's, berries, or just milk, are always a safe bait when it comes to skin care because these ingredients have no potential side effects and have been in use from the times of our grandmothers.

So, go ahead and pamper yourself, use any ingredients from your kitchen, each has its benefits and let the magic work on your skin for a bright summer day. :)

Happy pampering!!