Lifestyle

Ultimate Japan travel Guide – The Perfect Guide to first timers in Japan

June 22, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

This Japan Travel guide is all you need to plan a trip to Japan. Japan is captivating. It perfectly mixes the traditional with the modern. A cultural hub that is also one of the leading economic and technological centres of the world. Gods, shrines and traditional customs sit side by side with cutting edge technologies and trendy pop culture, and there is always something new to experience on a visit. The kindest of people who welcome you with a smile. It’s a special place, a must visit!

“The whole of Japan is a pure invention. There is no such country, there are no such people. The Japanese people are simply a mode of style, an exquisite fancy of art.” — Oscar Wilde

Amazed. In awe. In LOVE. Japan had been on my bucket list for years, it just didn’t happen. It is my son’s dream destination (hello.. Manga fan:). So we decided to take him to his dream place and our gift for his 18th and grad. it didn’t take long to see how disciplined & polite people of Japan are, the clean streets, to no talking in trains, everything screams discipline. Japan is such an unique country, it can mix its ancient history and traditions, with its incredible modernization. Japan’s history has existed for a few thousand years now, and that until this day a lot of it remains very much alive.After travelling to many places around the world, I can tell you there is no place like Japan anywhere in the world. If you have not visited Japan, then you need to add Japan to your travel bucket list. I hope this Japan travel Guide will help you plan a dream vacation. You will be fascinated by its history, traditions, and culture.

To rise up and shine, smiling and joyful, lot has to be learnt. Cheers to patience and politeness.

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Table of Contents:

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Introduction

Video Vlog

20 Amazon Kitchen Gadgets I cannot live without

February 23, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

These are my most used kitchen gadgets that have been tried and tested. This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links.

IF you are looking to add basics to your kitchen, upgrade or gift, look no further. Every time I’ve used one of these products and shared on Instagram, I’ve had few ask me for the link. These are my most used, loved and things I legit can’t live without. I love my kitchen gadgets as must as the next person, I’ve done my experimenting and these are my favorites. I also DO NOT like to over crowd my kitchen with gadgets. I like to simplify and keep the most important and in my opinion the “must haves”. The best kitchen tools don’t have to be overpriced too. I made sure to research, not over spend and over indulge.

I am sharing here a list of 20 BEST MUST have kitchen gadgets that I think you’ll love. Not only are these Amazon kitchen finds affordable (read: tons of under $25 finds on this list!) but we think that they will soon find a place on your own kitchen must haves list! I will most probably be making another favorites with knives and all.

HERE are my 20 most used Amazon Kitchen Gadgets

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Multi Blade Vegetable Slicer

Mueller Multi Blade Adjustable Mandoline Cheese/Vegetable Slicer

Image – Amazon

The blades are sharp. They do a fantastic job of shredding cabbage, for which I use it the most. Be super careful while slicing, it is sharp. I have gifted this and it’s been loved by many. It is the most solid mandolin I’ve used in 20+ yrs.

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Non Stick Tawa/ Griddle

Hawkins/Futura Nonstick Tava/Griddle #griddle

Image – Amazon

This needs no introduction on my page. The most requested of all must be this tava. Every single time I share my dosa making, I get a handful asking me where I got it from. Here it is. This is a large tava to make extra large dosa’s in. It works perfectly. It’s got a good weight to it and has served me well for few years now. Make sure to clean it well without being too abrasive. Make your dosa, crepes, mini pancakes, JUST PERFECT. This is a must in every kitchen.

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3 days in taxco – The ultimate guide

February 4, 2023 By Asha Shivakumar

3 days in Taxco, Guerrero was like a magical fairytale. I can honestly say it was the most mesmerizing and the most beautiful place in Mexico that I’ve visited. From taking the cable car, to riding in a sturdy VW Beetle, to the Cristo Monument, to getting lost in the cobblestone streets, eating churros and learning about Taxco’s past as a silver mining town – I fell totally in love with this city which is 3 hours south of Mexico City.

Taxco will surprise you. Taxco will take your breath away. Welcome to the the most Magical Pueblo Mágico of all of the Pueblo Mágicos- Taxco, Guerrero! Located just a couple of hours from Mexico City, Taxco is built upon a beautiful mountainside. It truly looks like something out of a dream! When you are walking the streets of Taxco you feel like you have stepped back in time! White with red tiled roof buildings, the streets are cobblestone, and the taxis look like VW Bugs from the 1950’s. There are surprises awaiting you around every corner and callejon!

In the early morning with the rising sun, the apricot-peach colored stone of the church of Santa Prisca and San Sebastián in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico, seems to radiate with light. On a hill towering above the city around it, the church’s tall bell towers beckon people to enter its doors. The elaborate carvings on the façade and towers also seem to writhe with life. As shadows pass over the surface throughout the day, you could swear the building was moving. Imagine how striking it is to then enter the church and be completely overwhelmed with walls that vibrate with gold….

7 days in Egypt -Ultimate travel guide

January 4, 2022 By Asha Shivakumar

Here’s a 7 days in Egypt travel guide. Welcome to Mysterious Egypt. Rich history, killer desserts, jaw-dropping monuments. THE PYRAMIDS, Egypt has it all. Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever visited in my life. Here’s a glimpse of our epic trip and hope it helps you when you plan yours.

This was a thrilling and out of body experience. 7 days in Egypt will blow your mind away. What can I say…this country is simply magical filled with so much history, culture and mystery. I, like most people, have seen images of the pyramids since I was a child. They’re not just a part of Egypt’s heritage, they are a part of global heritage. You think you know them just because you always have. It’s not until you’re here and you start to hear the stories of these amazing monuments that you realize there is so much more to learn. The sheer size and massiveness is magnificent. I might have shed a tear when I touched the Pyramid for the first time.

Fresh off the plane, I’m ready to dive into my full Egypt itinerary. We were in Siwa for 4 days which was the relaxing part of our trip. The salt water lakes, the small town vibes was pure perfection. But, This post is mainly focused on Cairo and Luxor. The week we spent there allowed me to connect to my past. This post will break down our journey through the main two cities, the tours, places to see day by day and give you some hot tips on the best photo locations!…

3 days in New Orleans

June 5, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

New Orleans. NOLA. NAWLINS. All you need is 3 days in New Orleans to get the feel of the most colorful city. Many names but everything leads to jazz, food, fun and music. It is true : “You can live in any city in America, but New Orleans is the only city that lives in you.” – Chris Rose

3 days in New Orleans #neworleans #neworleanstrip

New Orleans is world-renowned for its distinct music. The birthplace of Jazz and the home of Mardi Gras makes New Orleans one of the most fun cities to visit in the USA. Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street.

Essentially an island between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans is a city defined and shaped by waterways. Nicknamed the Crescent City because of its quarter-moon shape, New Orleans was isolated from the mainland for close to 250 years.

Many adjectives for Nola: shabby and charming, swift and popular, young and cool, important and powerful, outside, large and small, your, shabby, dank, swift, old, young, large, important. You need 3 days in New Orleans to get the feel of the place and see everything that’s important.…

Tofu Kimchi Salad and 10 years of blogging

March 6, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

Kimchi Salad. Crispy marinated spicy tofu, crunchy napa cabbage, sweet carrots, fresh cucumbers with peanuts, all tossed in a spicy dressing. A salad you will love and make often. HEALTHY and Tasty!

It has happened so quickly, seemingly days apart. Events, life changing ones. TEN YEARS!! Of blogging and Life. And what a delicious journey it has been!

The growth

We have a new member in our family, our love, Waffles.

My then seventh grader who jump started the blog, is in third year of college.

You’ve read why I call my little boy, ‘baby bear”. From running around a five year old skinny little boy to seeing him get his licence, my readers have seen it all.

Hubby has published a book, writing another one…but, the biggest change in him: he has been living and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

If gray hair is also known as wisdom highlights, I am wiser for sure. 😉 A cookbook and a blog that turned into a business, not too shabby eh?!

Gained some meaningful relationships.

Went through very dark moments with events that made me broody about mortality and humans and life.

Part of me really feels that the love of food, the love of family and the support from readers has kept me going through these 10 years….

20 TASTY Quick Healthy Recipes Ideas

January 1, 2020 By Asha Shivakumar

Here are my top 20 tasty quick healthy recipes to get you back on track for the new year, or to give you some ideas to change up your menu to keep eating healthy, interesting, and exciting.

Here we are in 2020, and many of your New Year’s resolutions may surround health or fitness. To have a sustainable healthy lifestyle, you cannot cut one group of food completely. In fact, doing that might just make you crave that particular section more. Unless you are allergic to certain foods, I would not recommend cutting out anything. I personally believe in eating everything as long as you’re conscious. If you like desserts, try making healthier desserts with coconut sugar or maple syrup and have just a small portion of it to satisfy your sweet cravings. Eating is important! Fueling your body with good food is good for your body and mind….

The Best Homemade Soap – Coffee-Chocolate Honey Exfoliating and Nourishing Soap

May 9, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This easy and nourishing homemade soap is easily customizable and makes for a perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Teachers’ Appreciation Week, for friends, or just for yourself.

Mother’s Day weekend is a few days away. Happy Mother’s Day to all you lovely mom’s out there. Including the moms to all the fur babies too!!

What is a better gift than chocolate, flowers, and homemade goodies for moms?

I’m a sucker for homemade skin care, and haven’t used a store bought soap in years. I first started out making homemade LIP BALM years ago. Then it was hair oil, BATH BOMBS, and soaps….

The Power of Relaxation

November 10, 2016 By Asha Shivakumar

For the love for tea and relaxing . Thanks to Pure Leaf and feedfeed for sponsoring this post.

Not a recipe or food post, but something which is very important in my opinion.

My amma/grandma had the most beautiful, longest, thickest hair with hints of silver touches. Carefully and painstakingly, using the best homemade shampoos, she air dried her hair on the front porch. Combing and detangling her hair was so pleasant and soothing. It was just so remarkable how her hair touched the top of the knee. Finally, a face mask made out of milk cream and sandalwood powder completed a Friday schedule.

Did I mention her skin was impeccable? It was. Her face oozed a sense of calm even while she managed six sons, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a little kid who held her saree. Each one had a different demand that she always fulfilled.

When I think of how calm, relaxed, and in the moment she always was, I hoped and fantasized that I would be like her one day. Now, as an adult, I realize it wasn’t the hair mask, the face mask, or the help she got from her loving sons, although it helped. She had stress for sure, and a financial crunch, but nothing got to her. It was her choice to be happy. But how did she do it?

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