#BackToBalance : My 5-Step Plan For A Happier 2015!

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I have to admit, I am not the one to go big with New Year's resolutions. I mean, I have some things I want to accomplish every year and there are certain routines I would love to stick to, but when it comes to rigorous, written-in-stone resolutions, I can see myself failing in fulfilling those. So, this year, instead of resolutions, I am making basic guidelines to get the best of life. Steps for a happier, calmer, more balanced life. We all know that balance in life is the key to happiness. We usually hear a lot about work-life balance, and assume that working-from-outside-the-home people need work-life balance. But as a stay-at-home mom with work-from-home projects, I can certainly say that everybody needs to find a balance in life- working moms, working dads or stay at home parents!  For me, the balance between my devotion to my family and my devotion to 'myself' and for my personal growth is key. To get there, I have a simple 5 step plan that I hope to stick to in 2015!

1. Enjoy The Little Moments

We all have heard that it is not the big events, but the small moments that define our lives and make it richer. But still there are times when we forget to enjoy the little moments and just wait for some big event to occur so we can celebrate. We forget that the real joy is in simple, small gestures and in little things.  Sometimes it is seemingly mundane day that brings the unexpected pleasures. My goal is to enjoy every little moment, whether an impromptu picnic in the terrace or having a snow ball fight and making a Hawaii-bound snowgirl with my daughter Mili!

2. Plan & Prioritize

One thing I have always struggled with it making lists and plan things. Don't get me wrong, I still finish my tasks and fulfill the deadlines, but usually it is more of a sprint to finish than a steady race for me. This year, I plan to devote some time every morning, every week to prioritize the to-do list and make a game plan to check them off one by one so I have more time and energy to enjoy the aforementioned small moments!

BTW, SKINNY COW® Flavored creamy iced coffee Drinks are only  120 calories per bottle, so I can  enjoy a coffeehouse style break while I plan my day! Available in three dreamy favors (Mocha Latte/ Creamy Cappuccino / Vanilla Latte) at Walmart.

3. Take Time For Yourself

I have seen this many times (both in my life as well as with my other mom-friends) women put so much time in their work. family or other obligations that we put ourselves on neglect-shelf! Overtime, this practice creates boredom and in some cases, loss of self. We forget that before we are a mom, wife, employee, business-owner etc, we are individuals and we need time for ourselves too. For me, taking time for myself doesn't necessarily mean a trip to the spa! It could be a a simple hobby that gives me a sense of pleasure, a quick DIY that I can cherish, reading, catching up on my favorite show or simply enjoying a sweet treat without feeling guilty! Luckily, SKINNY COW® Divine Caramel Filled Chocolatey Candy and SKINNY COW® Dreamy Clusters Milk Chocolatey Candy allow me to satisfy my sweet tooth without the big calorie intake. The luscious, yummy chocolaty candy just melts in my mouth. Just 120 calories per 5 piece, this is a sweet treat I can indulge in anytime without guilt! 

The crochet Hat DIY that makes me so happy!

SKINNY COW® Dreamy Clusters Milk Chocolatey Candy makes a delicious snack for a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon!

4. Love & Respect Your Body

These days we are surrounded by messages that force us to look critically at our bodies. The media and social networks are full of ideas and images that put self-doubts in women. From Fat-shaming,  to skinny shaming,  from the dubious real-women-should-have-curves message to skinny-is-beautiful message, there is no way we can find an 'ideal' shape or size for every woman. My mantra is to take care of my body as best as I can, not to fit into any specific mold, but to be healthy and happy. I consider my body as my 'retirement fund' for old age! If I take care of it now, it will take care of me when I need it the most! So, my most important message to anybody reading this is , just love your body as it is and respect your body enough to take care of it in the healthiest way possible! I don't believe in compromising taste for healthy treats and don't believe in and starving myself! That' s why I really love SKINNY COW® products! They have the perfect balance - healthier options for desserts & snack treats while satisfying my cravings without compromising the taste!

 Exercise and eating right! With just 110 calories and 1 gram of fat, the SKINNY COW® fudge bar is a great choice for dessert. Finally, I can have my cake ice cream treat and eat it too! BTW, the SKINNY COW® ice cream bars frozen treats are available at the ice cream/novelty dessert section at Walmart. The iced coffee drinks are available at the dairy section.

5. Let It Go

Like Elsa from 'Frozen', my guiding principle for 2015 is to let it go. I will count my blessings and focus on the positives in life. In my case, I have accepted the fact that I may not have a perfectly organized home, or that I may not be able to cook instagram-worthy meals  on a weeknight, but I will remember the times I laughed hard with my friends, or cuddled with a book with Mili or stayed up late with my husband watching our favorite movies! By letting go of Pinterest-induced 'why can't I bake the perfect cake-in-a-jar' anxiety, we all can live happily ever after!

How are you all getting on with your New Year's resolutions/goals? How do you find balance in life?

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Lookbook: Bundle Up In Blue

The much-hyped blizzard Juno finally passed by New York/New Jersey with less-than-anticipated snow. The blizzard warnings were off the charts but in the end, the blizzard proved to be just a regular snow storm, not the historic 'snowmageddon' some believed it to be! For once, I am glad that the meteorologists were off the mark! I like the snow, but only to a point where it doesn't disrupt the day. The powdery snow made it possible to have snow ball fights and make snowman ..err snowWOMAN and just enjoy the nature's cold beauty. 

I love my Hunter boots, and wear them in rain and snow all the time, but if you are looking for an inexpensive alternative to Hunters, I strongly recommend Kamik 'Jennifer' rain boots. They are very well  made (I have them for almost 3 years now and they are just fabulous!) and come in a variety of colors.

Hat :DIY crochet (Similar //Similar // Similar)

Sunglasses : Ray-Ban (Love!)

Boots - Kamik

Bag - Old Navy (Refinery 29 Pick)

I hope you all have fun the snow! For daily dose of style delights, connect with me on

Kitchen Delights: Quinoa & Chickpea Soup {Recipe}

 I love simple food that tastes great. So when I see a recipe that fits the bill, I have to try it. January issue of Real Simple magazine has some yummy soup recipes, perfect for winter weather. The quinoa and chickpea soup recipe caught my fancy and I decided to try it. I changed it a little bit  -I didn't use cheddar cheese, frozen corn and added some crushed chili flakes for some spice! I also altered quantity of ingredients so it is enough for 2-3 people, instead of 6 people as the magazine suggested) It came out really good. It is a hearty, healthy soup and so very simple to make. All the ingredients I could find in my local Walmart (BTW, you can now find a lot of organic ingredients and produce in Walmart!)

What you will need:

1/2 cup red quinoa (I used Wild Oats organic quinoa)

1 can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans

4 cups vegetable broth (I used Pacific organic)

2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion

3 cloves garlic

2 small tomatoes

Salt and crushed red chili flakes

Lime and cilantro for garnish

To make this soup, wash and rinse quiona and rinse the canned chickpeas. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until onion is translucent. Add vegetable broth, quinoa and crush red chili flakes. Bring it to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until quinoa is tender (10-12 minutes) Add the chickpeas and tomatoes, cook for another 4-5 minutes.

Serve with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro. 

Optional : Add some tortilla chips and cheddar cheese on top if you want.

You are very welcome!

What is your favorite winter soup? I'd love to know the tried and tested recipes:-)

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Loookbook : Plaid On Plaid

Because double plaid is better than single! Today's outfit is getting a double shot of winter-weather omnipresent  plaid. This scarf is super warm and the fur pom poms on the fringe give it a playful look. What better way to wear it with another plaid print in contrasting color? Keeping it casual and warm with a suede and faux shearling Zara vest a winter gray day!

 

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