New Morning Water Routine - Clove Infused Water

Clove Infused Water

Recently, I started experimenting with clove-infused water.

I simply add three whole cloves to a glass of water and leave it overnight.

The next morning, I drink the infused water and discard the cloves.

I came across a few reels highlighting its potential health benefits, so I thought I'd give this traditional practice a try!

 

Appam and Egg Roast

Appam for breakfast

So, in our house we make appam, once a week! And, today we had appam and egg curry. So, what are the typical breakfast we make at home across the week:

Here's the basic list:

• Dosa and sambar or chutney
• Puttu and pazham ( Banana)
• Idli and sambar 
• Poori and potato masala 
• Appam and curry or mutta appam ( Here's the recipe to make appam)
• Upama 
• Bread and bullseye ( On Sunday's)

And, today it's the turn of appam for breakfast. Btw, we use cheenachatti ( (a traditional deep iron wok or skillet ) to make appam at home. In Trivandrum it's available in most shops which sells kitchen related vessels, such as Style Plus, Lulu Mall, Ibrahim & Sons Chalai, Jolly and Jolly a shop at Kumarapuram, Trivandrum. 

For online, you can check many sites. Here's one such store - Zishta or you can check at Amazon. 

 

The King's Vegetable Garden: The Story Behind the Street I Live

Sri Moolam Thirunal

Sir Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma

Sir Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI was the Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore from 1885 to 1924. He is remembered as a progressive ruler who introduced important administrative, educational and social reforms, helping Travancore move towards a more participatory system of governance.

Key contributions and achievements

- Public participation in governance: Established the Travancore Legislative Council in 1888, creating an early institutional platform for discussing legislation and administration. He later introduced the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha in 1904, providing a platform for representatives of the people to raise public concerns.

- Progressive administration: Encouraged education, improved public infrastructure and supported administrative reforms that contributed to Travancore's development.

- British honour: The prefix "Sir" was a British knighthood honour bestowed upon him in recognition of his standing and service.

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I'm currently staying on Sri Moolam Road, in Kumarapuram, Trivandrum. The street is named after a former Maharaja of Travancore, and it carries an interesting piece of local history.

It is said that this neighbourhood, along with the surrounding land, once served as a vegetable garden supplying produce to Kowdiar Palace, the royal residence of the Travancore Maharajas.

Interestingly, a few houses in this area still have old title deeds and land records tracing their ownership back to the royal estate. Over time, these properties were transferred from the royal holdings to their present-day owners.

It's fascinating to imagine that what is now an ordinary residential street was once connected to the everyday workings of the Travancore royal household. Interestingly, the adjacent house has a well that is believed to date back to the King's time. Perhaps it was used to water the vegetable gardens that once supplied produce to the royal palace.

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Sree Moolam Road ( Where I stay)

Exploring Trivandrum – Beyond the Usual Tourist Attractions

Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, has much more to offer than its well-known temples, beaches and museums. Beyond the conventional tourist circuit, the city has colourful markets, peaceful wetlands, historic neighbourhoods and fascinating glimpses of everyday local life.

Here are three experiences worth exploring if you want to discover a different side of Trivandrum.

1. A Walk Through Chalai Market

Old, bustling and wonderfully colourful, Chalai Market offers an authentic glimpse into the everyday life of Trivandrum. Its narrow lanes are filled with shops selling everything from spices and flowers to textiles, household goods and traditional Ayurvedic herbs.

- Explore the variety: Discover shops selling spices, fresh flowers, sarees, brassware, metal utensils and traditional household products.

- Experience local life: Observe the traders, shoppers and small businesses that have kept this historic marketplace lively for generations.

2. Sunrise or Sunset at Vellayani Lake and the Punchakkari Belt

A refreshing escape from the city's busy streets, Vellayani Lake and the surrounding Punchakkari belt offer a beautiful combination of freshwater landscapes, wetlands, village roads and agricultural fields. It is an ideal setting for those who enjoy slow travel and nature.

- Enjoy the outdoors: Look out for lotus-covered waters, birds, open landscapes and beautiful sunrise or sunset views.

- Take the scenic route: Explore the village roads around Punchakkari, with its farms, wetlands and opportunities to discover small local food stops.

3. Explore the Old Town and Temple Streets Around East Fort

The neighbourhood around East Fort and West Fort offers a fascinating glimpse into Trivandrum's architectural and cultural history. Beyond the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, take time to explore the quieter lanes and traditional residential streets.

Traditional Agraharams - Heritage houses built for Tamil Brahmin communities near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

- Discover the Agraharams: These distinctive, closely arranged row houses were traditionally home to Tamil Brahmin communities who settled in Travancore, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.

- Experience the old-town atmosphere: Notice the traditional architecture, narrow lanes and how generations-old neighbourhoods have adapted to contemporary city life

Curious to Try Something New? Let Your First Cupcake Be the Beginning!

     Cupcake Lessons at Trivandrum              

Your Next Business Idea Might Be Hiding in Something You Already Do!

Searching for a Biz Idea ( An Income Stream)

 What if you could turn something that comes naturally to you into a business?

Sometimes, the skills we take for granted are the very things others are willing to pay for. You don't always need a completely new idea; you may already have the beginnings of a business in something you enjoy doing effortlessly.

Start by exploring three things:

1. Identify your natural strengths. What do you enjoy doing that others find difficult, time-consuming or challenging?

2. Look for market demand. Who needs this skill, and would they be willing to pay for it?

3. Start small and experiment. Offer your service or product to a few customers, gather feedback and refine your idea.

Remember, a natural talent is only the starting point. The real opportunity lies where your strengths meet a genuine customer need.

What comes naturally to you could become someone else's solution. Could it become your next business?

Btw, here's another post I had written about looking at new opportunities with a fresh set of eyes. ( Click to read) 

Marina