indiblogger Archives - JAYANTHY'S FREE SPACE

You are You and I am Me! #MyFriendAlexa

Jayanthy Govindarajan — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 20:51:00 +0000

Recent incidents helped me reflect a lot about myself and my life in general. Life has a way of bringing excitements and adventures followed by disappointments and regrets. Some adventures make us restless whereas some disappointments show us an open door. At times, I don’t know which is a blessing – an adventure or a disappointment. I am still not the matured one to see the light at the end of the tunnel in everything that happens. Though I believe that everything happens for a reason, sometimes I need to sit down and reflect to find the reason.

Reflections happen everywhere. Not just when I sit still and meditate, though I do it very less. Not even the times when I sit down and decide to do nothing. It mostly happens when I sit to take a breath, but someone needs my help right away that moment. It is mostly when I call it a day, but someone calls me just to see if I slept so that they could have a “short” conversation. These are the times I wonder if I have a boundary set or am I standing in an unfenced area. My writing is the best time I take to reflect on my thoughts, my mind, my self, on the day’s happenings, or even about some incident that happened some time, some day. I would love to sit down and reflect more to understand myself and many of my actions or probably, inactions.

I even wonder if people can misuse a kind person. I realized it is very well possible. It is something that happens every now and then. If my kindness to you is a fault, then there is something wrong with your thinking. It has taken me years to understand this. I have built walls and so many defense mechanisms to shield myself from being hurt, but it hasn’t helped. It has made me rude and sarcastic, it hasn’t helped me become kinder in any way. When people blindly ask me to help them with something or if I see someone need it at that moment, I oblige. That is who I am. I don’t see if I like them or not, not at that instance, of course. I just do it. If you forget me after your help, I am not at fault, neither is my behavior. You are you and I am me! We are different and I would like to accept it as it is.

Lately, many things have angered me. I have some people who hate to see me do my work. And some more who want me to do everything they say without complaining or questioning them. And, a few more would be glad if I left my book down just to speak a useless, anger-triggering conversation with them. I realized people would always have a say in everything we do. Learning to ignore is an art that I must master and above all responding in an even tone is a skill, I must acquire.

Today was one such day where I spent half my day in silence on the outside. I just took a break. If you know me, you will know that I don’t consider shopping as a break, neither do I shop till I drop, (though occasionally I drop things). I had things to buy, but never made the time to visit. I really needed some air and I wanted some cheerful colors to calm my mind. One thing I am fond of shopping is stationery. I am not tired of purchasing them. Also, I bought beautiful skirts for Ilakkiya. I will update the photo in Insta soon. Otherwise, home stuff. Those two hours weren’t actually therapeutic, but it helped me focus on better things.

I also booked tickets for the 4 of us to Kolamaavu Kokila. If you are a fan of Nayantara or Yogi Babu,(thamizh movies like this encourage me to visit theatres) you will know I am going to spend 2 hours laughing tomorrow. That is therapeutic! Well, this will also be Ilakkiya’s first movie at the theatres. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed! Also, I figured I am the only one who must do my work irrespective of any delays! No one else will or can.

I am excited to participate in MyFriendAlexa Campaign by Blogchatter. This is my first season with them, I am excited and nervous about the journey this September with the entire team. I had a few questions, but the video answered them for me. Thanks for that Team Blogchatter.

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How Vitamin E Changed Me from Being Simply Pimply?

Jayanthy Govindarajan — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:32:00 +0000

I am excited to write this blog post for #Evion via #Indiblogger. It definitely took me back to memories. This post will help people who have tasted life at its worst with acne. I share how Vitamin E helped cure my acne problem when so many other treatments failed. If one had to describe me to some other person, the first thing to notice would be my acne and the scars. This journey helped in rediscovering me.

How it All Started?

Right from my high school days, I suffered from severe acne. My parents had spent half their earnings in treating my acne. Before a decade and a half, a visit to a dermatologist was a costly affair. I took my father’s Genes at least when it came to skin problems. My father and my aunt had severe acne with very little treatment leading to acne scars. However, when I had the same, my father suggested I visit a dermatologist and get it treated sooner.

I had visited many dermatologists and took medications as suggested for a couple of years. I faced severe stomach problems due to the prescribed medications. My actual problem wasn’t really resolved. Most of them suggested I use the prescribed soaps, creams and tablets for the rest of my life to keep my acne in control. Simply put, they had no idea what was causing it, but only provided medications to suppress. After a bout of severe stomach issues, I let go of the idea of visiting doctors for my acne. I never bothered about my acne either. Every once in a while when I get a severe breakout, I would worry immensely about it and console myself that I must learn to live with it.

When I joined college, I felt embarrassed about my acne. Though I felt low on confidence when it comes to looks, I never compromised on my studies. I managed to keep a low profile. I never felt confident. Wherever I went, people always questioned me about my acne. I hated visiting shops as the store girls always approached me with creams to treat my acne. I had tried every traditional treatment. Turmeric, Neem, Tulsi or Chickpeas powder. Nothing helped.

How The Internet Helped Me Resolve My Problem?

Thanks to YouTube and many Lifestyle and fashion bloggers. There were remedies flooding the Internet that I didn’t know what to choose initially. The two simple yet most important steps that changed my outlook on acne and life.

Finding My Super Foods:

Yes, I had to find them. I consumed foods liberally. Oily, spicy and junk were my top preferences always. I never really bothered about other options that existed. When I decided to work on myself, I really had to change my entire lifestyle. The first change was the most difficult ever, Leaving my comfort food.

Firstly, I had to include foods rich in Vitamin E. They were rich in antioxidants and the first ray of hope to reduce my skin inflammation. Applying the oil helped soothe my highly irritated skin.

Almond made its way to the top of my list. Wherever I went, I always carried a small box of almonds with me. I have 5 almonds every day. I followed the same routine throughout my pregnancy and now after delivery too. It is almost a decade since I follow this and I can vouch for the changes in the texture of my skin.

I have heard my mother and grandmother advising me to soak them overnight. I do them every once in a while when I remember. Otherwise, my best evening snack with tea is a cup of almonds roasted in ghee, nice and crisp.

Some friends suggested I take almond milk. Soak the almonds overnight, peel the skin (or you can leave it as it is), grind it in the Mixer and drain the milk. If I remember right, I tried it only a couple of times. That was a little tedious for me, so I always include almond paste in my cuisines.

I did my research and found that Vitamin E was present in some of the foods I preferred. I love peanuts, hazelnuts and sweet potatoes. I was introduced to Avocados at work. I preferred the smoothie. I take a bowl of spinach at least 3 to 4 times a week.

How Evion 400 Helped Cure my Acne?

A family friend suggested Evion 400 capsules. Initially, I wasn’t ready to take them orally. I was worried if they would cause any side-effects. I used them in my face masks, hair masks and body massages. The only time I did not use the capsules are during my pregnancy. Instead I used its alternatives. Olive oil massages to cope up with my dry skin and scalp.

Here’s a list of my home made remedies with #Evion Capsules:

1. Hair Mask:

Open three capsule(long hair) and pour the oil in a bowl. Add Coconut / Olive oil for regular massages before hair wash. Double boil the contents before use. You can either use a cotton ball and massage the oil on your hair or just use your finger tips to gently massage the oil into your hair. If you prefer to use Almond or castor oil, the choice is yours. It works best with these four oils.

It helps cure dandruff.
It is the simplest and the easiest method to glowing and bouncy hair.
It helps calm frizzy hair
It works best on dull hair and gives it a glow on regular use.
It helps remove split ends.

2. Face Mask:

I don’t use makeup since most brands irritate my skin. They aggravate it and cause breakouts. However, I had to visit a couple of parlors for a trial makeup before my wedding reception. During those times, I used Vitamin E Capsules as a cleanser along with Almond oil. Dab this combination on a piece of cotton and slowly remove the grime. It did not irritate my skin and did its job perfectly.

For Acne Scars:

Wash your face before applying any mask. I use few drops of Vitamin E oil with Raktachandhan (Red Sandalwood powder) powder and make it into a paste. Just rub the paste on the scars. Let it sit there for half an hour to an hour before washing it with cold water.

For Pimples:

A pinch of Sandalwood powder + Turmeric Powder + Few drops of Vitamin E oil. Apply this combination on the pimples. Let it sit there for 10 to 15 minutes before you splash the water on your face.

3. Massage it

One of the best ways to save the skin during drying winters is by applying Vitamin E + Coconut oil after bath. Using it as a natural moisturizer helps prevent excessive dryness.

The Actual Cause of My Acne

Slowly, with changes, I also identified the causes for my acne. The top most reason was my fluctuating hormone levels. My skin is sensitive as well as oily. Most doctors suggested drying out my skin and moisturizing it externally. This over dried my skin thereby hitting high on the sensitivity scale and also secreting more oil than usual to compromise the loss. My facial skin used to turn pink when I walked under the sun. The excess oil blocked my pores and lead to breakouts.

By now, you must have got an idea of how Vitamin E helps nourish our skin. You can also try Evion Supplements for your recipes. If you love to try any recipes mentioned here, please feel free to use them. However, check if you are allergic to Vitamin E oil before using it. Please feel free to share your experiences with Vitamin E oil with me. I would love to follow new remedies.

How will Vitamin E masks help your skin? Let me know.

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This post is written for the Evion – My Vitamin E Mantra contest on Indiblogger. Please feel free to share your views here.

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My Little One’s First Diwali!

Jayanthy Govindarajan — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 14:37:00 +0000

This post is coming up late on the blog because I am surprised I missed it in my gratitude post. It’s true that I learnt to let go of anger in that post and as a blogger friend said, I felt so much better getting it off my head. And this is a celebration post! It had stayed in the drafts for a longer time and finally found it’s light and got published. My new mother quote is, “Better late than never”, yes, with writing and a few other things that really matter as of now.

Anyway, I was thinking if I must name it as “My First Diwali as a Mother”, but then I didn’t get the time to actually dress up too. What seemed important to me was to dress comfortably for travel and feeding. Do you think that’s why I must name it so?

CUTE PATTU PAAVADAI LIKE THESE!

Well, this Diwali was on my little one. So this is for her. She was gifted cute pattu paavadais by friends and family. Trust me, I haven’t personally picked even one dress for her in the last 6 months. In a way, I am thankful that she has a nice wardrobe already. I just find it difficult enough to choose from her collection. Imagine going to a shop and choosing one for her in less than an hour. I choose quick for me, but when it’s a gift I take my time. So its the same when I shop for her. My first shopping exclusive for her is yet to happen.

We celebrated Diwali at my mother-in-law’s place and it was a grand time. We were all worked up and time flew by so quick with morning food and prayer preparation activities. Usually on the day of Diwali, we prepare some non-vegetarian foods and tiffin items throughout the day, apart from loads of sweets, of course. Jamuns are our all-time favorite, but basundhi came in as a new-try this year. All credits to my co-sister and sister-in-law. After four hours of strenuous stirring, it was all set to be served. Right now, I hold the post of the assistant/helper in the family when it comes to cooking. Once in a while it bothers me that I am not the main-cook, however, when the little one cries while I cut the veggies, I feel thankful about it actually.

All time favorite

My husband was on a no-sweet diet and I loved this opportunity to have more sweets than usual. I don’t usually eat sweets, but somehow with a companion like him, we are known to eat more sweets than anybody at home. I arranged all the sweets before him when we sat down for lunch. My plan was to have only sweets for lunch and woo him to have them too. That’s when we decided to give Ilakkiya her first sweet treat. The Jamun Jeera. Her eyes were wide and she licked the spoon eagerly. The same evening, I gave her basundhi to taste, just the milk. That’s how her first Diwali started off with sweets! I had sweets and more sweets and just one dosa. I always eat 3/4th and never a full tummy. So that was my lunch. Okay, here’s the secret, hubby finished the remaining sweets and even told in a cute complaining tone that he did it because of me. He knows very well what sweets mean to him! What’s Diwali without sweets, I say!

What I did not like about the whole Diwali week were the fire-crackers. I used to burst during my school days, since those were the times all cousins got together and spent time followed by the nombu (fasting for Kedara Gowri followed by prayers). We never fast, all we did was eat adirasams and suyams after prayers and play again.

After our pet(Joy) came home, my sister and I decided not to burst because we saw him scared. We felt bad for causing so much noise which hurts their alert ears. We also saw many other street dogs finding places to hide due to noise. We have already increased the pollution levels, so now, even when less fire-crackers are being burst, the smoke is very high. Even though we had our doors closed, the hall was filled with smoke. I had to keep Ilakkiya almost covered and inside our bedroom the whole evening. I was worried about people with respiratory issues which I wasn’t aware of as young kid.

Adirasams

Hubby, Ilakkiya and I went to my Amma’s place for the nombu. After a nice lunch, Amma, Ammama and I started making adirasams. We had a gala time chit-chatting and making these festive goodies. I enjoyed my three day stay and nowadays my stays are now more based on Ilakkiya getting to know her maternal family better. I am glad she doesn’t cry with the change here and there. She was scared of the sound of the firecrackers every now and then, but luckily at Amma’s place we don’t hear it much. So she was free from the noise.

That’s how her Diwali was spent. Sweetie pie’s first Diwali was noisy, tasty and breezy!

Linking for Vasantha’s Linky Party 27

Image Courtesy: Google

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Chucky Returns! #Fiction55

Jayanthy Govindarajan — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 02:30:00 +0000

Even after 20 years,

dolls remind Rita of “Chucky”.

She remembered throwing all her dolls after the movie when she was 10.

Now, she had “No dolls” rule for her newborn.

She dropped the parcel and

ran to her little one’s room when she read,

“I will be your little one’s friend till the end!”

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Haikus for Heart prints #writebravely

Jayanthy Govindarajan — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 05:05:00 +0000

I had so many plans to end this pro blogger challenge on a lovely note. That too, with heart prints being the final prompt. However, sometimes we plan something and God plans another. Cold and fever had left me drained. So I am finishing my challenge on a simple note now.

I am thankful, grateful and feeling blessed for all your support guys! Haikus for you.

Your Love and support

Made challenge interesting

Making heart prints felt

Heart prints of kindness

Sent during our high fever,

I Will not forget

At tough times like these

A supportive family

Is what we all need.

Feeling so blessed

To have family and friends

To boost energy.

My dearest husband

Your love, patience and support

Helped us heal quickly.

I am taking part in The Write Tribe Problogger October 2017 Blogging Challenge

#writebravely #writetribeproblogger

Join us at WriteTribe

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This Monster in Me #WriteBravely

Jayanthy Govindarajan — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 03:34:00 +0000

This monster in me

This monster in me,

Does not let me be,

She always disagrees,

So I never let her free.

I struggle to tame her,

That’s what stirs her,

Her horns grow stronger,

As if they were always there.

I let my anger grow,

My thoughts go with the flow,

I yell, I pout,

I get it all out.

The cry makes me fret,

Then I am upset,

I try to forget,

There is so much regret.

This monster in me,

Wouldn’t let me be,

I want to change,

Yet, Change sounds very strange.

I am taking part in The Write Tribe Problogger October 2017 Blogging Challenge

#writebravely #writetribeproblogger

Join us at WriteTribe

Image Courtesy: Google

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