Picture this: you are happily cooking up your favourite dal tadka after a long day at work. The tadka is sizzling and just when you are in the zone, all your excitement levels come down as you spot a lizard chilling on the wall. Eww! As common as this sight might be in kitchens, it can feel absolutely icky and unhygienic. House lizards tend to sneak into our houses looking for warmth and bugs. However, having them around is far from ideal. But before you panic and pick up a chemical spray to shoo it away, there are some easy and natural ways to keep these unwanted guests at bay. Read on to know how you can keep lizards at bay from your holy cooking space.
Also Read: Cockroaches In the Kitchen? Try These 5 Easy Ways To Keep These Insects At Bay
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 6 Easy Ways To Keep Lizards Out Of Your Kitchen
1. The Magic of Eggshells
Yes! Instead of throwing away the used eggshells, after making egg curry or bhurji, use them to keep lizards away. This is because lizards can’t stand the smell of eggshells. Just place these eggshells near windows, doors or whatever places that you can think lizards are sneaking in. The strong scent of the eggshells will drive lizards away. Plus, this is an eco-friendly way to shoo them without having to use harmful pesticides. Just keep replacing the eggshells every two to three days to maintain hygiene.
2. Cucumber To The Rescue
We love cucumbers in our salads and raitas. But lizards? They hate them. Lizards cannot stand the smell of cucumbers. Just slice one cucumber up and leave it on the kitchen counter or any other lizard-prone area. This cool vegetable will help you keep these unwanted guests away. Plus, the smell of cucumbers will freshen up your kitchen! Make sure to replace the cucumber slices regularly.
3. Coffee Powder Punch
Yes, coffee could help you kickstart your day but did you know it can also help keep lizards at bay? All you have to do is mix some coffee powder with crushed tobacco (yes, you read that right) and place it on every corner and lizard-prone area. Lizards will steer clear of these areas and the coffee aroma will make your kitchen warm and delightful.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Lemon Love
You would be happy to know that lizards hate the smell of citrus fruits. So, a kitchen smelling of fresh lemons could become your next favourite thing. Just get a spray bottle, mix some lemon juice with water and spray it all over the kitchen, especially the damp and dark corners. Not only will it act as a natural repellent but also freshen up your kitchen in no time.
5. Garlic And Cloves
By now, you could have figured out that lizards repel strong smells. This is where garlic and cloves can come to your rescue. The strong and pungent smell of garlic and cloves will keep these lizards away from your kitchen. Just place a few garlic cloves or dried cloves near windows, doors, and kitchen countertops, and you’ll never see a lizard in sight. This hack is especially useful if you don’t mind some spicy aroma in the air. The best part? You have already got these items in your pantry so no need for extra shopping.
6. Keep It Squeaky Clean
Want to know the best hack for keeping lizards at bay? Keep your kitchen clean! Lizards usually look for bugs to eat so keep your kitchen counters and pantries clean. Sweep and wipe down surfaces regularly to make sure there are no food particles left. If there are no food crumbs, the lizards won’t wander around that place.
Also Read: Can Orange Peels Repel Cockroaches? The Truth May Surprise You…
Milk is a staple for most people across the globe. Hence, you will find it stored in every household. From our morning tea and cereals to the haldi-doodh at night, a glass of milk is consumed in various ways throughout the day. But what do you do when the milk turns sour? The obvious reply will be to pour it down the drain. What if we say, you can reuse milk in various interesting ways? That’s right! In this article, we will take you through ingenious ways to reuse sour milk, without wasting it. Let’s get going.
Also Read: 5 Useful Tips To Prevent Milk From Turning Sour
What Is Sour Milk? Is It Safe To Drink Sour Milk?
To put it simply, sour milk is milk with a tart taste, which happens due to fermentation and acidification. This also brings up the question of whether sour milk is safe for consumption. As per experts, if the milk is refrigerated properly then it remains drinkable for up to a week after the date on the label on the packet.
But we say the best way to judge if you want to drink the milk is by the smell. If the milk does not have any off-putting smell or taste, you can still use it. In fact, if it turns a little sour, it remains safe for consumption – but of course not as an accompaniment for your cereals or in the form of a standalone drink.
Also Read: 5 Essential Safety Tips For Proper Milk Handling
Photo Credit: iStock
Here’re 5 Smart Ways To Reuse Sour Milk:
1. Prepare buttermilk/chaas:
If you find the milk getting fermented, we suggest adding some water to it and making chaas for consumption. You can also use the same buttermilk in various recipes to make it soft and fluffy at times.
2. A perfect baking substitute:
You can replace regular milk with sour milk while baking cakes, breads or making pancakes. This also helps the baked food items turn soft and fluffier.
3. Prepare whey with sour milk:
You can heat the sour milk until it curdles. Then separate the whey water and use it to add extra dose of protein to your rice, sabzi, dal or roti.
4. Prepare chhena:
Once you curdle the sour milk, use the whey water as per your wish, And then, use the curdled cheese/chhena to make sweets or homemade paneer and enjoy it as a curry.
5. Add some tanginess to stews and mashed potatoes:
You can add sour milk to soups and mashed potatoes to include some creaminess and tangy flavours. But be wise about the quantity of milk you are adding to these recipes to keep up the balance of flavours.
Did you like the ideas? If you answered yes, then next time, try using sour milk in your daily cooking and reduce food wastage. But always remember to be wise about the ingredients you are consuming, for safety purposes. Eat healthy, and stay fit!
In today’s time, we are all running on the never-ending treadmill of hustle culture, aren’t we? You have to work hard, play harder, and then wake up to do it all over again – it is glorified like a medal of honour. But let’s face it, between deadlines, managing daily life and chasing life goals, we have somehow normalised being stressed out 24×7. However, knowingly or unknowingly this takes a toll on our bodies. All of this stress is impacting you, especially with a hormone in your body called cortisol. Do you feel stressed all the time? Are you experiencing symptoms like weight loss, sleepless nights, mood swings, thinning hair and memory loss? Then a possible reason for these could be heightened cortisol levels. But don’t worry, with a few tweaks in your daily life, you can manage cortisol levels in your body naturally.
Also Read: This May Be the Reason Why You Have Been Unable to Reduce Belly Fat
Photo Credit: iStock
What Is Cortisol?
For the unversed, cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. It helps manage blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammation in your body. However, if you are constantly under stress, it can lead to higher cortisol production in your body, which can disrupt its balance.
How Can You Manage Cortisol Naturally?
Nutritionist Urvi Gohil (@enrich_lifestyle_with_urvi) shared 4 easy ways to manage cortisol levels in your body naturally. With some simple tweaks in your lifestyle, you can manage these.
1. Sleep
Sleep is an underrated but important part of life. As per the expert, if you don’t sleep for at least 7-9 hours every night, it can contribute to increasing cortisol levels in your body. To achieve this, figure out a bedtime routine that works for you. Make sure to keep your gadgets away from your bed and stop using them at least 30 minutes before you fall asleep. This would ensure your body is well-rested and doesn’t feel lazy the next day.
2. Physical Exercise
Exercising is important not just for managing weight but also to keep your cortisol levels low. When you include low-intensity physical activities – like walking, yoga, and cycling – in your daily routine, your body rewards you by secreting feel-good hormones. This will help keep your mood elevated and cortisol levels low. However, as per the expert, make sure not to indulge in high-intensity workouts as they can actually contribute to high cortisol levels in your body.
Photo Credit: iStock
3. Right Diet
You are what you eat, so make sure you feed your body with the right foods. The expert suggests keeping fried and processed foods out of your regular diet. In fact, keep caffeine out of your diet too as it can add to your stress. To tackle your cortisol levels, make sure to include a balanced meal – full of colourful veggies and nutrients – in your daily intake. Homemade meals can help keep your diet clean and nutritious, helping you manage stress levels easily.
4. Stress Management
Inculcate a habit of decompressing every day. According to the expert, invest in meditation, yoga, and deep breathing every day to manage your cortisol levels. Make sure to take out a “me-time” for yourself where you indulge in activities that make you happy and satisfied with life. This can help boost your mood and take your mind off things that might contribute to your cortisol levels.
Here Are Foods That May Help You Manage Cortisol Levels Naturally:
According to nutritionist Urvi Gohil, you can fuel your body with the right foods to manage cortisol levels naturally. Here are some foods which should definitely be in your diet:
1. Magnesium-Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in magnesium can help regulate cortisol levels and promote relaxation. Try to include leafy greens, almonds, and pumpkin seeds to keep your body healthy and stress levels at bay.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Include omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods in your diet if you want to manage your cortisol levels naturally. Add chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds, in your daily food intake to help lower cortisol and reduce inflammation.
Photo Credit: iStock
3. Ditch Sugary Snacks
You may be surprised to know but processed sugars spike cortisol levels in your body. So, remove all kinds of sugary snacks from your food intake and replace them with berries, nuts or dark chocolate – all in moderation.
4. Probiotic-Rich Food
Gut health and stress are connected. Include probiotic foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, or kombucha to keep your digestive system healthy and manage cortisol better.
5. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can raise cortisol levels in your body. Make sure to drink water and herbal teas throughout the day to stay replenished and hydrated.
Watch the full video below:
Also Read: Coffee, Ice-cream And More: Foods To Avoid When You Are Stressed
While these foods and tips may help manage your cortisol levels, it is still important to consult your doctor before trying a new lifestyle. This is because each body is different and an expert might be able to tell you what’s the best for you.
Tough TV judge Simon Cowell was seen in a commercial during Friday’s Yankees-Cubs on YES endorsing Domino’s Pizza. As if … What money can’t do, it will.
EXHIBIT A: Hey, you Jets financially faithful fools, how are your “good investment” PSLs doing under the buy-’em-or-get-out stewardship of Roger “It’s All About Our Fans” Goodell?
Between now and Dec. 1, the Jets are scheduled to play only one Sunday home game in either the 1 p.m. or 4:20 late afternoon slot.
Goodell and his minions of TV money droolers have determined that Aaron Rodgers, bless his anticipated shelf life, has established the Jets as a prime time team, thus ticket purchasers, and especially the double-suckered who bought Jets PSLs (long-term timeshares), can, again, go to hell.
Roger Goodell looks to the crowd after the Eagles’ 34-29 win over the Packers at Neo Quimica Arena in San Paulo, Brazil. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Yep, once you’ve exited around the NFL stadium-requisite drunk and disorderly — another profit center — enjoy the weeknight rides home after midnight.
And then wake up to the compliant, bashful silence of a sports media that once was relied upon to protect fans from the likes of a Goodell.
Or you can call Goodell in his office Sunday morning. Offer to take, say, 25 cents back on every dollar you still owe on those “good investment” seat rentals.
EXHIBIT B: Someday, and I hope it’s sooner than later, our sports commissioners are going to be subpoenaed to testify as co-conspirators in some of the deals they’ve certified and profited from.
Last week, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Gaming Division — “gaming” can be used as the honest title as in consumers being “gamed” by bad-odds gambling, or as a term of obfuscation as if bad-odds gambling is no different from playing no-risk Parcheesi — fined TV-saturated DraftKings $19,000 for what reasonable people would rate worth many more thousands of dollars in punitive sanctions.
Here’s the deal: More than 500 Connecticut customers playing a DraftKings online slot machine tried roughly 21,000 spins for a payout of exactly zero. That’s right — 21,000 spins and not a nickel returned. DraftKings pocketed every cent over what was estimated to be an entire week.
DraftKings sports book in Atlantic City, N.J., Oct. 8, 2019. New Jersey regulators fined DraftKings $100,000 on June 17, 2024. AP
DraftKings, which claims that the 0-for-21,000 spins was caused by a computer glitch, is an “official partner” of the NFL, NBA, NHL, PGA Tour and UFC.
EXHIBIT C: As is both consistently and perhaps criminally clear, NFL rosters now increasingly include full-ride-plus recent college players who are functionally illiterate, semi-literate and socially malfunctional.
Last week, boastful Patriots rookie WR Javon Baker, former four-year full scholarship player with Alabama then Central Florida, received a traffic ticket for what was reported as having extra-dark tinted windows and an obscured license plate:
His Instagram-recorded response to the cop:
“You towing it ain’t gonna do nothing to me. Come on, bro. You got other s— to worry about. He wanna give me a goddamn ticket. … Why is you doing that, bro? I’m dropping somebody off at the airport …
Javon Baker dives to make the catch while defended by cornerback Kelee Ringo during the Eagles’ 14-13 preseason win over the Patriots. Anthony Nesmith/CSM/Shutterstock
“You ain’t yelling at me and thinking I’m not fitting to yell back. Who does you think you is? Just cuz you a police officer, that don’t mean nothing, bro. With my tax dollars, I pay you. Come on, bro, you work for me.”
After being mildly scolded by new Pats head coach Jerod Mayo, Baker said, “I don’t regret nothin’.”
Doesn’t much matter if Baker was in the right or wrong, his response, given his four years in college, was pathetic, truly sad. And there’s plenty more to come.
After all, if Baker doesn’t make it as a pro, what legitimate career, after four years of college, is he prepared to pursue?
So, as college sports grow further from anything that has to do with education — sick, isn’t it? — how do we fix this or at least treat it to have it subside?
Javon Baker tries to make a catch while being covered by Kelee Ringo during the Eagles’ preseason win over the Patriots. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
First you’d need a real-deal, right-headed legislator who’d risk the wrath of rich alumni and 50-yard-line seats politicians and assorted yahoos to call for hearings that would subpoena college presidents to answer why full scholarship students have departed their colleges unable to clearly read, write, balance a checkbook or speak. Why are they leaving as academically deficient and disabled as when they arrived?
And remind them all that continued state funding for a college that spends insane amounts on those who have no reason to be enrolled or employed other than to win ball games — sick, isn’t it? — just might be placed in a binding referendum. Make it simple: Time to vote for education, or against it. Pro-fraud or anti-fraud?
Yankees skipper Boone can’t seem to manage disciplining the undisciplined
Aaron Boone continues to advocate make-believe as his master. Just as he believes he can have all his relievers in an assembly line — each ready to make 1, 2, 3 then exit for the next robot — he has excused Alex Verdugo’s career, cool-dude habit of not running to first as a matter of “picking his spots.”
But how can anyone “pick his spots?” How can he know that the shortstop won’t boot it or throw it away, or that the first baseman will catch it?
How does Boone continue to direct — be allowed to direct — fantasy baseball while managing the New York Yankees?
Aaron Boone Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Just by tracking what happens next, all of us long ago learned that flags for selfish misconduct cost NFL teams games.
Yet, how many team owners, GMs and head coaches do you suppose have entered Week 1 having lectured their troops to insist — demand — they will not silently suffer unsportsmanlike conduct penalties? After all, how hard would it be not to taunt an opponent?
But your guess is as good as mine, thus we’ll both guess that such an important message has not been delivered. The self-defeating will continue.
And the pandering TV commentators again will make brief notice of such game-changing misbehavior, as they never want to offend the most offensive or be accused of being old fuddy-duddies or worse.
Ex-Giant Robustelli has book on his pop — ‘Pope of NFL’
Column penpal Bob Robustelli, son of No. 81, the Giants 1950s and 1960s great defensive end, has written “The Pope of the NFL: The Andy Robustelli Story and the Family That Loved Him.”
Andy Robustelli of the NY Football Giants on Dec. 11, 1956. AP
Robustelli was among my formative years heroes. Inducted into the 1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was a 1951 19th-round Rams pick — a 19th round Hall of Famer! — from Arnold, a phys-ed college in Connecticut. The first pick of that draft was Giants star receiver/RB Kyle Rote. The third was future Giant QB Y.A. Tittle.
Edited by Peter Golenbock, the book is available on Amazon.
The game has changed … How would you have liked to have been Red Sox starter Tanner Houck on Wednesday against the Mets, when at 0-0, your third baseman, Rafael Devers, slapped five with Francisco Lindor after Lindor reached third?
Wanna play public pals with an opponent? After the game? Before the game? Within a rec league game? Fine. During an MLB game?
Peanuts are the unsung heroes of Indian kitchens. We munch on them raw or roasted, and they’re always there when we need a quick snack. Plus, they’re perfect for fasting days! But did you know that peanuts can do way more than just satisfy a snack craving? They add a fantastic crunch and a unique flavour to so many dishes. While South Indian cuisine loves them, you can easily mix them into your favourite snacks, curries, and even desserts. Let’s check out some simple and tasty ways to level up your cooking with peanuts.
Also Read : Bored Of Regular Chutney? This Rajasthani Peanut Chutney Will Make For A Pleasant Change
Here Are 5 Cool Ways to Use Peanuts in Indian Cooking:
1. Add Some Crunch to Your Salad
Ever thought of tossing some peanuts into your salad? Not only do they give a nice crunch, but they’re also packed with plant-based protein, making your salad super nutritious and filling. Try our Cucumber Peanut Salad recipe-it’s a great option if you’re looking for something light and satisfying, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
2. Mix Them Into Your Rice
Peanuts in rice? Yes, please! They add a satisfying crunch that can really make the dish stand out. They’re a staple in South Indian cooking, but you can try adding them to your rice, too. Whether it’s peanut rice, upma, lemon rice, or tamarind rice, peanuts add that extra something special.
3. Swap Cashews for Peanuts in Gravy
Peanut paste is a game-changer for thickening gravy. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to cashews or almonds, and it’s just as delicious. Soak some peanuts, blend them into a paste, and mix them into your gravy for a rich, creamy texture that won’t break the bank.
4. Get Creative with Desserts
Peanuts aren’t just for savoury dishes-they shine in sweets too! Think peanut butter cookies, peanut barfi, or peanut laddoos. Whether you grind them, blend them, or use them whole, peanuts bring a tasty, nutty twist to your favourite desserts.
5. Whip Up Some Peanut Chutney
Peanut chutney is a must-try, especially during fasting. Swap out a few regular ingredients, and you’ve got a vrat-friendly chutney that pairs perfectly with your meals.
So, the next time you’ve got some peanuts lying around, give these ideas a try and watch how they transform your cooking!
About PayalFood in the mind, Bollywood in the heart – these two things often shimmer in Payal’s writing. Besides penning thoughts, Payal enjoys a playful tango with new and delicious recipes. Roaming around is her jam; whether catching up on the latest flicks or grooving to the beat, Payal knows how to keep her empty moments brimming with flavour and rhythm.
The next time you are sipping a hot cup of green tea in the morning, resist the urge to throw off the tea bags. Why, you ask? Well, as it turns out, green tea bags can be repurposed in and around the kitchen! Most of us simply throw them off but these little packets of joy have a lot of potential in them. Not only are they beneficial for health but also have nutrients and properties that make them an excellent alternative to chemicals-laden products. If you are a fan of maintaining an eco-friendly kitchen, then this article is for you! Read on to learn 5 genius ways to reuse green tea bags in and around the house.
Also Read: Green Tea Vs. Green Tea Extract: Which One Is Better For You?
Photo Credit: Pexels
Here Are 5 Interesting Ways To Use Used Green Tea Bags
1. Powerhouse For Plants
Do you feel like water and manure are not enough for your plants? Then use your used green tea bags to give them some extra love. Used green tea bags are packed with nutrients that can boost your soil. Just cut the green tea bag and bury the leaves directly in your garden or toss them in your compost pile. These leaves help retain moisture, and improve soil structure, and a dash of nitrogen that your plants would absolutely love! It’s like giving your plants a daily shot of espresso, without the taste. So, the next time you finish your tea, think twice before tossing that tea bag.
2. Keep Your Fridge And Shoes Smell-Free
Is your refrigerator reeking a bit “ripe?” Are your shoes smelling a little funky? Then use your leftover green tea bags to eliminate unwanted odours. Just dry the green tea bags and put them in your fridge and shoes. Green tea is a master when it comes to absorbing funky smells and will leave everything smelling fresh and fabulous.
3. Give Your Skin Some Natural Care
If you spend a fortune on skincare products, then it’s time to change your habits! Green tea bags are here to save the day. These little wonders are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness on your face and brighten up your skin. All you have to do is chill the used tea bags in the fridge and then place them over your eyes and face. It is like a natural, de-puffing eye treatment. Or, you can steep them again, let the tea cool and use it as a facial toner. It is like a mini-spa treatment but without over-the-top expenditure.
4. Swap Chemical-Cleaners For A Natural One
Forget chemicals-packed house cleaners. Your leftover used green tea bags can make your home sparkle and shine naturally. All you have to do is take 6-7 green tea bags and re-steep them in hot water. Once the leaves release their flavours, let the water cool down. With this water, you can wipe down wooden furniture, glass, or even mirrors. The tannins present in green tea can help remove dirt and grime and leave your home essentials looking gorgeous and shiny. Plus, your house will smell fresh and earthy after the cleaning, so win-win!
5. Treat Skin Irritations Naturally
Did you get a sunburn or a nasty bug bite? Then green tea bags can come to your rescue. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, used green tea bags can provide instant relief from minor skin irritations. After you finish your green tea, let the bag cool down and then put it in your fridge to chill. Then gently press the cold tea bags onto the affected area. It is a quick and easy way to reduce redness, swelling and mild itching on your skin. So, the next time you have a bug bite, you know what to do!
Also Read: 3 Amazing Green Tea Face-Packs For A Healthy And Spotless Skin
Can you think of any other way to reuse green tea bags? Let us know in the comments below!
Imli ka achar, imli chutney, imli goli, and more – the very thought of this tangy delight instantly takes us down memory lane. Also known as tamarind, it’s a prized possession in every Indian kitchen. This pulpy, zesty fruit is widely used in various desi dishes, including curries, chutneys, dal, and more. But did you know it has several interesting uses beyond cooking? Yes, you heard that right! Imli, a hero ingredient in your kitchen, can also be used as a desi cleaning agent, skincare ingredient, and more. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some fun ways to use tamarind in your daily life. Let’s dive in.
Also Read: Is It Okay To Have Imli Or Tamarind During Monsoons? Experts Reveal
Photo Credit: Istock
Here Are 5 Fun Ways To Use Imli (Tamarind) Beyond Cooking:
1. Imli As a Cleaning Agent:
Tamarind’s acidity, much like vinegar and lemon, makes it a fantastic cleaning agent for your utensils. Its hard crust acts as a natural scrubber to remove gunk and clean the oily surfaces of your appliances. Additionally, imli has antibacterial properties that help eliminate harmful viruses and germs from your utensils. We suggest soaking the tamarind in water (before using it as a cleaning agent), along with some salt to enhance its effectiveness.
2. Imli To Control Pests:
Are those tiny flies invading your home and kitchen? Struggling to get rid of them? Worry not! A small piece of imli might just save the day. Tamarind has a naturally strong smell and antibacterial properties that can act as a natural repellent for certain pests. Prepare a paste, place it in small bowls, and distribute them around your home, kitchen, and garden.
3. Imli To Make Soap At Home:
If you’re a fan of home remedies for your skin, tamarind could be your next go-to ingredient. You can create soap using imli extracts that not only add a natural fragrance but also become a potent product for fighting germs and viruses.
4. Imli As A Natural Dye For Fabric:
Tamarind is rich in tannins, which help it bind well with fibres like cotton, wool, and other fabrics, leaving a dark brown stain. Plus, imli is eco-friendly, making it a sustainable option for all your dyeing needs.
Also Read: 6 Surprising Uses Of Tomato Ketchup Beyond Cooking
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Imli For Skin And Hair Care:
Packed with antioxidants, tamarind works as an excellent exfoliating agent. These properties allow imli to serve as a natural scrub for your skin and hair, reducing dandruff and rejuvenating your skin’s health.
Sounds fun, right? So, instead of tossing away any excess tamarind in your pantry, put it to good use with these exciting ideas. Have a great day!
