Thursday 2 May 2013

Unusual Uses For Baking Soda

Once again I am sharing some interesting and weird uses of stuff very common in households. Its Baking Soda. Earlier I have shared unusual uses of toothpaste. Now I am going to tell you uses for baking soda other than making your cakes and muffins soft, fluffy and spongy.
Baking soda is white, dry, powdery chemical leavening agent. It is pure sodium bicarbonate and is different from baking powder. It releases carbon dioxide in form of bubbles when it interacts with an acid and water.

Image Source: Click Here

  • Used as a cleaning agent: Take soda on damp sponge and clean your microwave, silver items, plastics, showers, bath tub, bathroom tiles, refrigerator, burnt-on food from cookware, cutting boards, food containers, tea pots, dentures and stainless steel sink. To clean the toilet, add a cup to the toilet leave for an hour and then flush, it will sparkle and odor will be gone. Use it to remove grease from pots and pans. Remove crayon marks from walls and vinyl floor. Soak brushes and combs in baking soda solution.  To make scrubbing dishes easier use it in dishwasher. Sprinkle it over the carpet leave it for an hour or overnight and then vacuum up. Mix it with warm water to wash baby bottles, nipples and brushes.
  • Use it in your laundry: Add half a cup of baking soda to regular liquid laundry detergent to whiten dirty cloths and socks. Use it to wash diapers. It also minimizes the smell of dirty laundry. 
  • Health and beauty uses: Dissolve half cup soda in a tepid bath and soak in the bath for fifteen minutes to soothe sunburn, windburn and prickly heat. Use half cup soda in a tub of warm water for soft and relaxing bath. Use it as an antacid. Works as a underarm deodorant. Use it as a scrub for face and body.  One teaspoon baking soda in one-half glass of warm water works as a refreshing mouthwash. Mix tablespoon of soda with your regular shampoo and then rinse your hair it will prevent conditioner and styling gel build up in hair. Mix half teaspoon of soda with peroxide and use it as a toothpaste. Baking soda works as a blackheads remover, wash face with warm water and apply a dab of baking soda on affected area leave it for two minutes now rinse off soda with warm water.
  • Used in allergies: In a neti pot full of warm water mix quarter teaspoon of soda and quarter teaspoon of salt clean out nasal passage once a day will cure nasal allergies and cold. To soothe baby's diaper rashes add two tablespoon of baking soda in baby's bath. To reduce pain and swelling of red bump caused by insect bite or animal/plant sting dab thick paste of soda on the sore area and let it dry. For itchy and dry eyes make an eyewash with baking soda use one teaspoon of baking soda and two cup of water. 
  • Uses in the home: To repel cockroaches and ants put it under the sink and in kitchen cabinets. Add a teaspoon to the water in vase to keep cut flowers fresh for longer. Keep it in open container in a fridge to absorb odor. Baking soda can work as modeling clay mix soda in 1 1/4 cup of water with one cup cornstarch. To soften the stiff brushes boil them in solution of one cup soda, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1/2 gallon water. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda in shoes, slippers, socks to remove bad odor from them. Wash fruits and vegetables with baking soda solution. Use it as an air freshener by mixing it with perfumed bath salt and then keep it in small sachets. 

There many other  uses also but I found these tips very useful in day to day life so shared them here for my blog readers. Now I am sure that after reading this you are going to stockpile it, isn't it :) and its very cheap too!!






Wednesday 1 May 2013

Indian Art: Mural Paintings Of Kerala

Mural Painting

Kerala also known as 'God's Own Country' is well known for its resplendent greenery and exotic views. Art here perfectly blends with the nature in harmony. Mural paintings are one such form of art. These paintings are drawn on the walls of temples and churches. 


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Origin: 
Tradition of painting walls began in Kerala . Roots of extant mural paintings of Kerala could be traced as far back as seventh and eighth century AD. Oldest murals in Kerala were discovered in the rock-cut cave temple of Thirunandikkara. Archaeological evidences show that period from the mid 16th century onward is the golden period of Mural paintings in Kerala.
  
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Style:
Subject or theme of mural paintings are related to Hindu Gods, Goddesses and ethics. Paintings art greatly inspired by Hindu mythology. This art form adorned the temple walls and Guruvayur in Trichur is one such temple famous for Mural paintings on its wall. It is rich, vibrant bold yet delicate style of painting. Paintings show artistic brilliance as there is acute clarity in form, costumes and expressions.


Image Source: Click Here


Process: 
Process is somewhat similar to Pattachitra, as Kerala mural is also process driven with atleast six process involved in completing one painting. Mainly five colors are used in making Mural paintings: White, Black, Yellow, Green and Red. Colors are sourced from minerals and vegetable pigments. Even in present days artists use natural colors only to fill the paintings. 
It is interesting fact behind each painting that characters are given colors based on their virtues, like red is for power and wealth, white is for lowly and mean characters, green for divinity and black is for demons as usual.
Six steps involve in making murals are:
1. Image is sketched on wall with cow dung ash mixed with coconut water or water.
2. Outlines were originally done with cow dung pencils. These days pencils crayons and acrylics are used.
3. Color is then filled based on the virtues of the characters. The colors are generally painted beginning with the lighter colors. The order of coloring is firstly yellow, red, green, blue and brown.
4. Shading is done after filling colors.
5. On shading, black is used to delineate and bring life to the portrayal.
6. The painting is over-coated with pine resin and oil for sheen and protection.

No other mural tradition has been able to match the linear accuracy of Kerala murals. 

For new readers of my blog who recently joined me, read about other Indian Art forms here.





Monday 29 April 2013

Balmy Alley, Mission District in San Francisco.

We thawed ourselves in sunny San Francisco during our Easter break. A city that lured us with it's weather, landmarks, historical places, food and it's happy colours! 

San Francisco city is best explored on foot especially the Mission District. As we emerged from the 24th St. Mission,  BART station we were welcomed into a lovely Latino neighbourhood with vibrance in the form of street art, cafes, bakeries and architecture.


The colourful murals take over large walls.

As we started our walk, there was so much to take in, the architecture with the deep blue sky above and  the multi- coloured art splashed on the walls.




The houses saturated with bright colours.


Art, patterns and colour play.


My friend's little daughter was completely taken in by the colours.

Each alley. Each lamp post seemed to be covered in art!


Patterns in the network of cables!


The buildings formed lovely angular patterns against the blue sky.


We finally reached Balmy Alley where Mission District artists have transformed the walls of their neighbourhood with huge murals.
The murals of Balmy Alley are examples of expressions of the history of displacement and marginalization  experienced by Mexicans and Chicanos of the United States.


These eyes reminded me so much of Aarohi Singh's work.


The walls are covered with Latino and South American murals portraying images of political struggles, artistic movements and their cultural heroes.

The famous mural  Naya Bihana by artist Martin Travers.


  



How about some Outer Body Experience? 



I was completely blown away by this world of colours and art. The murals keep changing and many are added over time.


 Art in every nook and corner.

I found this interesting link to San Francisco Mural Arts.  You can find your favourite mural artist here.

If you are traveling to San Francisco, do visit the Mission District and also the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center.  (We ran out of time but it does come highly recommended!)

I re-lived all those beautiful moments while I put this post together. Hope you all like it:-)

( Images by Arch. Reference: Wikipedia, Fodor's California 2012)

Monthly Round Up

I am glad to share with all you lovely readers that now you can read my article on Magicbricks here. Have a read and I'll wait for your genuine feedback. 

Now time to check out what all has happened here on my blog this month.
Read and know about Traditional Interiors. Find more on interiors here.




Some charming Bougainvilleas and outdoor spaces 



This month I started new series on Indian Textile on my blog. This was part 1. Stay tuned for more.



Inspiring interview of a very talented Madhubani artist Deepti Mittal. Read her complete interview here. Read few more inspiring interviews here.


DIY of this month- 'Mineral water can turned into pretty planter'. Some more easy and fun DIY here.


Online furniture store RegencyShop offering discount coupons exclusively for 3D readers. Read more about it here.



I shared about very easy painting technique. Cracked effect painting technique. You can have a look of my artwork here



New month new beginning. Lets see what this month brings to share here :) Enjoy your week!!


Sunday 28 April 2013

He Flew on Over ...

While I love birds, I've never been one to incorporate "coastal" birds into our decor.  That was ... until I spotted this tall, handsome fella at HomeGoods last week:  


I let him fly all over the house, landing here and there until he found just the right spot to plant himself!

I wonder if it was the crisp, white coral (from Pottery Barn) that enticed him?


Or, maybe it was the picture of the ship floating along that seemed familiar:


Maaaaybee, it was this tall wheat grass as it's a good place to hide:


Whatever the reason, this little family is enjoying his company:


He's a fun, new addition to the "coastal-themed" vignette on the accent chest in our sitting room, for sure:




Annnnd, speaking of additions to our sitting room ... these beautiful chairs from World Market have joined the gang, too!



As has more bling!


Will share completed pics soon ...

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

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