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Leading your Team to Survival

Changing role of Parents

By Fatima Agarkar, Educationist and Founder of ACE

If the commitment Pre Covid19 was a 100 percent, Covid19 Times and beyond (whenever we can ever get back to the ways it used to be), have ensured that parents have become the frontline warriors in their homes. The homes, no longer represent the family environment that once as – they are now environments that transform into work spaces, schools and recreation centers (‘restaurants’ look-alike) not to mention fitness and counselling stations. Social circles are now a part of this environment and ‘connecting’ with people face to face is also restricted to homes currently, and perhaps life for a few years till we find the vaccine. For till then it will mean survival and protecting against a virus that has the potential to destroy our world.

With the changing physical landscape of homes, the role of the parent changes as well from being the primary provider to now an Edu partner, health official, WFH professional, counsellor, organizer, cleaner, chef, friend, playmate, entertainer, trainer and confidante. The day with its 24 hours means parents have to remain active and alert and while they juggle their responsibilities with work and household chores, the lack of outsourcing options creates a demand on their time as never before, and therefore the role is heightened. As compared to pre- Covid time now it doubles capacity and I dare say in the next 18 months as well as we normalize and get used to life in unpredictable times.

So, what does this change really entail? For starters imagine that you as the Captain of Team Mission C! As a leader, your primary responsibility is to ensure that your family members – your team are all playing their part to ‘survive’.

For starters, as parents, we will need to recognize the importance of time management, scheduling and communication. TCS, as I popularly call it will enable parents to (using the principle of getting their oxygen masks fitted first – fitness, sleep, food and personal time) organize themselves and their families in a manner that maintains peace and well-being.

Creating weekly flexible routines (time-tables) for every member, assigning roles and responsibilities so that everyone’s contribution will keep this engine at home chugging along as without help and support, it will frequently break down. And the repair may just be more painful and hence prevention is better than cure in these cases and surely, in these times.

Flexibility is the key and while creating a time-table for what happens when, and a task-sheet for who takes what responsibility one has to respect that we are working with human beings, their feelings and emotions and therefore unlike parts of the machine, they will need understanding, some space to manoeuvre, change, and time to settle in. This ‘personal’ flexibility keeps the ‘team’ (your family) emotionally comfortable and that is a great starting point. Conversations with every individual at their pace will help in getting their buy-in for the reason this is been initiated.

Learning to say no, and accepting that everything cannot be addressed is also a big shift from yesterday as there was a larger team you can empanel to manage the tasks. With limited resources, you must, therefore, learn to prioritize and make decisions on a ‘need’ basis.

Empowering and also ‘walking away’ from tantrums, disputes, outbursts would be a useful tool, allowing the team to also resolve without your intervention – disagreements between siblings, disagreements between grandparents and children/ spouses and children, etc. Let them also learn to ‘deal’ and ‘cope’, acknowledge their mistakes and find a way out of the situation. Becoming the person who always does it and ‘sets it right’ also cripples their independence, so resist this temptation at all times. Intervene when it is life-threatening. This will help you remain energetic when you need to play, conduct fitness regimes and negotiate with them about bedtime routines and meal choices.

Make the world more inclusive with them leading some decisions like what they would like to eat, or how much screen time, or when they would like to get their fitness routines in or when they would like to read. By making them part of the decision, and not making it for them, allowing discussions and communication but also a buy-in that makes sticking to a routine easier.

Share, share and share everything with your children as they are exposed. When you share the good and the bad and explain it in a simple manner, not built with anxiety, children learn to embrace the world with its grey areas and then your expectation of yourself as the superhero will no longer become the burden it is now, where you are supposed to have all the answers and can do it all.

Personal time and you’re well being must be respected and appreciated. Therefore, ensure that they understand that this is ‘mommie’ or ‘daddie’ time, just like they had limited access when you were on chores outside the home in case you are a homemaker or for work if u are a working spouse. Children need to understand that parents also have routines and therefore, these times are when they find solutions or occupy themselves independently. As a coach, you will give them choices, options and walk them through times that you need to work on your personal targets. This is critical as this creates respect and empathy.

So from an instructional, directional role parents will experience a shift in their mindset, and ditching some age-old traditions for the more evolved role that of inclusive and empowering conversations, becoming mentor and guides who understand behaviour patterns and work with that, the role of the parent undergoes a transformation as well. At all times maintaining patience (well meditation and yoga is great for this), discipline and balance in ourselves will set the right examples for children. The role model that we want to demonstrate.

Allow yourself moments when you can ‘cheat’ and bend rules to keep the households ‘happy’, ‘alive’ and ‘moving’…. using humor works immensely and remember it is therapeutic, a great stress buster, and in many cases without awkward discussions, laughter and jokes seamlessly help you exit some tough situations and generally restore the mood!

Embrace Covid19 parenting as a Captain, and reorganize your thoughts, and approaches to work for your team. Remember, the grass will always be greener on the other side so better not to constantly look at social media and track what other families are doing. You are not them, and you have a unique proposition ahead of you. Make the most of it.

 

Fatima Agarkar is an Educationist and Founder of ACE

A Taste of Timeless Virginia

Culinary Delights

Many consider Virginia to be the birthplace of American cuisine, with Thomas Jefferson regarded as “America’s First Foodie”… The state’s signature cuisine is a reflection of its abundant agriculture. All across Virginia, talented chefs have access to fresh ingredients and artisan products year round, to design menus that are as creative as they are comforting.

While stuck at home, why not recreate some of Virginia’s signature dishes for yourself? Below, are the traditional recipes for three of those famous dishes, along with some of  top chefs’ interpretation of those same plates. Bring a little Virginia to your kitchen and travel virtually by enjoying the local flavors.

Virginia Peanut Soup

If Virginia had a state soup, it would have to be this one. With peanuts growing abundantly in the state, this dish proposes a unique way to savor these tasty legumes. The traditional recipe is offered by the Food Network, while the Hotel Roanoke serves one of the best versions of this dish, along with their famous spoonbread. This Tudor-style hotel built in 1882 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it features many preserved elements from the past, such as its Palm Court, the original ceiling of which was painted to show the constellations as they appeared in the skies the day the first train came to Roanoke in 1852.

Recipe by Executive Chef Stephen Demarco:

Ingredients –

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups natural peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Directions –

Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 10 minutes. Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour all at once and cook until the mixture has a toasty aroma. Whisk the stock into the flour mixture in a slow, steady stream until smooth. Add the heavy cream and peanut butter to the soup and stir to combine. Stir in the hot sauce and lime juice and season, to taste. Garnish with the chopped peanuts and scallions.

Shrimp & Grits

Talk about a classic southern dish! You can typically find Shrimp & Grits on menus of restaurants across Virginia. Taste of Home suggests a traditional recipe; however, the interpretation of The Red Fox Inn & Tavern can’t be beat. A pillar of the beloved Middleburg village, The Red Fox Inn has been Virginia’s Hunt Country jewel since 1728. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn has welcomed many notable guests over the years; among others, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, and more recently, Tom Cruise.

Recipe by Executive Chef Arnold Martinez:

Ingredients –

  • 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 1/3 cup butter, cubed
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

SHRIMP:

  • 8 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
  • 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun or blackened seasoning
  • 4 green onions, chopped

Directions –

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth, milk, butter, salt and pepper to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese until melted. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 4 teaspoons drippings. Saute the shrimp, garlic and seasoning in drippings until shrimp turn pink. Serve with grits and sprinkle with onions.

Apple Tart

This luscious fruit is abundant in Virginia, and it yields itself to a plethora of savory and sweet dishes. You can make a traditional apple tart, or kick it up a notch by recreating The Inn at Little Washington version by world-renowned Chef Patrick O’Connell: the Warm Granny Smith Apple Tart with Buttermilk Ice Cream (rest assured, the ice cream recipe is also available!). The Inn opened in a converted garage in 1978 and over the last quarter century has evolved from a simple country inn to an international culinary shrine with a Michelin Three-Star ranking.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Pastry for a single-crust pie

Directions –

  1. In a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat 3/4 cup sugar, stirring constantly until it is liquefied and golden brown. Remove from the heat.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon and remaining sugar. Arrange half the apples in a single layer in skillet. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Arrange half the remaining apples in circular pattern over sugar; sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture. Place remaining apples over all, keeping the top as level as possible. Dot with butter.
  3. Roll out pastry to 11-in. circle; place over apples, pressing gently to completely cover. Do not flute. Bake at 400° until apples are tender and golden brown, about 50 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Why stop there?  More delicious recipes for Very Virginia meals can be found here. – https://www.virginia.org/virginiarecipes/

Link to the high-resolution images – https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1dsdeQUMzQdJZnJ1Tme-6mfwd9zfM2CPx

FDCI Designer Stockroom goes “online”

Over 100 designers participating, up to 70% off on merchandise

In keeping with the rapidly changing times, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), has embraced new technologies. Thus, the Designer Stockroom, one of the most anticipated sale, is now online, in its fourth edition. It will be held from July 31 – August 2, 2020.

Over 100 designers will retail their collections at up to 70% off. The FDCI will create a one-stop portal for participating designers on the FDCI website, where customers will be directed to the “Designer Stockroom” section on the designer’s website. This sale will be promoted extensively, both offline and online.

“We received many queries on the stockroom sale as it has been a huge crowd puller for the last three editions. Despite the challenges the fashion world is facing at this time, we wished to get the momentum back by initiating sale, through the Designer Stockroom online. This will help cash-strapped businesses and aid them in modernising their business to enable an e-commerce portfolio, which is the future of fashion,” said Chairman FDCI, Sunil Sethi.

Interestingly, there is no application fee or revenue sharing for this initiative, as the idea was to get the sales wheels rolling. The FDCI is also working on the Designer Showroom, which will be a B2B platform. It aims to connect designers with domestic and international buyers for future collections. This exclusive business platform will be “live” for the upcoming season, taking FDCI towards a 360 digital transformation. In continuation with this aspect, the FDCI is also preparing for the India Couture Week and India Fashion Week, which are slated to be in the phygital/digital space.

Fossil Brand Ambassador in India

Disha Patani

~ The brand launches its celebrity ambassador on their all-new Fossil India Instagram page

FOSSIL announces the addition of Disha Patani as its newest celebrity brand ambassador in India. The youth style icon successfully drives her large fan base with her authenticity and sense of fashion that is creative, fresh and modern.

“We are so proud Fossil has become one of the top fashion brands in the watch category in India, and one that reflects the aspirations of youthful India. We are constantly innovating our designs while preserving the best of our modern vintage past,” says Johnson Verghese, Managing Director, Fossil Group, India. “Fossil is delighted to partner with Disha Patani who truly represents millennial India.”

Commenting on this association Disha Patani said, “I’m thrilled to be associating with FOSSIL, a brand that brings together the best of design & innovation to create beautifully crafted watches. Celebrating individuality and uniqueness while advocating effortless style, is everything that defines Fossil’s style as well as mine!”

The brand welcomed Disha Patani to the Fossil family on 10th July on Fossil’s newly launched India Instagram page.

Disha’s collaboration with the brand will aim to reach out to her fan base who is equally inspired by her authentic style. The Malang and Baaghi 2 star will be seen in an upcoming brand campaign alongside Varun Dhawan, who has been Fossil’s brand ambassador since 2018.The campaign will feature the much-awaited watches from this year’s spring-summer collection – traditional & automatic watches, Hybrid HR smart watches and new platforms for the Gen5smartwatch.

Availability

https://www.fossil.com/in/en.html

Amorepacific Group launches Luxury Beauty Brand

Sulwhasoo

Amorepacific Group (hereafter, Amorepacific) announced  the launch of Sulwhasoo in India.

In a bid to further its inroads into the Indian market, Amorepacific –  beauty company in Korea – launched its luxury beauty brand Sulwhasoo in India  with Nykaa.

Sulwhasoo formulates innovative skin solution by infusing wisdom and modern science, awake skin’s radiance that is from confidence with healthy glow.

:First Care Activating Serum- Launched in 1997 to inaugurate the boosting serum category, Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum contains JAUM Balancing Complex™, which combines five ingredients carefully selected from 3,000 herbs in traditional Korean medicine. The Sacred Lotus, Peony, Solomon’s Seal, White Lily and Rehmannia makeup up the trademarked JAUM Balancing Complex™ in this serum. The product, to be used as a first-step of skincare after washing, effectively achieves the skin balance to give a radiant glow.

Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream: Sulwhasoo has invested in 50 years of research in order to transform the legendary ginseng ingredient into an innovative skincare solution. Sulwhasoo has made a scientific breakthrough by studying not just the ginseng root that has been recognized for its exceptional efficacies, but also its leaves, stems, flowers and berries that others have overlooked. The pinnacle of this is the Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Gingseng Renewing Cream, which works as a potent anti-aging cream.

Availability:

Select Nykaa Luxe Stores, India | https://www.nykaa.com/

Monsoon Mania

By Dr. Blossom Kochhar

Rain Rain Come Again!

Monsoon is all about garam chai and crispy pakodas. We love to get drenched in the rain and enjoy the drops of heaven on our skin. At this time, we do not actually think on how important it is to give good care of the skin during the rain.

The season tends to infect the air, atmosphere and water resources that are the basic necessities of our life. Skin and hair also cannot be left unprotected. Here are some helpful monsoon regimes.

Rinse the Dirt Away

  • It is important to keep your skin clean and dirt-free. Haven’t you tried Aroma Magic Grapefruit Facewash and Aroma Magic White Tea & Chamomile Facewash? They are the perfect partners for monsoon skin. Not only do they clean your skin but keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Exfoliate for the skin to Breathe

  • Exfoliation is the process to remove the dead cells from the skin and open blocked pores. This helps the skin to breathe and live longer. Aroma Magic Coffee Bean Scrub exfoliates, deep cleanses and improves circulation. It helps the skin look fresh and young.

Don’t Let the Clouds Fool You

  • So what if the sun is not shining and it is cloudy outside? It is always important to wear sunscreen as the harmful rays of the sun can penetrate through the clouds. Get Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20. The gel formula creates a physical barrier between you and the sun. Aloe Vera extracts hydrate, purifies and provides smart sun protection.

It’s Time to Detoxify the Skin

  • Detoxification is a very important part of the monsoon regime. You can’t go wrong when you use Aroma Magic Detoxifying Mineral Pack. The natural combination of minerals and essential oils helps in absorbing impurities and repairing tired skin.

Hair Fall Tips

  • Every girl encounters severe hair fall issues when it starts to rain. Aroma Magic has introduced Hair Revitalising Serum to be the perfect hair care partner for the monsoons. It helps to reduce hairfall, strengthen hair roots, increase blood circulation and stimulate hair follicle formulation.

Make Your Feet Happy

  • It feels amazing when you get drenched in the rain. It is this time of water, mud, bacteria, fungus and infections too. It is very important to always keep your feet clean. One of the most important feet care tips is to dip your feet with mild soap and lukewarm water with 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.  This helps to remove the dirt and keep your feet clean. Try to wear covered waterproof shoes to keep your feet free from dirt and infection.

Dr. Blossom Kochhar, is the Founder & Chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies institutionalized

A tribute to Covid Warriors from Senior Gurus and eminent Artists.

‘Ek Umeed’

Dedicated to Frontline Covid Warriors

During the several phases of the lockdown, the frontline COVID-19 warriors worked selflessly so that others wouldn’t face any problems. Urvashi Dance Music Art and Culture Society and Aamad Dance Centre have made a video ’ Ek Umeed’  Hope as a tribute to all corona warriors from the eminent artists globally. Recently, they launched the video through a virtual medium. Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India & President of ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) has extended their support for the Video.

 The video ‘Ek Umeed’ is conceptualized by Dr Rekha Mehra and Guru Rani Khanam and written by Ashok Jamnani, Voice over by Pallavi Bharati and music is by Shiv Shankar Ray. It is aimed at honoring and appreciating the stellar contribution of the frontline warriors of COVID-19 such as healthcare workers, the armed forces, police, drivers, delivery personnel, essential service personnel, and many others who have made tremendous sacrifices to serve the nation during this on-going pandemic. Many senior classical dance gurus and eminent artists from a different genre of cultural dance like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Mohiniattam to name a few, have come together to show their love and support for the warriors. The line-up of artists includes Padma Vibhushan Pt. BirjuMaharaj, Padma Bhushan Dr. Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan, Padma BhushanDr Uma Sharma, SNA Awardee Smt. Geetanjali Lal, SNA Awardee Vidushi Saswati Sen, Padamshree Ranjana Gauhar, Vidushi Vaswati Misra, Guru Rani Khanam, Dr. Rekha Mehra, Nalini and Kamalini Asthana, Padamshree Bharti Shivaji, SNA Awardee Smt. Manjusree Chatterjee, Kavita Dwibedi, Jayshree Acharya, Abhay Mishra & Kakoli Mishra, Smt Mangala Bhatt & Shri Raghav Raj Bhatt, Rita Mustaphi, Madhusmita Bora and Nishi Singh. The entire video with multimedia projection is edited by Sandeep Salaria.

Wishing the team of ‘Ek Umeed’, Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President ICCR, Member of Parliament, said “The video where worshipper of classical dance Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji is there along with various renowned senior dance gurus and artists, I would like to congratulate the team for coming together for this great initiative. I would also like to wish Dr Rekha Mehra Ji and Guru Rani Khanam Ji for conceptualizing this video.”

ShyamJaju, National Vice President, BJP, said “The entire nation is going through this pandemic, it is the need of the hour to provide strength and hope to the society. Dr Rekha Mehra and Guru Rani Khanam who has conceptualized this video with Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj and other eminent artists will surely take a wave of oath to fight this pandemic together and increase their hope. I would recommend everyone to watch this video.”

 Satish Upadhyay, Ex-President, BJP, Delhi said, “The entire world and India is going through an infectious time where everyone is fighting with the pandemic in the wake of COVID-19. In such a time a video like ’Ek Umeed’ where all the Padma Vibhushan artists like Pt. Birju Maharaj, Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan, Vidushi Uma Sharma, Padmashree Ranjana Gauhar and other senior and eminent dance gurus have tried to create hope for all the frontline Covid-19 warriors through their expressions and dance moves. I wish the entire team of ‘Ek Umeed’ for such a great initiative.”

Facebook Link-  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3093671714050178&id=659165394167501&anchor_composer=false