Tasty Treats For Under 200 Calories

The number of calories a body needs varies from person to person. A normal person requires about 2000 calories on an average in a day but it may be more or less depending on your height, weight, gender, and age and activity level. 

For people who are dieting and trying to lose weight snacks or in between meals can serve as an ally in your efforts. Eating small and healthy meals, which are less than 200 calories, can regulate your blood sugar, prevent over eating and improve metabolism. 

They should also contain nutritional value in the form of vitamins, fiber contents, protein and other dietary essentials. Less than 200 calories can also be served as a dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner or it may come consumed as the main dish.

Tandoori Aloo Wrap or Tandoori Potato Wrap:
 
Ingredients: For the wrap:

·         Wheat flour 300 gms

·         Water 1 small cup

·         Salt as required

For the stuffing:
Potatoes 250 Gms

For Marinate: 

·         Chili paste 1 tsp

·         Curd 40 gms

·         Black salt 1 pinch

·         Salt to taste

·         Sesame oil 1 tsp

·         Mustard oil 1 tsp

·         Garam masala  ½ tsp

·         Cumin powder ½ tsp

·         Turmeric powder ½ tsp

Method:

1.      Peel and boil the potatoes

2.      Mix all the marinating spices with the potatoes and set aside for 20 minutes

3.      Cook the potatoes for 8 minutes at 250 degrees in an oven

4.      Mix the dough and make it into wraps

5.      Smash the cooked potatoes and spread it in the wrap with onion rings or green chutney.

6.      Roll it and serve with mint chutney

Poha Bhel:

Ingredients:

Click to watch a video
on youtube on how to prepare this dish. 

Poha 1 cup (Dehusked rice which is flattened into flat light dry flakes)
Cucumber 1 Nos finely chopped.
Tomato 1 Nos finely chopped.
Onion 1 Nos chopped.
Potato ½  piece.
Finely chopped raw mango.
Finely chopped coriander leaves ½ cup.

Dates and tamarind chutney
Green chilli and coriander chutney
Salt to taste
 

Method:
1) Soak the poha in water for 30 minutes and remove the water after squeeze it.
2) Boil the potato and cut into small pieces.
3) Mix all the ingredients and potatoes with the poha
4) Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

 

Sweet And Sour Chicken:

Ingredients:

Boneless chicken breasts 2 large pieces
Cornstarch 2 tsp
Sugar 3 tsp
Pineapple juice 6 ounce
Pepper 1/8 tsp
Ketchup 3 tsp
Soya sauce 2 tsp
Lemon juice 2 tsp
Chopped onion 1/4 cup
Large carrot, sliced 1 Nos
Vegetable oil 1 1/2 tsp
Zucchini, sliced1/2 inch thick
Green pepper 1/2 medium cut into strips
Sweet red pepper 1/2 medium cut into strips
Pineapple tidbits 8 ounce drained
Cooked rice

Preparation:

1. Mix pineapple juice, sugar, pepper and cornstarch until smooth in a bowl.
2. Mix and stir the soy sauce, lemon juice and ketchup and keep it aside.
3. In a nonstick vessel cook the chicken, onions and carrots in oil until  brown.
4. Add the red and green peppers and zucchini until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Pour the sauce that was set aside over the chicken/vegetable mixture.
6. Add the pineapple pieces.
7. Cook and stir until thickened.
8. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Cheap Home Decor Tricks that make a BIG Impact!

7 Inexpensive Things You Can Do to Make a Big Impact in Your Home Décor

Running a household on your own can be a huge challenge with its bills and general maintenance. Your house décor takes a back seat in terms of priorities. Usually, it’s because affording new items for your home is really expensive and it can’t always sit well with our budget.

But if I told you that there are ways that you can improve your home décor but still be on your budget? It truly is possible! There are ways that you can spice up your home décor without losing a lot of money, time or an appendage (trust me, it happens sometimes).

So, here I’ve compiled a list of some of those easy-on-budget things that you could do in your home to make it look more stylish and classy:

This mirror is for sale.
Click pic for details. 

Mirrors:

Nothing makes a place look more spacious and glowing than a mirror. Good news is that most of them you could find at a cheap price. They don’t have any colors (except the frame, of course), so you don’t have to worry about if they will clash with your other décor. Simply buy one with the frame that matches your furniture and voila! You just found something to hang on that wall which felt so empty.

Sheer Drapes:

Just like mirrors, sheer drapes bring a glow to the room like no other. They look classy and beautiful while still being inexpensive. So, if you don’t have the budget for heavy curtains, this will be a good and much cheaper alternative.

Frame Your Artworks or Mementos:

Do you have a lot of kids’ or even your drawings that you saved in a drawer which never saw the light of day? Now is the time to make good use of them. Put them in cheap frames and hang them on your empty wall. This will make your home feel cozy and more you.

If you would like a really unique way to display your child's art, consider a beautiful handmade necklace! I can place your child's artwork in a dome photo pendant and you can wear your child's art. They also make great keepsake gifts for the child, grandparents or loved ones who live far away. Click here for details!

Add Plants:

This is a good way really enliven up your space without spending much money. You can place a corner piece in the living room or you could hang a vine on the corner wall beside your wardrobe. This will be good for your mood as well because green is a refreshing color.

Books:

Do you have a show case that sits empty because you can’t afford pricey decorations? Well, it’s time for you to pull out a much cheaper alternative: books. They look good in any room and act as a nice place filler while adding new colors to the décor. Even if you don’t have enough books in your home, you could always buy them at cheap prices.

Re-arrange Furniture:

Re-arranging what you already have can make a big impact as it will give your home a new look. Change the position of the sofas in the living room; change up your television’s position if you can or whatever. The point is to move things around a bit to give your home a new feel to it.

Paint:

This is a really cheap way to give your home a whole new look. Just choose colors that are inviting and of course, different than the previous ones. Just go out to the store and get a few paint samples and get a feel of what you want next. 

Decide with your family and just go for it!

You can notice that all of these ideas are really cheap but if done right, your home will look much better and you will feel a whole new vibe from it. Raid your attic while you’re at it and you’ll find a bunch of antique items that you can find creative ways to decorate your home with. Really, the possibilities are endless!

Easy and Cheap Ways to Improve Your Kitchen!

Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Kitchen Work Better

Ideas from Amazon

The majority of us deal with kitchen oddity vexation on a daily basis. Your kitchen can still be a place where you adore and treasure. 

Not everyone can spend $5000 to revamp his/her kitchen. You can spend little if not no dime and upgrade it to look like a your dream kitchen with a little creativity.

The details, the material, the layout, and everything. You need useful hacks to make it special and swoon-worthy. Making these changes will go a long way making your kitchen a place you’ll enjoy and feel more organized. Maybe even just adding cool items to use is another great idea.

Ideas from Amazon

Replace Hardware

With hardware, you have to choose something gripping and fresh. The best to do this is visiting your home store hardware section. Browse and see what will function in your kitchen.

If your kitchen has a modish look, go for a great product that will upgrade it to this day quality. If your kitchen is traditional, pick something that will reflect it. But should be fresh and interesting

Ideas from Amazon

Test on Open Shelving

Available from Amazon

In some kitchens, the cabinet storage captures one word: Wow! If not it will be Oh no! Your kitchen might be having a cabinet that is sleek and contemporary like those in the 90s. Replacing your cabinet doors is an expensive option. Provided the cabinets themselves are in good condition.

Hoard plates and cups in the now open shelves. Investing in new sets of glasses and cups won’t break your bank. That is if your dishes get mismatched in a non-stylish sense. But here comes the trick. You are going for the look and thus you should explore and envisage how your kitchen would look like.  After you put in place the impression.

Install a Pot Rack

Installing a pot rack will not only free space from cupboards but it’s one way of space saving. Besides, this will add a seductive appeal to the kitchen. There are several pot racks on the market to choose from. Industrial look, contemporary look, country look or any other desire.

You can add a charming punch to your room by installing a ceiling pot rack. This is a sign that your kitchen is pretty and functional. Isn’t this what your kitchen should do? What do you think?

Available from Amazon

Buy New Counter Stools

Available from Amazon

You can make a major variance by changing key pieces of furniture in your kitchen. In several kitchens, stools and chairs are functional. But they lack proper design. Achieve a big impact by swapping them for some stylish pieces.

Changing or adding light. Adding more storage space and small wire shelves. Adding a rug are extra ways to make your kitchen look better. Ensure you are working with what you look at so about to bring the idea home. 

Fun Ways to Decorate Your Home!

Fun Ways to Decorate Your Home

Read My Blog Post Here!

Decorating your home can be a taxing assignment especially if you’re on a budget. Little did you know you can decorate your home with or no cash? All you need is to be a little more creative. 

It’s not a must you have to spend hundreds of dollars to hire and interior or exterior designer. Lets’ explore some imaginative and fun ideas. You can use to display and match your personality. 

Use Items you have Around the House

Ars Mundi

Chances are you have old/extra decorated dishes, right? You can buy display stands place them in the dining room. Besides, you can hang them on the wall in the kitchen. They can make good holders of plates.

Walls Decoration

You can buy some decorated paper and frames. Furthermore, you can use scrapbooking or wrapping papers as your framework. As a result, you will have a unique artwork to display on your walls.

Add more creativity to your hobby by exploring sites. Like ars mundi, allposters, and Society6  among others online- even Amazon. They have hundreds of pictures that you can buy. Or get an idea of how you can modify your drawing to suit your personality. They too have tips, colors, formats that you can encrypt in your creativity.

How about if you can buy vases or different glass size bottles? You can then fill these bottles with items like marbles, beans, pasta and potpourri. Spread them in different rooms. For example, you can place the marbles and pasta in the living room and potpourri and beans in the kitchen.

Bathroom

From Society6

This is one room that is tricky to decorate. But you can put your creativity to the test. Instead of throwing away existing towels, you can use them. Besides, you can buy cheap baskets and roll the towels so they get displayed well. 

Or, you can just roll the towels and place them on a shelf if you don’t want to add baskets. For more bathroom ideas, click here.

Decorating your home shouldn’t be an expensive affair. You can mix your creative ideas and new ideas to bring up your own unique style. 

There are different styles that you have come up with and they met your personality. Share them with us and help others to improve their decorations.

Wall Tapestry: Fair Trade Item

Don’t over-rely on experts when you can use your creativity. This doesn’t mean that experts’ directions are bad. But you can spend less and achieve more by yourself. Try it out! If you want more ideas, follow me on Pinterest. My fav social media site. 

Home Decorating With a Moroccan Theme

www.continental-charm.com
MOROCCAN-STYLE LANTERN TRIO SET

A Moroccan theme is a beautiful addition to almost any home decorating plan. With the beautiful colors, rich textures, and lush fabrics there is no doubt as to the reason that this style of decorating is becoming so popular around the world. These are some of the most beautiful and in some ways the most exotic styles of decorating that you will find around the world.

www.continental-charm.com 
MOROCCAN-STYLE STAR LANTERN

The Moroccan style is quite lovely and includes many bold colors and textures to keep not only your eyes occupied but also your other senses as well. The good news is that it is bold enough that it is still relatively new as far as decorating styles within the US goes. This means that you aren't likely to have the identical interior décor of your neighbor, friends, or cousin down the way. Even if they adore what you have done and want to imitate it within their own homes, chances are they will not choose the exact designs, patterns, colors, and textures that you have chosen since there are so many fabulous things from which to choose.

Mosaics are perhaps my favorite touch from this part of the world. They are beautiful and very versatile. They can be used for almost anything. I have seen stunning tables, trays, light fixtures, candle holders, wall sconces, and wall art that was made from mosaic tiles. In fact, this style of artwork (or whatever you might wish to call it) is growing in popularity in the states exponentially in recent years. People are often trying to imitate the style or at the very least purchasing products that incorporate the style.

www.continental-charm.com
MOROCCAN-STYLE LANTERN TRIO SET

Fabrics used in Moroccan design and home décor are among some of the most stunningly beautiful fabrics you will find in the world. In fact, many people decide on this sort of theme for the fabric alone and even many who have passed on a Moroccan theme for their homes have still managed to squirrel away some of the fabric in order to create beautiful pillows and curtains. The fabrics are worth taking a look even if you aren't seriously considering incorporating this style of design into your home decorating plans.

The furniture when selecting this style of design for your home is very ornate and beautiful. Moroccan craftsmanship is not to be under stated, as it is very lovely. Now for some, the furnishings are a little much but the other touches of Moroccan décor are perfectly inline with personal preferences. If you are one who feels this way it is not an uncommon feeling. While the work is beautiful it can definitely be overwhelming. However, there is nothing wrong with taking the design aspects you like from the Moroccan style of home décor and not borrowing those you aren't perfectly delighted with.

www.continental-charm.com
MOROCCAN-STYLE LANTERN TRIO SET

One thing that very few people complain about however is the rugs. Persian rugs are by no means inexpensive but they are most definitely worth every penny paid for them when they are made well. These are some of the most highly prized and sought after rugs around the world not only for the richness of their colors but also for the intricateness of their design.

Be sure to consider the value that a Moroccan decorating style could add to your enjoyment of your home. While it isn't for everyone as a whole, there may be bits and pieces that are absolutely perfect for you.


submitted by guest blogger: Shelly Miller

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9 Tips to Decorate Your Apartment!

Here are some easy tips to decorate your home.   Taking a few moments to think about your home will help you fully enjoy it.

Think about your home, and answer these questions:  

1.  What do you want it to be?    If you want your home to be a tranquil oasis in a busy world, are your colors soothing or do they shout?   If you want a fun place for friends to gather, do you have plenty of seating?   

2.  What are your main hobbies and activities?   What do you need for these activities?  For instance, if you have a collection that you work on often, get storage containers for it that can be easily opened or put away.  If it’s a lot of trouble to get at your collection, you either won’t spend the time on it, or else might be tempted to leave it out and risk losing or breaking certain pieces. 

3.  Who will be using the space?   How many people will be living there?  What ages?  It’s important for every person to have a space that’s their own.  Whether it’s a special chair, couch, desk or a section of a room, everyone needs ‘their space’.   If you’re planning to do video aerobics, you’ll need room to move around in front of the TV!   

4.  What about your things?   It’s easy to become very messy if things don’t have a place.     A small filing cabinet is a must for many people – it’s a great place to store all the papers that you don’t know what to do with!

5.  How much do you really need?  Too much furniture makes a room seem crowded.  The bare essentials are a couch and chair, a table and chairs for eating, a bed and place for your clothes.   After that, think hard about what you need or don’t need.  Will you really use that computer desk – or would you rather sit on the couch with a laptop?  

6.  Think about the traffic flow.   You want to be able to walk anywhere in the room without bumping into furniture.   Try drawing furniture placement on paper as a first step.

7.  Pick a focal point - your Greystone Properties home has unique features.  What do you want to see when your first walk in the room?   If you have nice windows with great lighting, are you emphasizing it?   Everyone feels brighter in sunshine.

8.  Think about order and organization.  Do you bring home work every day, or mail, or sports equipment?    Where will you put it?   A large bowl or box near the front door is a great place to drop mail until you go through it later.    

9.  Take advantage of free expert advice.  Every store and every product line employs professional designers to put furniture and accessories together.   If you’re unsure of your decorating skills, pick a design you like.   Study how they did it either by looking through a catalogue or going to a store.   It’s all there assembled and displayed for you.   If you like the look, simply do what they’ve done!

submitted by guest blogger: Tamara Jenkins

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Balancing Your Decorating Ideas!

Nowadays, the lack of time for decorating and its maintenance makes people look for something that can be done quickly and practically. However, even in this kind of situation personality is indispensable. The choice of material, furniture, accessories and right colors are great allies for those who want to make the interior environment more elegant and reflecting “the owner’s way of being.”


Colors

Colors are fashion. This has become a key element of decoration.

Harmony and quality

The main concept in a design project for a house or apartment can be defined in just one word: harmony. Harmony among styles and elements that will be used, such as color, fabrics, fabric textures and right lighting – can increase the perceived value of your design project or, if used incorrectly, can ruin it completely.

For example, you can set a modern architecture concept of interior design and mix the environments that you have with some classic pieces; or you can set a classic architecture concept of interior design and mix the environments with some contemporary elements. However, it is necessary to be careful.

Harmony In Decorating!

For those who cannot hire a professional designer, it is very important that he or she knows how to get good quality design. The key is to avoid the use of too many colorful elements and strong colors. “Using only one color tone in the environment it will be almost impossible to make it wrong,” according to many interior designers.

But what is the meaning of matching in an interior design project?

Interior design is like fashion: everything can be used according to the taste of each person. There are not too many rules. The first principle is to start from the architecture style of the house, after which the interior design can be defined.

For instance, it is worthless to have a very contemporary house and use many classic elements inside its environments. You have to follow the style of the house. However, to have one or another older piece in a modern residence brings a different and beautiful combination to the decoration.

The wall

Great Wall Decor

It doesn’t matter if it is a painting, picture, sculpture or a poster with your preferred superhero. When disguising the wall, everything can do good or bad, depending on the dose, the distribution, the lighting and the position.

Icons of this movement, including Americans Andy Warhol (1928-1987) and Roy Liechtenstein (1923-1997), inspire copies and their masterpieces have been reproduced on a large scale. With colorful draws, the ideal would be to hang them on more bright walls.

As a first commandment, the experts say that the masterpiece should mean something for the owner.

Big pictures need to be alone in the wall. Two or more of medium size can be hung side by side. And many small pictures, making geometric figures, are very welcome.

I hope you found these tips valuable. Come back often for more great ideas!

submitted by guest blogger... Cathy Carson

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