Between Halloween and Diwali - an update

One week holiday for Halloween and we remained lazy, cubby-holed at home. Weekend began with lil G attending her first birthday party! All the while Big G was feeling all left out and wanting to know why she could not go. lil G's face was beginning to crumple and eyes brim with tears when she saw us leaving. Thankfully the hostess said Big G could stay too. lil G was only too happy to hold on to big sis's hand and stay there for 3 hours! A mini milestone.

I joined a gym on trial basis. And I eat even better after that:) The reason I was dilly dallying all this while was it's a good 30 mins walk from home, ok 25 if I brisk walk. And after a spin session, I am so drained. And 2 hours is a lot from my schedule, especially with kids at home in the evenings. So, keeping fingers crossed that I lose some weight and flab, else #facepalm.

Co-incidentally we did bring home a big pumpkin. No we did  not carve it, got a blister on my finger trying to cut it. Made a pumpkin spice cake for the husband's birthday and though he was skeptic about it, liked it. Of course, it totally negated my gym session for that day. Also I tried butter cream icing and I think I prefer the fresh cream icing, though it's little bit more effort. Here's the recipe I followed, for my own record. Roasted pumpkin seeds are just awesome. Also invited my friend A for some authentic Kannadiga food. It was appreciated and in the bargain I learnt a new dessert too, chanar payesh.

Halloween is not native to Belgium. Traditionally, it has been Nov 1 - All Saint's Day and Nov 2- day of the Dead, that are celebrated. The Belgians light candles in the memory of their departed loved ones. I also read up that the Belgians are superstitious about a black cat entering their homes or business places or even cross their paths. I should clarify if this is a belief only around this particular time or throughout the year. However most shops and establishments do lovely window displays starting this time of the year - witches, spiders, cobwebs, pinecones, etc.

I read the final book in the Millenium trilogy - The Girl who kicked the Hornet's Nest by  Steig Larrson. After reading the first book -The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I've been  fascinated with the both the protagonists Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. The books are very well researched and fast paced and all his characterizations are super. I found it difficult to put the book down. Should watch the movie now to see how it's been treated, as the plot is complex and there are so many sub-plots.

Actually so could not put the book down that I introduced Read-Yourself-To-Sleep concept during bedtime. Was very happy to see Big G read aloud a story to lil G and herself and both of them settle to sleep. Yay! Done it only once though. Big G and me started on a 500 piece puzzle and except for some small fixes here and there, she finished it on her own. Some other things we discussed are bacteria - the good and the bad, food that make hair grow - it is really easy to shove so many things in this category, right from olives to broccoli to even wearing thicker sweaters so your hair won't fall #thisParentingBusiness #vanity&littlegirls.

Hair and hair-care routines are getting longer and complex as I have to now make 4 plaits, twice a day. Vlechtjes, come the demand for plaits, or Staartjes, for pig tails like Pippi Langkous. This week, it's back to business as usual. I have a test on Diwali day, so not looking forward to it. Wish you all a Very Happy Diwali and may the festival of lights fill your home and life with peace, prosperity and joy!

Pic Courtesy: Google Images