28 Creative Uses for Orange Peels

28 Creative Uses for Orange Peels The winter season is all about citrus fruit and oranges in particular. That means a lot of hands will be stinky from orange rinds, and a lot of rinds will be thrown in a trash.  Here are some unique uses for orange rinds that you may not have thought of!   Photo: Maggie Smith/ freedigitalphotos.net 1. Orange ZestThis is probably the most self-explanatory of all the uses for orange peels. Zesting an orange peel with a shredder is a great way to add a sweet and tangy taste to your meat marinades or favorite baked goods. Orange zest can even taste great in your morning cup of coffee or afternoon cup of tea! 2. Preserve Brown SugarAdd your orange peels to brown sugar to help draw the moisture away from the sugar and keep it from solidifying. 3. Start a FireThis fire-colored fruit can also be used to start a fire! Use a dried orange peel as kindling the next time you are on a camping trip, or make your hearth fires fragrant and bright. 4. Make Orange Peels Dipped in ChocolateA wonderful delicacy, candied orange peels are a popular after-meal snack in a number of European cultures, and they are quite easy to make! Just melt some chocolate and cover one or all sides of a sugared orange peel. 5. Make Orange Peel CandyCandied orange peels are made by boiling a dried orange peel in sugar for about an hour. You can then cover them in chocolate as mentioned above, or roll them around in sugar for an even sweeter taste! 6. Orange-Peel Infused Olive OilIf you want to give your salads a kick, place one dried orange peel in your olive oil and your greens will be much more exciting.  Photo: Praisaeng/ freedigitalphotos.net 7. Make Orange TeaNo need for tea bags here! Dry out a few orange peels and place them in hot water next time you are craving a warm orangey beverage. Orange tea is also great for when you are feeling congested - the citrus will open up your sinuses. 8. Create a Natural SpongeOrange peels can be used as a sponge too! Before the peel completely dries out, it contains a number of essential oils that are helpful in degreasing surfaces as well as pots and pans. If your sink or counter is full of grease, use an orange peel to scrub it down. 9. DeodorizerIt's no secret that the smell of a freshly peeled orange can clear out a room. Instead of shocking people with the strong smell of orange, place the peels at the bottom of your garbage bin, or hang the peels from a string in your bathroom for fresh scents all the time. 10. Garbage Disposal CleanerA great way to clean out your garbage disposal is by putting orange peels down the disposal. Place them in the disposal and run it until clear, then run some water down after it. The citrus will get rid of any yucky scents coming from the disposal. 11. Air FreshenerBoil orange peels in hot water to help fresh the air in the kitchen. You can also add a cinnamon stick or mint into the mix if you want to recreate the smell of air fresheners. If you have a fire going at home, place a paper bag filled with dried orange peels into the fire and your house will smell wonderful.  Photo: Ambro/ freedigitalphotos.net 12. Refrigerator DeodorizerOrange is also an excellent deodorizer for your refrigerator. Cut an orange in half and remove the fruit from inside (eat it!). Then, fill up the half orange with salt and put it in a small bowl in your refrigerator for up two a week or two. 13. Citrus CleanerYou can make your own citrus cleaner by infusing vinegar with orange peels with a bit of boiling water. 14. Orange Peel CandleMake a candle at home with orange peels infused inside.  15. Topiary TreeMake your own topiary tree with orange peels for a great smelling piece of home decor. 16. Body ScrubWrap up the orange peels in gauze pads and rub them on your skin while you are in the shower. The scrub will brighten your skin and give it a great smell. 17. Bath OilExtract the oil from the orange peels by grinding up the peels and fermenting them with vodka or alcohol for about 3 days. Strain the oil and add a few drops to your bath. Orange oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as for improving the skin tone and texture. 18. Bath PowderDry out the orange peels completely and then grind them down to paste in the food processor. Do this until the rinds become a fine powder and then sprinkle only a bit in your bath.  Photo: Ambro/ freedigitalphotos.net 19. Lowers Blood PressureOrange rinds can be used to lower blood pressure. They have been a part of Chinese herbal medicines for thousands of years for this purpose. 20. Suppresses Depression and AnxietyOrange oil can be used to naturally relieve anxiety and depression by taking a bath or rubbing just a bit on the temple and forehead area. 21. Make a Bird FeederTo make a natural bird feeder that the birds will just love, cut an orange in half and remove the fruit. Take the orange-half and poke 3 evenly spaced holes near the cut section of peel. There, attach a sturdy piece of string and hang it from a tree. Fill the empty orange peel with bird seed and wait for your flying visitors to pile in! 22. Mosquito RepellantIf you are looking for a natural way to repel mosquitos, take fresh orange peels and rub them all over your skin. The citrusy smell will repel the mosquitos.   Photo: twobee/ freedigitalphotos.net   23. Slug RepellantIf you have a slug problem in your garden, try spreading some orange peels on top of the soil to shoo them away.   24. Ant RepellantPlace orange peels in problem areas of your house where you usually experience an ant problem. Orange oil can also be used instead of peels if you are worried about them rotting. 25. Keep Stray Cats AwayIf you want to keep stray cats away from your home, place orange peels outside because they don't like the smell. If you have a cat at home that tends to get into things it shouldn't, you can rub the peels or place them (or rub orange oil) near the dear things in your home (like your sofa).  Photo: Carlos Porto/ freedigitalphotos.net 26. Make Silly TeethOrange peels can be used to make funny teeth with kids that they put in their mouth. Just cut off a slice of an orange, eat the fruit, and then carve out fun designs from the peel. Have the children walk around with the peel covering their teeth and they are sure to have a great time. 27. Orange Peel BoatsCut an orange in half, remove the fruit and use the halves as little boats in the bathtub or out on the lake! 28. Orange Peel JewelryMake fragrant and fun jewelry with the little princesses you know entirely out of orange peels!  Don't throw away those orange peels!

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THE STORY OF THE PENCIL

THE STORY OF THE PENCIL

This is an article which was written by Paulo Coelho in his book "Like the Flowing River".

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked:

‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’

His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:
I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t seem very special.
‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on them, it will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.’

‘First quality: You are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.’

‘Second quality: Now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpner. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.

‘Third quality: The pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.’

‘Fourth quality: What really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.’

‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: It always leaves a mark. in just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action’.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside &

Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

Great truths lie in simple things… I want to be a pencil… do you?

      

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Wishing you a Divine and Happy Gudi Paduva.

Wishing you a Divine and Happy 

Gudi Paduva.

Gudhi Padva ~ गुढी पाडवा , is the name for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. This day is also the first day of Chaitra Navratri and Ghatasthapana also known as Kalash Sthapana is done on this day.

On Guḍhī Pāḍavā, a gudhi is found sticking out of a window or otherwise prominently displayed in traditional Maharashtrian households. Bright green or yellow cloth adorned with brocade (zari) tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which gaathi (sugar crystals), neem leaves[citation needed], a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in the inverted position over it. Altogether, it is called as Gudhi. It is hoisted outside the house, in a window, terrace or a high place so that everybody can see it.

Some of the significances attributed to raising a Gudhi are as follows:

- Maharashtrians also see the Gudhi as a symbol of victory associated with the conquests of the Maratha forces led by Chhatrapati Sri Shivaji Mahaaraaj. It also symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahana over Sakas and was hoisted by his people when he returned to Paithan.

- Gudhi symbolizes the Brahmadhvaj ( Brahma’s flag) mentioned in the Brahma Purana, because Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. It may also represent Indradhvaj (the flag of Indra).

- Mythologically, the Gudhi symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory and happiness on returning to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana. Since a symbol of victory is always held high, so is the gudhi (flag). 

- Gudhi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house.

- The Gudhi is positioned on the right side of the main entrance of the house. The right side symbolizes active state of the soul.

On this festive day, courtyards in village houses will be swept clean and plastered with fresh cow-dung. Even in the city, people take the time out to do some spring cleaning. Women and children work on intricate rangoli designs on their doorsteps, the vibrant colours mirroring the burst of colour associated with spring. Everyone dresses up in new clothes and it is a time for family gatherings.

Traditionally, families are supposed to begin the festivities by eating the bittersweet leaves of the neem tree. Sometimes, a paste of neem leaves is prepared and mixed with dhane, gul/gur (known as jaggery in English), and tamarind. All the members of the family consume this paste, which is believed to purify the blood and strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases.

Maharashtrian families also make Puran Poli on this day. Konkanis make Kanangachi Kheer, a variety of Kheer made of sweet potato, coconut milk, jaggery, rice flour, etc. and Sanna.

Wishing you a Divine and Happy Gudi Paduva

 

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Happy Gudi Padwa& Happy Ugaadhi

Happy Gudi Padwa&Happy Ugaadhi

The True Birth Day of Universe

 

 Does the title seem "" Too far-fetched""? Fellow Indian [nay Bharatiya] friends,have we, the descendents of great sages[seientists],ever bothered to find the meaning of the followingSankalp Shloka which we recite before performing any pooja?

           .

@@@SMARTY:TRIM:PRE@@@

This gives us the time as on today (according to earth time frame) from the birht of the present universe!

  Let"s count it how! 

 

At the poles the earth has day and night of 6 months each. So the "north or south pole" day = 1 equator year.

 

And that 1pole-year (called as Divya Varsha) = 360 years (not 365, as lunar  month is of 30 days)

                                                                                   

1200 Divya Varshas (1000+200sandhi)= 360 x 1200=4,32,000yrs.=Kali-yuga.

The start of a "Yuga" is marked by a conjuction of 7 heavenly bodies, viz.Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, & Saturn., (The ones which affect the Earth atmosphere.)And this is proved by today"s astronomists.

European astronomist Belly says "According to astronomical calculations of Hindus, the present period of the Earth, Kali-yuga,commenced 3102 yrs. B. C. on 20th Feb at 2hrs. 27 mins. & 30 secs. They say a conjuction of 7 heavenly bodies,then took place;their tables(Panchang) shows it.,& is exactly confirmed by our own current tables." Now isn"t it astounding, the calculations are thousands of yrs. old !! (see Yajur-veda ..) And this happens at the begining of every "4,32,000yrs." period(yuga.)

Resuming our calculations, Kali = 1; So this conjuction occurs once.

Dwapar-yuga (dwa =2) has this conjuction twice,Treta(=3)yuga hasthrice  & Krita/Satya(=4)yuga has it 4 times. So also the no. of years in them are 2, 3,& 4, times that of Kali-yuga respectively.All "4 Yugas" added make a Maha-yuga..

Kali(1)+Dwapar(2)+Treta(3)+Krita(4)=10=1

 Maha-yuga.=10x4,32,000yrs

71Maha-yugas(+9600 yuga-sandhis)=1 Manvantar (the current 7th one isnamed Vaivasvat).  14 such Manvantars =1000 Maha-yugas=1 Kalpa
(Shweta-waraha Kalp in this case) =1000x4,32,000=432 crore yrs.

Now isn"t it mind boggling even to imagine these figures !

The time taken by our Sun & planets (Surya-mandal) to revolve around our galaxy Milky Way is 1 Manvantar.

All galaxies (named as Vishwadev) together form a circle calledParameshti-mandal, which revolves around Swyam-bhuv (meaning self-originated) Mandal  in one Kalp time.We say that the galaxies move around "Black Hole"(?) in today"s parlance.Swyam-bhuv ! ;how a very apt name for a "Black Hole"! in today"s parlance.Swyam-bhuv ! ;how very apt a name for a "Black Hole"! 

Universe personified as BRAHMA who has a lifespan of 100 yrs.;(1 Kalpa yrs.=12hours in BRAHMA"s time-frame.) Universe is born at  the begining of BRAHMA"s each day,( of 1 Kalpa) & dissolves itself in to nothingness at night (of 1 Kalpa), only  to be Reborn again onBRAHMA"s next morning.

Now lets calculate the no.of yrs.passed, since our present Universe was born !

Till today 6 Manvantars are over (= 6 X ..           yrs.)( ?... see above )

Of the 7th Vaivasvat Manvantar, 27 Maha-yugas (add 27 X43,20,000yrs. ) are  also done.

Of the 28th Maha-yuga, Krita,(Satya)Treta, & Dwapar yugas are also over. The current 28th Kali-yugastarted 5108 years ago. on Feb 20th at 2 hrs 27 mins & 30 secs.,the Varsha Pratipada day, when the Sun and above mentioned planets were in conjunction.This has been verified by today"s astronomists.;It matches with today"s calculations about the years of existence of our galaxy & Universe  Hence for any astronomical calculations, reference point of starting of this 28th Kali-yuga is used, though not named so. (Due to our powerless & gut-less condition.) 

                      
Our vital link (unblical cord) of Sanskrit knowledge being broken the
mental salvery of biased Western thought seems to have fouled our
blood, making us ingorant and indifferent to our ancient wisdom.Fellow Bharatiyas come lets take a vow / sankalp to understand "the above Sankalp" on this "Earth time-frame" Brith day of our present Unverse,"The Gudi Padwa" where the Sun is -in ----- Raashi and Moon in Chitra Raashi on full moon day.

The  Two thoughts of Gudi Padwa

Thought One 

It is believed that on "Gudi Padva" : 

• The Universe was created by Brahma. 
• Satyuga (The Age of Truth and Justice) began.
• Shri Rama returned to Ayodhya victorious, after having killed Ravana.
• This is one of the 3 and a half days in the Hindu Lunar calendar, whose every moment is considered auspicious. 
• The festival is celebrated as Ugadi in  Karnataka. Seven, Nine or eleven haystacks are placed on a farmland and are  set alight.  The ashes are mixed while ploughing the farm. 

 Thought  Two

The "Gudi" consists of a wooden stick and a steel inverted copper or silver "loti" (jug) which symbolizes a flag post.

This flag-post in turn symbolizes the Victory of Shree Ram over the Demon King Ravana as a mark of triumph of good over evil. The Gudi also symbolizes Shree Ram"s triumphant entry into Ayodhya.

 The flag post also has a Spiritual significance.  The

inverted empty "loti" symbolizes the "empty" ego. The "inverted" loti, could mean an indication to look within (ourselves). 

The open sky stands for "Ones true free spirit" away from the confines of the world.

A bitter-sweet mixture of neem leaves, jaggery and jeera is consumed early in the morning.

The ladies dress in their traditional finery, purchase golden items, adorn their homes with orange flowers and jubilantly usher in peace and harmony on this day, their New Year"s

Prayer

‘O Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu! Please enable me to absorb the elements of creation, fire and Sun present in the atmosphere. Let the Divine consciousness present in these elements be preserved constantly. Let the energy thus received, be used for my spiritual practice.’

MAY THIS PADWA&UGAADHI BRING SUCCESS,PROSPERITY AND    HAPPINESSIN OUR LIFE 

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Greetings and love:

SMILE WITH H.P.C.L-FLY
RAMNATH

Good Morning!!

Good Morning!!

The breeze has awakened the Earth

And Sun has colored our World

The birds have added melody to the morning

I hope i am not late to wish u gud morning! 

An innocent smile makes the day bright And an innocent thought makes our whole life peaceful So with a sweet smile start thinking bright and Have a Nice Day ahead! Keep Smiling…… The Greatest Pleasure in Life is to do What People Say U Cannot do!!!!!!

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ramajayamgomati.blogspot.comGreetings and love:

SMILE WITH 
RAMNATH

Benefits of Being Polite

Benefits of Being Polite    We all believe in the philosophy that the essence of life is talking. Communicating with others is as necessary as food. If we dont, we tend to fall ill. Today people are rarely talking.

The art of conversation has almost died down. People just usually sit and chat in their office breaks about things that are not even worth thinking about. Lets face it; we all are going towards doom where each one of us is talking to pass/kill time. The art of using communication is no more existing. People are concerned about others influence in their lives and not about their influence in others life.

It is an unbelievable thing that an effective communication through polite words can have wonderful impact on you and others lives as well. You can win the hearts of many people, climb the corporate ladder, have promotions but not have wonderful relationship with people around you.

The path to a successful life comes thorough the stairs of politeness. An act of politeness can do wonders that no monetary thing can do. Let us go deep in the art of efficient speaking by these methods.

Talking about ideas and not people

Its truly said, great minds talk about ideas and small minds talk about people. Politeness is an attitude of life. Talking about ideas heightens your politeness towards innovations and stimulates your mind too. This is effective for the speaker and the listener both. To start talking about people you can breathe out all negative energies about anyone: latest crush, which dress she wears, which perfume she uses, her bad attitude. The idea is that everything you talk about people usually comes negative. This develops a feeling of self love and comparison at all means. You do not value your life as much as you do to others.

 

Using intellect instead of the tongue

Usually people chatter on at length not worrying about the impact it would have on others. Since people are so occupied in themselves theyd rather talk about themselves only. This instigates them to speak rubbish endlessly. Have you ever thought how much of an impact we can have on others by our words? By trying to use our brains before speaking, we will save others sentiments and preserve a healthy relationship between our near ones.

Avoiding gossip

The one who usually starts a gossip or backbiting about someone does not know that he is the one to have the last laugh. People who start commenting and spreading rumors about others usually end up in a muck of politics and bickering about themselves from the other end. Such people should be avoided at arm's length. Even listening to gossip is as harmful since the listener had the power to listen to negative communication. This unhealthy gossiping could have been stopped if the listener would have ignored the speaker.

Exchange of compliments

We should not limit our compliment intake be restricted to our close relatives. People like our helpers such as servants, cleaners, house maids are those on whom we can count on. Speaking politely to them will ensure that your day is made. They are the ones who offer your services to make your life comfortable. So we should make endeavors to enrich their lives by complimenting and praising them.

Look for positive things in negative people

We all have negative and positive sides. Nobody on this earth has a squeaky clean nature. We all have flaws, however some people are observed negatively by their rude behavior and we become very judgmental about them putting them in the negative category. We should understand that people who are rude have their own weaknesses. They do not choose to be like that. Frustrations at work or domestic front make them act in this behavior. Such people should be offered more help than others comparatively. Talking politely with them will make a difference in their lives and yours too.

Feel positive about you all the time

Quite often we do not realize that we subconsciously become negative. Pent up emotions and unfulfilled desires make us behave rudely towards others and emit negative radiations from the body. Thus we tend to overreact and become rude and harsh to others in some or the other way. This might demolish the social circle that we have. So politeness in the hearts at all means will result in polite attitude.

Whatever is rested in your heart is bound to come out in the open some or the other day. Make sure you have a prosperous life with a polite attitude and selfless love. This will make you immortal in the hearts of millions as people are going to remember for your polite words and not by your status.

A photographer once clicked a photograph of ex-president of India, Dr. Kalam with a shawl placed on his shoulder. After the photo shoot was over, the photographer rudely took off the shawl and walked off. The President smiled. After being asked about his composed behaviouir, he politely answered that maybe the photographer needed the shawl more than he did, and continued his work.

People with big positions come and go but it is only their humble nature that draws millions of people towards them. Their polite words filled to the brim with modesty and love melt the hearts of even the rudest amongst the crowd. By talking politely to all we can make an impact on others lives.

      

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