Healing Power of Coloring Mandals

Mandala offers balancing visual elements symbolizing unity and harmony. It is a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically.

Why color Mandala?

Carl Jung was one of the first psychologists to use coloring as a relaxation technique in the early 20th century. He did this through mandalas.  Here are some known benefits of coloring mandalas - 

1.  Coloring activates different areas of our two cerebral hemispheres, say most psychologist. The action involves both logic, by which we color forms, and creativity, when mixing and matching colors. This lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected by stress.

2.  Another simple reason is because while coloring we focus on a particular activity and not on our worries. 

3.  Lastly, it also brings out our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, in which we most certainly had a lot less stress. 

Amore Beaute has recently launched a collection of original Mandala patterns inspired by Buddhist and Western philosophies.  

Here is one of the Mandala patterns that has been designed to absorb the mind in such a way that chattering thoughts cease, and a more philosophic or spiritual essence envelops the artist which in turn leads to higher consciousness and awareness. You can color the pattern in a way that feels right to you. I have included a sample color scheme only for reference. In the reference pattern, instead of white and baby pink lotus I have chosen to color it in burgundy which signifies life force and preservation. Burgundy or shades of red transform the delusion of attachment into the wisdom of discernment. Lotus bud has been shown as the center of universe; as the universe starts from a small point or a dot and then expands beyond any boundaries. In one sense, lotus mandala art is a replica of the universe with the the flowers and petals representing creation of new life force.

Experts ranging from therapists to Yoga gurus have touted the benefits of adult coloring. Coloring has potential to reduce anxiety and create focus. A 2005 research showed that anxiety levels dropped when people colored Mandalas (simple doodling did not seem to help reduce stress levels). 

You can find an original collection of patterns here-  https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmoreBeaute?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=19266959

Amore Beaute: 25% OFF On Select Items For Limited Period

Amore Beaute: 25% OFF On Select Items For Limited Period: Attention girls: Now's the time to add a few extra pillows to that special couch or bed. We are offering a 25% OFF on select decorative...

25% OFF On Select Items For Limited Period

Attention girls: Now's the time to add a few extra pillows to that special couch or bed. We are offering a 25% OFF on select decorative pillow covers and tote bags. 

Bath Towels - Super Functional and Decorative

Towels are the hardest working members of our homes.  They are expected to keep us clean, dry, look good in our bathroom and occasionally wipe off a stain here and there. Despite their versatile function, poor towels rarely get the time and thought they deserve.  With the right selection and care, your towels can last a lot longer.  Below are some tips to help you make the right affordable choice.  

1.  Pick 100% cotton towels

Be sure to pick 100% cotton towel with non-twisted yarn for softness and higher absorption. Cotton towels made from Egyptian have higher absorption but are more expensive.  Amore Beaute's new line of monogrammed bath towels dry faster too with non-twisted long sucking loops. You can pick these towels at Amore Beaute store on Etsy.

2.  Choose the Right Color and Style

Towels are a relatively less expensive way to renew the look of your bathroom.  You can select towels that match or even accentuate your bathroom colors. According to designer Judith Wilson "Towels are like the jewelry for a bathroom.  They are design accents, much like throw pillows in a living room." For a classic, preppy look nothing works better than white fluffy towels with monograms.  In my home I have one for each family member and some of our regular guest. London based designer Nina Campbell recommends monogramming towels for instant elegance. 

Amore Beaute bath towels, available in 4 colors, can be monogrammed in 42 colors and there are 12 monogram styles.  In fact we can be your personal seamstress and create a unique one for you.  Pick one for your home or gifting them to newly weds.  Its is a cute way to get out of the shower together in your Mr Mrs towel set. 

3. Store Bath Towels Creatively

Alicia Fannin shows 7 shabby chic way to store your towels.  Here is the link to her article - http://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/shabby-chic-ways-to-store-your-towels

Here is a picture of my favorite on from her article - display on a wooden ladder.

4.  Care For Your Towels

Most towels last longer when cared for the right way.  Here are some tips to extend the life of your towels -
a.  Wash in warm water especially white towels.  To remove stubborn stains occasionally bleach your towels.  Frequent bleaching damages wares out towels much faster.  Do not bleach colored or monogrammed towels as it damages the color.

b.  Wash your towels separately and with less load.  When there is too much load in the washing machine the towel will not rinse off well and may retain some of the dirt.  Dry on low heat to avoid damaging the cotton fibers.  Toss in a tennis ball to help retain fluffiness.

c.  Hang out your towels to dry after use.  Avoid throwing them around as bacteria tends to grow fast on moist surfaces.

Recipe For A Happy Marriage

My grandma's recipe for a Happy Marriage. We have used this recipe for over three generations and it still works for all age groups. I have put the recipe on a tea towel and its a great reminder and a fun way to begin your day!

The Himalayan Town I Grew Up In

As I have told you earlier, I grew up in Nainital - foot hills of the Himalays (click here to find out some more details about me and my passion).  I am really happy to share some images from this lovely town.  These were taken by a friend who lives in Nainital, an avid and felicitated photographer (Nominated as Photographer of the PhotoFest). Enjoy on!

Nainital was founded about 150 years back.  It was always known for its lovely weather and natural beauty.  The town has hills surrounding a pear shaped lake from all four sides with a numerous flowers and birds adding to its natural beauty.  

I just love this teal winged bird.  Isn't she lovely!

Its such a special feeling when you live above the clouds.  Often the clouds would enter our classrooms and we could barely see each other.

Here are some pictures of the school I went to.  They are some of the best schools in the country and have a history of over 100 years.

We just need a big snowman in the backyard!  This is a gorgeous green garden with trees and flowers which my friend and his family bring to life each spring and summer.  

Applesauce-Spice Cake

I used to frequently visit a Japanese temple to pick antiques and on one of my trips fond a 25 years old Country Dessert Book by Lee Bailey.  Ever since this has been my favorite cook book. It has helped me put together some of the best desserts at numerous parties.

Today I am going to share my all time favorite recipe - its my version of Lee Bailey's Applesauce-spice recipe.  This cake brings joy and smiles even before its lovely aroma fills my kitchen. Serve it with freshly brewed coffee and there is magic in the air.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups fine sugar
2 cups good quality unsweetened applesauce
(I make it from fresh apples and cook until it can still firm and smooth on a plate)
3 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 1/2 cup raisins
(I like to add more raisins which gives the right acidity to balance)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mace
(I skip this one, but its a personal choice)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Super fine sugar frosting

I prefer the simple white sugar frosting to save on a few calories and take a generous share of the cake.  You can replace it with a cream cheese or sour cream or brown sugar frosting.


Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a square pan.

Cream the butter and superfine sugr until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then fold in the applesauce.  This will not mix completely.

Remove 1/4 cup of the flour and use it to dredge the nuts and raisins.  Sift together the remaining flour, spices and baking soda.  Fold the dry mixture into the creamed mixture, then add the vanilla and the nuts and raisins.

Pour batter into the prepared and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until a cake tester comes out clean.  Allow cake to cool in the pan, then invert to remove.

This is what I get each time I bake this delicious cake - "Mom your cooking/baking rocks"