Showing posts sorted by relevance for query DIY. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query DIY. Sort by date Show all posts

Consider These if You are on Amazon India - Looking to Buy Glass Mosaic Tiles?

try mosaic glass mirror tiles for home diy projects
Glass mosaic tiles are more than just design accents — they’re an art form that brings light, color, and personality to any space. Whether you’re redecorating your kitchen backsplash, framing a mirror, or crafting handmade coasters, these tiny pieces of glass can transform the ordinary into the eye-catching. In home décor, glass mosaic tiles shine brightest where they can play with light. Try using them on a feature wall, around a vanity mirror, or as a border in your bathroom. The reflective surface bounces light around the room, adding depth and elegance. You can also use mosaic tiles on tabletops or plant stands for a touch of color without overpowering your interior theme. Pair neutral tiles with metallic grout for a sophisticated look, or experiment with vibrant tones to create a lively, artistic vibe. For DIY enthusiasts, mosaic tiles are equally rewarding.

Break away from large-scale projects and start small — decorate picture frames, trays, candle holders, or flower pots. Arrange tiles by hue, shape, or random pattern, then secure them with adhesive and finish with grout to create a smooth, durable surface. These projects make beautiful, personalized gifts and are an excellent way to reuse leftover tiles from renovations. The best part? Glass mosaic tiles require minimal maintenance and stand up to moisture, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications. Whether you’re aiming for elegance or creativity, these tiles give you endless ways to express yourself — one small piece at a time. Tip: Always buy 10–15% extra tiles to allow for cutting and pattern alignment. The small details make the biggest difference in creating mosaic perfection.

BestTeam 200pcs Mix Color Square Glass Mosaic Tiles for DIY Crafts, Mosaic Tiles, TILE, Glass - 200 pieces

The BestTeam Mixed Colour Crystal Glass Mosaic Tiles pack offers individual pieces in assorted multicolours, designed for both DIY hobbyists and home décor enthusiasts. Each tile is made from glass with a glossy finish, enabling light reflection and visual depth for applications such as accent walls, mosaic art projects, mirror surrounds, and decorative planters. The varied palette adds life to craft surfaces and pairs beautifully with resin or contrasting grout tones. For home décor, these tiles make vibrant patterns accessible without heavy tiling infrastructure. While they’re decorative rather than floor-grade, they suit splash-backs, wall strips, or accent areas extremely well. Adhesive isn’t included, so separate tile glue is required. Customer feedback notes occasional colour variation between pieces, making this best suited for creative layouts rather than uniform installations. Overall, the BestTeam pack delivers visual impact and versatility at an attractive price, serving as an easy entry point into glass mosaic décor.

Glossy Square Glass Mosaics Multicolour by Sai Mosaic Art - 500 GMS

From Indian brand Sai Mosaic Art, this pack of glossy square glass mosaic tiles offers a compact, value-friendly introduction to mosaic décor. Each tile features a high-gloss finish for light play and reflection. The assorted colour blend works beautifully for small DIY projects such as decorative frames, coasters, planters, or mirror borders. Its modest pack size makes it practical for hobbyists or testers who don’t need bulk quantities. Because tiles come in mixed hues, they deliver a lively, handcrafted look rather than rigid uniformity. Users should note that adhesives are not supplied, and achieving colour consistency across multiple packs may require manual sorting. Despite these small considerations, the Sai Mosaic Art pack scores well for affordability and convenience. It’s an excellent pick for artists, students, and decorators looking to explore glass mosaic design without committing to larger lots or industrial-grade kits.

Assorted Colours Glass Mosaic Tiles (20 Variations) DIY Mosaic Art Crystal Glass Mosaic Tiles (Top Colour Triangle)

This assorted multicoloured glass mosaic tile pack is built for larger home décor applications—accent walls, kitchen splash-backs, and bathroom borders. The range of warm and cool tones gives designers flexibility in achieving visual balance or contrast. The tiles’ glossy finish enhances light dispersion and adds depth to surfaces. Though attractive, these tiles are decorative in grade—best suited for vertical surfaces or low-traffic flooring. Installation requires standard mosaic adhesives and grout; moisture exposure should be managed with sealant if used near wet zones. Users appreciate the vibrant appearance and cost efficiency, but note that colour ratios can vary from pack to pack. It’s ideal for do-it-yourself decorators or small contractors seeking an affordable yet premium-looking glass finish. For best results, plan your layout before setting to manage pattern and hue variation.

250 Pieces Vitreous Glass Mosaic Tiles for Arts DIY Crafts Green

This 250-piece vitreous glass mosaic tile pack caters to craft enthusiasts and DIY professionals alike. “Vitreous” glass refers to a low-porosity type that resists moisture and enhances luminosity, giving these tiles a premium reflective quality. Their uniform sizing allows precise arrangement for coasters, art panels, and accent wall inserts. The multi-colour mix is curated to achieve visual variety without clashing, making the set suitable for education projects and decorative retail pieces. While aesthetically rich, these tiles are intended for light-duty décor rather than load-bearing floors. Adhesive and grout need to be sourced separately. Reviewers praise the clarity and smoothness of finish, though some highlight differences in thickness between batches—a minor concern for intricate designs. Priced accessibly, this pack delivers ample creative freedom for both home and studio projects, combining visual charm with versatility.

These Mixed Colour Glass Mosaic Tiles pack features rectangular glass tiles designed for modern accent work in homes and crafts. The elongated shape creates a sleek, rhythmic pattern perfect for backsplashes, borders, or designer insets. Each tile’s glossy glass surface amplifies light reflection, enhancing brightness in compact interiors. The assorted colour arrangement offers flexibility in design—ideal for eclectic or contemporary settings. These tiles are best suited for vertical application; although durable, they’re not engineered for heavy floor use. DIY installers and designers will appreciate their manageable size and vivid colour range. Since adhesive isn’t provided, ensure compatibility with glass tile glue and non-sanded grout for a polished finish. Overall, ATORSE delivers an artistic, high-impact décor solution that balances affordability with design sophistication.

VERDICT...SO FAR?

From what I have been able to see online, across marketplaces and e-commerce web stores, the collection put up by Sai Mosaic Art is the best so far! None of the other brands in this niche has the type of variety this store offers. You can find a wide variety of geometric mosaic tiles in various shapes and sizes, and you can bulk order as needed. Their customer support is really good too! I would suggest trying their Metal Foil Glass Mosaic Tiles, which are nearly impossible to find anywhere else. The prices are good, and you can expect a quick turnaround on the order processing, too!

Shopping for Silicone Sealant on Amazon India?

how to use silicone sealant in diy projects
This is a good start if you have been searching online for a certain type of silicone sealant for DIY projects or repairs. These are some of the better-selling products in this niche on Amazon India - these are silicone sealants for Windows, Doors & other types of household applications:

DR FIXIT 501 Silicone Sealant (Set of 2) Clear – UV-Resistant, Glass & Window Frame Friendly

The DR FIXIT 501 Silicone Sealant (clear) delivers a reliable solution for sealing glass joints, window frames, and door surrounds. Produced by Pidilite (a leading Indian construction-chemicals brand), this acetoxy-cure silicone offers UV resistance and flexibility post-cure, making it suitable for interiors and moderate exterior usage. No primer is required when applying to vitreous surfaces like glass and glazed ceramics, which simplifies DIY application. The clear finish is ideal for minimalist aesthetics, letting windows and doors maintain clean glass and frame lines without visible colour mismatch. Because it’s provided in a twin-set pack, it offers value for homeowners tackling multiple points of access (windows/doors) in one session. User feedback highlights good durability and flexibility under expansion/contraction cycles. Some notes caution that application tools (sealant gun) and finishing (tooling the bead) enhance final results. For anyone repairing window seals, preventing draught or water seepage, or refreshing door frame joints, this product strikes a strong balance of trust, brand legacy, and workable cost.

Loctite General Purpose GP Silicone Sealant – Indoor & Outdoor, Waterproof, Window & Door Use

This Loctite GP Silicone Sealant cartridge is positioned as a versatile sealant for both interior and exterior sealing projects — including around windows, doors, walls, and roofs. It boasts waterproof performance, weather resistance (–30 °C to +120 °C), and adherence to a variety of substrates (glass, wood, metal, ceramic). The brand’s international pedigree (Henkel) gives credibility and reliability in the sealant category. For Indian homes where window/door frames see seasonal expansion, rain, and sun exposure, this sealant can handle the elements while delivering a clean, flexible finish. It is particularly useful for those who value a cartridge-style application and want a “professional result” in a DIY setting. Some buyers report needle-precision when applied with a caulk gun. The white colour option helps match or repaint with the décor. If you’re working multiple joints or large perimeters, the 280 ml size offers bulk value.

Anabond 666 Silicone Sealant Tube – Budget Window & Door Sealant, Clear Finish

Anabond 666 is a value-oriented silicone sealant offered via a tube format, making it an accessible choice for smaller repairs around doors and windows or patching minor gaps. While it may not carry top-tier brand premiums, it meets the basic functional requirements: adhesion, flexibility, and clear finish post-cure. Ideal for homeowners with a limited budget or small sealing tasks (e.g., one or two window joints rather than full replacement). Because tube format applications are simpler and less bulky than full cartridges, they suit DIY users or renters. The clear colour means the seal line is unobtrusive. For best performance, the surface must be clean, dry, and free of old sealant residue—a common recommendation across silicone sealants. If you are looking for high durability under heavy element exposure (e.g., large window banks or external door frames), stepping up to a specialised cartridge or premium brand may be advisable.

M-Seal Clear RTV Silicon Sealant by Pidilite – DIY Window & Door Gap Filler, Weatherproof

The M-Seal Clear RTV Silicon Sealant from Pidilite is crafted for broader DIY gap-filling beyond just window/door frames — versatile enough for general household repairs yet still appropriate for sealing window/door joints. Its RTV (room-temperature-vulcanising) formula ensures reliable curing without the need for oil or special primer. Homeowners appreciate the clear finish for unobtrusive repair lines and the brand’s familiarity in Indian DIY markets. In use cases where frames are older or windows have visible gaps causing draught, this sealant offers a practical remedy. The smaller pack size and moderate price make it suitable for homeowners who want to keep a “repair kit” for joint sealing. For high-exposure external frames, verify UV/storm exposure suitability.

Permatex 81158 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant – Premium Window & Door Sealant

Permatex 81158 stands out for users who prefer or need a black finish (favoured in dark-frame aluminium windows or black door surrounds) and premium sealant performance. It delivers strong adhesion, flexibility, and weather-proofing suitable for external frames exposed to sun and rain. The black bead blends into black aluminium or UPVC frames, offering aesthetic continuity rather than visible white or clear lines. Its higher price reflects the premium positioning, and users also praise its durability and neat finish. For DIYers or installers focused on modern dark-frame windows or design-conscious doors, this product provides professional-level results. Note: the black colour might make subsequent repainting tricky if you change the frame colour later.

DR FIXIT 501 Silicone Sealant Fevi Seal (Set of 2) Clear – UV & Weather-Resistant Window/Glazing Sealant

A variant of the DR FIXIT 501 line, the Fevi Seal dual-pack offers the same underlying flexibility and UV-resistance but is branded under Fevi (Pidilite’s retail tag) for wider retail visibility. Users prioritise it for aluminium-glass curtain-walls, window-door glazing joints, and internal/external glazing transitions. The twin pack enables installers or homeowners to tackle multiple frame points with one purchase. Installation requires appropriate application tools and finishing for best results (especially in outdoor joints). Some DIY users find the dual-pack economical and easy to keep for routine maintenance. Ideal for Indian climate conditions and typical window/door sealing tasks.

GE 100% Silicone Rubber Window & Door Sealant – Pro-Grade Weatherproof Exterior Sealant

The GE brand 100% Silicone Rubber Window & Door Sealant is a premium, professional-grade product originally used in exterior glazing, window systems, and door frame applications in heavy-duty settings. Its composition is optimised for full exposure to weather (UV, rain, temperature swings) and supports a wide range of substrates (glass, metal, wood, marble). While its Indian Amazon listing positions it for broader purchase, its strength and durability make it a preferred choice for high-exposure window/door installations or premium homes. Because of its positioning, pricing is higher, which may reflect larger cartridge volumes or professional pack sizes. For homeowners seeking maximum longevity, this product offers best-in-class performance with a trusted specification.

I also liked:

Haxo General Purpose Silicone Sealant Adhesive Caulk with DIY GUN, Paintable, Weatherproof for General Sealing & Adhesion Application

The Haxo Weatherproof Sealant is a versatile, general-purpose silicone adhesive engineered for domestic repair and construction tasks. Designed for sealing gaps and joints in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor settings, it promises durable adhesion across multiple materials such as tiles, wood, glass, and metal. Packaged in a compact, easy-to-use applicator format, it simplifies the typically messy sealing process, allowing users to achieve a precise bead without additional tools. Its formulation claims water- and UV-resistance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor exposure, while curing rapidly on clean, dry surfaces to form a smooth, flexible seal.

The product’s biggest strength lies in its accessibility. Homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and light-construction workers will find it a practical companion for small sealing jobs—window gaps, kitchen corners, or bathroom edges. It offers a convenient entry point into the silicone sealant category, where professional-grade options often require separate applicator guns. However, the product’s broad compatibility also has limits: while effective for light to moderate sealing, it may not provide the mechanical strength needed for structural joints or high-stress environments. Independent verification of its UV and weatherproof claims remains limited, so long-term durability under continuous outdoor exposure should be approached with reasonable expectations.

As with all silicone-based sealants, surface preparation is critical. Dust, grease, or moisture will compromise adhesion. Users should apply thin, even layers and allow adequate curing time before exposing the surface to water or movement. Although not a structural adhesive, Haxo’s formulation provides a practical solution for everyday maintenance, preventing leaks and extending surface life in residential or light commercial settings. In short, it’s designed for convenience and general reliability rather than industrial performance—a dependable choice for quick fixes that need to hold up under typical household wear and tear.

References apart from Amazon India:

UniBond Anti-Mould Sealant (White), Silicone Sealant for Kitchen, Bathroom, and Other Tiled Areas, Sanitary Ware, Waterproof

The UniBond Anti-Mould Sealant is a ready-to-use silicone solution designed specifically for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and wet-room joints. Carefully formulated for humid environments, it features a mould-resistant fungicide and a flexible, waterproof sealant base that bonds to a wide range of surfaces, including glass, tile, metal, and some plastics. Marketed for both DIY homeowners and light professional use, its appeal lies in its ease of application and the promise of long-term resistance to unsightly mould and water ingress. According to manufacturer documentation, the sealant remains permanently flexible, supports repeated joint movement, and withstands typical bathroom spray and steam conditions. 

Real-world users and retailer listings show that the product comes in a simple cartridge format with a nozzle, translated into “easy application” and a smooth finish. When used correctly—surface cleaned, dried, and prepared—it gives a tidy bead that blends with sanitary fixtures and tiled surfaces. A few independent sources observe that the application smells slightly of vinegar (a common signal for acetoxy-based silicones) and that the nozzle may clog if left unused. That said, there are important caveats. While the anti-mould claim is strong, independent long-term studies in outdoor or extreme conditions remain scarce. The sealant is designed for interior wet areas, not exposed external joints or structural load-bearing situations—users focusing strictly on al-fresco surfaces or heavy mechanical stress should opt for specialist alternatives.

Furthermore, as with all silicone-based products, adhesion hinges heavily on substrate preparation—any dust, grease, or moisture will compromise performance. In summary: if you are looking to tackle daily bathroom or kitchen joints, maintain hygiene and prevent mould in typical domestic settings, this UniBond product delivers a reliable, straightforward solution. For specialist or structural applications, you may need to upgrade to professional-grade systems.

References apart from Amazon India:

  • Unibond.co.uk
  • SealantWholesale. “UniBond Anti-Mould Bathroom & Kitchen Sealant: Waterproof & Mould-Resistant.” 

SOME TIPS FOR PEOPLE EXPLORING 
DIY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 
USING SILICONE SEALANTS

  • There is a constant need to wipe off the residual and extra silicone.
  • Keep some dump-worthy pieces of cloth handy.
  • Tissue paper will stick to it and mess up things even more.
  • The plastic tips provided with the silicone tube might easily break.
  • When buying silicone from a physical store, ask for some extra tips.
  • Give some time for the silicone to cure & harden - don't wipe too aggressively, too soon.
  • When using a silicone gun, don't press the trigger too hard.
  • Silicone tends to keep pouring out even when you take the finger off the silicone gun.
  • This is not a waste - use it to apply the silicone manually, using your hands.
  • Some people recommend gloves, but they can compromise how you work with silicone.
  • Acetone-curing silicones can be very difficult - they might have an extreme odor.

Why not take an adventure trip within your home with almost zero gear? [DIY Anxiety Management]

diy challenges diy adventures
What seemed like an empty patch of floor in our reserve bedroom now challenges me - I must do mountain climbers and skull-crushers to ensure my physicality is maintained to some extent. I haven't stepped out, not compared myself with others at the gym, or done anything drastic, and still, this challenge is huge, as daily motivation levels can vary, and I tend to be dicey with time management. What am I talking about? The fact that your home itself can be the canvas for some adventure-type activity without Googling the best nearby locations for a weekend break!

You can easily do things that help to challenge your overall fitness with basic supplies at home. There is no camping or hiking gear involved here. This is about getting adventurous with the least important things that are found in nearly every household. Lately, I started doing mountain climbers, and as compared to push-ups, these are much more full-body involving and can be done in so many ways. But then, there are a million push-up varieties too. So, let us not compare them. If you could combine mountain climbers with push-ups, 30 minutes can seem like an eternity. Plus, all you need to do them is a plain, empty floor and a towel, because you will sweat a lot for sure! These are two core-killers and seriously, even if you happen to be in good shape, 5 sets of each, alternated, can leave you panting, sweating, and almost blushing...just like the after-glow. The rushing of blood also kills the anxiety pangs. It keeps you occupied even after wrapping up the session, as the body is trying to cool itself and recuperate from the torture you just unleashed!
One Exercise for Most Core Gains - Fast, Slow, Sides Variations

Another home-based exploration can be DIY car care, inside-out. Everyone knows how to wash or wa,x and clean a car, but how many people actually do it all together? You have to start with dry dusting, followed by soaping, pressure washing, and then allowing your vehicle to dry. Take a breather while the car dries up. Now, coat the insides and external surfaces with a good waxing compound and buff. This has to take at least 1 hour, and by the end of it, you will have completed the most complex, full-body workout without even knowing it. This tires your body and engages your mind in the most unexpected ways. Every inch of your body feels stretched. It is like a complete workout, cardio, and muscle with good stretching, and helps to use up those free hours and tires you sufficiently to fall asleep like the dead.

USE SPRAY PAINT TO REVAMP WORN-OUT DOOR MATS: homesthetics.net


You have to try spray painting. The spray cans are easily available on Amazon stores these days, and there is so much you can do with them. From planters to pots and all surfaces that are rusting, you can spray-paint them into new glory. The only thing is doing some prep in terms of covers and sheets that don't allow the underlying and surrounding surfaces to catch the spray. You want painting and not discoloration or spotting, so ensure the spraying room is pretty much free from stuff that can be wrongly coated. Try to play around with colors. Have patience of allow each coating to dry before applying the next one. This is easy, artsy-crafty sorts, and brings back the enthusiasm we once had during the schooling years. You can even find reasonably priced finishing cans, overcoat supplies, and items to lend the perfect finishing touch. For the uninitiated, this can be really engrossing and fun. There is so much to self-learn, learn via self-exploration. Just Google priming and you discover a whole lot of science about surface preparation when it comes to DIY painting jobs.


Try the single-legged pose and its many variations. What seems easy and doable can be a bit embarrassing and gives you the opportunity to laugh at yourself. If you can do it already, perhaps it is time to hold the pose for a much longer period and time yourself. If you are a starter, this is like discovering how your body communicates to balance itself. Yes, you realize the mechanism via which the upper & lower back, the hands & arms, waist & sides, and your mind work together to uplift and keep the body positioned in a different way. It is like uncovering new zones and sensations in your body. Give it a couple of tries, and it will roll out to be more interesting than it seems. Remember, you are not doing this to lose weight but just to do something different! No goals. No objectives. Just for the sake of trying it.

Explore Other DIY-themed Discussions

Try to be a dust-buster. When is the last time you really did any type of home-care activity that shone through? Nothing can be as rewarding as cleaning up the house in a way that your entire family or your partner craps their pants. No wait, no crapping of any type needed. That would neutralize the cleaning thing. So, what I am trying to say is that if you really get into cleaning the garage and the basement and the attic, there is so much that you will uncover and perhaps even reconnect, within the same home you have been occupying for ages. Attack the cobwebs that need to be destroyed. The floor mats are not your friends anymore. Those niggling crevices need the seriousness of a nuclear scientist. The peeling paint strips are a shout for help. All damp patches are your enemy, and the mopping tools are now your weapons of mass destruction. Every & and any of all types of Dust, Debris, and Grime should feel your wrath!

Why spray painting is also about training your mind? OR Challenging it…you be the judge!

spray painting discussions january 2026
If you have been glancing at my DIY submissions about the weird and often excessively adventurous trials and tribulations that are usually about Home Improvement, Home Repairs, DIY Builds, and Unwanted Landscaping, this discussion will not surprise you. Now, one of the most recurring aspects of my DIY voyages has been painting. This started with the usual route of buying an acrylic paint, a bottle of turpentine oil to dilute the paint, and a standard painting brush. The strokes were going well, the results were beginning to impress, and the compliments, though scanty, had started to surface. Just when I thought that my brush journey had started, I got this idea about spray painting. The thought was actually an afterthought, a few days after I had gotten the rear bumper of my aging Maruti Swift painted.

DIY Home Repairs & Living Space Improvement Chores Using Silicone Fillers and Adhesive

Image of silicone adhesive, blade cutter, tool gun
It has been some time since I last explored my handyman skills using the caulking gun. This gun is very versatile and has dedicated refills that are shaped like a small missile to be loaded and used. Last time around, I was playing around with a black, sooty filler that was rather nasty to use. The adhesive-like thing was sticky and the consistency would mean more flowy nature – this made it difficult to use the filler for smaller cavities. Now, over to the latest DIY home improvement project where I assembled the supplies like a seasoned mechanic first and then started things in a more organized manner. This time, I used the same caulk gun but with a different brand of silicone filler and adhesive, both easy to work with. The spring-loaded gun takes some time to cork and un-cork but overall, it is not difficult to use. 

My Precious…Utterly Moha-licious DIY Chocolates

DIY Dark Chocolates | Wife's Cooking Review
The basics first – if you still haven’t figured out that Moha is my wife’s name, you are definitely an idiot. Now, cutting it straight to the topic: Moha prepared a batch of dark chocolates and milk chocolates yesterday. This was her third attempt and by now, am pretty sure she has rounded-up all the permutations and combinations that go in DIY chocolates. The goods will be distributed across three households and my workplace, each averaging a batch of around 25 units each. Sharing a few things with you apart from the image:

DIY Silicone Lessons via DIY Struggles in Handling Industrial Strength Compounds

I have been paying my dues in the niche of silicone adhesives - you might have read my first discussion about using these rather high-on-DIY spirit compounds that make life a lot easier for guys like me who are just getting around how to do small mend jobs around the house. Our living space is rather big for just two folks. The society here has been lethargic in its upkeep. As a result, many irritating things like small cavities and damp spots continue to bother us. This time, I have been proactive in using materials that I can easily buy from Amazon to turn into some sort of handyman, closer to what constitutes the definition of a family man for me. With some weeks of constant jobs and testing, I have concluded some handy information for you, i.e., if you want to understand how useful silicone can be provided you are using the right type, and yes, there are types here to handle:

Muscle Gain and Testosterone: Is the Connect Real? Plus, real-life Supplementation Insights

Image for Testosterone Supplements - the DiscussionI have had this question pricking me for a long time. Most of the online reviews I read about bodybuilding or exercising with religious passion talk about how Testosterone is vital for gaining muscle mass, i.e., men and women!! Some blogs go on to preach that female bodybuilders and athletes use Testosterone supplementation to gain chiselled physiques. I recall getting my Testosterone levels checked once, about two years back. The results were not shocking, i.e, I was just beyond the mid-range, so I am neither deficient nor loaded with Testosterone. Does this mean I have an average chance to gain muscle? Are my hormones controlling the degree of gym gains I make?? I have felt the androgenic and boosting results of taking light testosterone supplements.

Unzestful: Peel, Zest or Rind, the Indian Food Scene is Sorely Missing this Simple DIY Kitchen Ingredient!

use rind skin to flavor food
Zesting: Art of Extracting Peel, Rind or Zest 
It has been just about 3 hours since I saw a brilliantly rendered version of freshly caught fish marinated and then shallow-fried. This episode was on one of those food shows, and the theme was Spanish cooking that is high on using zest of lemons, oranges, and other citrusy fruits. While it is also called the peel or rind in some parts of the world, the zest is essentially just the outermost part of the peel.

I have seen this in many European food-themed programs. These guys are big-time users of peels, ensuring that they capture everything there is to value in any food that can naturally season the dish. The Indian way of cooking is perhaps least likely to do this. Here, the emphasis is on roasting, fast, slow, medium or at any pace that suits the doer. Overtly roasted meats and vegetables that have lost their natural essence is common to many types of regional Indian cuisines.

Me & Moha Finally Did It…I meant Baking a Homely Chocolate Cake

Homemade Chocolate Baked Image - DIY Cooking
Sprinkled with Walnuts Cauz I Love Dem
Get your head out of the perversity that surrounds you, look-up and listen to what I have to say – Me and Moha had been trying to cook our cake for some time now. The first attempt had been gastronomically traumatic. The batter was left uncooked and the crusting was a bit too much. This year's 26th January weekend meant we could try again, prepared with some failure-makes-you-better wisdom. Families and colleagues trusted with making the final judgment in our favor!

Sofit Soy Milk Review: Good not Great with Limited Future

soy milk versus cow milk digestive tolerance imageI wasn’t too happy about the idea of trying soy milk. The reason was simple – my milk consumption is already abysmal. I have it in the form of curds and minimally milk-infused shakes. The latter is due to my disposition caused by years of struggle with IBS – this condition made me almost lactose intolerant. As a result, there has been this inclination of trying alternatives. This is how I reached Sofit Soy Milk. Seated on a shelf at a nearby mall, this product was somewhat tested before. I had tasted the sample but it was a bit too flavored to ascertain the real flavor. I don’t like anything that is dairy and too sweet. Even chocolates or ice-cream should be moderately sweet. The choice was natural. I had to buy the No-Sugar-Added variety of Sofit Soy and try it with some DIY combinations…

image soy milk health challenges problems soy

First of Sofit Soy Milk Impressions

There is nothing wrong with the product. It is better tasting than its contemporaries I guess. However, the no sugar variety means that the blandness of soy gets a boost. The result is a rather UN-tasteful, and not distasteful, glass of something close to being a milk-shake replacement. I bet nobody can have it in its packaged format, particularly when served chilled. At room temperature, the bland taste is somewhat kept in check. I combined this with more dedicated online search to find reasons for drinking soy milk. Pro-soy milk discussions were few. I moved on and tried various combinations of Sofit Soy Milk for better feedback:
  • With some fiber-rich, brown-colored sugar – blends rather well…recommended for its earthy, almost rural taste. Takes away any sense of sophistication in the soy drink you are having. This type of sugar also adds more fibrous nature to every sip. Not recommended if you like your soy milk shake very refined and without various textures
  • With cornflakes – a decent combination but you will miss the conventional taste of dairy milk. This milk equal actually takes more time to wet and penetrate the surface of flakes. Not the best bet if you want that typical dairy-ness in your cereal bow.
  • With some honey – a recommended combo, easy to mix the honey and does not overwhelm the taste buds. Honey blends rather well with soy milk and does a great job of being a healthier sweetener. Just ensure that you don't add too much as the original flavor might be eliminated
  • With nothing, i.e. standalone – you can drink some when eating something sweet or spicy. I have also consume Sofit with bites of dark chocolate. These combinations work rather well and don't spoil or bump-up the taste of the drink. These are for you to try and decide which one works best for you.

Overall Sentiments about Packed Soy Milk

how soy milk can harm human health

  • If you are seriously lactose intolerant, soy milk makes a lot of sense. It gives you proteins and supplements the lack of dairy in your diet.
  • If you are modestly lactose intolerant, like me, you can use soy milk off and on. I don’t think anyone can have it regularly.
  • If you are not lactose intolerant but want to cut out the dairy fat, try soy milk with a pinch of sugar or some sweet cornflakes.

 

Equally Important - how about making packed soy milk a greener choice?

Try to recycle the empty carton for something. sliced the top, using it as a temporary bin which I later dumped into the bigger dustbin. What I saved from this? Using plastic polythene carriers which are an environmental hazard! This is easy DIY work and makes you an instantly greener consumer!

DIY Anxiety Explorations: it is not generalized, not GERD, not Acute or Extreme!

sudden bouts of anxiety without a hint can throw off life
This blog is a testament to my anxious soul, my habit of overthinking things, and being a bit volatile. For a long time, I had been believing that there is nothing really new about anxiety issues, about the anxiety of any type that I have not experienced. But September was a rude awakening and a realization that I did not see coming. This time, I have experienced anxiety in its most unusual way. Think of it as some sort of shakiness or feeling unsettled despite not worrying about anything, without obsessing over things around me. This bout of anxiety is very subtle, but it remains in the system for the day. A few lone moments or working on some DIY project where my mind wanders around a bit can bring it on. This is the most spontaneous form of anxiety that is not about meeting new people or handling new situations. Many times, it comes up when there is nothing disturbing me at the moment, even when I am not fixating on the small imperfections, I tend to notice a bit too much.

It is present when I am doing the everyday tasks, the daily duties, and still, it manages to surface, making me a bit shaky. This is not Generalized Anxiety, for I understand it rather well. This does not feel anxious due to something bothering me subconsciously. The feeling can be very unsettling. It is new to me despite having experienced this problem for more than a decade. I had been talking about it and trying to explain it even before talking about anxiety and mental health issues became cool. Even worse is the fact that this undefined anxiety surfaced at a time when there were birthdays to celebrate, and I had to undertake abstinence from all types of alcohol. Perhaps, the mind dug a bit too much into elders in the family being old, very old, and some passing away. Perhaps, the mind was unconsciously concerned about the cycle of Life and impending Death, which everyone knows and talks about but does not know how to interact with when such incidents actually come calling. No Valium this time around. I am like, "...let us do this without trying to create a fix". Yes, any instance of death in the far-away family circle too starts this bout of anxiety, and it creeps up like a feeling of wire going through my lower legs. 

Spacing-out Your Meals for a Better Work Day - DIY Workplace Eating Management

Funny Giraffe Image Taking Bite Meals
I have this feeling that everyone around me is either stressed, constipated or waiting for that one, big chance that floods their life with money. Not getting to where you wanted to be, every day, can hit you hard, more so, it can hit your psychological make-up. The result is a feeling of lethargy, malaise, not having enough energy for the daily chores, especially during the daytime, at the office. There is no immediate solution for such issues. You need to think alternatively and make some lifestyle changes...I am going to talk about eating in a way that contributes to better mood, more energy and helps you get through the day more constructively!

DIY Baking: First Attempts at Garlic Bread

making bread with wife
Moha and I have been on a culinary exploration spree, with Moha being the creator, me the ideator, and the nuisance in the kitchen. Our tryst with homemade chocolates was good. Now, the focus has shifted towards different types of bread. Moha can make the most excellent naans using the basic tawa. Her control over the dough is enviable. She understands the consistencies so well. Like I said, my handy and timely inputs and the ability to taste and crib about anything are also useful accessories. Together, we create a reasonably good team. Our experiments with different types of bread are growing rather steadily. She has created some awesome thin pizza bases. Each of these was finely baked. The crust is crispy and not too chewy.

DIY Food Journeys: Making Garlic Bread at Home - First Attempts | Don't Overjudge

homemade garlic bread story
Last week, we tried garlic bread. Not competing with Domino's, the emphasis was on getting the texture right. I can be weird about textures in food and clothes. What does not feel right, despite tasting great, might not score with me. We did two batches this time. The first attempts yielded reasonable results. Good bread, but a bit stringy and the base slightly under-cooked. Still, I loved it. The last batch was perhaps the best one. The cheese was properly stuffed. The rounded edges were soft. Just the right amount of crispiness. The bites were not too chewy. I ate most of it as Moha thought it was still under-cooked. I don’t agree. It was good. Better than the soft bread served at Domino's. We used the jalapeno generously, and the effect was rather good to taste. Next time around, Moha would be using more yeast, more time to allow the dough to rise. This should be easy now that the summers have set in. Honestly, I believe that the garlic bread sold commercially is usually overtly loaded with different types of greasing options, from butter to oil and whatnot – that is not real baking. You cannot replace real baking by adding types of fat that soften the deal for you. The real challenge is using things in a balanced way and allowing the natural texture to take shape. So far… Moha has been excellent and I am into the type of kitchen journeys I always wanted to undertake…fingers-crossed!!