This category comprises all issues related to women in general - women health, beauty, career and home front. | Women Blog

A thought that comes up in the minds of most mothers of toddlers is ‘When is my child ready to be toilet trained’. When do you move from diapers to the potty? There really is no hard and fast rule – look for cues that indicate that your toddler is ready to move on to the bathroom seat. Each child will take his/her own time and you will know when its time. Some of the non-verbal cues include:

• Staying dry for about an hour or two regularly
• Showing interest in using the bathroom
• Using the words they associate with the event
• Discomfort in wearing a wet or soiled diaper

The first step that I took was to get a baby seat for the bathroom. Fitted over the adult toilet seat, this is ideal for toilet training a toddler. Flexibility is the name of the game when potty training your toddler. Accidents are bound to occur even when the toilet training process is underway.

At no stage must you make the child feel embarrassed over a slipup. Instead work on the encouragement. A warm hug can do wonders. Take this opportunity for basic lessons in hygiene. These lessons are learnt best at the initial stage and remain for life. After all toilet training is one of the first stages towards independence.

Talking of raising toddlers… and toddler tantrums can’t be far behind! As a new mom, tantrums thrown by my normally well-behaved daughter could really throw me out of sorts. No reading up of books on raising kids prepared me for what was to come - how my angelic toddler can turn into a screaming monster for what appears to be no reason at all!

Handling tantrums is about understanding why they occur and how you can prevent them, to whatever extent. Minor tantrums are part and parcel of toddlers and over time I learnt to take them in my stride. Toddler tantrums due to tiredness or hunger are the more common ones. You can prevent them to a large extent by making changes to your lifestyle to ensure that there is time for afternoon naps and regular snacks. Building a routine into my little one’s life helped me cope for sure. It also ensured that there were regular meals and day time nap….which made for a happy child and a happier mom!

If your child is showing signs of major tantrums that have become a regular feature, try and find out if anything is bothering your toddler, be it moving house, a new baby on the way or your taking up a job. After all these changes overwhelm the little soul and he or she wouldn’t have a clue how to deal with it.

The first lesson I learnt while dealing with toddler tantrums is to keep my emotions under check. Over time and many a tantrum later, I learnt that screaming or remonstrating with the child is of little use. I realized that I need not give in to my child’s demands. All it called for was flexible approach to parenting style. You can do this without compromising on your values or ideas of disciplining.

• Be firm and do not give in to tantrum demands.
• Resist the urge to spank the child.
• Try and distract the child with something interesting.
• Talk to the child after he or she has calmed down.

Whoever said that handling toddlers was an easy task! They don’t call it the terrible twos for nothing! The energy and patience that one needs to garner to handle toddlers can leave you with little time for other pursuits. But as a mom who has been through that toddler parenting stage, I can vouch for the fact that handling the inquisitive mind and its eagerness to absorb and assimilate is an enriching experience in itself.

Parenting toddlers brings up diverse issues, from temper tantrums and potty training to disciplining and eating habits. How can I get my little one adjusted to a toddler bed and make the transition from a crib as smooth as possible? When is my child ready to be potty trained? How do I deal with an aggressive toddler? Sibling rivalry, laying down rules, handling small illnesses and more….Typical issues that baffle first-time parents.

In the course of the next few weeks, hear a mother share her first-hand experience at handing and parenting a toddler. Each child is unique but the foundations of many an adult personality is laid during these formative years. Be it building emotional character or establishing a cognitive connection with the world around, a parent caring for a toddler surely plays a major role. True, it calls for enormous amounts of patience, stamina and love….but with a parent that is never in short supply!

Teach your child how to handle anger, learn how to make your house safer for an inquisitive toddler, inculcate a love for learning………but most importantly enjoy and cherish the experience coz your toddler wont be one for long – Live the moment to its fullest!

Whether you are setting up a new kitchen or planning on redoing your existing one, consider looking at kitchen décor as a cohesive unit – kitchen cabinets, backsplash tiles, kitchen island, kitchen table, lighting and colors. Plan on the kind of look you want your kitchen to sport, be it country kitchen décor or modern minimalist décor or shabby chic. Look at kitchen décor and colors to complement existing spaces and natural lighting.

Putting together a kitchen décor plan need not necessitate breaking the bank. Pore over kitchen décor themes and ideas and come up with one that complements your lifestyle and home décor as well as your budget. Seek out a reliable contractor who can execute your plans and give you a dream kitchen. If you wish to recreate a French country kitchen décor in your suburban apartment, you can do so with a few simple touches.

· Make a pleasing display of pots and pans.
· Use fruit jars, potpourri and small plants to best advantage.
· Lacy kitchen curtains billowing at the windows add to the charm.
· Use bright checks or stripes for cushions or stools at the kitchen table. Complement them with bright terry towels.
· Get wicker baskets for bread and fruits
· Put up your collection of ancient ceramic jars and bowls.
· A gaily-colored rug can provide a warm touch.
You can go in for oak wood or other fine-grained wood finish such as maple or cherry. Try open shelving with rustic country décor. Don’t forget the kitchen tiles, go in for simple patterns that provide a soothing canvas or opt for bright tiles that make a statement. Equip your kitchen with exciting kitchen accessories such as canisters, potholders, shakers and tableware like I try to do.

For a modern kitchen décor, modular kitchens are the best. All your gadgets and storage comes together in a blend of architectural elements. You can make modifications to suit your individual needs. Go in for kitchen flooring that complements the rest of the décor. Make use of recessed adjustable lighting at the dining and cooking areas. If you prefer a contemporary look, the modern steel and chrome kitchen with a minimalist look is for you!

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/kitchen-remodeling-idea.html - Kitchen remodeling - Get some tips on remodelling your kitchen in this article.
http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/kitchen-backsplash-tile.html  -  Kitchen tiles - One of the most effective ways to give the desired look for your kitchen … - One of the most effective ways to give the desired look for your kitchen …

Kitchen storage is a nightmare for most of us. The pots and pans, baking trays, casseroles, cutlery and grocery… we cant do without them but wonder how we can manage to store all of them in our space-starved kitchens. If you are among those who lives in an apartment with a tiny kitchen, you would empathize.
What we could do with are efficient kitchen storage solutions, solutions that will make the best use of available space. Plan your kitchen storage location well. Food storage and food preparation areas must be clearly chalked out. Good use must be made of unused or under-utilized spaces.

It is essential that you make best use of your kitchen island. Concealed storage in your kitchen island is a boon, especially if your kitchen is small. You can maximize your storage with pullout racks, spice drawers and customized bins to make efficient and practical use of space. Hanging up pots and pans not only offers kitchen storage solutions but can lend your kitchen a lived-in look, much like that of a rustic inn. The dead space on your walls is put to good use with simple screw pegboards and hooks.

• Placing your kitchen storage items higher will give you more space. Put away items not frequently used on the higher cabinet racks.
• Food preparation areas must be well equipped with knives, spices and ingredients. Ensure that the necessary tools and vessels are available at hand.
• Plan food storage correctly. Place frequently-used items within easy reach. Store dry goods into airtight, stackable containers.
• Try putting up a towel bar to a cabinet door and you will have your dish cloth or hand towel within easy reach.
• Stock pots, saucepans and bowls by size and store them near your food preparation area.
• Don’t forget a place for the cleaning supplies and wastebasket.
• Plan out a space for the cooking oils.
• Go in for full-extension pullouts. This will relieve the need for reaching deep into cabinets.

A basic principle of kitchen storage is to maintain clutter-free counter space. This allows you to space to lay out your ingredients and cooking utensils. You can choose to put away your kitchen stuff out of view in neat kitchen storage cabinets or go in for display on open racks. Alternatively combine the look with closed kitchen storage cabinets and put open shelves to best use with cookbooks and attractive kitchenware.
We have carefully looked into various areas of kitchens in detail to help you remodel your kitchen storage and décor.

Kitchen cabinets - Kitchen Storage Cabinet

Kitchen countertops

Kitchen island

Kitchen remodeling - Kitchen remodeling Ideas

The festive season is round the corner and everyone seems to be thronging the stores in a flurry of frenzied shopping. After all, Christmas is the season for giving and sharing… and telling people you love how much they mean to you. What better way to say this than by selecting a unique Christmas gift with care!

As I was busying up getting my gift list ready, the touching story of caring and gifting came to my mind, flashing back from the days of my childhood when I had first read this short story ‘Gift of the Magi’ by O. Henry. It never fails to fill me with a warm feeling each time I read it. Allow me to present a short synopsis here since it would definitely serve as chicken soup for the shopping souls.

It is the story of a poor couple Jim and Della who didn’t have enough money to buy each other a gift for Christmas. They lived in impoverished conditions and all that they had to be proud of was Jim’s gold watch, given to him by his grandfather. Della had beautiful hair, hair that would have put Rapunzel to shame.

Della had tried to save a few pennies but that could hardly have got her anything for Jim. She checked out a thin gold chain that would look perfect on Jim’s gold watch. The price deterred her. As she was peering through the crowded storefront, she caught sight of her beautiful hair in the window. She made up her mind at once. She sold her mane to a hair store that bought it for a good price. Clutching the gold chain in hand, she walked back home, eager to show Jim the gift.

As she walked in home, James gave a look of dismay when he saw her. In her enthusiasm, Della didn’t notice it and showed him the beautiful gold chain. She asked to see his watch so that the new chain could be fastened. Jim didn’t have it as he had sold the watch to buy Della a gift for Christmas. The gaily-wrapped gift was still in his hand. When opened, it revealed a set of exquisite tortoise shell combs for Della’s long hair.

The story is named after the Biblical Magi, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh at the birth of Christ. In modern times, we all need to pick up unique Christmas gifts, gifts that will bring a smile, gifts that will gladden the heart. In much the same way, pick up unique Christmas gift ideas from our informative articles:

Christmas shopping online - Shop for Gifts online

Holiday Gift Basket - Holiday season Gifts

Corporate Christmas gift idea - Business Gift Idea

There’s no one like mom… be it when you are a little kid, growing girl or adult woman. There’s no comforting place like being ensconced in the loving arms of your mother. She’s comforted you when you grazed your knee, been a tower of strength during your rigorous exam schedules, helped you with tackling the pangs of growing up and she’s been happy when you finally made it out on your own. For those of us with kids, there is no denying the special role of granny.

Take time off to buy your mom a special gift this Christmas. After all, you know your mother best. Think of what she would like, be it a piece of jewelry or a gourmet gift basket. Would she prefer a gift certificate so that she can leisurely buy something at her own pace once the Christmas shopping crowds are gone? If your mom is game for it, why not gift her a pampering session at a spa. Maybe you too could go for it together…ideal to spend a whole day just the two of you, getting yourself all massaged and pampered!

Flowers never go out of style. A bunch of her favorite flowers and goodie gift hamper are sure to bring a smile on mom’s face. Toffees and cheesecake, cheese and herbs, wine and cookies – choose a gift hamper that suits her taste buds. Whilst at it, you can even consider Italian baskets crammed with pasta, sauces, herbs and more or exquisite chocolates.

If your budget permits it, why not go ahead and buy her a jewelry gift for Christmas. The options are myriad, from lightweight gold jewelry, silver jewelry or pearls. You can pick up a Celtic Shamrock Clover brooch or beaded jewelry. Buy her jewelry with her birthstones in it. Religious jewelry is yet another option.

Mom’s hobbies are a great clue to finding her a great gift for Christmas. Books, music, gardening accessories, sewing patterns and materials…. the list goes on. If you think you can spare the cash, book a relaxing holiday at a nearby holiday resort that she has been eyeing for long.

There is no denying that personalized gifts mean a lot, be it a simple card sketched by a grandchild or a photo album that takes her through the years or even a small poem written by you for her.

Browse through our collection of ideas for Christmas gifts for mom. They are sure to inspire you:

Pearl Jewelry - Pearl Jewelry as Gifts

Religious Jewelry - Religious Jewelry as Gifts

Gold Jewelry - Gold Jewelry as gifts

Gemstone Jewelry - Gemstone Jewelry as gifts

Holiday- gift basket - Holiday Gift

Gift Certificate - Try Gift Certificate

Personalized Christmas card - Simple but personalized christmas message

Homemade Christmas Gift - Make your own very personal Gift at home

It is interesting to look back at Thanksgiving history and understand the significance of this uniquely American tradition. Thanksgiving history can be traced back to 1621 when the colonists reaped a bountiful Fall harvest after a harsh winter.

The Pilgrims that had set sail for the New World faced many a trial and tribulation. With the help of the local Native Americans, they cultivated corn and native vegetables to keep them alive. A grand community feast was held to celebrate this, replete with corn, barley, pumpkins and peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, fowl, deer and wild turkey. The Thanksgiving feast is in commemoration of the thankful community feast partaken by the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

But a couple of years later, there was drought and the Pilgrims fasted and prayed for rain. As their prayers were answered, they continued to follow the tradition of thanksgiving. It was much later in 1789 that President George Washington declared Thanksgiving as a holiday for all colonies. After much lobbying and debate, it was decided that the fourth Thursday of November would be celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in the United States. A national holiday proved to be one of the effective tools in promoting national unity during the colonial times.

Today Thanksgiving Day is a day of family togetherness, where the traditional turkey and the rest of the meal are savored with near and dear ones. Thanksgiving Day, as the name suggests is a day of prayer to thank God for his bounties. It is also a day to thank those who care for us and enrich our lives with their love. Prayers and church services are held for people to contemplate on their blessings and thank the Lord for them.

Fruits, flowers and vegetables are used to decorate churches. Homes may have a traditional cornucopia, to symbolize the abundance of Thanksgiving. Even today, the turkey finds pride of place on the Thanksgiving dinner menu. You can find corn in some form of the other, be it as bread or side dish. Thanksgiving meal also includes breadcrumb stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. Traditionally pecan pie or pumpkin pie finds it way into the Thanksgiving menu.

In keeping with the thanksgiving spirit, our special articles on decorating your home with Thanksgiving crafts and planning the Thanksgiving meal are sure to find favor with you!

It’s Halloween season once again and dark devilish costumes, implements and decorations add to the eerie atmosphere. Google celebrates this season with its Scary Stories.

Google’s Book search, as part of the grandiose scheme of indexing millions of books with the help of the leading American and British libraries, shows snippets of the pages with due links to where to source the books.

A look at the page shows some links to the Master of Gothic Horror Tales – Edgar Allan Poe and many other authors of this genre. The immensely dark poem about the Raven – a chilling portender of Evil and spooky short stories like The Fall of the House of Usher and The Premature Burial can easily send shivers down your spine.

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) donned many roles though he earned acclaim for his role as a poet, author of short stories (mostly about Gothic tales – tales of thunder and gore),literary critic and one of the leaders of American Romantic Movement. He strongly believed in short prose often describing macabre tales instead of voluminous works of fiction.

Many of the works of classic authors are available for download from many sources which Google identifies a few. What is shown in Google’s Book search points to links where you can buy from multiple sources.

As an aside, we have a couple of articles too to celebrate the spooky occasion as here:

Halloween Costume
Revel in the Halloween spirit with the right Halloween costume. Check out adult Halloween costumes and Halloween costume ideas for kids and couples.

Halloween Decoration
It’s Halloween time once again; time to create the spookiest house on the block to scare away the visitors and treaters. Read on to find out how you can decorate your home with the Halloween spirit.

Although the concept of customized search engines is not unique or mushroomed overnight, it has taken on new significance after Google’s free sitesearch , Yahoo! Search Builder and Swiki community powered search engine have debuted. We have implemented our own Swiki woman centric search engine earlier.

All such custom engines basically offered search results based on user-set criteria. You initiate a search engine through one of the publicly offered services based on your preferred set of URLs. You can tweak the search results pages and enhance the listings as you go along in the case of Swiki. As the name implies, it takes a life of its own when more collaborators or partners in your community join in and refine the search results.

Google has unveiled its own Google Custom Search Engine ( you will find more details and comments by Google’s Matt Cutts here:

review-custom-search-engine)

What does it offer ?

Does it offer something unique which is not offered elsewhere ?

We wanted to find out for ourselves and what better way than trying it out. It took us barely a few minutes to head to the Google coop and define our own search engine. We rolled out a spanking new custom search engine – Woman centric search engine – powered by Google. You can try this Woman-Centric Search Engine here: Custom Woman Centric Search Engine

As far as we could see in the initial test run, the results are mainly sourced from the regular Google index with perhaps a couple of results thrown in from the preferred list. We deliberately kept our preferred list to 2. You guessed it right – we used our own URL as the first in the list. You can access the preferred list from the control panel -> sites.

We have seeded the search results with keyword phrases which would refine the results to women centered sites, though the results are not in consonance with the avowed motto – provide consistent search results primarily targeted at women. It is only the beginning and so would wait for more collaborators to join in and add to the refinement.

We have been getting quite some positive feedback and referrals from Swiki. Swiki offers easy to customize search results. We are still in the process of evaluating the new Google custom engine. We will share our results in this blog.

Whilst on the topic of slimming and weight reduction, one must take a peek into why there are so many fad diets and unhealthy unnatural slimming options than ever before. It is true that sedentary lifestyles and improper eating habits have led to higher instances of obesity and there is a need to be fit and healthy. But let us also look at the other side of the picture. What drives women and young girls to the eternal quest of getting slimmer and looking younger?

Female pictures that stare at us out of various advertising media revolve around ultra slim nubile bodies with enviable vital statistics. Fashion and beauty industry lays standards for what society considers as ‘beauty’. Without our being aware of it, women are led to believe in the culture of thinness, to the point of changing the body appearance, be it by diet plans, exercise or cosmetic surgery. In fact, the average woman is also judged by the standards laid down by the beauty industry.

Over time, these stereotypes have stuck….leading millions of women worldwide to become unhappy over their appearance and go through drastic measures to modify it. This also manifests as negative perceptions about how you look and even feel about your own body.