Manu's Medley

2025 - Another year has quietly gone by, and this time I read nine beautiful books. It was a slower reading year for me. An injured right arm meant I couldn’t even carry half a cup of water for a while. For someone who swears by reading a physical copy - who believes books must be held, felt, and turned page by page - shifting to any other format just didn’t feel right. So a reading slump followed. I’m still finding my way back into rhythm, back into the comfort of getting lost in the stories and lingering with characters long after the last page. Here is a quick recap of what I read last year. The School for Good Mothers:  A powerful fictional exploration by Jessamine Chan on modern motherhood and the weight of the societal judgement. It made me sit with uncomfortable questions about what it means to be a “good” mother in a world that watches women closely and rarely forgives their mistakes. You can read the full review in this link . The Fury:  I really enjoyed The...

Just a few hours remain before we flip open a new page on a fresh calendar. As I sat sipping hot water, watching my son absorbed in a drawing that had caught his fancy, a quiet thought crossed my mind - what did 2025 really give me, and what did it change within me? Like most years, 2025 arrived as a mixed bag. It offered moments of joy and gratitude, alongside phases of discomfort and challenge. Some of the brighter glimpses - the places I visited, the books I managed to read, the thoughts I shared - are already scattered across my YouTube and Instagram spaces. What I tend to keep private, however, are the harder chapters. This year was particularly demanding on my health and mental well-being. Navigating life as an immigrant, a parent, and a stay-at-home mother came with its own set of quiet battles. Yet, if there is one lesson 2025 gently but firmly taught me, it is this: even in the most exhausting seasons, hope exists . Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to stay put, br...

I am sure we all would have heard this statement more than once in our lives from our parents, teachers, siblings, friends, spouse or even a boss: “Try and try till you achieve your dream or target.” It could be finding the job of your liking, marrying the person you desire, or earning that long-awaited promotion. For many of us, these words become the script of our lives - pushing us to always chase the next milestone, to measure our worth by achievements. But what happens when the constant “trying” becomes exhausting? That's the side of the story untold. What is this book about? This is what Kate Williams’ "How to Stop Trying: An Overachiever's Guide to Self-Acceptance, Letting Go, and Other Impossible Things" talks about. The book isn’t about throwing away ambitions or giving up on our dreams. Instead, it’s about recognizing the hidden cost of endless striving - the burn out, the inability to rest without guilt, the constant sense of “not enough” and learning how t...

Ganesh Chaturthi has always been one of my favorite festivals. Though I may not be able to recreate the same pomp and fervor as in India, I try to keep the spirit alive in every way I can. For me, the festival is never complete without offering The Divine modaks (steamed sweet dumplings), Lord Ganesha’s most beloved treat. Across India, modaks take many forms - some are steamed with sweet fillings, some are fried, and a few even made savory. In my home, we make kudumulu , a simple sweet version without stuffing that tastes heavenly on its own. Growing up in Chennai, our neighbors often shared their kolukattai - they are  soft, smooth, and just melt in our mouths. Over the years, I’ve tried making these festive modaks myself, and trust me, it wasn’t always easy - cracked shells, tough dough, and the constant worry of shaping them without a mould. But with time and a few simple tricks, I’ve learned how to make soft, smooth, no-crack modaks completely by hand. The best part? You don’t...

If you love quick breakfasts or evening snacks, but don’t want multiple appliances cluttering your kitchen counter top, a 2-in-1 waffle and sandwich maker can feel like a lifesaver. Recently I tried one, and while it impressed me in many ways, it also came with a few trade-offs you should know before buying. Here’s my detailed review based on my experience using it for over a month.  Product Overview What it is:  Mainstays 2-in-1 waffle and sandwich maker from Walmart. It's priced at 29.98 CAD (plus taxes) and comes with interchangeable plates for waffles and sandwiches. Who it’s for:  Small families, students, busy parents, or anyone who enjoys versatile cooking without without crowding their counters with multiple gadgets. First impression:  Lightweight, easy to set up, and it heats up faster than I expected. Pros   ✅ Quick cooking:  It makes two waffles or two sandwiches at a time, so breakfast or snacks are r...

It's summer break and like many parents, I find myself navigating the ups and downs of having my child at home - full time. Recently, one morning stood out in particular - a moment that turned into an unexpected adventure. My son woke up feeling sad. When asked him he said he is unhappy as his friends don't call him a certain way. That feeling carried so much weight in his little heart and it was tough seeing him like that. I reminded him that we cannot control how others treat us or what they say about us. Instead we can focus on what brings us joy like "May be take a walk in the nature, or read a book, or ride your bike" I offered. To my surprise he immediately responded "Let's go for a walk in the nature" and so we did. We stepped out just with a bottle of water and my mobile phone. Initially I thought we would get some fresh air for few minutes to lighten his mood and head back home. But what we started on as an impromptu walk ended up with a wonderf...

I usually don't choose the books I read - more often it feels like they choose me. Though it sounds philosophical, its no exaggeration when it comes to the two books that I am about to share in this article. Both found their way into my hands at just the right moment, offering reflections on motherhood that were as timely as they were touching. The School For Good Mothers and Sandwich are both poignant narratives told through the voice of mothers; sharing deeply their personal journey through motherhood interwoven with love, guilt, resilience and strength to hold it together. The School For Good Mothers I often jokingly say that "How lovely it would be if motherhood comes with a guide book!" - better if there is a school that teaches us how to be good mothers! By looks of the title "The School For Good Mothers" seems to align with my thoughts, but it isn't really. Though this is a fictional story authored by Jessamine Chan, every mother could relate, especia...