Traditional dosa recipes call for it to be served with coconut chutney and sambar.  Tomato chutney and cilantro chutney are also good options.  At least two options for dipping are preferable. Though this is an Indian dish, dosas do not have to be served with chutney.  You can try other dips, such as hummus, spinach dip, or even guacamole for a little Indian-Mexican fusion! These delicate crepes are best if fresh off the griddle, so try to time your meal so that you are ready to eat as soon as they are cooked. While fresh dosas are best, if you have leftover dosas and do not wish to discard them, try freezing them.  They can then be reheated on a skillet.  It may be better to freeze them flat (without folding them). Be aware that the texture may change in the freezing and thawing process.

Summary: Pair with a variety of chutneys. Try other kinds of dips. Serve fresh and warm. Freeze extras if necessary.


Crunches are similar to situps, except only your shoulders and upper back come up off the floor. This compresses your spine less and doesn't require the use of your hip muscles. To do a crunch, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your arms crossed on your chest (or fingers laced behind your head). Slowly curl upwards until your upper back is off the floor. Pretend a string attached to your shoulders is pulling you up towards the sky (not towards your knees). Keep your abs tight and lower yourself back down slowly; you work your muscles just as much on the way down as on the way up. You can keep the same starting position as you used for the traditional crunch, except you should lace your fingers behind your head if you haven't already. Then, lift your legs so that your knees are bent together and touching your chest. Contracting your abs, sit up slightly and inhale. As you exhale, straighten your right leg and try to touch the outside of your right arm to the outside of your left thigh. Straighten your core and bring your knee back to your chest on the inhale. Then, repeat for the opposite side. Long arm crunches engage all of the muscles in your abdomen to ensure a thorough workout. To begin, stay in the same starting position as you have for the last two exercises. However, instead of crossing your arms across your chest, extend them straight back on the floor (as if you're reaching up above your head). Then, contract your abs to lift your arms, head, and shoulders off the floor (Remember not to lead with your arms! They should stay next to your head the entire time). Stop when you reach a 30˚ angle. Hold for a couple seconds, then lower yourself back down in a slow, controlled manner. Prop your legs up on an exercise ball so that your knees are bent at a 90˚ angle. Place your hands behind your head (don't lace your fingers) and tighten your abs. Gently lift your upper body off the floor be contracting your abs. Don't tuck your chin into your chest. Slowly lower yourself back down to the floor as you inhale.

Summary: Begin with traditional crunches. Move into doing bicycle sit-ups. Do long arm crunches. Finish your warm-up with exercise ball crunches.


Often, you will need to fill out an application to receive free land. You'll need to provide some basic biographical information, such as who will be living on the land and where you're living now. You also need to provide information on what you plan to do with the land. The cities offering this benefit want to make sure you will fulfill the requirements they set out. Otherwise, they may reject your application. To get the land, you will have to submit a housing plan and prove you have the financial means to build. With some communities, you'll need to submit a blueprint for approval. Basically, they want to see you have a plan for your house or business, and that you have the money to do it.   In some locations, you may only be asked to provide a blueprint. To prove you have the financial means to build, you don't need to have the cash in your bank account. If you are pre-approved for a loan, that may be enough. Most of the time you will be required to take certain actions or forfeit the land. For instance, in Marquette, Kansas, you must build a house within a year. To do so, you must sign with a contractor within four months and start building within six months. Be aware that you may forfeit the free land if you don't meet conditions, even after the land has been transferred to you. Most cities require that you put down a deposit. Usually, it's not very much. For instance, in Lincoln, Kansas, it's $0.08 per square foot.

Summary: Fill out the application. Meet the requirements of the transfer. Sign the agreement. Make a deposit.


If the state is not involved, your attorney will file the adoption in the appropriate court on your behalf. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled to give the birth parents an opportunity to file a response to the petition.   If the birth parents both consent, they will sign notarized forms surrendering their parental rights. At this stage, the family of the other parent may request the right to intervene or contest the adoption. If a state agency is involved, you will need their cooperation and approval for a kinship adoption. A supportive social worker can be your biggest asset.   The agency should have the documents needed for the adoption, such as certified birth certificates and parental death certificates. They also have access to records that can help locate absentee parents for service and consent. Cooperate fully with requested home visits, interviews, and criminal background checks. Most states have laws in place to streamline these procedures and give preference to blood relatives, but your cooperation is essential. Be open and honest. After the state becomes involved, there is no "private family business." Grandparents may be asked to submit to physical examinations to determine if they are healthy enough to be adoptive parents for young children. If you are looking to adopt a grandchild or the child of your sibling, talk with the family member birth parent about consenting to the adoption. You should also talk to the rest of the immediate family about their feelings. Forcing the court to sever parental rights can cause dissent in the family that is not good for the child. You may need to provide your own birth certificates, marriage and divorce documents, and employment records. Don't keep any secrets from your lawyer. If there is something in your past that may be an issue, such as a former drug problem, health issue, or criminal conviction, be honest about it before it becomes an issue in the adoption.  If your attorney is court-appointed, Legal Aid, or working pro bono, you will likely be able to get the court filing fees waived. Speak with your attorney about the records you will have to provide. If there is a child welfare case, the state will handle the severance of the birth parents' rights. If the case goes to trial, you may be called to testify about anything you witnessed and about how you have been caring for the child. If you receive a subpoena or other notice from the state, contact your attorney immediately.
Summary: Institute an adoption proceeding. Seek agency cooperation. Discuss consent to the adoption. Work with your attorney.