Are you a YouTube video junkie? In the past year, I’ve taken quite a liking to them! Done well, a video will give me the information I need and maybe a little dance break, too. Once I caught on to the fact that I could search YouTube for anything from WordPress help to recipes to motivational messages, I started turning to it almost as often as I turn to Google. That says a lot.

Today’s edition of #3ThingsThursday is a round-up of videos that I have enjoyed in the last little while and think you will benefit from, too. I have a feeling I’ll be putting together more of these video round-ups in the future!

Thursdays are my favourite day to blog now with #3ThingsThursday in my life! This fun link-up, dreamed up by Pink Chai Living, The Write Balance and Love Laugh Mirch, encourages me to get a little creative with what and how I am sharing with you. Thanks for tuning in every week! If you are a blogger and want to link up, you can do so at any of the hosts’ sites. Either way, I hope you take some time to enjoy the other #3ThingsThursday posts. (You can even search the hashtag on Twitter if you are hanging out there).

1. Indian cooking. Something I am determined to master because…well, I’m Indian. I didn’t spend a lot of time with my mom in the kitchen while I was growing up but so much of what I miss about her and remember about my childhood has to do with her food. Everyone loves Mama’s cooking, right? Well, I believe that a mother’s food is more than just a tasty dish; it’s your culture, your language, your connection to your past, your one sure thing that will be with you as you go forward. When you understand why certain spices are used in particular dishes, you are activating a part of you that also belonged to your ancestors – and that you can pass down to your kids.

What? All this from a simple daal? Yup. I have more to say on this but for now, I want to share with you this awesome video on how to make palak paneer. Palak paneer (essentially, spinach with an unaged, non-melting cheese) isn’t something we made in our home; it’s popular in northern India, and my family is from the west. But it’s a delicious vegetarian alternative and I had most of the spices on hand that you see in this video. (And even without the spices I was missing, it turned out fantastic!)

Turn up the volume as you watch this video put out by Fruiticana (and my friend, Raj of Pink Chai Media). In 1:52 you will learn to make an authentic Punjabi dish!

2. Moving over to funny and motivational, I love this video by Kid President. Have you ever wondered what life would be like if a kid was actually president (or prime minister)? I have visions of inordinate amounts of playtime, those treehouse-type bunk beds in every home and short work days. I’d also like to think there would be less war because nobody would care about the things that people feel justified in hurting others. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Anyway, here’s a quick smile break with Kid President sharing 20 things we should say more often to add some more awesome to the world. (You can watch this at work – it’s OK! Keep the volume off and read along!)

But, can we just agree that instead of corn dogs, we could pass out Quinoa Ladoos? They’re healthier, celebratory and just all ’round a better idea (in my opinion!).

3. And finally, one of the most entertaining and motivating TED Talks I have watched to date (and I love my TED) comes from Maysoon Zayid. Entitled: I Got 99 Problems…Palsy Is Just One, I had no idea what to expect when I clicked Play. What I got was a huge dose of laughter, perspective and an incredible respect for the resilience of human beings. Watch it. You won’t be sorry.

Do you have a favourite video you want to share with me? Please leave it in the comments! And let me know if you check out any of the ones I shared – I love hearing from you!