Add blacks to your wardrobe

Imagine walking in a tunnel. You are enveloped in blackness and there is a mystery in the air. That's what black garments do to the onlooker. Tall and lean people are bound to leave an impression when they wear black.

Here we suggest some ideas for making the colour black a part of your wardrobe:

Single-breasted, three-button jackets or a black suit with a white shirt and formal black trousers give the guys the 'look'.

"It is the weather in India that prevents us from wearing black on formal occasions," says Manish Nagpal, a designer who runs an export house. Black short dresses, a black stone pendant, black strap watches, black buttons, black Byblos belts with unusual chrome buckle. Ray Bans of MIB, black shoes, shining black leather square toe shoes, tie in black silk with geometric designs.

Black symbolizes change, versatility, attitude and confidence.

There is black crepe, black lycra, black velvet, black wool. Black looks best in fabrics that absorb colour and retain blackness. A black dress can be work both as a host and guest.

A black yoke with a crepe dupatta lends mystery to white top to add a formal touch.

Black is a slimming colour. It does not give away what you want to held back.

And many people consider black as inauspicious, but then our eyebrows and hair are also black? Aren't they?

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Foods that fight high cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the main causes of heart problems in people around the world. Changing what you eat can lower this high cholesterol and improve your lipid profile.

"Improving high cholesterol can be done in two simple steps," says Dr. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital, "The two simple steps are: Add foods that lower LDL - the harmful cholesterol-carrying particle that contributes to artery-clogging atherosclerosis and at the same time, cut back on foods that boost LDL."

Given, in this gallery, are some foods that will give you polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And some foods containing sterols and stanols, which help block the body from absorbing cholesterol. Let's learn to keep high cholesterol in check and have a look at these helpful foods...

Foods that fight high cholesterol #1: Oats are high on every "foods to lower cholesterol" list, due to the simple fact that they are rich in fiber. The soluble fiber contained in oatmeal will reduce the LDL levels in your body, and even 5 or 10 grams of this fiber will be instrumental in helping lower your cholesterol.

Oats also contain beta-glucol, which helps to absorb the LDL cholesterol, process it, and expel it from the body in your excrement.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #2: Fish is one of the best foods to lower cholesterol, as it contains Omega-3 fatty acids that will be instrumental in improving your overall heart health. Those who have already suffered heart attacks from high cholesterol will find that the Omega-3 fatty acids prevent sudden death from heart problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids also increase the levels of HDL in the body, thus helping to combat the LDL more effectively. The best fish to eat include mackerel, salmon, albacore tuna, halibut, sardines, herring and lake trout.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #3: Nuts are some of the best foods to lower cholesterol, as they are rich in polyunsaturated fats. Walnuts, almonds are some of the nuts that are top cholesterol lowering foods, as long as they aren't salted.

It is important to only eat a small amount of nuts every day, and you should eat no more than a handful.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #4: Beans are excellent for your heart, though all legumes will help lower your high cholesterol. Beans are high in fiber, and they contain a lot of protein that is low in fat. "Studies have shown that beans can help to lower cholesterol by as much as 8% with only half a cup of beans eaten regularly," says Dr. Eileen.

Beans help to slow down the body's absorption of cholesterol, and black beans and kidney beans are two of the foods near the top of the low cholesterol foods list.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #5: Garlic helps lower cholesterol. It fights the plaque that would clog your arteries by preventing the cholesterol particles from clinging to the arterial walls. No more than four cloves are necessary, though two per day is the minimum amount to experience the amazing benefits of the garlic.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #6: Fibre in fruits helps lower cholesterol. Apples, pears, grapes strawberries, citrus fuits and grapefruit contain soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #7: Spinach helps lower cholesterol, as it contains lutein. Lutein is regarded as one of the best nutrients to protect the walls of your arteries against the cholesterol that would cling to them and form blockages.

Foods that fight high cholesterol #8: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that fight high LDL cholesterol levels.

If you have high cholesterol, avoid these foods:

The saturated fats found in red meat and milk can raise the level of LDL enormously. Hence cut back on saturated fat to lead a healthy life. Use olive oil instead of butter, and try baking/roasting chicken instead of frying it.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Library book returned 55 years late!

A long overdue book has finally been returned to the New York Public Library - 55 years late.

The Daily News says the biography of a 16th-century priest, " Fire of Francis Xavier", was borrowed from the library's Fort Washington branch April 10, 1958.

Library manager Jennifer Zarr told the newspaper that the book reached them Monday wrapped in a plain brown envelope. There was a cheque for $100 to cover the dues.

Shanghai Daily quoted the librarian as saying that library records do not go back to 1958 and there's no way to trace who borrowed the book.

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4 reasons why you should go off make-up!

Afraid to step out of your house, without applying make-up? While it may seem like a bizarre idea to go off make-up for a few weeks or so, it can be actually be a positive step. We tell you how.

Saves your money

Most women have their vanity cases full of make-up products that they never use. Naturally, not only do the products go waste, even the money that has been spent on them goes down the drain. So always stick to buying only few, essential make-up products for special occasions and rest of the time, go make-up free.

Gives your skin a breather

The best reason to go off make-up is to give your skin a break from all the harmful chemicals in all these products. After all, your skin is also a body organ that needs to be cared for too.

Makes you look naturally good

While it feels great when someone compliments you for looking good when have put on make-up, there's no better feeling, when you get a compliment, despite having no make-up on your face! Sometimes, a nice smile is all you need to look gorgeous.

Sends out a positive message

Apart from all of the above benefits, wearing no make-up also helps sends out a positive message, especially, if you're a role model to young girls or have daughters. It gives out the message that you needn't apply make-up to look beautiful.

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Things your guy doesn't want to hear

When you are in love, it's important to have and show mutual respect. As a lover, you can afford to take some liberties.

However, there are few things that are better left unsaid. Irrespective of the fact that your guy is the coolest man on the planet, there are things he might not appreciate hearing from especially you even if it has some truth to it.
Here are a few common statements that most girls make (consciously or unconsciously) that give rise to conflict.

You are a momma's boy:
Even though most men are momma's boys, they hate to hear that especially from you! In some cases, the guy would have liked for some of your qualities that matches with his mom. So, you stating the obvious would be a disaster. Says Shweta Raghuram, a student, "I would hear him say I care the same way as his mom does. But the day I told him he was mom's pet, he hit the roof!" Every person is touchy about his/her mother and he's no exception. Hence, avoid bringing his mom into your conversation with him. It would be suicidal for the relationship if you do so.

Ugh! your friends:
No matter how much you love your guy, there are two things most girls can't stand about men — his love for sports and most importantly the boy gang he loves to hang around with. Irrespective of the fact that his friends are a decent bunch, you still hate to hear him say he enjoys drinking with them. But expressing your concern to him is a big 'no no'. "He would neither want you to point fingers at his friends, nor is he comfortable to let you praise them. It's a dicey situation," says, Sreevalli M. Dating or married, most guys hate to let go of their friends and shift their focus fully on you!

You are always like this:
Remember you fell in love with him for some of his qualities. It was not just looks that drew you to him. "True love is not about loving a perfect person, but learning to live with his imperfections." Remember this cheesy line? The next time you wanna crib about his attitude, reminding yourself of this will save you a lot of trouble. Says Harsha Sharma, a techie, "Would she like it if I said you will never change? Mutual respect helps keep the relationship in good shape."

We need to talk:
Oh no! Not again! This four-word statement is sure to make his temper soar! You realise that either of you saying 'Let's talk' means trouble in paradise! Men hate drama, so if you must talk, get candid and to the point! Says Arunima Chatterjee, "It helps to talk it out when your relationship hits a road block. However, using these words would only mean a threat. Instead, ask him to meet up for coffee and talk your heart out."

My Ex never did this:
No comparisons please! This is the most sensitive topic that's best avoided. He already hates the fact that you previously dated somebody. Now, bringing your Ex into your relationship would mean war! Comparing your guy with your ex will hurt his ego and you know how men are! They will never like it one bit! To save your relationship, let bygones be bygones. For any relationship to work, it's important to appreciate the person for what he is rather then pushing him to change which will ultimately boomerang on you. He might end up saying things like "Why don't you go back to him!" Hence, it's wise to weigh your words before speaking.

You are going bald:
With innumerable chemical-based products of reputed brands available in the market, you are spoilt for choice. Excessive trial and error methods result in disaster. With the kind of lifestyle, protecting your crowning glory has become quite a challenge. More so with men who tend to lose hair too soon and for whom the receding hairlines are very noticeable. That is definitely one of his major worries too. So this is the last thing you would want to tell him.

reshmi.ar@timesgroup.com

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Eat desserts for breakfast, get slim

Those with a weakness for sweets can now include cookies and cake in a 600 calorie breakfast menu with some proteins and carbs to shed weight in a pleasurable way and also stay slim.

Attempting to avoid sweets entirely can create a psychological addiction to these same foods in the long-term, explains Daniela Jakubowicz, professor at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, who led the study.

Over the course of a 32-week-long study, participants who added dessert to their breakfast - cookies, cake, or chocolate - lost an average of 40 pounds more than a group that avoided such foods, the journal Steroids reports.

What's more, they kept off the pounds longer. A meal in the morning provides energy for the day's tasks, aids in brain functioning, and kick-starts the body's metabolism, making it crucial for weight loss and maintenance, according to a Tel Aviv statement.

And breakfast is the meal that most successfully regulates ghrelin, the hormone that increases hunger, explains Jakubowicz. While the level of ghrelin rises before every meal, it is suppressed most effectively at breakfast time.

These findings were based on 193 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults, who were randomly assigned to one of two diet groups with identical caloric intake - the men consumed 1,600 calories daily and the women 1,400.

However, the first group was given a low carbohydrate diet including a small 300 calorie breakfast, and the second was given a 600 calorie breakfast high in protein and carbohydrates, always including a dessert item (i.e. chocolate).

Halfway through the study, participants in both groups had lost an average of 33 pounds per person. But in the second half of the study, results differed drastically.

The participants in the low-carb group regained an average of 22 pounds each, but participants in the group with a larger breakfast lost another 15 pounds each.

At the end of the 32 weeks, those who had consumed a 600 calorie breakfast had lost an average of 40 pounds more per person than their peers.

Jakubowicz conducted the study with Julio Wainstein and Mona Boaz from Tel Aviv and Oren Froy of Hebrew University Jerusalem.

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Shiva Trilogy's final book to release in March 2013

Karan Johar launches the Cover of Amish's eagerly anticipated 3rd book in the Shiva Trilogy, The Oath of the Vayuputras.

Filmmaker Karan Johar, and Amish, the bestselling author of The Immortals of Meluha and The Secret of the Nagas, unveiled the cover of the much anticipated 3rd book of the Shiva Trilogy, The Oath of the Vayuputras. The concluding book of the Shiva Trilogy is set to be released in early March, 2013.

Also gracing the occasion was Gautam Padmanabhan, CEO, Westland Ltd, the publishers of Amish's books, and Rashmi Pusalkar, the designer of the cover of The Oath of the Vayuputras.

The Shiva Trilogy (comprising The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas and the yet to be released The Oath of the Vayuputras) has been one of the most successful book series in the history of Indian publishing. It has sold almost a million copies within a short period of two-and-a-half years, with gross retail sales of approx Rs 22 crores. The books have been released across the Indian subcontinent in various languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and Telugu.

The Shiva Trilogy is a compelling, fictional tale of a Tibetan tribal called Shiva, whose adventures nearly 4000 years ago, morphed into the mythical legends of the Hindu God Shiva.

Speaking on the occasion, Karan Johar said, 'Amish's books have always had a fantastical visual element to them and his book covers reflect that beautifully. They are rich in symbolism and meaning, while remaining stunning to look at.'

Amish added, 'I think Rashmi, the designer, has done a superb job with the cover of The Oath of the Vayuputras. She has managed to bring in many symbolic elements seamlessly, while ensuring that this cover maintains the high standards of visual appeal that she set with the covers of my earlier books. I'm lucky to have her as the cover designer of my books.'

Gautam Padmanabhan - Chief Executive Officer, Westland Limited (Publishers of The Shiva Trilogy) - said, 'Westland is delighted to be publishing Amish's Shiva Trilogy. It mines our grand Indian heritage and makes our ancient philosophies and stories relatable to a whole new generation.'

Amish is a 1974-born, IIM (Kolkata)-educated, boring banker turned happy author. The success of his debut book, The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), encouraged him to give up a fourteen-year-old career in financial services to focus on writing. He is passionate about history, mythology and philosophy, finding beauty and meaning in all world religions. Amish lives in Mumbai with his wife Preeti and son Neel.

About 'The Immortals of Meluha':
1900 BC. In what modern Indians mistakenly call the Indus Valley Civilisation. The inhabitants of that period called it the land of Meluha - a near perfect empire created many centuries earlier by Lord Ram, the greatest monarch that ever lived.

This once proud empire and its Suryavanshi rulers face severe perils as its primary river, the revered Saraswati, is slowly drying to extinction. Its people also face devastating terrorist attacks from the east, the land of the Chandravanshis. To make matters worse, the Chandravanshis appear to have allied with the Nagas, an ostracised and sinister race of deformed humans with astonishing martial skills.

The only hope for the Suryavanshis is an ancient legend: 'When evil reaches epic proportions, when all seems lost, when it appears that your enemies have triumphed, a hero will emerge.'

Is the rough-hewn Tibetan immigrant, Shiva, really that hero? And does he want to be that hero at all? Drawn suddenly to his destiny, by duty as well as by love, will Shiva lead the Suryavanshi revenge and destroy evil?

This is the first book in a trilogy on Shiva, the simple man whose karma re-cast him as our Mahadev, the God of Gods.

About 'The Secret of the Nagas':
Today, He is a God. 4000 years ago, He was just a man. The hunt is on. The sinister Naga warrior has killed his friend Brahaspati and now stalks his wife Sati. Shiva, the Tibetan immigrant who is the prophesied destroyer of evil, will not rest till he finds his demonic adversary. His vengeance and the path to evil will lead him to the door of the Nagas, the serpent people. Of that he is certain.

The evidence of the malevolent rise of evil is everywhere. A kingdom is dying as it is held to ransom for a miracle drug. A crown prince is murdered. The Vasudevs - Shiva's philosopher guides - betray his unquestioning faith as they take the aid of the dark side. Even the perfect empire, Meluha, is riddled with a terrible secret in Maika, the city of births. Unknown to Shiva, a master puppeteer is playing a grand game. In a journey that will take him across the length and breadth of ancient India, Shiva searches for the truth in a land of deadly mysteries - only to find that nothing is what it seems.

Fierce battles will be fought. Surprising alliances will be forged. Unbelievable secrets will be revealed in this second book of the Shiva Trilogy, the sequel to the #1 national bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha.

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20 sleep disorders you should avoid

Everyone needs quality sleep every single night, but lifestyle choices and hurdles make sleep disorders more common than good sleep.

This poor sleeping pattern has serious repercussions on our health, and the first thing we notice is unhealthy weight gain or weight loss, low concentration, and mood swings.

If you have trouble sleeping almost every day and this lack of sleep is affecting your day-to-day routine, then you may be suffering from one of the many (and most common) sleep disorders. You will be surprised to know that there are many more sleep disorders than just insomnia and sleep apnea. Today, we help you learn about these various sleep disorders and their symptoms, so that you can take action and treat these conditions before they take a toll on your life.

Sleep disorders # 1: Sleep bruxism

Sleep bruxism is most commonly known as teeth grinding. Here the sufferer clenches or grinds their teeth while sleeping. The real cause of this sleep disorder is still unknown, but stress, tension, suppressed anger or misalignments of the teeth do lead to this problem.

This sleep disorder is though not that serious, but if this problem continues for a long time then, it can lead to jaw disorders, damaged teeth and various other mouth problems. Simple treatments are given to correct the problem generally, such as a mouth guard or therapy.

Sleep disorders # 2: Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious, life-threatening and a very common sleep disorder. This problem temporarily stops the sufferers breathing during sleep. This temporary halt is due to the blockage of the upper airways. This sleep disorder, can lead to interruption in your sleep due to many awakenings each hour.

The effect of this sleep makes the sufferer exhausted, irritated and lowers work productivity during the day. The common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, frequent pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep and waking up unrefreshed no matter how much time you spent sleeping.

If you suspect you or your loved one is suffering with this sleep disorder, then speak to your doctor. The other simple treatment to treat this sleep disorder is losing weight, elevating the head of the bed and sleeping on your side.

Sleep disorders # 3: Perpetual jet lag

Jet lag occurs when the body's inner clock is out of synchronization with time signals it receives from the environment. Time signals include meal times, sunrise and sunset, and daily cycles of rest and activity. This disorder happens due to rapid transitions across multiple time-zones. The risk is very high with nocturnal shift work employees who transfer to night shifts. The common symptoms of jet lag are feeling of irritability, insomnia, indigestion and general disorientation

The effect of jet lag on people is not immediate; apparently it may take a couple of days for this disorder to catch up.

Sleep disorders # 4: Sleep eating

This problem is a sleep disorder, as well as an eating disorder. The consequences of this disorder can be very severe if the sufferer has any health problems like diabetes or food allergies. This disorder involves eating of high-calorie foods over a very short time and without the sleeper's knowledge.

Sleep disorders # 5: Rapid eye movement behavior disorder

Rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder is a sleep disorder characterized by the loss of standard voluntary muscle during REM sleep. Here the patient physically acts out often vivid, unpleasant dream with abnormal vocal sounds and movements during rapid eye movement sleep.

REM behavior sleep disorder can cause serious injury to either the patient or their bed partners. REM can be dangerous as it is associated with other neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Sleep disorders # 6: Sleep walking

Sleep walking is pretty harmless but it can be serious when a sleepwalker gets into a car and goes for a ride. Many a times the person who sleepwalks will not remember walking, but may wake up speaking clumsily. Sleep walking is usually caused by an underlying problem, such as seizures, sleep apnea or arrhythmias.

Sleep disorders # 7: Frequent urination

Waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom is such a common problem. As we get older, our bodies' ability to hold fluids for long periods reduces and this causes sleep deprivation in many adults.

The best approach to deal with this problem is by noting down how often you are waking up. If you wake up quite often, then go and see your doctor, because the cause for your sleep deprivation due to frequent urination can be an overactive bladder or urinary tract infections.

You can also treat this sleep disorder by taking simple steps like avoiding liquids for three hours before bedtime, lowering the consumption of tea and coffee and avoiding foods with high liquid content like soups for dinner.

Sleep disorders # 8: Restless leg syndrome

In this sleep disorder, the sufferer faces an almost irresistible urge to move legs or arms. This urge occurs usually when the sufferer is resting or lying down due to some uncomfortable, painful or aching situations.

The common signs and symptoms of this syndrome includes: painful feelings deep within legs which comes along with a strong urge to move them. Repetitive cramping of the legs also occurs during sleep. The painful sensations temporarily get better when the sufferer moves, stretches or massages that area

Sleep disorders # 9: Advanced sleep phase disorder

Advanced sleep phase syndrome is a disorder in which the major sleeping affair is advanced in relation to the desired clock time. The body of the patient sets a certain time and this makes the patient go to sleep in the evening and wake up early in the morning. The common symptoms are compelling evening sleepiness, an early sleep onset, and an awakening that is earlier than desired.

Sleep disorders # 10: Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that usually begins during adolescence and is distinguished by excessive daytime sleepiness with the occurrence of sleep attacks. Narcolepsy can be genetic, or can occur in the absence of any family history as well.

The symptoms of narcolepsy that may or may not be present are: cataplexy - sudden loss of muscle tone, sleep paralysis and hypnogogic hallucinations. The treatment of narcolepsy requires a mixture of behavioral modification and drug therapy.

Sleep disorders # 11: Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs between the two phases of wakefulness and sleep. Its common symptoms are not being able to speak or move for a few minutes or seconds. At times a sufferer can even feel pressure or a sense of choking. It is mostly accompanied with other sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

Sleep disorders # 12: Kleine-Levin syndrome

Kleine-Levin syndrome or sleeping beauty syndrome is a sleeping disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleeping and eating. The sufferer can even sleep for days, it sounds cool, but it can be very disastrous. When the patient wakes up, it seems his entire world is changed and he acts childish due to confusion, disorientation, lack of energy and lack of emotions. Most are bedridden, tired, and uncommunicative even when awake. The sufferer's life is completely out of focus and they are hypertensive to noise and light. They lose interest in food, games and their favorite hobbies. Affected individuals may go for a period of weeks, months or even years without experiencing any symptoms, and then they reappear with little warning.

Sleep disorders # 13: Adult bedwetting

There are two types of adult bedwetting. Primary nocturnal enuresis occurs when an adult never conquers simple childhood bedwetting associated with potty training. The other is called adult onset secondary enuresis, which begins well into adulthood.

This condition can be genetic, but a variety of factors, including diabetes, can also be at the root of the problem. Increased production of urine during sleep can lead to adult bedwetting.

Sleep disorders # 14: Night terrors

A night terror is a sleep disorder described by tremendous terror and a temporary incapability to regain full consciousness. The patient wakes up suddenly from slow-wave sleep. This is usually accompanied by out of breath, complaining, or screaming. It is often impossible to fully awaken the person, and after the event the patient usually settles back to sleep without waking.

A night terror can rarely be recalled by the patient. Night terrors are different from nightmares. Often times it can be extremely dangerous for the person, for it can cause trauma, and can even hurt someone.

Sleep disorders # 15: Hypersomnia

The disorder is made up of phases of cruel sleepiness. These periods of sleep can last for up to hours, days or even weeks. Before a person is hit with a hypersomnia attack, the patient suffers with flu like symptoms present and a long-term headache. The attack itself can cause a person to gain weight and sweat abundantly. Menstrual-Related Hypersomnia also occurs due to hormonal imbalances.

Sleep disorders # 16: Snoring

Not all snoring is sleep apnea. Snoring can cause severe sleep disorder to the sufferer as well to the person sleeping next to the sufferer. Snoring is the vibration of respiratory systems and the resulting sound is caused due to blocked air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases the sound may be soft, but in other cases, it can be loud and horrible.

Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or first alarm, of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The only way to reduce this problem is by losing weight, changing your sleeping position and avoiding alcohol and other sedatives.

Sleep disorders # 17: Shift work sleep disorder

It is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that occurs when your work schedule and your biological clock are out of sync. Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by insomnia and excessive sleepiness affecting people whose work hours overlap with the typical sleep period.

There are numerous shift work schedules, and they may be permanent, intermittent, or rotating; consequently, the manifestations of SWSD are quite variable. Simple ways to treat this sleep disorder is by taking regular breaks and regulating your sleep-wake cycle by increasing light exposure at work.

Sleep disorders # 18: Sexsomnia

Sleep sex, or sexsomnia, is a situation in which a person will connect in sexual acts while still asleep. The symptoms of sexsomnia include fondling, heterosexual and homosexual intercourse, masturbation, and oral sex. Sometimes without the sleeper's knowledge, they even get into serious crimes like sexual assaults or even rape.

It is difficult for sexsomniacs to recollect what they did last night. Sexsomnia is also a symptom which occurs in other sleep disorders like sleep apnea and night terrors. This sleep disorder is mostly activated by stress, physical touch by their bed partners and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Sleep disorders # 19: Sleep talking

The symptoms of sleep talking can range from gibberish talks to long time sophisticated symptoms. Sleep talking can also be the symptom of another sleep disorder like REM or sleep terrors. Treatment isn't usually necessary—unless it's bothering your sleep partner. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is the best treatment or solution to mild sufferers.

Sleep disorders # 20: Insomnia

People suffering from insomnia either have difficulty in sleep initiation, sleep continuation or both. It is a highly prevalent sleep disorder and can be transitional or primary. Transitional insomnia is a sleep disturbance caused due to stressful life circumstances and resolves once the stress is taken care of.

Primary insomnia is poorly understood, long-term and is difficult to treat. Insomnia has an adverse impact on your mood, attention and concentration. Lifestyle changes and psychological treatments can help treat this condition.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Build a great home theatre system

A few essential pointers for a great entertainment system setup at home.

Should it be a plasma or LED? And bookshelf speakers or large tower speakers? Decisions, decisions! If space is not an issue and your budget permits you to dish out enough dough that could buy you a medium-sized car, then you have the fundamentals in place to making yourself a home theatre system that will serve you for years to come.

Although LED and HDTV sets are the way to go these days, LCD screens last much longer and are also more durable. If you are going the LCD way, then buy a high end set that will get you a truer black colour and avoid annoying artifacts that pop up in action scenes caused by the refresh rate of pixels in low-end LCD panels.

The Blu-Ray Player
Did you think Blu-ray technology was passe? Hang on a bit — it's still a great choice if you want the very best movie experience possible. If you've ever seen the Blu-ray version of Lord of the Rings, you'll probably get what we are saying. Picture and sound quality do differ by a certain margin among high-end Blu-ray players and you may not need to spend too much. Cancer surgeon, Dr Rajay Kumar, who likes to relax with a good movie after long hours in the OT, says, "I actually use the Blu-Ray player that comes inbuilt in my game console. It does the job pretty well."

The Preamp/Amplifier Combo
While most of us manage to obtain decent sound with a no-frills stereo amplifier, which is also called a receiver, in the dream world, you're going to want some extra muscle. That's where the preamp comes in. The two-stage process is normally handled by an amplifier. But you're going to want to separate these processes, because amplifiers work best when they're cool and not overheated multitasking to create the type of room-filling, realistic sound you're going to be producing.

The speakers
Your speakers are the only part of your dream home theatre audio system that metaphorically touch the road. So you need them to be great. Musician and singer Priya Darshini says speakers are critical to any home theatre section. "I would mix and match my speakers. I'd probably get two studio-level front speakers and combine it with say, satellite or cube speakers, which are pretty good these days."

Room acoustics
Acoustic tiles, sound diffusers and even rugs can be used to shape the sound of a room. This too is critical to setting up a good home theatre.

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5 Sex positions women die to have

It's time to upgrade your sex life, and to get your partner turned on like never before.

We already knew that women love sex, but have we ever thought of sex positions women really enjoy or feel comfortable while reaching orgasm? There are many sex positions out there, only some of them give more pleasure to women.

Women are always ready to accept and enjoy men's favorite sex positions but women seldom ask for their favourite position(s). The time has come for men to understand what women really want in bed. Remember, great sex happens only when there is a smooth balance between pleasure and comfort.

We bring you five amazing sex positions you need to explore and women always wanted to have.

1. Get dirty with doggy style: Women definitely enjoy doggy style. It is probably one of the best sex positions, and also the most arousing position for men. Make sure to perform this style with intimacy and pleasure.

2. The overused style, missionary position: No doubt, the man-on-woman position is the most common one. It's boring but sex mostly begins with missionary position, and women still like it. In this position women get more intimate with their partners through eye contact.

3. Women like riding, cowgirl style: It's a big turn-on for both the sexes, and perhaps the sexiest sex position. Sometimes women like to dominate men during sex. In this position women can move back and forth and stimulate their G-spot for a big orgasm. You may also try reverse cowgirl position.

4. Get more intimate with spoons position: Side by side sexual position is one of the most comfortable sex positions, and it can really last long. Get naughtier by doing some dirty talk while you can.

5. Out of control, the standing position: Sometimes women want to jump out of the bed and play again in standing position. In this style, she sits on a surface and he thrust her from the front as deeply as he can, and in all likelihood gets the chance to hit the G-spot. Try this position in the kitchen or on a tabletop.

Simply go ahead and give your girl the most amazing orgasm of her life.

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The golden liquid goes great with veg food

That whisky has a particular affinity with tandoori kababs is well known. The smoky flavours from the charcoal-fired tandoor complement the peaty notes of strong malts and just work a little magic on your taste buds.

Which begs the question - is it only meat cooked in the tandoor that accentuates the spirit? Is serving vegetarian food with whisky sort of like serving dum biryani with sambar — a combination that doesn't work because it won't let you enjoy either of the two flavours?
"Of course not," says Sandeep Arora, a whisky connoisseur. "Being vegetarian has no bearing on the pleasure of enjoying alcohol. In fact, vegetarian snacks and starters are a great way to enjoy whiskies. I'd say tandoori paneer tikka, subz galauti kebab, navrattan kabab, subz shammi, tandoori aloo, dudiya kabab, hara kabab awadhi are some great accompaniments."

The tandoor isn't the only requirement, he adds. There are stir fries as well, such as cauliflower florets in chilli sauce, corn-and-peas rolls with peanut sauce, assorted vegetables in tamarind sauce, button mushrooms tossed in green chilli paste.

All of which should be great news for all those vegetarians who thought they were doomed to munching peanuts or karam while nursing a fine scotch. "Whisky has such a strong association of working only with meat-based hors d'oeuvres that vegetarians don't always have it easy," says Rajive, who turned vegetarian a few years ago. "In the battle between 'reds' and 'greens' at a party, the greens usually get a raw deal, no pun intended!"

Sandeep adds, "If you have patience and a broad view, choosing whiskies to go with Asian vegetarian cuisine can be a great experience. The only catch is you may wish to break from the traditional appetizer, soup, main course-with-rice mould."

The spicy south Indian palate goes best with smoky, peaty whiskies since the spirit has a firm presence and can hold well with spices. Whiskies, which are matured in sherry, have an erotic structure, exotic spices and a zesty sweetness. So what are some of the best vegetarian south Indian foods he'd recommend to go with scotch? Mini idli, cholam keerai masial, beans paruppu usili, kakarikai vepadu, small aloo bondai with curry leaves are some options that are easy to pop into the mouth as you move around and mingle.

"Being vegetarian or vegan is a choice for many, for whatever reason. We may call them 'tree-huggers' and all of that, but vegetarian food is now a must-serve when we have alcohol and dinner parties," says Malini, an analyst.

As a final touch, a plate of artisan cheeses, caramelized fruits and chocolates can be served as dessert, along with vintage malts. Here's wishing you a great culinary journey!

Whisky factfile
In general, older means one thing: it'll cost more than something younger. But older whisky isn't always a marker of quality; most single malts reach optimum aroma and flavour at between 12 and 21 years of aging and the quality of anything older could be dodgy. The most appropriate way to enjoy whisky is to add a few drops of water to the neat whisky, which release the aromas and allow it to express itself. Sipping water alongside your glass of whisky is also nice, since it keeps you hydrated and the palate fresh. Soda is not the ideal companion, but a cube or two of ice is fine as long as you're not filling up a glass with ice and then adding whisky 'on the rocks'.

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Destination Review: Morroco

In the course of the generous sprinkling of oil over the African continent, the land of Morocco, had narrowly managed to escape the cosmic sprinkler. At least that's how Salim, our local tour guide, saw it. "We don't have any oil and we are happy about it," he emphatically told us. In light of the brewing social discontent there, perhaps his statement could be challenged but then again if Morocco had been deprived of oil, it had been rendered a cultural melting pot due to its characteristic blend of Arabic, European and African flavours.

Rabat
We were in the heart of the administrative city of Rabat. Our first destination was the Royal Palace of the present king, Mohammed VI. A few days earlier, following the Libyan revolt, demonstrators had rioted outside the Parliament house, some distance away. "And you are still going?" was the question hurled at me by almost everyone. The subtext of that question was clear. It either read 'Go on, belly-dance all over our frayed nerves' or 'Who do you think you are? Indiana Jones?' Three days later, I was tempted to post a video-byte of Salim allaying our fears, on YouTube. "Not to worry," he said, as we neared the Palace. "Except for a few isolated incidents, the protests were largely peaceful," he said. "Moroccans have been holding demonstrations outside the Parliament house for years. It's common." Common? Not how the news had reported it. But then again, unlike the other epicenters of the Jasmine Revolution, the protests here had been primarily directed at the Parliament, instead of at the more popular King.

From the Palace, we headed towards the historical Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, grandfather of the present king. The Mausoleum contains his tomb and that of his two sons. While the guide spewed other historical facts, I gaped in fascination at the Hispano-Moorish Mausoleum and the exotic guards manning it, not necessarily in that order. Opposite the Mausoleum, is the 12th century, Hassan Tower; a 44-meter beautiful red minaret, which stands desolately at half of its intended height amidst columns of an unfinished mosque.

Marrakech
It was evening when we entered the ancient pink city of Marrakech and I could see the city's landmark, the majestic Koutoubia minaret framed against the pink skyline. Later we were told that the Hassan Tower in Rabat was modeled along the lines of this minaret.

The next morning, we visited the beautiful and ornate El Bahia Palace. Interestingly, the palace, principally designed by Vizier Bou Ahmed, a former slave, was meant to accommodate his four wives, twodozen concubines and consequently, a truckload of offsprings.

"The Vizier named this palace after his first and favourite wife," whispered our Palace guide. Two words hung in the air: Ironic and twisted. Half expecting to get clobbered by some angry feminist in the vicinity, the guide hastily continued. "Many celebrities have come to this Palace. Martin Scorsese conducted a recee
here for one of his movies." Then surveying our brown Indian faces, he promptly changed track. "Amitabh Bachchan has come here too. I have met him. He is a gentleman." We tried to look impressed. He mopped his forehead and tried again. "Have you all seen Sex and the City 2?

Almost 60 per cent of the movie is shot in Morocco." Wow, we chanted, deciding to give the guy a break. He beamed. That evening, we went to the Djemaa el Fna square, the buzzing heart of Marrakech. Brimming with snake charmers, belly dancers, storytellers at one end and colourful souks of spices, tagines (clay cooking dishes) and babooshes (Moroccan sandals) at the other, this Mecca of madness draws similarities with parts of Old Delhi. I descended into the chaos, clutching my handbag for dear life, since Salim had warned us of the notorious touts here. An hour later, to my horror, a local began chasing me with a snake in his hand. Ignoring my shrieks he lassoed me with the snake, dragged me to the centre and made me pose for a photo. Not one to miss a Kodak moment, I temporarily gave up shrieking and summoned a painful, fake smile. Then I tossed the snake back at him and stood up, ready to flee. "100 dirhams," the tout said, blocking my exit. Apparently torture came at a premium. I blindly thrust 20 dirhams into his hands and bolted.

Later, we made our way through the food stalls, which served lamb tagines, couscous and bastilla. Ironically, despite being a spice-haven, I found the Moroccan cuisine rather bland and disappointing.

I flew out the next day, glad that I had not cancelled my trip, since all had been quite peaceful that week. Post my return; however, as I read about the fresh bout of protests there, I wondered what Salim would have to say about them. Whatever it is, I hope it helps douse the fears of yet another bunch of 'foolhardy' tourists.

Tips to get there
Currency: Exchange Euros or USD for the Moroccan dirham once you get there.

Shopping: Bargain for cosmetic Argan oil, dry fruits, tagines, and handmade Berber carpets.

Other places to see: The Mausoleums of Casablanca, the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou and the sand dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara.

Caution: Check the latest status updates of the political situation online before you book your tickets and take necessary precautions when you travel.

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How to wear neon jewellery

One splashy accessory and you're ready to go. With summer fast approaching, we tell you how to sport neon accessories with elan

1. Keep it simple

Keep your outfit simple. Wear solids instead of wearing patterns.Your jewellery shouldn't complete with your clothes. Small prints or stripes are fine but complicated designs are a big no-no.

2. Colour blocking is in

Pair bright yellow necklace with bold blue earrings, or hot pink bangles with lime green watches. Try and get creative and don't mix too many colours at one time. Keep a neural colour to your look to highlight your bright accessories.

3. Sport black

Neon instantly pops on black and sometimes even makes your black outfit a little more summery. So sport neon earring on a black dress or wear a neon neckpiece on black top and leggings.

4. Wear it to work

Who said you can't wear neon to work. Wear it with neutrals. Neon looks fantastic when paired with white, tan, navy, and grey. When it comes to neon at work, remember, less is more.

5. New to neon

If you are new to neon, do not overload yourself with neon jewellery. For a trial, wear minimal neon or just one piece of neon and then gradually try two. Take it slow. Once you think you can carry it well, go ahead and get bolder.

6. Pop your lips

Match your nails and lips to your neon jewellery to look stunning. Just make sure and keep the rest of your outfit and make-up very simple to avoid looking like a bolder version of barbie doll.

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Health benefits of kitchen spices

Discover the health benefits of spices used regularly in your kitchen.

A kitchen shelf which boasts of bottles containing turmeric (haldi), asefoetida (heeng), cumin seeds (jeera) and the like is a common sight in Indian household. These spices not only add taste to your food but they possess immense health benefits. Here goes a list of health benefits of these humble ingredients used in most Indian kitchens.

Turmeric: Rich in antioxidants, researchers have discovered the power of turmeric. There are reports that it may help in the fight against cancer. Studies show that it may help prevent Alzheimer's disease and joint inflammation. Turmeric also helps in minimizing liver damages caused by taking excessive alcohol consumption or regular use of pain-killers. And no wonder why grandmothers across the country advise one to have a warm glass of milk with turmeric in case of cold and cough.

Asafoetida: Heeng or asefoetida is strong in taste with its pungent flavour. Add a pinch of heeng while making khatti mithi dal and you can see yourself the change of taste and aroma. This flavoring agent has wonderful health benefits as it helps in digestion. It is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like cough, asthma and bronchitis. Asafoetida is considered useful in the treatment of health problems concerning women such as unusually painful and excessive menstruation.

Cumin seeds: Jeera, the humble spice is very popular in most Indian kitchens. Roasted jeera powder can add flavor to a dish. In traditional odiya cuisine, roasted cumin and red chilli is grinded into a fine powder and used to enhance taste. Antiseptic properties of cumin can help fight flu by boosting your immune system. A cup of water boiled with cumin seeds, ginger, basil leaves and honey, can give great relief. Cumin helps control stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness. Cumin seeds also contain a good amount of iron. It's a good idea to include jeera in everyday preparations like parathas, curries, cookies, soups, rice and lentil preparations.

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Books are talking, are you listening?

Audiobooks, or sound clips that read out your favourite classics, may be the perfect therapy for the jaded mind.

There is something about storytelling that never seizes to amaze us. Capturing us with their gestures, expressions and tactical pauses, the raconteur seems to transport us into another world. The world has changed since children had enough time to listen to their grandma's fables; but listening to your favourite stories may not be a thing of the past just yet. Audiobooks, that is books that read aloud on any kind of player, are gaining popularity all over the world. From urban classrooms to rural literacy classes, people are listening hard to books that talk.
Shreya Gupta, a software engineer from Gurgaon, explains why audiobooks appeal to her, "Sometimes, I just want to laze on my bed, sipping a cup of chai, and listening to The Immortals of Meluha. Such audiobooks come in handy when I just want to lie back and relax."

Neha Chopra, a 23-year-old literature student from Mumbai, says, "The commute time from my home to my college is nearly two hours. But I don't feel it because I listen to my audiobook. It prepares me for my classes too." The desire to do more, fit more things into a span of 24 hours often leaves us restless, agitated and despondent. Audiobooks are also for those people, who are craving to absorb as much as they can, but are pressed for time.
Author Ashwin Sanghi says audiobooks work on an adult's mind just like storytelling does on a child's. "Every time we listen to a story, it subconsciously catapults us into a world, which is very different from our own stressful one. That comforting childhood experience of a story being told relaxes the mind. Audiobooks can be therapeutic," he says.
As for children, these are a welcome change as opposed to the dreary television. Anindita Mukherjee, a mother of two from Kolkata, says, "I don't like my kids (aged 6 and 9) spending all their free time in front of the TV. But it's unfair to expect them to sit with a book for hours together. An audiobook CD is the perfect answer because it engages and entertains them at the same time."
Author Aditya Bal feels audio CDs of books are apt for youngsters who stay away from books. "Imagine the odds of an entire book fitting into an audio clip... it will definitely encourage the youth, however lazy they may be, to at least start listening! And that may lead them to pick up a book and start reading."
For hardcore bibliophiles the idea may be radical, but even skeptics aren't pooh-poohing the idea. Sougata Mukherjee, publisher, Pan Macmillan, says, "It's a niche market, but the fact that people are exploring a classic that they would not have read otherwise is quite interesting."
Like author Amish Tripathi puts it, "Books and audiobooks can co-exist and serve different customer bases. Whether you consume a book through the written word or the spoken, what matters is that you have consumed the book, and it has opened up your mind."

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Mediterranean diet may help control diabetes

Mediterranean-style diet that emphasizes on fruits, vegetables and legumes, whole grains, fish, and using olive oil and herbs in place of butter and salt may help people with diabetes lose weight and lower blood sugar.

A review of evidence from the last 10 years found that diets lean on meat and rich in healthy fats like olive oil were most effective at promoting weight loss and lowering blood sugar among diabetics.

Benefits were also seen with diets low in carbohydrates, high in protein or low in simple sugars, Fox News reported.

People with type 2 diabetes cannot store glucose in their cells effectively, and their blood sugar levels can go dangerously high. Lifestyle changes like weight loss and cutting calorie intake can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications from the disease, but it has not been clear which diet plans work best.

Dr. Olubukola Ajala, a diabetes specialist at Western Sussex Hospitals in the UK, and her colleagues reviewed the results of 20 studies comparing the effect of seven popular diets on adults with type 2 diabetes. Mediterranean diets, low-carb diets, high-protein diets and low glycemic index diets - which rank foods by how quickly their carbs turn into glucose - all lowered participants' blood sugar.

After following the diet for at least six months, the people on a Mediterranean eating plan also lost an average of 4 pounds. No other diet had a significant impact on weight, according to the findings.

Other studies have found association between Mediterranean diets and reduced risks of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and death from heart attack.

Though the review found no evidence that vegetarian, vegan or high-fiber diets aided in weight loss, they might still have promise for improving blood sugar control, the report noted.

In addition, low-carb, low-glycemic and Mediterranean diets all led to increases in markers of heart health - "good" cholesterol rose by 4 per cent to 10 percent, and triglycerides fell by up to 9 percent.

Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, thinks Mediterranean diets may be more successful because they are easier to maintain than restrictive low-carb or high-protein diets.

But Zeratsky noted that a Mediterranean diet is not the only way to achieve weight loss and improve heart health.

It's more important to take a balanced approach, including fruits and vegetables, eating moderate portions and talking to a doctor before embarking on a plan, she said.

The findings are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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I never go on diets: Bhavna Pani

Dancing keeps actress Bhavna Pani fit. In a candid chat she discloses more about her health regime.

My exercise regime

All my exercise comes from dance. I have done a diploma in contemporary dance, and also I am intensively involved in yoga, nutrition, Pilates and various forms of dance - Jazz, Ballet and Modern Contemporary.

Apart from this I'm also into Indian classical dance forms like Odissi and Kathak. I never go to a gym. I do not like weight training. I prefer doing free hand floor work, using my own body weight and resistance bands.

My fitness regime comprises cardio that I do by dancing for an hour or two daily and body toning- which is taken care of by my alternate days of Pilates and yoga. I swear by this routine. Its not time consuming. It's quick and effective.

My diet

Nutrition plays a vital role when it comes to fitness. I never go on diets. Short cuts always prove to be disastrous. I eat and drink healthy stuff. But the secret is to never leave your stomach empty. I eat small vegetarian meals every 2.5hrs.

I start my day with a glass of Bournvita milk and a very heavy breakfast (fruits, cereals or sprouts and porridge). I prefer home made, simple and healthy stuff for lunch- dal, vegetables, rotis. My evening snack is usually junk food. I crave something spicy in the evenings- like bhel or Idli Sambhar. But I still try to keep it as healthy as possible. My dinner is normally early, around 8 pm and it is the last meal of the day for me. So I eat very light. Mostly, I try to eat home made dinner, but in case eating out is unavoidable, then I have a nice salad and a pasta or some baked vegetables with a soup and a sandwich.

My problem areas

Luckily, I have been genetically blessed with a mesomorphic body type. If I workout, I look great. But if I take it easy for a couple of weeks, I start gaining weight. But fortunately, my lifestyle is very active and all the dancing keeps me in good shape. Although sometimes, I feel I lose a lot of muscle mass on my limbs (arms and legs), because of lack of sufficient intake of protein due to my vegetarian diet. I do not like the skinny limbs, I prefer the toned, athletic and lean muscled look.

My strength areas

I think my strength, flexibility and core strength (which is very essential for my dancing) are my primary assets. I can endure a high impact, strenuous activity for much longer than average. Plus I have been genetically blessed with lengthened muscles and strong abdominal core, which facilitate my flexibility and help me in my dance.

My fitness idol

Bipasha Basu. I really admire her hard work and persistent efforts to maintain her fitness level. She has literally sculpted her body. I prefer the athletic, full bodied, toned look rather than just being skinny. Along with a good body, one must have a healthy overall look - radiant face, good hair and an inspiring lifestyle.

My celeb idols (male):

Naseeruddin Shah. For starters, he is my guru in acting. Besides, I love him for who he is as a person. He is a master of his craft, but continues to rediscover himself even today. He is never satisfied and strives for excellence endlessly. I salute such dedication, passion and insatiable love for art. Only a true artist and a blessed soul can be so awesome in today's world!

My celeb idols (female):

Madhuri Dixit. She is admirable for being a woman of substance. I adore her for the way she has struck a balance between her high profile career and a very simple personal life! And needless to say, she is my only inspiration in dance. Before a show, dancers are busy rehearsing their dance... But I just sit in my room and watch videos of MD and I give my best performance!

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Different ways to enjoy green tea

Who says it has to be boring? Here are other ways to jazz up that healthy cup of green tea

Are you someone that gets out off with the strong and singular taste of green tea? Well, join the gang of half the world that is out off by the same thought. Tea sommelier Neetu Sarin talks of the right method to make a cup of green tea and the process of producing it.

'It's an art'
There is nothing simple about a simple cup of tea, says Sarin. "This is especially true for green teas. Preparing a cup of green tea is an art. This is not difficult once you understand a few things about green tea. There are many types of green teas with its taste depending on various factors like soil, altitude and other variables. Types of green tea also vary significantly, depending on the steps taken during production, such as steaming, pan-firing, rolling, etc. It is the application of heat, either by steaming or pan-firing, which prevents the leaves from oxidizing and becoming black tea. Basically, green tea is the closest in composition to the fresh tea leaf giving the maximum health benefits of tea and also the fresh leafy taste."

Rules for tea
- To enjoy green tea make sure that you use good quality tea. That is the first rule.
- Another factor that is important for the taste of tea is water . Always use filtered water or mineral water.
- The temperature has to be right too. Green tea should be steeped at lower temperatures than black tea. It should be between 75 and 90 degrees Centigrade.
- Never ever boil green tea. The steeping time should not be too long. The tea will lose it's taste after 3 minutes of steeping. The quantity of tea and the type of infuser are also important.

Brewing ideas
Says Sarin, "One must use high quality sencha teas and blends with herbs and flowers and fruits to create specialty gourmet teas. Other ingredients are meant to enhance the taste and to give it different dimensions. One can have nine blends to suit every palate, from cinnamon and tulsi to rose petals to chamomile to Moroccan mint and orange. One can also enhance the taste of green tea by sweetening with honey, mint or a bit of candy sugar to it. But regular sugar would destroy the delicate taste."

ismat.tahseen@timesgroup.com

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Over-reactive parenting can affect kids

Children whose parents tend to become angry easily and over-react are more likely to act out and become upset easily, say researchers.

The research is an important step in understanding the complex link between genetics and home environment.

In a study, researchers from Oregon State University, Oregon Social Learning Center, and other institutions collected data in 10 states from 361 families linked through adoption - and obtained genetic data from birth parents as well as the children.

They followed the children at nine, 18 and 27 months of age, and found that adoptive parents who had a tendency to over-react, for example, were quick to anger when children tested age-appropriate limits or made mistakes.

These over-reactive parents had a significant effect on their children, who exhibited "negative emotionality," or acting out and having more temper tantrums than normal for their age.

Genetics also played a role, particularly in the case of children who were at genetic risk of negative emotionality from their birth mothers, but were raised in a low-stress or less-reactive environment.

"This is an age where children are prone to test limits and boundaries," said lead author Shannon Lipscomb, an assistant professor of human development and family sciences at OSU-Cascades.

"However, research consistently shows that children with elevated levels of negative emotionality during these early years have more difficulties with emotion regulation and tend to exhibit more problem behaviour when they are of school age," Lipscomb noted.

Researchers also found that children who exhibited the most increases in negative emotionality as they developed from infants to toddlers (from nine to 27 months of age) also had the highest levels of problem behaviours at age two, suggesting that negative emotions can have their own development process that has implications for children's later behaviours.

"This really sets our study apart. Researchers have looked at this aspect of emotionality as something fairly stable, but we have been able to show that although most kids test limits and increase in negative emotionality as they approach toddler age, the amount they increase can affect how many problem behaviours they exhibit as 2-year-olds," Lipscomb said.

Lipscomb said the take-away message for parents of young children and infants is that the way they adapt to toddlerhood - a challenging time marked by a child's increasing mobility and independence - can have an impact on how their child will develop.

"Parents' ability to regulate themselves and to remain firm, confident and not over-react is a key way they can help their children to modify their behaviour. You set the example as a parent in your own emotions and reactions," she concluded.

The study was published in the latest edition of the journal Development and Psychopathology.

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Home remedies to treat acne

We give you home remedies to reduce acne and pimples

Tired of the regular zits that keep popping up every now and then? While if you suffer from an acute acne problem, it's best that you visit a dermatologist, you can bid adieu to a pimple here and there by following these simple home remedies — just make sure you don't suffer from any allergies. Acne usually starts with blackheads, which are formed when oil along with dead cells gets stuck in your pores and turn black. The inflammation when it turns red are the unsightly pimples that all of us dread. While a regular clean-up will reduce your blackheads, here's what you can do to prevent them...

- Take a few pieces of jaiphal (nutmeg), mix it with some unboiled milk and apply the paste on your acne. Wash it off after about two hours.

- Make a mixture of cinnamon powder and honey and apply on your pimples before you go to bed in the night. Wash it with warm water when you wake up in the morning. Do this for a fortnight and watch your pimples disappear.

- Not only are oranges good for overall health, you can use orange peels as a remedy for pimples too. Grind the peels, mix them with a few drops of water and apply it on your face.

- Mix a tablespoon each of fresh lime juice and groundnut oil and apply it on your face to avoid blackheads.

- Leave fresh mint juice on your face overnight to tame pimples.

- Take methi (fenugreek) leaves and make a paste. Apply it every night for 15 minutes and wash it off.

- Take turmeric powder and neem leaves. Apply the mixture on your pimples. Leave it on your face for about half an hour.

- Take equal quantities of rose water and lime juice and apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes.

- Make a face-wash by adding fresh lime juice to a cup of unboiled milk and using it on your face.

- Take some tomato pulp and apply it on your face. Leave it for 45 minutes and wash it off.

- Take a few drops of gulab jal (rose-water) and mix it with sandalwood. Apply the paste on your face and wash it off after 20 minutes.

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Ready for typography fashion?

Printed letters and numbers on clothes and accessories — the latest fad in the city

You might have seen retro graphics in restaurants, on record labels or even your favourite perfume. But now, be prepared to step out in it — the new style diktat is to wear alphabets and words — in a variety of fonts — and numbers, too. So, if you have always feared falling into a fashion rut, here's how typography fashion can play saviour...

Be a 'wordsmith'

Want to rock the party the next time you're invited? Try leggings in Century Gothic font. Or to go wilder still, dress up plain denims in an oversized number; that's a rage abroad. Famous designer Giorgio Armani once said, "I've always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet," and that can't be truer with the new look. Graphic tees with the entire English alphabet and purses to match make for the 'it' look. There's no question of repetition either, as author Simon Garfield notes in his book of stories about fonts, "There are more than 100,000 fonts in use." So, ready to pull the letters out of books and into your wardrobe?

What is typography?

It is defined as the art and technique of printing with movable type. One may mix and match larger capital letters with lowercase ones to create mismatched style. Even guys are going in for it!

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Best fruits for diabetics

Fructose is a form of sugar present in fruits that has a negative impact on diabetics and overweight individuals.

But you can still enjoy the seasonal mango and grapes provided you consume them in moderation. Doctors encourage diabetics to consume particular fruits that are not only beneficial to the body but also control insulin. We separate this fruit salad and present a list of diabetic friendly fruits.

Red grapefruit
Grapefruit reminds you of an orange or sweetlime, but it is sweet, sour and juicy. Grapefruits are the healthiest option for diabetics. It is advisable to have half a grapefruit a day.

Berries - Cranberries, Raspberries, Blueberries
We love berries; select your favourite berry and rest assured the anti-oxidants will do their work. Besides, berries provide fibers, low carbs and various vitamins. 3/4th cup of berries will do the trick.

Melons
Water melon, muskmelon or honeydew; pick any melon as it is rich in vitamin B and C, as well as beta-carotene, potassium and lycopene. A slice of any of these melons will give you the necessary vitamins you need.

Cherries
Cherries have anti-oxidant properties, plus they are low in carbs and glycemic levels. 12 cherries a day is all you need.

Peaches
It may have a velvet coat, but a peach is a good source for vitamin A and C. It is also low in carbs, rich in potassium and fiber.

Apricot
Low carb, high in fiber, rich in vitamin A, apricots are a great option for diabetics. Include one apricot in your daily diet.

Apple
When you are eating an apple, do not peel it. The skin is rich in anti-oxidants, besides apples are a good source for fiber and vitamin C.

Kiwi
That fuzzy fruit is a power house for potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. It also contains low carbs that are necessary for diabetics. One kiwi will regulate your health.

Pears
Loaded with potassium, fiber and low in carbs, pears should be part of your diet.

Orange
Oranges are known for their vitamin C content. They are also low-carb and contain potassium. Related to grapefruits, oranges are a safe bet for diabetics.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Don’t let your home ruin your health

Laden with toxins, pesticides, gases, mites and moulds, it's no wonder scientists from the US Environmental Protection Agency believe the air inside is more toxic than it is outside.

And as we spend 90 % of our lives indoors, are we putting ourselves at greater risk of becoming ill or contracting life-shortening diseases? If so, what should we look out for?

Shower head

The slime that builds up inside a shower head is a breeding ground for bugs linked to lots of diseases. Tests found 30% of shower heads contained Mycobacterium avium, a bug linked to lung disease and one related to the germ that causes TB.

What to do: Soak your shower head in warm white vinegar for 20 minutes, then wipe off with a kitchen towel. Do it weekly.

Flooring

Plywood, press board (like MDF) and other manufactured woods emit formaldehyde, which is used to glue them together. Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds can cause nausea, dizziness and allergy symptoms and chronic exposure can damage your liver and central nervous system.

What to do:

Make sure your home is well ventilated at all times. There are lots of eco-friendly decorating materials that are VOC, a volatile organic compound, and chemical-free.

Furniture

Fire and flame retardants found in mattresses, upholstery, television and computer casings and circuit boards contain chemicals called PBDEs. Studies have linked these to learning and memory problems, low sperm count and thyroid malfunction.

What to do:

Throw away any old polyurethane foam furniture. Use a vacuum fitted with a Hepa filter, which is more efficient at trapping small particles and will remove more contaminants and other allergens.

Beauty products

Phthalates, also called plasticisers, go into a lot of everyday products, including hairsprays, shampoos, fragrances and deodorants. These all contain hormone-like chemicals which have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animals, including low sperm count as well as premature breast development in girls.

What to do:

Use products containing only natural ingredients and avoid synthetic chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, ethanol, synthetic fragrances or colourants.

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Can you exercise with low blood pressure?

Is low blood pressure stopping you from working out? No pressure. We ask the experts the key to working out without a drop in blood pressure.

Fitness Expert with BCUBE Jivesh Shetty and Dr. Rajesh Meena, Consultant in Internal Medicine clear your doubts on exercising with blood pressure and give you guidelines to follow to avoid complications.

Normal BP is 120/80(systolic/diastolic)

Jivesh breaks down the fitness tips for beginners and advanced trainees. "For novice trainees, before starting any kind of training they must begin slowly and perform at only 60-70% of the maximum ability." He adds, "Peripheral blood supply to muscles could be low and cause weakness, dizziness. They must ensure to drink plenty of water."

Keep in mind that "For long duration runs or endurance activities low BP may cause poor blood flow to brain, heart, lungs taking breaks in between will be beneficial without overexerting," says Jivesh.

We jump to advanced trainees. Jivesh explains: "For more experienced trainees, their body has adapted to a lower BP. Intermittent bouts of maximal lifting or endurance and cardiovascular training will in fact improve adaptation. Most experienced trainees actually will have a naturally low BP."

He leaves us with an important benefit of fitness: "It is important to note that training in fact helps regulate BP. Be it hypotensive or hypertensive one must train but listen to their body. Beginners may need to work out under the supervision of an alert trainer to observe any signs of weakness or dizziness."

From a fitness trainer to a specialist from the medical field, Dr. Rajesh from Moolchand Medcity sets some guidelines for people with low blood pressure:

- Discuss exercise with your doctor before you hit the gym.
- Some exercises such as walking, strengthening exercises, and exercises that can be done while seated are okay.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Be sure to clear cardiac checkup before any workout as valva damage patients can collapse during workouts.
- If BP is low, do not workout without medical clearance.
- Immediately consult your doctor if you are feeling dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, while exercising.

Lastly, he encourages that you take your medication along with a healthy diet. Dr. Rajesh says, "Low BP is generally accompanied with certain causes like diabetes or low hemoglobin where patient is required to follow proper medication as prescribed by the doctor. However one should make sure to stay well hydrated before, during and after workout to avoid the symptoms of low BP."

If you thought low blood pressure would be an hindrance to fitness, well think again. Fitness and exercise can maintain your blood pressure.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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How to prevent and treat cold & cough

As the temperatures drop, more and more people have been falling prey to common ailments such as chest congestion, cough and cold.

We have all been hearing of colleagues, friends and family calling in sick to work, mostly due to these ailments, which might seem small but have a huge and detrimental effect on one's work and personal life due to loss of productive work hours.

"While there are numerous remedies and solutions available to treat chest congestion, this alarming statistic forces us to think about why it affects such a large number of our population. We are exposed to a number of viruses all day long, but some people seem more susceptible to catching colds or the flu than others," says Dr. Sanjeev Mehta, Chest Physician, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.

One can easily prevent this condition from recurring and having a detrimental effect on our day to day lives and overall productivity by keeping the following easy tips in mind.

Step #1 to fight cold & cough

Deciding on a 'Suppressant' or an 'Expectorant'
The first and foremost step towards finding a solution is to identify the kind of cough you have and treat it with the right kind of cough syrup. There are two kinds of cough: 'dry' or non-productive cough and 'wet' or productive cough. While a 'wet' or productive cough is a condition where one produces phlegm while coughing, a 'dry' cough sees no such production.

Different types of cough syrups are required to treat the different symptoms of these ailments. One suffering from a dry cough requires a suppressant that will curb the urge to cough, while an expectorant that helps in thinning, loosening and expelling the mucus accumulated in the lungs helps relieve a wet cough.

Step #2 to fight cold & cough

Eat spicy and warm foods
Foods such as chili, ginger, jalapeno, garlic and black pepper that are spicy may help if you are suffering from a bad case of chest congestion. These food items help in thinning the mucus and making it easier to breathe. Consuming food at a high temperature also helps as the heat kills the harmful bacteria that can aggravate the condition.

Step #3 to fight cold & cough

Steam inhalation
This is one of the easiest and best home remedies to supplement your medication and beat chest congestion. It is advised to heat water in a bowl and add any vaporizer or eucalyptus oil. Vaporized steam also helps in thinning and loosening of the solidifying mucus and makes it easier to breath, giving immediate relief.

Step #4 to fight cold & cough

Fruits, vegetables and juices
Consuming food products rich in vitamins and minerals such as vegetables and fruits help boost immunity levels. Juices as well as warm liquids are also advised during sickness as they are high in essential vitamins and help in flushing out toxins from the body.

Step #5 to fight cold & cough

Milk and turmeric
While turmeric is well known for its medicinal properties, milk is equivalent to a complete meal owing to the high nutrients it contains. Taking a warm glass of milk with a spoon full of turmeric powder two to three times a day helps in fighting the bacterial growth caused by cough and chest congestion as well as in loosening phlegm.

Step #6 to fight cold & cough

Regular exercise
Maintaining a moderate and consistent exercise regime goes a long way in helping one stay physically fit and increasing immunity levels, and gives a temporary boost in the production of the cells that attack bacteria, helping one avoid illnesses and maintaining overall good health.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Top 15 New York Times Bestsellers

New York Times - Bestsellers, Fiction (print and e-books between February 17, 2013 and March 03, 2013)

1. Title: Safe Haven
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Synopsis: Katie, a young woman has just relocated to the small town of Southport in North Carolina. Naturally, the neighbours are intrigued by her self-effacing nature. Slowly, she drops her guard and starts opening up to Alex, a widower with two kids and Jo, her next door neighbour. Katie is apprehensive about revealing her tumultuous past that led her to travel across another country, nevertheless, she begins to confide in them. Jo's empathetic support and Alex's kind love eases her troubles of the dark past and she eventually realises that it is nothing but love that will rescue her to a safe haven.

2. Title: Touch and Go
Author: Lisa Gardner
Publisher: Penguin Group
Synopsis: The bestselling author of Catch Me and Love You More, Lisa Gardner returns with a nail-biting thriller Touch and Go. Justin and Libby Denbe have had a perfect life until then, a cute 15-year-old daughter, Ashlyn, many friends, a swanky house. One day the entire family vanishes without a trace. Investigator Tessa Leoni arrives at the scene of crime, the Denbe home. Apart from some scuff marks and confetti in the foyer, Tessa cannot put a finger on anything that'll lead her to the culprit. But what do you do when there is no witness, no ransom call, and no established motive?

3. Title: Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: Penguin Group
Synopsis: Gabe Hamilton desperately wants Mia Crestwell from the time she walked into the ballroom for the grand opening of his hotel. But Gabe knows his limits, for Mia is his best friend's little sister. But now they are no longer kids, and they'll have to rein in their innermost desires. For Mia, Gabe since childhood has been the man of her dreams, but she knew he was out of her league. When Mia and Gabe decide to take this mutual attraction to the next level, they discover something deeper while their affair grows susceptible to a big betrayal.

4. Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Publisher: Crown Publishing
Synopsis: On her fifth wedding anniversary Amy Dunne suddenly goes missing without a trace from her rented home in North Carthage, Missouri. Under pressure from the police, media and Amy's doting parents, Husband-of-the Year, Nick grapples with a never-ending chain of lies, deceits, and his own oddly evasive behaviour. As events get murkier, the needle of suspicion points at Nick as the killer of his beautiful wife. With his sister Margo by his side, Nick pleads innocence. Then what was in that silver gift box in the back of Amy's bedroom closet?

5. Title: Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E.L. James
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing
Synopsis: E.L James, a former TV journalist and mom of two in West London, fulfills her childhood dream of writing a book with Fifty Shades of Grey, the first of the trilogy, and turns into a bestselling author. Serving erotica to the audience with a plot that revolves around a drop-dead-gorgeous billionaire Christian Grey and his dangerous liaison with literature student Anastasia Steele who goes to interview the young tycoon, and ends up falling for him. They embark on a passionate physical affair while Ana unravels Grey's dark desires including her own.

6. Title: Private Berlin
Author: James Patterson and Mark Sullivan
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Synopsis: Germany's Private Berlin is the headquarters for the world's most powerful and renowned investigation firm, and Chris Schneider is the firm's superstar agent. He is known to crack the most high-profile cases for Private. One fine day he goes missing. The circumstances of his disappearance are ambiguous and Mattie Engel, another top agent of the same firm who is also Chris' lover, devotes herself into finding him. Her search takes her to the secretive hinterlands of Berlin where she encounters more than just the truth.

7. Title: The Silver Linings Playbook
Author: Matthew Quick
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Synopsis: American author Matthew Quick's debut novel released in 2008 is back on the Bestseller List thanks to David O. Russell's film adaptation by the same name (starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence) that now has eight nominations to its credit for Academy Awards 2013. It is a heartwarming story about a history teacher named Pat Peoples, who after spending years in a neurology hospital struggles to reconcile his lost and scattered memories. Wishing to reunite with his estranged wife Nikki, Pat continues to visit his therapist to resume a life he had left behind and forgotten about as a mental patient. Soon Pat is introduced to Tiffany who he befriends and agrees to train for a dance contest. As Pat yearns to meet Nikki, Tiffany falls in love with him. Will Pat Peoples ever get back with his wife or will he welcome a new love?

8. Title: Fifty Shades Freed
Author: E.L James
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing
Synopsis: Since their first encounter, the third of the trilogy, and driven by their searing sexual desire for each other, Anastasia and Grey's lives have changed irrevocably. Initially repelled by Grey's need to control in bed, and his erotic tastes, Ana subsequently comes to terms with it, and demands from him a greater commitment. Grey agrees, and now they have everything going for them, from love, wealth, passion, to intimacy. But deep down Ana fears they'll never be able to stay together without her sacrificing her own identity.

9. Title: Fifty Shades Darker
Author: E.L James
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing
Synopsis: The second of the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker explores the dilemma of Anastasia after her separation from Grey. She has moved on in her career, yet desires to go back to him, for the memories of their torrid physical affair still dominate her mind, and eventually she lands up with him in a new arrangement. Grey's inner demons grow darker, and as Ana delves deeper into his harrowing past, she is faced with the anger and jealousy of the women who came in his life before her.

10. Title: Suspect
Author: Robert Crais
Publisher: Penguin Group
Synopsis: Scott James is a Los Angeles policeman. He is also a victim of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his partner Stephanie got assaulted and killed by unidentified men about eight months ago. Maggie, a German shepherd expert at sniffing explosives has served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She too is badly affected by PTSD after her handler lost his life at the war. Both of them buddy up to console each other's indiscernible and personal wounds, only to emerge as a stronger than ever team.

11. Title: Lost to You
Author: A. L. Jackson
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Synopsis: This beautiful romance novella and also a prequel to an equally emotionally stirring 'Take this Regret'; A. L. Jackson's 'Lost to You' tells us the story of two individuals destined to fall in love. New York is nothing less than a dream for Elizabeth Ayers who wants to make it big in this city. Christian Davison has his life already planned with his father's law firm offered to him as the only career destination. A chance encounter of these two people as study partners happens to re-write their respective journeys. Elizabeth restrains from giving into the attraction that has inevitably blossomed between the two and Christian knows he cannot stay from her. A novel sure to tug at your heart strings, while its memories promise to stay with you for long.

12. Title: Crystal Cove
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Synopsis: Crystal Cove is the final book in Lisa Kleypas' Friday Harbor series. After a troubled childhood of putting up with a nomadic mother, Justine Hoffman has finally settled in the island of Friday Harbor. A successful proprietor of a boutique hotel, she is doing extremely well for herself. But despite her accomplishments, she feels that something is missing in life and is quick to realise that it's the absence of love that makes her feel lonely and miserable. She soon learns that she is enchanted and the spell prevents her from finding her soul mate. Just when Justine is determined to fight against her destiny, she meets a mysterious man named Jason Black. Could he be the soul mate she is desperately searching for or does he have other vile intentions?

13. Title: Until the End of Time
Author: Danielle Steel
Publisher: Random House Publishing
Synopsis: Bill and Jenny quit their life in the city and retire to the rural quarters of Wyoming. Fast-forward thirty eight years. Robert runs a publishing house and is struggling to get at least one novel to up the top charts. When he stumbles upon Lillibet's manuscript, which he instantly falls in love with, he wastes no time in publishing it. Being an Amish, she is banished from her community. But she gladly accepts her new life with Robert, who she sees as someone who has finally understood her. Two love stories, separated by time and period, thrive on the common thread of love, longing and destiny.

14. Title: Hopeless
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Synopsis: This book is about the struggle of a 17-year-old girl named Sky who is on a journey to discovering the truth while believing the lies that surround her. When Sky first meets Dean Holder, she knows that the guy is nothing but trouble. However, Sky is captivated by Holder's charms and his ability to kindle feelings in her that she'd never experienced. Memories from a past that Sky wishes to keep at a distance seem knocking at the door again. Holder on the other hand comes across as a parasite who wants to learn everything about Sky. What about Holder's hidden truths? What is to become of Sky when his secrets are finally revealed?

15. Title: The Forgotten
Author: David Baldacci
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Synopsis: Agent John Puller has till date cracked the toughest crimes facing the nation and that makes him the most reliable man in the US Army. He's a veteran of combat and a relentless one at that. But now he is faced with a personal loss. His aunt has been found dead in the beach town Paradise in Florida and the local police have shrugged off responsibility by calling the incident as simply unfortunate and tragic. However, a letter from his aunt to Puller's father confirms the grimy details behind the picture-perfect facade of Paradise. Puller sets off on a personal mission to probe the truth behind his aunt's mysterious death and to unveil the conspiracies beneath Paradise's sandy beaches and palm trees.

(Compiled by Anwesha Mittra, Arunima Mazumdar and Ipshita Mitra)

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5 Ayurvedic mocktails

Cool off and boost your immunity this season with ayurvedic mocktails. Says ayurvedic physician Dr Smita Naram, founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Centre, "What makes these mocktails ayurvedic is the combination of ingredients used. Ayurvedic mocktails are digested, absorbed and converted into energy very quickly, and are tasty as well as healthy."

These combos replenish nutrients that the body loses during the day and nourishes it with antioxidants. To illustrate their potency, Dr Naram cites an example of a patient from Australia who was diagnosed with pre-cancerous soft tissue nodules in her breast. "I put her on a fasting regimen along with high doses of juices - carrot, pomegranate, spinach and apple - strong in antioxidants. After only two months of her new regimen, her mammogram showed that all the soft tissue nodules had disappeared."  
 
Cooler
Benefits- Increases iron content, has a cooling effect on the body. 

Ingredients
- 1 kg white pumpkin
- 50 gm carrot
- 50 gm beetroot
- 1 tbsp khus syrup
- 1 tbsp rose syrup 

Method
Chop the white pumpkin, carrot and beetroot into cubes. Blend in a juicer. Strain the juice. Stir in the khus and rose syrups. Garnish with rose petals. 
 
Melon melon
Benefits- Helpful in reducing urinary infections and inflammation. Watermelon is a natural source of the most powerful antioxidants provided by nature. It is a good source of vitamins C and A, and is rich in electrolytes, sodium and potassium, which we lose through perspiration. Muskmelon has a significant amount of dietary fibre, making it good for those suffering from constipation. 

Ingredients
- 200 gm watermelon
- 150 gm musk melon
- 1 tsp rose syrup  

Method
Chop the watermelon and musk melon and blend in a juicer. Add rose syrup. Stir well. Garnish with a piece of watermelon. 
 
Banana thandai
Benefits- This mocktail is cooling and acts as an energy booster. Bananas are high in iron, which helps the body's haemoglobin function.  

Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 200 ml milk
- 10 gm cashwenuts
- 2 tsp thandai syrup 

Method
Blend the banana and milk in mixer and add 2 tsp of thandai syrup. Shake well and garnish with nuts serve in martini glass. 
 
Cool magic
Benefits - Reduces headaches, heat wave, and reduces acidity. Pears are excellent sources of water-soluble fibre. Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movement. It helps prevent allergies and other skin problems. Green grapes help in reducing hypertension and act as antioxidants. 

Ingredients
- 1 pear
- 10 green grapes
- 2 tsp peppermint syrup
- 2-3 mint leaves 

Method
Extract fresh juice from the pear and green grapes. Add 2 tsp of peppermint syrup. Add little bit of chopped mint leaves and pear. Shake well and serve in martini glass.  
 
Appetiser
Benefits- This cooling mocktail is good for digestion. It is loaded with vitamin C, which boosts immunity. 

Ingredients
- 4 sweet limes
- 1 amla
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 tsp ginger syrup 

Method
Blend the sweet lime in a juicer. Make a fine puree of amla, chopped mint leaves and add to the sweet lime juice. Add the ginger syrup. Shake all the ingredients together and serve.  

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Enhance your look with accessories in gold

Add a hint of gold to your look through accessories in the precious shade

Have you ever committed a last-minute fashion blunder just because you chose the wrong accessory for an elegant dress? Accessories can either make or break your look. "While on one hand, earrings, necklaces or bracelets can pull together the plainest of outfits, a wrong piece can ruin the entire look," explains Sreyasee Datta, in-house fashion designer for the contemporary Indian label, W.

Experiment with numerous fashion jewellery items with pieces in your existing wardrobe to create a different look each time. You can now wear the same dress on several occasions by cleverly placing a combination of accessories in different ways.

Gold has always been an instant pick for adding a dash of luxury. Suggests Datta, "Bring the metal back this season through subtle and careful styling of real and faux gold accessories." So, when in doubt (about any look), remember to accessorise.

3 tips to sport golden accessories:
- Wear a chunky piece of gold to sensuously adorn the 'sweetheart' neckline of your LBD (little black dress).

- Add sparkle with a hint of bling by picking up a simple bracelet to go with a Chinese collared kurta or a maxi dress.

- Wear a pair of bold statement earrings as the only accessory for a minimalist look.

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Make a home garden journal

If you're someone who has trouble when you used fertiliser on your plants or when you watered them, it's time you got yourself a garden journal. This will help you keep track of your greenery...

You need
A large diary
A ring-binder
Coloured tabs or dividers

Design matters
Gardening is a stress-release activity. So, make sure the pages are light, colourful and fun. Each section can have a vibrant heading, information spaceholders and borders. You can add photos of your own plants to decorate the pages.
Info to include
The journal has to keep a track of all your plants — when you bought and planted them and how to take care of them. Write each plant's common name as well as its botanical name, its light and water requirements and a record of seedlings and cuttings.

Your thoughts
These are self-notes: your problems, experiences as well as garden victories.

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Dungarees are back in fashion

Once considered a workman's overalls, dungarees are now back on the fashion scene. And they aren't just strolling attire either.

These onesies can be worn out to a brunch or work great at a daytime get-together. Last year, Justin Bieber made the headlines when he chose to meet the prime minister of Canada in denim overalls. And they're fast coming back onto the fashion racks too.

Try a pair of denim dungarees with a white polka shirt and black pumps. Or to go more luxe opt for black velvet dungarees in a printed silk shirt and nude wedges. Originally meant to be just jeans with braces in an old-school look, you can wear your dungarees as you like. Here are our tips:

Getting the look for a party
- Cut out the bottom half of the leg and add a different denim colour or another material to it.
- You can also go funky with your dungarees and paint them with bright metallics.
- For a daytime party, try sticking or sewing on crystals, stones and other patches on the fabric.
- Heels are the most prominent accessories to go with your dungarees, so try heels in bright colours that will stand out with the denim.
- You may wear a silk neck scarf with it.
- Complete the look with a bright hued lipcolour.

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Now, dirt becomes key ingredient of a full course meal

An expensive French restaurant in Tokyo is serving up fancy meals with a key ingredient - dirt.

According to Japanese news site Rocketnews42, it's a special black soil from Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, and it has been tested for safety, News reported.

Toshio Tanabe, chef at the restaurant Not Ne Quittez Pas, has created a full dirt-infused menu after winning a high-profile cooking contest with his dirt sauce.

His menu includes locally-sourced produce and "minerals of the sea and minerals of the land".

Those visiting his restaurant will have to fork out 110 dollars to be served a first course of potato starch and dirt soup topped with black truffle in a shot glass.

And for second course, there is more dirt. This time in a vegetable salad including eggplant, tomato and turnips. The dirt is included in the dressing, which also contains ground popcorn.

The main course is oriental clams with a top layer of sediment, with a dirt risotto and sauteed sea bass and burdock root.

To finish it off, there is dirt ice cream, a dirt mint-tea with the appearance of muddy water.

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