Benefits of different types of Indian rice

Rice is a staple food in most Indian homes. However, there are different varieties of Rice available in our country, Basmati Rice, Brown rice and White rice. Let us understand the health benefits of these three varieties.

WHITE RICE:

The milling and polishing processes of white rice removes most of the important vitamins and other nutrients from it. So WHO suggests and recommends that white rice be fortified with important vitamins and mineral premixes, as polished rice is nothing more than refined starch. Further research is required to build the evidence-base on the use of fortified rice and to develop global technical guidelines for rice fortification.

Health benefits include:

Gastrointestinal: White rice is one of the easiest and quickest foods to digest and requires only an hour to completely digest. Since white rice is low in fibre, it is very soothing to the digestive system and easily digested. So, it is great for relieving digestive disorders like diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis and even morning sickness. It is the best food for infants, young children and old people.
Overall energy: the body needs carbohydrates to function and white rice is an excellent source of energy.
Protein: Every 150g of rice has about 5 grams of protein.

Rice powder is also used externally as a soothing powder in cases of skin inflammation such as small-pox, measles, prickly heat, burns and scalds.

BROWN RICE:

Brown rice has several health benefits. However, it is not very commonly used in Indian households mainly because people are ignorant of the health benefits of brown rice and secondly that it is costlier compared to white rice. The health benefits of brown rice includes:

Brown rice is an excellent source of soluble fibre. It helps to lower the levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol in the blood. There is also some suggestions that the oil present in brown rice or extracted rice bran oil may help lower harmful cholesterol levels and blood pressure, whilst raising the levels of 'healthy' HDL cholesterol.
The fibre in brown rice means that the digestion time of this carbohydrate is slower than processed grains, including white rice. This means that there is a more controlled slower release of sugar into the blood stream and it has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to other grains.
Brown rice is very rich in vitamins and minerals and hence nutritionally more beneficial.

BASMATI RICE:

Basmati rice is another unique species of rice originating from India. Basmati rice is also one of the varieties of rice used in many families. There are different variants of Basmati rice available in the market at varying costs. Just like all species of rice, basmati is available in white or brown versions, depending on the extent of the milling process.

Brown basmati rice is comparable to other types of brown rice in nutrient content (although it does contain about 20% more fibre compared to most other types of brown rice), and white basmati rice is comparable to other types of white rice. The health benefits of fibre has already been discussed earlier in the article.
Basmati rice and Jasmine rice are long-grain varieties that have been cultivated to bring out distinctive flavour profiles. Long grain of the rice gives a royal look to the rice recipe prepared, be it plain jeera rice or vegetable pulao.
Basmati rice has a typical, unique aroma. In the case of basmati, this aroma is due to the presence of a chemical called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which is found in basmati rice at about 90 parts per billion. That's about 12 times more than in other types of rice, giving basmati its special aroma.

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

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Finding loving homes for dogs

Many pet lovers from across Hyderabad are organising adoption drives to find permanent homes for the stray dogs they are fostering, apart from spreading awareness on the importance of neutering them.

On Sunday, visitors at the Zoroastrian Club garden, decorated with balloons and festoons, were greeted by the heartwarming sight of little canines with wagging tails and sparkling eyes. The adoption drive organised by the members of Hyderabad Pet Adoption saw the enthusiastic volunteers leaving no stone unturned to find new homes for all the dogs under their care.
These dogs were rescued by these volunteers and are currently being fostered by them till they find a permanent family. Sumathi, a pet sitter and a volunteer, was ecstatic at the turn out "This is our second adoption drive and 15 pups out of the 18 got adopted. I'm glad we are able to do our best in educating and making the society more aware about the option of adopting stray pups. Being excellent guard dogs by nature and having a strong immunity against infections, these Indian dogs are low maintenance and are perfect pets for Indian families."
Hearteningly, they are not the only animal lovers in the city, who are going all out to help their four-legged buddies. The city has been witness to a whole lot of adoption drives lately. In fact, every 45 days, there is a pet adoption drive in Hyderabad. Manoj Khurana, an optometrist and an ardent dog lover, who is part of one such group, which works for animal welfare, says, "We are just a bunch of animal lovers who actively work on various activities ranging from dog adoptions, fostering and spaying the dogs of our respective colonies. We work both individually and as a group to ensure we do our best in protecting these voiceless creatures."
These silent volunteers are tirelessly working towards building a safer and humane society for animals by spaying and neutering dogs in their locality, curbing dog abuse and promoting adoption of strays. Prashant Ghoshal, a UX Designer, who has organised several such adoption drives for Indian pups, says, "We organise adoption drives for stray pups and other abandoned dogs almost every month in the city, publicise the events on social networking sites and through word-of-mouth. Earlier, not many came forward to adopt Indian dogs and would prefer buying pedigrees, but this trend is changing now."
These conscientious Hyderabadis even spread awareness on how everyone can do their bit for these animals. "If adoption is not an option, one can do their bit by leaving unconsumed food in a paper bag near their area. This way, these stray dogs are fed and become friendlier, which in turn results in decreased aggression in them," adds Prashant.
In fact, a lot can be done on an individual level. Mukunda Raju, a student, says, "I get the dogs in my locality neutered at PFA (People For Animals). Being a student, raising funds isn't easy. But what I can do is network and spread awareness on neutering dogs."
Nita Paropkari, another volunteer adds, "Animal birth control is the most basic step in dog welfare. It not only works in the favour of the dogs, but also helps control dog population hence decreasing the level of dog-related problems in the community. I recognise all the dogs in my locality... More than being a threat or a nuisance; they give me a sense of protection and security."
Talking about the need for GHMC to get more proactive on this issue, Vasanthi Vadi, founder secretary for PFA, says, "A planned scientific approach to tackle the issue of animal birth control will prove fruitful. The GHMC should start neutering the dogs starting from the periphery of the city and gradually come inwards and this way, they will have covered the entire city. The onus however, is not only on them. Even if two citizens from each area take it up on themselves to ensure they neuter the dogs in the neighbourhood, we will be taking massive strides towards a more humane Hyderabad."

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Are you a good boss?

Should you be friends with your juniors? Usually, it's one of the many questions bothering people who lead a team. Here are a few pointers to help you handle the situation

There's nothing wrong in being friends with your team members. But then, it also leads them to see you as a friend and not as a senior. How do you maintain the balance between being popular and yet having enough hold on your team members?

Follow the rules you make

If you set a certain time for a meeting, ensure that you get there on time. If you are a repeat offender, others will take your instructions with a pinch of salt. Also, if you don't follow the rules you set, you will find it difficult to point out when others flout them.

Praise colleagues in front of others

Learn to praise people when you are surrounded by your team. Criticising someone will not make you popular with the others. Most people will discuss you behind your back. Ensure to praise your team members in public.

No cuss words please

While most of us often use swear words around our friends, it's not acceptable to do so in front of your colleagues or team members. If you are a leader, your team members will follow your lead and use foul language at work. This may not go down well with the management of your organisation.

Set a dress code for your team

Your workplace might not be the place to make a fashion statement, but dressing smartly will create an instant impression on those who deal with you on a daily basis. It will also set a certain dress code at your work place.

Know your team members' names

Don't think that it isn't important to know the people on your team as long as you get the work done. It's necessary to acknowledge and appreciate those who work for you. Address people individually and acknowledge their work to make them realise that their presence on the team makes a difference to you.

Accept your mistakes

We all make mistakes and it's absolutely alright to accept this fact. Also, forgive your team members for their mistakes after bringing it to their notice. Asking for help will not make you less competent.

Be there for your team

Even if you have a hectic schedule ahead, motivate your team to give their best. Also, make sure that you are present with your team when they face long working hours and stressful deadlines. if you have women on your team, ensure that they have some means to get home when they are working late.

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All you need to know about your period

Your monthly period can say a lot about you. Remember that everyone has a different monthly cycle, so what is normal for your friend or sister, may not be the same for you.

Menstruation is your body's way of telling you that your reproductive system is working properly. But if it signals a problem — heavy periods, no periods, painful periods, spotting, you need to visit your doctor to find out if something is wrong. The average menstrual cycle is anything between four to eight days. Some women even have slight spotting after eight days. So while some periods are short, others are long, some are heavy while others are light.

The first few years may be askew but by the time you leave your teens, your cycle will more or less settle down. You would also be familiar with your monthly routine — the duration, flow and frequency. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but differs from woman to woman. And instead of worrying about how long or frequent your really period, you need to focus on whether anything different is happening.

Has your period suddenly slowed down or stopped altogether? Your age has a lot to do with this. If you're in your 20's or 30's, a missing period could signify pregnancy. No matter how much protection you use, find out if you've conceived. Women in their 40s or 50s could go through perimenopause, the time approaching menopause. When your ovaries decrease their production of estrogen, your periods start coming less frequently. Periods are also known to get shorter or lighter during perimenopause. When you don't get your periods for over 12 months in a row, you have reached menopause. The average age is usally around 51.

Another common possible cause of missed periods is when you exercise excessively. It is a known fact that several female athletes work out so hard that they stop getting their periods. Called exercise-induced amenorrhea, this is also seen among ballet dancers and runners and happens when intense exercise affects the production and regulation of reproductive hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.

Experts also say that women who suffer from eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia also have irregular periods. When your body does not get enough nourishment and you restrict the number of calories you eat, it restrains the release of hormones that your body needs for ovulation.

Other causes of missed periods include thyroid, pituitary gland disorders, breastfeeding, obesity, oal contraceptives (although most birth control pills just make the periods lighter, rather than stopping them entirely), stress, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, hormone imbalances, Ovarian failure or disease of the uterus.

When you bleed excessively, your body loses iron, which is needed to produce hemoglobin — the molecule that helps your red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, your red blood cell count will drop, leading to anemia. Signs of anemia include shortness of breath, unusually pale skin and fatigue. Anemia can be cured by taking irion supplements. There could be several reasons why your flow has increased. It could be due to:
- Noncancerous growths in the uterine lining
- A miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy
- A change in your birth control pills

If you're bleeding between periods, go to your doctor immediately. Causes can range from having an irritated sore in the vaginal area or forgetting to take your birth control pill to something as serious as an ectopic pregnancy or cancer.

While some women have no discomfort during their period, for some women it can be a very painful time every month. Cramps are the most common problem as the uterus contracts to shed its lining. While the discomfort usually subsides in a day or two, the pain in some women is so intense that they that stops them from going about their daily activities. Painful periods are called dysmenorrhea and can be accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache or discomfort in the lower back.
While sometimes the pain is from the period itself, it also can be caused by endometriosis or fibroids.

Visit your doctor if:
Your periods have become irregular and you bleed excessively for over seven days.
They come more often than every 21 days, or less often than every 35 days, for several cycles.
Your periods have suddenly become very painful and you bleed between periods.

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Gold decor for your kitchens

It is no longer just about functionality. These days, kitchens are going glamourous as well, what with pure gold being used to doing them up

If you thought that modular kitchens are just mass-produced designs, you are wrong. The variety being offered is astounding — and your sense of originality and self-expression is not diminished at all. It is no longer only about the seamless blend of function and fashion, but also about affordable luxury, and even over-the-top decoration like using pure gold leafing for kitchen fixtures.

Shehzad Khan, gold leafing designer, of the Gold Leafing Studio says, "Gold in itself is a very bold and expressive colour, which if correctly used, can be great. Gold leafing can be used to highlight crockery unit shutters, gold-leafed and brass-toned fixtures, drawers knobs, frames of kitchen or just the border line work on your modular kitchen — and the whole kitchen area turns royal. Gold fixtures can give a warm and luxurious look and at the same time, blend with modern interiors."

Modular kitchens are an inexpensive way to have a unique designer space. Some people resist modular kitchens because they fear that the mass-reproduced designs diminish a sense of originality and self-expression in the house. Interior and product designer Krsna Mehta explains, "Such is not necessarily the case. I believe that modular kitchens offer great style at a frugal price, along with an exciting challenge of making it 'one's own'. The tumblers, silverware, and even the coffee-machine are now sites that accentuate the space, and re-imagine the original design. Think of the kitchen as a mannequin, and your furnishings as the garments and accessories. Effectively, modular kitchens offer you a chance to project your unique tastes and style on an idealised space."

Consumers are motivated to have the latest trend colours in products such as cookware, tabletop and accessories for their modular kitchens. Jason Kirk, commercial manager, Le Creuset UK, a luxury french cookware and bakeware brand, says, "Product categories such as silicone tools merge both function and fashion. Silicone tools are a good example where design and innovation lead with wide colour availability to satisfy many consumers' kitchen environment."

Innovation is being seen in new technology within the kitchen environment, driving consumers to break away from established norms such as induction hobs for cooking that generate heat via a magnetic field. Kirk adds, "This is very energy-efficient and incredibly safe as the hob will only generate heat once a suitable induction-friendly pot or pan is placed in the surface. This is a great example where the consumer is not just satisfied to have a conflicting look, but wants the latest and best product innovations to complement the investment and presentation of the modern kitchen."

Talking about design and service solutions, Sushil Matey, COO, H & R Johnson (India), says, "Johnson offers pan India design and service solution because of it's huge reach in the tiles category. And it's "last mile execution" is a benchmark in the industry."

Colourful fun
With colour playing a vital and recognised core role in kitchens, an array of vibrant shades are being sold in the markets. Not only does colour help create a bold style statement, it also makes everyday use of the kitchen, dining or formal entertaining, an enjoyable and fun experience.

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Cafe review: The Chocolate Beetle, GK-I

Heavenly is the word to describe the experience at The Chocolate Beetle, a chocolate store in the capital named after the vintage Beetle car. Those with a sweet tooth will certainly go crazy after seeing the display of chocolates here.

Everything inside the store is in sync with the name - the moment you enter the store, a long pink cash counter in shape of a Beetle car awaits you to your left. Move a little further inside and the windows of the same car serve as a display window, which has chocolates, pastries, cakes and every possible thing that can be made out of chocolate.

It is not just the walls and cars that are in delicious colour combo of brown and pink, uncommon yet interesting, even the menu cards are pink and cut out in the shape of a car.

A place for all age groups, it offers lip-smacking delights -- Italian gelatos, hot chocolate fudge, chocolate mousse as well as their specialty Belgian chocolate truffle cake. Priced averagely, a bill for two would come to around Rs.150.

Gurjeev Gulati, an alumnus of IHM Pusa, came up with the idea of the store while working with Barista Coffee Company Ltd realising one can tap this untapped market.

"I realised there is an untapped opportunity in chocolate food and beverage cafe market. There seems to be a void with respect to chocolate players. So we decided to launch The Chocolate Beetle, a specialist chocolate cafe for chocoholics," Gulati said.

He pointed out a special feature of the shop - gulkand chocolate -- small chocolate bites filled with gulkand, generally found in sweet paans. Another variety is 'saunf' (fennel seeds) chocolates where chocolates are with filled with 'saunf'.

These two varieties are a hit during wedding seasons.

"Indianised flavours are doing very well as compared to other usual flavours like raisins, almonds or nuts," Gulati said.

Are you health consciouse Fret not! The Chocolate Beetle offers low fat gelato shakes. It is made with diet chocolate, Ferrero Rocher, chocolate whisky brewed well with skimmed milk.

With in-house staff of seven people, the place might not be ideal for large gathering as it can accommodates just about 10 people. But if you love gorging on chocolates, pastries, truffles, hot chocolate, then who cares if you get to sit there or not!

Basics:
Location: GK 1, M-Block market
Cost: Rs. 150 for two
Rating: 8/10

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Easy tips to detox your home

We give you some simple household tips for this season.

Stains on the wall, clogged drains, and dirty shower doors, among other things, can make your house seem depressing to live in. When unexpected stains appear on floors, walls and furniture, removing them can seem an unpleasant task. But making your house look its best isn't as tough as it seems if you know just the right tricks. Here's a short list:

Removing candle wax from wood
Firstly, soften the wax with a hair dryer. Then use a paper towel to remove the wax and wash the surface with a mixture of vinegar and water.

Chrome fixtures
Use fabric softener sheets to shine chrome-plated fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. Take the pulp of a lemon and rub it on your kitchen fixtures.

Clogged drain
If your drain is clogged with grease, pour a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a glass of boiling water.

Crayon on the walls
Anyone who has a toddler at home will probably know how kids love to scribble on walls. Use a simple, plain eraser to rub the writing off. Alternatively, you can also take a blow dryer and use it on the marks for about five to ten minutes. Wipe the area with a clean, dry towel.

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You can go Western with a sari

Versions like lehenga-sari, gown-sari and sarong-sari have given the Indian six yards a
modern makeover and how

For most women, a sari can never be the go-to option for an occasion if there's time constraint. No wonder then that despite its sensuality, the sari often takes a backseat. However, time seems to be changing. Over the past couple of seasons, the sari has gone a rigorous designer makeover, and the result is some fabulous, new and easy-to-carry silhouettes — pre-pleated sari, lehenga sari, cocktail gown-sari, sari with leggings, sari with the jacket and even a sarong sari.

Sonam Kapoor is one of those experimenting with these new forms. She was all about Indo-Western panache at Cannes this year, when she sported a long jacket with an embroidered sari. In the past too, she has worn saris with leggings, a style that became an instant winner.

With most women having hardly much time to spend on perfectly pleating the sari these days, more and more of them are succumbing to these new silhouettes. They prefer tuck-and-go options like the cocktail gown sari, which looks like a gown and has a trail like a pallu. The silhouette is fast becoming a wedding favourite with young brides for the minimal embroidery on the sari, its pre-pleated form and the lightweight designs. The concept saris — those worn with jackets, shirts, leggings, tops, etc, and even quirky ones like the sarong sari, where the sarong is draped with a dupatta to resemble a sari, or the sarini, where a sari is paired with a bikini — too are finding favour.

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A trip to Leh is an experience, not just a holiday

One would imagine that Leh, the hottest holiday destination of the country this season, would be teeming with excited tourists.

You would have to get past a lot of pushing and shoving to get a glimpse of the 'must-sees' of the place, and the shopowners of the trinkets' stores would be screaming at passers-by for attention.

Strangely, Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir reveals a very different picture; the picturesque little town, cocooned amid the hills, is drowned in calmness. You can savour every little moment and enjoy your holiday in the true sense of the word. Leh, you realize, is not just a destination; it's an experience.

Leh, at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet, is blessed with nature's bounty. Simple things like waking up to an azure blue sky and the sight of snow-capped mountains, or star-gazing at night (you would have hardly seen so many stars in the night sky!) and wishing upon the scores of shooting stars leaves you with happy memories.

Although it has an airport with direct flights from Delhi, Jammu, and Srinagar, most people prefer taking a road trip to Leh. One, because the journey through the changing landscape, whether you go via Manali or through Srinagar, is in itself a lifetime experience. Plus, you get to drive past the 'magnetic hill' (from Kargil to Leh) when your car defies gravity to move a short distance of slight road elevation on its own! And second, as most travel experts would say, a road trip prepares you better in the acclimatization process.

Having said that, while it is only natural for your body to take some time to get used to the low pressure and thin oxygen levels, help is always at hand in case of medical need. The Indian Army base hospital in Leh gets a lot of tourists who take tips on how best to fight altitude sickness. There is also an army medical unit in the snow-laden Chang La Pass - at 17,586 feet, the third highest pass in the world - as well as an army tea stall serving complimentary hot tea!

From Leh, one has to cross the Chang La Pass to reach the breathtakingly beautiful Pangong lake, made more famous by the movie " 3 Idiots". The lake, 60 percent of which lies in Tibet, is striking amid the surrounding barren hills. One can count at least seven shades of blue in the water!

The Nubra valley, at a distance of 150 km from Leh, is again a must-visit. Famous for being a cold desert, when there, a ride on the double humped camel, also called the Bactrian camel, is worth experiencing.

Driving on the world's second highest motorable road at Khardung La, at an altitude of more than 18,000 feet, is again a must-do. It's especially popular among bikers who make sure to get embroidered T-shirts back in Leh declaring their feat - a souvenir worth wearing back home.

Another popular souvenir is a string of multi-coloured prayer flags, also available in small size.

All said, Leh in itself has a lot for visitors to see. There is the magnificent Shanti Stupa, the 400-year-old Jama Masjid, and the ancient Leh Palace which, unlike the bedecked royal palaces you see elsewhere like Rajasthan, is a humble multi-storeyed structure from whose balconies you get a bird's eye view of the entire town.

For those looking for adventure, there is much to do - river rafting, kayaking, trekking, and hiking - at close distance. For others looking for a quiet, relaxed time, Leh is best explored on foot.

Shopping wise, a word of caution: be ready to loosen your purse strings because things are generally priced high. Shops are laden with exquisite artefacts, woollen shawls and jackets, carpets, and jewellery in silver with different gemstones.

Tenzin Wangchuk, one of the shopowners, tries to justify the high prices, saying: "The tourist season (between May-June and October) is the only time we can sell our wares. When winter sets in, it snows and we get cut off from the rest of the world. This is the only time to earn some money."

Many of its escalating number of tourists (nearly 180,000 in 2012) are foreigners and Leh is therefore flooded with restaurants and small cafes serving all kinds of cuisine - German, Italian, et al. However, tucking into some momos, thentuk (noodles) and thukpa is highly recommended to complete the Leh experience.

How to get there:

By air: There are direct flights from Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu.
By road: Approximate distance from Chandigarh to Leh via Manali is 800 km. Approximate distance from Srinagar to Leh is 440 km. State transport buses also ply on the Srinagar-Leh route.

Accommodation
Leh, being a popular holiday destination, has innumerable hotels, guest houses, and even youth hostels. In the peak tourist season, you can expect the hotel room tariff to start anywhere from Rs.1,500.

Precautions
Altitude sickness is a reality; so be prepared. You can consult a doctor beforehand about any medication to be carried. But even if you don't, do not fret. It takes a day or two for your body to acclimatize. Drink plenty of fluids, and don't forget to carry a good sunscreen!

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Book Review: Consequences

Title: Consequences
Author: Nigel Fernandes
Publisher: Goa 1556
Pages: 214

Unchecked cases of drinking-and-driving is the theme of this maiden novel of an expat Indian writer who has expressed his sharp concern over the menace which claimed the life of his 20-month-old nephew.

Former Mumbai-based Nigel Fernandes, who had been in New Zealand and is now back in Goa, has just authored Consequences (Goa,1556/Rs.200), a 214-page thriller that deals with this deadly scourge that today afflicts many parts of India.

Significantly, the 37-year-old writer has also dedicated the book to his "nephew Jared Tristan D'Souza, killed by a reckless motorist" when just 20 months old.

The quick-paced thriller, which he took eight months to write, is set in cosmopolitan Mumbai and has a mix of affluent characters who seem to inhabit quite another world in India's commercial capital.

We also meet family doctors of the rich and the famous. As the scene shifts to a hospital, one gets the essence of the city nurse who tries hard to please the patient and the skilled doctors overcautious about the VVIP they treat. Mumbai's police - both local and from elsewhere - are featured, as is the media, struggling to cope with the unpredicatable news-appetites of the bustling "city that never sleeps".

The novel begins in a Mumbai nightclub where an accused in a previous drink-and-driving case is found dead, with drugs initially being suspected. The action shifts to the Worli Seaface, where another person involved in a similar case is targeted by a paid killer while going for his morning jog. Bystanders take it to be a road accident, though. Then the bodyguard of a prominent Bollywood star finds him unconscious after an accident in his gym.

Such incidents keep repeating, till threatening calls make it clear that there's a pattern to it all.

The reader is left wondering what will happen next, and, more importantly, what is the motive of those behind these crimes, and what those who commit them hope to achieve. The trail of "accidents" and killings continues to a luxury hotel in Goa and even the plush ward where the film star is admitted to recover.

But let's not spoil the suspense to the final denouement.

The novel takes one from Bandra to the Worli Seaface, Central Mumbai, the police HQ, Colaba and other popular landmarks of "the city which never sleeps".

Fernandes was born and educated in Mumbai. He has lived in New Zealand for six years, completed his MBA from the Auckland University of Technology and is a marketing and media specialist. Currently in Goa, when he is not writing, he is involved in promoting windsurfing.

While in New Zealand, Fernandes worked for Sony and for the Auckland City Council.

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Micro desserts have a big appeal

Why are foodies going gaga over the bite-size desserts?

Bite-size desserts are being touted as the hottest food items of 2013. The trend — which follows on the heels of tapas, cupcakes, small plates, and treats such as snack wraps and miniburgers — has been spawned in part to answer consumer demands for healthier snacks.
"People are really eating less, and they don't always want a big dessert," says Pooja Dhingra of Mumbai's Le 15 Patisserie, which specialises in minicupcakes. "This is portion control in the other direction, and this is going to hit the nail on the head that people really don't need a huge portion of something like a tart."
In the land of increasing healthconsciousness, mini-desserts like cake pops, pie pops, miniature cupcakes and tiny tarts offer customers a way to get their sugar-fix and keep calorie counts low at the same time.
In a recent poll by premium global business information firm Datamonitor, people said they were twice as likely to eat smaller portions than to follow a diet plan. For many diners, portion control is the key to achieving better health, both mentally and physically.
Food gurus say this trend not only has legs — it has also got an appetite for growth. Foodmakers are rolling out these micro-desserts at a record clip. More than eight in 10 chefs recently surveyed by America's National Restaurant Association dubbed these bite-size desserts a hot trend. Some 83 per cent of 1,282 surveyed members of the American Culinary Institute held bite-size desserts in high esteem, labelling little desserts trendier than green ingredients (locally grown produce at 81 per cent and organic produce at 75 per cent) and small plate options (73 per cent). Bite-size delectables beat out other top-10 items such as speciality sandwiches, artisan beer, sustainable seafood, grass-fed items, and energy drinks.
Although it seems the worst part of the recession is over, people are still cautious with spending. During hard times, dessert can be seen as an unnecessary extra, but mini-desserts provide the opportunity to practise thrift without having to forego a post-dinner treat.
Downsized desserts fit into another big trend — snacking. People who once packed a bag of chips or brought a banana to tide them over 3 o'clock lethargy, now may pop into a quick-serve eatery for a mini muffin.
The appeal of mini-desserts does not end here. We all know that what's good for the customer is not always good for the restaurant. When it comes to mini-desserts, though, the results are win-win. Bite-size desserts increase dessert sales, drive incremental sales and are getting easier to make thanks to innovative baking tools.
Mini-desserts also show further potential for growth. Though they have been featured at bakeries for years now, pastry chefs still have plenty of room to experiment with daring new flavours, constructions and combinations. As a result, where as recently as 2-3 years ago, bakeries and cupcake shops were only seen in posh localities, they are now popping up everywhere in Indian cities; you will find one for every four mithai shops.
And there's much to love about mini-desserts: big taste in a small package, pretty to the eye, guiltless pleasure. But the biggest draw? Minidesserts let customers have their cake and eat it too. "The big allure is that it's all yours, and you don't have to share it—sort of like the ice cream cone," says San Francisco-based Flo Braker, author of Sweet Miniatures: The Art of Making Bite-Size Desserts. Adds food blogger Pallavi Sheth, who runs mini-dessert pastry service I Love Babycakes, "That's why, instead of large cakes, more orders come for assorted mini-cupcakes and bite-size tarts. When throwing a birthday party or soiree, the hosts want to ensure there is something every guest's individual palate."
Says food writer and consultant Saee Koranne Khandekar, "When choosing entrees, people enjoy experimentation but when it comes to dessert, they yearn for the familiar, saying, 'What did my mother make? What did my grandmother make?'" Mini-desserts offer them the opportunity to expand their adventurousness to the dessert category without too much risk.

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What your footwear says about you

Your footwear, too, tells a thing or two about you. That's why it is essential to mind it

If you're gearing up for a date with a trendy outfit, but aren't terribly bothered about the shoes, think again. It could just bring your budding romance to a premature, juddering halt as that minor but important detail sticks out sorely if you get it wrong. Women can be judgmental and often, shoes have proven to be a rather disturbing distraction. After all, who wants a date with a guy who's dressed to give you a memo?

Here is a low down of what kind of shoes you sport say about your personality and the styles that are en vogue:

Keds
Keds or sneakers reflect a peppy and energetic personality. Perhaps a bit brash too. With keds in nice colours like grey, guys can match them with a variety of colours. For a more trendy and stylish look, fold up your jeans and trousers.

Pointy-toed lace-ups
These are clearly the ugliest of the lot and could do with banishment. The trend is to wear narrow trousers and sport slim fits, so it doesn't help if your footwear sticks out by four feet. Perhaps the ugliest footwear is where the nose of the lace-ups is turned up. People who wear these shoes show that they are completely unaware of themselves and their surroundings. Such people should be remanded in fashion police custody.

White running shoes
White sports shoes are meant for sports. Keep it that way. It's just lazy and shows that the person is not interested in the way he looks, if he is found pairing them with anything he wears. Also, it's impossible for them to stay white in a dirtmagnet city like ours.

Boots
Unless they are lace-ups and go no further than the ankle, they just show that the person is unaware of the environment he is in. For summers, this is hardly an option, but winters and at times during monsoons on a clear day, this is a viable option. When a man insists on wearing shoes that go past his ankles, he is trying hard to make an extreme style statement - following a fad for the sake of it.

Sandals/flip flops
Sandals, flip-flops and Kolhapuri chappals show a lackadaisical personality. In today's competitive environment, you need to look sharp and good. People tend to size you up on the basis of these details. Such casual footwear says that people are not taking care of themselves. People with uncut nails, ugly or dirty feet should be the first to cover up!

Brogues
Brogues tend to be mature and elegant, if a bit boring. They can be paired with trousers or to dress down, combine them with jeans slightly cut-off.

Avoid the boo-boos
The designer suggests that you go with loafers as they're in. They're available in many colours, and people who can carry them off suggest a more confident personality. If you're going clubbing with your date, something slightly sporty works. A bit of sheen and colours will add the right dramatic touch to your look. If it's a date at a nice restaurant, go for a pair of shoes with a soft front, which are slightly rounded.

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Penguin launches web portal for young readers

If you want to follow your favourite characters like Tenali Raman, Tintin or Rusty, or read about your favourite author, keeping a tab on what is new in the children literary scene is now a click away as Penguin Books India has launched a new website for young readers.

The website youngreaders.penguinbooksindia.com allows child-friendly navigation and has interesting and organised sections to keep the audience engaged.

The site has a section "surf" under which "read what" category offers subjects of interest like anthology, crime, fiction, short stories, young adults, non-fiction, classic and many more.

The presence of revered authors like Rabindranath Tagore, Ruskin Bond, Herge, Asha Nehemiah makes it a complete platform for parents as well to inculcate the reading habit in their children.

"Our endeavour here is to engage the young reader and inculcate a love for reading and books as well as cultivate and direct their seeking minds in a creative direction," a statement said.

Penguin's imprints like Puffin, Ladybird, Inked, DK are also available on the site.

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Sleeves and necks get an adventurous twist

It's not just the runway, but appearances off it have also seen interesting shoulder patterns

The latest buzz from the style frat has everyone noticing how the shoulders of garments are getting a shapely makeover. From the sleeves to the neck, there have been a lot of interesting experiments by high street brands and designers on not just the runway couture but even pret lines. From different cuts, structuring and fabrics, there has been great detailing seen in the appearances of many fashionistas and actresses. Here's looking at some of the trends that have made an appearance in the recent months on the style calendar and promise to stick on for some more time.

Architectural patterns
One of the most prominent transition of modern fashion sensibilities from the runway to the streets is of shapely architectural patterns. While shoulders have always seen droopy, lazy patterns and cuts traditionally, especially when it comes to formal clothing, dresses, especially those for red carpet appearances, have seen a drastic change.

From voluminous sleeves to abstract geometric patterns to inventing some of the classic styles like the bell, there has been an increased awareness and detailing when it comes to these dresses lately. This play of designs has added a new dimension, quite literally, when it comes to red carpet and other appearances of many actresses in the West, as well as in India.

The inspirations for these remodelled shoulders have been many, from Japanese origami to post-modern architecture designs to even natural landscapes, these patterns are literally cascading into the design rooms and eventually into the market.

Architectural patterning has lent its inspiration to both the sleeves as well as necklines. So, dresses, tops and jackets have all been subjected to a sprightly new avatar.

Fabric play
It isn't just in the patterns and the structuring but also in the detailing paid to the choice of fabrics that has added variety. Ideas like sheer blocking have taken precedence over the use of a single fabric and many designers and brands have now opted to use sheer for the shoulders. It isn't just sheer that is commonly used for these new adventurous shoulder patterns. The idea of playing with soft juxtaposed with crisp fabrics seems to be quite popular too. From cottons to silk to satin, there have been many fabrics that have lately lent their qualities to this trend on the fashion map. Interestingly, this isn't just in the Western outfits but Indian couture too has undergone that multi-fabric transformation, especially in the case of sari blouses and ghagra tops.

With this increased emphasis, stylists are shouldering more responsibility, literally!

1. Naomi Harris sports a white dress, which has stiff, well-structured shoulders, with the collar standing stiff.
2. Olivia Palermo's traditional jacket gets a very androgynous makeover with the use of menswear fabrics. This adds shape to the shoulders.
3. Joey King sports the hottest fabric of the season, sheer, giving retro sleeves and shoulders a modern twist.
4. In her recent appearance, Chitrangda Singh sported this blue outfit, where the sleeves were styled in a rather edgy design.

Peek-a-boo, say actors on the red carpet
Ahot new trend that's emerged lately on the red carpets in Hollywood is of actresses sporting short numbers with peep holes. Recently, a host of them have been giving their good ol' LBD a sexy twist. Playing with statement pieces and wearing their hair up in order to show off the bare backs, has ensured that the glamour quotient has only been upped in recent times.

Embellished patterns go lifesize
Recently, when actress Rinko Kikuchi attended the premiere of her latest, people noticed two things. Firstly, the two long slits showed that the actress can carry off a uber sexy avatar. Th second, and the more prominent, trend was the embellishments. The jewellery motifs that were embellished on the outfit is worth noting and adapting.

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Five steps to a comfortable and cosy home

There are beautiful homes and then there are comfortable homes. And, there are some lucky ones that are an amalgamation of both. But if yours isn't the kind that can induce someone to just forget about everything and simply chill, then maybe you need to work more to enhance the 'comfort' level of your home.

It should be a place where your friends or even family members feel relaxed in. The interiors must be such that they should just long to take a deep breath and lounge. Here are a few simple ways to make your home or just a room, invitingly comfortable.

Step 1: Begin basic
De-clutter. Recycle. Minimise. Memorise these words and implement them all around your house.

Step 2: Seat set
Create a comfortable seating area, by throwing soft, plush pillows or cushions on your sofa. You also can drape throws making the seating area look more inviting and comfortable.

Step 3: Floored
Your floor can also make a difference. Enhance the look by placing a durrie or a mat on one area of the floor. Rugs next to your bed or your chair can soften the look.

Step 4: Bedded right
Treat yourself to bed-sheets that spell cozy comfort. Invest in a down comforter and high thread count sheets (sheets woven with more threads to the square inch are silkier and softer to the touch).

Step 5: Cosy corner
Without this you will lose all points. Your home should have a nook just for you - a place where you can cuddle up with a book, an iPod, a cup of coffee. Create this space - your little haven. Place your favourite chair, recliner or sofa there. It should be well-lit with a pedestal light or should have a large window with a nice view.

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What your choice of poison says...

Your choice of poison at a party says a lot about you. Mixologist Ankit Negandhi decodes

Your affinity for a drink says a lot about you. And observing what that interesting person at the bar is ordering will help you plan a strategy of approach. Ankit Negandhi, mixologist and owner of Barwings Hospitality, shares his observations about what you consume and what it says about your personality.

Dark rum and cola
Even if someone offers you a million bucks, you will not switch your loyalty to the drink. You are sorted in your head and don't have second thoughts. You don't like to show off and don't feel ashamed to order a cheap drink when everyone else is ordering expensive cocktails. You have experienced various facets of life and know what's good and bad for you. You are highly confident and sure about yourself. You follow your instinct and believe in your ability.

When to order: At a house party

Long Island Ice Tea
You are a notorious character. You like your own company and don't care for others at a party. You are there to purely enjoy the music and the party. Known to be aggressive and assertive about your point of view, pretentious wannabes turn you off. You do what you believe is right. It is this attitude that endears you to the opposite sex. Sometimes, you can be uncaring and stubborn. You'd probably do the bhangra on a hip-hop number.
When to order: It gets you high fast with its varieties of alcohol. Order when you are not driving.

Mojito: You are not the one to go home after a tiring day. You love to work hard and party harder. Your boss is quite impressed and friends love to hang out with you. You are dependable and have a good sense of humour. You like to live life to the maximum. You are patient and are willing to try out new experiences in life. You believe learning never stops and are constantly improving yourself.

When to order: Mojito is a strong drink and an instant mood switcher. Order it when feeling stressed, after a hard day's work.

Martini: Most people in India don't know what a Martini is and have it because of James Bond. If you like it shaken and not stirred, you're probably in your 20s and want to stand apart from the world. You dress posh on most occasions and like to make a strong impression on the opposite sex, and your bosses. You believe in style. Temper the style quotient, lest you be branded a wannabe.
When to order: Martini doesn't get you high as quickly. It's perfect at client or business dinner.

Scotch
You prefer to go with the tried-and-tested. You are not much of a risk taker. You are very much a person of routine and don't like it when things become disorganised. You might get bored, yet you will stick to what you know because it offers security. You need to go out there and experience life more.
When to order: On a chilly winter evening.

Beer
You are impatient and want » to achieve everything in life quickly. You are witty and easy to get along with. You are low maintenance and usually don't have hang-ups about things. You are a very honest person and are there for your friends in good times and bad. You have a problem in submitting to a higher authority. You may be conservative and average in many areas of life.
When to order: On a hot sunny afternoon.

Shooters
Tequila shot drinkers will die of boredom when life becomes too predictable. You have a wide circle of friends but no tolerance for dullards. You are adventurous and a risk taker. You do it first and think about it later. You feel life is a challenge and you must meet it head on. You are always pushing the limit of your boundaries.
When to order: Tequila shots hit you hard; order them to get a birthday
party swinging.

Ankit.Ajmera@timesgroup.com

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How to wear gold glamorously

Very few young women love wearing gold, because they believe it's a colour for older women or for those women, who have a gaudy fashion sense! But if you sport gold in your wardrobe and accessories in a glamorous way, it can look fabulous and make an unmatched style statement. Read on to know more.

If you want to wear gold in your clothes, instead of going for the standard bright shade of this colour, choose a variation that you like. It could be something antique, like a bronze or something light, like champagne, depending on your personal choice. Take into account your skin tone, the colour of your hair and eyes, etc, so that the shade you choose complements your overall personality.
You can also wear gold in accessories like jewellery, shoes or bags. Incorporate small accessories in your wardrobe, like fine chains, bracelets or even hair accessories to begin with. Wearing these will add a subtle touch of gold to your look. Once you are comfortable with this, you can slowly start sporting the colour in your clothes.
In make-up, gold eye shadow can look absolutely glamorous! You can highlight your eyes with a gold eyeliner, especially if you have brown or hazel eyes. A dusting of gold powder on your body can elevate your look to another level.
Get yourself a gold manicure. You can apply gold nail polish to your nails if you want to dazzle for an evening out, or just get a French manicure, if you're looking for something less obvious!

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Mid-century fashion returns on a big scale

From television serials, films to red carpet appearances, the 1950s and 60s fashion seems to be inspiring actresses

Vintage is ruling the fashion scene. Recent appearances of fashionstas like Jennifer Lopez and Naomi Harris have been reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s fashion, which was made immortal by Hollywood screen divas. In addition to this, television serial Mad Men too has helped rekindle many ladies' interest in dressing up in vintage styles.

This has brought back fabrics such as satin and lace, as well as jewellery such as necklaces, in vogue. A lot of the international design labels, hence, have now followed suit and have begun designing outfits keeping this trend in mind. From subtle adaptations of the old styles to recreating some of those classic outfits, the coming season promises to have many more interpretations of this classic era of fashion.

From flowy, layered long dresses to short dresses with sharp cuts and different sleeves, haute couture's ready to do a 'back to the future' act.

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Give your home a quick makeover

When people talk about home makeovers, we often think of it as a tedious job, which requires painstaking effort, time and money. But did you know, there are many simple and easy ways in which you can give your haven a quick makeover? We share 3 tips.

Rearranging furniture: All you need is a strong pair of hands for this one! The cheapest way to give any of your rooms a refreshing look, is to move around the furniture and try out new layouts and variations. You can also take help from the internet, and find out layouts that you can imitate for your own rooms. Change the position of your TV, sofa, book shelf etc and get a whole new look.
Add some hanging lights: try this I your bedroom, especially if you want to give it a pleasant, romantic feel. Just hang up some Diwali or Christmas lights up. You can also invest in different, decorative lighting fixtures. Not only does it look nice, it gives the room a warmth and cozy feel. Use different coloured lights to give an instant glow to the dullest room of your house.
Use decorative pillows and curtains: Changing the colour scheme in a room can give it a whole new feel. For example, you can add decorative pillows in contrasting colours, patterns or textures on your couch. You can do the same with your curtains.

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When you take calcium as important

Taking calcium and vitamin D before exercise may influence how bones adapt to exercise, according to a new study.

The study lead author Vanessa D. Sherk, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the timing of calcium supplementation, and not just the amount of supplementation, may be an important factor in how the skeleton adapts to exercise training.

In the study, which included 52 men aged 18 to 45 years, investigators found that an exercise-induced decrease in blood calcium occurred whether calcium supplements were taken before or after exercising.

Pre-exercise supplementation, however, resulted in less of a decrease.

Although not statistically significant, parathyroid hormone levels increased slightly less among cyclists who took calcium before exercising.

"Taking calcium before exercise may help keep blood levels more stable during exercise, compared to taking the supplement afterwards, but we do not yet know the long-term effects of this on bone density," Sherk said.

The timing of calcium supplementation did not cause a difference in blood levels of a compound that is a biological indicator of bone loss.

Both the before- and after-exercise groups exhibited 50-percent increases in the level of this compound, called CTX, for collagen type-1 C-telopeptide.

The study will be presented at The Endocrine Society's 95th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

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Health tips to keep in mind while eating out

And they are...

-If you're planning to visit a restaurant for lunch or dinner, try checking out their website beforehand, for their food menu option. Plan ahead and decide on what you're going to eat, so that you know the kind of calories you may be consuming during that meal.

-Skipping dairy products or opt for low-fat dairy products. In the restaurant, you can also request the chef to eliminate cheese from your dish, wherever possible. If you're eating a salad, eat it minus the mayo dressing, which adds too much calories to the dish.

-If the portion of the food is more than you can eat alone, it makes sense to share the meal with the person you are dining with. This will not only save money, but prevent you from over-eating.

-Most of us have the habit of eating too quickly and not chewing our food properly, because we are so used to eating fast meals, because of our hurried lifestyle or simply because of the lack of time. Make sure that we when you're eating out, you set aside enough time to eat. Chew your food and savour it. Eating slowly will also help your brain register when your tummy is full.

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All for a monsoon-friendly wardrobe!

After bearing the sweltering heat of summer, the only thing that brings respite is the long awaited showers of yearly monsoon.

Rains are associated with all things romantic such as early morning drizzles, breezy bike rides, flocking to central parks and biting into roasted corn cobs. A more practical approach is being greeted by overcast skies ensuring a sombre morning, pregnant clouds all set for a downpour just when you are about to step out of home, and spatters of muddy water on the streets. Counter this gloomy state of affairs by creating a monsoon-friendly wardrobe. Let nothing dampen your style - pick the right clothes, wear rain-proof shoes, let nothing dampen your style spirit.

Renowned fashion designer Nachiket Barve gives out expert tips to be prepared well for the untimely rains.

Raincoats and umbrellas
Raincoats are not passe, especially if you opt for transparent coloured raincoats that are not fully opaque and reveal slightly what you're wearing inside. Waterproof your clothes by choosing printed raincoats with pretty floral patterns that gives you a colourful and vibrant look. Always carry a nice, neon coloured collapsible umbrella in your bag whenever you step out.

Shoes
It's better to bid a temporary goodbye to leather during monsoon. Instead, stock up your shoe wardrobe with jellies that come in many colours and are best suited for the rainy season. T-string plastic and rubber flats in pretty hues too can be teamed with casual or semi-formal attire such as frock-dresses, loose three quarter pants, and skirts. For the ones who work in a strict formal set-up, carry an extra pair of formal shoes in your bag or office cabinet in case of an emergency.

Clothes
When it comes to picking a trouser while it is pouring outside, darker colours are a safe bet. Light coloured bottoms are prone to get wet and dirty in the mud and muck that might create an awkward situation in public so go for colours such as black, dark blue and dark browns.

It's advisable to pick light fabrics that dry up quickly or are water-resistant such as chiffon and nylon. Try dressing up in layers - wear an open jacket over a tee so that you can take it off in case you get wet. Also, avoid wearing clothes that tend to bleed colour.

Bags
Once again, leather is a strict no-no! Canvas totes with messenger prints and basket bags with floral appliques add to the drama in the otherwise dull monsoon mood.

Jewellery
Keep it cheap during rains. Plastic jewellery pieces, wrist watches with bright coloured rubber straps, and beady necklaces should comprise your monsoon jewellery box!

Fashion tip: Always carry a jersey wrap dress in your bag or in your office drawer. Such dresses are crinkle-free and hence can be worn as a substitute in case you land up in office like a wet cat. Also, keep a pair of stylish sunglasses in your bag before you step out.

arunima.mazumdar@indiatimes.co.in

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How to clean a white leather couch

Worried about ruining your couch with your cleaning pursuits? Here are a few tips to get it in sparkling condition.

True it spells beauty and class, but maintaining your leather couch (that too white!) can be a little tricky. You might not have noticed that dust and grime settle in so easily and frequently before going in for those lovely white couches. It might be your favourite corner in the house but keeping it spick-n-span could very well turn into a nightmare. Before you start pulling out your hair in despair, give these tricks a look-see:

1. Before embarking on your mission, test the chosen cleaning product on a portion of the couch that is not noticeable. It is important to check for discolouration and damage to the leather.

2. If the leather seems fine, use a mild body wash with a clean, damp, soft cloth to rub in a circular motion with gentle pressure. Do not work up a lather and do not make the leather too wet. It should just be damp and moist.

3. Once the cloth is soiled, rinse it and re-apply the body wash.

4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.

5. Buff the area with a clean, dry cloth. You don't want to leave the leather wet or damp. It will just reduce the life of your leather couch.

6. If there are stains that refuse to leave your beautiful couch, you can try rubbing the stain with a soft cloth dipped in non-acetone nail polish remover.

However, before you try this trick you might want to try it out in some inconspicuous spot of your couch in case the leather does not agree with the non-acetone nail polish remover.

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Bhutan all set to host The Mountain Echoes Lit Fest '13

The Mountain Echoes Literary Festival, 2013 to be organized in Bhutan is back with a bang.

With a variety of enticing activities for the lovers of art, literature and music, beautiful country will again play a host to people flocking to Bhutan with a lot to look at the four-day long extravaganza from August 8 to 11.

The Mountain Echoes Literary Festival, 2013 is recognition of culture, traditions, art and everything in between. It is about getting together and celebrating everything that brings one pleasure - books, music, art, photos, drama, movies, sports etc. An initiative by the India - Bhutan foundation, Mountain Echoes is produced by Siyahi, the festival takes off with Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Namita Gokhale, as they look back on her life as the Queen Mother of this mystic Himalayan nation. Speakers from across the globe will debate, discuss and read from their works. Authors like Dasho Kinley Dorji, Pavan K. Varma, Siok Sian Dorji, Kunga Tenzin Dorji, Ratnottama Sengupta, Bachi Karkaria with Malvika Singh blurring the lines between what is known, what is believed and what is said. Moving forth from the time-wrap of patriarchy and the taboo surrounding the word "Feminism" will be Lily Wangchuk, Aparna Sen, Rahul Bose and Namita Bhandare. Lyonpo Paljor Dorji and Dr. Lam Dorji will get down to the nitty gritty of environmental sustainability with Manju Wakhley. Ani Choying will talk about music that is inspired by and inspires emancipation, Amish Tripathi and Meru Gokhale will discuss the writing of the Shiva Trilogy.

Kesang Choden T. Wangchuk and Tshering Tashi will contemplate on the vibrant mural tradition in Bhutan and Christoph Schuler plans to do a delightful presentation of whiteboard animation with Andrea Caprez. Barkha Dutt will speak candidly about her experience as one of leading TV Journalist and anchor with Namgay Zam. Jane De Suza and Karma Tenzin 'Yongba' will bring forward the making of their detective stories with Sathya Saran. Omair Ahmad, Lyonpo Om Pradhan and Pavan K. Varma explore the New Bhutan, Sudha Shah and Pramod Kumar KG chronicle history, defining the roots of a nation. Kunzang Choden and Dolma Roder will revisit the Ogyen Choling manor.

For those interested in the fields of art, photography and history there will be a photographic exhibition Bhutan: An Eye to History showcasing the evolution of photography in Bhutan. Exhibition Kalpana: Masterpieces of Figurative Indian Contemporary Paintings will be showcased at the Nehru Wangchuck Center. Tarayana Center, Thimphu will host an art exhibition VAST Summer Show 2013. Also at the Nehru Wangchuck Centre, films from various genres will be screened with the support of the Public Diplomacy Division. Mahesh Dattani, playwright, director, actor and winner of the Sahitya Academy Award, will conduct the Theatre Workshop open to all those who are interested. Jerry Pinto, journalist, writer will lead the creative writing workshop to help all the writers caught in limbo to bring out their latent abilities. The workshops are a step in helping direct the creativity of the youth and to inculcate the atmosphere for a free exchange of knowledge which helps all those involved, grow. And for music lovers, there will be popular Indian band Bandish famous for its Rock, Pop, Indi-Pop, Sufi and Bollywood music which will be performing during the fest.

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Why we love to go to Bangkok

The call of the Oriental has lured Indians for ages to come and in the 21st century, Bangkok has emerged as a favourite for tourists looking to unwind and indulge in the exotic treasures of the Far East. Bangkok has something in store for every one.

The City of Angels, said to be a favourite of Lord Indra and hand crafted by Lord Vishwakarma, offers a vibrant mix of both scenery and a fabulous metropolitan nightlife experience. Siam Square, the main shopping district can quench the thirst of the most ardent shopaholics as it caters to those hoping to get a taste of world famous brands as well as those looking for a more localised experience. Apart from its concrete masterpieces like the spectacular Robot Building, Bangkok offers picturesque parks and such as the famed Lumphini Park.

Those travelling to Bangkok often club their agenda with a tour of the sensational allied area Pattaya. The Pattaya Bay Area with its sparkling coast is one of the largest beach resorts in Asia. Watersports, swimming, snorkelling are some of the attractions which lure tourists while others who are interested in sightseeing may find their fill in the temples, sanctuaries and the Pattaya Park Tower. At night it's a sensation with its beach parties, dance festivals and even a Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.

A host of travel companies are also offering attractive packages for Jordan, Israel, Egypt and the African Safari. So go ahead and take your pick!

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Lighting makes all the difference

Lighting can indeed make a big difference to the look and atmosphere of your home. It is usually ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted or freestanding.

Most conventional lighting is directed downwards, but uplighters can diffuse light, creating a more subtle effect, without glare or dazzle. If you don't want lighting to be confined solely to the perimeter of the room, use free-standing lamps. Floor lamps also called as standard lamps are available as uplighters, down lighters or spotlights, in both modern and traditional styles. There is an even greater variety of table lamps available. Some have touch-sensitive bases, which allow you to adjust the light level and save energy.

How to get maximum effect

Use down lit lamps, which cast a shadow on the floor, and keep the ceiling dark or use uplighters to reflect light of the ceiling and light up the whole room. For a feeling of space use wall sconces that don't take up much space and can be the same colour as the wall to blend in. For practical reasons some rooms like the kitchen and living room may have several lights. For easy control on all the lights use a lighting circuit so that you can turn them off in one go, and switch them on individually. However with a little know-how you can easily get maximum lighting effect in every single room:

Kitchen:

Separately highlight work areas with halogen downlighters or clip on lights for a clean, clear beam over areas such as the sink and islands. If your kitchen is also a dining room, for an occasional touch of ambient lighting choose a functional chandelier or pendant light on dimmers for your main light.

Dining room:

Take care to avoid or reduce lighting glare to fall on the eyes of the diner. Ensure downlighters are aimed straight onto the table surface. Place chandeliers where they create sparkle as opposed to distracting light. Wall sconces placed above eye-level can be very effective too.

TV room:

Do you watch TV in the dark? Apparently it's not good as it strains the eyes. To reduce the effect, position a light near the TV in such a way that it needs to shade from the viewer's eyes and shouldn't reflect on the screen. Do this and you'll still be able to view in relative darkness but with less strain on your eyes.

Bathroom:

To avoid splashes, ceiling downlighters are most practical. For a relaxing candle light effect have these on a dimmer but remember the safety of children and older folk who need to see clearly when they bathe.

Outside:

Don't forget about your garden or outside porch. Light up your porch or door to make it welcoming and safe. Place lights below walls and plants you wish to feature. You could even light your garden path.

Bedroom:

Don't have downlighters above the bed as they create glare. Instead try a wall sconce slightly above your head and over your shoulder to avoid shadows. Or have a table lamp placed slightly behind you.

Wardrobes:

To find clothes quickly, light up the wardrobe interior for a clear view.

Shop around, you might see something you never knew existed. These days there are lots of lighting shops offering different looks. From Italian lighting to art nouveau and art deco reproduction, hand-forged iron, iron chandeliers, candle holder designs, glass shades, period lighting, strobe, halogen and different shaped light bulbs. Get the proportions right. The lamp base and shade fittings should be in proportion with the room. Small lamps could look odd in a large room. With lampshades, pick colours that suit your soft furnishings, curtains and carpets. They should be in contrast with the walls, instead of being the same colour or they might just get lost in the ambience. Use a downlighter over a vase of flowers. Highlight architectural features. Recessed downlighters can look great in built-in shelves or alcoves.

Get creative, go ahead and bring warmth, drama and sheer elegance to your home with lighting techniques.

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The lovable lychee

Now is the season for this fruit and here's why you should tuck into it. The onset of the monsoon season coincides with the lychee season.

This delicious fruit originating South-East Asia is loved by many people and so is a popular squash drink and ice cream flavour too. Botanically it is known as Litchi chinensis and belongs to the soapberry family. Besides their taste, it's the numerous health benefits that should be the reason for your to consume this fruit.

Contains oligonol
Oligonol, a polyphenol is present in abundance in lychees. This polyphenol not only contains antioxidant but also anti-influenza virus properties. It is also believed to protect the skin from harmful damage by UV rays, reduce fat, increasing stamina.

Prevents anaemia
The high iron content in lychees is beneficial for the haemoglobin levels in the body, thereby preventing anaemia.

Protects against cancer
The antioxidant properties present in lychees help fight the damage caused by formation of free radicals in the body, and preventing the expansion of of cancer cells, offering protection against breast and prostrate cancer. In fact, lychees contain greater amount of beta-carotene than carrots.

Protects from heart diseases
Lychees are good for cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body. This helps improve blood flow to the heart thereby, reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Boosts immunity
An excellent source of Vitamin C coupled with antioxidants helps to boost immunity offering protection against flu, cold, cough and infections.

Fosters blood formation
Lychee contains a host of minerals like folate, manganese, iron, copper that are essential for the formation of red blood cells. Also, the Vitamin C content helps in absorption of iron in the body.

Boosts metabolism
A generous amount of fibre and B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and folates that stimulate metabolism. Fibre-rich foods are known to increase metabolism rate and suppression of appetite.

Reduces high blood pressure
Studies have shown that foods that are high on antioxidants tend to lower high blood pressure. Lychees are also a good source of potassium, which helps in maintaining sodium levels and balance electrolytes in the body.

Nutritional facts
Energy 66 kcal
Carbohydrates 16.53 g
Protein 0.83 g
Total Fat 0.44 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Dietary Fibre 1.3 g
* Per 100gm of lychee

Did you know that lychee translated in Chinese means gift for a joyful life?

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Holiday in style: Crop tops, ruffled dresses

Crop tops, ruffled dresses and kimonos - the retro styles are back as holiday wear and designers declare them "must haves" for trendy women keen to look "feminine" and "sensuous" while unwinding themselves.

What should be packed for a holiday? Although jumpsuits and kaftans are all-time favourites, dig into your mommy's aunty's or even your granny's wardrobe to put your fashionable foot forward this holiday season.

Styles popular between the 1960s and 1980s have made a comeback to the holiday wardrobe, says Mumbai-based designer Aniket Satam.

"Rewind and replay the 1980s pinup drama by sporting midriff-revealing crop tops and bralets," he said. "The best way to wear them is by teaming them with high-waisted skirts revealing a little bit of your skin," Satam said.

With retro fashion influencing summer dressing, "a lot more swinging patterns like smocks, sheaths and pinafore shifts are trending," he said.

"Team them with stockings and stack on some plastic accessories to complete the look," Satam added.

Holidays mean comfort and the wardrobe should complement the mood. So pack flared long dresses, well-fitted shorts teamed with loose crop tops as they combine comfort with style. One can never go wrong with them, said designer Astha Narang.

If being different is your motto, try kimonos, a popular style of the 1980s, with stripes and Mediterranean motifs.

"Kimono dresses with stripes and motifs are a good option. They give a very summerish feel and the motifs make the mood and your look very light and summerish, which is perfect for a holiday," Narang said.

Designer Amit GT agreed, terming kimonos a "good option".

Giving more options, he added: "Also, jumpsuits, sun dresses, shorts and scarves work well. Go for floral trousers in wide-legged or cropped silhouettes."

"Boxy silhouettes in lightweight fabrics and bright colours are in vogue this season. Kaftans in bright colours and prints teamed up with trousers or jeans look the best as holiday wear. It's comfortable and chic," Amit said.

Remember ruffled dresses associated with Boho-chic movement of the 1970s? They are making a huge comeback in the holiday wardrobe this season.

"The feminine detail has made a major comeback this season in the form of huge curvy structural element instead of delicate decorated details. Internationally, the trend has been incorporated in the form of rustling skirts and uneven hems," said Satam.

No look is complete without the right accessories.

Remember cat-eye sunglasses famously worn by Hollywood diva Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly in the 1960s? They are back in vogue in various colours and patterns this season, Amit said.

"Large chunky jewellery looks good as holiday wear," he added.

Funky neckpieces help converting a casual look into stylish one; so pick your accessories accordingly.

Footwear is important too.

Amit informed that wedges, espadrilles, deck shoes and, importantly, running shoes are very important for the holidays.

"Don't go for your regular slippers as colourful options are available in the market," he added.

While holidaying, if you feel like dressing formally, carry old long cholis and team them up with sleek trousers for a classy evening look.

Just remember: The best part is that no one will be there to judge you, so you can wear anything comfortable as you can never go wrong.

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Dogs can reach home from anywhere

It was nothing short of a miracle when a lost dog was reunited with its owners after a marathon 31-hour trek across four major A roads and miles of treacherous moorland.

A family who had given up their whippet-terrier cross Jack for dead looked outside to find him asleep on their doorstep.

Exhausted and sore-pawed, the pet dog had walked 15 miles along an unfamiliar route - crossing a four-lane bypass and one of the country's busiest motorways. What makes the feat even more amazing is that it suffers from a fear of traffic, and walks with a limp, after being knocked down by a lorry five years ago.

"He had been missing for a day-and-a-half and we'd all but given up. We'd had dozens of friends and neighbours out looking for him but decided to call off the search.

On a whim, I had one more look outside the back of the house just in case he had returned. I glanced down through the window of the door and did a double take, because there he was," The Telegraph quoted David Cooper, 46, as saying.

"He looked up at me, and his eyes said: ''Have I been naughty?'' The children smothered him in hugs for the next hour, so I think he knew he was forgiven," he added.

Jack had become separated from Mr Cooper, an accountant, and his vet wife Liz around 2pm Sunday May 16, while the couple were walking in Dearne Valley Park to the east of Barnsley town centre in South Yorkshire.

"We really have no idea how he got across. There are a couple of pedestrian subways, but he would have no idea where they were so it's possible he just made a dash across the traffic," Cooper said.

The Coopers subsequently learned that he was seen walking along a main road in the village of Oxspring around 24 hours later, having traversed miles of rough moorland and woods.

"I've asked all my colleagues at work if they can tell me how dogs can navigate when they've never been somewhere before, but they're just as baffled as me. Everyone thinks it's quite amazing.

We bandaged his legs but he's out walking again now, although he is staying a little closer," Cooper added.

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He doesn't find me attractive anymore...

So is it really true that a husband loses interest in his wife after pregnancy? Reports claim that every one in three women feel that their husbands do not find them attractive anymore after child birth.

Almost half of women surveyed accused their husbands of 'forgetting' who they were since they became a mother. A mere 12 per cent said their husband termed them as 'feminine' while 69 per cent said they were termed as 'tired'.

Pyschologist Seema Hingoranny cites an example about a man who came for counselling saying that it was as it becoming difficult handling a crying baby and now he has a crying wife too. "Men feel their wives become unapproachable and too senstive to things. They prefer to maintain a little distance and women usually misintepret this action of theirs", she says.

Stress counsellar, Yatri Thakkar refutes this myth saying it is just a matter of time, "Women undergo a lot of hormonal changes and become moody. They usually end up having a low self-esteem post pregnancy. As time passes everything becomes normal."

A phenomenon called as mumnesia by researchers, women say they forget what they were as a person before birth and change completely. But Hingoranny feels that couples should not throw intimacy out of the window. "Take that extra step to dress well, spend some quality time with him and initiate things. He will feel the effort and definitely reciprocate," she says.

Fun things for a husband to do after childbirth

1. You can make early morning bed tea for her. It'll bring a smile on her face the first thing in the morning.

2. Share her work after you come back from office. You can help by bringing the vegetables or dusting the house.

3. Take her for outings and spend time with her.

4. Take snaps of both of them and make a collage. Looking back at old snaps is a great bonding exercise.

5. Give her an ocassional massage. Make her relax and play music for her. It'll lighten her mood.

6. You can bring books regarding baby care. It will make both of you more aware about your new born.

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Boot camps, the new fad in Chennai

After martial arts and gymming, it looks like it's boot camps that has caught on among Chennaiites now, irrespective of gender or age.

"The city has many takers because people are quite interested in fitness. And boot camp involves a bunch of workouts put together that helps one to do tough physical activities with ease," starts Raj Ganpath, one of the co-founders of a city boot camp group.

Boot campers claim that they aim to come up with a training methodology that is helpful for people across all age groups. "It is customized as different people need different things when it comes to fitness," adds Raj. The trainers claim that there aren't any sophisticated equipment that're used to build strength and endurance. What else do they use then? "We make use of unconventional tools like sandbags, water pipes, ropes, tyres et al, apart from free weights like kettlebells and dumbbells. The prime focus is to help people improve the quality of their movement," replies Arvind Ashok, one of the boot camp coaches.

Soundharya Srinivasan, a filmmaker in the city, agrees with Arvind, saying, "When one flips a tyre or pulls a kettlebell, he/she is trained to use the muscles in the right way. So, climbing up or down the stairs with heavy baggage or putting the bubble top water container over the can becomes much easier. It eases everyday life by teaching correct movement and strengthening the body to do difficult physical tasks."

A few of them state that the entire experience of boot camping is very addictive. "It reminds me of my school days — to play in the ground and get dirty. At the same time, one has a new set of workouts every other day. And since it's a group activity, the competitive level is very high and that motivates you to to push yourself," claims Sricharan, an actor and a lawyer.

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An age in which telegrams were so important

The Indian telegram service will breathe its last today. TOI rewinds to a time when it was the most urgent, if not important, mode of communication

For a generation growing up on emails and SMSes, the telegram will just be one of those things in the history of telecommunication that you read about. But for those who've known the pain and pleasure of receiving and dispatching news - happy or sad - through the telegram, the discontinuation of the 160 year old service in India from tomorrow has brought back lots of memories. As Anil Rastogi, the Daddaji from Na Bole Tum... Na Maine Kuch Kaha, remembers, "The process of sending a telegram would give us a different high altogether. Standing in the long queue and filling the form...iss sab mein ek alag maza tha.

Also, since every word in a telegram counted, woh crisp format likhna, it was a thrill in itself."

Malini Awasthi, singer and folk artiste, says the surprise element made telegrams the most welcome and dreaded piece of communication. "I had recieved maximum telegrams when I passed my Class X Boards with flying colours. One of my uncles even sent a money order with the telegram! There always used to be a surprise element when the postman used to shout, 'Telegram aaya hai'. The blood pressure of the entire colony would fluctuate ki kya likha hoga usme!"

"There existed a whole 'taar waala community' who would bring these telegrams to our houses and we would give them special baqshish on various occasions so that they would deliver the telegrams on time," reminisceses Vishan Prakash, businessman, "Since a telegram was supposed to be written in a crisp manner, framing a telegram according to the money we had, was fun!"

Sorry for the typos
But the communication wasn't without its share of bloopers. Kiron Chopra, who owes the success of his export business to telegrams - "I would communicate with my clients via telegrams only," he says - recalls a particular instance when a typo in a telegram really upset his overseas client. "I was going abroad to visit one of my clients. So, I sent him a telegram informing him about my visit. But instead of writing 'I am coming', the post office staff wrote 'U are coming'. The client got very offended and immediately sent back a telegram saying that he had no plans of visiting India. I had a lot of explaining to do because of the error," says Chopra.

Corporate head honcho, Jayant Krishna narrates a similar incident. "I still remember this time when I received a telegram from a company, which was signed at the end as 'Without regards' instead of 'With regards'. When I asked the company what this was about, they explained that the boss had asked them to send every telegram without 'regards' as a cost cutting measure, but the secretary actually thought he meant that every telegram should be undersigned 'without regards'! It was really funny how people used to make all the effort to reduce the word count while sending telegrams," recounts Jayant.

Better late than never?
Considered to be the fastest mode of communication at one time, many telegrams never did reach their destination when they were intended to. "I remember I once sent a telegram to my family while I was in Bhopal, that I will be coming to Lucknow on a particular date. During those times, telegrams often reached late. And as luck would have it, my family didn't get the telegram till after I had reached home! I received my own telegram," tells Nawab Mir Jafar Abdullah.

For keepsake
Like Javed Akhtar, a lot of people are sending telegrams to their loved ones as keepsakes. Seema Rajbir, who's preserved all the birthday greetings she received through telegrams in her hey days, shares, "My husband has sent me a romantic telegram for our 25th wedding anniversary, which we celebrate this year."

Javed sends telegrams, Shabana tweets
As a sort of keepsake, Javed Akhtar has sent telegrams to his grandchildren. "Javed just sent his last telegrams to both grandchildren. Hope they will treasure them. Pure nostalgia for us and some sadness," Shabana Azmi tweeted a few days ago.

For social impact
Just days before the telegram service shuts down for good, Kunal sent a telegram to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad as part of Humane Society International India's (HSI) Be Cruelty-Free Campaign, saying, "Honourable Minister, I am so proud that India has banned the cruel and unnecessary practice of testing cosmetics on live animals. However, if we don't allow such cruelty in our laboratories, we should not allow it on our shop shelves either. Please make India a cruelty-free cosmetics zone with an import ban on animal-tested cosmetics."

PILs filed
On Thursday, the Madras High Court issued a notice to the Ministry of Telecommunication and Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNL) on two PILs that sought restoration and continuance of the telegram service in India. The petitioners contended that the BSNL didn't consider the rural masses before scrapping the telegram service.

Robert Chandrakumar, a Madurai-based advocate, claimed that 70% of India's population lived in the rural areas where communication through mobile phones and email had not reached. In another petition, M Sekaran, president of Federation of Consumer and Service Organisations in Tiruchi, alleged that the BSNL gave 'step motherly treatment' to the telegram service before scrapping it. The verdict in the cases has been deferred.

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Take a meow, see me in the morning

Dr Pinto of Powai is a distinguished looking gentleman, in his tuxedo and French beard. What earns him the title are not his markings, but his uncanny ability to sense pain and 'heal' it.

Every dog owner will tell you of times when their dog 'knew' they were depressed, or needed help. Cat owners have a few tales of their own. Jaya Gvalani, Pinto's human ("you don't keep cats; they keep you"), is diabetic. "Once, I was suffering from a headache that causes the eye-lids to flutter. I usually have to go to the doctor to take an injection for this. However, Pinto just came by, purred next to me, licked my eyes and it went away."

It could just be the placebo effect felt by indulgent owners, but a study conducted by Fauna Communications in 2006 found that the frequency of a cat's purr is between 25 and 140 Hz - the same frequencies that are therapeutic for bone growth and fracture healing, pain relief, swelling reduction, wound healing, muscle growth and repair, tendon repair, and mobility of joints. Researchers believe that evolution has provided felines with an internal vibrational therapeutic system to stimulate healing and provide a measure of pain relief during the healing process.

That would certainly explain why Dr Pinto's favourite resting place is on the chest of his other human, Nandu Gvalani. He had a heartattack a few years ago, but says he has been taking care of his health ever since. Maybe Pinto plays a supporting role. Headaches are Dr Pinto's speciality — he usually rests his chin on the head and purrs contently.

Minal Kavishwar, of Animal Angels foundation, enrols cats as therapy animals. "While dogs come to people and play with you, cats have a different connectivity," says the clinical psychologist and animal therapist. "You have to engage them and they love to sit on your lap and purr."

Children with social issues, who are not able to establish a rapport with others or who give up too easily benefit by the company of cats. "We have to teach them how to approach a cat, build a relationship with it, how to pet it. We get more opportunity to work with the person's body language and social relationship. Once they learn this, we implement it in the social aspect," says Kavishwar.

Being less boisterous and smaller, cats are also welcome therapists in old age homes. "Senior citizens may not be able to play with a dog, or take it out for a walk. But a cat will sit next to them, and they can hold it close or pet it. This helps greatly to deal with loneliness," she adds.

There may be a dog people, cat people debate raging, but Dr Pinto isn't one to take sides. He gets along with the family dog, Bambi, and if things get too boisterous, he only has to retire to his 'office' in the closet. He has a shelf there, upholstered by clothes and his neighbour is Nikko, the black cat whom he loves to annoy.

Not to be outdone by mutts, cats are also affectionate, in their own way. Pinto is Nandu's alarm. "He jumps up on the bed and starts nibbling and licking my fingers alternatively until I get up," he says. Not the pleasantest of aubades, but it's better than a bitter medicine.

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Top 12 foods to improve sex drive

It's commonly perceived that foods that look like body parts can boost your sex drive. Dr Vijay Singhal, Sexologist with Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute lists out the truth behind foods and fruit that can improve your libido.

Sexologist, Dr Vijay Singhal explains the concept of foods for sex and how they can improve the libido. "Any healthy food is good for sex. However, there are certain items that are particularly beneficial- Walnuts, strawberry, avocados, watermelons and almonds. One must note that alcohol is bad for a healthy sex life - it increases the desire but decreases the performance."

Walnuts
Walnuts improve the quality of sperm. It is known to improve the shape, movement and vitality of the sperm. Include walnuts in your diet to improve fertility.

Strawberries and raspberries
The seeds of these fruits are loaded with zinc which is essential for sex for both, men and women. If women have high levels of zinc their bodies find it easier to prepare for sex. In men, zinc controls the testosterone level which is responsible for producing sperm. It is important that men load up on zinc as their zinc levels reduces during intercourse.

Avocados
Folic acid and vitamin B6 are both necessary for a healthy sex drive. Folic acid pumps the body with energy, while vitamin B6 stabilises the hormones.

Watermelon
Watermelon improves your erection and increases your libido. They also contain citrulline which releases amino acids and arginine in the body. Arginine is responsible for vascular health.

Almonds
Almonds contain arginine which improves circulation and relaxes blood vessels. This amino acid found in almonds helps you maintain an erection.

Chocolate
Dark chocolate releases serotonin and endorphins that improves your mood. It doesn't improve libido but you will not be a grouch.

Eggs
Consume eggs for healthy erection. Eggs contain amino acid L-arginine that can improve erectile dysfunction.

Peaches
Vitamin C present in peaches improves sperm count and the quality of the sperm. Peaches contain high levels of vitamin C that is great for reducing infertility.

Coffee
Coffee is a stimulant, hence spikes your sex drive. Coffee can stimulate the brain to heighten arousal.

Saffron
Saffron is a natural aphrodisiac and should be consumed to improve your sex drive and your performance in bed. Saffron can also boost stamina and energy.

Steak
Steak is a great ingredient to boost your sex drive-it contains zinc, vitamin B, iron and protein. These compounds are essential for both men and women as they help improve the libido.

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

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Moving on with the job

In this fast moving world, change seems to the only constant. This dynamism extends to the job sphere as well, with location-based mobility becoming increasingly common.

More than ever before, individuals are shifting their location for a job—often with their families in tow. Explains Sahil Nayak, who graduated from a business school last year and has joined a major FMCG company as a management trainee, "Business operations are becoming decentralised, the workplace is no longer simply the head office. In this highly interconnected world, there are countless opportunities across geographies. Individuals should not deprive themselves of stellar professional openings based solely on location."

Agrees journalist Swati Joshi, who is originally from Pune but moved to New Delhi when she landed a job with a top media house, "Today's professionals are expected to exhibit a certain level of flexibility, whether the company transfers you, or you land a new job that expects you to transfer location. Look at it positively! It gives you a wonderful experience, allowing you to encounter new people, places and situations. Personal and professional growth will follow."

Possible challenges
Relocating is no mean task. Even the most adventure-loving sorts and relocation veterans will have a nagging feeling of doubt within themselves as they make the shift. Various challenges—both expected and unexpected—may crop up. Individuals may not have sufficient time to prepare themselves for the transfer.

"There are various levels of uncertainty that come with departing from known territories. You are moving to a new office and a new place. There is anxiety and worry, which manifests into stress. There may be guilt, if the transfer is uprooting the entire family. Fear is common, as is nervousness. It is a very trying time on physical, mental and emotional levels," says psychiatrist Jaya Mulchandani.

Decode the decision
The most important part of making a transfer is to be absolutely sure of your decision. Consider all aspects of your shift. If there is doubt within you, it will bog you down. Be optimistic, firm and convinced. Consult your family in the process as well, especially if they are moving with you. Participation is the key factor here. Listen to their concerns, address their worries. Even the smallest and seemingly trivial matters should be sorted out. If you have very young children, make sure you explain the move and the reasons behind it to them.

Due diligence
Yes, the devil is in the details. It is important to plan a move to the greatest extent possible, subject to the time and resources available. Prior preparation will help make the move easier for those involved. It is a wonderful idea to make a visit to the place you plan to relocate to, especially if your family is moving with you. If nothing else, show your children their new home-to-be on Google Earth. "My fiveyear-old son was worried about leaving behind his friends when we moved to Delhi thanks to my husband's transfer. I assured him that he could meet them every other month, and even showed him how Skype works. He was then suitably comforted," smiles homemaker Vinitha Vasudev.

It helps to be organised—it is illadvised to leave anything to chance. Narrow down on accommodation well in advance, identify transportation and checklist the items that you need to carry with you. Don't forget to consider seemingly trivial matters such as internet, parking and closest medical facilities.

Mentally prepared
Physical preparation can only get you that far—you need to be mentally and emotionally prepared as well. "Embrace the change and be optimistic. Every time you feel a creeping sense of doubt, remind yourself of all the positives of you new job and life," advises Joshi.

Sensitise yourself to the way of life in the place you will be shifting to. A culture shock can be most unsettling, especially if you are moving to an overseas location. Says investment banking analyst Manoj Singhal, "I moved to Hong Kong after I landed my dream job with an investment bank here. Although it is a global organisation, I was mentally prepared for local norms and cultural intricacies—right from greetings to business and social etiquette. This helps you fit right in and prevents you from making embarrassing cultural faux pas."

After moving to your new location, it is important to plunge right into your new life. Go out of yourself to build your network and integrate yourself in the community. Join the local gym, go running in the park and participate in neighbourhood events—and very soon, your new location will feel like home to you.

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