So, what is the body language that invites a rapist?

Maharashtra Women's Commission member Asha Mirge has added another page in the never-ending how-girls-should-prevent-rape gyan.

After what a woman is wearing, her Eureka idea is how a woman is moving, because, girls, your 'body language' apparently screams "I'm asking for it". Some women who understand what 'body language' is, try to define if you can rape-proof the coordination between your brain and your limbs:

Rape-proof body language is crossed legs, crossed arms, and crossed fingers
Well, I think she needs to answer that question (about what is rape-proof body language), not me, but I can hazard a guess - crossed legs, crossed arms, and crossed fingers that the boy in front of you is not her son, because if that's what mothers are teaching their sons, then god help us! Nirbhaya wasn't even at a late show, like this woman said. I've said it before, but the only rape-proof clothing is the kind that has no human in it! Women are sometimes women's own worst enemies because mothers like this are the root cause of their sons behaving like they do.
- Neeti Palta, stand-up comedian

A prostitute and her body language can be very similar to mine
In theatre, you have to sometimes perpetuate a stereotype just so the character translates to the audience. So, if I'm playing a prostitute or a seductress, I might do something like what a Kareena Kapoor does in Chameli, for the audience to understand. But that doesn't mean it's the truth. A prostitute and her body language can be very similar to mine. In my last project, the director told me, "ladki ki tarah baitho". I asked him what he meant, and he said, "arrey, legs cross karke baitho". So that is their perception of what a girl should be like. Again, a prostitute's supposed body language is the society's construction of how she should behave. There is not some defined body-language that a woman is born with.
- Geetika Sinha, DU-based actor

What about the body language of a potential rapist?
This idea is ridiculous and irresponsible. It again places the onus of women's safety on women. It also makes all men seem incapable of being in control of themselves and respecting boundaries. Patriarchy and violence against women is a far more deep-rooted problem than the clothes we wear and our body language. So, when a woman dressed 'properly' and with 'appropriate' body language gets raped, what will they blame next? There are enough examples daily - girls getting raped by their fathers and brothers - what sort of body language would they have adopted to invite it? What about the body language of a potential rapist? Why don't we ever talk about them? Isn't it obvious by now that no matter what women wear, what time they are out, who they go with, they do get raped? What is this body language, and who decides when things stop being appropriate?
- Mallika Taneja, stage actress, has done satirical skits on attitudes towards rape

What's next? Her 'aura' asked for it?
Isn't it bad enough that we have men, in leadership positions, saying such bulls**t? Now, it's a woman. We've heard the timing and clothing points before, but this body language is something new. Next thing you know, someone will say, 'oh, her aura was not right and was inviting rape' or 'she was blinking her eyes too much'. No one invites rape, ever. Even if the female is naked, even then she can't be termed as inviting it. There can be no right or wrong body language for it.
- VJ Juhi Pande, who acted in the 'It's your fault' rape satire video

Now, the problem is that women have responsive, functional bodies!
What is this Khap-like woman-hater-rape-justifier doing on a women's commission? It just shows what a farce our society is. Such comments are reflective of a deeply misogynistic attitude that lays the onus of the crime on the victim, thus justifying rape. First, people had a problem with the kind of clothes girls wore, the time of day they were out; now, the problem has become the fact that they have responsive, functional bodies! Why not lobotomise women altogether, Dr Mirge? This comment also proves how women themselves become pillars of patriarchy, and are often the staunchest propagators of patriarchal and misogynistic attitudes.
- Swara Bhaskar, actress and anti-rape campaigner

Whose side are these panels on?
Going by the viewpoints routinely given by women officials from the various women's commissions across the country, including the National Commission for Women (NCW), you'd wonder how they're coming from a panel that works in women's interest, and not from a paan-spitting neta. Which women are they trying to represent? Try figuring out from the statements below:

2009: If the girls feel they were not doing anything wrong, why are they afraid to come forward and give a statement?
- NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh, after an attack by 40 Sri Ram Sena men on eight women in a Mangalore bar
2012: If a group of boys eve-teases you by calling you sexy, you should not get provoked, and instead, take it positively
- Mamta Sharma, then NCW chairperson
2012: Be comfortable, but be careful about how you dress. Aping the west blindly is eroding our culture and causing such crimes to happen
- Mamta Sharma, then NCW chairperson
2012: After a 17-year-old girl was molested by a gang outside a Guwahati pub, NCW member Alka Lamba had revealed her name to the media

(Inputs from Bohni Bandyopadhyay, Chandna Arora, Aanchal Tuli and Umang Aggarwal)

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Is the doughnut the new cupcake?

Sure, doughnuts have been around on the dessert table for a while now, but they were almost always relegated to the sidelines.

Now however, the iconic dessert is getting its due as it is increasingly taking over the top spot from other desserts. Owing to their small size and the sheer variety they are available in, doughnuts are being forecast as the new party dessert.

And now, according to reports, a new 'mini doughnut' has surfaced that might end up replacing the cupcake. With flavours ranging from caramel, sprinkles, chocolate, lemon and blueberry or even the simple doughnut with a sweet sugar glaze, there is no limit to the choices available. Plus, the many ways it can be served, i.e. with a coffee or even hot chocolate, it looks like the 'mini doughnut' has not only made its mark, but is also here to stay!

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10 Things women wish men understood

Men are indeed from Mars and women, from Venus.

The two sexes are as different as chalk and cheese, especially when it comes to important things such as communication and understanding body language. And though your wife of girlfriend may be giving loud and clear signs that something you've done has either made her very happy or has absolutely ticked her off, you may be blissfully oblivious to it. Sounds like a familiar situation? Don't worry, help's at hand.

Here's a guide of some of the things women wish men automatically understood:

- When women talk, listen, it shows us that you care.
- Be smart enough and understand that not all of our bad moods are connected to PMSing. Sometimes, we
get angry because we have been ticked off.
- Guys need to develop an EQ (Emotional quotient). That, however, doesn't mean you need to cry at the drop of a hat. It just means you need to be more sensitive towards us.
- With us women, communication is the key solution to most problems. Hence, please talk to us. Not communicating is not the solution and problems aren't going to automatically disappear unless sorted out.
- There are some traits we women wish our man displayed with increasing frequency, especially chivalry and making an extra effort to be nice and courteous to our friends and family members, even if you dislike them.
- We may not grumble about putting out a spread of your favourite foods on a daily basis, but sometimes, we'd really enjoy a break from the kitchen. Cook for us. And if you're wondering what, remember this, there's nothing that women love more than a pleasant surprise. So go ahead, surprise us, we will appreciate the effort, even if the meal isn't up to the mark.
- Your machoism is not directly proportional to the speed with which you drive your car. Rash driving is so uncool, and that's that.
- Be protective, not possessive. We aren't your personal property but your equals and there's nothing we like more than being treated that way.
- We women are suckers for romance, especially our man proclaiming his unending love for us, all the time. How you intend to do it, however, depends largely on you.
- Last but also one of the most important, remember that the quickest and easiest way to lose a women is to lie to her. Be honest.

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Is your guy a tomato, nacho or snowman?

The new body shape terms for men are out. Which one is yours?

Move over ladies! The men might give you competition on the vanity front. With guyliner makeup and mancessories the recent big trend, another new fad now defines men's body shapes into seven specific terms. Thin, fat and lean are now passe, you might now have to check if your guy is a pear, or large built, cucumber (straight and lean) and more...

What the study found
The biggest number, 49%, admitted to being a pear like comedian Michael McIntyre, with some extra weight around their middle. About 9% were like the brick or generally broad all over, akin to pop star Robbie Williams. Most coveted shape? The cucumber, the lean figure that former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff has.

Impacts self-esteem
Regardless of what they may achieve, how they look can affect men's self-esteem, feels clinical psychologist Saloni Sawnani. "Unless you are comfortable with the way you look, it impacts your assumption of how others perceive you, which in turn affects your concept of trust. This brings about social anxiety and affects performance personally, socially and professionally. Remember, confidence helps you carry yourself better; so be happy with what you are. At the same time don't be complacent about things. If you need to exercise go out and do it, but before this reassure yourself that nothing comes in a quick fix manner."

Is a shape everything?
Exercise therapist Jeet Chowhan says that's the common misconception. "A tomato or snowman shape, of course, can mean there is an obesity issue, but shape has nothing to do with being fit. You might be thin on the arms and legs, but carrying a huge paunch, which isn't healthy at. Instead, strive for good aerobic endurance and musculature. You should be good at functional fitness — being able to do basic tasks plus social responsibilities without getting tired at the end of the day — that's the real test! If you really want a shape, aim for an overall well-toned one."

Nacho
What: Broad shoulders and slim waistline
Who? David Beckham, Jason Statham

Tomato
What: Chubby all over
Who? Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jack Black

Cucumber
What: Straight up and down, no extra weight.
Who? Andrew Flintoff

Brick
What: Broad all over
Who? Vaughn, Lawrence Fishburne

Pear
What: A little larger around the middle
Who? Russell Crowe, Ben Stiller

String bean
What: Skinny and lean
Who? Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe

Snowman
What: Rounded around the stomach and chest creating a figure of eight-like shape
Who? John Goodman, James Earl Jones

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10 superfoods for a healthy life

Here is a list of the superfoods that you need to include in your daily meals...

These foods packed with nutrients and are considered great not only at fending off serious diseases but are also known to fortify your immune system and take care of your skin and hair. Maybe you have already included some of this into your daily diet, but if you haven't now is the time to begin. So go on, and supercharge your heath...

Avocado
Avocados are a great source of not only Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs), but are also packed with other nutrients and heart-protective compounds. They have soluble fibre, vitamin E, folate, and potassium.

How to eat: You should opt for avocados in salads and salsas. Avoid cheese or mayo and use this fruit instead.

Broccoli
Experts believe that Broccoli has properties to fight life-threatening diseases. This green vegetable may help you beat heart-diseases and even cancer.

How to eat: You could steam the florets of this vegetable and add it to you stir-fry dish.

Eggs
Who said eggs were harmful? Eggs have a lot of hard-to-get nutrients and antioxidents. Eggs are linked to heart diseases usually, and so, one should ideally avoid having more than three egg yolks a week. Egg whites, however, can be consumed daily.

How to eat: Make scrambled egg or omelets using two egg whites and one egg yolk.

Milk
A glassful of fat-free milk everyday can do you good. Studies show that calcium isn't just a bone booster but a fat fighter too.

How to have: When you are making oats use fat-free milk instead of water and have warm milk with chocolate before you retire for the night to get some good sleep.

Nuts
Go nuts — this will not only keep you healthy and alert but will also keep your hair and skin in great condition. Researchers say that eating a handful of nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. They are a great source of antioxidants, omega 3s and healthy oils.

How to have: Sprinkle chopped nuts (a mix of walnuts, almonds, pistachios) on your morning cereal and your salads and stir-fry dishes. Of course you can just much a handful of nuts as a in-between meal snack.

Salmon
Fish oils are sometimes prescribed by dermatologists for your skin and hair. Having fish everyday can help your health — from preventing heart disease to smoothing your skin and aiding weight loss to boosting your mood and minimising the effects of arthritis. Salmon is rich in vitamin D and omega-3s.

How to have: Stir-fry a fillet of marinated (salt, lemon juice, a flake or two of garlic and a dash of pepper) salmon and serve with steamed vegetables.

Tofu
When you replace fatty meats and cheeses with tofu and soy milk your saturated fat intake goes down and that helps you remain healthy. Soy contains heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, a good amount of fiber, and some important vitamins. It's isoflavones may also help prevent breast cancer.

How to eat: Use cubes of tofu in your salads. You can cook soy beans like you cook chole and rajmah.

Oatmeal
Experts have said and by now we all know oats reduces the risk of heart diseases and new research has said that unsweetened oats also cuts the risk of type 2 diabetes because of the high fiber content.

How to eat: Have oats in milk or yogurt, for breakfast with a variety of fruit topping. You could coat your salmon with oats before you shallow fry it.

Olive oil

Olive oil is known to lower bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. Chronic diseases and even cancer risk can be reduced with the help of this MUFA rich oil.

How to have: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on your salads and as marinades. Use olive oil to make stir-fry dishes.

Yogurt
In every part of our country, dahi or curd has always been included in our daily diet. It is not only a great way to get the required calcium but also has immune-boosting bacteria. You should opt for organic, low-fat yogurt.

How to eat: Make a delicious fruit smoothie with it. Take one cup of your favourite seasonal fruit - mangoes - and a cup of yogurt and give it a stir in the blender. Since the mangoes are sweet avoid using extra sugar.

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Lentils: Key to beating high BP

A new study has found that adding lentils to your daily diet can help reduce high blood pressure.

The study, led by Dr Peter Zahradka from the University of Manitoba, also suggested that consuming pulses like beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas can reverse the changes that happen in blood vessels due to high BP, the Daily Express reported.

Zahradka said that the results of the study are amazing, since they provide a non-pharmacological way of treating diseases associated with blood vessel dysfunction. Zahradka added that the most notable finding of the study was the fact that lentils could alter the physical properties of blood vessels so that they resembled the vessels found in healthy animals.

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Fake profile to stalk your ex? It's illegal!

Troubling someone using a fake profile, changing your girlfriend's account password or spying on an ex's online activity are all criminal offences and can land you in jail

When you have pretty pictures to post, cool statuses to update and friends' 'walls' to write on, reading the terms and conditions of the website, that too thoroughly, is probably the last thing on your mind. But it's about time you gave the 'terms' a serious read. The 'Terms and Conditions'contracts of social networks, which most users hastily and casually accept, are legally binding documents under the cyber law of the country.Fake profiles and politically charged comments on social networks are not uncommon, and what is getting even less uncommon by the day is people getting charged for these 'offences'.Recently,there has been an increasing number of cases where people have been arrested for making a fake profile of someone with notso-innocent intentions.According to cyber law experts, Sajai Singh and Prashant Kumar, " Section 66A(b) stipulates that a person guilty of sending information which he knows to be false and is aimed to cause annoyance,inconvenience danger etc,is liable to imprisonment for a term of up to three years and a fine. Fake profile on a social media may amount to false information.Further,the purpose of such fake profile is to take revenge,cause annoyance etc. Therefore,a fake profile may be categorized as an offense which is punishable under Section 66A(b) of the IT Act."

Why make a fake profile?

The break-up saga
Even superheroes have trouble dealing with heartache,and the users of social networks are only human.But apparently,some users tend to a go a little too far when dealing with break-ups - sometimes, far enough to be penalized, according to the IT Act, 2000. Instances of fake profiles being made, either by the name of the ex or by the name of a stranger to keep an eye on the ex, are becoming more common, according to some users. The cyber offences that the makers of these profiles can be charged with include 'cyber-stalking'and 'identity theft', in legal terms. "I had no idea that people could actually go to jail for this! After my break-up, I got online messages about my ex from fake profiles for months. I should have 'reported'them to the site,but I just blocked them," says Devika* from Daulat Ram College. "My friend made a fake profile to 'stalk' her boyfriend after they'd broken up.She would flirt with him using fake identities and see if he would flirt back. I did realize that that was wrong but had I known it was illegal, I would have warned her. In fact, she even made me create a fake profile to help her keep a watch on him. To think that he could have had us arrested!" says Mitali*, Ramjas College. "I don't understand why anyone would want to take the extreme step of getting someone legally reprimanded for this stuff. You can just report them and their profile will be deleted automatically,"says Aneesh Kumar,Hansraj College. According to the experts, this can lead to imprisonment for a term of up to three years, and a fine.

Section 66A - Punishment for sending offensive messages through communication services, etc. Any person who sends, by means of a computer resource or a communication device,

(a) any information that is grossly offensive or has a menacing character; or
(b) any information which he knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will, persistently by making use of such computer resource or a communication device,
(c) any electronic mail or electronic mail message for the purpose of causing annoyance or inconvenience or to deceive or to mislead the addressee or recipient about the origin of such messages, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine.

The annoying frenemy
The love-hate relationships of some users,if taken too far, can get them into legal trouble, apparently. "I thought it was just a virtual version of catfights. Two of my classmates had a fight, and one of them created a fake profile by the other's name. She put up some funny and insulting stuff about her, and after a few days, they sorted it out between themselves," says Rohit Raj, Hindu College. "A guy in my school was seen to be a little 'feminine', so the other boys in his class created a profile by his name which was both homophobic and rather offensive.The profile had an edited picture of him with flowers in his hair. The user name was 'Akhil Gay Kapoor*' and under personal details,they put,"bobby ka darling". They'd put all kinds of abusive status updates. Some of us reported abuse against the profile and the network deactivated it," says Mudita Lamba, a law student."Fake profiles are taken very casually.Back in school, some of my classmates had made a mocking profile of the class topper which said stuff like she didn't have a life and she couldn't get laid, etc. Ek toh kisi ko pata nahi hai inn laws ke bare mein, and I don't think anybody is going to take them seriously unless something happens,"says Shima Naseem, an MA student.

The khadoos teachers
You can crib about how mean they are, you can even call them names behind their backs - but trust the lawyers, you don't want to make pseudo profiles by their names, because if they take offence, you could end up in a legal soup. "A teacher of ours makes us copy books, cover to cover, by hand, as punishment. So some of us created a profile by his name and posted pictures and videos of him that we had made chupke se," says Tushar*, who passed out of a school in West Delhi. "Our teacher keeps taking double classes and it gets absolutely unbearable, so we created a spoofy profile by her name. Another teacher found out and was furious. Coming to think of it, the ignorance (about cyber laws) could have seriously cost us," says Ankita*,an MA student."A teacher of ours was short and slightly overweight.She was a good teacher, but since, at that time, we thought it was cool to mess with teachers, we created a profile by her name where the personal information about her mentioned her height as 1.5 feet and the weight too was exaggerated.People even used to put up funny status updates by her name," says Aparna*, DCAC.

What else can get you into trouble
The "please do fraanship with me"messages on social networks too, apparently, can get the senders of these messages into trouble, if the recipient files a complaint against the sender. According to the lawyer duo, "SPAM need not be only bulk emails. Even a single email may amount to SPAM - for instance,a person sending a mail expressing his/her interest in another person over email. However, much depends on how the recipient perceives the mail and how the court reads the message.So far,police and other authorities have been less than enthusiastic about investigating such SPAM unless the SPAM includes any offensive message.The person guilty of sending the message may be liable to imprisonment of up to three years and a fine."

It's not just messages on social networking sites - even unsolicited messages on instant messenger services can be reported.This is known as SPIM,say experts. Apparently,even sending someone bulk email that might harm the recipient's computer is a chargeable offence. "It is known as a DOS Attack, short for Denial of Service Attack. DOS Attack means an attack due to which the victim's computer system might not function normally.That might include sending a large number of mails to the same system, thereby clogging it - for instance, a kid sending a large number of mails to his school so that the email server of the school does not function or is disrupted. A DOS attack might be construed as be an offence under Section 43, read with Section 66 of the IT Act, and the person guilty of the same might be liable for imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to 5 lakh," says Kumar.

All my friends know my password
Apparently, some people feel that sharing the password to their online accounts is one of the unsaid vows of friendship. What they don't seem to realize is the downside of over-sharing. "My boyfriend and best friend know the passwords to all my accounts. It's just sweet,I think,"says Manvi*, a first year DU student. "My friend's boyfriend had the password to her Facebook account. They broke up, and he changed the password to all her accounts. It got really ugly. She lost out on a lot of study material.And then he asked all the guys on her chat list if they had dated her.She still can't use that email address and has made a new one," says Nimisha Kalra, a student of class XII.

"My friend did not talk to me for a week because I wouldn't let her look at the keyboard while I typed my password. She thought that I did not trust her. But why would you share your password with anyone anyway?" asks Ritika Sharma, a DU student.

According to Singh and Kumar, "Section 66c of the IT Act states that whoever, fraudulently or dishonestly, makes use of the electronic signature, password or any other unique identification feature of any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to 1 lakh."

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The joy of cooking with your kids

Cooking is a wonderful way to bond with your kids

Who says cooking is a chore? Turn it into a fun and learning experience for your kids. Whip up a lip-smacking meal along with your kids and see what a joyous experience it's.

Bonding time: Cooking time gives a chance to bond with your kids. Kids while being a part of cooking session with parents, feel involved and responsible. It's also a time to strike an intimate rapport with them and know what's going in their mind and lives. It is relaxing when the entire family involved.

Knowing about different cuisine and cultures: Food shows in television have brought the world into our kitchens. But when you cook together, try out new recipes, it's a new learning experience. Tell stories regarding a particular cuisine or origins of food traditions. Cooking helps children learn about different cultures and that's a wonderful way to learn. In India, we have so many different kind of regional cuisines and cooking dishes from different parts of the country gives a chance to the kids to broaden their mind and understanding geography, traditions, festivals, availability of local ingredients and more.

A sense of confidence and self-esteem: Cooking gives a sense of accomplishment. It's a joy when you make a delicious dish. It boosts one's self-esteem and gives a sense of confidence. So, when your kids join you in the kitchen it's a happy occasion that will also create memories for all times to come. In cooking, one needs to use one's senses, so it's a good practical lesson too.

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Keep flirting at work harmless

There is something about flirting at work that leaves people gaping in disapproval. But what's the big deal, as long as you're just having some fun?

Is it okay to flirt with a colleague if you are married or in a steady relationship? The answer to this question lies in how you define flirtation. If indulging in friendly banter and jovial conversations without a serious sexual overtone is flirtation, it would be considered harmless. A playful giggle here, some gentle ribbing there, a quick chat by the watercooler are all safe, as long as both colleagues know their limits.

Why do it?

For fun, of course. Friendly flirting, in some sense, is like socialising. It helps lighten a tedious work environment and makes boring work tolerable. It also gives an ego boost — the feeling of acknowledgement and appreciation is priceless.

Does flirting at work equal infidelity?

"Flirting with mutual consent and within social boundaries is not a crime," says Dr Samir Parikh, director, mental health and behavioural science. When both parties are aware of each other's standings and marital commitments, and they agree that it is innocent, it is okay. So, if a married male colleague pays you a compliment about a rocking new pair of shoes, or if you admire his tie, it's not infidelity. Indulging in witty conversation or cracking a silly joke shouldn't translate into being inappropriate. In fact, it's wrong to judge a colleague on this basis. "Some people are more outgoing by nature, that doesn't mean they are out of line," says Dr Parikh.

Where to draw the line

Right where it gets controversial. The line is, of course, imaginary; there is no limit stated in the great books. It's something you morally enforce upon yourself and swear never to cross. You have to rely on your conscience and ask yourself how much liberty would you allow your partner if they were in the same situation. Dr Parikh helps us identify the point at which we may breach our limits. "The moment you feel the need to be discreet, you should know there is something wrong," he says. If you go home and can't talk openly to your spouse about your interactions with colleagues, it's time to think things through. Secrecy is never good, it leads to suspicion and hence complications.

So, there ought to be certain boundaries, clearly demarking a 'this much and no further' point. "It's important to draw a line, define it and highlight it, so that there are no chances of confusion," says Dr Rajan Bhonsle, counsellor and consultant in sexual medicine. Often, unintended signals play with one's psyche and turn a sweet relationship sour. And keeping the office environment in mind, the last thing you'd want is an unflattering reputation.

What's beyond socialising?

Discomfort. So, before you reach this state, re-evaluate the dynamics of your working relationship, take corrective steps backwards and do not encourage faulty perceptions.

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Use accessories for effect: Mandira Bedi

Style file: Mandira Bedi, actor, TV host & sari designer

Fashion to me is

Not about the colour that's in season or the hemline in vogue. It's about being able to carry off clothes that work with your attitude, personality and body type.

What makes you feel sexy

A good workout followed by either a short fitted dress or a sexy sari.

5 essentials of a woman's wardrobe

A go-to sari that you can dress up or down, a pair of classic blue jeans that fit well, a flattering fitted dress, a pair of comfortable metallic silver heels, a neutral crossbody bag.

3 things you never leave home without

My wallet, phone and kohl pencil.

One priceless possession you'll never want to give away

My gun metal aviators.

What would be your ideal outfit for:

A fun party: A sexy tube dress.

A formal work setting: A sari with a blouse that has sleeves.

A hot date: Sari with a skimpy blouse.

Your shopping strategy

If it fits you well, buy it in every colour.

Your favourite style trick

Dress up something simple with jewellery and accessories.

Fashion trends you cannot stand

Shoulder pads and cone heels.

Your brand fixation

Dior and Cartier.

Essential footwear every woman must possess

Running shoes, comfortable flats (closed and open), one pair each of metallic silver, black and brightly coloured heels.

Your fashion icon

My mum; she is the ultimate sari wearer.

A perfume you swear

Michael Kors by Michael Kors.

Which colour dominates your wardrobe?

All shades of pink - pastel, fuchsia, old rose.

Your ultimate fashion destination

India. Nobody does fabric and colours like we do.

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How to stop babies from wailing

Here's how to stop colicky babies from wailing and going utterly red in the face

If your baby is younger than four months old and cries for more than three hours in a row on three or more days a week for at least three weeks, chances are he is colicky. Colic, as applied to a baby under four months of age, describes a crying spell when your baby's face becomes very red and both legs are drawn up to their stomach as if they're in great pain.

This crying spell usually comes in the early evening, can reach screaming pitch and last from one to three hours.

It doesn't usually respond to soothing techniques that work at other times and for parents it can be difficult to endure.

The cause of this spasmodic crying isn't known. It is at its worst up to three months of age but disappears by four months. Recent research has failed to confirm that colic is caused by pain, even though it looks as if your baby is in pain.

As your baby is contented during the rest of the day, it means that this crying bout isn't related to a serious physical problem. Colicky babies are usually healthy and thriving

Watch the signs
While babies normally cry when they're wet or hungry or frightened or tired, a baby with colic cries inconsolably and excessively, often at the same time of the day, frequently in the late afternoon or early evening.

If your baby has colic, his belly may look enlarged. You may notice that he alternately extends or pulls up his legs and passes gas as he cries. Your baby cries no matter what you do to calm them, becoming redfaced and drawing their legs up. Other symptoms include frowning, grimacing, long screaming fits, and loud tummy rumblings, while passing wind or faeces (poo) around the time the crying stops.

See the doc
It is recommended to see your doctor as soon as possible if you find you cannot cope with the nightly crying sessions. Colic tends to peak around six weeks, improves significantly between three and four months. By five months, your baby should be over it. Your doctor will also advise you on how to tackle the problem.

(With inputs from Mumbai Mirror Bureau)

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LiLo to pen tell-all-book

Lindsay Lohan is reportedly writing a tell-all book that details her time in rehab.

The 27-year-old actress met literary agency Waxman Leavall in New York last Thursday to discuss her upcoming project, the Mirror reported.

Although the book is still in its early stages, the troubled star began it as a series of journal entries while she was recuperating in rehab.

The tell-all-book is expected to see Lohan open up about becoming a child star, allegations of drug use, her relationships - including her same sex fling with DJ Samantha Ronson, legal troubles and rehab stints.

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How to create a healthy work place

A safe and comfortable working environment is crucial to maximize productivity and also to ensure that employees work in a stress-free and positive atmosphere.

Moreover, adverse work environment like poor seating and ventilation are detrimental to health. A number of injuries and illnesses like back pain, muscle strains and vision problems are associated with adverse computer and office ergonomics. However, with little modifications, we can ensure that our sufferings are minimal. Today, we offer you some easy-to-follow tips on how to create a healthy work environment.

Keyboard position: The placement of the keyboard is very important for healthy computing. If you do not take proper care of your computing techniques, you might end up with certain long term ailments like the Carpel Tunnel Syndrome that is very difficult to manage. That is why, keyboards should be arranged appropriately to avoid any kind of permanent injuries. Ideally, the keyboard should be placed lower than your desk surface and with a slight negative tilt. Also, ensure that the height of your keyboard allows you to keep your elbows at a comfortable "open angle".

Level of the mouse: Similar to the keyboard, the mouse should be positioned appropriately so that you can work comfortably without any hindrance. Ensure that the mouse is at the same level as your elbow so that you can access it with a straight wrist. In case you are planning to work for long durations, provide comfortable cushioning and support to your forearm and elbow.

Height of the monitor: Choosing the proper position for your monitor can be a tricky decision as the adjustment depends on your height and comfort. If the positioning is improper, you might end up with neck pain, shoulder pain and even eye strains. Ideally, the monitor should be placed an arm's length away from you. For proper viewing, your eyes should be at the level of an imaginary line across the screen, around 2-3 inches below the upper level of the computer screen. Tilt the screen in such a manner that the base is a little closer to you than the top. This enables a clear view of the entire screen without having to strain your eyes.

Telephone placement: For moderate use, place the telephone within easy reach so that you do not have to strain your back every time to receive a call. In case, the call frequencies are more, you can replace the traditional phones with a headset.

Perfect sitting position: While working in an office, it is vital that you adhere to the ideal work position to minimize the discomforts and maximize your capacity. This involves sitting with the thighs parallel to the floor and the lower limbs vertical. The upper arms, on the other hand, should rest at a 90 degree vertical angle to the desk. Also, avoid any kind of twisted back position while working. Keep it either straight or slightly reclined.

Position of the chair : Just like the adjustment of the monitor, the location of the chair depends on the comfort level and height of the user. Always opt for a firm variety, the height and angle of which can be altered as per requirements.

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How to deal with a negative co-worker

Does waking up in the morning and going to work take an immense amount of effort? Do you feel like your workplace is seething with negativity and resentment?

No matter where the negativity stems from, the power to resist and move above all the petty hostility lies solely in your hands. Here are a few ways you can address the issue and keep yourself safe from the pessimism, apart from harmonising the environment for yourself and others.

Recognise the source- Negativity often stems from gossip and rumors or misinformation and intentional assumptions. The most important part is to identify the reason of the bitterness, based on your own understanding and knowledge and not solely on hearsay and idle talk.

Talk it out- It can be surprising how much a mature conversation can help a sticky situation. Don't contribute to the negativity by succumbing to the bitterness and becoming defensive with your co-worker. Instead, talk it out. Listening is equally important. Sometimes people need a sounding board and your availability to help out might just help your co-worker.

State your case- The most affective tool to eliminate negativity is communication. Don't keep it bottled up. Let it out in a calm and confident manner. Confront the co-worker if things go out of hand without being aggressive or loud.

Steer clear- Even though communication is often helpful, sometimes the best thing is to keep your distance and your quiet. Remember that a negative colleague might just be out to gain attention and you getting involved will give him/her just that apart from making you a sourpuss. Maintaining a respectful distance is often the best thing.

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Fusion trends to spice up your wardrobe

Diwali has always been synonymous with lights, colours, sweets and the likes. However, over time, it has given rise to another inclination — fashion. You can now go bolder with brighter prints, funky accessories and daring cuts. As the season demands, a blend of Indian and western is the way to go.

As far as jewellery is concerned, medieval, heritage jewellery is having quite a moment right now. You can experiment with stones, black metal, pearls or enamel. Pair a short kurti with a busy print on a long skirt or a long heavily embroidered kurti with denims. Backless blouses and daring slits on lehengas are other cool trends.

There is something to suit every taste and every budget and it's not just limited to women anymore. Bright, embroidered belts and studded waistbands are enjoying a revival as well and men can be seen donning this comeback trend with joy. A bright, solid coloured chunri around the neck can also up the style quotient. Even colours seem to be undergoing a change of sorts. Instead of conventional colours like black and brown, quirky hues like orange, red and rust seem to be taking over.

The cocktail sari is making its presence felt very strongly this season. Made of very thin fabrics like chiffon and lace, it accentuates the figure beautifully. Footwear like mojris add to the Indian get up, but the trick lies in balancing the fusion between traditional and western

Pick out the most usual trends and make them as personalised as it gets. Polka Dotted saris, floral print lehengas, and rich embroidered borders, can all transform the most boring outfits and make you look runway worthy.

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Choose pearls to look versatile

Switch to a classic look or a funky one by pairing timeless pearl jewellery with casual and formal wear.

Suvankar Sen, senior executive director of Senco Gold Ltd., shares a few rules on how to wear pearls with your outfit to get the look you desire:

- Long back pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings will go well with a golden dress. If your dress has overpowering collar, avoid wearing pearl necklace.

- Look elegant by wearing multiple strands of large pearls with a pant suit. You can mix pearls in different colours together to take the fashion quotient up.

- Light weight pearl necklaces gel with strapless gowns. If you wish to do without the necklace, go ahead with pearl earrings. It will be perfect jewellery to match with your evening gown.

- When worn with a satin skirt, pearl jewellery looks even better. Wear a cardigan in muted hues with it.

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5 Best minimoon destinations

So you went all out on your wedding, leaving yourself with very little time to go on a prolonged honeymoon. Don't fret, Purvaja Sawant shows you how to kickstart your married life at these minimoon destinations.

For an idea minimoon...
Don't try to cram too much into your itinerary. Opt for a location, where everything you want to see or experience is close at hand, so that you have limited travelling to do. Pre-book your hotel stay. Remember, you only have a limited amount of time, so spend it wisely.
Zero down on a place where you both will enjoy!
A minimoon is like a tester holiday; it's a great way to recce a destination, which you can go back to explore in detail at a later date.

Casino royale
Place to visit: Macau
Giving gambling mecca Las Vegas a run for its money is Asia's most extravagant casino destination, Macau. If you and your partner have a taste for luxury, gaming, nightlife and entertainment, Macau will provide that 24-hour adrenaline rush. Whether it's entertainment venues or restaurants, it's all open until late. With more than 30 casinos, including worldfamous ones at The Venetian, Grand Lisboa and Wynn, Macau promises to be a luxurious holiday of a lifetime.

Beach getaway
Place to visit: Sri Lanka
Looking for a quiet, paradisiacal beach, fringed with soothing palm trees to rake in the sun and sand? Make Sri Lanka your top choice. Surrounded by miles of white and golden beaches, this island country is one destination that offers a wonderful prelude to your actual honeymoon. Book a beach shack or check into a resort at Negombo, Arugam Bay or Unawatuna — all of which boast of picturesque beaches with crystal clear waters — and indulge in some whale watching or sun bathing with your better half.

Adventure zone
Place to visit: Vietnam
Though popularly known for its war history, Vietnam has a natural setting for outdoor adventure that the world is discovering: stunning hill, mountains, valleys, rice paddies and deserted beaches! You can trek in the mountains of Sapa, go cycling on the Ho Chi Minh trail or indulge in rock climbing and kayaking around the colonial hill station of Salat. Even the forests have unique wildlife, which you can experience at the Cuc Phuong National Park.

Shopper's sanctuary
Place to visit: Dubai
There's no greater joy for a shopaholic couple than to splurge at glitzy malls or haggle for the best bargains at the flea markets of Dubai. Because of its duty-free prices and wide variety of goods like garments, handicrafts, electronics and spices, tourists have made Dubai their ultimate shopping destination. And how can one forget the world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival and Gold Souk?

Spa retreat
Place to visit: Phuket
While Thailand's largest island has always been a magnet for beach lovers, Phuket is slowly becoming a spa haven for tourists. Experience Thai culture and hospitality in its truest form with a spa holiday. You can go for ancient traditions of natural healing like Nuat Phaen Boran (Thai massage without the use of oils) or modern treatments like reflexology, hydrotherapy etc. Exotic spas in five-star hotels or humble massage parlours on the streets of Phuket, take your pick for a cosy couple's massage!

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Year of the Choux?

A recap of how the imported dessert revolution has swept Mumbai since 2004 and a prediction about 2014's dessert du jour

The brownie
Is it a cake? Is it a cookie? Is it fudge? Actually, a good brownie, in texture and flavour, should be all of the above and pregnant with chocolate (or not, in the case of a blondie). Before Aadore Sayani and Kinaz Messman Harchandrai started Sleight of Hand and Theobroma (in 2004), respectively, sweet-something searchers had to head to 5-stars patisseries. But after one bite, nay crumb, of the original 19th Century American hybrid, the trend of Mumbai's dessert du jour officially kicked off.

Gelato & yoghurt
After being weighed down with butter-crammed goodness, 2006 saw the rise of cold and creamy, a.k.a. gelato with Yasser Ali launching India's first artisanal gelateria. It might not have had the fancy trapping of other gelato parlours but once you licked on Amore's cool creations, you knew what the fuss was all about. Frozen dessert saw a cold wave of resurgence in 2010 with chains opening and closing faster than anyone could say: one vanilla yogurt, please.

The cupcake
Before cold confectionery came back into vogue, Mumbai was hit by the cupcake craze. Frankly, we're still trying to live this Alice in Wonderland confection-hangover down. Because by the time 2009 rolled in, every home baker, pastry shop and boutique store was pushing dainty pleasure in morsels-sized portions. Herd mentality. Some good, some bad and some just dry. Our picks of the best include Bandra's Butterfly, Rebecca Vaz's The Baking Tray, Sugar Rush by Malika-Rahat Khan and Aashiyana Shroff's Tart.

The macaroon
Mumbai hasn't been the same since Le Cordon Bleu graduate Pooja Dhingra launched her patisserie in 2010. Sure, others tried perfecting this light-as-air baked confection best described as meringue-cookies and cousin to the Italian amaretti, but no one managed to quite like Le15.

The cookie & cronut
Last year was the year of the C. We are certain that cronut (a croissant crossed donut) creator Dominique Ansel had no idea that his invention would make him famous from Japan to India via NYC. Currently, Ellipsis, Theobroma and Tart make the best indie-avatars. As for cookies, you have Sweetish House Mafia's Miss Sweetish to blame/ thank for all those cookies cravings.

The donut
When the people behind Ping Pong and Cafe Mangi decided to bring down Singapore's quaint donut chain to Delhi (2008), followed by Mumbai in 2009, they had no inkling that we'd be standing in neat long lines for fried, glazed rings. This year, says Mad Over Donuts' Gaurav Goenka, expect bubble tea, cronuts and cookies — in all the usual suspect flavours.

Dessert in a jar
Cookie dough, caramel and cream, hazelnut creme, black forest, apple custard pie, lemon blueberry angel food cake, s'mores. Phew! We're not quite sure where the dessert in a jar trend started but what we do know is that Kiran Salaskar's Country Of Origin does them best. Lick, lick, slurrp.

Coming up: Choux
The humble choux pastry is cream-filled, light and airy and likely to flood dessert counters this year, borrowing from the love it enjoys in Paris. There, Choux a la Creme or Cream Puffs are new favourites. Le15, Knead With Love, Celebrations Fine Confections, Marie Antoinette and Candies do them best. — Bhairavi Jhaveri

Red velvet
Red alert! While we may not be fans of food colouring, no one (not even us) can take away from the fact that everyone loves red-velvet anything. Brownies, cake pops, cupcakes — nothing proved immune to this 'Devil's food'. Bakery books tell us that the ruby red colour of this light and spongy cake is thanks to colour additives, beetroot and the result of a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic buttermilk. Vinegar, often generously added to the batter, also acts as a colour changing catalyst.

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The quintessential Dilli sale-shopper

Sale purchases Delhi regrets most - from the XXS top, to the soon-to-go-out-of-season shirt, and the pants that look like all your other pants.

The holiday season may be over, but there's a better reason for you to get up and head to the nearby mall today. It's time for the other celebration we Delhiites love so much - the sale season! While Dilli's sales are notorious for never-ending lines at high-end stores at malls, and customers who put up a better fight than Mike Tyson ever could have in the ring just for a pair of boots or a sweater - every Delhiite knows all too well the guilt that comes with shopping during this season. The high you get from getting a dress at "70% off", leads to hasty purchases, and soon wears off into never-again resolutions. So, before you head out for some retail therapy today, here's a list of the most common sale season mistakes told to us by Delhiites.

Buying something you won't wear next season
Every season, there is one product that makes its way into your must-own wardrobe list, even though there are full chances of the trend going out of fashion/season even before you whip out your credit card and hand it at the counter. These items are usually on maximum discount at sales but you should avert your eyes from the sign next to them screaming 50% off, and buy something solid that you can imagine yourself wearing, not just for the one month of winter you have left, but next season too.

Like Kaveri Tiwari, who works at a production house, told us, "During the sale last winter, I ended up buying these chiffon see-through tops just because they were so in, and everyone was wearing them. But that was just a one-season thing. To make it worse, those shirts were all over the street markets, and people were wearing cheap copies of the same top all around me. I didn't wear them at all and that's after spending a good amount of money. So, this time I have decided to buy something solid, like a coat or a plain sweater, that I know I'll be able to wear next year too."

Buying a size too small just because it's on sale
During the sales, the first sizes to go out of stalk are the common ones like medium and large. After that, it's just a struggle to squeeze into that small size, or even the extra small size, that you promise you'll achieve by gymming all year long. Sometimes, you'll even buy something several sizes bigger, convincing yourself that it's fashionable, that you could do a bit of 'layering', and make it look stylish, but the plan goes to the bin when you get back home and get a chance to get a good look in the mirror. So, buy something only if it fits comfortably now, and will continue to fit you a few months down the line as well.

Kritika Malhotra, a sales executive, told us, "Usually, I am updated on the sale season and am one of the early weekday shoppers. But last year, I missed the dates and had to struggle to shop on the crazy rush days. There was barely any time to analyze what I was buying, thanks to the crazy lines in the trial room. So, I picked up a top which was medium in size, instead of my usual large, because I was getting a good deal on it and it fit me in that moment."

"Obviously, I realized it didn't fit me well and I couldn't get it exchanged because you can't exchange sale products. Till date, it just hangs in my closet reminding me not to make the same mistake again," she added

Buying into the '30% off on three or more' deal
There are a lot of people who shop during the sale season just hoping to get a good deal and in the process, end up buying more than what was needed in the first place. And though the 20% extra discount on buying three things instead of one sounds really great at the billing counter, once you're back home looking at your purchases, the extra items you bought just lead to extra regret. Avoid that, and stick to the one or two items you really need.

Mitali Suri, an HR professional, told us, "I was starting my new job last year and was going all out while shopping for formals. I had gone in to buy a blazer and instead, I ended up buying two shirts and a trouser because the store had some scheme running on buying three or more things. That obviously made sense at the moment, but when I got home, I realized I just wasted my money and time because I already had enough shirts and trousers and still no blazer."

Thinking that 'it's on sale' is the same thing as 'it's in your budget'
Brands have a lot of aspirational value attached to them and the sale season seems like the perfect time to own a branded dress or top, because it would be completely inaccessible to you if it weren't for the sale. But in the process, just because it says 40% off on that plain top, which you could have bought from anywhere else, don't go straight to the billing counter without doing your basic math.

Like *Anusri Banerjee, a media professional, told us, "During sale season, you end up going into every store that you wouldn't on a regular day. So, I entered one such fancy store and saw that they had a top which was for `2,000 after a 40% discount. I thought this was the best deal I could get on that brand and ended up buying the top. But later, I realized, I wouldn't have ever spent `2,000 on a top and just bought it because of the 'sale' tag."

Buying something just because it's on sale even though you already have something similar at home
Before you head out today, take five minutes and go through your existing wardrobe. This will help because often during sales, one ends up buying things just because they're on discount even though you already have something similar back home. Tanushree Sharma, who has her own business, told us, "I am fond of a particular brand's slim-fit trousers. So, during the sales also, I didn't find anything interesting and ended up buying an ordinary top and another pair of the same kind of trousers because they were on 30% off. When I got home, I realized I already had two more of the same kind of pants and didn't need the new ones at all. Other than the lecture from mom, I also regretted picking the new ones up without checking what I already had in my wardrobe."

(*Some names changed on request)

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How to add life to your walls

Be a little creative and add more colour and vibrancy to your wall

Walls with a dash of colour and imagination can change the look of your room. And there are simple not so expensive ways to add more life to your walls. Just let your creative juices flow. And then see the change.

Art power: Nothing brightens up the wall like a canvas. So, if you have an artwork then display it. Choose the perfect place to showcase it so that it becomes the centre of attraction. And if you don't have the money to buy original art, don't lose heart. You can always buy a print and with a stylish frame, it can change the look.

Colours of life: Interestingly, fabrics add much colour to a wall. India is a country of great textile heritage. So, you can choose from the ikkats to mangalgiris for adding a completely different, vibrant look to your wall. If you have seen the Calico Textile Museum in Ahmedabad, you will definitely know the power of textile in adding a warm rich look. Learn to use saris, dupattas, rugs in adding more colour and texture to your decor.

Stringing memory: Memories are great to have as company in your intimate space. Dig into your album for your favourite family photos and then arrange it to bring in a sense of personal touch to your space. How about being a little different and creative? Write your favourite poem on a nice handmade paper and then frame it. You can also make a collage out of your kids' paintings and then frame it to hang on the wall.

Shelve it: Do you think shelves are boring? Well, you couldn't be more wrong. These days there are many colourful shelves in different shapes available in the market. Even you have an ordinary shelf, paint it in warm colours with different motifs and see the result yourself. Arrange your favourite books, DVDs and knickknacks on the shelf and see the transformation.

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Mix and shake these cocktails at home

Chef and owner Ravi Sharma of a popular bar and pub tells you how to make three interesting cocktails

You may want to catch up with friends and unwind over a few drinks with friends. It's not always possible to get a friend who knows how to make some interesting cocktails in seconds, so rather depending on someone else to do it, why not fix something for yourself with these easy recipes.
Hot Pepper

Ingredients

1 tbsp pepper or jalapeno jelly

50 ml bourbon whiskey

10 ml fresh lemon juice
Method:
Pour jelly into a shaker and use a spoon to break any lumps, add bourbon whiskey, lemon juice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Marsha-Delight
45 ml Gin

15 ml Ribena

20 ml Peach Schnapps

20 mini Marshmallows

4 -5 chocolate smarties

Add the gin, peach Schnapps and marshmallows into a bowl and lightly heat in the microwave. Remove and pour into a cocktail glass. Top with Ribena and few chocolate smarties.

Sweet Dreams
Ingredients
1 glass hot chocolate

50 ml Malibu

10 marshmallows

1 tbsp whipped cream

Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

Garnish with chocolate savings and m&m chocolates

Method:

Make a glass of hot chocolate. Add Malibu and top with marshmallows (and strawberries if available)

Add whipped cream. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg. Add few m&m chocolates and garnish with chocolate savings

melissa.dcosta@timesgroup.com

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A year when non-fiction made headlines

Non-fiction ruled the roost in 2013, with many revelations the works threw up making for screaming headlines . These juicy tidbits also helped in boosting sales across India.

The writings spanned a variety of genres - politics, history, business and international terrorism, as also memoirs.

Grabbing the most news headlines was former Indian Army chief Gen. V.K. Singh's "Courage and Convictions", an autobiography that revealed that "a very senior bureaucrat" in the Prime Minister's Office was "orchestrating" the age row that marked the last year of his tenure.

This soon grabbed the headlines and Gen. Singh was giving interviews thick and fast to every news channel and print outlet of note.

"If a book gets favourable reviews in the media, it certainly helps the sales nation-wide," Anuj Bahri, CEO of Bahri Sons, a leading Delhi-based publisher and distributer, said.

This was followed by the "The Siege: The Attack on the Taj", based on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, with authors Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark revealing how the ISI Pakistani intelligence agency used "a super-agent" based in New Delhi and code-named "Honey Bee" to help facilitate the deadly assault that claimed 166 lives.

The contents immediately caught the news headlines as publishers chose to release the book around the fifth anniversary of the Nov 26-29, 2008, attack.

"In the case of non-fiction, the subject drives the marketing plan. For instance, one would market a travel book differently from a cookbook and a book on current affairs would require a different plan," Gautam Padmanabhan, CEO of publishing house Westland, said.

In a scenario where commercial literature is hitting the bookshelves every other day, publishers feel that non-fiction has a niche audience.

"Non-fiction publishing is a lot safer than fiction as the target audience is very clear and the buying decision is more need-based than compulsive," Padmanabhan explained.

"Publishing commercial fiction is like the movie business on a smaller scale," he added.

According to Bahri, the ration of sales for fiction to non-fiction is 60:40.

"In India, non-fiction is more popular than fiction. Commercial fiction is simply time pass, literary fiction provides stimulus to the mind and non-fiction is pure knowledge," said Bahri.

While good fiction demands great imagination, non-fiction requires more research, observation of facts and history and drawing a few conclusions here and there.

This is what Rajmohan Gandhi's "Punjab: A History from Aurangzeb to Mountbatten" had in ample, with the author throwing light on the history of undivided Punjab and the people who ruled it.

He also brought to the forefront the much neglected contribution of Punjabi Muslims in the pre-partition era.

Another interesting book this year was historian and author Ramachandra Guha's "Gandhi Before India", tracing the Mahatma's formative years, his life as a student, his early years in South Africa and people who shaped up his ideology.

Anita Raghavan's true-life business thriller "The Billionaire's Apprentice" chronicled the rise and fall of business tycoon Raj Rajaratnam and financial consultant Rajat Gupta, who were convicted on multiple counts of securities fraud in separate trials in a US court.

Gupta, the former managing director of McKinsey & Co and a board member of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. was convicted of passing inside information to Sri Lankan hedge fund billionaire Rajaratnam.

Then, there was Fahad Shah's "Occupation and Resistance" - a compilation of stories by people of the Kashmir Valley about their many joys, sorrows and fears and Gary J Bass's "The Blood Telegram: India's Secret war in East Pakistan" chronicling the break-up of Pakistan in 1971 and India's role in this.

Now, here's a reality check.

Despite making its presence felt amongst serious readers, Bahri feels the non-fiction market is still "untapped".

"This section has still not reaching its true potential. The quality of writing and editing in the non-fiction genre has still to go a long way," Bahri contended.

On that note, let's see how 2014 pans out.

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Honey diet for weight loss

Most of us know about the beauty benefits of honey, but did you know that honey is an effective ingredient for weight loss? According to research, you could drop a dress size in about three weeks, simply by taking a spoonful of honey before bed. Sounds too good to be true? Here's why honey works well for weight loss.

What is the honey diet?

Founder of the honey diet, Mike McInnes, discovered that athletes who ate foods rich in fructose such as honey burnt a lot more fats and had increased stamina levels as well. Honey acts as a fuel to make the liver produce glucose. This glucose keeps the brain sugar levels high and forces it to release fat burning hormones.

To benefit from the honey diet, simply replace your sugar intake with honey, throughout the day. In addition to that you should consume three spoonfuls of honey with hot water every night before bed. Combine this with an exercise regime (try and exercise three times a week) and you will notice a sizeable drop in your weight. The study showed that the mechanism in the brain that caused the sugar craving could be shut down completely with this honey routine.

How it works?

According to McInnes, most of us struggle to lose weight because we consume too much sugar and processed food. When we consume honey before bed, the body begins to burn more fat during those early hours of sleep. When you go a step further and replace all refined sugar from your diet with honey, you rebalance the brain signal that compels you to consume more sweet stuff.

The results noticed from the honey diet have been remarkable. But remember to keep these points in mind:

Replace all sugar with honey: Cut out sugar from your diet. This means you will also have to give up on artificial sweeteners. Use honey in your tea, coffee and cereal instead of refined sugar. Keep a check on what you cook too, so that you don't use sugar in there either.

Skip junk food: Junk foods are processed food that contains empty calories. To fully benefit from the honey diet, stop eating junk food.

Opt for unrefined carbs: Refined white flour in white pasta and white rice may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Opt for wholemeal flour instead as they are good for digestion and will keep you fuller for a longer time.

Consume Proteins: Keep your proteins lean but make sure you consume proteins with every meal as it will keep you full and also avoid a blood sugar rise that leads to cravings.

Be careful with your fruits: Fruits are a convenient option while dieting but remember that most fruits are high in sugar levels and can hamper your honey diet. Either reduce your fruit intake or opt for low-carb fruits like berries and rhubarb.

No potatoes: Any form of potato can cause your body's insulin level to rise. The honey diet requires you to avoid eating potatoes.

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

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Go street struck in Macau!

Macao, a Euro-Sino destination is full of dualities, surprising its visitors with the charm of an old Portuguese town...

A boat ride away from the thriving cosmopolitan capital of the eastern world, Hong Kong and the rest of Mainland China, and a comfortable dinner, nap and an in-flight movie distance away from Mumbai city lies Macao, one of the last European colonies in Asia.

Macao or Macau (as you prefer to pronounce it), a Euro-Sino destination is full of dualities, surprising its visitors with the charm of an old Portuguese town, glitz and glamour of Vegas and a tourist population bustling with Indians and Chinese, enough to make you feel like you haven't gone far enough.

As recently as1999 the city was under the overseas administration of Portugal, but is now a part of a special administrative region of China.

Jet set go
If you've made it here, you probably landed into Hong Kong airport and have taken a super fast jetty across the Pearl River delta. Getting off at the tiny pier, making your way to the tinier Macao ferry terminal, all sign boards from Toilet or Immigration read in Portuguese, Chinese and English, (a norm you might as well get the hang of since it'll follow you throughout your stay).

It's only when one exits the terminal and is greeted by the surge of tourists that the popularity of this gambling destination really sets in. Big luxury buses belonging to various 5-star hotels wait in line to pick up their guests, most of whom can be seen boarding a big royal blue buses that say The Venetian. Not surprising, since it's one of the biggest hotel structures in the world. Fifth to be precise. You could also check into one of the other renowned hotels that adorn either side of what is Asia's response to the Vegas strip, called the Cotai Strip. From the Sands to the Hilton to the Hard rock hotel, you're likely to find almost everything you'll find in Vegas, duplicated, if not grander in scale.

Pamper central
Rolling into the grand driveway of the Venetian, we were greeted by an ornate lobby, the Sistine Chapel painted on the ceiling, gold, marble, colonial-style structure with quaint bridges and canals and crystal stretching as far as the eye could follow. That it felt like CST station at rush hour, was secondary.

The hotel is grand and expansive enough to have you and your entire family completely occupied for a week. Brace yourself for.
-Checking in to the hotel, get a map. Given the wings, levels and floors you'll need to cover, you can be running around in circles for days.
-The pros can spend away at the world's largest collection of slot machines and casino tables, (evenings get especially crowded as the Chinese population from nearby towns descends on the slot machines post work). For amateurs, slot machines go as low as 1cent so you can sit for hours at and walk away unhurt. The kids can be packed off to the Ice world or the Cirque Du Soleil show.
-Feel free to spend the day walking around the streets of Venice, have a cute gondolier sing to you while you take a ride in the canal and spend ungambled money at shops and cafes.

Around town
Once you pry yourself away from the hotel and its many trappings, will you start to discover the real Macao. The region of Macao actually consists of the islands Taipa and Coloane in addition to the old city, connected to each other with stunning white ribbon-like sloping suspension bridges. The Taipa and Coloane islands are joined together by a causeway forming the strip. As you make your way away from the strip towards old parts of town, the city scape dramatically changes. Things start feeling real again. The dramatic setting changes into something more livable, city-like.

Meandering roads, Portuguese signage strewn all across the city, brightly coloured Greco-Roman architecture, cobblestone by-lanes, and bakeries serving freshly-baked egg tarts - walking along the old-city of Macao you could convince yourself you're in a quaint European city if it weren't for the Chinese shopkeepers trying to outsell each other. Everything about the city reeks of its 400-year-old colonial rule.

Try these options in the pint-sized city:
-Walking is the best way to see the robust shopping locales which start at the Largo do Senado (Main square). The Baroque and Portuguese-style buildings make for a picturesque walk. Trendy and hip, brands to marquee, streets have it all.
-A walk up north will lead you to the ruins of St Paul's, once a screen wall for the St Paul's church which met a dramatic end during an earthquake and an ensuing fire.
-From the foot of St Paul's you can walk up to Monte Fort. Beautifully preserved, it also houses the Museum de Macao which is a must-see and gives a panoramic view of the city.
-On your way out back towards the strip, stop at the 800-year-old Chinese temple A Ma dedicated to goddess Mastu, the goddess of sea farers and fishermen. Macao supposedly got its name when the Portuguese mispronounced the word A-Mao, as the locals refer to the temple as.

Street struck
For the real flavor of Macao, hit the streets. The city also boasts of a unique blend of European techniques marrying traditional spices to create authentic Macanese cuisine. The pork chop buns are a delicacy, crispy on the outside, soft and mushy on the inside. But what tops it all, is the smell of freshly baked Portuguese egg tarts. Available at every bakery in the city, these delicious mini tarts with a sweet caramelized centre and crispy skin make for a perfect, filling snack.

Less is more - quirky tidbits
-Want to know the benefits of administering and living in smaller cities with tiny populations? A lot of the olden cobblestone streets and now being tarred since womenfolk have complained about cobblestone being difficult to walk in, in their heels.
-Since the administration costs of the city are mostly borne by the casinos, the city has surplus money. So every year, as a gift, all its citizens are given a few thousand dollars, yeah — for the fun of it. And no, you can't become a citizen by moving or by marrying.

Getting there :
Book tickets for the Cotai Jet ferries online or at any travel counter or station in HK. To make sure your luggage is checked in through and through, visit the Ferries counter at the HK airport. Visas are free on arrival. Travel time from HK to Macao is one hour and do not bother asking the captain if you can go upstairs on the deck. At those speeds and bouncy waves, you are best seated and strapped to your comfy chair. Enjoy the ride with a beer or refreshments available on board.

Divashri.Sinha @timesgroup.com

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How to clean your makeup brushes

It is essential to clean your makeup brushes and washing them should be a part of your regular beauty routine.

When you use your brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt, and even bacteria can get trapped in the bristles. So, while it might seem basic, skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and pesky breakouts.

You will need lukewarm water, baby shampoo, a shallow bowl and a lint-free cloth. Run your brush under lukewarm water, focussing on the bristles. This will wash off excess makeup. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and a squirt of shampoo, and gently swirl your brush tip in the water. Rinse the brush tip under running water again. Wipe them clean later, reshaping the bristles as you go. Lay your brushes flat on a cloth to dry. There you have it, nice and clean!

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10 kitchen must-haves for your home

If you have money to spare and want to invest in your kitchen, there are a number of ways you can upgrade your kitchen. Here's how:

A modular kitchen cabinet
The kitchen space looks neater and cool with a modular kitchen cabinet. It not only makes the kitchen look clutter free, but also helps one organize things better with many compartments and shelves.

Convection microwave
This saves lot of time and removes the hassle of heating food. And whenever your mood permits, you can freak out with some baking sessions too. Lots of Indian recipes can be cooked in microwave nowadays. And there are a number of recipes for microwave cooking too. You can prepare food with minimum oil too.

Double door refrigerator
This is a must in every household. The more the storage space in a refrigerator, the more stuff can be put in it, thus saving your frequency to going to the market for shopping of essential perishable stuff.

The kitchen wok
This wonderful utensil is a good pick. It would be fun to cook stuff in a wok, plus you can flaunt it when there are guests around. It is definitely a pride possession for anyone who's cooking and loves cooking.

A knife set
The better the knife set, the wonderful is the cutting experience. Taking from the paring knife to the boning knife, there is a right knife for every cutting need. Spending more on buying a very good quality chef's knife is always a good idea because it will last longer too.

Cutting board
Avoid going for a plastic cutting board, if you want to enjoy the cooking process. Cutting veggies is always a pleasure when done on a wooden cutting/chopping board.

Wine glass set
Your candlelit dinners ought to be accompanied with a fine serve of wines. So, pick those fine wine glasses of your choice and keep them at a special place. Even if you don't have a small bar at home, do keep the wine glasses. They add glam to your kitchen

Fine crockery (Bone china)
You have got all the things in the right place. Now, you need an apt crockery to set the mood of dining at your home.

Food processor
A food processor really gives a high to the cooking process. Bring it home once, and you are bound to unleash the master chef within. It also takes away the burden of chopping and cutting when you really don't have the energy or much time.

Fine cutlery
This is an accessory that you don't want to go wrong with. The market has a lot of high end cutlery available where you can pick your favourite shape and size. In the end, how you love to have your food matters a lot.

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Top 5 hidden benefits of spicy foods

Everyone loves a little spice now and then in their meals. Not only does it thrill the taste buds, but also makes food more palatable.

But the fun of eating it apart, there are health benefits of tucking into food that might make you cry. Here are some of them...

Weight loss: For one, that extra spice can also cause you to lose the flab. As per research, chillies have capsaicin, a compound that gives a thermogenic effect and thus makes the body to burn more calories after you have had the meal.

Prevents cancer: As per research, it has been found that capsaicin in chillies has the ability to kill some cancer cells. In addition, chillies may also help to battle common colds and prevent stroke and obesity.

Better heart health: Chillies are also known to reduce cardiovascular risk. They lower incidences of heart attack and stroke as hot chillies lessen damaging effects of LDL (bad cholesterol). Capsaicin is also said to help fight inflammation, which is a major factor in heart problems.

Lower blood pressure: A study has shown that a compound in chillies has the ability to lower blood pressure. It also was shown to induce blood vessels to relax.

Reduces anger levels: Spicy foods are said to boost the production of serotonin (feel-good hormones). They thus help ease depression.

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Tips for working pregnant woman

Being pregnant can sometimes feel like a full-time job, especially if you are already gainfully employed.

There is absolutely no harm in working, if you are having a normal pregnancy. But, you have to be more cautious during these months. Today, we have advice on how to handle the major issues you'll face at the office during these months.

Listed below are a few tips for pregnant working woman:

Eat three to five healthy meals a day: Eat nutritious snacks, like sliced raw vegetables, fruits, yoghurt, cheese, dals, sprouts, soya, milk and egg products, as these foods are ideal for pregnant working woman. It is also important for a pregnant woman to eat at least four servings of calcium every day. Folate and Omega-3 supplements, as prescribed by her doctor are important to keep hermental health and physical health in-check. They are also necessary for proper development of her baby.

Keep healthy snacks available at work: Snack on popcorn, peanut butter and crackers, cheese, hardboiled eggs and fruit through the day, as hunger or lowblood sugar levels can cause nausea. Medication for morning sickness is available if the problem becomes serious. Otherwise, try natural home remedies. Also, a pregnant woman should keep herself well hydrated by sipping on iced water, lemon juice or barley water.

Stay organised: She could keep a notepad handy and write reminders to herself at work and at home. She should list all doctor appointments and responsibilities at work on her calendar, which she should keep with her at home and at work. She should stick to her schedule to avoid becoming over worked and excessively tired.

Supplements: She should make sure that she gets enough vitamin C from fruits, juices, or supplements.

Get ten or eleven hours of sleep per night: A good night's sleep is essential to ensure good blood flow to the baby and will help prevent swelling.

Moderate exercise: Going for a walk around the office, will help reduce the possibility of blood clots, varicose veins and swelling of the feet and legs. Avoid heavy work and lifting, as well as heavy exercise. She should also remember to put her feet up at night.

Do not smoke and stay away from second-hand smoke: Smoking is harmful for both mother and baby and exposure to smoke can cause abortions, premature births, low birth weight, and infant deaths.

Avoid alcohol: There is no safe amount of alcohol that a woman can consume during pregnancy, so it is ideal for a mother-to-be to stay away from alcohol. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) causes severe retardation and birth defects for the baby, and this can be caused even by small amounts of alcohol.

Take breaks during work: She should make sure that she schedules a fixed time to relax during her workday, to avoid getting stressed out.

(Inputs by Dr. Poornima Ramakrishna, Consultant Gynecologist, The Cradle)

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

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Snooki backs Kim K’s weight gain in new book

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is seen sticking up for Kim Kardashian in her new book 'Baby Bumps'.

The 26-year-old reality TV star has devoted a chapter as to how she handled pregnancy weight gain, the New York Post reported.

The 'Jersey Shore' star wrote that so much is made in the media about celebrity pregnancy weight gain where some women have been mocked cruelly for it.

Snooki claimed that if one wasn't on the cover of In Touch in a bikini within two months of giving birth to talk about her salsa workout, she was termed as a fat, lazy loser.

She cited examples of Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian, who were tracked and criticized in the media and claimed that worrying about weight gain made the nine months even harder.

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Your hair can make or mar your look: Ayushmann Khurrana

Style file: Ayushmann Khurrana, Actor

One word that describes me best
Shy

Three things I never leave home without
My handkerchief, wallet and perfume.

Fashion to me is
Individualistic.

I'd describe myself as
A content person, who aspires for more!

My style mantra is
Being comfortable always and smelling good.

Style turn-off in women
When they become fashion victims and wear obnoxious clothes that neither suit their body type nor their style.

Five essentials of a man's wardrobe
A white shirt, blue jeans, casual jacket, good pair of shoes and a nice belt.

My ideal outfit for

A fun party
Pajamas and a ganji.

A formal work setting: I don't have a formal job. But when it comes to formals, I would wear a crisp shirt, sleek belt sans the screaming label and fitted pants with tidy shoes.

A casual day out with friends
Linen or my sports wear.

A hot date
I think that demands the art of undressing rather than dressing!

A valuable male grooming tip
Be chivalrous and always smell good. My favourite fashion trend I I don't attach myself much to fashion trends as they are too fickle. But I love coloured animated socks.

A style trick for an instant cool quotient
For me, my hair makes or mars my day. So my styling starts from having a good hairdo. Even if your clothes are not up to the mark, well-styled hair might just save the day. My brand fixation I I'm not a brand-conscious person, but Louis Vuitton is ruling my wardrobe right now.

Must-possess shoes for men
A pair of all-white casual shoes.

My style icon would be
My dad for his crisp kurtas.

A perfume I swear by
Bvlgari Aqua.

A colour that dominates my wardrobe
Both white and blue. My ultimate fashion destination I Manhattan in New York.

The most stylish person in showbiz
Saif Ali Khan for his bandhgalas and in my contemporaries, it would be Imran Khan.

If I had to spend my life wearing just one kind of outfit, it would be
Blue jeans and a white tee.

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Make your own tooth powder

Don't like the toothpaste you bought over-the-counter? Well, you can make one yourself.

To get started, you need to first choose an mild abrasive ingredient that helps remove stains, tartar and plaque build up from your teeth. You could choose anything from calcium carbonate to finely ground salt, soda bicarbonate. However, make sure that it is as finely ground as possible, because harsh abrasives can scratch and damage your tooth enamel.

Orange Tooth Powder
Ingredients:
Soda Bicarbonate: 1 cup, Finely ground sea salt: 2 tbsp, Dried orange peel, ground until powdered: 1 tbsp, Peppermint oil: 5 drops
Method:
Mix all of your ingredients together until blended thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.

Cinnamon Tooth Powder
Ingredients:
Calcium carbonate: ½ cup, Soda Bicarbonate: ½ cup, Peppermint oil: 10 drops, Cinnamon oil: 5 drops, Finely ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
Method:
Mix all of your dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add the oils a few drops at a time, stirring all the while to prevent caking. Store in an airtight container.

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6 new age marriage fundas

With changing times, advice on how to make things work in your marital life has also changed. Brush up on them

How long did it take you to realise that a happy marriage is not a walk in the park? Well, before you start experimenting with the traditional recipes for a happily ever-after, remember this: Old rules need not necessarily work for modern marriages. In fact, it's better to rewrite some of them. Here are some new-age fundas to make your marital life stress-free.

Sleep over your issues
You have always been told to sort out your issues before you call it a night. But now, relationship experts say it's better to re-think and take your time before you end an argument. This gives you and your spouse the time to reconsider the problem.

It's alright to holiday apart
Unless you're on your honeymoon, there's no reason to travel together all the time. There could be places that you are keen to visit, but doesn't interest your partner and vice-versa. In such situations, it would be better to holiday with your friends.

Keep an account
A recent report says many couples prefer to maintain separate bank accounts instead of the traditional joint ones. This does not mean that you don't trust your partner, it's just a way of ensuring control over your finances. And yes, it is a blessing for those with an independent streak.

Spouse needn't be shopping buddy
It's common for women to complain that their husbands refuse to shop with them. On the other hand, men hate the long hours their wives spend at malls while shopping. It's always better to shop with people who enjoy it. If not your spouse, tag along some gal pals the next time you are in a mood to splurge. While most couples have a set of common friends, it isn't necessary to abandon those you've known before marriage. On the contrary, having different sets of friends will give both of you some space in the relationship.

Don't expect her to cook/clean everyday
Men must understand that their wives work as hard as they do. It's impractical to expect your wife to do all household chores. Don't expect her to be happy about toiling away in the kitchen while you lounge on the sofa, watching a match. If you want home-cooked food, help her out in the kitchen.

It's healthy to have some 'me time'
Don't feel guilty if you feel the need to spend time by yourself. Doing things for yourself doesn't mean that you are ignoring your relationship. In fact, by doing this you will be happier in your relationship. Also, keep the same in mind when it comes to your spouse.

(Compiled by Harshada Rege)

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5 best fashion trends for winter

There's a slight chill in the air and it can only mean one thing- winter is fast approaching the city.

Though Mumbai doesn't experience the winter chill in all its essence, there's no reason why one should shirk away from trying on these fashionable winter trends that are sure to set the fashion meters soaring.

Colour of the season: Charcoal
Charcoal is typically a classic colour that complements not only the weather but goes surprisingly well with brighter shades as well. What makes this colour undoubtedly the colour of the season, is the fact that it works well both as a casual wear as well as a formal wear.

Look of the season: Grunge
Oversized sweaters, long blazers, boyfriend jeans or the messed up hair do, the fashionable antidote for the season is loose, almost mannish couture. You can't go wrong with winter trends. That's the one time of the year when you can go overboard with your layering or trying on new, rough looks like grunge or punk.

Style of the season: Layering
Minimal dressing is passe. Winters are that time of the year when you wear multiple layers and experiment with colours and sizes as much as you desire. Layering is fun; you can use short, summery clothes and give them a sharp winter twist. You can also mix and match colours by wearing one bright and one softer shade.

Trend of the season: Tartan
Never more perfect than in the winters, checks, tartans and plaids have been a timeless trend for ages. This is one fashion trend that is a must-have in every girl's wardrobe especially during the winters. Loose, baggy tartan shirts, well fitting tartan skirts, or head to toe plaids with contradicting patterns, you can't go wrong with this look.

Fashion statement of the season: Hats
Not only do hats keep you ears and head warm, if worn right, they can be quite the style statement. Beanies, wool caps, trapper hats or cloches, hats are a fashionable way to stay warm. Leave your hair loose for a pretty, retro look. Not only an interesting wear for women, hats can look really classy on men if work right, a classic example of just how sexy this look can be on men are Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt who've both been caught multiple times donning this look.

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Are your kids exercising enough?

Being active and having a fitness regimen are crucial to their growth, say experts.

If you think children are getting all the exercise they need by going to school and coming back or simply playing in the building compound, think again. The trend of infant workouts is becoming huge today and it has been found that kids need a certain amount of time for real exercise every day.

What kids can do

Yoga teaches kids to be active and attain self-control. It also builds their concentration. Yoga expert Chaitanya Tirth says there are a few basic asanas that provide immense developmental benefits to children, "Easy asanas like Sarvangasana and Halasana are known to help kids with their spinal flexibility. Halasana is one such asana that increases blood flow to the brain areas and helps with improving memory," says Tirth who believes that a 30- minute interactive session at home can help kids immensely. Other asanas that kids can try at home, under adult supervision include Chakrasana and Surya Namaskara, which also provide several physiological benefits.

Asanas to avoid

Tirth believes children can start practicing meditation and easy asanas from five years upwards. He however believes that they should not be allowed to attempt complex asanas like Chakrasana, "It's based on breathing exercise and involves complex postures. This asana should only be practised by teenagers, and kids of more than 14 years of age as it could have an adverse effect on their growth," he adds.

Junior gyms too?

In the West, the trend of having 'junior gyms' has taken over, but is this pushing things a tad too far? Fitness expert Vinod Channa believes it's a controversial topic, though he feels it is a good thing if kids join the gym, "Bodyweight exercises mimic weight training. So, jumping and squatting have the same impact as a 10 pound squat exercise on the machine." Channa believes that whatever the exercise, kids also need to get enough nutrition which includes a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fibres and vitamins to supplement their workout. "These days, because of a space crunch in the city where kids don't have many open spaces to play in, I feel joining the gym is not too bad an idea," he adds.

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Ideas to spice up workout wear

Sweating out at a gym shouldn't prevent you from looking chic. Ditch the T-shirts in dull colours and make way for bright ones. You can also try different sizes of tops.

Huffingtonpost.com gives more options to jazz up your workout wardrobe:

It is the perfect time to wear short shorts.

Jazz up your look with a bright headband.

Try the crop top trend if you haven't.

Wear bright coloured tops.

Don't be afraid to match your pants to your sneakers.

When in doubt, wear black as it looks classic and also makes you look slimmer.

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Cook like a pro

Masterchef Australia 2013 contestant Rishi Desai dishes out his expert tips for amateur chefs to Kasmin Fernandes.

SEASON AT THE START

Correct seasoning is as much about adding salt at the start (so you can adjust the proportions often) as it is about how much you season dishes. If you happen to over-season, try to bulk up the dish with a neutral ingredient (like barley), balance the salt with a dash of vinegar, or neutralise it by adding some butter.

MANAGE MULTIPLE CUISINES

Whether you plan to work in a professional kitchen or appear on a reality cookery show onTV, both involve high pressure environments. To prepare, time yourself while cooking at home. Manage multiple dishes and processes single-handedly, and get feedback for the final dishes from friends who'll not mince words.

DON'T BUY GROUND SPICES

Always buy spices whole instead of readily ground. Whole spices stay longer (over a year), and lend more vibrancy in flavour. It is important to grind whole spices with a pestle and mortar instead of a mixer-grinder.

COOK MOIST OR DRY

Dry heat cooking includes techniques such as roasting, broiling and sauteing while moist heat cooking refers to braising, steaming and poaching. Master both styles so you can cook practically anything.

KNOW YOUR KNIFE SKILLS

If you are skilled with knife work, it indicates that you don't take shortcuts and take pride in cooking. There are a variety of knife cuts you can learn, like julienne, dice and brunoise.

PLAY WITH TEXTURE

Find ways to bring contrasting textures to dishes. For instance, add chopped celery or spring onions to mashed potatoes for a bit of crunch and aroma. Pasta can be topped with peppered bread crumbs before baking; the crisp crumbs will contrast with the soft cheese and firm pasta.

BE A PLATING PUNDIT

To enjoy food, one must activate all the five senses, and sight is one of them. This makes visual presentation as important as taste. While plating a dish, maintain a balance. However, don't make it so stark that it looks like no effort has gone into it. Garnish with care. Even a few sprigs of herbs and some sauce, added artistically, can have a beautiful effect.

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Career-ending sports injuries

Michael Schumacher's life-threatening fall while skiing in the Alps only highlights that player safety and the long-term consequences of their injuries has been one of the biggest issues in sports for a long time.

While a few have overcome injuries to make history, some have had to let go of the sport that gave them everything. Here's a look at few of the career-ending injuries in sports.

Saba Karim yorked behind the stumps
Saba Karim injured his eye against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Dhaka in 2000, when an Anil Kumble delivery, coming off the batsman's boot, struck him on the right eye. The wicket-keeper was forced to end his career, as despite an eye surgery in Chennai and treatment abroad, his eyesight had not shown signs of recovery

Boucher stumped by the bails
Mark Boucher had to retire following a freak eye injury sustained while playing a practice match against Somerset. A googly from Imran Tahir hit the stumps and a dislodged bail struck Boucher in the left eye. The England tour was supposed to mark his 150th Test appearance, but sadly, the South Africam wicket keeper was forced to retire with 998 international dismissals, including 555 from 147 Tests, which is a record

Mary Pierce's fatal fall
Two-time Grand Slam winner and former World No 3 Mary Pierce was forced into an early retirement following a torn ACL. Down a set, the tennis player chased a ball to her forehand side and planted her left foot awkwardly after hitting the shot. She collapsed, letting out a bloodcurdling scream and never played another match.

The free kick to Dean Ashton
Dean Ashton is an English footballer who played for England's national team and West Ham United. He sustained a broken ankle while training a day before his England debut in 2006. He recovered but the injury eventually forced him to retire from the game altogether in 2009. Ashton sued the Football Association for compensation after the shattered ankle he sustained in a tackle, and the two reached a settlement.

Raman Lamba 'shot' to death
Raman Lamba was an Indian cricketer who played in four Tests and 32 One Day Internationals, mainly as a batsman. He died in 1998, three days after a ball hit him in the head while he was fielding at forward short leg in the final of a club match in Bangladesh. Batsman Mehrab Hossain's shot of left arm spinner Saifullah Khan's delivery was so ferocious that the ball deflected from Lamba's head and flew into wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud's gloves. Although the injury initially did not appear to be serious, Lamba suffered an internal hemorrhage, slipped into coma and lost his life.

Destiny's cruel hand on Nari contractor
In 1962, Nari Contractor suffered a skull fracture off a Charlie Griffith delivery that nearly killed him. The stylish southpaw represented India in 31 tests from the mid 1950s to the early 1960s. Contractor's injury is a perfect example of destiny playing a cruel hand. First, he was not supposed to play this game, but had to since others were not fit. Next, he was dropped a ball earlier. And finally, there was a disturbance by some movement in the dressing room, which he decided to sort out after the deliver, but it was too late. Though he recovered from the injury, his international career was effectively over after that.

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