You have been following the beauty rituals and mugging up magazines for your regular dose of the latest makeup trends.  While you may be well aware of what’s happening on the beauty block, here are the five most important lessons to remember for a lifetime. Even if you happen to be a newbie to the world of beauty and style, these points will come in handy and save you from making faux pas.

1. There are more shades of red than one. Have atleast three in your kitty.
2. Glamorous eyelashes are enough to make heads turn your way.
3. A simple hairstyle can look much prettier than a complicated one.
4. If you want your lips to look luscious, you needn’t go any further than a gloss.
5. Give yourself a break sometimes.

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When you leave college and settle down with a job, remembering the good old campus tales and hostel life is what you are going to be doing often. While your hostel life can be one of most endearing and learning experiences of your life, it is only important that you keep a few pertinent things in mind while you are still at it. Read on…

1. Be yourself but not full of yourself: Respect yourself what you are and what you think and never try to fake anything, even a laugh because people are not fools to not understand that it’s not for real. You will earn much better friends and respect when you are being genuine. But, this doesn’t mean that you turn self-centric.
2. Speak out your mind: If you don’t like something that your roomie or any other hostel roommate has done or said, speak your mind. Don’t try to cover up your true feelings because it will only make you frustrated. But, remember that there’s always a better, more polite way to put across a point.
3. Avoid bitching about your roomie: Alright, we agree that bitching can be fun at times, but saying things that you shouldn’t about your own roomie can be quite dangerous. Most likely, he or she will come to know someday and it won’t be a very pleasant thing.
4. Share: Don’t be a kid and hide all your stuff inside a locked cupboard. If someone wants to borrow your book, clothes, bike, food or anything else, share. You will realise that there’s more fun in sharing your things and borrowing things from your roomie and other hostel mates, than just living by yourself.
5. Be social: If you are going to be a recluse and a highly introvert person, then hostel life can turn out to be one of the worst experiences of your life. Mix up in the crowd, make friends, party together and have a blast. Even if you don’t like someone, there’s no harm in saying a “hi” when you cross paths. Don’t look the other way and walk. Grow up!
6. Make the most of your freedom: You will only be a loser if you don’t enjoy your freedom while living away from home. All those midnight parties, ad hoc travel plans and other crazy things that you do with your friends is what you will remember for life.
7. Follow etiquettes: The television in the common room doesn’t belong to you only. So learn to sacrifice your favourite show if everyone else in the room wants to watch something else.
8. Have your own set of things: It’s really annoying for others when you ask to borrow their toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel more often than not.

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I am happiest during the time around Diwali and I guess many people are because there is a general sense of cheerfulness and content in the air. But the festival I used to celebrate as a kid was much more joyful. Whether it was for my sheer childhood innocence or people paid more attention to festivities in their lives, it was a better Diwali that I enjoyed as a kid. Here are a handful of memories that I miss from my childhood Diwali…

1. The week-long break from the school in the wake of Diwali, just after the Unit Tests got over.

2. The time just before the festival when the house would be painted every year. Even though it was a mess living in a house which is getting painted, I used to be quite excited.

3. Visiting the beautifully lit up markets with my parents invariably every other day to buy all those small things like a new tea cup set or beadsheets which gave a feel of the festival.

4. Hearing the Ramayana stories from my granny every night before going to bed.

5. Decorating the small temple in the house with my brother, while mom gave us the instructions.

6. Buying crackers. Alright… I agree that they are a nuisance and bad for the environment, but as a kid, I was really excited about going to the market with my dad to buy crackers, and this would start a week in advance.

7. Gathering all the friends together and playing with fuljharis and bijli bombs every evening, a few days before Diwali.

8. Buying new clothes to wear on the day every year.

9. Being awake the whole night playing cards with family and friends, without any tensions of getting up early the next morning and going to work. 

10. Being with the entire family.  

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Our palates has evolved from the basic macaroni in a red or a white sauce, tossed with veggies to a more refined taste where we are concerned about the kind of oil that goes into making the pasta and the finer, more subtle flavours it brings out. We have also started looking at it in a different light – as a healthy meal option and not just for the taste.  Even I have stopped ordering pastas at restaurants which are loaded with sauces and cheese and instead go for a lighter variation which is just tossed in olive oil and some seasonal veggies.

So here’s a preparation for all those health conscious people who want something more out of their pasta than just the flavour. Heat olive oil in a sauce pan and throw in some chunks of chopped garlic, as much as you prefer. When it turns slightly golden, add a little less than half a teaspoon of chilli flakes and about a heaped handful of cherry tomatoes, slit into halves. Season with salt and pepper and cook on a low flame until it develops a thick sauce-like consistency.

Meanwhile, boil pasta in a separate pan according to the instructions on the packet and add around 50 grams of chopped kale in the final two minutes of cooking. When it’s tender, drain the water out and add the pasta and kale to the sauce and stir well. Top it with a dollop of fresh ricotta, a drizzle of pesto and some parmesan shavings. Savour!   

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When the first movie from the Dhoom series was released and Esha Deol emerged from the azure sea waters in a yellow hot bikini, I did hear a lot of guys in my class exhchanging notes on her looks. She did pull off the dare bare avatar with the right attitude and it was probably her most successful look in her entire acting career. The two-piece tradition was carried over in the next release, Dhoom 2 by Bipasha Basu and needless to say, she did it with the same confidence, comfort, panache and ease that comes to someone who has done it quite often. But, the surprise packcage in the film was the sultry, sexily-dressed Aishwarya Rai. It was nothing that we had seen her doing before. She had shed quite a few kilos to achieve a bikini-perfect body and completely reworked on her on-screen persona from that of a traditional, elegant female lead to an irresistible bombshell and a grunge goddess.

Now, with the release of one of the most anticipated films of this year, Dhoom 3, drawing to a close, when we saw the trailer and a few glimpses of Katrina Kaif’s ravishing looks, it brought back flashes of Sunheri, played by Ash in Dhoom 2. There are certain sequences, where Kat is hanging from a rope and when she puts her leg on Aamir’s shoulders when you experience some sort of deja vu becuase we have seen Ash in a very similar avatar, doing the same things. The makeup in both Ash and Kat’s looks also has its shades of similarity, not to forget the hairstyle. Though the clothes may be different for both the actresses, they do create a similar grunge-inspired feel. Well, much like Ash, we do have great expectations from Kat in this role and only hope that we don’t get to see her copying Sunehri.      

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Needless to say that Deepika Padukone is one of our favourite fashion goddesses that ever walked this planet. Here’s a look at the five most pertinent lessons in style that we need to learn from the Bollywood diva.

1. You don’t need to go wetsern to look chic and sexy. Our very own traditional Indian ensembles can do the trick. You just need to think a little differently about them.

2. In a girl-next-door look, you can still look glamorous and stand out in the crowd. 

3. You can wear a pair of geeky-looking black frames with panache and steal the show. 

4. For an effortless elegant day-look, a peachy brown lipstick is your best friend. 

5. Never underestimate the power of accessories. They can make or break your look. 

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It’s the unofficial tradition to play cards on Diwali and while fresh powder-coated cards are making their way into many homes, we list down the five most exciting games to turn your evening even more fun. Read on…

Muflis: It’s the opposite of Teen Patti when it comes to who wins the game. In this, a person with the lowest cards takes away the money.

Kissing Missing: It’s not what the name suggests. Everyone gets five cards. If you get a pair it’s considered as a joker or a kiss. Any two alternate numbers like 7 and 9 make a joker or a miss. You have to discard one card from the five and play the game. 

Lallan Kallan: In your pack of three cards, the odd colour becomes the joker. If you have two black cards and one red, the lallan becomes the joker and vice versa. If you have all the three cards of the same colour, you are out. 

1942 A Love Story: 1, 9, 4 and 2 are all jokers. The fun part is that you can’t speak in English and stick to Hindi while you do all your dealings, or else you will be out.

AK47: It’s simple. Ace, king, 4 and 7 all are jokers and you can use any of these to substitute for a number or colour to make a competitive sequence. 

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It’s Diwali and you see more guests and friends paying you a visit than any other time of the year. When you have someone knocking at the door unexpectedly, our five-minute enticing preparations will come in handy and bring you a lot of heartfelt #DiwaliCompliments…  

1. Salsa fresca: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, garlic and a few mint leaves. Season with salt, pepper and oregano if you wish. Serve it along with nachos, chips and even mathris, or on toasted flavoured breads, cut into cubes for a bruschetta-like feel.

   

2. Chocolate mug cake: In a mug, add four tablespoons of flour, four tablespoons of sugar, one heaped tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, just two tablespoons of whisked egg, three tablespoons of milk, three tablespoons of oil, a handful of chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla or cinnamon essence. Microwave for around two-and-a-half minutes and it’s done.

   

3. Blueberry ice cream: In a mixer add one pack of frozen blue berries, ½ cup sugar, two-third cup heavy cream and a bit of vanilla essence. Grind for around 25 to 30 seconds and it’s done. You can keep it in the freezer for sometime before serving.    

   

4. Strawberries on bread: Toast bread slices and spread a thick layer of nutella over them. Add chunks of chopped strawberries and drizzle over some whipped cream.

   

5. Pizza crackers: Spoon a layer of butter on a cracker bread, spread a sauce of your choice and add thin slices of cucumber, pineapple (optional), tomatoes, onions and bell peppers. Shred cheese over it and sprinkle some oregano. Microwave or toast and serve hot.

   

6. Grilled fruits: On wooden skewers thread chunks of pineapple, berries, grapes, apples and banana. Coat a layer of caramelised sugar and grill for not more than 30 seconds.    

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Finding the right girl and then trying to hook up with her can be a little tricky. However, our guide can ease out the process for you…

1. Where to find beautiful girls: Don’t just think of a bar or a pub as ‘the’ place to hook up with a girl and have a good time. The places where you can actually meet and get talking to a lot of beautiful girls are dance classes, yoga sessions, book stores and coffee shops.
2. First date mistakes: There’s a lot of room for error and you need to get a few basic things right like opt for some drinks and dinner over a movie, because you will get time talk to each other. If you really want to win her over, be more traditional and a true gentleman. And know how much you can touch her.
3. Know if you are in the friend zone: If you have been trying to hit upon your friend, there are certain signs to analyse if she is willing to reciprocate or not. She shares her dating experiences with you; she doesn’t go out with you alone and calls up other friends to join; she always tells you how much she values you as a friend and she doesn’t show any signs of a flirtatious behaviour with you. Get over her. 
4. Look your best: No woman wants to tag along with a guy who doesn’t believe in grooming himself well. Just like you would never approach a girl who doesn’t look attractive, the same holds true for the girl as well.
5. Use your phone as a wingman: All you need is confidence and a good phone. Stand next to her and check out some amazing photos on your phone or put one as the screen saver, and make sure she is able to see what you are doing. Check out those puppy videos and some lovey dovey scenes from famous films.
6. The ultimate kiss: If you get to kiss, make sure that you show her enough passion to leave her wanting for more. Hold her face warmly and run your fingers through her hair while kissing.
7. Perfect body language: If you are really nervous then the girl would probably see it in your body language. To avoid swaying your hands, put them in your pocket, stand straight and lower your shoulders to seem comfortable and turn slightly while talking to her. Don’t go straight on as it will make you look aggressive.
8. What to talk about: You have crossed the initial blocks and there you are talking to her, but about what? If you know her from your yoga or dance classes then you know what to talk about, but if she is a complete stranger, then the easiest topic to get around is the latest entertainment news or Bollywood gossip.

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When we live in a hostel or anywhere else away from home, we all do one common thing – crib about the food. More often than not, hostel food is not even palatable and we end up eating outside, splurging a lot of money and not even being happily satiated with what we eat. What if you invest in a rice cooker instead? You can easily keep it in your room, use it whenever you wish you and most importantly, cook something which you will enjoy eating, without burning a hole in your pocket. Apart from the basic white rice, we tell you what all you can easily make in it, and these are just five options, there are plenty more. It will also be useful when hunger pangs strike you at odd hours.

1. Pasta: Add two cups of water, a few teaspoons of pasta/tomato sauce, salt and pepper to taste, one teaspoon olive oil, some dry oregano and grated cheese, and two cups of uncooked penne or any other pasta of your choice. Close the lid and flip the switch on. When it turns off, open and stir, close again and leave on warm for a few minutes until cooked.

   

2. Scrambled eggs: Put one tablespoon butter or olive oil in the cooker and turn it on. Break eggs, add salt and pepper to taste and close the lid. Keep checking the eggs from time to time, stirring with a wooden spatula, until they are done. It may take around 15-20 minutes.

   

3. Chicken curry: Add two tablespoons oil and press cook. Add chopped onions and garlic. Cook and stir for around five minutes. Mix in two tablespoons of curry powder and stir well. Add two cups of water, a few spoons of tomato puree, and boneless chicken breast cut into small cubes. Mix well and close the lid and cook. It may take around 20 minutes. When it turns off, keep it on warm for sometime. Add half a cup yogurt and let it stand for five minutes.

   

4. Black beans and rice: Add a handful of black beans, some chopped tomatoes and green chillies, and corn in the rice cooker and switch it on. Add two handfuls of rice and two cups of water and stir. Throw in a bit of salt and pepper and close the lid. It will take around 25 minutes to prepare. You can top with some grated cheese once it’s done.

   

5. Chinese rice: This is the unfired version and doesn’t require even a drop of oil. Cook rice in the cooker as directed. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix some chopped spring onions, bell peppers, shredded cabbage and carrot, grated ginger, garlic granules, a pinch of salt and black pepper, and one teaspoon of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Top with rice, combine well and let it stand for a few minutes before eating.    

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Trench coats are a winter staple, but you need to check on these few things before you pick the one that looks the right for you…    

1. Length: If you are a little short, your trench coat should finish mid-thigh or higher. You will be getting into a dangerous fashion category if you pick the one that reaches your mid-calf which will make you look even shorter. Taller people can go for the ones that hit them just an inch above their knees.
2. Fit: Pick the figure-hugging ones and make sure that it fits you well on the shoulders and the lapels are not too wide.
3. Colour: While beige and black are staples for a classy look, don’t afraid to try out corals and fuchsia this season.
4. Fabric: Go for a stiffer fabric as it will hide all those extra bulges in your body and will make you look a lot less lumpy.
5. Details: Don’t go for the ones with too many details like huge lapels and epaulettes as it will make you look bulkier. If you have a fuller body, avoid the double-breasted ones, too.
6. Leather: Nothing looks classier than a rich leather trench coat, but stay away from too much shine. It’s okay to wear shimmery coats and jackets occasionally, but trench will cover the most of your body, so avoid the blinding glitter.
7. Pleats: You are already layered with clothes in winters and the chill in the air isn’t too comfortable to walk around in. So, pick up a trench with a fantail pleat or a slit or a pleat at the centre back for ease of movement.
8. Epaulettes: Should follow the natural line of your shoulders and fall according to the body shape without swamping it.
9. Collar: The ones with a button or hook will secure your neck line and keep you warm, preventing the chilly air hitting your neck.
10. Waist: Look for the ones with a belt on the waist which you can buckle shut or tie around. It will define your figure well.

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Delectable things you can make with your favourite bar of chocolate on a modest, homely gas stove…

The Classic Hot Chocolate

When you make it from the scratch, without the store-bought mix, it tastes a lot better, and not simply for the time, thought and effort you spend on it, but also for that little extra chocolaty decadence and a lingering taste of cocoa that you can treat yourself to. In a medium saucepan, combine one spoon of sugar, a little over one spoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and ¼ cup of milk, and bring it to a boil over medium heat, while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour in ¼ cup of milk and a few drops of vanilla essence. Stir well and top with marshmallows. Enjoy!

Chocolate Candy Dessert

Gather a few strawberries and deseeded oranges. Wash them properly under running water and leave to dry. First, we need to melt some chocolate and the most important thing here to keep in mind is that it shouldn’t come in contact with even a tiny droplet of water, because it will become very difficult to operate with. Grate some chocolate in an absolutely dry, heat-proof bowl. Fill a pan one third with water and bring it to a boil, now keep the flame on the lowest and hold the chocolate bowl over water, making sure that water doesn’t come in contact with chocolate. Stir with a dry spatula until it melts. Remove from heat. Line a cooking sheet with wax paper. Now dip the strawberries and oranges in melted chocolate one by one and place on the wax paper. Once done, refrigerate it for some time until the chocolate stabilises on the fruits. Savour!

Chocolate and coconut cookies

Line a cooking sheet with wax paper. Heat half cup butter in a pan over medium heat and add one-and-a-half cups sugar, half cup milk, two tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring the mix to a boil and check if sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and mix in a little over half cup grated coconut and one teaspoon vanilla essence. You can also add some rolled oats in it. Drop the mixture by spoonful on the cooking sheet. Refrigerate for an hour and it’s done.  

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