Lifestyle

By Dr. Rashmi Shetty
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANSlife) For obvious reasons, taking care of the skin continues to be important. Therapies and practices for taking care of the skin have advanced along with technology. Given the current buzz surrounding bio-remodeling, you may be wondering how it differs from other treatments already in use, such as dermal fillers. Botox and other types of fillers were popular for many years among those wishing to enhance the condition and appearance of their skin. However, given that bio-remodeling is receiving so much attention, it's critical to comprehend how they differ and the advantages that each provides.


We'd like to make clear that both treatments use hyaluronic acid (HA), a hydrating stimulant, before we go into the differences, even though one may have a higher concentration than the other. So let's get started right away.

What is bio-remodeling?

In order to assist the skin retain moisture, promote collagen, improve skin suppleness, and overall renew the skin, it is simply an injectable version of hyaluronic acid that is injected beneath the layers of the skin. It can be injected into several body areas, including the face, neck, knees, hands, and even the stomach.

What are dermal fillers?

Hyaluronic acid also makes up dermal fillers, however they have a gel-like consistency. They are injected into particular facial regions, including the lips, chin, and nose. They can also be applied to the face to create contours for a better appearance. Additionally, they are quite helpful in reducing wrinkles and moisturising the specific areas of the face, giving them a fuller, younger, and healthier appearance.

Bio-remodelling vs dermal fillers

The first distinction to make is that HA concentrations in bio-remodelling are typically higher, which acts to increase the skin's production of HA, collagen, and elastin. Cellular transformation occurs, leading to noticeable enhancements that endure long after the HA has subsided. Additionally, the texture of bio-remodelling is runnier, supporting uniform distribution throughout various body areas. Bio-remodelling filler has been found to improve the general texture of the skin, particularly in regions where it had previously seemed crumply, thin, or crepey. On the other side, the filler is thicker and more viscous.

The way they are used and applied is another obvious distinction. The hydrolift effect that results from bio-remodelling targets specific predefined spots to help tighten the skin and increase hydration. This procedure can also help cure eczema, acne, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and a number of other disorders. It can consistently provide skin plumping in various areas since it spreads evenly. Dermal fillers, which help to lift, volumize, fill, and shape particular areas, are thicker in texture and stay put where they are applied.

A discrepancy in treatment frequency is also present. Two treatments spaced one month apart are used for bio-remodelling. This is the recommended dosage, but after the first two treatments, anyone who wants a top-up can have one. With fillers, this is not the case. After careful examination, each person must rely on the counsel of a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic injector consultant. The use of fillers should only be repeated once every 16 to 18 months, though.

Finally, bio-remodelling is done over the course of two scheduled treatments that are separated by a month. Getting an injection may just take ten minutes. Typically, each session comprises of 10 injections that are deliberately administered in various shots. While some people will start to see improvements 7 days after their first session, the majority of people see complete transformation around 30 days after their second appointment. This is because collagen needs time to be stimulated and disseminated throughout the various problem regions. Additionally, it will be roughly 6 months before a subsequent treatment is necessary.

If you're wondering which is best for you, here's a spoiler; if you require wholesome skin rejuvenation across different parts of your body, bio-remodelling is what you should go for. When you need a specific part correction, change of shape, remodelling or filler deficit, it becomes more targeted, hence, enhancing, changing, and modifying the shape of the face. However, HA in a bio-stimulator will not do any of these. There will be no change in the structure or shape of your face. All it will do is boost your own collagen, thereby making your skin look beautiful. Thus, if you don't want any structural change, bio-remodelling is the solution, but if you want structural changes and only need to boost specific areas of your face, such as your nasal bridge, chin and lips, then dermal filler and bio-stimulator together work best.

Above all, it is important to only use certified brands. Profhilo is one of the top-rated solutions out there, and it comes highly recommended. Otherwise, you may just be putting yourself at risk by using unscrupulous practitioners or products.

(Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Consultant Aesthetic Dermatologist)

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
Dr. Rashmi Shetty/tb

New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANSlife) November 20 marks World Children's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. With more than half (54 per cent) of global travellers wanting to visit a destination that's enjoyable for both kids and adults on their next trip, it's the perfect opportunity to plan a trip to a unique accommodation that will allow kids to make new friends whilst having a memorable vacation with their family.

With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com has delved into its more than 28 million properties in over 159,000 destinations across the globe to share seven family-friendly accommodations for an unforgettable break. From a treehouse hotel in Finland to a cowboy-style inn in Brazil, these stays put the magic of childhood at the heart of travel.

Pousada Vila do Cowboy, Penha, Brazil
This charming inn is located in Penha, situated in the south of Brazil. The fun-filled city is popular for its plethora of attractions that will excite and delight both young and old, including Latin America's largest theme park, Beto Carrero World. The amusement park features over 100 attractions divided into seven distinct areas, from an animal world to a pirates island and an extreme adventure playground for thrill seekers. Guests staying at the nearby, family-run Pousada Vila do Cowboy can opt to travel to the park in the hotel's special Sheriff's Car for the ultimate experience to gear up the kids for the adventure.

Back at the hotel, guests will enjoy an eccentric stay at this cowboy-styled inn, which boasts a swimming pool and a large garden with a playground and dedicated kids' space. This property also holds a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge thanks to its sustainability efforts in supporting the local community including providing a platform for local artists to perform and serving locally sourced food. Families can take in the city with a Highlights of Balneerio Camboriu City Tour, which gives access to popular sites worth visiting including the Cristo Luz statue of Jesus Christ, Unipraias Park and the Oceanic Aquarium - or head to one of the many surrounding beaches to keep the kids entertained.

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, Winchfield, United Kingdom
Winchfield is a small village in Hampshire situated in the south-east of England and bursting with a multitude of outdoor activities to keep the kids stimulated. Take the family on a countryside escape to the exquisite 18th century Georgian manor house, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. The hotel has a variety of activities on offer across its sprawling grounds, and guests can choose to practice their swing on the tennis court, tour the grounds with a spot of horse riding, embark on a forest escapade or take a splash in the family adventure pool.

Youngsters have the opportunity to make lifelong memories at the hotel's children's club which offers exciting experiences such as football, crafting and treasure hunts, while parents can utilize the downtime to indulge in a pampering session at the spa. For a day trip away, book a trip to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort which features over 55 rides and attractions as well as larger-than-life LEGO brick replicas of iconic landmarks from around the world.

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Lapland, Finland

Sitting on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Finnish town of Rovaniemi in the Lapland region of Finland is coated in pillowy snow for most of the year. With such a picture-book wintry setting, it's no surprise that Santa Claus officially calls Rovaniemi home. At the Santa Claus Village amusement park, kids can meet jolly St. Nick himself and visit the post office that gets over half a million letters every year from kids around the world. Only a stone's throw away from Santa Claus Village and located onsite at SantaPark Arctic World is the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel.

Offering Nordic design suites with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and magical Northern Lights for lucky guests, families can enjoy complimentary skiing at the hotel and easy access to venture out and explore the area by bike or foot. The hotel holds a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its sustainable efforts taken to offer guests a more sustainable stay, including its use of Finnish wood, which is a traditional and renewable material, planting up to 10,000 trees every year and serving up local produce at the onsite Rakas Restaurant & Bar. For those chasing the breathtaking Northern Lights, book a Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour for an opportunity to ride underneath the stars in search of this extraordinary natural phenomenon, before stopping around a campfire in the wilderness for a warming beverage and local fare.

Universal's Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort, Orlando, United States
Located in the heart of Florida is Orlando, a theme park funfest city, with enough rides, attractions and shows to keep both children and adults entertained for weeks. It's not surprising that this city is highly recommended by Booking.com travellers for theme parks, family and entertainment, and Universal's Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort is the perfect place for thrill seeking families to stay - conveniently located within walking distance of most of the nearby amusement parks.

Beautifully decorated throughout, with rooms featuring views overlooking a huge centerpiece pool, guests of all ages can keep themselves occupied with onsite activities from ping pong and water balloon games to a pool table and games room with classic and new video games. For something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, book the Four-activity Package for Andretti Indoor Karting for an array of family-friendly fun including laser tag, indoor go-karting and an arcade arena.

AMERON Davos Swiss Mountain Resort, Davos, Switzerland
For travellers dreaming of downhill slopes and fresh powder during the winter season, the Swiss town of Davos is a popular winter resort and the largest in the Alps for mountain and ski vacations. Located in the centre, the AMERON Davos Swiss Mountain Resort embodies luxury whilst maintaining a cozy feel with soft furnishings and bright splashes of colour. Rooms have an alpine chic design, with each featuring a balcony overlooking the crisp white snowscapes. Guests can take advantage of the Kids Corner & Cozy Club which is free of charge, and where children can meet daily with their newfound friends whilst parents ski or relax in the spa.

From 2.00 - 4.30 p.m. the heated indoor pool belongs to the kids, giving them ample opportunity to enjoy splash time, followed by dinner at the Cantinetta restaurant, which serves up a special kids' buffet as well as mouthwatering fondue options. For the 35 per cent of travellers who report that the sustainability of their accommodation plays a significant role in where they stay, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable resort is ideal as it takes steps to ensure it contributes to the conservation and protection of the environment.

Bed en Breakfast de Olm, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
For those who don't believe in fairy tales, a trip to Efteling, one of the largest theme parks in the Netherlands, might just change their mind. Situated in the southern part of the country, the magical Efteling promises a 'world of wonders'. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2022, travellers can purchase a One-day Admission Ticket to Efteling Theme Park to explore the new attractions on offer at the World of Sindbad, experience an adrenaline rush on the rollercoaster, tour the beautiful grounds for some downtime or enjoy a relaxing boat tour.

Families can bed down at the nearby Bed en Breakfast de Olm, a charming B&B within walking distance of the theme park. This spacious property is ideal for families as it has a cozy home-away-from-home feel, whilst the decor is sleek and modern. A delicious fresh buffet breakfast is offered daily, whilst those wishing to explore the surrounding area can rent bikes for a family cycling trip.

Hoang Hung Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam located in the southeast region and surrounds the scenic Saigon River. Families can book a visit to the popular and vibrant Sui Tien Amusement Park, a Buddha-themed fantasy land comprising over 100 entertainment facilities for kids and adults, and where dragons, unicorns and a phoenix can be spotted across the park. A dip in Vietnam's first man-made wave pool there is recommended, and if visiting on a weekend travellers will hear live music from up-and-coming artists.

The Hoang Hung Hotel is handily located a short distance away from the park, and has a swimming pool and children's play area complete with a ball pit, mini arcade games and indoor playground to keep the kids entertained. To learn more about the culture of this Asian country, families can purchase tickets for a Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Performance where they will learn about the traditions of Vietnam through a fun puppet show that brings ancient stories to life.

For those travellers looking for an unforgettable vacation with the kids, Booking.com is sharing Late Escape Deals to tick another destination off their 2022 wishlist. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the 'Late Escape Deals' badge and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 3 January 2023. In addition, Booking.com is giving travellers around the world the keys to unlock a new level of additional perks with the introduction of a third tier to its Genius loyalty program. Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com's loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime - travellers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. All travellers have to do is sign into their Booking.com account and look for the Genius logo to identify benefits, discounts and perks.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
IANSlife/tb

Chennai, Nov 11 (IANS) Actor Karan Tacker, who surprised fans and followers with his realistic look as the earnest police officer Amit Lodha in Neeraj Pandey's upcoming cop-drama 'Khakee: The Bihar Chapter', said that he gave up weight training and switched to yoga to get the desired look.

Undergoing an evident physical transformation, the dedicated actor has now revealed the procedure he followed to achieve a more believable transformation.

Acing the part of a super-cop in the early 2000s Bihar, Karan Tacker gained around six-seven kgs to attain a slightly healthier and realistic physique for the character.

Revealing details of the transformation, Karan Tacker shared: "In general, I am a fitness freak. However, for this role, I didn't want to look the dashboard abs, toned muscles kind-of fit guy. I wanted to look as regular as possible. For that, I stopped doing my general weight training and switched to yoga.

"The idea was to attain a more agile and flexible physique, and look as real, relatable and close to the character as possible, against the stiff, body-shot physique."

"I wanted to look like a daal-chawal eating person, because the show is based in early 2000s. At that time, the idea of fitness was very simple and basic; a common man's diet that included daal-chawal, roti-sabzi, hence, I actually shifted to that diet."

"From a 73 kgs really fit guy, I put on almost 6-7kgs to achieve a more regular, real body with a bit of paunch, filled cheeks."

Sharing the idea behind his transformation, Karan Tacker said: "Exercise and diet changes not only lead to difference in physical appearances but also the overall body posture and behaviour."

"For a character, it's not just important how a person looks, but also the mannerisms; from face, walk to how one carries themself. The idea was to feel differently so that the changes in the body are reflected in the acting, to be true to the character. My transformation was not just concerning the aesthetics but also affecting the craft."

Earlier, Karan Tacker played a pivotal role in Neeraj Pandey's Special Ops and the actor marks his second collaboration with the filmmaker for the Bhav Dhulia directorial.

Set in Bihar, 'Khakee: The Bihar Chapter' is a crime drama tracing the world of crime based on true events from the first half of 2000s. Portraying the cop versus gangster tiff, the show features Karan Tacker as the police officer while Avinash Tiwary plays the gangster.

The crime drama is set to streaming on Netflix from November 25.

--IANS
mani/kvd

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANSlife) Jodhpur Polo and the Equestrian Institute are all set to host a 4-week long annual Polo Season from December 6th till 31st December 2022 at the Maharaja Gaj Singh Sports Foundation Polo Ground, Air Force Road, Pabupura. Organised by the Jodhpur Polo and Equestrian Institute, Jodhpur, this year's event will see 4 tournaments and 9 one-day demonstration matches. The chief guest of the event will be Maharaja Gaj Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur, since 1952.


Honorary Secretary of Jodhpur Polo and Equestrian Institute, Jodhpur, Kr Jangjeet Singh detailed the tournaments: The Umaid Bhawan Palace Cup Polo will be a 4 goals match held from December 6th to December 8th, the H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur Cup an 8 goals match running December 14th to December 18th. The Rajputana and Central India Cup and the Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup are both 10-goal matches, to be held from December 19th to December 24th and December 27th to December 31st, Rajputana, respectively.

A total of eight one-day exhibition matches will also be played in the season, which is as follows:

The British Army Vs Jodhpur Eagles, and Mayo Vs Eton match from 9th – 10th December 2022, respectively
The H.H. Maharaja Hanwant Singh Cycle Polo Exhibition match on 9th Dec 2022
The Mathura Das Mathur Memorial Polo Cup on 11th December 2022
The Maj. Th. Sardar Singh Jasol Memorial Cup, presented by Th. Jaswant Singhji Jasol on 12th December 2022
The Army Commander's Cup, presented by Army Commander, Southern Command, on 23rd December 2022*
The Abu Seir Cup, presented by Farouk Younes, F.I.P. Ambassador of Egypt on 30th Dec 2022
The Hermes Cup, presented by Mons. Patrick Guerrand Hermes, Ex-President Federation on 24th December 2022
The Bhanwar Baiji Lal Vaara Rajye Polo Cup, presented by H.H. Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur-Marwar, on 26th December 2022
The Indian Air Force Longewala Polo Cup & Air show, presented by AOC-in-C, SWAC, IAF on 29th December 2022
Welcoming the season, H.H Maharaja Gajsingh II said, "Jodhpur is the Alma Mater of modern Polo in India; it is home to legends both past and in the making. The Season this year shall mark added joy after the Pandemic and we are hoping for a wonderful turnout with some of the world's most renowned players and patrons. From a world-class ground to Marwar's legendary hospitality, culture, and joie de vivre - Jodhpur Polo Season showcases the best of sporting and cultural heritage. It (the Polo Fiesta) is not just an instrument to promote tourism in Jodhpur; it is the friendliness of this place that makes it different from other polo destinations."


(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
ianslife/tb

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANSlife) The 16th edition of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour, powered by Fashion Design Council of India, goes beyond couture and reimagines its iconic legacy of 15 years. This edition the Fashion Tour brings alive young, vibrant and evolving expressions of 'Pride & Authenticity' through the lens of a more sustainable, inclusive and diverse world of fashion and lifestyle.


With ace designer Ashish Soni as curator-in-chief and its continued partnership with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the Fashion Tour is set to travel through four metro cities of Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Gurugram. In its cutting-edge new avatar, it will present a spectacular collaboration between leading fashion designers and renowned personalities from diverse fields, who are reshaping the lifestyle interests of today's youth.

The Kolkata chapter will be all about 'Pride in Bringing Twists in Traditions' where designers Shantnu & Nikhil will capture the spirit of cricket in their collection, imagined together with Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of India Women's National Cricket Team.

The Hyderabad chapter will present 'Pride in Sustainable Fashion' where designer Amit Aggarwal will exhibit a blend of modern sustainable techniques in fashion, together with Nuru Karim, one of 100 most influential architects in India,committed to positively impacting the planet.

The Mumbai chapter will highlight 'Pride in Breaking Norms of Conventional Fashion' where designers Falguni Shane Peacock will present a bold street-luxe collection inspired by the rising wave of Indian street-art culture, in collaboration with Dizy, the first and only female graffiti artist in India doing classic graffiti.

The Gurugram chapter will showcase 'Pride in Celebrating Diversity by Defying Labels' where designer Kunal Rawal will unveil a collection that celebrates diversity & inclusivity in modern Indian fashion, complemented by the reverberating vibe of the music of Harrdy Sandhu, one of the most trending music artists of this generation.

The Curtain Raiser unveiled these designers and artists through a stunning new concept called 'The Wireframe'. It's a skeletal that invokes a sense of imagination and drama, and symbolizes the overarching philosophy of this much-awaited fashion extravaganza. From highlighting evolving trends of inclusivity & diversity, to touchpoints of sustainability in fashion, to infusing influences of pop culture through artists & performers, the Curtain Raiser captured it all.

The Curtain Raiser also presented Blenders Pride Glassware 'The Showcase', one of India's leading platforms to discover & nurture aspiring fashion designers, shutterbugs, models and content creators. The winning teams of The Showcase 2021 edition together presented an energetic fashion show on the theme of 'My Planet, My Pride', that became the voice of conscious fashion during The Showcase 2021.

What followed was an inspiring conversation led by Kubbra Sait, celebrity host for the evening, along with Bollywood celebrity & fashion icon Sobhita Dhulipala; designer Ashish Soni; Sunil Sethi, the Chairman of FDCI; and Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer of Pernod Ricard India; on the evolving face of the Fashion Tour. These powerful voices in the world of fashion & lifestyle spoke on how the Fashion Tour will capture emerging trends in lifestyle, from the confluence of fashion with sports, architecture, art & music through exciting collaborations, to the intersection of fashion & tech as Fashion Tour launches a first-of-its-kind Metaverse experience.

Another incredible experience that the Fashion Tour will introduce is the 'Style Gallery' called 'This is not a T-shirt', curated by Ashish Soni and FDCI. It will showcase T-shirt outfits designed by over 60 designers & homegrown fashion labels, who have embellished or even deconstructed the basic T-shirt into a design celebrating their authentic interpretation of the four themes of the Fashion Tour. While the gallery will be constructed with undertones of sustainability, using recycled materials during the physical tour; the virtual avatar will be launched with a unique fashion show in the Metaverse.

The Fashion Tour will also launch an industry-first Metaverse platform called 'Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour Park'. It will create an immersive world for young audiences to experience the Fashion Tour like never-before. In what would be India's first fashion tour in Decentraland, the Fashion Tour Park will feature interactive arenas to freely explore, like a virtual fashion show in the Metaverse, a treasure hunt to win invites to the Fashion Tour, and a designers' zone that showcases NFTs of T-shirts designed by the 4 participating designers of the Fashion Tour, among many more.

Speaking on the occasion, Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said,"After 15 iconic editions, this year we've reimagined Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour. It enters a new era of fashion & lifestyle, embracing the changing dynamics of the industry and bringing an impressive new format that's more inclusive, diverse and youthful. Our continued partnership with FDCI, yet again brings together the two powerhouses of fashion to make this year's Fashion Tour, a spectacle that the country has not seen before. We're even foraying into the Metaverse and creating a futuristic platform for younger audiences to experience the Fashion Tour in an immersive way. With this, we continue to forge ahead in our journey of celebrating 'Pride' of today's youth with exciting innovations throughout the 16th edition of the Fashion Tour."

Talking about the association, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, "Fashion Design Council of India is proud to continue its partnership with Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour, both of which are leading names in the fashion & lifestyle industry. This partnership is a fitting way to showcase our drive to reshape and reimagine the evolving face of fashion in India."

As curator-in-chief of Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour 2022, ace designer Ashish Soni said, "For its 16th edition, Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tour is truly expanding its horizons and going beyond the ordinary. We've added exciting new elements including designers and artists collaborations, a one-of-its-kind Style Gallery and the Fashion Tour Park metaverse, all of which would bring to live a fashion experience like never before."

(IANSlife can be contacted at IANSlife@gmail.com)

--IANS
tb/

New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANSlife) We all agree that when it comes to dating, lifestyle choices and values have a huge impact. Dating app Tinder has revealed new insights about its members in India who are increasingly trying to find like-minded environment lovers and are focused on values-based dating.

Over one-third of young adult daters in a recent survey stated that matching with someone who cares about the environment is very important to them. In fact, internal data from the platform revealed that female members on the app find being vegan as one of the most attractive interests in a potential match. Not only that, 'environmentalism' and 'gardening' are amongst the top attractive interests that women swipe on while looking for a match on the app. Moreover, climate references in bios are also growing with 'Eco-conscious' and 'Sustainability' increasing by 2X in Tinder bios. It's clear that making sustainable lifestyle choices could not only be great for the planet but your dating life too!

This World Vegan Month, the app is collaborating with celebrated chef and Masterchef India finalist Megha Jhunjhunwala to help young adults impress their #Vegantine with easy-to-cook recipes for their next date.

"It was such a treat curating these easy vegan meal recipes, which are sure to impress one's dates, and can even be made together," added Megha Jhunjhunwala. "These recipes celebrate and hero ingredients that are so close to nature and at the same time intrinsic to a lifestyle that is increasingly being adopted by the younger generation who wants to leave a better world behind, especially with regard to climate change. No wonder, choosing a partner with similar lifestyles is supreme too!"

"Young adult daters are throwing aside traditional dating norms and increasingly bonding over shared social causes. We have seen this experience unfold on Tinder, as singles are more vocal about who they are, what they're passionate about and what their deal breakers are to build more meaningful connections. With more members visibly expressing their love for the environment and the vegan lifestyle on their Tinder profiles it is clear that being eco-conscious is a way of life including young adult dating choices," says Aahana Dhar, Communications Director, Tinder India.

Three vegan recipes to impress your match:

Show different sides of your personality with this blended combination of smoky, spicy and sweet entree

Cauliflower Steak with Pepper Sauce - Good food is often considered to be the most important ingredient for the perfect date, so let this cauliflower steak serve as a perfect ally to make the best first impression.

Complement your simplicity with a side of extra with this creamy, earthy, and savory, main dish

Mushroom Risotto with Cracked Wheat - Sometimes on Tinder, all it takes is a spark to ignite love: so this recipe is dedicated to those who want to plan a romantic evening. Something fresh, something light as well as something creamy, this dish will help you show off your culinary skills with just the right amount of effort.

Earn all the brownie points with this tender & moist dessert to delight your date.

Vegan Chocolate Cake - You can never go wrong with dessert, and this is the sweet ending on the path to your #Vegantine's heart. 'Coz flowers are sweet but chocolate is sweeter.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
ianslife/tb

By IANSlife
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANSlife) Healthy routines and pre-planned diets frequently take a backseat when the holiday season gets underway. Don't worry; Audible.in has you prepared with celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar's comprehensive guide to enjoying the holiday season in moderation, as the audiobook "Eating in the Age of Dieting."


Follow a Sustainable and Culture Compliant Diet :

"The whole idea of being on a diet is to get healthier, fitter and leaner. If one must achieve that then the diet must be one that is sustainable, and culture compliant. Diwali is a good time to figure out if you are on a sustainable diet. If eating a regular Diwali meal amounts to breaking your diet, then it means that your weight loss plans are going to be unsuccessful this time too. Essentially what this reveals is whether your diet fits into the game plan of the weight loss industry. These unrealistic guides are not a culture fit, instead they focus on the guilt around occasion based feasting and take advantage of the same to sell detox plans or packages that are often extreme and doomed to fail. A wholesome diet will teach you to eat without guilt, and there really is nothing wrong in enjoying your poori's or Halwa", shares Rujuta on busting myths around Diwali feasting.

Curate a Special Diwali Menu:

"The healthiest Diwali menu is one that sticks to the basics. - be it a simple spread comprising homemade Mithai, one freshly fried item, one sabzi, one dal, some roti and rice accompanied with chutney, pickle or papad, all served with love and attention to detail." says Rujuta in her audiobook on Audible. She also states that to have a more authentic celebration "Bring out your traditional silver thali's or kansa (metal plates) and have a leisurely sit down dinner with conversations. Indulge your guests with time and attention rather than an overwhelming variety of dishes, breaking the monotony of heavy and multi-course Diwali meals with a touch of simple sophistication."

Do 5 Rounds of Surya Namaskar instead of Gym:

While the festivity might make us feel laid back, Rujuta in her audiobook on Audible states "Keep up with your regular exercise routine but bring it down a notch if staying awake late. Five rounds of Surya Namaskar will save on travel time to the gym, cost less, leave you feeling fresh and help smoothen the digestive processes after bouts of overeating. She further adds "Essentially it's not the body but the entire lifestyle that needs to be prepared in the run up to Diwali and even post that. Fitness is a compounding effect of small steps taken in the direction of health and harmony every single day."

Don't Mistake Mithai as the Villain:

The alternative to the fear of mithais is learning about their goodness and educating oneself about the basics. "Ghee, one of the biggest components of most Mithai, helps keep the intestines in good shape and ready to take on the load of overeating during Diwali. It is an essential fat and helps assimilate fat soluble vitamins like A D E, and K while protecting bones, skin and immune function as the season changes. Sugar or jaggery is therapeutic when mixed with nuts, Ghee, Basin, Atta or gond (Edible Gum from the sap of the Acacia tree) or suji all of which are nutrient dense and delicious." Having said all this, Rujuta urges "Avoid packaged sweets as they are often the low grade variety picked up by someone with their bottom line in mind and not keeping your waistline or taste preferences in check. Have homemade sweets." She adds "A homemade Mithai eaten once a day over three to four days of the Diwali week won't land you in trouble. The actual game changer in blood sugar regulation is really the last night eating so keep a lid on that instead."

Dry Fruit is Your Best Friends:

While we all agree that dry fruits are good for our health, Rujuta in her audiobook mentions "Dry Fruits are great when eaten the way they are meant to be - First thing in the morning as a snack or turned into a Mithai. Nuts and dry fruits are an amazing source of amino acids, minerals and phytonutrients. It is a myth that cashew nuts are full of cholesterol. It has zero cholesterol and actually helps regulate it."



(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
Lh/tb

Mumbai, Oct 19 (IANS) Jyothi Yarraji, who trains at the Odisha Reliance Foundation High Performance Centre, dipped under the 13-second mark in her 110m hurdles at the 61st National Open Athletics Championships in Bengaluru, becoming the first Indian woman hurdler to do so.

With her timing of 12.82 seconds, she winds up a successful year and breaking her own national record set earlier in the year. 2022 has been a record breaking year for Jyothi, as she has broken it thrice before, but due to wind levels being higher than permissible it was not registered.

Nita Ambani, Founder Chairperson, of Reliance Foundation said, "Heartiest congratulations to Jyothi Yarraji on becoming the first Indian woman to complete 100m hurdles under 13 seconds! Jyothi has been a part of our Reliance Foundation (RF) family at the Odisha High-Performance Centre, and it has been a joy to see her rise as an athlete. With her talent, hard work, and many milestone achievements, she continues to be an inspiration for all aspiring young athletes!

"Our girls have always made the country proud at the highest levels, and I'm sure this is just the beginning of Jyothi's journey. My compliments also to our 19 RF athletes who participated in the 36th National Games and bagged 11 medals, including 6 Golds. We remain committed to supporting Indian athletes with world class access, training, and infrastructure."

In 2022, alone, Jyothi has improved her timing by around 1 second and her coach, James Hillier, Athletics director, Reliance Foundation Athletics Programme, believes that there is more to come from her in 2023 as Jyothi aspires to compete in more international tournaments.

Reliance Foundation athletes continue to prove their mettle and in the National Games, 19 RF athletes participated in 6 Sport disciplines which include, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Table Tennis & Weightlifting and bagged medals in all of them.


--IANS
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By Puja Gupta
New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANSlife) The Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI on its Day 4 presented a perfect amalgamation of traditional wedding wear and contemporary styles. Labels like Gaurang, known for its ‘desi drapes rooted in Indian culture to modern design champions like Payal Singhal and Anushree Reddy, along with others, showcased their latest collection keeping in mind the Indian bride at the fashion extravanganza.



Gaurang Shah unveiled his collection 'Sindoor' inspired by the collection colours of the Earth, sky and fire. He launched 40 handwoven creations in a myriad combinations of vermillion, which moved from ochre to crimson and then onto ruby and burgundy.

Gaurang used silk weaves like Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Banarasi brocades along with Kota, Uppada, Khadi and muslin. The outfits were embellished with Gara designs, Kasuti, Aari, Chikan and Kutch embroidery. He also used Bandhani, Shibori, patachitra, kalamkari and cheriyal paintings.

Actress Aditi Rao Hydari walked for him wearing a glittering, gold, brocade lehenga and matching choli accessorised with a vermillion, sheer dupatta splashed with delicate, floral embroidery.

Anushree Reddy's "Mystic Fantasy" collection, inspired by the tales of royal travel, garments, is for the modern-day brides.

It consisted of voluminous silhouettes like embroidered lehengas with embellished cholis and dupattas brought glitz and glamour on the stage. She used silks and tulle to form most of the collection. The colour palate was a mix of pastels, soft peaches, pink and ivory with a little blend of yellow and lavender.

For grooms, she presented embellished sherwani/churidar sets with shawls, embroidered bundgala jackets, intricately embroidered bundies and stately kurtas.

Tennis star Sania Mirza closed the show wearing a white lehenga, choli and tulle dupatta with tonal 'latkans' cascading down the side.

The 'SVA' collection by Sonam and Paras Modi combined nature with a holiday when they stayed at the Nadesar Palace in Varanasi. The regal heritage location with its gushing fountains and colourful dancing peacocks inspired the pair to fuse visuals onto their ensembles.

Vibrant prints for the predominantly western fusion silhouettes formed the collection. Colours ranged from lush green, mint, midnight blue, off-white and rose gold pink.

The designers opted for Lucknowi embroidery and intricate appliqué work, which gave each garment a unique visual appeal to the capes, twin sets, separates with some mix and match options, as well as saris. The men's wear collection offered a wide selection of knee length embroidered coats, kurtas, printed co-ord sets topped with sharply cut two-button jackets, bundies teamed with matching kurta/shirts and slim trousers, buttonless bundgala jackets and soft trench coat with shoulder epaulets.

Actor Kunal Kapoor was the showstopper who wore a trio in multi-coloured, vertical, broad stripes, comprising a mandarin collar shirt and fitted trousers, topped with an unstructured, wide-lapelled, trench coat with stylish epaulets.

Payal Singhal launched the "Painterly" collection which was a mix of resort wear and destination wedding-ready outfits. She took inspirations from colourful abstract art and Mughal miniature paintings to present them as her signature 'PS Prints'.

The collection especially curated for the Gen Z brides for their holiday wedding trousseau, included silhouettes that were anti-fit and oversized.

It featured kalidar shararas, tie-back cholis, along with 'deconstructed Indian wear'- pants with tie-up half lehengas, ruffled blouses, hip cut-outs and festive pant suits. The embroideries and prints mimic brush strokes, with a palette that uses largely neutral bases punctuated with pops of colour. Zardozi, mukaish and woollen thread work mingle with bandhani textures in this line.

For the male customers, Payal designed colourful, soft, short jackets with cuffed pants, unstructured jackets with matching trousers, a bomber jacket teamed with a kurta set, kurta shirts, an ornate bundie worn with shimmering kurta/churidar set and some simple traditional kurtas

Mouni Roy closed the show in a stunning off-white georgette zardozi applique embroidered choli and lehenga with mukaish organza dupatta with rose pink tulle veil.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
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By Puja Gupta
New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANSlife) Designer duo Pankaj and Nidhis latest collection is called 'Solaris'. It is a Latin word which translates to ‘pertaining to the sun. They associate the sun with qualities such as vibrancy and eternal energy which gives life to the entire universe.


"Embodying the same vibe, our collection is centered around the idea of high energy, bright colours and glow as a symbol of resurgence for new beginnings," said Pankaj. The collection was launched at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI on Day 4. They collaborated with Lakmé 9To5 Vitamin C+ skincare range which inspired the colours palette of the collection that ranged from oranges, plum, emeralds, ambers, yellows, horizon pinks, purples, dusky teals and greens.

Models wearing blazer dresses, pantsuits, embellished jackets showcased the collection. The designers introduced Japanese kimono graphics, combined with Indian elements in some outfits. There were of 3D geometric prints, appliques in different patterns used.

Actress Ananya Panday walked the ramp as showstopper wearing a monotone orange blazer dress with applique work.

The duo started their career in fashion in the year 2006 by launching their label, gaining recognition, laurels and several awards along the journey. "Our journey has been super exciting. We seem to have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Our brand keeps evolving with time, but the signature remains. We are grateful for our teams and our loyal customers that have supported us throughout this time. It's a great feeling to be here," Pankaj shared.

Even though the power couple thinks that there is no substitute for hard work and one should keep doing and giving their best, they also emphasis on the importance of balancing personal and professional lives. He said, "After the pandemic, we also realized that hard work isn't everything, family and love also holds equal weight; and one needs to spend time with loved ones."

Asked about their next project, Pankaj revealed, "We are always at the peak of our creative high when we are in the midst of designing a collection, so it is actually a great time for ideas to erupt and carve the vision for the next season. It is still too early to say, but there are already ideas up our sleeve about what we want to create next.

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

--IANS
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