5 Reasons to Visit the Island of Lanai in 2016

Major Resorts Reopen, New Dining and Activities Welcome Visitors


It's no overstatement to say that tourism to the island of Lanai has dropped to a trickle since the two Four Seasons Resorts were closed in June 2015, one for renovation and one to house the workers.
The good news is that as of February 1, 2016, the newly renamed Four Seasons Resort Lanai will reopen for business after a multi-million dollar transformation and tourists can once again experience all that the island of Lanai and the resort have to offer for 2016 and beyond.
It is also anticipated that the Lodge at Koele will reopen later in 2016 and once again welcome visitors to that resort which is within walking distance of Lanai City.
The entire island and its resident population are excited to once again show visitors not only their great resorts, but also the island's 12-room quaint hotel, old and brand new activities, and numerous restaurant choices.
Let's begin by taking a look at the first reason you'll want to visit Lanai in 2016, the changes you'll find at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai (formerly known as the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay.)

Reason 1 - The Four Seasons Resort Lanai Reopens


The Four Seasons Resort Lanai's extensive renovation includes a redesign of all 217 guest rooms including 51 suites; newly refurbished lobbies and seating areas; a renovated spa, new retail boutiques featuring Missoni, Jimmy Choo and the Lanai Collection; and the addition of a new luxury transfer fleet to transport guests to and from the airport, the Lodge, Lanai City and island activity centers.
As explained by the Resort, "Guest room improvements include walls of teak and zebra wood edging artisan-produced Nepalese lokta paper, and floors of mahogany laid with wool hand-woven area rugs.
Fully integrated and intuitive lighting, temperature, service and privacy controls offer a highly responsive in-room technology experience that presents a 75-inch, platinum bezel LED television panel for unparalleled in-room entertainment along with wearable key wristbands to allow maximum flexibility during activities on island; BluRay players; in-room iPad Airs; and a mobile app connecting guests to a variety of information and services including complimentary access to more than 3,000 newspapers."

Reason 2 - The Water: Pools and Ocean


A new lagoon-style, free-form central pool features a cascading waterfall and two spas. Set apart is the adults-only Retreat, whose waterfalls and lava rock grottos echo Lanai’s dramatic cliffs and offer stunning views of Hulopoe Bay.
Hulopoe Bay is a marine sanctuary and one of Hawaii's top swimming beaches. In the ocean you'll find a seemingly endless variety of tropical fish as well as the island's own pod of resident dolphins.
In winter you'll see humpback whales tending their young in the waters of Maui Nui.

Reason 3 - The Golf


The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Manele Golf Course is one of the top rated courses in Hawaii with stunning ocean views. The course will be accepting daily tee times in 2016 now that the Resort is reopening.
Golfers will enjoy exploring an all new Pro Shop or having a bite to eat at the course'sVIEWS at Manele Golf which offers cliff side dining and panoramic ocean views.

Reason 4 - The Dining


Excellent dining experiences will be available at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai including their award-winning Japanese restaurant, Nobu Lanai; their Italian dining experienceKailani and ONE FORTY American Steak, Hawaiian Seafood.

Apart, however, from these fine resort restaurants, the island of Lanai offers residents and visitors alike a variety of restaurants to satisfy the biggest appetites. Most are located within Lanai City to which transportation is available directly from the resort.

Find out more in our feature Lanai’s Restaurants Offer Visitors a Taste of Local Flavors.

Reason 5 - Island Activities

With the reopening of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai their popular horseback riding and ATV tours (featuring new Polaris RZRs) will resume.

Archery and skeet are likely to resume later in 2016 following permitting. The Koele Golf Course is currently under renovation and should reopen later in 2016.
Aside from these and other resort activities the island offers numerous other activities.
Adventurous guests can choose from multiple hiking trails across Lanai or rent a 4x4 vehicle and explore the Garden of the Gods or Shipwreck Beach.
Island guests can take a sail with Trilogy Excursions from Manele Bay or hop on a bike with Lanai Cycles for a guided 3-hour downhill trek. We detail these and other activities in our feature The Island of Lanai is Open for Business and Waiting for You.

Taken as a Whole

As you can see, the businesses and residents of the island of Lanai are looking forward to an exciting 2016 and are eager to welcome you.

Flights to Lanai are handled by two airlines - Island Air and Ohana by Hawaiian (a subsidiary of Hawaiian Airlines.) You can compare prices and view flight schedules with Hipmunk.com.
In addition Expeditions Lanai Ferry operates five daily roundtrip trips from Lahaina, Maui for just $30 each way ($20 for children.)

In addition to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the 11-room Hotel Lanai remains open for business. Set in a restored 1923 plantation home built for Dole pineapple executives, this charming hotel is less than a block from the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center and 7.7 miles from Hulopoe Beach Park.

Finally, as we mentioned, the extraordinary Lodge at Koele should reopen later in 2016.


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Reasons to Visit Toronto in 2016

There are always a lot of good reasons to come to Toronto, be it for our myriad of diverse attractions, burgeoning culinary scene or unique neighbourhoods, but 2016 is giving visitors even more reason to book a trip. Here are five reasons to visit (or just get excited about) Toronto now.
1. The CN Tower is celebrating a milestone birthday

 Toronto’s iconic landmark will be celebrating its Ruby anniversary this year.

 On June 26 the CN Tower turns 40 and even though there have been no announcements yet, there are likely to be at least a few celebratory events happening on or leading up to the 26 to honour the tower’s four decades of helping Toronto’s skyline stand out. Each year, over 1.5 million people visit the CN Tower to experience it’s many attractions including the world’s first glass floor and EdgeWalk, the world’s highest external walk on a building.

 2. The 2016 NBA All-Star Game is coming to Toronto

 From February 12 to 14 some of the biggest stars in the NBA will be coming to Toronto for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game and its associated parties and events. This is the first time the annual all-star sporting event will be held in Toronto and it’s sure to make the city a must-visit destination, which it usually isn’t in the dead of winter. The 65th annual All-Star Game doesn’t yet have an official roster of players, but we should find out just which NBA heavy hitters will be coming to Toronto when voting concludes on January 18.

 3. So is the World Cup of Hockey
If having the All-Star Game in our fair city wasn’t enough, Toronto is also getting the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

 So if basketball doesn’t get you excited but hockey does, you’re in luck. For two weeks, from September 17 to October 1, you can see some of the best players in the world go head to head. All games will be played at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre using NHL rules and officiated by NHL officials. It’s expected that more than 150 of the best players in the NHL will be hitting the ice for tournament.

 The eight teams include Team Canada, Team Sweden, Team Russia, Team USA, Team Europe, Team Czech Republic, Team Finland and Team North America.

 We’re getting some much-loved new retailers

 Toronto is already a great shopping destination but things are getting more exciting on the retail front in 2016 with the introduction of some very big name retailers making their debuts. This includes Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Saks will be opening a huge 163,000-square-foot space inside the existing Queen Street Bay flagship at Toronto’s Eaton Centre on February 18. A second Saks will open at Sherway Gardens Mall on February 25. Nordstrom is making its way to Yorkdale Mall and the Eaton Centre in the fall of 2016.

 Luminato is getting bigger and better and bringing art to the Port Lands
Luminato is one of the best things to happen to Toronto in terms of highlighting and promoting art and culture and breathing new life into the city’s art scene. And it’s about to do even more for Toronto. 2016 will be the year that Luminato guides Toronto’s eye to the Port Lands with big pans to completely overhaul the Hearn Generating Station. The derelict space was used for Luminato last year for Unsound, a two day event showcasing electronic and experimental music from around the world. For the 10th anniversary of Luminato, the majority of the fest will be moved to Hearn Generating Station, which will be transformed into a massive event space featuring various performance areas, bars, restaurants and more.

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Why This May Be the Best Time to Visit Brazil

Brazil is going through a crisis these days. Government corruption scandal and a tanking economy are two of the country's biggest problems, and the effects have been widespread for those who live there. The real, Brazil's currency, is also losing value swiftly; recently it was valued at more than 4 reais to the U.S. dollar, its lowest value since the currency was introduced in 1994. While this is bad news for Brazil, there are a few reasons that this is a very good time to visit.
1.  Airfares

In recent years, Brazilians were earning more money and traveling more. Friends reported that while visiting New York, Los Angeles, and Italy, it didn't take long to hear Brazilian Portuguese in the crowds of tourists. However, Brazil's economic problems mean that it's much more expensive for Brazilians to travel abroad, and economic instability and insecurity about the future mean that many of them will choose to keep their money than spend it. As fewer Brazilians are traveling now, airfares to Brazil have come way down.

A round-trip ticket from the west coast of the U.S. to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro used to cost around $1500 per person, often more in high season. Now tickets to Brazil can be found for about a third of that price. A search on Skyscanner today shows round-trip airfare from San Francisco to São Paulo for $630 per person in January-February 2016. From San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro is $577, and the deals continue to show up through the summer months of 2016.

2.  Cost of traveling in Brazil

Because the Brazilian currency has lost so much value this year, your money will go farther in Brazil than in past years. This is a big contrast to what travelers experienced in Brazil over the past decade. In fact, until now, Brazil has been known as an expensive country to travel in. After evidence indicated that São Paulo and Rio were the most expensive cities in the western hemisphere, Seth Kugel gave frugal travel tips for Brazil. According to Boris Schlossberg, managing director of FX strategy at BK Asset Management, in the CNBC article "This currency's collapse is astounding," that in recent years, a steak dinner in São Paulo was more expensive than a similar meal in New York City.

Now Brazil's economic downturn means that prices will be lower for travelers. Due to inflation, prices are not rock bottom, but they are definitely more affordable for travelers. What used to be an expensive hotel in São Paulo may now be reasonable. A good meal in Brazil's most expensive cities is now finally affordable. This is good news for travelers because in past years, the cost of a good lunch in São Paulo, for example, could easily top $50 per person. Brazil is still not a cheap country to travel in, but it is much less expensive than it was even one year ago.
3.  Benefits for Travelers, Benefits for Brazil

As the host country of the 2014 World Cup and the upcoming host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazil has been makes significant improvements in things like public transportation, infrastructure, and environmental clean up. Despite the country's ongoing challenges, travelers benefit from the ways in which Brazil has been growing and improving as it has prepared to be the host nation for these two important events.


During this difficult time for Brazilians, added spending through tourism is certainly welcome. Increased spending by tourists in restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, cafes, markets, and so on will benefit Brazil. Travelers should be aware, though, that Brazil has crime and other problems, so you'll need to take precautions to keep your travels in Brazil as safe as possible.

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10 Best Indian Dessert Recipes

By and large Indian desserts use sugar, milk and khoya as the staple ingredients. There is no denying the fact, that desserts give a befitting end to any meal! Especially Indian desserts, ranging from Galub Jamuns to Payasam to Kulfi, we bring to you the most loved Indian desserts.

Not only are desserts part of our staple fare, but they are also offered in our places of worship. Be it the khada prasad at Gurudwaras or the boondi ladoos served at temples, desserts form an integral part of our sacred offerings.

From nostalgic favorites to modern avatars, here are our 10 best Indian dessert recipes which we think are a must try!



 Gulab Jamun
Recipe by Aditya Bal

The good old delight made with khoya, fried golden and finally dipped in saffron induced sugar syrup. Also a festive favorite!

Gajar Ka Halwa
Recipe by Akhtar Rehman

Warm your winter with this recipe that is sure to delight even the pickiest of dessert eaters! Halwa made Pakistani style with grated carrot, condensed milk, nuts and golden varq.



Sandesh
Recipe by Niru Gupta

A melt-in-the-mouth dessert! Bengal's super hit sweet, made with cottage cheese, cardamom and saffron. One of the easiest way to please the sweet tooth!



Modak
Recipe by Shilpa More

Sweet flour dumplings stuffed with coconut, jaggery, nutmeg and saffron. Steamed to perfection. A famous Indian dessert prepared during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.



 Aam Shrikhand
Recipe by Karan Suri

A Gujarati favorite made with hung curd. Few ingredients, great flavors! In this recipe mildly sweetened yogurt is studded with mango pieces and served with a zesty mango salad.


Payasam
Recipe by Kishore D Reddy

The South Indian version of kheer is known as payasam. Deliciously creamy, rice and milk pudding with cashews and raisins.




Kaju ki Barfi
Recipe by Niru Gupta

This one's a childhood favorite with many! Barfi made with cashew nuts and milk, topped with silver varq. Usually exchanged as a sweet gift on special occasions.



Shahi Tukda
Recipe by Marut Sikka

The earliest visitors to India called it the land of milk and honey. Marut Sikka whips up a rich, saffron infused shahi tudka from Awadh. The recipe of Shahi Tukda is believed to have been invented out of a way to use up unused bread in the nineteenth century Mogul cuisines.

Phirni
Recipe by Vicky Ratnani

Another variety of a milk pudding prepared during festive occasions especially Eid and Ramzan. Best served in 'mitti ke kasore' or mud pots.


Kulfi
Recipe by Niru Gupta

A popular frozen dessert that is sinfully rich, dense and creamy. A twist to the traditional recipe, this one is flavored with with mango.
#Source NDTV.

Winter is Coming! Expert Advice on How to Fight Dry Skin

As the weather gets nippy there is one thing that most of us start dreading about. Chapped lips and dry, flaky skin are a few things most of us hate about winters. Our skin is stripped off moisture and requires additional care. This would not only including treating your skin right during winters but right from the pre-winter season.

According to a renowned beauty expert, Suparna Trikha,  you should be mindful of certain things to ensure healthy, well-hydrated, glowing skin. According to her, hot water baths - though comforting - do more damage to your skin, make sure you moisturize well after taking bath. Go easy on bleaching your skin, it strips your skin off essential oils and moisture. Just because the sun is not that strong during winters, does not mean that you can bask in sun for hours altogether, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is till important.

Another Delhi based beauty expert Bharti Taneja also shared some pre-winter beauty tips for making your skin look and feel soft.

Opt for creamy products: Pack away those gel-based face washes, creams as well as make-up products and opt for creamy ones. Cream-based products are generally oil-based and hence form a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture during chilly days. These creams deeply moisturise the skin while nourishing it from within.Use sunscreen: Most of us restrict the usage of sunscreens only for summer to protect the skin from tanning and stop using it as soon as the autumn arrives. But not many know that pre-winter sun too can be harmful for the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to apply broad spectrum sunscreen with UV and PA+++ protection in winter on your face and other exposed parts of body. For better protection, make sure you apply the sun protection cream 30 minutes before stepping out of the house.

(Natural Ways to Treat Blackheads and Open Pores)Oil the body: The importance of oiling your body becomes inevitable as the autumn breeze may rob it of its natural moisture as soon as the fall season starts. A 10-minute oiling session before your bath would suffice for the nourishment needs of the skin. So, just catch hold of any baby or olive oil bottle and get started! Performing this on regular basis is sure to keep your skin soft, supple and smooth throughout the winter season.Condition: To keep the lustre of the hair intact, it is good to use a conditioner which has silicone to lock down the outer circle layer and seal in the moisture. You may also try a homemade avocado mask which is perfect for dry and rough hair. For this, mash the flesh of avocado with fork and add extra virgin olive oil to make a mixture. Apply this smooth mixture and wash it off after 30 minutes. This nourishing mask is enriched with essential vitamins, minerals and softening agents for your hair to fight pre-winter harshness with ease.Hydrate: Boost your beauty regimen by drinking lots of water irrespective of the season. It helps your skin stay young and hydrated by flushing out all the toxins of your body. If you are not very happy with the idea of gulping down the cold water, make sure to drink lots of warm or lukewarm water during the day.

(Skin Care Tips for Beauty: In Your 20's​)

Aakriti Mehra, a Delhi based dermatologist further shared skin care tips for the coming winter season.

- It is important to avoid long hot baths, soap should be used sparingly and scrubs should be completely avoided during this season.

- Limit the bath to under 10 minutes, and ensure lukewarm water.

- Substitute soap with moisturizing cleansers or bars, it would not cause damage or dryness to the skin.

- In case of really dry skin, use soap free cleansers for further care.

#Source NDTV

In India, Remote Villages Hold Fast To Food Traditions

The northeastern Indian region of Meghalaya is rich in native food traditions. Sandwiched between Bangladesh and Bhutan, and with Myanmar to its east, Meghalaya is a lush, hilly area of forests and lakes, with high rainfall, spectacular waterfalls and "living" bridges woven from trees that attract local tourism. Yet many of its villages are remote, with few main roads or other means of access.Their inaccessibility has helped preserve many traditional food customs, from rice growing to beekeeping.Keeping the traditional ways"Our region has been proud to host this year's Indigenous Terra Madre," said Phrang Roy, chairman of the North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS).

The event brought 600 members of international indigenous food-making communities together in the city of Shillong for a five-day meeting. "It offered us a chance to showcase the many foods and traditions of the indigenous Khasi communities that are still well-preserved in Meghalaya and its neighboring region, Nagaland."During the conference, the delegates were invited to visit some of the villages to experience these customs firsthand.In Mosakhia, a village of 94 households in the Jaintia Hills so small it's not on Google maps, a large crowd gathered to greet the visitors. They re-enacted Beh Dienkhlam, a colorful food festival that is usually held in July. During the festival, two life-size oxen effigies are raised on a large wooden platform and carried in increasingly rapid circles as the population rushes behind them, singing and dancing to the accompaniment of loud drumbeats."Its purpose is to drive away epidemics during the rainy growing season," explained H.H. Morhmen, a NESFAS director in that area. "With their brooms the villagers sweep the evil spirits away."A native variety of nutritious brown rice, rymbai, is grown in the small rice terraces around Mosakhia that the villagers harvest in November, the women cutting it and the men threshing it by hand.An ancient method of beekeepingBeekeeper Shahjop Khongiong demonstrated his unusual hives. Made of hollowed-out sections of tree trunks (of dieng maleng or dieng shyrngang wood), the hives are positioned in the surrounding forests and in natural rock crevices. They attract local varieties of yellow or black bees.Khongiong, a cheerful, sprightly 50-something, has been a beekeeper for 37 years but never uses any protection when working with his bee families. He pulled a large chunk of honeycomb from one of the hives barehanded, simply blowing the bees that were on it gently away. The honey was exquisite: With the delicate floral notes of a citrus honey, it maintained its depth and mineral intensity long after it was eaten.
 Only 12 people still continue this ancient method of beekeeping.Fish that's a delicacyNearby, the equally rural village of Umladkhur is reached by a dirt road through rice paddies and forests. Alma Mulat squats outside her house by a hose of clean, running water as she washes a batch of fish. When she's satisfied they're cleanly gutted, she drives a pointed bamboo stake through each fish, attaching them firmly with cane knots. She carries the fish down to the smokehouse behind her dwelling and smokes them for three to four hours using wood from the local otsyiah tree."We call these khabah in our native language," she said, pointing to chunky fish in the carp family. "My grandmother and ancestors did this smoking too, back when our rivers were clean. But 40 years ago surface coal mining began in this area, and our rivers became poisoned and the fish died. Now we buy fish from a nearby region, though the mining has recently been stopped and river life is gradually returning."Smoked fish from this and Thangbuli village are a delicacy in Meghalaya, and Mulat and other women take them to market at Jowai to supplement their families' incomes.Going to marketBack in Shillong, we visit one of India's largest and most fascinating food markets. Built in colonial times, it covers a hill in the town with steep, narrow alleys, each filled with boxed stalls of local produce vendors. They come to a pinnacle in the large, open square at the top where brightly colored foods and fabrics compete for the visitor's eye.The maket -- and the street-food vendors who surround it -- showcase the many local and native plants and grains that contribute to the diets of the people of Meghalaya.

#Source NDTV

Pecan Nuts: 10 Reasons Why They are Good for You and How to Eat Them

Come the holiday season and pecan pies are a rage. The pecan nuts with their contoured structure, crunchy texture and buttery flavour make for an interesting ingredient to include in a number of dishes, and they look pretty on the plate too. Native to America, these pricey nuts are related to the walnut and grow enclosed in a brownish-red oval shell. Now whether you say pee-can or peh-kahn, they are probably one of the most sought after nuts and can be tossed in just about anything. You can stuff them in peppers with goat cheese or toss them in a salad for some crunch. Pecans pair beautifully with caramel too, so just add a handful on top of a caramel cheesecake for a flavour-packed bite every single time. Or spruce up an ice cream with a splash of bourbon and candied pecans in the summer. You can even add a crumbly pecan topping the next time you bake a coffee cake, or add it to a batch of double chocolate chip cookies.

Nutrition in a Nutshell

According to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, pecans (19 halves, 193 calories per serving) contain more antioxidants than any other tree nut. Pecan nuts in fact rank among the top 15 foods with the highest levels of antioxidants according to the USDA. They are also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, offering some wonderful health benefits.

Health Benefits of Pecans:

1. Heart Healthy

Pecan nuts contain monounsaturated fats such as oleic acid along with phenolic antioxidants which help reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the National Pecan Shellers Association, adding a handful of pecan nuts in your diet helps decrease LDL i.e. ‘bad cholesterol’ and increase HDL i.e. ‘good cholesterol’, which in turn prevent stroke and coronary artery disease.

2. Improves Digestion

Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat says, “Since pecan nuts are fiber-packed, they promote colon health and facilitate regular bowel movements. Pecan nuts prevent constipation and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and colitis by cleaning out the gastrointestinal system.”

3. Helps with Weight Loss

Consuming nuts enhances satiety and increases metabolism, research has indicated that a diet comprising pecan nuts helps in losing weight. The nuts are also very rich sources of several important B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates which together help increase the rate of metabolism.

4. Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancer

Pecan nuts protect the human body from cancer due to the anti-proliferative properties of ellagic acid which inhibit DNA binding of certain carcinogens such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. They contain oleic acid, a fatty acid which has been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Pecan nuts also reduce the risk of colon cancer since they help clean the gastrointestinal system.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Pecans are rich in magnesium which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have proved that increased magnesium intake reduces inflammatory indicators in the body, and also reduces inflammation in the arterial walls, thus reducing the risk of arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and other inflammatory ailments.

6. Boosts Immunity

Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Healing Touch Hospital, says “Adequate intake of manganese is vital for nerve conduction and brain function, and pecans are a rich source of manganese which is a powerful antioxidant. This trace mineral protects your nerve cells from free-radical damage, thus boosting immunity and protecting the body from diseases, infections, etc.”

Skin Benefits and Hair Benefits of Pecans:

Pecan nuts are an excellent source of vitamin-E, vitamin-A, zinc, folate and phosphorous which play an important role in maintaining good skin. Here are the skin benefits pecan nuts have to offer.

7. Prevents Skin Problems

The toxins inside your body cause breakouts, dullness and excess oil. Pecans are packed with fiber and aid in eliminating these toxins and waste from the body, thereby improving the appearance of your skin. Pecan nuts also contain vitamin A and zinc which help achieve a clear complexion and protect against skin infections.

8. Anti-aging Benefits

Pecan nuts contain numerous antioxidants including ellagic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E which fight and eliminate the free radicals responsible for causing premature skin aging. Thus, pecans can prevent the occurrence of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

9. Stimulates Hair Growth

Pecans are an excellent source of L-arginine, an amino acid which, when applied topically helps treat male pattern baldness as well as encourage the growth of healthy hair. L-arginine helps increase flexibility of the artery walls and makes them less prone to blood clots. This in turn increases the rate of blood flow throughout the body and to the hair roots which is vital for healthy hair growth and scalp.

10. Prevents Hair Loss

Lack of iron in the body leads to anemia which is one of the common causes of hair loss. But pecans are a good source of iron and hence, combat hair loss.

Candied Pecans
We’ve got 1 word for you- addictive. Candied pecans make for a delicious snack and can also be sprinkled over desserts, particularly sundaes and ice creams. Umm, yum!

Ingredients:
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 egg white
1 tsp water
2 cup pecan halves

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl.
3. Whisk egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. Toss pecans in the egg white mixture. Then mix sugar mixture into pecan mixture until pecans are evenly coated. Spread coated pecans onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake, but note: Stir every 15 minutes while baking, until the pecans are evenly browned. It could take upto an hour.

Pecan Pie
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta

This pecan pie recipe features maple syrup and brown sugar, and is sure to draw recipe requests all year round. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter-tightly packed
1/4 cup brown sugar-tightly packed
1/3 cup castor or powdered sugar
3 eggs-slightly beaten
3 Tbsp maple syrup
6 Tbsp milk
120 gm pecans-cut small, saving a few whole for decoration
1 tsp Vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1 unbaked shell of short crust pastry of 7

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Blend brown sugar and butter and melt in a pan placed over a pan of hot water.
3. Add castor sugar, eggs, maple syrup and milk. Mix well and cook till thickened a bit (all over hot water).
4. Remove from heat and mix in pecans, vanilla and salt.
5. Pour mixture into the unbaked shell and bake for an hour in a pre-heated oven.

#Source NDTV

Benefits of Multani Mitti for Face and Hair: A Well-Rounded Beauty Regime

As a child I was always intrigued by television ads endorsing beauty products. So much so that I would go up to my father and insist that he gets me those gels and creams which my mother would vehemently brush aside. My mother has been a religious believer of natural ingredients. "Your beauty kit is inside here, here in the kitchen," she would say. I now recollect her saving bits and pieces of tomatoes, cucumber, some lemon juice and use them on her skin. Other than those, there were other herbal ingredients that I could find in her inexpensive, humble vanity box, such as masonry dal powder, besan (gram flour) and sandalwood powder. I didn't realise the power of natural ingredients then, but only now I can see through the commercial facade of beauty industry. Almost all beauty and cosmetic products claim to have natural extracts in their products. If natural is the way to go, why not embrace it in its rawest form? One of the ingredients that still exists in my mother's beauty kit till today is multani mitti. She would simply mix it with rose water, milk and even glycerin and apply it on her face. According to her, there is no better cure for most skin related issues than multani mitti. After trying almost every cosmetic cream on my adamant acne-proned skin, I resorted to applying multani mitti on my face, and it worked like magic!

Also known as fuller's earth, multani mitti has been used to get rid of skin issues and achieve radiant, blemish-free skin since ages in India. It is one of those age-old tips that has been handed over generations. Multani mitti is a great agent to clean, exfoliate and nourish your skin. It has active elements that effectively absorb oil, dirt, sweat and impurities, leaving the skin clean, soft and supple. One of the best things about the ingredient is that you can use it with a host of other ingredients to suit your skin type and achieve desirable results. Our skin experts have shared different ways in which you can make use of fuller's earth and make it an active part of your beauty regime, but before that, here are 10 reasons why you should get some:
Benefits of Multani Mitti

1. Fights acne and pimples2. Removes excess sebum and oil3. Deep cleanses skin removing dirt, sweat and impurities4. Evens out skin tone and brightens complexion5. Treats tanning and pigmentation6. Effective in treating sunburn, skin rashes and infections (multani mitti is an effective cooling agent)7. Can be used in cold compresses to treat skin inflammation and insect bites8. Facilitates blood circulation, leading to radiant, glowing skin9. Fights and helps in keeping away blackheads/whiteheads, blemishes, freckles, pimple/acne spots10. Has antiseptic properties Experts Tips: How to Use Multani MittiFor oily skin:Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based skin care expert, recommends multani mitti pack for oily skin. Mix equal quantities of orange peel powder and multani mitti, blend the two together with the help of rosewater, apply on your face, let it dry and wash off. According to Dr. Bharadwaj, using the pack twice a month will help keep excess oil off your face and acne/pimple breakouts in control.

For Dark Circles: Beauty expert Suparna Trikha vouches for fuller's earth's efficacy in treating dark circles. To get rid of dark circles, simply take half a potato and grate it. Mix it with lemon juice, one teaspoon fresh cream and multani mitti. Use this paste on your eyes and leave for twenty minutes. Wash off and see a remarkable difference in your dark circles.Scrub & Exfoliate! If you want to exfoliate your skin, there's nothing better than teaming orange peel, sandalwood powder and multani mitti. You can even add gram flour and basil to the paste and use it for deep cleaning your skin.
Deep Exfoliating Face MaskThis good-for-all-skin-types face mask helps in removing dead skin and dirt off your face. All you need is one tablespoon of lime juice, brown sugar and sabudana and one teaspoon of multani mitti.Directions: Mix sabudana and lime juice and add in a pan, and let it thicken over a low flame. Keep stirring, then take off the gas and let it cool. Now, add sugar and multani mitti, mix well. Massage on your face avoiding eye area and leave it for 10 minutes.

Take a soft towel or washcloth, dampen it in tepid water and clean your face. Finish by washing your face with cool water and applying a moisturizer. You can even use this as a body scrub.

Beyond Beautiful Skin: You can use multani mitti even to apply it on your hair for shiny, healthy locks. Take three tablespoons of multani mitti and mix it with an egg. To this, add amla juice, lemon juice and one tablespoon of beer, mix well. Apply on your hair, leave for about 20 minutes and shampoo.
Tip: Always store fuller's earth away from extreme temperature and moisture, stored in an air-tight container

#Source NDTV


New Year Resolutions: A 4 Step Guide to Help You Achieve Yours

There is something about New Year and resolutions. Everyone makes them. And unfortunately, more often than not, everyone breaks them. But come next December and we're back to square one. Perhaps it has something to do with the perpetual need of human beings to hope. Without hope, we have nothing. We may know at the back of our mind that it is impossible to lose all our extra flab and get fit and fabulous in 10 days but we still resolve to do that.

We looked at some interesting data worldwide and realized that this is a phenomenon that crosses borders. A research done in America threw up some statistics that could very well have been representative of urban India too.


Rank Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2015
1          Lose Weight
2          Getting Organized
3          Spend Less, Save More
4          Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5          Staying Fit and Healthy
6          Learn Something Exciting
7          Quit Smoking
8          Help Others in Their Dreams
9          Fall in Love
10           Spend More Time with Family


Getting fit, losing weight and spending more time with loved ones seems to be something we aim to do each year, before we get pulled into the whirlwind of our daily routine. Not surprisingly, the number of people who actually achieved their resolutions was only 8% whereas 24% are never able to successfully achieve what they resolved to on 1st January. (Source: University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology). Everyone seems to want to live a healthier life. Be fitter and stronger. Yet, the toil required for the end result doesn't have many takers. A short term fad diet or a couple of Surya Namaskars are not going to help you achieve your health goals. It takes more than that. It is a mind-set change, a complete overhaul of the way you think and your habits.Regardless of what your resolutions are, here are some tips which may help ensure you achieve them, and not give up mid-way:
 1. Keep them simpleOf course if you wish for world peace, it is not going to happen overnight. Neither is a resolution to change your entire lifestyle overnight. Keep your resolutions simple. Don't create a bucket list of resolutions, just decide on one or two.
 2. Keep them achievableLosing 10kg in 2 weeks may sound like a great idea but it is impractical, unachievable and just pure unhealthy. Keep your resolutions such that you know how to achieve them. Small steps are required to head off on a life-changing journey.


3. Make them easy to measureA tangible resolution will be easier to follow. Something vague like "I want to be happy this year" is not a good idea as you may not know what is your achievement percentage and thus will lead to discontentment. Give yourself a target. A target weight, a target clothes size, or something like I want to spend one hour with my child every evening without any distractions. These are tangible goals.


4. Break it downThe resolution may seem daunting by itself but if you break it down, it suddenly will seem easier to achieve. Write down what steps you need to take daily or weekly to achieve this. Tick off the steps as you progress as a form of self-motivation.  Whatever be your New Year Resolution, if you follow these steps and exercise your will power, there are great chances that you will achieve it. If not, well, there's always next year.

#Source NDTV

‘I am the brand’

With the slogan “I am the brand”, pharmaceutical company Eskayef organised its annual conference with thousands of its employees on 21 December.
The organisation heads promised to take the organisation’s success a step ahead in the years to come saying that each of its employees is the brand ambassador of the Eskayef, also known as SK+F.
The annual conference was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka.
The chairman and CEO of Transcom Group, Latifur Rahman, said, “No business organisation can sustain without commercial success. It was not an easy way for Eskayef to get there. Eskayef exercised honesty, ethics and morality since it started its journey.  We believe if we can satisfy our customers with the quality of our products, commercial success is a must.”
He announced name of the employees who got promoted this year.
While delivering an inspirational speech, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman said that most of the organisations of Transcom Group have made their marks with honesty, ethics and morality.
He added Eskayef will keep up with its success in the years to come.
Simin Hossain, the CEO of Eskayef Bangladesh, said that 2015 is a successful year for Eskayef as it bought several new products to the market this year.
The ICCB president Mahbubur Rahman said it is possible to gain commercial success with honesty and ethics. Eskayef and other organisations of Transcom are a glaring example of that.

#Source Prothom-Alo

Global brands eye Indian fashion market

ndia's burgeoning appetite for foreign brands attracted a string of international brands to establish their presence in the country this year. US apparel retailer GAP, Swedish multinational retail-clothing company H&M, British fashion brands TOPSHOP and TOPMAN and more, available at brick-and-mortar stores or online mediums, are already a hit.
The summer arrival of GAP, which has made inroads into India through a franchise agreement with textile and retail major Arvind Lifetsyle Brands Limited, was much talked about.
Spread over a 10,000 sq ft south Delhi mall, the first flagship store offers Gap for men and women, GapKids, and babyGap. The plans are big as officials hope to open about 40 stores in the next five years and Arvind Lifetsyle Brands Limited expects Rs. 1,000 crore worth of business opportunity from the venture.
"I think our clothes are perfect for Indian summer. It's very easy to wear with a whole lot of linen feel to it," Oliver Kaye, CEO - Gap Business, told IANS.
Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited also brought American youth brand Aéropostale to India, with a store at a south Delhi mall in November.
Swedish multinational retail clothing company H&M, which is known globally for offering fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way, also opened shop in the country, again at a south Delhi mall.


And then, call it the successful feedback of the first store that within a gap of a month, the brand opened its second store - its largest in the country - at another south Delhi shopping destination.
Expansion plans for the brand include another store in capital suburb Gurgaon, to be followed by outlets in Mumbai and tier-II and tier-III cities.
India is one of the most exciting markets in the world right now, with so much potential within retail, said Janne Einola, country manager, H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Private Limited.
"The response to H&M has been fabulous! We are happy that the Indian customers are pleased with our business concept of fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way.
"We see a great potential for further expansion in India, the number and time frame will be determined by real-estate opportunities and retail market development.
"Our expansion strategy is to always open at the best business location. We have proposed to invest up to euro 100 million ($110 million) in the SBRT (Single Brand Retail Trade) application," Einola told IANS.
It was not only through offline stores that many international brands made its India entry this year as many of them chose to be part of the Rs.720 crore worth Indian fashion industry through online mediums.
Handbags from French label Anna Luchini are now available in the Indian market via e-commerce platform Fashionara.com, which has also introduced watches for women from another French label, Christian Lacroix.


Jabong, a leading fashion online retailer in India, has clearly established its dominance in bringing well-curated collections of international fashion labels such as Buggati Shoes, Tom Tailor, NEXT, Misguided, TOPSHOP, TOPMAN, et al in its portfolio this year.
Nils Chrestin, Interim CEO at Jabong and Group CFO of Global Fashion Group, feels that many international brands today are seeking an online presence to explore the diverse Indian market.
"In the last two years, Jabong has facilitated a lot of deals and, as a result, has been able to successfully build an International portfolio," Chrestin told IANS.
Officials of TOPSHOP and TOPMAN had been eyeing India as a feasible market for quite some time before partnering with Jabong. They feel that the country's market demonstrates great opportunity for fashion brands and the Indian customer is very fashion-savvy.
As of now, they are happy with the response from the customers.
"TOPSHOP and TOPMAN are very new to India and after an impactful launch on Jabong in September earlier this year have continued to experience high levels of traffic as well as meeting sales targets.
"Both brands are growing at a rate of 25 percent month on month and contribute substantially to Jabong's international business portfolio. There's a huge appetite for fashion in India which is why so many brands continue to enter the market," the brands' spokesperson told IANS.
Also, six leading South Korean cosmetic companies made their debut in India this year with an array of cosmetic and wellness products. The companies signed a joint venture agreement with an Indian firm for marketing their products first and will eventually make them in India under the 'Make in India' campaign.
The companies are PLK International, Coson Company Limited, Outin Futures Corporation, BCL Cosmetics Company Limited, Kell Cosmetics Company Limited, and Esthetic House Company.

#Source Prothom-Alo
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