10 PARTY LOOKS ......

Hi Everyone,
New Year is coming soon. I know every one is planning for the party what to wear is a big question?Here are 10 looks you can try...

let me know in the comment below which look you tried..
Love,
Aaisha...
Happy holidays....

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN.....

Hi everyone ....
Itchy, dry, flaky skin can be very unpleasant. And with winter setting in, this is one common problem! Those over-the-counter products seldom work, and also leave a hole in your pocket. So what can you do to soothe that cracking skin? Try out our hand-picked home remedies that are sure to take you closer to the smooth skin you desire.

CHRISTMAS DELIGHT 7 : VERY MERRY PUNCH

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups water

1 cups packed light brown sugar

2 bottles (750-ml) hearty red wine

1 apple, sliced

1 orange, halved and sliced

1 cups pineapple chunks, fresh or canned

4 whole star anise

1/2 cups orange curaçao

Direction:

Place water and brown sugar in a Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes.

Add wine, apple, orange, pineapple, and star anise. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.

Stir in orange curaçao and cook for 5 minutes more. Discard star anise. Serve the punch in heat-safe wineglasses or coffee cups, spooning a little fruit into 

CHRISTMAS DELIGHT 6 : STUFFED MUSHROOM CAPS WITH CHEESE

Ingredients:

200 gms button mushrooms

1 medium onion diced

1/3 bell pepper diced

2 cloves garlic

Pinch of salt and pepper

1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp olive oil

Few sprigs thyme

1 leaf sage

2 Tbsp mozzarella cheese

2 Tbsp gorgonzola cheese

Vegetable stock or water to deglaze

White wine (optional)

Few garlic chives & garlic chips for garnish

Direction:

Marinate the mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, sage and salt.

While the mushrooms are marinating, sweat the diced onion, bell pepper and garlic.

Deglaze the pan with water/stock or white wine and season to taste.

Cool the mixture.

Add the mozzarella and gorgonzola to complete the filling for the mushroom stuffing.

Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture.

Top with the remaining cheeses.

Bake the mushrooms for 9 minutes at 180°C until cheese has melted.

Garnish with chives and garlic chips.

CHRISTMAS DELIGHT 5 : CHICKEN IN WHITE WINE AND GARLIC

Ingredients:

1/4 tsp black pepper

50 gm plain flour

4 Tbsp olive or sunflower oil

4 rashers lean bacon, chopped

10-12 small onions or shallots, peeled and cut in half

180 gm mushrooms, sliced

25 gm butter

500 gm boneless and skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 3cm pieces

300 ml dry white wine

300 ml chicken or vegetable stock

4 garlic cloves, peeled

2 bay leaves

2 sprigs of fresh thyme, washed or 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Direction:

Preheat the oven to 200C.

Mix the pepper with the flour and coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.

Set aside.

Heat a large frying pan on a medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of oil and when it becomes hot, tip in the bacon. Fry until it becomes brown.

Then tip in the onions and fry till they turn golden brown on the outside. Add the mushrooms and fry for 2 minutes.

Transfer the bacon, onions and mushrooms into a heatproof casserole dish with a lid.

Add the remaining oil and the butter in the frying pan and fry the chicken 5-7 minutes until it is browned on the outside. Place the chicken in the casserole with the vegetables.

Pour the wine into the frying pan and bring to the boil scraping any sediment from the bottom of the pan, then pour over the ingredients in the casserole.

Place the chicken stock, garlic, bay leaves and thyme in the fry pan and bring to the boil.

Add the stock and herbs to the chicken.

Cover the casserole dish and cook in the oven for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.

Serve with boiled potatoes and carrots.

CHRISTMAS DELIGHT 4:PAN SEARED LAMB CHOPS WITH INDIAN MASALA

Ingredients:

250 - 300 gm lamb chops

For indian Masala:

1-2   tsp of cloves

1-2   tsp of cinnamon

1-2   tsp of black pepper

1-2   tsp of white pepper

1-2   tsp of fennel seeds

1-2   tsp of coriander seeds

1-2   tsp of copra

For the Lamb Chops:

5           gm butter

1 1/2      tsp masala

3-4        rosemary leaves, crushed

2-3        thyme leaves, crushed

2           cups lamb stock

1 1/2     Tbsp olive oil

Season with black pepper

Salt to taste

For Salad:

25 gm zucchini, thinly sliced

25 gm carrots, thinly sliced

25 gm capsicum, thinly sliced

25 gm fresh soya beans / beans

10-15 ml olive oil

1 tsp  honey

Season with salt and pepper

Directions:

In a bowl, add cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, white pepper, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, copra and mix all together.

In another bowl, put the indian masala, rosemary leaves, thyme leaves, olive oil and mix all together. Now add salt and pepper and marinate the lamb chops in this mixture.

On a hot pan, pan sear the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes on both sides till light brown and cover it.

Now, in the bowl with the marinade mixture, add the lamb stock and whisk together.

In another bowl, mix zucchini, carrots, red onions, capsicum, and fresh soya beans / beans and give all a toss.

Now, season it with salt, pepper,  olive oil and honey and mix all well.

Now add the lamb stock and indian masala sauce to the lamb chops. Add butter and cook for 1-2 minutes.

On a plate, place the salad in the centre and add the lamb chops onto the salad. 

CHRISTMAS DELIGHT 3: PUMPKIN PIE WITH RUM........

Ingredients:

3/4       cups all-purpose flour

1/4       cups whole-wheat flour

1          tablespoon sugar

1/8       teaspoon salt

1          tablespoon butter

3          tablespoon canola oil

1 1/2    tablespoon ice water

2          eggs

1 1/2    pumpkin puree

1          can (12-ounce) evaporated skim milk

1/4       cupdark molasses

3          tablespoon dark rum or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2       cup packed dark brown sugar

1          tablespoon cornstarch

1          teaspoon ground cinnamon

1          teaspoon ground ginger

1 1/2     teaspoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for garnish

1/4       teaspoon salt

Directions:

To make crust: Stir together all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until the butter turns a nutty brown, about 30 seconds. Pour into a small bowl and let cool. Stir in oil. Slowly stir the butter-oil mixture into the flour with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually stir in enough ice water so that the dough will hold together. Press the dough into a flattened disk.

Place two overlapping lengths of plastic wrap on the work surface. Set the dough in the center and cover with two more sheets of plastic wrap. Roll the dough with a rolling pin into a 13-inch circle. Remove the top sheets and invert the dough into a 9-inch, deep-dish pie pan. Remove the remaining wrap. Fold the edges under at the rim and crimp. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

To make filling: Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Lightly whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Add pumpkin, evaporated milk, molasses and rum (or vanilla). Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in a small bowl. Rub through a sieve into the pumpkin mixture and whisk until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake until the filling has set and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes, covering the edges with foil if they are browning too quickly. Cool on a wire rack.

NATURAL REMEDIES TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY........

Come winter and you blame the cold for body ache joint pains and the   sniffles. Research, however, proves that it is not the temperature, but the germs spread during winter that causes it and foods that are not suitable. To prevent this, build your immunity then additions to the diet is the best tool.

Luckily, nature takes care of this and produces foods that are needed to boost your immunity during the winter. Melons and mangoes don’t grow naturally in winter or  strawberries  in summer  and  if  they are  available  for  some  reason  than  don’t  have them 

Ancient Indian medicine believes there are cooling foods and warming foods, which change according to seasons, therefore the diet changes with the change of season. Immune-boosting produce is what you need. Enhance your immunity with antioxidants, beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C, fibre, natural fat, natural sugar and photochemicals. Winter foods are packed with the above and plenty more. Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower; gobi paratha, gobi mutter, gobi aur sargam ka aachar… or even radishes… Quite a staple during winter!

CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS 2 :GREEK WALNUT SPICE CAKE....

Ingredients

Cake

1 1/4   cups of chopped walnuts

1 1/2   cups white whole-wheat flour

1/2      cups barley flour

2         teaspoon baking powder

1         teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4      teaspoon ground cloves

1/2      teaspoon baking soda

1/4      teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4      teaspoon salt

2         large eggs, at room temperature

3/4      cups packed dark or light brown sugar

2/3      cups low-fat Greek yogurt

2         teaspoons freshly grated orange zest

1/2      cups orange juice

1/4      cups extra-virgin olive oil

Syrup

1/3   cups orange juice

1/4   cups packed dark or light brown sugar

1      small strip orange zest (1-by-1-inch)

2      whole cloves

Directions:

To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square glass baking dish with cooking spray and dust it with flour, shaking out the excess.

Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast, stirring once halfway,  about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325°.

Whisk whole-wheat flour, barley flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk eggs and brown sugar in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended. Combine yogurt with orange zest and juice in a small bowl and stir until smooth; gradually whisk into the egg mixture along with oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in 2 additions, stirring well in between until just blended. Fold in 1 cup of the walnuts. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the cake until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

To prepare syrup: 

Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, orange zest strip, and cloves in a small heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring a few times. Adjust heat to maintain a simmer and cook until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes (you will have a scant 1/3 cup); remove the zest and cloves. Let cool.

When the cake is done, transfer the pan to a wire rack. Using a toothpick, pierce the top in about 18 places and brush the syrup over the cake 3 or 4 times, allowing it to seep in each time. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup walnuts and let cool for 30 minutes; loosen the edges with a knife; cut into 12 squares. Enjoy warm or room temperature.

                                

Love,

Aaisha....

CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS 1 : CHOCOLATE MOUSSE....

Ingredients:

1          teaspoon unflavored gelatin

2          tablespoon coffee liqueur, rum or strong brewed coffee

3/4       cups low-fat milk

1          large egg

1          cups packed light brown sugar

2/3       cups unsweetened cocoa powder

2          ounces  (not unsweetened) chocolate, chopped

2          teaspoon vanilla extract

4          large egg whites

1/2       teaspoon cream of tartar

3          tablespoon water

Directions:

Sprinkle gelatin over liqueur (or rum or coffee) in a small bowl; let stand until softened, about 1 minute.

Whisk together milk, whole egg, 1/4 cup of the brown sugar and cocoa in a medium saucepan until smooth. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the softened gelatin mixture, stirring until the gelatin has dissolved. Add chocolate and vanilla; stir until the chocolate has melted. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Bring 1-inch of water in a wide saucepan to a bare simmer. Combine egg whites, cream of tartar, water and the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar in a heatproof bowl large enough to fit over the saucepan. Set the bowl over the barely simmering water and beat with an electric mixer at low speed, moving the beaters around constantly, (This will take 3 to 5 minutes.)

Increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating over the heat for a full 3 1/2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the meringue until cool, 4 to 5 minutes longer.

Whisk one-fourth of the meringue into the chocolate mixture until smooth. Fold the chocolate mixture back into the remaining meringue with a rubber spatula until completely incorporated. Spoon the mousse into 6 dessert glasses, and chill until set, about 3 hours.

Love,

Aaisha...

FOODS TO AVOID POST WORK OUT

After hitting the gym, most of us head straight to the kitchen, to satiate that intense hunger a great workout generates. This happens because our body craves for food rich in calories at this time. But did you know, that most of your daily foods that seem like great post-workout snack options, aren't usually the best for your body? We list down some common (and rather popular!) foods you should avoid, especially after a gruelling workout.

5 COLD-WEATHER TIPS FOR FLAKE-FREE SKIN

Hi everyone,

Now that you’ve officially traded your bronzers for cheek stain and shimmery gloss for a DARK LIP, it’s time to turn your attention to transitioning your skin routine.  Once the weather gets chillier, your skin can start to suffer the repercussions – dryness, flakiness and cracking are just a few of unfortunate side effects of dropping temperatures.  To combat these cold-weather symptoms, try my tips below…

How to Combat Dry, Flaky Fall & Winter Skin

6 WAYS TO TRICK YOURSELF INTO A MORNING WORK OUT

Here's a catch 22 for you. With the sun setting earlier this time of year, many of us suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which can cause depression, moodiness and lack of energy. One way to zap yourself out of it is by working out. But with shorter days, it's hard to find the time to get out and exercise before the sun goes down. The one alternative I've found? Work out in the morning. Trust me, night owls - it can be done. Here's how I've managed to get my butt in gear and out the door

STYLE YOUR LBD IN 3 DIFFERENT WAYS....

A style essential introduced by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the classic little black dress can go a very long way. It can move you seamlessly from the office to a party - all with the addition or removal of the right accessories and complementary clothing. But in a world where many women are relying on their little black dress to beautify their wardrobe and make them look fantastic, it can be hard to stand out among all the other little black dresses. Here are some suggestions for dressing up your little black dress so that you stand out from the crowd.

Brow Basics: 4 Different Ways to Fill Them In

Hi everyone,

There’s no doubt about it – brows are having a serious “moment” right now.  Unfortunately, not all of us are born with CARA DELEVINGNE’S BOLD BROWS…but that doesn’t mean we can’t fake it! Today, I wanted to share a guide to all the different ways to fill in your brows so you can find the best one for your unique set. 

3 WAYS TO LOOK SLIMMER....

1.SHAPE WEAR MAGIC....
I love you all just the way you are, but for that extra bit of magic, don't be afraid of investing in some quality shape-wear. It will smoothen your curves, tighten your figure and give your body a slimmer finish. You wont regret it, i promise.

Identify your body type.
 One way to define a woman's body type is by how her curves connect her bust, waist, and hips. There are four general body types:[1]
Apple - top-heavy; 14 percent of women; bust three or more inches bigger than hips; if you have this body type, you probably want to emphasize your tight legs and butt, draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).
Straight/rectangular - 46 percent of women; waist is about the same as hips and waist, more like a cylinder; if you have this body type, you can "pinch" your waist and exaggerate curves to avoid looking lanky or boyish. Go for ruffles and frills to add texture and volume (and femininity) to your figure. Steer clear of baggy jeans and track clothes if you don't want to look boyish.
Pear - bottom-heavy; 20 percent of women; hips significantly larger than bust; if this is your body type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, but some women might want to make their butts bigger!
Hourglass - 8 percent of women; equal hip and bust measurements with a narrow waist; if you're one of the lucky few with this body type, dress to flatter - not flatten - your beautiful curves.

2. HIGH HEELS.....
Nothing works better than a pair of delicious, sky-high heels. They check your body language, add height andmost importantly, make YOU feel like a super star. Stilettos are your best bet, but wedges, block heels and platform sandals can save you if you're out of practice!

Basic black is the classic look for a high heeled shoe or boot, but wilder colors can be pulled off. There are many styles, from boots to pumps, slingbacks, and sandals. Remember that the more open the shoe, the less support it will provide, with the least supportive shoe being a thong type sandal. Make sure the outfit and the shoes match.


3.COLOUR GAMES.....

Colours can be very tricky, and while we truly believe that black is always beautiful, other hues will work just as well! Darker shades of your favourite colours, colour block styles, ditsy prints and vertical stripes will always do the trick!

Nearly everybody is concerned about looking his or her best, which is why so much time is spent choosing hairstyles, accessories and clothing, but no matter how good the cut of your suit or the line of your dress, you won't look your best without wearing flattering clothing colors. By choosing your best clothing colors, you can make your skin glow, your eyes sparkle and your entire look appear more pulled together. This involves working with your hair color, testing your underlying skin tone, comparing colors against your skin and hair, getting a professional color analysis, or wearing monochromatic colors for impact.

I hope you will find it help full..
Love,
Aaisha

Meet new Miss Universe 2013

Squabbling bitterly every day over politics and economics, Venezuelans of all creeds could at least unite briefly on Saturday to hail their latest beauty queen.
Maria Gabriela Isler's victory at the 2013 Miss Universe contest in Moscow won praise from heads of both political camps.The South American nation has one of the world's best records in international beauty pageants. While it is a source of pride to most Venezuelans, protests against exploitation of the female body were held at the last Miss Venezuela contest.

Deepika Padukone turned fashion designer ........

One of the top actress of Bollywood, Deepika Padukone has turned fashion designer for India’s No.1 premium lifestyle brand, Van Heusen. The brand has collaborated with Deepika to co-create Van Heusen Woman’s ‘Limited Edition’ collection.

The 27-year-old, who is known for her minimal yet classic style, has pitched ideas for the collection, which revolves around old Hollywood glamour where classic meets contemporary.

The palate of this co-created line features monochromatic shades like dusty rose pink and cobalt blue.

Excited about designing her own line of clothes, Deepika tweeted, “I’ve collaborated with @vanheusenind and co-created a clothing line…a little something for all my girlfriends.”

The collection with a DP touch is currently avaibale in fashion stores across the country. Vinay Bhopatkar, brand head, Van Heusen, says, "Women fashion followers have been quite influenced by Deepika's overall charisma and this creation sparkles with her elegant style. These dresses are an ultimate combination of style, class, modernity and substance."

Here are some of the pictures  from the collection.

STRENGTHENING YOUR CORE....

If you're pushing yourself with cardio and crunches, and doing everything right, but a flat stomach still eludes you, you've probably been ignoring your core.

Why is your core important?

That's not the only reason why paying attention to the core is essential. "It's considered the powerhouse of our body,"

"[The core] is extremely important when it comes to performing everyday chores," says the trainer, who got Jessica Alba back to her pre-baby body in record time.

"Having a strong core assists in making everyday tasks easier -- things like carrying your baby or groceries, garden work, lifting, twisting... all these moves rely on your core."

"Since everything in our body is connected, it only makes sense that having a strong core or centre translates to our body working in harmony," "Our lower limbs rely on stable hips and pelvic floor, and our torso is connected to our abdominal muscles and lower back. Strong core muscles will affect our balance and the spine, protecting us from injury and allowing us to continue an active lifestyle."

10 GENIUS WAYS TO USE COCONUT OIL

Hi everyone,

Here are 10 best ways to you your coconut oil....

Happy Diwali....

Hi Every one,
Wishing all of you a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali! I hope you have a great time with your loved ones! 

Love,

Aaisha...

Bring prosperity home with Feng Shui on Diwali

Diwali cleaning can be really tedious. Cleaning every nook and cranny, scrubbing the floor till it sparkles and getting rid of the rubbish that has accumulated in your house throughout the year. After that back breaking hard work wouldn’t you want to have a little fun and redecorate your house? So here are a few tips which will help you redecorate your house with feng shui.

Srishti Rana wins Miss Asia Pacific World 2013

21-year-old Srishti Rana has made the country proud by winning the coveted Miss Asia Pacific 2013 title outclassing 49 other contestants in Korea on Oct 30. 

Srishti looked gorgeous in a Falguni & Shane gown as she was crowned by reigning Miss Asia Pacific World 2012 Himangini Singh Yadu from India. 

Miss Asia Pacific is the oldest international beauty pageant which is judged by an eminent panel of jury - making the selection process tougher for the contestants.


Srishti Rana also won the Best National Costume Award depicting the national Bird of India-Peacock. Dia Mirza had won the title the last from India in year 2000.

Stores to try this Diwali....

When you're thinking about which festive outfits not to repeat this year, it's always good news to hear your favourite designers of Indianwear are expanding their retail empires.

With 2013 being such a busy year for the fashion industry (seven fashion weeks!), here's your master list of top fashion spaces to ease the Diwali shopping madness for you (and your mother).

Karwa Chauth 2013

Hi Everyone.
How was your Karwa Chaut, for those who doesnt know what it is here i explain....
Karwa Chauth is an one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women in North India and the Indian state of Gujarat in which married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands. The fast is observed in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, western Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The festival falls on the fourth day after the full moon, in the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Kartik. Sometimes, unmarried women observe the fast for their fiances or desired husbands.

This is how it went.....

Geting ready for pooja.

selfclick...

listening to khatha

 my grand mom and mom

my jewelry

mom offering water to moon.

love,

Aaisha..

Armani's new nail polish, inspired by car paint....

What would the perfect nail polish be like? That's easy. Superbly glossy. A silky formula that's easy to apply. One that doesn't need multiple applications, touch ups or top coats to keep it chip-free.

It seems Giorgio Armani, the latest luxury brand cashing in on the booming business of beauty, might just have created it. That's what they're promising, anyway.

The formula is designed to prevent dripping, so you don't need to rush through a manicure and make mistakes. The gel-fluid technology is inspired by car paint to deliver the highest level of gloss. High shine and long lasting hold mean that you could skip the top coat.

You're sure to find something you like in the 18 available shades. They cover all the basics -- nudes, reds, Gray's, blacks, iridescent metallic and a range of blues.

The pièce de résistance is the custom-made brush. Flat and wide, it promises to make application incredibly easy. It curves around the shape of the nail so you can cover it in one smooth stroke, without leaving air bubbles or streaks to mess up the finish.