The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	he ‘in’ side Earthy tone Sukhmani The word terracotta means fired earth. This ancient material remains of great aesthetic value in gardens as well as inside your homes. Terracotta gives a very earthy and rustic feel to your decor. You can find many decorative items made in terracotta and it is no longer limited to your planting pots. You can find many terracotta artefacts such as bells, horses, hanging lamps, animals, idols, statues urns etc. If you are thinking of decorating your home in a budget and in a more traditional way, then terracotta is your best choice. Using terracotta indoors: Lots of beautifully carved and painted terracotta pieces are easily available in the market that can add zing to your decor. As compared to other materials terracotta uses a far simpler process for creating the finished work with much lower material costs. The finished product is far lighter and may be further glazed to produce objects with colour. Different shapes and sizes of pots along with a few animal pieces can jazz up a dull corner in your house. Terracotta candle stands, wall hangings, lampshades, ornament boxes and containers in different shapes and sizes can also be used around the house. A beautifully decorated pot can be used at the entrance with floating candles and flowers to make a stunning impact at your entrance. You can even buy small sized pots and fill them with wax to make beautiful candles. Terracotta and the outdoors: Terracotta offers infinite possibilities in garden decoration. Redesign your garden with lots of terracotta things as terracotta blends very well with the plants. Lot of landscape designers are using terracotta in their projects these days. Terracotta pots, birdbaths, statues and figures of animals and birds are strategically placed to enhance the beauty of the garden. Beautiful terracotta bells on trees can add an ethnic touch to your outdoor spaces. Apart from all the above, terracotta pavers can be used to lay beautiful pathways around your gardens as well. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
	Weight watch Nutty choice Renupreet Kaur Although energy dense and therefore high in calories, nuts and seeds can in fact be beneficial for weight loss. Due to the high calorie content, it is important to keep portion sizes small if weight loss is your goal. A small handful of nuts per day is sufficient to provide you with nutritional benefits and fight off hunger, without consuming too many calories. Not only this, but nuts and seeds are packed full of nutrients, making them a health super food, and hugely more nutritious than other popular snack foods. Nuts & weight loss Nuts and seeds contain a moderate level of protein (anywhere from 5-30 per cent of their total calories.) Nuts and seeds contain the so-called "healthy" fats. Nuts and seeds contain anti-oxidants and other mineral and vitamins including, selenium, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, folic acid and vitamin E. Nuts and seeds contain fibre. Nuts and seeds are easy and convenient to eat when you are on the go. Nuts and seeds taste great and go well with many dishes. Boost your energy. Loaded with vitamins and minerals. Best choice Choose raw and unsalted nuts. For weight loss and nutrition value, it is best to choose raw, unsalted nuts. Salt can contribute to increase in blood pressure. Avoid coated or roasted Avoid nuts that are coated or roasted in other oils or sugar. Oil coated nuts will also be higher in fat and calories and therefore less suitable for weight loss. Calorie content of nuts and seeds Peanuts, almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts are the lowest in calories with around 160 calories per ounce, whilst brazil nuts, walnuts, pine nuts and pecans contain around 180 calories per ounce. Seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame contain around 150-180 calories per ounce, but are usually consumed in smaller quantities than nuts. Healthiest nuts & seeds Almonds: High in vitamin E, magnesium, copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorus and concentrated in protein. The majority of fat in almonds is healthy mono-unsaturated fat. Cashews: High in antioxidants, mono-unsaturated fats and phosphorus. Peanuts: High in mono-unsaturated fats, flavonoids, antioxidants, and folic acid. They are also high in vitamin B3. Sunflower seeds: High in linoleic acid, fibre, magnesium and phytosterols. Walnuts: High in omega 3 fatty acids, manganese and copper. Suggestions Consuming one ounce daily of unsalted nuts (all nuts are good) and/or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds help to suppress one's appetite. Soaked and/or sprouted nuts are best. (Renupreet Kaur is diet therapist and obesity expert))
	pet passion Addicted to Scotch Scotch came into Dhanda family as a birthday gift eight years ago and since then he has become the most important member of the family Poonam Bindra "From an aversion to a passion is our story with Scotch," quips the effervescent Mala Dhanda, a certified jeweller by profession as she talks of their pet, a black and brown dachshund who was looking on so staidly as if he understood he was being mentioned and the centre of the conversation. Scotch came into the family as a birthday gift for Aaina, the younger Miss Dhanda, eight years ago and since then he has become the most important member of the family. He has a separate rapport with each one. As first time dog owners they had a special kennel built for him with a name plate Mr Scotch hanging at the entrance but Scotch had some other plans-he wanted the master bedroom. Mala says "I got a special bedding made for him on the floor but no, he wanted to sleep on the corner of our bed. So now I have to arrange for his special bedding there only." Mala and Sanjeev are themselves surprised at the transformation in them as they were confirmed dog haters. Very fond of non-vegetarian food and sweets, Scotch loves to play in the rain though ironically he dislikes taking a bath. Inayat, the elder daughter, tells us that "This little fellow knows his limits and will never climb on to granny's bed as he knows that is not allowed though when nobody is at home he will look to her for company." Scotch loves the Sunday routine as they go to the farm house and he can romp around there freely. "It is amazing how he comes to know that it is a Sunday for he wants us just to get into the car and is so restless," informs Mala and terms him as the most sensitive and sensible canine ever, spreading warmth and cheer in the Dhanda household. Arjun, the son of the family, finds it so amazing that Scotch greets him with so much enthusiasm even if he meets him after 15 minutes. Altogether in unison they can never think of the home without him and if and when required they will bring a dachshund again. As of now, Scotch is too possessive of his family and will not let any other dog near the house even.
	Designer’s den The newly opened Autumn Gallery in Chandigarh brings an array of options for the fashionista in you... Amarjot Kaur Clothes reflect one's personality and also one's state of mind. It is thereby important that one wears what truly defines them. At the newly opened Autumn Gallery, Sector 17, Radhika Nanda, the owner, explains the fundamental offerings of the gallery, which serves as a platform for various fashion designers to exhibit their works at the venue. "The main criteria, however, remains the quality of the product," she says. The store exhibits the wedding collections by two fashion houses of North India, Be Beautiful, which is all about dressing comfortably with elegance and style and Riwaaz, a couture house from Lucknow, which specialises in 400-year-old tradition of Awadhi embroidery work, including chikankari, mokaish and fardi. "The Ludhiana-based brand, Be Beautiful, is all about dressing comfortably with elegance and style. The collection features a symphony of colours along with different blends of fabrics, textures, silhouettes and embellishments. It is perfect amalgamation of contemporary and classic," says Nanda while adding, "Meanwhile, Riwaaz, a couture house from Lucknow and marketing unit of a NGO run by Shweta Malik and Sunny Malik, has products with exquisite Awadi embroidery in the elegant whites, which can be dyed in your choice of colours. Also, we have sarees and suits, both stitched and unstitched. Shweta and Sunny are working to empower 500-plus women artisans in and around Lucknow by providing them with permanent employment. All the designing is done by Shweta." While Riwaaz blends traditional hand embroideries with contemporary cuts and latest patterns infusing them with intricate zardosi, paarsi and knot work, it experiments with different fabrics like Banarsi silk. The products on exhibition are, embroidered anarkalis, dresses, sarees, lehengas, tunics, dupattas and heavy mokaish sarees on pure georgettes, nets, silks, crepes, cottons, chanderis. On till January 4. amarjot@tribunemail.com
	star track Irrfan to play a porn filmmaker Actor Irrfan Khan, who has played various roles like Paan Singh Tomar to Saajan Fernandez in The Lunch Box, has accepted another challenge to stretch his boundaries. He is now all set to play the role of a porn filmmaker in Tigmanshu Dhulia's next The Killing Of A Porn Filmmaker. The film stars Irrfan as a porn director, a real lowdown sleaze ball who indulges in the lowliest of porn filmmaking. According to the director the film talks about a guy who plants secret cameras in toilets, shoots honeymooning couples with hidden cameras. Dhulia said, "Irrfan's character redeems himself. The character rises from the depths of sleaze and emerges a hero...why and how, I can't reveal. But after our collaboration in Paan Singh Tomar, this film would be a something different." Irrfan and Tigmanshu Dhulia have earlier worked together in films like Charas, Haasil and Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster Returns. Incidentally, Irrfan was to star in Dhulia's latest Bullett Raja. But finally the role was done by Vidyut Jamwal.
	Sing along Anushka Sharma plays a singer in Bombay Velvet Actress Anushka Sharma is currently busy shooting for Anurag Kashyap's next directorial venture Bombay Velvet. The 25-year-old Band Baaja Baaraat actor is busy rehearsing with singer Neeti Mohan. "Rehearsing for Bombay velvet! Which means I have to sing along (Neeti Mohan will do the actual singing). Family is threatening to disown!" she tweeted. "No no no....I am NOT singing. I play a singer in Bombay Velvet so I am rehearsing to match Neeti Mohan's beautiful voice,"she added. Buzz is that Anushka will play double role in the film. Based on historian Gyan Prakash's book Mumbai Fables, Bombay Velvet also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar. good note: Anushka Sharma Invitation for Salman Pakistani actress Veena Malik tied the knot with Pakistani singer-actor Asad Bashir Khan in Dubai on December 25 and she will have functions in Pakistan, India, and USA. She wants Salman Khan to attend her wedding reception in India. Swiss vacation starts Kareena Kapoor Khan spent Christmas with her mother Babita and they went to Church together for midnight mass. She has now flown away to Switzerland with Saif Ali Khan for her annual vacation. They are going to take ski lessons.
	Love nest Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor meet in Bandra in Mumbai but their other love nest is choreographer Ahmed Khan's house in Andheri. Ahmed Khan's place has been used as a love nest in the past for Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor and Sania Mirza.
	Party at Amsterdam Ameesha Patel will be in Amsterdam with her friends. She will be performing at a New Year's Eve gala for Indians there. Mega deal Ranbir Kapoor has been paid Rs 25 crore for a commercial and some appearances for a chips brand. Saif Ali Khan is the brand ambassador for the same brand and Ranbir Kapoor is not replacing him. KJo’s career graph Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has made Karan Johar an actor. Apart from a full-fledged role in Kashyap's film Bombay Velvet, Karan has done a cameo in Hasee Toh Phasee. Karan had earlier done cameos in films like Fashion and Luck By Chance. Time for celebrations Aamir Khan and his family is currently in Panchgani with friends and family to celebrate his wedding anniversary and ring in the New Year. Celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, Shahid Kapoor and others will attend the party.
	Sense & sensibility Neha Dhupia keeps busy with a few films and several endorsements and appearances. She talks about men and her life. Back to the roots I was in Cochin recently and I went there after 15 years. Cochin is my birthplace. The backwaters are simply amazing and it is a magical place. Life’s priorities I was training for a marathon and injured my leg. I am not in the best shape right now but I don't make excuses. I recently walked the ramp with my injured leg. They covered the injury with fabric. Social responsibility I feel people who are in power need to focus on education and sports. We need encouragement and better facilities in sports. I do my best by supporting causes and going for events and activities organised by the association I am working with. I feel under-privileged children need to be educated. Work culture I am happy with the couple of films that I have. I have the role of a journalist in Karan Johar's movie directed by Rensil D'silva. I take up scripts and movies if I feel that I would like to watch it at the cinema. Mr. Right My man has to be my friend. A sense of companionship is important. I don't have a set criteria or a list of qualities that I am looking for. Who knows that I might fall for someone who is completely different from my list! I will tell the world when I make a decision to marry someone.
	Abhay turns a producer Abhay Deol turns a producer with his forthcoming film One By Two. However, the Deol family advised Abhay not to get into production at such an early stage. As Abhay has done unique films in past, his performance has always been appreciated by the audience. The actor has attempted on doing different role each time. Manorama Six Feet Under and Dev D are such examples. Abhay's family (Dharmendra and Sunny Deol) advised him on focusing on acting at present. But Abhay was keen on doing something different with giving a platform to new talent in terms of directors, actors and writers. He wants to try his hands onto production and continue with acting. The film One By Two stars Abhay Deol and Preeti Desai in lead roles. Preeti, who is making her debut with this film, will be seen opposite Abhay for the very first time. Abhay adds "My family advised me not to get into production. They did not want me to venture into production right now. But producing One By Two has been a great experience with my long time friend Amit Kapoor who has co-produced it and my friend and supporter Sanjay Kapoor." One By Two, which was initially set to release on February 7, but because brother Sunny Deol's forthcoming film is also set to release on the same day, Abhay changed the release date.
	chatter box Apology time After recent reports of Ankit Gera and Adaa Khan breaking up after she caught him with his Sapne Suhane Ladkanpan Ke co-star Roopal Tyagi, now news is that Ankit has been trying to get back with Adaa. He has apologised to her but Adaa isn't relenting. Role call After Karan Singh Grover was ousted from Zee TV's show Qubool Hai, the makers were considering names like Gurmeet Choudhary, Barun Sobti, Kushal Tandon and Mishal Raheja. But buzz is that Raqesh Vashisth has been finalised. He is currently doing Nach Baliye and was last seen in Hongey Juda Na Hum on Sony. Seeking Big B’s blessings From a television actor to an anchor, Manish Paul has had a long journey in the industry and we have indeed seen his successful transition. Now with his recent achievement of being an award-winning film star with Mickey Virus, many want to know Manish's success recipe. As he gave his award-winning speech at the Big Star Entertainment Awards for his much appreciated performance in Mickey Virus, Manish confessed, "I would make sure to seek AB senior's blessings by touching his feet at least once in a year and this is the secret to my success. I have grown up admiring and idolising Sir Amitabh Bachchan and I will continue this for years to come." Not wanting to miss out on this opportunity, Manish was prompt to run off the stage straight to Big B and seek his blessings in complete humility and reverence. Tune in to watch your favorite stars talk about their fondest memories on Big Star Entertainment Awards on December 31 from 8.00 pm onwards only on Star Plus.
	A tribute to love Adding diversity to its fiction offerings, Colors is all set to delight the viewers with the launch of a volatile love story titled Beintehaa. For the first time ever, the channel will be focusing on the pan-Muslim milieu with a story of two similar and headstrong individuals, Aaliya and Zain, who find themselves in a complex relationship. Produced by Fortune Productions, Beintehaa is a story of finding endless love in a relationship born out of obligation. Beintehaa is slated to hit television screens on December 30, 2013, with subsequent episodes to air every Monday to Friday at 9pm only on Colors. We have often heard of love stories born out of an accidental meeting or the first glimpse. However, Beintehaa, breaking traditions, brings to fore a deep love that comes to the fore only after the relationship is over. The storyline portrays Aaliya (Preetika Rao), a traditional girl from Bhopal and Zain (Harshad Arora), a modern Mumbai lad, who are like-minded headstrong people with similar likes and dislikes. As their worlds collide, Aaliya and Zain find themselves bound in a marriage, born out of obligation where the only common feeling is hate. Speaking about her small screen debut, Preetika Rao aka Aaliya said, "Having done films Down South, television was a relatively new playing field for me. The story and concept of Beintehaa is what drew me to the show and I found myself accepting it almost instantaneously. Aaliya is a spunky Muslim girl who has grown up in Bhopal. She is fairly religious, but is full of life. I hope the audiences will enjoy the sincerity with which we have performed and appreciate this venture that we have undertaken." Lead actor Harshad Arora aka Zain said, "Zain is a man of today. He has a very contemporary and modern outlook towards life because he has grown up in Mumbai and studied in London. He has a constant tussle with Aaliya because they are very similar in terms of their likes and dislikes, but he is quite impulsive.”
	Getting real After names like Ajay Devgn and Sonu Sood, now buzz is that director Rohit Shetty will be hosting reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 5. The makers had approached many Bollywood celebrities but ultimately have finalised Rohit, who will shoot for the show in March. Shake a leg The wild-card entry Ripu-Shivangi and Bruna-Omar, and back-to-back eviction, this week none of the couples will move out of the show Nach Baliye 6. The wild-card entries Ripu-Shivangi and Bruna-Omar will burn the dance floor along with the other contestants.
	What’s in a name! After her stint in Colors' Sanskaar, actress Shamin Mannan has undergone a change. Not in her looks, but in the spelling of her name. She has added an extra 'n' to her name and even dropped her surname. Apparently, a numerologist suggested the same for a more fruitful life and career.
	Astro Turf P Khurrana ARIES: The day can be somewhat tricky for relationships, so avoid getting into confrontations. Business people should plan meetings and important deals post lunch. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 41 TAURUS: There will be changes in the work scenario and these can have positive consequences for your career. Some of you will need to make yourself available for an elderly relative, friend or colleague. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 53 GEMINI: The stress and strain of work as well as relationships will catch up with you. Stop expressing your emotions in the wrong direction. Being candid and tactful will help. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash. Lucky colour: Sea-green. 0Lucky number: 27 CANCER: Today you will be dominated by your past, especially your relationships with the family. You will feel drained by the demands on your time and energy. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 30 LEO: The assignments at work will be more interesting than usual; however, there will be some ambiguity about certain projects. So, ensure that you understand everything before commencing work. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 37 VIRGO: Change is vital and you will need to alter the way you think. Even in personal relationships, let go off grudges and move forward. Socially, you will remain quite popular and busy. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Lucky number: 32 LIBRA: It is important that you remain calm and balanced, since future growth will depend much on your attitude. There can be some confusion at work. Change will be the keyword for the day. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. 0Lucky number: 26 SCORPIO: Relationships with loved ones will demand a lot out of you today, so you will have to work hard at balancing home and professional life. At work, you will receive the appreciation of your co-workers. Tarot message: Do not overspend. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 43 SAGITTARIUS: Today many of you will connect with your inner self and be content with your life. Meeting old friends and loved ones will heighten this feeling. Money matters will be stable. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 57 CAPRICORN: Your confidence and energy will be on the high today and as a result, you will be able to shine brilliantly in everything that you do. You will be able to influence people at work. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 65 AQUARIUS: Most of you will be domineering, reckless and strong-willed at work as well as home. This can lead to some difficulties in relationships and in achieving your goals. Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 50 PISCES: Although the beginning of the day seems strenuous and emotionally exhausting, you will be able to learn a great deal from it. The festivity will bring out the shopper in most of you. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 41
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is December 29... Number Two is the mediator and peace-lover. It indicates the desire for harmony. It is a gentle, considerate and sensitive vibration. Ruled by the Moon, you will be diplomatic, warm, peaceful and sensitive; if expressed negatively, too dependent and manipulative. Minor health issues can trouble, but regular medical checkups will keep the medicines away. Do not be tempted to raise a loan either from banks or financial institutions or borrow from your friends or relatives. Professionally it will not be a very good year. Try to be compatible with your boss. Share your ideas with your spouse as it will help you grow quickly. Positive colours: Yellow, Cream, Purple, Red. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 2, 7. Gems recommended: White Sapphire, Pearl, Zircon. Charity on birthday: Donate cooked food to lepers. You share your birthday with Twinkle Khanna (December29, 1974, Mumbai) who, interestingly, shares her birthday with her father Late Rajesh Khanna. She is married to Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. According to her stars, Twinkle will do well as a producer in the future.