The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	stress buster Balance it right! Renee singh It's a New Year, and time for us to be setting our lives into a newer perspective and whatever else sounds positive. If you are one of the people who thinks there should be no stress in life, well then you are not the only one and yet let me tell you that "the right amount'' of stress is very important in life. Now you would wonder what that means, let's just say we talk about the right balance of stress in your life. When stress is good for you Good stress in it's many forms is good for you. However good stress can turn into bad stress and vice versa so one must be very careful. Good Stress is actually what psychologists call ''eustress''. It is the type of stress we feel when we are excited, our pulse quickens, hormones change but there is no threat or fear. We feel it on a roller coaster or on a date or any exciting event. There are many triggers that keep our lives in an exciting mode. Acute stress comes from quick surprises and needs a response. This type of stress triggers the body's stress response. But yet it doesn't take a heavy toll and can even help us reach a relaxed state. Chronic stress is what sets in when we repeatedly face the same stressors. It could be a stressful job or an unhappy home life. Because our bodies are not designed for chronic stress we can face negative health effects both physically and emotionally. Knowing about different types of stress is very important because it makes sense to get good stress into your life. Sources of good stress It is very important to get the correct amount of good stress into your life. Choose activities in your life that make you feel happy, good and excited about your life. Cut from your life activities that make you feel drained or lead to an experience of chronic stress. Gauge good stress A great way of gauging whether or not an activity is worth your time is to pay attention to how it makes you feel. Is it a ''want to'' activity or ''have to'' activity. Go for the want to activities as they are your desired ones and the other ones are the necessary ones. Being happy is a potential necessity in our lives and it is very important that we focus our lives completely towards this one task. Eliminating stress from our lives is the only best way of making oneself happy. Time required Eliminating stress is an ongoing process. We cannot say that we have done it once and for all. It requires constant efforts and inputs from us. How to do it Develop a good relationship Good stress comes from trying to form healthy relationships. Relationships can increase or relieve your stress levels. Falling in love, simply bonding, just enjoying with friends, these are the kind of activities which create good stress. Gain knowledge Expanding your knowledge in various ways can be an exciting experience. Learning new things provides good stress. Set a goal Follow a dream. This keeps you on tenterhooks, yet we are focused positively. Even while doing our daily tasks, a little bit of contention with our dreams is good. To change a negative stressor to a good stressor we need to view our situations an optimist. We must face the challenge of changing bad stress into good stress. Let this year be the year of motivating you into a healthy stress level. Let good stress take over and make it a resolution to add some positive activities into your life. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
	Weight watch Big taste, small waist Renupreet Kaur The festivities are finally over and you have been left with an unwanted gift. Yes, you guessed it: a few extra pounds and you can't even take them back to the store to get a refund or credit note. Four out of five people who make New Year's resolutions will eventually break them, and a third won't even make it until February. According to experts, the real problem is that we make resolutions that are too vague or unachievable - so we quit. For your New Year's weight-loss resolution to work, you need to have accountability. Even if you have willpower, the festival season is challenging for everyone. Staying on track can seem so daunting. But, as we all know, excess pounds don't disappear along with the decorations and nobody wants to start the New Year with an ugly body. No need to panic, there is a solution and it is simpler than you think. Follow these tips on weight loss for converting your slimming resolutions a reality. Slimming diet Choose a slimming diet that includes plenty of protein, which is good at suppressing appetite so you naturally want to eat less, and allows carbs which prevent the food cravings that sabotage diets. Follow a diet that you can stick to. Ditch fast food Start by giving up confectionary, cakes, biscuits, takeaways and fast foods, and ditch the soft drinks including fruit juice. Stop adding sugar to tea and coffee, you will get used to it. Small meals Three meals of real food a day and no between snacks or soft drinks is the key to long term weight loss. Unglamorous maybe, but it is an effective way of cutting back on the amount you eat without feeling too hungry. At each meal pick a serving of protein - meat, fish, cheese, eggs, pulses, nuts and seeds - and add a mug of harder to digest carbs like cooked potatoes, pasta or rice, or two slices of heavy bread. Replace snacks And yes, you can have chips - a little of what you fancy helps you comply with a diet and because potatoes contain water they are less fattening than pastry. Eat plenty of vegetables and include a piece of fresh fruit for dessert. If you are overweight, this regime creates an energy deficit and weight reduction soon follows. Avoid overeating But even this realistic and filling diet won't prevent rebound weight gain unless you manage to sustain it. Like any other skill, dieting must be learnt. Overeating is the cause of your weight gain, so begin to get to grips with the concept of eating less. Real food Swap processed packaged food for real foods. They have less calorie and are more filling. Strategies like studying restaurant menus online before going out help you avoid temptation. Tune into what your body wants you to eat; it knows when it needs food and when to stop. Love yourself Most important, instead of using fatty snacks or alcohol to cheer you up, find value in all that life throws at you. Begin to like yourself more and you stop treating yourself like a dustbin to be filled with rubbish. Eat small amounts of real food and before long you'll be able to wear all the clothes in your wardrobe. (Renupreet Kaur is diet therapist and obesity expert)
	Thread from the past The good ol’ crochet lace is making a splash on the ramp and it should be in your wardrobe too, if you want to make a style statement this season Amarjot Kaur The crochet lace has marked its territory as one of the most exquisite and in fact one of the most experimental elements in the fashion scene. In 2009, UNESCO recognised lace-making in Croatia as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the fashion designers across the globe have experimented with this beautiful lace. While Gaultier had some great crochet shoes, Dolce and Gabbana frequently show up crochet on the ramp, while Alexander McQueen, Andre Courreges, Azzedine Alaia, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Coco Chanel joined the project crochet in fashion trends. Now, that the trend is walking its rounds on the fashion runways, here's your style guide to wear crochet in the right way. It blends "I feel that the most beautiful thing about crochet is the fact that it goes with almost every fabric. Having said that, it makes for a very beautiful and feminine choice if you want to team it up with anything at all. Also, it is a very versatile medium. I like teaming up crochet dresses, shrugs, jackets with cotton. It gives a very vintage look," says Niksha Lulla, a Mumbai-based fashion designer. Meanwhile, Sonal Manik, a city-based fashion designer says, "Crochet basically came into existence post the Russian revolution, when people actually started using it for various ceremonial purposes, in weddings and all. Considering the amount of effort and talent that is required to make this lace, it is a luxury item, if you team it up with expensive fabric. But you might as well use it as a colour for a shirt or get a patch of it stitched on a plain top. It tenders a very feminine and romantic touch to your clothing." How to wear Though most designers believe that one can possibly never go wrong with crochet, the thumb rule still remains the same-do not overdo it. "When wearing crochet, it is important that one wears only one crochet element, it could either be a scarf or a stole or a vest. In fact crochet shawls are really beautiful and they give a vintage look if you team them up with a colourful evening gown. Also, if you're planning to take your crochet to the beach, you might as well wear it on top of a bikini. Crochet shorts look very pretty too, but the only thing that worries me is the too much peek-a-boo factor," says Priyanka Khosla, a Chandigarh-based fashion designer. Meanwhile, Ritu Kocchhar, corporate director, INIFD says, "For a casual look, you can team up crochet vests with a shirt. These days we get tees and formal shirts with crochet collar, necklines, and patchwork, which look very beautiful. However, one's got to be very sure while picking up a crochet because a good crochet is handmade and these days you get crochet make by machines. Also, the quality of thread really matters. The best way to wear a crochet is team up a crochet shrug with a winter dress. Crochet bags and shoes work very well during summer! You can also experiment with crochet lace on stoles and wear crochet berets, caps and, infinity scarves too." amarjot@tribunemail.com
	TRENDSETTER Get sporty Style enhances fashion and when it comes to comfort, there are a very few people who can actually mix it with fashion and style. Veeranant Grewal, 22, who is currently pursuing Law in Panjab University, likes to keep his sense of style in sync with his lifestyle. He plays basketball on college level, buffs up at the gym and he stands 6 feet 4 inches tall. "I like the idea about being comfortable, which also reflects in my personal sense of style. Anything that restricts comfort is certainly going to interfere with your way of being and that will not look fancy on you because fashion is a state of mind," he says. Describe your sense of style… Since I play basketball and snooker, I am quite sporty and that is precisely the reason why I like to keep it casual. For me, comfort comes first and a pair of denims is something that I can swear by. Latest addition in the wardrobe… I bought a suit from Zara. Brand freak or street smart? Both, but I do prefer brands for their quality. Choose one: sporty, glamorous or chic Sporty all the way My style icon… Brad Lee Cooper and I love his hairstyle. Who's the worst dressed celebrity around? I think Rakhi Sawant is the worst dressed celebrity One fashion trend you don't understand… Those tight-fitted clothes that people wear these days is something I really don't understand. Why would anyone want to choke themselves? Your take on accessories… As long as it's a good watch and a fancy wallet, it's all good. Anything else apart from that makes me want to wear my shades to guard my eyes from the bling! I would love to be dressed up by… Jeremy Scott One thing that boosts your confidence… I am 6 feet 4 inches and that has somehow always worked in my favour. I was legally allowed to sit on the last benches when I was in school and honestly, the weather is fine up here. One fragrance that you can swear by… Hugo Boss (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
	Master Chef Sweet temptation Ranjan Dibya We are always ready for a muffin, be it with a dash of chocolate sauce or just a warm snack with a cup of coffee! Method: Baking temperature: 180oC Baking time: 15-20 minutes In a hand beater mix the butter and sugar together till light and fluffy. Beat egg with vanilla essence. Add choco chip to the flour with baking powder and. Add egg to the mixture beating well after every addition. Once all the eggs are added, fold in the flour and add milk. Line a muffin tray with paper cups. Sprinkle the remaining 1tbsp chocolate chips on top and then bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are dark.(Dibya is a Ludhiana based culinary expert As told to Poonam Bindra Ingredients: 80gm chocolate chip 20 gm coco powder 100gm flour ½ cup milk 100 gm castor sugar 100 gm unsalted butter 2 eggs ½ tsp vanilla essence 3 gm baking powder 8-10 paper cups
	star track What’s with the beach pictures! Another beach picture doing the rounds has Uday Chopra in beach shorts and Nargis Fakhri in a matching black bikini and she looks hotter than ever! They are in Maldives and they look like they are definitely more than good friends. Security plays spoilsport Madhuri Dixit wanted to promote her film Gulabi Gang in the interiors of the country. But the plans had to be shelved because the security cover for the same was proving to be too expensive. Box-office, this week The release of the week, Mr Joe B Carvalho, has been panned by critics. Meanwhile, Sholay 3D will not be reviewed as the classic is above reviews and is definitely to be enjoyed on the big screen by the older and the newer generations. The swimsuit girls! Sridevi’s daughters Jhanvi and Khushi have put up her pictures in a black one-piece swimsuit and while the girls themselves are wearing bikinis. The family holidayed in Maldives for New Year’s Eve. Sridevi hasn’t seen the pictures yet.
	B-town wishes Deepika Bollywood personalities wished actress Deepika Padukone ‘everlasting success’ on her 28th birthday. Filmmaker Karan Johar, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, and Bipasha Basu took to Twitter to wish Deepika, who had a very successful year in 2013 with four big hits like Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Ram-Leela. Actor Boman Irani, who has worked with the actress in Houseful, wrote,” Happy Birthday Deepika Padukone. May you stay blessed. Have a super year.” Filmmaker Karan Johar, hoped that 2014 unfolds to be another beautiful year for her. “Happy Birthday Deepika Padukone!!!! More power to you!! Have another spectacular year!! Loads of love... Always,” he posted. Farah Khan, who is happy with the buzz created around her upcoming Happy New Year, which also stars Padukone, wished for her to stay blessed. “Happy Birthday Deepika Padukone. Stay blessed! Love you lots,” she wrote. Actress Priyanka Chopra posted, “Happy birthday Deepika Padukone ! Lovely to have known an amazing friend like you...Have a super year babe!! Love always.” —PTI
	Suzanne Khan moves to a new address Post break-up with husband of 13 years Hrithik Roshan, Suzanne has shifted to a new address. She has temporarily shifted to a high rise in seven bungalows on the Juhu-Versova Link Road. Suzanne Khan is the only occupant of the newly constructed building. Passers-by notice the lights of a single flat in the skyscraper, which is supposedly Suzanne’s new residence. It is known that Suzanne’s close pals have helped her find the temporary residence as they are looking for a permanent accommodation. According to real estate sources, “The building where Sussanne resides is yet to be named. Her home has a sea-view and the flat’s size is between 2,300-2,500 square feet.” Sussanne says, “The flat I am residing in is my own find and belongs to me and has nothing to do with anyone.” Suzanne moved out of the Roshan’s residence with her two children, Hrehaan and Hridhaan after separating from Hrithik Roshan.
	After fitness, it’s food Bipasha Basu will launch her new fitness DVD later this month and it will show her working out with real people, instead of models. She wants to take fitness to another level altogether. Buzz has it that she’s also planning to start a chain of restaurants in Mumbai.
	Direction is not my cup of tea: Abhishek Bachchan Abhishek Bachchan has been in the industry for more than a decade. He talks about being born with a silver spoon, media scrutiny, friends and his years in Bollywood. On the senior lot I wonder why Aamir is painted out to be this monster. He’s a fine actor and a great person too. Since he’s senior to me, I have been in awe of him. I remember Uday and me were always up to mischief during the shoot. But in Aamir’s presence, we would clam up and start behaving like these well-behaved guys (laughs). But as time passed by, we realised that he’s a pretty cool guy too. I have worked with Ajay Devgan in Bol Bachchan, he’s like an elder brother. Likewise Shah Rukh Khan, with whom I am doing Farah Khan’s next film, is close to my dad and therefore he’s family to me. It’s all about money I started off as an assistant director. I understand the economics of a film. The criterion for any filmmaker is box-office success. Even if a film is not completely commercial, it has to be viable enough to cover its cost. Like, when I produced Paa, we decided to stick to a budget of Rs 20 crore. It was a risky proposition because we were not portraying dad in his larger than life avatar (Amitabh Bachchan played a progeria patient) and his popular voice was also altered to suit the character. Thankfully, it paid off. Brand new talent I feel newcomers are doing a great job. Most of them are confident and are doing a wonderful job on screen. If Adi (Aditya Chopra) had to consider other actors for Dhoom, I would suggest Arjun Kapoor for my role and Varun Dhawan for Uday’s role. Full stop I cannot become a director because my knowledge about the medium is limited. It is simply not my cup of tea. The dividing line I understand that as public figures, our lives will always be under the microscope. Once I leave my house, I am public property. But there is a part of my life, as a son, husband and father, which is private. I wouldn’t like the media to cross that line.
	chatter box Flying together towards TV VJ Yudi and Tulip Joshi are two actors who were unlikely to be seen in a television serial, but now they will soon come together for a new show, called Airlines. Produced by Miditech, the show, as the name suggests, will be about aviation and it will be telecast on Star Plus. Up for another one After acting in many Rajshri serials, senior actor, Alok Nath, shall now be doing another serial for them that will be telecast on Life OK. As always, the show will be about a joint family and their three generations living together but with different points of view. They might start shooting in February this year. Major breakthrough Buzz is that Sonia Singh will not be doing Zee TV's show, Buddha now. She was supposed to essay the role of Amrapali and had started the shoot, but because she got injured during the rehearsal, she will now not be able to shoot for the show at all.
	From modelling to acting The latest entrant in the television industry is Kaajal Jain, who is presently essaying the role of Yashodhara in BK Modi's and Ridwana's show, Buddha. The pretty girl hails from Gwalior had participated in Miss India 2008 and made it to the top ten. Later, she participated in Top Model of the World in Germany. Talking about her role in Buddha, Kaajal says, "When I got the role after an audition and look tests, I was more than happy. I am a spiritual person and went to Vipasana for ten days. At that point of time I had never imagined that I would ever be doing a show like Buddha, which narrates the tale of King Siddharth and his love, Yashodhara, which is unknown to many people. That the show has already gained much appreciation from the masses and it is made on the larger-than-life scale impressed me a lot. I would really like to act in films in future, but right now, I am focusing on Buddha."
	A day of joy Roopal Tyagi went for a one-day break to Lonawala with parents, RK and Poonam Tyagi, and her brother, Smitesh, on the New Year and got to experience the Hot Balloon Safari there. "It was a mind blowing experience as we saw the first sunrise from mid-air and I was happy that I made the most of the one day that I got off from work. Small holidays is all we get," she says.
	The bigg bag theory Tanishaa Mukerji is angry because she did not get all her luggage from the Bigg Boss house, apparently. Grapevine states that she was told that she will get her bags the following day, which she didn't. When they bags were returned to her, some expensive cosmetics were not in it. She has now contacted the production house.
	Brought at the alter! Kashmera and Krushna Abhishek have announced that they will marry soon, but the rumours are that Kashmera gave Krushna an ultimatum as he was being linked with Tanushree Dutta. However, the couple rubbished the rumours and claimed that they had being living in for seven years apparently.
	Astro turf P. Khurrana ARIES: "Two of Cups" suggests that romance will be on your mind. You might have to cancel a proposed trip to avoid friction tonight. A minor incident can have dramatic effects. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties on time. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 57 TAURUS: You will focus on spiritual needs. Taxation matters may get adjourned. Stop compromising your values. Health needs attention. It is a good day for romance. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 65 GEMINI: Social activities will accelerate. Co-workers will be helpful. You will be pursuing your romance into the realms of commitment. You will get a marriage proposal and you may decide to start a family. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 30 CANCER: "The King" brings a good news your way. Share your interests with your family members. Legal matters come to the fore. It is a good day for purchasing a vehicle. Tarot message: Try to rid out of negative feelings through love. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 33 LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning. Your care and interest could make all the differences in the decisions and peace of mind of those who love you. Tarot message: Focus on the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 61 VIRGO: Bring routine matters up to date. You need to be alert and responsive. Group efforts and projects will inspire you and introduce you to new and interesting friends, pastimes, and contacts. Tarot message: Do not be too certain about obtain a clearance. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic number: 44 LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. You may find that a journey that you had undertaken was subject to delays. Avoid social gatherings during evening. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty and not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 29 SCORPIO: Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. It will be difficult to reach to an agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered and very willing to criticize you. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 63 SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. This is the time of increased communication or travel with a romantic partner, children or social groups. Tarot message: Leave the past in the past. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 52 CAPRICORN: Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. A new romance can bring changes to your living quarters, as you both find the compulsion to be together stronger than reality. Tarot message: Handle others carefully and do not antagonise anyone. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 36 AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed as smoothly as you may have hoped. Attempt to improve your health will be successful. Tension builds and tempers can fray. Tarot message: Do not give up your rights or freedom without considering a second chance. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 40 PISCES: It would be wise to keep work and domestic matters distinctly separate. It is a useful day for tackling household repairs. Girls: be at your charming best. Tarot message: Do not allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 26
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is January 6... This year will bring many opportunities in almost every single sphere of your life. Good news is indicated. Around the mid-year, old friends and/or lovers may re-enter your life. Your personal resources, values and self-worth become popular topics of discussion. Media persons may be rewarded. If connected with serials, films etc success awaits this year. Marketing ideas, surprise announcements, and team bonding activities should all go well. You may have a new financial opportunity knocking on your door. Make the most of it! Positive colours: White, sea green, cream, light blue, and rose Select days: Friday, Thursday, and Tuesday Favourable numbers: 5 and 6 Gems recommended: Diamond and emerald Charity on birthday: Donate white clothes, school dress or white edible items to eligible needy or in a religious place today. You share your birthday with Allah Rakha Rahman (January 6, 1966, Chennai, born as AS Dileep Kumar), who made an album Vande Mataram (1997) on India's 50th anniversary of independence. He has won thirteen Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and two Academy Awards. Rahman's horoscope shows good combination of Mercury and Venus bestowing music and money.