Ms MAY 12, 2013
ISSUE NO. 47
Fusion Funk Mix it up for your next outing
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Handmade Revolution How hand crafting is taking Pakistan by storm
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inside mother superior—
Too much television for your toddler?
domestic goddess —
Delicious delights for Election Day
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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra Send your feedback to women@tribune.com.pk
Pakistan’s biggest superstar
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Ms
the buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
Handicrafts from the Heart by Rahat Kamal
Next time a loved one’s birthday approaches, take a little help from these talented crafters to make it extra special
Favour box crafted by All That Sparkle. irls’, ter and Sw snim’s ‘Glit a T d m n a ru l E a and re origin on offer a nding a of the crafts e when se m the stamp ti g a n s y, ri a a There w n a birthd quality, bea o h g ig n h ti e re ag us y rs. loved one r momento e effectivel their make ry or othe omen hav w se o g s o n u te ch si yo anniversa g to These rking web eant havin fcial-netwo -o so n d f ru o occasion m se , d d es rl te harn d the wo of the prin cebook an py, often from one siness such as Fa earing sap b n their bu s d ru rd e to ft ca g ra d in p ll p a o own s, the-mill sh e g a online er runs her atical mess ng Each craft ttiin s. ugh n i n ri ro ungramm o p ti th f a o l se er e op andffu can brow rs s se re u he same h e tu ic t er p by th n r page wh they wa kistan. Ou the items rms in Pa stored in fi f rm otos, select h would be r a private p ve o e i order acttiv tors. unattttrra lace their p d n a dministra e page’s a factoryth to s e a g messa ions such ing discuss n Alll impend sonalisatio er p d y an f o ces, deliver d ri p en the The growing popularity of online, at e ta t ke place is given th er the crafters was evident at m o st cu ent. ym ich the a h p w r the 4-day ‘Crafters’ Expo’ k details fo works after’s ban ss cr ce ro p organised last year at the entire e Although time, ther Karachi’s Royal Rodale Club. ost of the m ly ance, h st in ooth r o Fo sm . The diaries, gift cards, photo e glitches m o so n ee b have
frames, albums, boxes and fancy packages on display sold like hot cakes.
ted to ntly reloca s crafting e c re ir v v run Musa g and now e to Hong Kon line. “It is awesom you n e o s classes es online becau at have class a wider audience th ught ta h can reac Musavvir. “I have i way,” saysfrom Canada, Saud from students e UAE and several Arabia, th India.”
ms made albu t a e tm ee ould gift sw ping. and we w lver wrap si sh ri a g in d e ts to p n p a ra w w n one ever, whe rable, o m e Now, how m ly asion tru cc o n d a ft ke ma and-cra e array of h icks cl w fe there is an a ilable just va a s m ve e ant gift it e innovati mes reluct etim nks to som who have s are som ts or n er away, tha e en m m o o to ym st a w p cu g y c youn ake timel dium. e m m to r ce e u le and artisti d b ft a a tor un ied to re er a sough igns modif women es e d with made pap e d es ie th th sf e e, ti av h om hom aren’t sa s en rd th t ca u b Working fr m o ts: fr the price ety of craf ms roduct. offer a vari ia is photo albu to the final p es ili social med o d h it ts w en ed eration of m g lif h ed ro them lis p g el e b in h p T em el h t e righ crafters, e is e es er th th with just th but to s s, ip crucial customer d binder cl nery t just with o io n at to decorate ic t st as ec e b n n e th co here for pliers of th eir something and for th ith the sup , w lly em d ia so e it al h In T . se of us. that they u buff in all aring, and and materials goods is so f FizY’s Art e o to ti ad ed at -m h ct d B ri a st han iz re plies Fa st p th ju su o t r b o tele is n import thei their clien me to them atever im would co h n w as en y T u m b y ld man ised gift afters wou al cr women — n e so . Now, th er er d p an ne anoth e perfect ded from o seeking th ee n rced to u o ey ts th e. u n o ved o has been ly’ to is ef ir th , ‘F for their lo er ’s ir ev how h Musavv From Vara t Sparkle’ i’s ‘All Tha u iq d id S Noveen
A colourful diary by
ion. hibit x e the ll at a t s A
FizY’s Art.
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
other businesswomen who specialise in having the materials delivered from abroad and selling them to the crafters. But while technology is pivotal to their survival, it has also posed certain problems along the way, which anyone who has ever promoted a brand online will understand. Siddiqui cites plagiarism and imitation by other crafters as the chief issue with Facebook promotion, as does Tasnim. “It’s understandable that emerging crafters should take inspiration from these products,” says Tasnim. “But copying every detail and lying about being the real designers of the product is just wrong!” The crafters also have to be wary of online fraud whilst purchasing supplies lest the traders swindle them with misleading photographs of their merchandise to make money illegally. Most of the time however, wever, the crafters are
Birth announcements by FizY’s Art.
“It’s understandable that emerging crafters should take inspiration from these products. But copying every detail and lying about being the real designers of the product is just wrong!”
savvy about the way they use technology. Musavvir, for example, recently relocated to Hong Kong and now runs crafting classes online, spreading the name of Pakistani crafters internationally. The classes include detailed modules on a variety of related topics such as inks, techniques, designing and assembling. “It is awesome to have classes online because you can reach a wider audience that way,” says Musavvir. “I have taught students from Canada, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and several from India.” Many of her students are in their teens looking to pay their way through school by selling handmade accessories like cards and keepsakes. “It is very enriching to see them learn and apply themselves,” she says. “I particularly enjoyed a class I hosted on Freebie Glitter Accents as there were over 88 students logged in at that time!” The growing popularity of the crafters was evident at the four-day ‘Crafters’ Expo’ which Musavvir organised last year at Karachi’s Royal Rodale Club. Customers flocked to the stalls set up by the participants and the diaries, gift cards, photo frames, albums, boxes and fancy packages on display sold like hot cakes. The
Notebooks by Firefly.
success was so phenomenal that Musavvir is currently planning a follow-up expo to be held in December this year. In addition to this, participating crafters also received sponsorships from two international scrapbook companies. However, crafting is not all fun and games. Siddiqui’s advice to anyone wishing to take up this line of work is to ensure they understand it fully and are willing to give it the time and energy it requires which can easily be done by surfing the internet and practicing with the material available there. She also warns women about the drawbacks of working from home saying, “I am often working throughout the day. Sometimes, I work way past normal hours in order to finish off an order, all the time fulfilling my other, household responsibilities as well!” Although we have been storing
photographs and exchanging greeting cards for ages, never before has the practice been as easy and exciting as it is now. These crafters bear testament to the fact that dedication, innovation and talent can help create business opportunities that never existed before and revolutionise the way things have been done thus far.
To make things easier for you, Ms. T drafted a list of the specialities of the crafters, along with their price ranges. Have a look and decide how you can make your loved ones’ day special next time around! FizY’s Art: Faiza Bhatti specializes in types of books (scrapbooks, tag books, wedding and baby books, etc) which usually range from Rs2,800 to Rs5,000, depending on their size. Glitter & Swirls: Erum Tasnim’s most popular items include decorated gift boxes and Cardinis (cardcum-mini photo albums) that cost around Rs600 each. All That Sparkle: Noveen Siddiqui is great at crafting chocolate and favour boxes of all shapes and sizes, perfect for party giveaways! Prices vary from Rs150 to Rs1,400, depending on the size of box. Firefly: Although Varah Musavir receives most of her orders for key chains and other keepsakes, she believes her speciality is mini photo albums that sell for Rs2,800 to Rs4,200, depending on the theme and the amount of details (embellishments and colours, etc) the customer wants.
Gift boxes by
Firefly.
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Ms
en vogue
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
East meets west in these vibrant new ensembles created by some of the biggest names in Pakistani fashion. Have a look through the range of fruity oranges and dusky gold hues and pick your favourite for the forthcoming summer months!
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair and Make-up: Saba Ansari @ Sabs Label: Ensemble Designers: Maheen Khan, Body Focus of Iman Ahmed, HSY, Sadaf Malaterre, Maheen Karim Photography: Zeeshan Ghori Model: Kiran Malik
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Ms
mother superior
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
Parenting Guide
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Nutritious Party Nutritious Party foods foods for kids for kids
Ms.T recommends how to keep your children entertained in a healthy way
How to stop kids from watching too much TV
Although television can keep your child engaged while you are busy in the kitchen or running errands around the house, watching too much TV is linked to increased obesity and diabetes in children, and also has an adverse effect on their sleep patterns. To stop your child from watching too much TV follow these guidelines: • If you begin your day by switching on the TV, you can expect your children to do the same. Children are easily influenced by their parents and tend to follow their footsteps, so try to keep yourself occupied with reading or other activities while sipping your morning coffee instead of switching on the box. • Offer alternative activities. Assign fun projects such as drawing, solving puzzles or playing Lego that develop cognitive abilities. Involve your family into playing a board game so that the child gets enthusiastic about participating. • Read out stories to her to develop essential reading habits which will, in turn, increase intellectual capacity. • Encourage your child to play outside with kids from the neighbourhood or arrange play dates. Let her venture out independently. Take heart that you are not the only mother struggling to keep her child away from Ben 10 and Barbie Fairytopia. It may take a few tantrums and a lot of resistance from your child but eventually it will bring the siblings together and engage them in worthwhile activities that will benefit them in the long run.
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What’s a party without good old sandwiches? Use colourful veggies, cheese, eggs and mayo for the filling. Place them on funky plates and hold them together with decorative toothpicks topped with pictures of cartoon characters.
Kids love to attack bite-sized, easy to grab chips while running around in a party but these can easily be replaced by healthier baked flatbread chips served with hummus or a cheesy dip.
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Freshly baked mini pizzas are bound to be a hit. Add some fresh green vegetables and some pineapples as topping and a layer with cheese.
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Every child is born with a sweet tooth and there is nothing better than fresh strawberries bursting with natural sweetness, colour and goodness. Skewer some fresh big strawberries on to a paddle pop stick and serve them with some melted chocolate.
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After a tiring run around the garden, your little guests will be up for a thirst-quenching drink. Just blend some peeled mangoes or berries with yoghurt or milk to make delicious and nourishing smoothies. Decorate them with cute little umbrellas or character tags to entice them.
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
With the election results just around the corner, the entire country is anxious for the polling results to be released! Friends and families are likely to get together for the big announcement and I thought I should give you some ideas for quick appetisers and refreshments to keep the energy levels up and tempers down!
domestic goddess 7 Recipe
Election Day Recipes Ingredients:
Keep calm and drink Mint Lemonade. Keeping the soaring temperatures and political debates under consideration, try this recipe for a rejuvenating and delicious drink ideal to keep your guests calm! (Makes 2 glasses)
Lemon Juice of 2 lemons
10-12 mint leaves (washed thoroughly)
Sugar 1 tbsp
Method •
Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix it all well until the mint leaves are blended completely. Adjust the sugar and salt according to taste.
Salt ¼ tsp
Water 2 glasses
Ice cubes as desired
Madiha Hamid is a digital media professional. She loves the food traditions unique to families. She is running a food blog for Pakistani and regional cuisines called cheflingtales.com
Ingredients:
Chunky Salsa Dip Tomatoes (chopped)
Onion (chopped) ½
Green chilies (chopped) 2
Best way to keep anxiety under control. (Serves 4)
Method •
Handful of coriander (chopped)
Lemon juice of 2 lemons
Chili Garlic Sauce 2 tbsp (Tomato paste and red chili flakes can also be used)
Vinegar (optional) ½ tsp
Sugar ½ tsp
• •
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Take half the mixture and process using a blender but be careful not to make a smooth puree out of it. Mix the mashed ingredients with the chunky ones. Let the dip rest in the fridge for an hour or two and then serve with the tortilla chips.
Tortilla chips
Mashed Potato Balls
Ingredients:
This dish will not just ease growling stomachs but also mend broken hearts. (Makes 12 to 15 potato balls.)
Method • •
• • • • • • •
Boil the potatoes, then skin and mash them. For the breadcrumbs, take the slice of bread and corn flakes and blend together. Season the crumbs with salt and black pepper. Microwave the milk and butter in a cup for 15 seconds until the butter melts. Slowly mix the butter/milk mixtures into the mashed potatoes, adding salt and pepper. Take a tablespoon of the mashed potatoes, add a small piece of cheddar cheese in the centre and roll it into a ball. Dip the ball in egg and coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Make 4 to 5 balls in this way and then start frying. Fry the balls in shallow oil at medium heat, changing their sides carefully to ensure they turn evenly golden. Place the fried balls on absorbent paper and serve them hot!
Milk 3 tbsp
Butter 2 tsp
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheddar cheese 1 slice for center filling
Egg (beaten) 1
Bread 1 slice (to make breadcrumbs)
Corn flakes ½ cup (to make breadcrumbs)
Medium-sized potatoes 3
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 12, 2013
hottie of the week 8
Status Born
Married to Amina Shaan Lahore, Pakistan
Birthday
April 27th, 1971
Face
95%
PHOTO: ESSA MALIK
Who is he?
Shaan Shahid
This resident hunk of the Pakistani showbiz industry barely needs an introduction. Shaan kicked off his acting career in the early nineties and has since continued casting a spell on us, particularly as the romantic musician of the critically acclaimed Khuda Ke Liye. Now, five years on, Shaan is once again out to set the silver-screens on fire with his upcoming film Waar. Mind you, this is not all Shaan is about... he is also an active director, writer, painter and philanthropist! As if his acting prowess isn’t enough to make us go gaga!
Charisma
80%
Talent
95%
Why we love him His alpha male looks, broody persona and twinkling eyes make him our desi version of Christian Bale and we just can’t get past that smouldering gaze that keeps us glued to our television sets. But Shaan happens to be a humble, true-at-heart, family man! Is there anything that this charmer cannot do? Despite his dreamy face on billboards across the nation and numerous awards and titles like ‘Pakistan’s biggest superstar’ under his belt, Shaan remains true to himself. He is fiercely patriotic and values being Pakistani more than everything else, so much so that he turned down Aamir Khan’s offer to play the villain in Ghajini; he was afraid the character may lead to misrepresentations of Pakistan in the world media. Let’s just say we can’t stop dreaming of his charm!
Total Package
What you didn’t know about him Shaan once dreamt of becoming a lawyer as he felt he had a knack for convincing people and he surely has us convinced of his outstanding talent and uber-classy persona! The actor’s debut role was alongside Reema Khan in 1990’s Bulandi at the tender age of 17! Perhaps the most loveable of his many endorsements is his work as the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF’s ‘One Pack=One Vaccine’ project to eliminate tetanus from Pakistan! Swooning yet? We most definitely are!
90%