Bloom

28

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Issue No.

Top trends of

Spring into beauty y

““Spring-summer 2012” It’s the week of making lists: best of lists, beauty lists, resolution lists, and more. But, when it comes to fashion, there are definitely some trends worth noting. Did you notice the increasing number of people purchasing floral outfits and funky summery footwear?

How about the yellow hand bags?

Well, those most definitely hit the fashion scene hard in 2011.

But coming to 2012, the outfits on the catwalks is already sewn up, and the new designs for 2013 being cut and stitched. The single question that arises at this time of the year is- what will the trends be for the coming 12 months – and how will it affect the fashion industry and the international market?

Although we talk about seasons in fashion, from the designers’ point of view it’s more a series of evolutionary transitions, so the design elements that defined autumn/winter 2011 will become

Floral Prints Spring/summer 2012 is all about being bold with large blooms. The new floral isn’t about being soft and pretty; it is about saying ‘I’m here!’

For girls looking to blossom this season should go big. Florals in bright patterns and colour, head to toe make us feel pretty.

And an entire outfit in floral would do the magic!

Style tip: If you haven’t worked up to an entire floral pant suit, try a bold floral dress paired with accessories. It could be a sexy belt, a pair of shoes, handbags or ggloves.

Summer Leather Sum Who says one can’t wear leather in summers? Leather is always in. It is one trend that doesn’t seem to be going away. Designers are excited to show off their hot leather collection of shorts this season. Spring/summer 2012 leather trends are a mix of ethnic influences, nostalgia and heritage classics, as well as simple shapes with a natural vibe.

The perfect summer leather garments would include short shorts/ skirts, mini-dresses and a vest. And for the average ladies, there are killer ‘leatherette’ pieces at H&M. Style tip: Throw a leather vest over just about anything. It works!

next season’s fashion trends.

So, what is being carried over from the final season of 2011? Well, the retro vibe will continue to flourish – as will the trend for custom tshirts in vintage and washedout denim shades. Designers looked back to the glamour of the 1950s and ’60s for winter 2011 inspiration, and spring 2012 will continue that trend. But the seventies is the decade that will shine the most.

1920’s 2012 Springsummer collection hits the runaways with a touch of feminity; from floral patterns to elegant silhouettes, this season is all about frolicking with your feminine features. The collection includes the flapper-inspired pieces, complete with fringed embellishments and drop waists. Moreover, it is the floating silhouettes with floor length skirts, silk taffeta and layers galore that marks the return of femininity.

Style tip: A tulle or organza full-length bodyy hugging skirt paired with a simple tee is the perfect way to wear this look.

an Colour is essential partt of spring/summer,, so it’s no surprise that ickle hues that tickle our taste buds are p in also popping up stsome of the musthe have items of the es season. The hues ht differ from light n to bright, neon al and tropical hues, coming through as the essential colour palette.

Style tip: Pair a simple white tee with a rainbow colourr pant or skirt forr any effortlesss n look or brighten your day with a ry neon accessory like a satchel.

The Spring-summer 2012 collections haven’t hit stores yet, but these trends are sure to rock at the runway! Trends are meant to be embraced, so why not make them your own?

On the feminine side, elegant blouses worn with high-waisted pants, and bohemian cheesecloth tops with floaty maxi-dresses are two of the springtime trends.

Taking these hottest and latest trends from stickthin models for the season can be intimidating. But not to worry, Bloom helps you know how to incorporate the top five trends for spring/ summer 2012 into your daily real-life runway.

Skinny models donning the brightest of shades, flaunting the curliest of lashes and the rosiest of cheeks mark the arrival of “Spring!”

Spring- the “season of beauty,” engenders the strongest emotional response among all living things. As the hours of daylight increases, the long dark evenings are banished. With birds chirping and bare branches bursting into a green haze of foliage, the first flowers of the year emerges in glorious, bright, vibrant colour awakening the senses to the arrival of the new season.

And, with the advent of this beautiful season, it is time to make some skincare resolutions.

Spring is all about bright, glowing skin, pepped up by products packed with antioxidants, vitamins and natural extracts.

Bloom helps you find beauty in every little things you do. Right from beautifying Mother Nature to spring cleaning your make-up, it gives you a reason to celebrate the season.

And looking into the hottest trends that stole the show at the runways, this issue is sure to be liked by all the fashionistas awaiting the perfect look.

What’s more.. you have the latest beauty app to keep you updated with the toprated beauty products in the market!

It was indeed a pleasure to receive some interesting suggestions from our readers. We thank you and wish to see a lot more of the kind in future. Continue writing to us at bloom@qimqatar.com.

Your feedback is always welcomed. So be it science, technology, lifestyle or fashion take your pick right away! And Facebook users keep liking our page!

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Tribal Prints R hnic prints have Rich and ethnic p everywhere on been showing up om New York the runways, from M ners such as to Milan.

Designers Don Karan, Michael Kors Donna and BCBG have all included thes iconic bold tribal these prin in feel-good ood earthy prints tone for spring 2012. tones Th The attires for the upco on are all upcoming season abou rich tribal al patterns about pes. When and ethnic shapes. c bal wears, it comes to tribal text mportant. texture is very important. pth, try For real depth, mix mixing it up a bit with woo cs and wood, metallics bead beaded items. But do rem remember to keep a simp shape in n mind simple lash of and add a splash colo ic and colourful ethnic anim patternss or animal pr sed prints as advised b rs. by designers.

F For e.g., if yyou h wish to go for a bold bolder look, tryy mix mixing animal patt patterns and ethn ethnic prints.

S Style tip: To warm your he look, try it first yourself up to the with accessories. s. One can start with wooden rings ngs and bangles that best describes the he ethnicity.

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Thursday, 12 January 2012

Health Don’t you just hate it when you look in the mirror and feel like your face is losing that attractive charm that once used to make you event stopper for the night? Do you feel that wrinkles and sagging skin is overshadowing the spark that used to light you from within?

Worry no more. You can now look younger naturally with this 10-day makeover plan that can turn around the clock for you!

10 Days to younger looking skin Day 1 Build up a skin routine

Start your first day by establishing a simple beauty routine.

Cut down your beauty products According to many dermatologists, over treating your skin with multiple products is one of the most common problems. It is thereby advised to use one gentle everyday facial cleanser, two good moisturizers- one with sunscreen for day and another for night, and an exfoliator (two or three times a week).

Simplify the routine Every morning, wash your face with your hands; they’re naturally thorough, but gentle. Once you are done with washing, apply your daytime moisturizer to still-damp skin; let it soak in before applying makeup.

Repeat at night, but spend a minute longer washing your face to be sure you remove all makeup, dirt, and residue from the day. Then, apply your night-time moisturizer.

So, that was your new skin routine which is quite simple to follow.

Day 2

Soothe stressed skin

Include relaxing in your to-do-list. As we know that stressed skin looks stressed, it is essential to keep your psyche and your skin healthy, calm, and clear with these stress-relief tips:

Day 8

Day 4

Eat foods that are good for skin Concentrate on eating as cleanly as possible today. Avoid fast food, fried food, and anything which is processed.

They keep your body and your skin off balance.

Instead, eat foods that are good for your skin. Here’s a quick list of foods for healthy skin: t Oranges t Cantaloupe t Tomatoes t Leafy greens t Salmon t Tuna You may find more foods that are good for your skin. In the meantime, also feed your skin with youth promoting vitamins. Vitamin C helps to fight against wrinkles and fine lines by producing collagen. Vitamin E helps the skin look younger by protecting it from UV rays and also by eliminating harmful radicals. You can knock years off your age by simply changing your diet and feeding your skin.

Be positive to look young

Day 8 is all about inner beauty. Use these inside-out beauty tips to get the radiant glow that comes with inner peace:

Focus on positivity t

Try this tonight: Make a gratitude list for the day.

Write down three great things that happened during your day. They can be as simple as the fact that you ate well all day, or that you hit a big deadline at work, or that the sky at sunset was beautiful. Well, following this you’ll discover how being positive can keep your heart young and help you avoid stress.

Day 9

Get beauty sleep

Day 5

Take regular exercise

Practise breathing Pick any one breathing exercise that you like best, and make sure that you do it at least twice a day for the next 9 days, preferably at around the same time each day. This will help you establish a breathing routine that not only calms you, but also refocuses your energy, and changes your body chemistry supporting well-being.

Nothing works better than a sound sleep of 8 hours a day. A good sleep gives an opportunity to the body and skin to revive itself of all the stress you have undergone throughout the day and helps you avert circles and bags below your eyes. So give in, and experience the beauty benefits of a little power nap.

Relax and unwind Here are some brilliant ideas to help you de-stress yourself: t Connect with friends who make you laugh, take a load off your stress level, and help you put things into perspective. You might also arrange a dinner with friends. t Soothe yourself with a massage. Book a spa treatment today itself. This is the best stress-buster.

Keeping fit and active with regular physical fitness exercises will do wonders for your health as well as making you look and feel better. Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity today, and schedule some time for a few more active half hours over the next few days.

Whether it’s taking a class at your gym, going for a power walk with friends, taking a bike ride, or playing Frisbee in the park -- there are lots of options for doing your body good. You may choose something you enjoy.

Day 10

Reflect and relax

Day 6 Day 3

Go green for great skin

Green is beautiful. So why not start nurturing the green goddess in you with these green tips for a beautiful glowing skin:

Drinking green tea t

Fill a big thermos with green tea in the morning, and sip it all day. Green tea keeps you hydrated and is hence wise to consume green tea every day.

Spend time in nature t

Get outside get happy: spending at least 20 minutes in nature today and over the next 7 days means soaking in some “vitamin G” (for green). Mother Nature can be extremely therapeutic, and the fresh air will do you and your skin, a world of good. Tread this way to chase away stress.

Give up smoking

Elastin that is required for the elasticity and strength of the skin is reduced to a great extent by smoking. Collagen is also damaged by smoking. So, if you wish to keep away wrinkles and sagging of your skin, you must learn to stay away from smoking.

Day 7

Spend quality time

Today, spend time with people you care about and love being around. If you enjoy cooking, invite them over for a scrumptious meal. If you don’t want to cook, go out. The point is to get together with people who are meaningful in your life; who make you laugh and are an inspiration.

Here comes the final day of the ‘Younger Looking Skin plan.’ Think about how the last 10 days have been for you.

What’s gone well? Do you feel physically and emotionally different than you did last weekend? What helped you most? Was it getting more sleep, connecting with friends, eating the right food, or learning to meditate?

Pick the stress buster that you loved doing the mostmeditating, breathing, relaxing, or whatever- make sure you do it twice today.

And don’t forget to get your beauty sleep, be positive, foster friendships, move your body, eat clean, go green, quit smoking, relax, and simplify.

So are you ready to fight stress-induced aging, and shake up your beauty routine to bring out the best in your skin and your looks? If yes, follow the plan and discover a revitalized you, inside and out!

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Fine Living

Thursday, 12 January 2012

ashion Week

ever

s ing the runwayh n shows flood With the fashiocomes some of the most stylis e th re this season, he ns that stole the limelight inNew trends and desig 2012 fashion week held in r Spring-summe Milan.

York, Paris and

New York Fashion Week:

Paris Fashion Week:

Spring 2012

Spring 2012

As consumers look for more versatile fashion, the New York Fashion Week for spring/ summer 2012 staged an array of polished sporty styles and neon citrus colours.

With urban sport and athletic chic, the designs featured fabrics such as mesh, neoprene and parachute silk with relaxed yet refined fashion to fit with more casual and active lifestyles, suiting several occasions.

Almost 100 designers have been showing collections for spring/summer 2012 to retail buyers, media and celebrities during New York Fashion Week, with dozens more showing at other venues around the city to coincide with the semi-annual event.

With each instance of Paris fashion week (PFW) that rolls around, the Parisian streets become a runway of their own as the most stylish of the industry attend the top fashion shows. From the luxury fashion houses to edgy French labels, Paris fashion week sees the spring / summer and autumn (fall) / winter collections taking to the runway at both men’s and women’s dedicated fashion weeks.

The bestt lo looks ooks from PFW PF FW 2012:

The best loo looks oks from NY NYFW YFW 2012:

Calvin Klein

The designer broke palette to include a beautiful green and a parade of black pieces.

Here again, he kept his shapes clean and close to the body.

Even a chic suit felt like something sexier.

Ralph Lauren

Oscar de la Renta

It was all about silk and slink, with a parade of mint or pink gowns with halters, key-hole, strapless or tank necklines and feathered details.

De la Renta stuck to bolder stuff. Gowns came out in every manner and shape: Shiny and clingy; vibrant and ethereal; prim and pretty, or vampy and sexy.

Milan Fashion Week:

Spring 2012 With collections rich in metallic finishes and designed with an appeal for buyers who are keeping the luxury industry afloat in harsh time, the fashion designers poured gold onto the Milan catwalks.

Fashion doyen Giorgio Armani’s catwalk collection displayed thin trousers underneath longer dresses, a layered look that could be targeted at women from the Middle East and China.

Hem lengths were short at Versace and Roberto Cavalli, but longer at Prada and Armani, pleats appeared at a number of shows and themes such as Art Deco and Bauhaus waltzed through some of the collections.

The best looks MFW lo ooks from MF FW 2012:

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani went watery for spring in a sartorial sea of liquid silks, fluid shapes and shades of blue. He sent out a parade of cropped suiting options whether you like below-the-knee skirts or tailored short trousers.

Roberto Cavalli

Dolce & Gabbana

The second way of getting to this far-flung paradise, according to Giornetti is by taking swaths of fabric and bunching and tying them in every possible repetition of a sarong.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are really good at telling a story. For spring, it was one of summer in Italy, complete with a catwalk transformed into a festive street at night.

Givenchy

Louis Vuitton

Valentino

Tisci emphasized luxury, throwing in more than a smidgeon of exotics, from trim to fullon dresses done in a skin.

The attires specially in black received a lot of appreciation.

There was no holding back the prettiness.

Consider party dresses and pencil skirts with 3D floral appliques. The only thrill of something more adult was the pointytoed silver shoes.

And then the duo settled into more familiar territory, taking Valentino red and doing it up in a capsleeved, belted long lace gown. It may skew young, but it looked like a shock of bold style.

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Lifestyle

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Spring into the

season with some scrumptious desserts Nothing beats a homemade dessert for this festive spring season. Spring sweets call for fresh, seasonal fruit, light-as-air cakes and sugary crumbles – which these recipes deliver! Bake up a creamy citrus cheesecake for your mom’s group or take up cookery classes for your kids with the pink meringue cupcakes. Whatever you whip up, you’re bound to win a smile!

Pink Meringue Cupcakes with Raspberry Curd Light as air, this ethereal dessert takes the cupcake to new heights. In fact, there’s no cake here at all: Meringue tinted pink is baked in the familiar cups, split, and filled with raspberry curd, berries, and crème fraiche. Serve them to all who love sweets, and be ready for raves. (Makes 1 dozen)

Ingredients: t t t t t t t t t t

Vegetable oil cooking spray, for baking cups 6 large egg whites, room temperature 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups sugar Gel-paste food colouring in tulip red 2 cups crème fraiche 1 container (6 ounces) raspberries, halved if large p y curd Raspberry

Kiwi-Berry Ki i B P Pavlova l This is one of the amazing recipes for the season. For a crisp outcome, do your baking on a dry day -- humidity makes for a soft-textured meringue. If you like, trade other soft fruit for kiwi and raspberries. (Serves 10)

Citrus Cheese cake If you love citrus, you will love this cheesecake recipe, which is flavoured with fresh lemon, cracker crumbs and orange. (Makes 8 to 10 servings)

Ingredients: t t t t t t t t t

1 cup cracker crumbs 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk 3 eggs 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind 2 teaspoons grated orange rind 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions: t

Preheat oven to 300°F. Combine cracker crumbs, sugar and butter; press firmly on bottom of 9-inch spring form pan.

t

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. On low speed, add sweetened condensed milk; mix until smooth. Add eggs, lemon and orange rind and vanilla; mix just until blended. Pour filling into pan.

t

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until centre is set. Cool.

Chill. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Directions:

t

t

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line every other cup of 2 non-stick 12-cup muffin tins with baking cups; coat with cooking spray. Whisk egg whites, vinegar, vanilla, and salt with a mixer on medium-high speed until frothy. Add 1 3/4 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition, making sure the sugar dissolves. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in 6 drops food colouring.

Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a plain coupler (no tip), and pipe into prepared baking cups, about 2 inches above rims, finishing with a peak in the centres. Bake, rotating halfway through, 3 to 3 hours and 20 minutes. (Cupcakes should be completely dry on the outside but still soft in the middle. A toothpick inserted horizontally at base of top should have moist but cooked crumbs attached.) Transfer cupcakes in baking cups to wire racks; let cool completely.

Beat crème fraiche and remaining cup sugar in a clean mixer bowl on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Carefully slice off tops of cupcakes using a serrated knife. (Run the knife just above the liner and slowly work your way to the centre.) Top each cupcake with 2 tablespoons raspberry curd, a few raspberries, and 2 tablespoons crème fraiche mixture. Replace tops, and serve immediately.

Elegant and bite-sized, these almond-flavoured cakes have a hidden layer of sweet-tart cherry preserves.

(Makes 30)

Spring Shower Almond Petits Fours

t

Ingredients: t 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for baking sheet t 1 1/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for baking sheet t 3/4 teaspoon baking powder t 1/4 teaspoon baking soda t 1/4 teaspoon salt t 1 cup sugar t 1/2 cup almond paste t 4 large eggs, separated t 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract t 1/2 cup whole milk t 1/2 cup cherry preserves, processed in a food processor t Sugar glaze t Gum paste cherry blossoms Directions: t Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 12-by-17- inch rimmed baking sheet, and line with parchment paper.

Butter parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess; set aside. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl; set aside.

Ingredients: t 1 cup sugar t 1 tablespoon corn-starch t 4 large egg whites, room temperature t 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice t 1/4 teaspoon salt t 1 cup heavy cream t 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract t 3 kiwis, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced crosswise t 2 cups fresh raspberries Directions: t Preheat oven to 200, with rack in centre. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk sugar and corn-starch until combined. t Make meringue: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites, lemon juice, and salt until very frothy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar mixture every 30 seconds, until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 8 minutes total, scraping down sides of bowl halfway through. t Mound meringue onto prepared baking sheet; gently spread to a 9-inch circle, with a well in the centre and a 1-inch raised border around the edge. t Bake until shell is crisp on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside, about 2 1/2 hours (reduce oven temperature to 175 if it starts to brown).

Turn oven off; let meringue dry out in closed oven for another 2 1/2 hours, or up to overnight. t Just before serving, using an electric mixer, beat cream and vanilla in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Fill shell with whipped cream, and top with fruit. To serve, use a serrated knife to cut into wedges. t

t

t

t

Put 3/4 cup sugar and the almond paste into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 2 minutes. Raise speed to medium-high. Add butter; mix until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla.

Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the milk. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.

Put egg whites into the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Fold onethird of egg-white mixture into batter with a rubber spatula. Gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture.

Spread evenly into prepared sheet. Bake until a cake tester inserted into centre comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to wire rack; let cool completely. Unmould; remove parchment.

Cut cake in half crosswise. Spread one half with preserves; top with remaining half. Refrigerate 1 hour. Trim cake, and cut into 11/2-inch squares.

Transfer to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Pour glaze over each petit four, spreading over top and sides to coat completely. Reuse glaze, straining to remove any solids, if needed. Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes. Garnish with blossoms.

Cakes can be refrigerated up to 2 days.

Science

Thursday, 12 January 2012

5

Green technology

towards a better world

Green is the color of nature, fertility, life, balance, peace and ecology. Green occupies more space in the visible spectrum of light than most colors Vinodh K. Pisharom

Green is the colour of nature, fertility, life, balance, peace and ecology. Green occupies more space in the visible spectrum of light than most colours, and is second only to blue as a favourite colour. It soothes us physically and mentally, alleviates depression, nervousness and anxiety, offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony. Green represents nature, natural world, tranquillity, health and good luck.

Call it ignorance, indifference or plain incompetence, the orgy of careless human activities since ages have been taking away the sunny colours of sustenance from the environment, leaving us with nothing but the dull colours of doom and destruction. Man has been using these dismal colours with gay abandon, realizing little that he has indeed been painting an abstract of a bleak future for mankind. It’s not been long since the colour green, and the gamut of goodness it represents, has caught his fancy that shades of green are sensibly being added to all possible activities. If green energy, green technology, green architecture, green environment and so on have become household terms, and other colours turning green with envy, it’s all thanks to increased awareness and growing concern about our environment and the potential dangers we can bring unto ourselves if we go on with our wayward ways.

Green Technology Green Technology is the development and application of products, equipment and systems used to conserve the natural environment and resources, which minimize and reduces the negative impact of human activities. In everyday language, it is the development of better tools for recycling, water purification, air purification, sewage treatment, environmental reme-

diation, solid waste management, renewable energy, energy conservation etc. Green Technology refers to products, equipment or systems which satisfy the following criteria: t It minimizes the degradation of the environment. t It has zero or low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. t It is safe for use and promotes healthy and improved environment for all forms of life. t It conserves the use of energy and natural resources; and t It promotes the use of renewable resources The goal of any technology is to make our lives better and green technology has made significant progress and major improvements in the following key areas:

t Energy: Efficient and cost-effective energy supply, prudent consumption and minimal wastage, usage of ecofriendly energy resources, both renewable and non-renewable.

t Building: Green Building - the practice of creating structures and using processes that are eco-friendly and resource-efficient throughout the building life-cycle, from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

t Water and Waste Management

:

Treatment of water contaminated due to human, industrial and commercial activities, prior to its release into the environment or re-use. New production processes which utilize less water, produce less wastage, and make use of recycled water.

t Transportation: Faster, cleaner and fuel efficient automobiles which emit lesser greenhouse gases. Innovations in electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell cars. Alternative energy sources like battery, solar cells, ethanol, hydrogen and hydrogen cell etc.

t Solid waste management: Adapting the 3R’s of solid waste management, namely Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reducing the amount of waste produced, re-using items before they become waste and recycling waste into useful products.

Green has come to symbolize environmental awareness and concern, and thinking green is now representative of our on-going pursuit of finding new technology, processes, practices, and our solemn will towards protecting the environment and conserving the natural resources for the present and the future. As is evident, green technology and thinking green alone does not guarantee a total reversal of the situation in the immediate future. It would take years of concerted efforts of individuals, societies, organizations, nations, and the whole of humanity, to add even faint shades of green to the extensive canvas of the environment.

Worldwide organisations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Earth System Governance Project, Global Environment Facility (GEF) and numerous regional organisations are leading and promoting environmentally sustainable practices and spreading awareness towards a greener, healthier, better and a more beautiful world for the present and generations to come.

Yes, we can! there isn’t any recycling program in your community, take initiative to start one.

2. Home energy saving Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), as it uses 60% lesser energy.

Buy energy-efficient home appliances. Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you’re not using them. Use your washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full. Use Less heating and Air Conditioning.

3. Drive less and drive smart Vinodh K. Pisharom

Can we, as individuals, help conserve the environment and keep it green, healthy and beautiful? Yes, we can! Major environmental issues like global warming, greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, deforestation, air/water pollution, resource depletion, toxic and non-biodegradable wastes etc. may loom large as issues beyond our means. But, each individual has a role to play and he is morally bound to humanity to give his mite. Given below are a few things we can do in contribution:

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle Reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables, opt for products with minimal packaging, and take them home in re-usable shopping bags. Recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminium etc. and compost organic waste. If

Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible. Regular maintenance of your vehicle helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. You can reduce CO2 emissions by readjusting your driving style, using proper gears, not abusing the gas pedal and turning off your engine when your vehicle is motionless for more than a minute. Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated.

4. Conserve water Repair leaking pipes and faucets. Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth or shave. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month. Install low-flow showerheads, taps, faucets, and toilets.

5. Avoid food wastage Plan your shopping. Stick to the shopping list when you’re

in the store and don’t be tempted by offers. Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packed so you can buy exactly the amount you need. Check the production date such that the item does not go beyond the ‘use by’ date before full consumption. When you buy new food from the store, bring all the older items in your cupboards and fridge to the front.

Put the new food at the back to reduce the risk of finding something mouldy in your food storage compartments.

Serve small amounts of food with the assurance that everybody can come back for more once they’ve cleared their plate. Freeze leftovers for later use.

Turn it into garden food: Some food waste is unavoidable.

You may set up a compost bin for fruit and vegetable peelings. In a few months you will end up with rich, valuable compost for your plants. If you have cooked food waste, then a kitchen composter will do the trick. Just feed it with your scraps, sprinkle over a layer of special microbes and leave to ferment. The resulting product can be used for houseplants and in the garden.

6. Plant trees If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth and a single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

6. Encourage others to conserve Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbours and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.

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Technology

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Have fun with technology this 2012 Sarah Mascarenhas

With tablets taking over the market, touch screens have become the most convenient way to do business, have fun, or learn. While the key selling point of using a tablet has thus far been the ease of using your fingers to do what you will, you might want to consider cutting down the fingerprints and grease on your screen with the use of eFUN aPen A5 and A3 Smart Pen. In addition, you could also look forward to getting rid of those messy notes on the fridge with “Play”- the ultimate in video memo by Native Union.

eFUN aPen A5 Smart Pen Revolutionize the way you write It’s not just a stylus it’s a Smart Pen Want to use your iPhone, iPad, or tablet without greasing up your screen? Why not opt for a stylus? Too ordinary? Consider a Smart Pen. In fact, consider eFUN aPen A5 Smart Pen. r This digital peripheral by eFUN includes a stylus and receiver that hooks into your into your iPad or iiPhone’s 30 pin conn nector. The A5 Smart P Pen will digitalize your handwriting or drawh iings through a number o of compatible apps, inccluding the eFUN’s own fr free Studio Basic Light.

HTC Smart Pen

W With this Smart Pen yo you can also enjoy 90 ho hours of battery life, an and write through the pr protective film covering th the display of your tabllet. t The A4 is compat-

ible with iOS 4.0 4 0 and above.

With the aPen A5 stylus you can maximize the potential of your tablet, iPhone or iPad - draw, sketch, design, write, edit, or just have fun on your tablet without missing a beat! It doesn’t matter if you’re a business professional, an artist, student, educator, or even if you simply want to relive your Etch-a-Sketch days, the eFUN aPen A5 Smart Pen will suit you just fine.

The A5 Smart Pen is broadly set to hit the market in 2012 and should be priced at around $99 when it actually becomes available. In case, you don’t have the patience to wait for the release of the A5 Smart Pen, you could always settle for eFUN’s A3 Smart Pen.

The A3 Smart Pen by eFUN Digitalized scribbles for Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad and Blackberry With the A3 Sm Smart Pen by eFUN you can write on paper, and an show your work on your smart phone scree screen – and all in real time! The A3 Smart Pen also allows you to write and save your work withou without having to connect to your smart phone or computer. Draw on images and JPEGs, write on MS Office applications, such as Outlook, Out and share what you’ve done with everyone you want to. In addition, you could use the A3 Smart Pen’s Bluetooth feature to ea easily sync files to your Blackberry or Android phone and communicate with the world in seconds.

Features of the A3 Smart Pen Photo Sketcher The A3 Smart Pen is a fun and useful tool for personal creativity, mind mapping, or drawing. This gadget allows you to upload the images you create without the tedious and time consuming process of scanning. You could export your images to a photo editing software such as Photoshop or even hook up your device directly to a projector for a business presentation.

Digitizes and records hand writing wirelessly with no computer Clip the receiver on to the paper you are working on and the A3 Smart Pen will automatically digitize your written notes. You can store up to 100 pages wirelessly without having to connect to a computer.

Real-Time Drawing and Writing on a Computer Once you’re connected to a PC via USB cable, get online and you can upload and save your sketches and notes, as well as share your work by email instantly. In addition, what you draw on paper can be shown on your screen simultaneously.

Write or draw just like regular pen, on regular paper!

The A3 Smart Pen is just like a regular pen. You can take it anywhere and write, draw or scribble on a regular sheet of paper or notepad. No special paper is required.

Sign important documents using your Real Signature You can do office document annotation with your actual signature on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, making the A3 is ideal for your daily business needs.

“Play” by Native Union When you have Native Union’s “Play” video memo pad there’s d paper, no need for pencil and chalkboards, or sticky notes. uroy Designed by Fabien Nauroy for Native Union, “Play”” is o the ultimate video memo device. Slim and stylish,, the “Play” has a mag-n netized back so it can dge be mounted on a fridge ces. or other metallic surfaces. mes In addition, it also comes netic supplied with a magnetic wall-tape pad that can stick to any surface. minutes and like With the “Play” you can record a video memo for up to three minutes, an answering machine a small light blinks to let the next person know that a message has been recorded. All in all, the “Play” does what it’s designed to do – it gets the message across. And it’s even simple enough for young kids to use.

Features of Native Union’s “Play” “Play” has been designed and manufactured to the highest specification, and its top features include: t t t t t t t

A 2.4” colour screen A sophisticated three minute multiple message recording system Messages are recorded with time and date This smart design allows full operation from three simple buttons: play, record, and delete “Play” has a magnetic back so it can stick to your refrigerator, car, washing machine, or any other metal surface The “Play” has a 2.4-inch LCD screen and 0.3-megapixel camera. (Though these specs don’t seem impressive, high-tech isn’t the point of the “Play”.

It’s about simplicity.)

Suitable for all ages

Weekly App Review

Beauty Product d Reviews App Want to switch to a new mascara or shampoo? Wondering which beauty product to buy? Now TotalBeauty. com’s app can help. With this app you can browse 280,000+ unbiased consumer reviews and ratings on 45,000 beauty products. Get honest reviews on skin care products, blow dryers, hair care, anti-aging and much more. Here you’ll find reviews on all brands, from department store favourites like MAC, Chanel and Estee Lauder to drugstore deals from Olay, Neutrogena and Cover Girl. Search for a specific product to read reviews, or quickly browse a category or brand for top-rated beauty products. It’s free and fun!

Available for

t What’s new in version 1.4.2

t Get more product info - manufacturer descriptions and ingredients. t Compare prices while you shop. t See more products than ever before t To download visit TotalBeauty.com

Beauty

Thursday, 12 January 2012

7

How to“spring-clean” your makeup Spring makeup is all about a clean, fresh look that is simple to apply. We all know that with the onset of every season, makeup trends change without fail. Regardless of whether they change ever so slightly or daringly dramatically, it can be tempting to dig through that bathroom drawer of yours; the one overflowing with eyeliners and lipsticks from decades ago in search of the hues that are back in fashion. But while it’s true that what’s old will inevitably be new again, with regard to your makeup, looking for that lilac eyeliner you know you rocked back in 90’s is never a good idea – unless, of course, pink eye is your idea of a good time.

Many of us have makeup that’s lurking near the “danger zone.” Just like food, your makeup has an expiration date, after which point bacteria can form, infections can occur and effectiveness can dwindle. And that makes it pretty clear that you need to spring clean your makeup.

Where do we start?

It is observed that unopened, well-formulated and properly stored cosmetics can remain fresh for a couple of years. Whilst products stored in hot or humid conditions (like your bathroom) or exposed to air when opened, could see the formation of bacteria with degradation of some ingredients. It is difficult to tell when your products pass their prime – so it’s always wise to spring clean your cosmetics.

The cosmetic cleaning schedule: e: Every Week: Clean your makeup brushes and sponges with baby shampoo and warm water.

Every 3 Months: Chuck away your mascara and liquid eyeliner – not only will the consistency start to change, but the preservatives start to break down, leaving you susceptible to eye infections.

Every 6 Months: Disperse off your liquid and cream foundations, concealer, facial cleansers, lotions, creams (unless they are in a pump dispenser, in which case they can last up to 1 year), cream eye shadows and anything with SPF. In addition, pitch h anything if you notice a change in smell, colour orr consistency and keep products fresh h longer by ensuringg that all packagingg is closed tight and d stored in a cool, dry ry place. And never share makeup – even with family members!

Every Month: Disinfect your eyeliner and lip liner sharpeners with a disinfectant.

Every Year: Toss your powder, blush, powder eye shadow, lipstick, lip-gloss, lip liners and eyeliner pencils.

Did you know?

Alpha lipoic acid is one of the most powerful anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatories available. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is called “the universal antioxidant” because it is both fat- and water-soluble; easily absorbed through the lipid layers of the skin and working equally well as a free-radical fighter in the cell plasma membrane including the watery interiors of the cell.

Being 400 times stronger than vitamins E and C, ALA has great benefit when applied in a topical lotion.

When put in an eye lotion, it will greatly decrease under eye circles and puffiness. It can also reduce swelling and puffiness in the face. Its anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and blotchiness, resulting in an evening out of skin tone, often making foundation unnecessary. With a capability of shrinking pore size imparting a healthy radiance to the skin, ALA is excellent at decreasing the appearance of lines and wrinkles; its capacity to regulate production of nitric oxide, which controls blood flow to the skin, transforms the complexion from dull, pasty and pale to vibrant and glowing.

8

Fashion

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Paola Frani began to design clothes for women at a very early age.She was born and still lives in the land of Fellini’s ‘Dolce Vita’, Romagna, where there are strong entrepreneurial traditions and a powerful, cultural vivacity. Indeed, some sociologists call it ‘the pleasure zone’, as it is an area where culture, art, entertainment, and new trends merge.

Paola Frani has developed its own conceptual style that is always fascinating and ahead of the times. The collections have numerous reference points, from the cinema to contemporary art. Schifano, Schnabel, Futurism and Pop Art are just some recurring examples.

Personality and a strong identity mark the designer’s work that differs from Made in Italy because of its originality, which is far from the usual clichÊs and is not standardized, something which often characterizes the large fashion groups.

Paola Frani spa originates from a great passion for fashion and good

taste for style. An inborn good taste that has become a way to be the protagonist of a multishaped, funny and multifaceted diversity. Paola Frani style changes in a background of timeless beauty that does not renounce and always renews itself.

Bound to its inspirational archetypes, it changes in a total look, spreading its aesthetical message to the whole body complexity, as a projection on the emotions, desires, ambitions and expectations of customers.

It produces and distributes high quality and vanguard apparel, travelling through traditional fashion times and developing a creative, innovative and global approach.

Paola Frani, strong interpreter of customers’ desires, wants to increase the production and sales volumes, in order to distribute its Made in Italy style all over the world.

Paola Frani SPA strong points are:

Lengths:

t Creativity

Very short dresses and shorts; long dresses

t Dinamism t Ability to anticipate fashion trends

Colors: Neutral nuances, white everywhere, is accompanied by florescent details – such as yellow and red – like streaks of light and fantasy: pixeled landscape prints, wave prints, pop prints.

Orange, lime, and turquoise illuminate the collection.

t Modern and effective production structure t Ability to relate to all markets t Technology and logistics high level t Fast decision procedure t Managing and operative flexibility

Fabrics:

Spring/ Summer 2012

t Silk, piquet, organza, macramĂŠ, cotton, habotai.

Mood/Style: Paola Frani’s 2012 Spring/Summer collection is a hymn to change, to transformation.

What shows is a gentile, postmodern lady expressed through delicate, bon-ton attire, but from her sassy soul, she expresses joie de vivre. Femininity is not screamed out, but still remains at the forefront with the accomplices of dècor and sequins that embellish the afternoon and evening dresses.

Composure is the key of this style, which gracefully harmonizes chaos and fragmentary.

t Micro-sequins and embroidered crystals.

Shapes: Box dresses or little shell-effect dresses; precise and regular cuts for plays on geometry and clean lines. Long, flowing dresses, little airy dresses, short or long jumpsuits.

Accessories: Platform sandals with florescent details, hard collars in plexigold. available at

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