Rat Snacking: Unconventional Combinations of Food for Joyful Snacking

Social media, the platform of fads, continues to be a tech guardian of Gen Z. From “what to wear” to “how to eat”, each year unwraps excitingly tempting trends, and you’re expected to walk as fast as your legs would carry you. So here’s all you need to know about rat snacking, the new food storm. What is Rat Snacking? Rat snacking is all about breaking the rules and swaying to your unconventional culinary desire. Raiding and crafting “unhinged” snacks out of whatever is left in your pantry or refrigerator. In other words, a DIY mash up with weird pairings of food to satisfy one’s hunger pangs. Origin Of Rat Snacking Last year, it was “Girl Dinner”, but this year “Rat Snacking” is hitting the Internet with more than 12 million views under #ratsnack hashtag. Though this Tik Tok fuelled fad was warned by experts for the presence of ultra processed food, they’re also encouraged because it makes a basic snack healthy when it’s weirdly combined with other healthy food. Rat snacking breaks the traditional three meals a day rule and encourages replicating the rodent-behaviour of eating, where you are free to scavenge through whatever is left in your pantry. This bizarre snacking not only saves time but also your money. Abbey Sharp, a dietician popular on Tiktok, posted a video of “rat snack” backed with apple, cinnamon, butter, brown sugar and cheese slices, along with the caption, “When your InstaCart Shopper throws in an unexpected pack of processed cheese, you turn it into a budget-friendly ‘rat snack’ with whatever else you have in the fridge”. Sharp’s rat snack attracts more attention, especially from Gen Z, and becomes a super hit. According to Bustle, Abbey Sharp said, “Now people aren’t interested in hyper-stylized content, they want what’s genuine, they want relatability. These rat snacks are becoming more popular because people often don’t see themselves making the smoothie bowls that they see on Instagram, but they can pull together a piece of cheese and a pickle with a pinch , because they have it on hand too, you know” Some of the popular rat snacking combos include topping Ritz crackers with chocolate, mixture of chocolate and hummus, combination of cauliflower, cheese and sauce, Ketchup over Pringles and pickles and Cheddar cheese.

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Technology

Second-Hand Gadgets You Shouldn’t Buy Before Giving A Second Thought

As the prices of gadgets are skyrocketing, the option to have a preloved gadget can tempt you. From safety hazards to security threats, there are risks veiled inside the beautiful boxes of fantastic deals. So before you purchase a second-hand gadget, give it a second thought. Here are a few used gadgets you should probably avoid buying. Earbuds Earbuds can get easily contaminated with bacteria, paving the way for ear infection. Even if the earbuds look crystal clean and brand new, there’s a possibility that it’ll contain the invisible presence of bacteria to sticky earwax. Advanced sanitising is necessary before you put in to sway your head to the beat of music. Headphones Headphones like earbuds come up with hygiene issues. The earpads and headband can soak up one’s sweat to odour. It’s better to invest in a new one than using a total stranger’s sweat-soaked up headphones. Sanitising is a must thing but it is difficult to have it properly cleaned. Smart Home Devices Smart home devices like smart door to camera come with security threats. The pre owner might get the access, track you and even leak your private videos to conversations. Of course there are measures to ensure safety before you leap to fix them in your house. Stay aware of the security threats and keep your home safe. Baby Monitors Baby monitors are dangerous. Even the brand new ones are criticised for the security threats they caused. Many cases of hacking and leaking of nude kids were reported. So if you’re planning to have a second-hand baby monitor, you definitely need to give it a second thought. Electric Toothbrush Getting a second-hand toothbrush at a fraction of its actual price is tempting. But have you ever tried to imagine that brush being held by a total stranger and their savila splashing all over the brush and being soaked up? Buying a used electric brush paves the way for germs to get transferred. It’s better to invest in a new one than risk your dental hygiene. Hair Removal Devices Hair removal devices like epilators and razors can put you in more trouble rather than giving you the kind of splendiferous skin you long for. It’s not worth buying unless you are ready for skin irritation and skin infection.

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Destination Travel

Wanna Track Your Flight? 5 Best Flight Tracking Apps to Download

Trips often thrash one with anxious thoughts about flight, especially if the weather is unpleasant. From getting delayed to being cancelled, things can be exasperating to passengers. As winter is still up, the cold spell continues to hit North India. So here are a few flight tracking apps to calm your nerves. FlightRadar24 FlightRadar24 shines in the category of flight tracking app with more than 200,000 flights being tracked per day. This free app can be easily downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. It helps one with real-time information of flight as well as the weather. FlightRader24 has already got its name engraved in history with the final flight of the late Queen Elizabeth from Edinburgh to London. According to Reuters, more than 4 million people tracked the flight online. FlightAware The app is available for both iOS and Android. Passengers can track flights by flight numbers, origin and destination. It’ll also alert you with notifications about the status of flight, arrival and departure. Misery map in FlightAware lets you know about the delays and cancellation in flights caused mostly by inclement climate. Planes Live Planes Live is a free app available on both Android and iOS. They let you track flights, notify you when there’s a change in flight schedule and even let you know about the live flight information of friends and family when they travel. Planes Live helps you spot nearby Planes in your location and also comes up with weather forecasts. FlightStats FlightStats can be installed in both iOS and Android. They make it easy for you to track almost any flight across the world. Flight details like arrival and departure, airport conditions, airport delays, weather, historical flight status, flight alerts are provided. It is also compatible with the Apple watch. Flighty Flighty is a flight tracker for iOS users. The app ensures stress-free travel with all flight related information from flight route to alerting you when there’s a delay or cancellation. Flighty comes with a unique feature called “flighty friends” that lets you track your friend’s or family’s live flight information. Plane Finder, ADSB Flight Tracker, App in the Air, Live Flight Status are some of the other flight tracking apps that provide flight information to warm your shivery thoughts about flight in this winter.

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Fashion

Innovation in Every Tick: The Everlasting Legacy of Extraordinary Timepieces!

Do you like accessorizing your contemporary attire with fashionable watches? Watches are more than just timepieces. They have become unavoidable accessories that complement your stylish outfits. Every watch, from the most simple and understated to the most elaborate and avant-garde, has its own history that reflects the creator’s genius, the brand’s legacy, and the buyer’s taste. Here is the list of a few one-of-a-kind designs from opulent brands. Eone Bradley Classic Watch – The Classic Image source: https://www.eone-time.com/ The Eone Bradley watch, with a neutral monochrome appearance, has a timeless pattern that works with both contemporary and classic aesthetics. This unique design includes a circular dial made with ceramic and PVD plates on which the indices are marked. You can trust the accurate timekeeping of the adorable little silver ball as it spins around the circular area. It simply tells you the time by touch. This model comes in different colours, and you can choose between a stainless steel or metal mesh strap. This watch is water-resistant. Vendetta X Automatic Watch – The Vintage and Contemporary Image Source: https://www.thetimebum.com In the 17th century, the Campanus brothers created the first Wandering Hour clock for Pop Alexander XII. Not many designs have emerged in the horological realm using this method. However, it is always gratifying to create something unique among the ordinary. The maker’s passion for science fiction and vintage patterns accelerated the creative process of the Vendetta X Automatic watch. The Vendetta X is an automatic watch with wandering hour complications. The basic shape of the Vendetta X was adopted from the design of concept cars. The dial is designed as a vintage concept car with glass windows. You can see the time no matter what angle you look at the windows. The body of the case is made of scratch-resistant stainless steel. On the back side of this watch, you can view the movements through the exhibition case. The indices can be seen in low light with the aid of Swiss Super Luminova pigments. The watch strap is crafted from supreme quality Wing leather and designed in a unique embossed pattern. A Perfectly Useless Afternoon – The Exquisite Image Source: https://theawesomer.com It would be a great idea to wear a watch that subtly suggests taking a break when feeling overwhelmed. Right? This is how a watch becomes an accessory that redefines you, helps you find your voice and gives you answers. Mr John Watches, a London-based manufacturing firm, introduced this watch with the moniker “A Perfectly Useless Afternoon.” A stunning aqua-blue dial features an embossed image of a person floating on water. As you look closely and analyze it, you can understand that the image depicts a person unwinding in a swimming pool. A floating rubber duck represents the minute hand, and a stretched-out leg represents the hour hand. Surprisingly, there is no second hand, which indicates the absence of restlessness. The watch has a transparent back case, indicating the movements inside. This watch was designed by a Belgium-based illustrator, Kristof Devos. When you wear this beautiful watch around your wrist, you slowly change your perception of the world and learn to lead your life calmly, enjoying beautiful moments.

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Leisure Literature

Bloom & Buzz: Planting a Butterfly Garden with Kids – A Fun & Educational Adventure

Butterflies are a delightful addition to every garden. They bring natural beauty and a sense of motion to the space. In addition to their important role as pollinators, butterflies help maintain ecological harmony by luring other beneficial insects to the garden. Butterfly gardening involves creating and maintaining natural habitats for moths and butterflies. Encouraging children to help transform your backyard or terrace garden into a butterfly habitat would be a rewarding and entertaining activity. Here, we share detailed instructions on planning and creating a butterfly garden with your children. Determine The Best Spot For Your Garden. Choosing a proper location that yields enough sunlight and air is essential for a good garden. A little bit of natural vegetation, such as shrubs, plants, etc., would be nice to see there. Select Appropriate Garden Plants. Usually, butterflies are attracted to specific plants, like host plants and nectar plants. The butterflies prefer plants such as curry leaves, asters, mint, milkweed, custard apple trees, citrus, etc. In addition to feeding on such plants, they also lay eggs on them. These plants are known as host plants. To attract butterflies, you need to grow such plants in your garden. Nectar plants are flowering plants that bloom in clusters. Aside from being more aesthetically pleasing, they also enhance the garden. When looking for nectar, butterflies choose colourful plants like Ixora, marigold, hibiscus, zinnia, etc. Select plants like these if you want your garden to be a butterfly haven. Have A Planting Celebration Where The Kids Can Participate. Let your child participate actively in planting activities. Allow him to dig the soil according to its accurate width and depth and create space for each plant. Let him touch and feel nature and understand the importance of planting trees. For them, gardening is a great way to spend quality time outdoors. Make Use Of Cute Garden Decor And Feeders. Encourage your little one to use ice cream sticks or twigs to build little homes for butterflies. These tiny huts will be a sight to behold when viewed hanging from the plants. More than that, these cute huts can serve as shelters for the butterflies. Make butterfly feeders out of plastic bottles. Fill the feeder with sugary water or honey. Observe the beautiful butterflies feeding on the homemade nectar! Observation And Creation Of The Butterfly Journal A great way to foster your child’s knowledge and interest is to teach them through various activities. Let children observe the garden every day. They understand the flowering season of each flower, the type of butterflies, how they feed on, the life cycle of butterflies, etc. Give them small notebooks to jot down their observations every day. Tips And Tricks On How To Enhance Your Garden’s Butterfly Population Through this educational activity, your children will enjoy nature and its beautiful creatures. Moreover, they gain valuable knowledge about the equilibrium of this ecosystem. Embrace nature’s wonders, and let them enchant your children.

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Technology

‘Eternal Batteries’ Becomes A Reality? – A Game-Changing Innovation

Would you agree that cell phones have been our ultimate saviours in recent times? Undoubtedly, smartphones are very important when traveling, because you want to connect with your loved ones, navigate crowded city streets, capture memories, and have a good time playing games. Can you think about your life without a smartphone? Almost none of us can. Everything from our plans and objectives, routines and ideas, entertainment and work, in brief, our whole lives are strongly connected to smartphones nowadays. Right? But suddenly, in the middle of your dream adventure, your phone battery dies out. What would you do then? Unfortunately, ‘smartphone battery struggles’ like this are too common these days. There are several practical methods for extending the battery’s life. Besides all these tips, today’s technology provides us with the most innovative and advanced solutions. The Everlasting Power Supply It is exciting news for all smartphone enthusiasts that Betavolt, a Chinese start-up, has come forward to eliminate all such technological hassles. They have developed an ‘immortal’ battery that can keep cellphones powered for 50 years or more without needing to be charged externally or frequently. Utilizing 63 isotopes arranged in a constrained space smaller than a coin, this miniature “atomic energy system” is preparing for a revolutionary breakthrough. Extraordinary Benefits Of Nuclear Batteries These atomic energy-operated batteries have diverse benefits, according to the company authorities. They claim that this battery can power microprocessors, advanced sensors, tiny drones, micro-robots, medical gadgets, and aeronautical equipment. Working Mechanism The energy released by isotopes during decay is then transformed into electric current and used to operate various gadgets. The battery’s first experiment has already been conducted on different devices. Safety Concerns Nickel 63, a radioactive element, is also used to produce this super-powered battery. You might be wondering if these batteries are safe to use. The manufacturers insist that the multi-layer design of the battery ensures safety against explosions and burns. It can function normally even when it is exposed to high temperatures. The manufacturers also address the concerns about radiation. Reportedly, it is said that the battery can be used in devices like pacemakers that are surgically inserted into the human body. The isotopes become non-radioactive once the decay period ends and undergo stable transformation. Because of this, there will be no environmental threat or pollution. The available information suggests that the company aims to develop 1W nuclear batteries by 2025. There will be no need for chargers or portable power banks once the installation is complete. This battery-operated equipment can have a longer lifespan, less degradation, and more efficiency. Let us wait and see how these nuclear batteries will alter the future of technology.

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Fashion

Elevating The Style Of 2024 – Classic Elegance With Contemporary Flair!

The fashion world is always set for novel approaches. Sometimes, the industry shows off lucrative and inspiring styles, and later, they become the trendsetters that influence thousands of fashion enthusiasts. The fashion realm is about vibrancy, aesthetics, and charisma rather than rigid scientific standards. That is why some fashion trends seem to be here to stay, and others seem to go entirely out of style. What new trends has the fashion landscape reserved for us in this new year? According to fashion enthusiasts, here are some of the most anticipated fashion trends for the coming year. The Charming Hues Of Red Red is the colour of passion, vivacity, and vibrancy. We have seen the dominance of red and its shades in the last year, and it is expected to continue in the 2024 fashion world. Hues of red, particularly cherry red, are the most sought-after colours in every fashion fiesta. This is a bold and elegant shade that easily mixes with different textures like silk, wool, leather, and cotton. In a variety of mixed-texture styles, cherry-red dresses, coats, blazers, and jumpsuits will dominate the fashion runways this year. It isn’t limited to outfits; cherry red is an excellent choice for eye-catching accessories like jewellery, watches, shoes, and handbags. When worn with other monochromatic colours, cherry red creates a striking, harmonious, contemporary, and stylish appearance. Spots With A Sense Of Fantasy Polka dots are adorable and charming embellishments for any type of cloth. This is an enduring fashion statement that has its beauty and playfulness. This year, the whimsical appeal of polka dots will keep making waves in the fashion industry. This design, especially well-liked in the summer, is typically thought to reign supreme year-round, radiating beauty wherever it goes. Passion For Dazzling Splendour Metallic hues, such as copper, gold, and silver, continued to be trendy this year, just as they were previously. This is not limited to clothes; statement jewellery and accessories also play a role as trendsetters. Bows And Ribbons Have you ever been tempted by the cuteness of bows and ribbons as a fashion statement? Remember the ribbons on the gift wrap. The bows and ribbons are lovely ornaments that blend in beautifully to draw attention away from the plain background. These accessories can transform the meaning of each outfit by elevating a sentimental look and adding a personal touch. Dresses, blouses, and accessories adorned with bows or ribbons often convey a romantic and refined aesthetic message, appealing to those who appreciate a classic and timeless style. The Grand Returning Some outdated styles from the early 2000s are about to make a grand return to the fashion world. Tight pants, slim jeans, baggy coats, and t-shirts are predicted to be back on trend. Elegance In Transparency The use of sheer fabric is very much in vogue again, showing off the sensuality in fashion. This is the most recurring style on the red carpet than any other style. Sheer overlays on dresses can add depth and dimension to the overall look, making it more dynamic and captivating. Most designers prefer sheer garments since they are the best when mixing with different textured clothes. They are great for layering, too. The Ruling King Is Sustainability. Sustainability rules the fashion world without any adjustments. The fashion industry is responsible for a great deal of pollution, but we need to preserve its legacy by wearing eco-friendly clothing. A new fashion statement is expected to reign when old clothing is repurposed or altered into dresses.

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Entertainment

Binge-Watching for Productivity? Tips To Make the Most of Your Viewing Marathons

We are in a world where we have a plethora of entertainment choices and platforms. Just think about it – count how many streaming services you subscribe to. Netflix? Prime? Disney+? Binge-watching has become a common pastime. And as a result, there’s a method of turning your viewing spree into something productive. Setting Intentions Don’t press play right away! Pause for a minute and take a deep breath to set some goals first. Ask yourself: “What do I want to achieve from the session?” “Am I going to learn something out of it?” “Am I trying to unwind after a long day?” You might discover you’re planning this binge-watch to expand your tastes or kill your time. And the latter is not always a healthy reason. Choosing Educational Content Do your homework (pun intended). Look for documentaries, historical dramas, or informative series to add to your watchlist. Besides being entertained, you will expand your knowledge and be more insightful in multiple topics, whether food, science, travel to history, wildlife, or politics. Taking Breaks The thumb rule is to take a 10-20 minute break every hour to rest your eyes for further binging. Hold your horses no matter how tempting it is to click the next episode button! Prolonged screen time may cause visual fatigue, eye strain, and decreased productivity. Engaging Critically Binge-watching can be more than just sitting on the sofa and glaring at the TV all the time mindlessly. Challenge yourself to engage with the content, analyze the characters, and learn what makes them them. Explore the symbolism and their story in a more profound sense. Doing so enhances your viewing experience in such creative ways you wouldn’t imagine. Balancing Screen Time No doubt binge-watching is super fun. However, please do not get carried away by it. Strike a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. Be active! Play outdoor games, meet up with friends, spend time with family, start a new hobby, or do things offline that interest you. It will make you feel more fulfilled and enriched, which screen time can never match. In conclusion, when done mindfully, binge-watching can be a rewarding experience. Mix it up with some educational content before gearing up for a viewing marathon. Remember to take breaks and pay attention to what you’re watching. Keep your screen time under control — balance is key!

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Health and Wellness

Smart Hacks To Avoid Injuries & Train Smart in 2024!

The phrase “no pain, no gain” has been making rounds in the fitness industry and is often quoted and embraced by fitness enthusiasts worldwide. As we enter 2024, we’re learning to bust some myths and tune in to facts. One important takeaway is paying attention to what our bodies tell us and keeping us safe from injuries. Let’s discuss why listening to your body and training smart is key to keeping up with your fitness goals this year. Deciphering the Body’s SignsOur bodies use subtle hints and signals to communicate with us about our physical well-being. Pay attention to those indications, especially during workouts. Remember, when you push yourself way too much beyond your physical capacity, injuries, fatigue, and a lack of progress toward fitness objectives can all be the possible outcomes. Assessing the Intensity of Pain Pain isn’t a reliable sign indicating that you’re improving physically. Feeling a bit sore for a few days after working out is okay. But be mindful of the severity of the pain. Don’t just brush it off if it is excruciating and not going away soon. It can be a warning that something’s not right. Catching these early warnings can save you from even more severe “ouches” later! Rest & Recovery When enrolling for fitness training, chances are high for you to fall into the trap of overtraining. An intense workout must include enough time to rest and recover to let your body repair and grow stronger. Adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and scheduled rest days are as important as training. If you push through fatigue by bypassing the need for rest, it might slow down your progress in the long run. Switch to Cross-Training and Variation If your fitness routine lacks variation, it can maximize the scope for repetitive strain injuries. Try cross-training by engaging different muscle groups and movement patterns to prevent such unpleasant occurrences. You can always add activities like swimming, dancing, and tennis to your mainstream exercise regimen. They reduce boredom and the risk of getting injured. Seeking In-person Expert Guidance A few things need careful, face-to-face expert supervision. Things like correcting body postures or modifying sets with variations according to your body’s strength and flexibility are almost impossible through wearable fitness gadgets or online training. So, occasionally, consult certified personal trainers or experienced sports coaches for personalized guidance to achieve your fitness goal with reduced injury risk.

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Technology

Privacy Threat! Convenience Vs. Control – A Must-Read for Tech-Savvy Users

Every time we scroll through social media, swipe left or right on a dating app, or press a button online, we leave a digital trail about what we do. It is like having hidden cameras installed in every corner of your room, silently recording all your moves. All the cool gadgets that have made our lives easy are digitally stealing and storing your private information. Every click comes with an invisible pop-up, questioning whether our data is the cost we must bear for progress. Let’s explore the trade-offs between privacy and convenience—a debate held not in open fields of contest but right on the glowing screens we use daily. Come along as we check out the most common tech devices that can cause significant threats to our privacy. Most of us get carried away with the convenience of smart gadgets, ignorant of the unknowns stealing our data with each interaction. But at what price do we barter our privacy? It is slowly becoming our daily reality, chipped away with every “I agree.” Do we want to lose our freedom to digital evolution? If not, it’s high time to take those colorful glasses of convenience off our eyes and restore our sight.

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