The Sweet Symphony: Part #2, Exploring The Fun And Fascinating Tales Of Sweetness

The significance of sweetness is unparalleled in culinary practices. Sweetness has held a multifaceted role, where the taste transcends cultures and traditions, sometimes shaping the sensations and probabilities of new trade trends worldwide. The presence of sweetness throughout culinary history goes beyond simply satisfying the taste buds. It reflects human ingenuity and the ever-changing relationship between food and society. Through the centuries, sweets and desserts have become the main components of sharing happiness, warmth, and enjoyment. Sugar is a unique ingredient that delights taste buds and is the beloved sweetening agent of food enthusiasts. Let’s delve into some fascinating sugar facts that will surely pique your interest. The Indian Origin Sugar originated in the Indian subcontinent and has been consumed by humans since ancient times. Oldest Form Of Sweetener After honey, sugar is one of the world’s oldest known sweeteners. Who Is The No 1 In Sugar Production? Did you know that Brazil, with its rich agricultural heritage, is the pioneer in producing sugar from sugarcane? India, China and Thailand are other leading countries in sugar production. Sarkara Or Candied Sugar The word sugar is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘sarkara’, which means ‘ground sugar’ or candied sugar’. Sugar As Currency The limited circulation of metallic currency in colonial Brazil during the 17th century led to the use of sugar as commodity money in trade. Different Types Of Sugar There are ten regularly used varieties of sugar, each with distinct applications. White sugar, caster sugar, brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, cane sugar, muscovado sugar or Barbados sugar, demerara sugar, coconut sugar, liquid sugar, and turbinado sugar. Art Of Sugar Sculpting Sculpting beautiful and intricate statues using sugar and its derivatives was a popular ancient culture. This was a part of grand feasts and special celebrations. Sugar Rush The term’ sugar rush’ refers to the rapid rise in energy levels and euphoria experienced after consuming food items with high sugar content. Sweet Tooth The phrase ‘sweet tooth’ was first used in the 13th century to express a great liking for sweet dishes. Sugar As A Spice? In Western countries, sugar was first introduced as a spice. It was the most luxurious food item that only elite-class people could enjoy. Sugar As Medicine In ancient Greece and Rome and in some Western countries, sugar was considered a medicine. It was believed to have healing properties and was used to cure fever, cough, and many stomach disorders. The Sourness Beats The Sweetness. Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries. While strawberries contain 40% sugar, lemons have 70%. Their tangy taste is due to their overpowering acidic nature. Do Cats Like Sugar? The fact is that cats do not have taste receptors for identifying sweetness. So they can’t enjoy sugar as a sweetener!

Aswathy

Culture and Heritage

Breathtaking Elegance Of Classical Dance Jewellery- Adornments Of Tradition, Spirituality, & Divinity!

Indian classical dance is a captivating art form elevated by mesmerising movements and intricate embellishments. Beyond the enchanting makeup and exquisite costumes, the jewellery pattern is a testament to its grandeur. Indian classical dance jewellery is not mere embellishments but pieces of symbolism, tradition, and spiritual expression. Each piece, from the intricate ‘maang tikka’ gracing the forehead to the melodious anklets adorning the feet, carries profound significance deeply rooted in ancient cultural beliefs and artistic traditions. Here, we will explore the key aspects related to the spiritual and cultural beliefs of Indian dance jewellery. Temple Jewellery Initially crafted to adorn deities, temple jewellery has transcended its original purpose. Today, it is a beacon of divinity in classical dance performances. Adorned with replicas of gods and goddesses, motifs of lotus, leaves, conch shells, and more, these pieces symbolise purity, beauty, and transcendence, adding a divine touch to the dance. Many dancers have shared how wearing these pieces during their performances makes them feel connected to the divine, enhancing their spiritual experience of the dance. Maang Tikka The soul of Indian classical dance is deeply connected with our spiritual culture, and the adornments we wear are not just accessories but extensions of our spiritual beliefs. The maang tikka, the ornament used to adorn the forehead by the dancers, symbolises ‘Ajna Chakra,’ an essential aspect of yogic practice. It is not just a piece of jewellery but a conduit for intuition, insight, and spiritual awakening, making the dancer’s performance a spiritual journey. Ghungroo The most crucial ornament in Indian classical dance is the ghungroo. This anklet is adorned with tiny brass bells that make rhythmic sounds according to the movements and steps. Ghungroo is also known as ‘Chilanka or Silangai’. This ornament is used in various forms of Indian classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattom, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Kathakali. Each of these dances has its own unique style regarding the use of the ghungroo, but in all of them, the ghungroo’s rhythmic sound enhances the musicality of the dance. Ottiyaanam Ottiyaanam, aka waist belt, emphasises the aesthetic appeal of the waist movements while dancing. It is available in simple and intricate designs inspired by nature, mythology, and other patterns that indirectly symbolise harmony with cosmic energy. Karnaphul Usually, big jumkas connected with long ear chains are the adornments which add extra beauty to the dancer’s face. Jumkas are embellished with stones or beads, symbolising divine hearing, receptivity to divine guidance, or adornment as an offering to the gods. Kangan And Vanki Bangles and armlets (Kangan and Vanki) worn by classical dancers emphasise the beauty of the arms and hands, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gestures and movements. If we analyse the symbolism of arm jewellery, it may represent strength, grace, femininity, cultural identity, and marital status. The designs of jewellery vary across regions, reflecting cultural and artistic traditions. Yet, the purpose and symbolism of each piece remain the same, connecting all these diverse designs with a common thread of spirituality and tradition. If the jewellery was carefully crafted by hand initially, modern techniques are also used today for polishing and finishing touches, blending the old and the new in a harmonious way of tradition and innovation.

Aswathy

Fashion

Crafting Wearable Art From Nature – Try This DIY Jewelry From Floral Treasures!

Image source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/ Have you ever been fascinated with the beauty and elegance of nature-inspired products? Nature-inspired product design takes inspiration from the beauty, functionality, and sustainability of plants and natural products to create a wide range of designs. Some examples of such products include aesthetically pleasing household items and jewellery. Plant-inspired jewellery products are one-of-a-kind decorative elements that add special appearance and creative elegance. Here are some creative DIY jewellery projects made from flowers and plants. These exclusive items are simple, elegant and beautiful, making them ideal gifts. Pressed Flower Resin Jewellery With this unique and engaging tutorial, you can transform flowers into beautiful resin jewellery. Materials Dried flowers and leaves Epoxy resin Necklace chain Jump ring Sticks Pilers Pendant molds Tweezers Mix the resin and hardener according to the instructions, using the sticks to mix thoroughly. Take the necessary safety precautions before working with materials like resin. Take the pendant mould and fill it halfway with a resin mix. Let it sit for some time. After some time, check for bubbles. If you see any, gently blow on them or remove them with a heat gun on a low setting. This will ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish. Using the tweezers, carefully place the petals and dead flowers into the resin mix. Pour the remaining resin mix into the pendant mould until it fills completely. Wait 24 hours until your resin pendant dries completely. This is a crucial step, as the resin needs time to harden and set. During this time, it’s important to avoid touching or moving the pendant, as it can cause the resin to shift and ruin the design. Once it’s dry, add jump rings and chains to the pendant. A beautiful piece of DIY floral jewellery is ready. When you style your Western outfit with it, you will become the centre of attention and inspire others with your creativity and love for nature. Seed Jewellery Embrace an eco-friendly way to adorn yourself with natural jewellery made from seeds. These unique fashion statements, crafted with both tiny and big seeds, are not just accessories but a positive connection to nature, reflecting your responsible choices. Paddy Jewellery Earrings Paddy seeds Red or black wooden beads Craft glue Thick cotton cloth Scissors Jump rings Earring hooks Circularly cut the thick cotton cloth. Make four to six circles with appropriate measurements. Stick two circles together and make two bases for the earrings. Spread the craft glue on the bases and arrange the paddy seeds one by one in a circular way, ensuring they’re evenly spread without leaving any gaps. This will create a beautiful, symmetrical pattern. Fill the complete circle with the seeds and stick the red wooden bead in the centre. Once you get the desired flower pattern, keep them for drying completely. Add the jump rings and hooks, and you made a set of beautiful hanging earrings!

Aswathy

Fashion

Perspectives Of Body Piercing – Styling And Freedom Of Expression

Body piercing, an art and a profound form of self-expression is not just a fashion statement in modern society. It’s a versatile fashion that allows individuals to express their unique style and personality. From the subtle elegance of dainty studs to the striking allure of statement pieces, there’s a piercing that suits every style. In Indian culture, body piercing, particularly of the ears and nose, is a long-standing tradition, a way of showcasing our beauty. In the modern fashion world, body piercing offers endless possibilities. It’s a fashion statement and a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Stalked Lobe Piercing Many of you may have an idea about stalked lobe piercing. Multiple piercings on your lobes can look even more stylish and unique. The varying layers and heights create an eye-catching and trendy effect. In short, it is an elegant modification of the traditional ear piercing that creates a stalked or layered effect. You can style them with different types of earrings, such as hoops, studs, and ear cuffs, and mix and match them. Septum Piercing Septum piercing is not a new thing in many cultures. But in the modern fashion world, it has gained popularity because of its boldness and versatility as body adornments. Placed through the thin strip of skin between the nostrils, this piercing offers a striking aesthetic and allows for a wide range of jewellery options. The septum piercing becomes more creative and attractive using thin rings or heavy stone ornaments. You can also wear multiple layers. The septum piercing is a captivating way to adorn and accentuate your facial features. There are different styling techniques regarding septum piercing. Eyebrow Piercing You can customise eyebrow piercing according to your preferences. Usually, it is done vertically. From simple curved barbells to more elaborate designs featuring gemstones, spikes, or charms, eyebrow piercings offer versatility in styling. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, such body adornments convey a sense of freedom, confidence, and rebellion. Belly Button Piercing The most stylish and attention-grabbing form of body piercing is, again, on-trend: the belly button piercing. Placed through the skin around the navel, this piercing offers a subtle yet alluring way to accentuate the midriff area. Traditional and curved barbells, rings, dangling charms, gemstones, etc., are the cute ornaments commonly used for naval embellishments. Lip Piercing Lip piercings offer a bold and expressive way to adorn the face, adding a touch of edginess and personality to one’s appearance. Positioned anywhere on the lips or surrounding area, lip piercings come in various styles, each with a unique aesthetic. Common types include labret piercings (placed below the bottom lip), Monroe piercings (on the upper lip resembling Marilyn Monroe’s beauty spot), and snake bites (paired piercings on either side of the lower lip).

Aswathy

Leisure Literature

The Gentle Whispers – An Insight Into The Survival Strategies Of Plants!

Do you believe that plants always prefer silence? Have you ever noticed their response to nature when you walk in a garden or amidst the first? You can definitely experience the reaction to specific environmental changes. How do they behave when they are stressed due to environmental impacts? Will they cry and respond like us? Recent studies have unveiled a captivating aspect of plant behaviour. Did you know that plants emit sounds beyond our hearing range when they’re stressed? In fact, scientists have managed to capture these ultrasonic frequencies. This revelation could potentially transform our knowledge of plant communication, a phenomenon that’s as intriguing as it is fascinating. The sounds made by the plants are clear evidence of acoustic interactions because scientific studies say that, though the sound is not audible to the human ears, certain animals can hear it. “Plants interact with insects and other animals all the time, and many of these organisms use sound for communication, so it would be very suboptimal for plants to not use sound at all,” says Lilach Hadany, an evolutionary biologist. A Few Fascinating Plant- Facts

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Leisure Literature

Most Ideal Plant Picks: Find Your Perfect Plant For A Stress-Free Gardening Journey!

Are you a passionate plant lover who dreams of a lush indoor garden? You’ve probably filled your space with beautiful plants from the nursery. Still, your busy lifestyle often leaves you struggling to keep them alive. The disappointment of seeing your plants wilt is all too familiar, isn’t it? There is a saying that plants are like children; if you want to see them happy, you must provide them with the best possible care. Unfortunately, your busy schedule and job demands may make this more challenging. But don’t worry, we have a solution for you. Choose these low-maintenance plants from our exclusive list and create a beautiful garden in your home. Aloe Vera If you want to choose the most forgiving plant from the list, we suggest a small and cute aloe vera plant. Yes, aloe is the ideal plant for those who do not have time to water the plants in the garden. Moreover, aloe vera doesn’t like regular watering, so a little neglect is perfect if you keep them in bright, indirect sunlight! ZZ Plant ZZ plants are always the beginner gardener’s favourite. Let’s see how. ZZ plants are ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardening. They are lovely if grown in pots and give abundant greenery to the corner where they are placed. ZZ plants don’t need regular watering and can thrive in low light, too. Among the available green and black varieties, choose your favourite one and decorate the kitchen corner or your living room. Snake Plant The snake plant, known as ‘mother-in-law’s tongue,’ has long, variegated, thick leaves. It grows bushy in big and small pots and on the ground, too. If you forget to water them for days, don’t worry; they can survive many days without water! If you have a snake plant in your house, you can plan your travels without worrying about your indoor garden! The only requirement is to keep the plant in low to medium sunlight. Spider Plant Get a beautiful hanging basket and place your spider plant in it. Hang the pot in front of the window or in the balcony garden and enjoy your reading time with the bushy and beautiful spider plants. Spider plants are the ideal choice for any beginner in gardening. They thrive well in low but indirect sunlight and with limited water availability. Pothos Pothos, or money plant, is known for its abundant forgiveness. Don’t worry if you neglect your pothos for days; they will survive without any issues. When you get time, give it a little care and love. It will be happy. The money plant can survive even in the water, so place it in a transparent glass jar near the window. That is enough. Remember to embellish your indoor and balcony garden with beautiful money plants, from variegated golden varieties to attracting lemon pothos and velvet pothos. So, what are you waiting for? Choose these plants, set up a plant corner, and enjoy your quiet time there.

Aswathy

Health and Wellness

Reflect, Rewind & Harmonize: Guide to Crafting Your Own Serene Zen Garden!

A place for self-reflection and relaxation is a rare gem in our fast-paced world. In the midst of our daily hustle, it’s essential to carve out moments for self-awareness. This is where the Zen garden comes in. It is a sanctuary of tranquillity that invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover inner peace. Join us on a journey to create your own serene haven, where moments of mindfulness bloom amidst the chaos, offering a respite of calm and relaxation. What is a Zen Garden? The term ‘Zen’ itself is synonymous with meditation. Let’s take a step back to the 6th century, a time when Buddhist principles were deeply ingrained in society. Zen gardens, also known as Japanese rock gardens, were the tranquil spaces that Buddhist monks meticulously crafted for their meditation practices. These gardens were not just places of quiet contemplation but also served as settings for teaching and practising Zen principles, underscoring their profound significance. Today, Zen gardens are part of Japanese culture and wellness practices, and the method of creating such spaces is popular worldwide. Seven Guiding Rules Of Zen Garden The seven principles of Zen garden design are simplicity, asymmetry, naturalness, austerity, stillness, emptiness, and symbolisation. These principles guide the creation of a Zen garden and are meant to evoke a sense of calmness and contemplation. The Space The space you choose for your Zen garden can be small or big, or a corner on your terrace or balcony. A traditional Zen garden will have minimal greenery with ample sunlight. Materials Your Zen garden is where you feel nature as it is, so it demands all its natural elements. The important point is that you don’t have to follow the method of creating symmetrical patterns here. You can choose river stones, rocks, sand, pebbles, flat stones, or moss and mix and beautifully arrange them. You can create different shapes and motions in your garden. Customisation Ideas A zen garden is a place for relaxation. The ambience must inspire you to look inward, talk to yourself, and absorb the positivity from the nature around you. You can add the most beautiful things in your garden that speak to you and reflect your inner voice. It can be a cute Buddha statue or a garden embellishment. You can use windchimes, bird feeders, miniature butterfly statues, or fairy lights. In the garden, create a small stone pathway lined with gravel, which will definitely add elegance and beauty. Water Element Traditional Zen gardens do not include water elements, but some people prefer incorporating water features. A Zen garden can consist of a cute bamboo fountain or a small pond. Finding your purpose is crucial before embarking on your Zen garden journey. This will guide your design choices and help you use the space most effectively. Embrace simplicity, find solace in the process, and let your garden serve as a constant reminder to pause, reflect, and breathe amidst life’s hustle, instilling a sense of purpose and direction.

Aswathy

Fashion

Inclusive Clothing Brands That Create Change In The Society!

There is a growing understanding of the need for clothing that looks good and meets the unique requirements of people with disabilities. As society becomes more inclusive and accessible, seeing the fashion industry step up with inclusive designs is heartening. These designs are not just about comfort but also about functionality and making a style statement, showcasing the industry’s commitment to diversity. From specialised closures and adjustable features to seamless construction and soft fabrics, adaptive clothing is revolutionising traditional notions of fashion. It emphasises versatility and practicality without compromising aesthetics, showcasing cutting-edge innovation and creativity in the fashion industry. Some Indian brands are at the forefront of this movement, designing clothes exclusively for people with disabilities. Wheeling Happiness Foundation “When fate paralyses your body, set your indomitable spirit to fire and forge ahead to kiss the clouds.” Devika Malik, an international para-athlete and a ray of inspiration, founded the Wheeling Happiness Foundation (WHF) to help physically disabled people achieve their dreams. WHF, a renowned name in the adaptive clothing industry, allows people with physical challenges to express themselves. As part of its mission, it specialises in adaptive clothing for wheelchair users. It offers a variety of stylish and comfortable clothing options, including jeans, shirts, and jackets, designed to provide comfort and ease of movement for wheelchair users. Haxor Haxor, India’s first and foremost adaptive clothing brand, has been a trailblazer in providing stylish clothing for people with physical challenges. Its commitment to offering easy-to-wear, comfortable clothing for every person brings a more empathetic approach to a good cause. Their clothes are of top-notch quality and have stylish designs for both men and women. Pudding Pudding, a Mumbai-based clothing brand, exclusively designs clothes for children with disabilities. Their clothing options include onesies, bodysuits, and rompers, all of which are designed with adjustable closures for easy dressing and soft, breathable fabrics that ensure comfort throughout the day. Seams For Dreams SFD, a charitable organisation in Mumbai, plays a crucial role in the adaptive clothing industry. Its mission is to reuse old clothes by recycling them to make new and stylish designs. Its prime mission is to focus on sustainable services based on reducing, reusing, and recycling. SFD collaborates with various brands and designers through its donation drives and initiatives to offer adaptive clothing options, thereby promoting sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Adaptive clothing brands are not just reshaping the industry through their innovative designs but also championing inclusivity. They are paving the way for a future where fashion is truly for everyone, regardless of ability. As we celebrate diversity and embrace inclusivity, the journey towards a more equitable fashion industry remains ongoing, with adaptive clothing brands leading towards a more inclusive and empowering future.

Aswathy

Design Lifestyle

Find Your Foot: A Comprehensive Guide To Choose The Perfect Floor Covering For Your Home

More than just floor covers, carpets can transform a room into a magical space, radiating elegance and warmth. With their vast array of materials, patterns, and styles, carpets are a canvas that shows your creativity, infusing your space with personality and charm. They create an inviting space that resonates with comfort and beauty, offering an easy and notable upgrade to any room. However, the most confusing part of selecting a carpet for our home is the selection process. Most of us don’t know how to choose the right rug for our home. Let’s check what the professional designers have to say about that. Rug And Carpet, What To Choose? Rugs and carpets, you might have heard about both terms. Ultimately, both are the same, but depending on the area where you use the item, you can call it a rug or carpet. Carpets are generally used in big rooms, so they come in bigger sizes and usually rectangular shapes. Rugs are small floor coverings, mainly used as floor mats and come in various shapes and textures. So, if you want to decide what to choose for your room, consider the space you dedicate to it, and then choose a rug or carpet. Carpets generally look great in any room if you want to add more depth. But in a kitchen, work area or bathroom, a rug perfectly serves the purpose, allowing you to move around and clan quickly. Durability Consider the durability of the material when you choose the floor covering. Does your room experience a lot of foot traffic? Then, you can choose a thick, durable carpet. Depending on your chosen material, carpets can make you feel more comfortable. Material Choose a suitable material for comfort. Floor coverings are available in various materials, such as polyester, tripextra, olefin, nylon, cotton, jute, and coir. Though polyester is soft and stain-resistant, it is less durable than nylon. If you want an eco-friendly addition, you can choose cotton or jute carpets, too, which come in beautiful colours and designs. The Pile And Style Consider the carpet’s weaving pattern to determine if it suits your room. Uncut piles and cut piles offer different comfort levels to your feet. There can be loops in various patterns and heights. Cut piles can be smooth, shagged or textured. Both styles give different looks to the room. Depending on the use, you can choose a soft one or a little harder one for your room. Colours To choose the right colour for the floor covering, consider the particular room’s colour palette and aesthetic appeal. Choose neutral hues or warm colours to add more beauty and a feel of comfort. However, when choosing rugs and carpets, prioritise factors like usage, ease of cleaning, etc. Ultimately, the right flooring balances functionality and comfort while enhancing the overall look and feel of the room.

Design Lifestyle

Create A DIY Reading Nook For A Soulful Reading Experience

Imagine a personal sanctuary in your home, a corner that reflects your unique tastes and personality. This is your reading nook, a space where you can escape into the world of books, surrounded by creativity, imagination, and varying emotions. More than just a place to unwind, a beautifully designed reading area is a gateway to peace and tranquillity. This heaven allows you to immerse yourself in your reading without any distractions. By customizing this space to your liking, you can create a personal oasis that truly mirrors your individuality. Essential Elements For Your Reading Corner Where do you like to sit and read? On your balcony or in your bedroom? Choose the right location with ample sunlight and ventilation. A window side or corner of the balcony will be an ideal spot. Make sure the area is free from disturbances. Decide on the best seating arrangement. Choose smooth and soft cushions in attractive and calming hues for a canopy-like design. You can choose various items to make it decorative. Add natural embellishments as much as possible. Fairy lights, lamps etc will be a great choice. Let us check what materials are needed to create a canopy reading corner for yourself. The Process Clean the floor and place the rectangular bed towards the corner of the floor. Place your bookshelf near the wall and arrange the books on the shelf. Consider arranging the books by genre, author, or colour for a visually appealing display. Place your favourite planters on the corners to add a glimpse of nature. Tie the nylon thread on the ceiling hook fixed at the corner of the roof. Cover your hoola hoop with coloured ribbons. Now, connect the clothes with the hoola hoop. You can use multiple pieces of clothes for a more flared look. Using curtain panels, as they have rod pockets, will be a good idea. Cut four equal lengths of thread. These will hang the hoop from the ceiling. Tie one end of each thread to the hoop at four equidistant points around its circumference. The other ends will meet at a central point above the hoop. Hang the loop on the hook and arrange the cascading flares beautifully around the rectangular bed. Arrange cushions on the bead. To make it more attractive, arrange fairy lamps, string lights, and flowers with the cloth panels. Cosy lighting adds a different mood. You can place a cute bean bag or rug near the canopy. Now, grab your favourite book and dive into the world of incredible imagination!

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