yourplatform.in

Blog Post

yourplatform.in > News >

Sober Sips: The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Ever noticed how the coolest drink at the party these days might not have a drop of booze in it? That’s right, we’re diving into the world of non-alcoholic beverages. From fancy mocktails to funky fermented drinks, there’s a whole universe of flavour waiting for you, no hangover required. Let’s explore some of the trendiest alcohol-free sips making waves in bars, cafes, and kitchens around the globe in this article. Mocktails: Not Your Average Virgin Drink Gone are the days when skipping the alcohol meant settling for a sad glass of juice. Mocktails are having a serious moment, and bartenders are pulling out all the stops to make them just as exciting as their boozy cousins. some high-end bars are using techniques like distillation to create non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the complexity of gin or whiskey. There’s even a process called reverse distillation that can remove alcohol from wine while keeping its flavour intact. Mind-blowing, right? But the real magic happens when mixologists start playing with unexpected ingredients. Ever tried a mocktail made with roasted vegetable juice? Or how about one that uses pickled fruit syrup? These drinks are proof that you don’t need alcohol to create something truly unique and delicious. Kombucha: The Fizzy Fermented Phenomenon Alright, let’s talk about the drink that’s got everyone buzzing – kombucha. This fermented tea has been around for centuries, but it’s suddenly everywhere. Why? Well, it’s tasty, refreshing, and packed with probiotics that are good for your gut. kombucha actually starts out with a tiny bit of alcohol from the fermentation process. Don’t worry, though, most of it gets eaten up by bacteria, leaving you with a drink that’s safe for all ages. The coolest part about kombucha is how creative brewers are getting with flavours. Lavender lemonade kombucha? Yep, that’s a thing. Spicy kimchi kombucha? You bet. Some brewers are even experimenting with using coffee instead of tea as a base. The possibilities are endless. Speciality Teas: Not Your Grandma’s Cuppa Tea might seem old-fashioned, but trust me, it’s having a major glow-up. We’re not talking about your standard black tea with milk here. The world of speciality teas is exploding with new flavours and brewing methods that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Did you know there’s a tea that changes colour as you drink it? It’s called butterfly pea flower tea, and it goes from blue to purple when you add lemon. How cool is that? And if you think green tea is healthy, wait till you try matcha. This powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea. Talk about a superfood in a cup! But the real game-changer in the tea world is cold brew. Yep, just like cold brew coffee, but with tea. It makes for a smoother, less bitter drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. And the best part? You can make it at home with just about any tea you like. Jal Jeera: India’s Zesty Thirst Quencher Let’s take a quick trip to India for our last trendy non-alcoholic drink. Jal jeera might not be as well-known globally as chai, but it’s a summer staple in many parts of India. This spicy-tangy drink is made with cumin, mint, and a blend of spices that’ll wake up your taste buds like nothing else. Jal jeera isn’t just delicious, it’s also great for digestion. Some people in India drink it before meals to stimulate their appetite. And while it’s traditionally served chilled, some trendy cafes in Mumbai are now serving it as a hot, comforting drink in the winter. Who says you can’t teach an old drink new tricks? So there you have it, folks, a whirlwind tour of the exciting world of non-alcoholic drinks. Whether you’re looking to cut back on booze, trying to be healthier, or just want to try something new, there’s never been a better time to go alcohol-free.

Read More

Coffee Culture: Brewing Up a Storm!

Grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into the wild world of coffee culture. From quirky cafes to mind-blowing brewing techniques, we’re about to explore the coolest trends that are shaking up the coffee scene. Cat Cafes: Feline and Caffeine The first cat cafe opened in Taiwan in 1998, not Japan as many people think. The concept was inspired by the fact that many apartments in Taipei didn’t allow pets. So, animal lovers could get their kitty fix along with their caffeine hit. Some cat cafes even partner with local animal shelters, so you might end up adopting your new feline friend along with your daily brew.  Nitro Cold Brew: The Smoothest Sip in Town Alright, let’s talk about a coffee trend that’s smoother than a jazz saxophone solo – nitro cold brew. This isn’t your average iced coffee, folks. It’s a cold brew that’s been infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy, stout-like texture without any added dairy. Nitro cold brew actually has less caffeine than regular cold brew. The nitrogen bubbles create a stronger flavour, so you need less coffee to pack the same punch. And get this, some coffee shops are even serving nitro cold brew on tap, just like beer. But the coolest part? You can make nitro cold brew at home with a special dispenser. Imagine impressing your friends with barista-level coffee right from your kitchen. Coffee Flour: Grounds for a Revolution Now, let’s chat about a trend that’s good for both your taste buds and the planet – coffee flour. You heard that right, flour made from coffee. But here’s the kicker: It’s not made from coffee beans, but from the fruit that surrounds them. Normally, this fruit gets discarded during coffee production, creating tons of waste. But some clever folks figured out how to dry and mill it into a nutrient-rich flour. It’s gluten-free, packed with fibre, and has a subtle coffee flavour that works great in baked goods. You’ll be shocked to know that coffee flour has more iron per gram than fresh spinach. Not only that, it’s also helping coffee farmers earn extra income. Filter Kaapi: India’s Frothy Delight Let’s take a quick trip to South India for our last coffee trend. Filter kaapi might not be as famous as chai, but it’s a beloved ritual in many South Indian homes. This strong, frothy coffee is made by mixing finely ground coffee with chicory, and then brewing it in a traditional filter. The hot coffee and milk mixture is rapidly poured back and forth between a tumbler and a davara (a wide-mouthed vessel) from a great height. This creates a frothy top and cools the coffee to the perfect drinking temperature. Some cafes in Chennai are now serving “meter coffee”, where the pouring is done from a height of one meter! It’s part performance art, part delicious beverage. So there you have it, coffee enthusiasts, a whirlwind tour of some of the coolest trends in coffee culture. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a hardcore bean fiend, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a coffee lover. So why not shake up your routine and try something new? 

Read More

Sip Your Way to Health: The Smoothie and Juice Revolution

Green smoothies are taking the health world by storm, and for good reason. These vibrant concoctions are like drinking a salad, but way tastier. Here’s a fun fact that’ll make you go wow, Did you know that blending your greens can make them more nutritious? The blender breaks down the cell walls of the plants, making it easier for your body to absorb all those good-for-you nutrients. It’s like your blender is pre-chewing your food for you. Gross, but cool, right? But the real magic happens when you start mixing unexpected ingredients. Ever tried a smoothie with kale and pineapple? Or how about spinach and mango? These combos might sound weird, but trust me, they’re taste bud-approved. Adaptogens: Stress-Busting Sips Alright, let’s talk about a trend that’s got everyone buzzing, adaptogen smoothies. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill health drinks. They’re like the superhero version, packed with ingredients that help your body adapt to stress. Many of us are not aware these adaptogens have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Take ashwagandha, for example. This root has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Now it’s finding its way into smoothies, along with other stress-busting buddies like reishi mushrooms and holy basil. These adaptogens don’t just help with stress. Some people swear they help with everything from boosting energy to improving sleep. It’s like drinking a chill pill, but way more delicious. Vegetable Juices: Not Your Grandma’s V8 Now, let’s chat about a trend that’s bringing veggies into the spotlight – and no, we’re not talking about salads. Vegetable juices are having a major moment, and they’re nothing like that can of V8 in your grandma’s fridge. Some juice bars are now using vegetables you’d never expect to see in a drink. Ever tried a juice made with beets and carrots? Or how about one with cucumber and celery? These veggie combos are proof that healthy can be seriously tasty. But the real game-changer in the veggie juice world is cold-pressed juice. This method uses pressure instead of heat to extract juice, which means more nutrients make it into your glass. It’s like getting a vitamin injection but through a straw. Aam Panna: India’s Mango Marvel Let’s take a quick trip to India for our last healthy sip. Aam Panna might not be as famous as lassi, but it’s a summer staple that’s packed with health benefits. This tangy-sweet drink is made from raw mangoes and spices, and it’s summer in a glass. Aam Panna isn’t just refreshing, it’s also great for beating the heat. The raw mangoes are rich in pectin, which helps prevent dehydration. And the spices like cumin and black salt? They’re great for digestion. Some people in India even drink it to ward off heat stroke during scorching summers. Some trendy cafes in Mumbai are now serving aam panna as a base for healthy mocktails. Who says you can’t make a classic even better? So there you have it, health enthusiasts, a whirlwind tour of the exciting world of healthy smoothies and juices. Whether you’re looking to boost your nutrient intake, reduce stress, or just try something new, there’s never been a better time to grab a glass and sip your way to health. 

Read More

Steeping in Tradition: A Global Tea Tour

Grab your favorite mug and let’s explore the fascinating world of tea traditions. From the misty mountains of China to the bustling streets of London, tea isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life. Let’s dive into some of the coolest and quirkiest tea customs from around the globe. Gongfu Tea Ceremony: China’s Precise Pour First stop, China, the birthplace of tea. Here, tea isn’t just sipped; it’s an art form. Enter the Gongfu tea ceremony, a ritual that’s been perfected over centuries.  Did you know that Gongfu means skill or effort? It’s not just about drinking tea; it’s about the entire experience. The teapot, cups, and even the way water is poured, everything matters. And get this: the same leaves are often steeped multiple times, with each infusion revealing new flavors and aromas. It’s like a flavor journey in a cup. But here’s the kicker, in some parts of China, people add flowers or herbs to their tea. Chrysanthemum tea, anyone? It’s not just pretty; it’s also said to have cooling properties. Moroccan Mint Tea: The Art of Hospitality Now, let’s jet over to Morocco, where tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Moroccan mint tea, a blend of green tea and fresh mint, is served throughout the day, every day. You’ll be shocked to know that refusing a cup of tea in Morocco is considered extremely rude. Not only that, but the way the tea is poured is a show in itself. The host pours the tea from a great height into tiny glasses, creating a frothy top. It’s part performance art, part delicious drink. But here’s a fun fact that’ll make you go wow: The tea is usually served three times, and there’s a saying that goes with it. The first glass is as bitter as life, the second as strong as love, and the third as gentle as death. Deep stuff for a cup of tea, right? Japanese Tea Ceremony: Zen in a Cup Let’s hop over to Japan, where the tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is more than just drinking tea – it’s a spiritual experience. This isn’t your quick cuppa before work; a full tea ceremony can last up to four hours. The ceremony is so intricate that people study for years to master it. Every movement, from how the tea is whisked to how the cup is turned, has meaning. It’s like a choreographed dance, but with tea. And here’s something that’ll blow your mind: In some tea ceremonies, the guests eat a light meal and sweets before drinking the tea. It’s like a full-on tea party experience. Masala Chai: India’s Spicy Sip Let’s wrap up our tea tour in India with a cup of masala chai. This spicy, milky tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a part of daily life for millions of Indians. Despite India being one of the largest tea producers in the world, tea wasn’t always popular here. It was actually the British who introduced tea culture to India. But Indians made it their own by adding spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. And get this – in some parts of India, chai is served in small clay cups called kulhads. These cups are used once and then smashed. It’s eco-friendly and adds a unique earthy flavor to the tea. How cool is that? So there you have it, tea enthusiasts, a whirlwind tour of some of the most fascinating tea traditions around the world. Whether you prefer your tea strong and milky or light and fragrant, there’s a whole world of tea culture out there waiting to be explored. So why not shake up your tea routine and try something new?

Read More

5 Strikingly Interesting Facts About Festival de Cannes!

Cannes Film Festival, the most anticipated international film gathering has made the whole world go pitter-patter with its glamorous stage. From actors gracing the red carpet in elegant outfits to keeping the audience’s heart pumping to see the Palme d’Or winner, France is still blowing up the internet with some arresting moments. What about taking a walk through the aisle of Cannes history to glance at some interesting facts? The Squeaky Clean Red Carpet Have you ever wondered how the red carpet remains squeaky clean throughout the day? Well! The red carpet at the Festival de Cannes gets changed three times a day to make it look sparklingly red for the celebrities to grace the carpet with their dazzling looks. This has been infuriating green campaigners around the world. First film Festival Was Halted by WW2 Cannes Film Festival, previously known as Festival International Du Film, was first set to be held in 1939, but unfortunately, the festival got delayed by the Second World War. The invasion of Poland by Germany sprouted chaos all around, and the festival was able to begin only after six long years, in 1946. Later in 1968, the film festival was again halted halfway due to the political protests led by Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut. Holy Mountain Controversy In 1973, Holy Mountain by Alejandro Jodorowsky sparked discomfort among the audience, leading to controversy. The movie contains extremely disturbing violence and a plethora of sacrilegious images. The point of the movie is to make it all pointless, the religion and mysticism are crafted as meaningless illusions. First Indian Film To Shine At Cannes Neecha Nagar directed by Chetan Anand is the first ever film to garner the prestigious Grand Prix award at Cannes in 1946. The movie revolves around a wealthy, malicious man named Sarkar who lives on the top of a mountain and the villagers in the valley who struggle with the sewage directed towards them by Sarkar’s project. From the worsening epidemic to the movement against Sarkar, the movie is woven with striking themes. Palme d’Or Palme d’Or is the most prestigious award given at the Cannes Film Festival. Before 1955, the most prestigious prize was the Grand Prix du Festival International Du Film. This breathtaking trophy was handcrafted out of jewelry by Chopard in 1998. Delbert Mann was the first person to receive a Palme d’Or for his movie Marty.

Read More

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

5 Theatres That Will Make Your Blood Run Cold!

Are you someone who loves binge-watching horror movies? But have you ever heard stories about haunted theatres? From New Amsterdam Theatre to Orpheum Theatre, some theatres have spine-chilling tragedies and stories where the spirits still haunt to watch and confuse mortals with paranormal events. So here’s the list for the thrilled one in you. Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater The theatre originally known as Iroquois Theater, was a spot filled with exciting audiences when it opened its door to the world of entertainment. But unfortunately, the dreamy environment turned into a roaring nightmare. Around 600 people were burned in the fire that broke out while playing Mr. Bluebeard. Since the incident, the theatre has been known to be possessed by the spirits of those who lost their lives to the monstrous fire tragedy. New Amsterdam Theatre Here comes an opulent but haunting theatre with an intriguing story of spirit! Olive Thomas, a popular movie star who graced New Amsterdam with her exceptional beauty and comics, was spotted inside the theatre in a green dress. Though Olive Thomas lived with fame and love from the audience, Olive’s death was tragic and unclear. Was it really an accident or suicide? Manila Film Centre Manila Film Centre stands as a haunting place after the incident where around 168 workers were killed during its construction in 1981. The Film Centre would have garnered a great position in cinema, but instead this heart-wrenching tragedy caused by the high-pressure pace of construction to hit the deadline, killed and brutally buried workers in the quick-drying cement. Since the incident, the spirits of dead workers are said to be roaming inside. Richard Rodgers Theatre Richard Rodgers Theatre, originally known as Chanin’s 46th Street Theatre, creeps into the list of haunting theatres with spine-chilling stories of paranormal occurrences. Chandeliers shaking, lipstick stains on dressing rooms, terrifyingly bizarre sounds, things falling out of shelves, a ghost of a child, and many other apparitions are said to be spotted. Orpheum Theatre ( in Memphis) Orpheum Theatre houses the ghost of a little girl named Mary who was killed by a car crash in front of the theatre. From slamming doors to watching the performances at the theatre, the terrifying presence of Mary was felt by the employees. Apart from the spirit of Mary, Orpheum has many such stories of apparitions.

Read More

Let it Go to Hakuna Matata: 6 Songs To Cheer Up And Inspire Your Children To Dream

Music has the bewitching power to uplift mood and stir emotions by releasing chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. So If you’re worried about your child being dull with dampening confidence or meandering dreamless with poor performance in the classroom, we have gathered some songs to brighten them up, polish their skills and sprout their dreams. Let it Go Let it Go from Frozen is a wonderfully crafted song that makes one “not give a damn” about the troubles that scourge them. The lyrics possess the power to make your kids let go of things that are out of their control. Let your kids embrace their flaws and sing this song as fiercely as possible to wear their uniqueness as striking attire. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Here comes the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious song for kids who have a ferocious love for language and wish to immerse themselves in creative writing. The appealing visuals and the joyous beat of this song will surely uplift your children’s mood and inspire them to acquire precocious talent in crafting wonderful literary works. How Far I’ll Go How Far I’ll Go from Moana will encourage your kids to chase their big dreams. Not every kid dreams to fit in the ordinary jigsaw puzzle of society, they think out of the box and craft dreams worth the trillion suns. This striking song, though starts with Moana’s sadness for not being fit, gradually unfolds her excitement to chase the horizon. Your child will surely be encouraged to the brim. Let’s Go Fly a Kite Let your child fly a kite and sing this wonderful song from Disney’s Mary Poppins. This song woven with simple words holds an intense meaning that encourages children to be like the strong yet cool kite, to pursue their dreams. Under the Sea Under the Sea from Little Mermaid is an enjoyable song woven with the beauty of the sea and self-acceptance. You’ll surely see your kids marveling at the wonders of the sea and developing a quest to explore the world beneath the rhythmic waves. Apart from this newly sprouting curiosity, the song will gradually help them figure out the beauty of one’s own world and be content with it. Hakuna Matata Hakuna Matata is a powerful phrase from the Swahili language, meaning “no worries”. This phrase is popularised by Disney’s animation movie, The Lion King. When the weather of life gets grey, they’ll remember this powerful song and float above like a vigorous sailing ship.

Read More

5 Ways To Boost Creativity Among Students in the Classroom!

Being creative rewards one with a cornucopia of benefits and opportunities. A classroom without creative minds lacks enthusiasm and can fade into a hideously boring one. Why not nurture a creative environment where students can get cheered up and inspired to chase goal after goal? Here’s how you can magnetize creativity in the classroom! Customize Your Classroom With a Theme What could be more entertaining than draping the whole classroom in a weekly theme? Choose any strikingly interesting theme from history or literature. For example, you choose the Victorian era. Now you’ve to drench every little thing in your classroom with a Victorian touch and train your students to speak English as awe-striking as the characters in novels set in the Victorian period. Let students be Jo March from Little Women, Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, and many more captivating characters. This will enhance their creative flow of language as well as their enthusiasm to learn. Fill the Walls With Posters of Great Quotes There are many quotes with different shades of emotions. Some quotes are just meant to shake our hearts while other quotes are meant to make us ponder and change into someone new. And some quotes look as if it’s written for us. So let the walls of your classroom be decorated with powerful quotes. It’ll immensely help your students remember and quote them on suitable occasions, and they’ll be admired for their cleverness. Create a Vision Board Create a big vision board for the academic year, and let all the students devise their weekly goals to stick on. Encourage the students to craft goal after goal to chase and achieve. Reward them with stickers or any school stationery item. While complimenting the achievers, don’t forget to cheer up the ones who are pacing like snails. Build a Classroom Library Cultivate reading habits in the classroom by creating a mini library. Motivate students to buy, exchange, and discuss books they have read. Making students compete by reading more, it’ll gradually mould them into voracious readers as well as enhance their cognitive functioning to build their realms of creative worlds. Give Them Creative Assessments Instead of making them write assignments with long, boring paragraphs, tell them to edit videos with pictures and audio describing the topic as creatively as possible. Let them present the topic in a story-telling format, song, or even comics. The more options you toss, the more creative they craft. By implementing this method, the classroom not only becomes an imaginative realm but also becomes engaging and comprehensive.

Read More