10 Irresistible Popcorn Recipes that are Easy to Make

For most of us a visit to a movie theater is incomplete without a nice big bag of popcorn to munch our way through. All of us agree that they're exorbitantly priced, but they still sell like hot cakes! Such is the allure of this crunchy snack! You'll also find popcorn vendors at most streets in India and at nearly every mall or food court. Let's face it: popcorn is one of those foods that have global appeal!

But while you crunch away to glory, did you know that you can turn your regular popcorn into tiny balls of flavor bombs! Yes, you can!! There are many, many sweet and savory ways to take your popcorn to another level, besides the usual buttered or salted. So here are 10 awesome and irresistible popcorn recipes that don't take up too much time!

10 Irresistible Popcorn Recipes that are Easy to Make

1. Chocolate Popcorn

Here is an easy chocolate popcorn recipe from Living on a Dime that requires just a few ingredients and doubles the crunch with nuts!

2. Chili Cheese Popcorn

Want something hot? Try out this Chili Cheese popcorn recipe from Suburban Soapbox that is perfect if you like things fiery!

3. Pink Popcorn

Valentine's Day is coming up and if you're seeing everything in pink, you'll love this pinkalicious, candy coated popcorn recipe from Domestic Dreamboat!

4. Pizza Popcorn

Now this is truly mixing together the best of both worlds! This pizza flavored popcorn from Chocolate with Grace uses basil, oregano and Parmesan, making it perfect for pizza fanatics!

5. Elaichi Caramel Popcorn

Popcorn is also popular in India during Lohri, and is eaten around the bonfire. Artsy Craftsy Mom puts a twist on regular popcorn combining sweet with spice in this elaichi caramel popcorn recipe.

6. Barbeque Popcorn

You're probably looking forward to your next barbeque picnic, but in the meantime, you can feast on this yummy barbeque flavored popcorn from Plain Chicken!

7. M&M Popcorn

This is one recipe you're in danger of bingeing on! Tastes Better from Scratch brings together the already addictive M&Ms and white chocolate into an irresistible treat that also looks great!

8. Lemon Popcorn

If you're the kind who likes all things citrus, you'll become a fan of this lemon popcorn recipe from Our Thrifty Ideas, which as just the perfect mix of salty, sweet and acidic tastes.

9. Butterscotch Popcorn

Okay, we're warning you, this is a rich treat! This Toffee flavored popcorn from Leelalicious features a butterscotch drizzle on top and makes you want to dig right in!

10. Chaat Masala Popcorn

How can we complete a list of flavors without mentioning chaat? Bombay Blonde gives us a lip smacking chaat flavored popcorn, that's sure to leave you asking for more!

Now you have so many recipes, what are you waiting for? Enjoy these cold winter afternoons with a large bowl of warm popcorn and a good book!

5 Tips to Keep your New Year Resolutions

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." - Oprah Winfrey

Happy New Year! We're almost a week into 2016 and we hope it's been going well so far! If you're like most of us, then you've either already made your New Year resolutions or are in the process of doing so. Cynics may say that a new year is no big deal, but like Oprah says, we believe it is a chance to start over! 

Setting goals and making resolutions is great; it gives your life direction and a sense of purpose, while helping you achieve everything you really want. However, statistics show that making resolutions is actually the easy part; sticking to them is not! Only about 8% of people stick to their resolutions for the whole year, with the majority abandoning them by July. But if you're determined not to be another statistic this year, then this post is for you! Here are 5 tips to help you stick to your resolutions, not just for January, but the whole year! 

5 Tips to Keep your New Year Resolutions

1. Break it Up

If you plan to lose 10 kg by the end of the year, just thinking of that massive number can be enough to discourage you! It also doesn't give you a clear plan to follow, and you can feel defeated when the scale moves very slowly. So break up your grand plans into smaller, doable steps. Plan to lose 1 or 2 kg a month, resolve to write 2 pages a day or set a goal to save Rs. 5000.00 every month for that foreign vacation. Smaller numbers will seem much more realistic and you are more likely to accomplish them.

2. Write down the Why

You've made your resolutions, but why are you doing it in the first place? Make sure that all your resolutions are aligned with your long term goals, so that you aren't wasting your time and effort fulfilling someone else's dream. Write down all the good things that will happen when you stick to your resolution and make another list of all the consequences if you don't. Keep this paper carefully; there will be many moments when you feel discouraged, but one look at this paper will remind you of why you started in the first place.

3. Have a Reliable Tracking System

Meeting your goals feels great, but the journey can be a little lonely. Have a buddy or a partner with whom you can share your resolutions and keep tabs on, so that both of you have someone you are accountable to. Even if you can't find anyone suitable, ensure that you have some way of tracking your progress, like an excel sheet or a calendar where you mark each day with an 'X' or something. There are many apps you can use as well, with one example being the MyFitnessPal app to track your food intake and exercise. 

4. Expect Disruptions

Life doesn't always go the way we expect it to, and you can expect many obstacles on your journey to achieving your goals. It's very easy to get derailed during such circumstances, and it can be very difficult to get back on track; in fact, many don't. Be aware that such situations can pop up, but promise yourself that you'll find a way through it without hurting your goals. When you adjust your mindset in this manner, you won't feel overwhelmed during stressful situations and are more likely to make your resolutions work somehow. After all, where there is a will, there is a way!

5. Include Rewards

The reward here refers to the proverbial carrot on a stick; something to look forward to as you complete each milestone towards your goal. Set small rewards at frequent intervals, so that you are constantly inspired and motivated to work towards your resolution. This way, the end goal will not seem so far off, and you'll actually be happy to do the work! Just make sure that the reward isn't counterproductive; no point rewarding yourself with an entire chocolate cake when you've worked all that weight off! 

Like we said, resolutions give you direction; but don't forget to enjoy life in the process. Waiting to be happy only when you achieve your goals is going to make you miserable, so seek out happiness in the small things of everyday life. Like Omar Khayyam said, 'Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.' All the best for your resolutions!

Festa de Diu - Asia's Longest Beach Festival

"A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean." - Henry Grunwald

Thinking about this quote today, you might find that it applies most to the pristine beaches of Diu, the tiny Union Territory surrounded by the sea. And why not, since Diu is currently the most happening place with Asia's longest beach festival, the Festa de Diu - a 75 day extravaganza that goes on till February!

Diu is not generally the first spot for a beach holiday in India, with Goa usually being the more popular choice. However, the Festa de Diu is all set to change this, with a festival that celebrates music, food, art and life in general!

Diu is a lovely place with plenty of coast, making it the ideal destination for beach lovers. But Diu is also a great spot for adrenaline junkies, with many options for water sports along with bungee jumping, zip lining and hot air balloon rides. And if relaxing and rejuvenating is more your thing, there are plenty of spa facilities available.

The festival will see many luxury beach tents for accommodation, in addition to existing hotel rooms. These tents offer free access to all the areas of the Festival village including cultural performances. Speaking of which, this year, there are many top performers at the festival - Shreya Ghoshal, Benny Dayal, Neeraj Sridhar, Kailash Kher, Shubha Mudgal and more. When you're not attending a performance, you can stroll through the all day flea market.

Even when it's not festival time, Diu has many places that are worth visiting. Here are the top 5 picks by us:

1. Diu Fort

The Diu fort was built by the Portugese during their colonial rule in 1535. The fort is a large and impressive structure, with a beautiful view of the sea. The fort also has a rich history of many rulers and kingdoms, making it a must visit!

2. Naida Caves

The Naida caves are truly a breathtaking sight, and entering the caves feels like entering another world! The caves have several tunnels inside and are just outside the Diu fort along the Jalandhar beach.

3. St. Paul's Church

The St. Paul's Church in Diu is one of the most active churches built by the Portugese, and is a fine example of baroque-style architecture. While the exterior of the church is impressive in itself, the interiors are also full of exquisite carvings and details.

4. Shell Museum

The Shell Museum is truly a unique kind of museum, built by a Merchant Navy Captain. On his travels around the world, the captain collected shells from around fifty different countries and each one has been labelled with great care and displayed.

5. Zampa Gateway

The Zampa Gateway is a structure that just cannot be missed, with it's bright color and massive size! This landmark also features carvings of animals and religious themes, and is close to a chapel. The gateway is also said to feature artificial waterfalls.

So if you're looking for a break to refresh yourself for the New Year, you know where to head to! So book your tickets, pack your bags and prepare for a trip you'll never forget!

10 Most Popular Cakes of the World

Whenever anyone thinks about planning a birthday party, the first thing that is arranged is a cake! Even if there is no time for anything else, a cake is the very minimum which makes the day qualify as a true celebration. Such is the power of this baked product, usually made of flour, eggs, sugar and butter. To watch these simple yet disparate ingredients come together and rise to form the most beautiful and delicious thing that can have you forgetting all about your intentions to eat healthy.

If you're wondering why we're suddenly focusing on cakes today, it's because it's Cake Day! And since there are just too many kinds of cakes in this world, we've decided to focus on the 10 most popular varieties, that never seem to go out of fashion. Warning: put a waterproof cover over your keyboard to catch all the drool!

10 Most Popular Cakes of the World

1. Victoria Sponge Cake

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We begin with one of the most common cakes ever - the sponge cake, specifically the Victoria sponge cake also called the Victoria sandwich cake. Named after Queen Victoria, this cake consists of layers of sponge cake sandwiched together with fruit jam and whipped cream. Sometimes, cut fruit like strawberries or raspberries are also placed in the filling as well as used to decorate. This is one of those cakes that stand out for their simplicity, and don't require any additional decoration!

2. Cheesecake

A cheesecake has a more pudding-ish texture when compared to the traditional idea of a cake, but that doesn't mean it's any less delicious! Made of a biscuit or cracker base, and topped with a cream cheese mixture, cheese cakes are available in a wide variety of flavors, although the New York Cheesecake is probably the most popular. Many also have different toppings like jelly or ganache which add another layer to this delectable dessert. 

3. Angel Food Cake

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You've often heard of the term 'food of the Gods'; well, this one is one for angels! This cake is so soft and light, that you can't stop at one slice. The airiness is achieved by beating egg whites stiff, and without using any butter. These cakes are usually baked in tins with a hole in the center to ensure that the cake rises well, giving it that pillowy soft texture. 

4. Devil's Food Cake

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When you speak of angel's food cake, can the devil's version be far behind? And yes, this cake is so sinfully delicious, that the name is just perfect for it! This cake is considered different from your average chocolate cake because of all the chocolate - in both the cake as well as the ganache and filling. These cakes are a deep, dark brown, and just a small slice can take you to chocolate heaven!

5. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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Most cakes are served the way they came out of the oven, but this cake is served upside down! Slices of pineapple are arranged at the base of the cake tin, usually with cherries filling in the gaps. Batter is then poured over this and baked, after which the cake is upturned to get a beautiful pineapple topped dessert! As you can imagine, this cake requires absolutely no frosting or accompaniments, it's perfect just the way it is!

6. Black Forest Cake

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This is probably the most sought after cake for birthday parties! A black forest cake is also called a black forest gateau, and is actually a German production. It consists of layers of chocolate cake, usually soaked in some sort of liquid, whipped cream, cherries and chocolate shavings. The cake is set apart from other chocolate cakes because of the moistness from the syrup and the tartness from the fruit, making it a true explosion of flavors!

7. Pound Cake

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No, this cake doesn't cost a pound; it is called so because of the ingredients - a pound each of flour, sugar, butter and eggs. However, a scaled down version with an equal ratio of these ingredients also qualifies as a pound cake. This cake is a little denser than the airy sponge, and nuts or chocolate chips are often added to the batter. This is the perfect cake to accompany your afternoon tea!

8. Tiramisu

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The Tiramisu is much more than just a cake; it is an experience! An Italian dessert, it consists of ladyfinger biscuits with a good amount of coffee, cocoa as well as mascarpone cheese. The result is a rich cake, usually cut into square slices and served at the end of an elaborate meal. This is not your everyday coffee cake!

9. Fruitcake

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This kind of cake starts getting popular around this time of year, and is a common fixture during Christmas feasts. This cake is usually quite dense and is filled with different kinds of nuts, dry fruit and spices, many of which are soaked in a mixture of liquids for several days before baking. A popular variation of this cake is the Plum cake, often seen in Christmas celebrations in Kerala.

10. Red Velvet Cake

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This cake is not for the faint-hearted; but don't let that fiery red color fool you! This is one of the most popular cake recipes on the planet, and in no small account to the contrast of the deep red cake against the white frosting. This is actually a kind of chocolate cake, which uses buttermilk to keep the cake moist and soft. The color is usually due to food coloring or beetroot juice, and is what gives the cake its distinct look!

Besides being informative, let this article be a bucket list of sorts - for the cakes to bake if you're a baker, or the ones to eat if you're a foodie! Do let us know if we've missed out on your favorite kind of cake!

6 Ways to make the Men in your Life feel special this International Men’s Day

If this is the first time you’re hearing about International Men’s Day, then you’re not alone. While International Women’s Day gets a lot of press and publicity, there is hardly a whisper and a nod to the male equivalent of the day. Now if you’re wondering why men need a special day seeing that they don’t need to fight for their rights as women do, well that’s not what this day is about!

International Men’s Day was created as a day to focus on men’s and boy’s health as well as to improve gender relations. In this world of changing gender roles, this day actually achieves more significance as the years go by. When women’s roles are being put in the spotlight (and rightly so), sometimes we tend to forget that the men do work hard for their families too!  This day attempts to focus on a man’s contribution to his family too, which goes a long way in fostering good gender relations, especially among boys.

So this Men’s Day, make it special for your Dad, brother, husband and son, and let them know that you acknowledge their efforts!  Here are a few ways you can make this day special for them.

6 Ways to make the men in your life special this International Men’s Day

1. Adventure Date

Plan a special adventure sports date for your husband, brothers and sons (if they are old enough) and your father and father-in-law (if they are active enough). They probably have fun in their own circles, but not with each other, so this will be a perfect opportunity to have some fun!

2. Laze-around Day

Let your husband have a day to himself. Okay, you probably think that he does have days to himself, but let this one not include any nagging about dirty coffee cups or wet towels! A no-nagging day will be super-appreciated by anyone, and you might just find that you enjoy it too!

3. Grocery Trip

Take a family trip to the supermarket, but let your husband and son take the lead. Let them check out the pantry and fridge, make a menu, list out groceries and get them. Let them do it the way they like and you can sit back and have fun clicking pictures! This is also a great way to get them more involved in the behind-the-scenes process.

4. Gifting Options

Get them gifts!! Women often tend to get men more ‘utilitarian’ gifts, but this time go for something whacky, but something that they’ll love – like a bobblehead of their favorite TV show character or a gun that makes fart noises!! Let all the women go shopping for this together – it’s a win-win situation for everyone!

5. Grooming Special

This month is also called ‘Movember’, a month-long event that promotes growing moustaches to focus on men’s health. Whether the men in your life have moustaches or not they can still enjoy a good grooming session! Book one at a luxe men’s salon and let them enjoy some well-deserved pampering.

6. Health Checkup

The best gift you can give anyone is of course, the gift of good health. Since the intention of this day is also to focus on men’s health issues (which many men ignore), gift your loved ones a full checkup at a reputed hospital. Make sure it’s tailored to their age, so that they’re up to date with all the requisite tests.

So there’s actually a lot you can do, from a simple supermarket visit to an elaborate adventure date. Pick one that’ll work for you and your family and don’t forget to tell everyone how much you love them!

10 Milestones in Internet History

 “We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain” – Stephen Hawking

For most of us today, living without the internet is almost unthinkable – just remember the day your connection died and how you felt. Probably something like this:

44 years ago, this very month, the first ever email was sent, via ARPANET, the first ever network to implement TCP/IP protocols. Of course, the internet has come a long way since then, and today, you can pay your bills, shop, order food and book tickets – all without leaving your chair! So let’s take a little trip down memory lane and have a look at the major milestones in internet history.

10 Milestones in Internet History

1.    1971 – The first ever email was sent, marking the beginning of the end of the postal/telegram service! The email was sent by Ray Tomlinson to himself and contained some insignificant message; no, it wasn’t “Hello World”!

2.    1989 – The World Wide Web was invented and all our websites began with the triple w. Alternative names that were considered include ‘The Information Mesh’ and ‘The Mine of Information’. The World Wide Web does sound a lot better, doesn’t it?

3.    1991 – The inventor of the WWW, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, puts up the first ever website – a move that has resulted in a billion websites, and still counting! You can visit the first website here: http://info.cern.ch/.

4.    1993 – For most of us, Google is the ultimate answer to all our questions. But the first search engine was W3Catalog, started in 1993. This worked in a way entirely different to later search engines, and was retired 3 years later.

5.    1994 – Online shopping rears its head with the first ever online purchase to be made on the website Net Market. By this time, the internet was available on the public domain, and Michael Aldrich pioneered the first secure online transaction.

6.    1995 – The ability to buy online triggers a sudden rise in online stores, and current sharks Amazon and eBay set up shop. Other offline enterprises like Pizza Hut also make their presence online.

7.    1996 – Mobile phones are becoming popular, but the first access to mobile internet occurred in 1996 in Finland, connecting a Nokia 9000 Communicator phone to the Sonera and Radiolinja networks.

8.    1996 – It doesn’t take long for cute or embarrassing videos to go viral these days, but the first ever viral video is The Dancing Baby, which has got up to 3,042,446 views till date.

9.    1997 – Google.com is registered as a domain and becomes the world’s biggest problem solver! Started by two Stanford students, Google fast displaces all other search engines to become the number one.

10. 2002 – The world’s first social network opens its doors to friends all over the world. No it wasn’t Facebook, but something similar, called Friendster. However, Friendster was affected by the rise of Facebook and it was relaunched in 2011 as a social gaming site.

Today, most of us take the internet for granted and many consider it a basic human right! The internet is something that has grown remarkably in such a short while and continues to develop further. And we sure are looking forward to more!

12 Picture Quotes for your Monday Motivation

When people talk of Mondays, they generally speak of it in negative terms. You'll find all kinds of memes and images talking about how you can't survive Monday without a bucket of coffee or how you just wish Monday was cancelled! 

Well we think that Monday is the best day of the week. It is a day of new beginnings, a day to wipe clean the slate and start over. And to make you feel the same and to inspire you throughout this week, we've got a collection of picture quotes here. So this time, we're skipping the words and letting the pictures speak!

12 Picture Quotes for your Monday Motivation

 

Now you can't possibly hate any day after you've scrolled through all those images! So everyone, prepare to start loving Mondays!