Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 32

Dhaka Tribune Thursday, December 12, 2013 | Volume 1, Issue 32

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013


4 Tuned – The body shop

5 Tech – Fiesta with Ford

6 Special feature – In reds and greens 8 Tact – Frizz attack

9 Tailored – Style, all day and night10 Tempt – The right winter make-up

11 Tempt – A perfect part

12 Trial Room – 11 on 12

14 Tell – Coming clean and a working mom

15 Take Care – Time for a cleanse 16 Tantalise – Carrot on the menu

17 Tucked In – Personal office space

18 In Town – Dishes from Dhaba

20 Trails – A southern visit

22 Tags – RockNationIII

Contents

Volume 1, Issue 32, Dec 12, 2013

inside...

Send in your queries, views, suggestions

at [email protected]

EditorZafar Sobhan

Magazine EditorIshtiaque Mahmud

Avenue T TeamN Anita Amreen

Mahmood HossainSabah Rahman

Najmal A NadviTausif Sanzum

Esha Aurora

PhotographySyed Latif Hossain

Sadia Marium

DesignMd Mahbub Alam

Sabiha Mahmud Sumi

Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal

Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

ContributorsSabrina Fatma AhmadDilshad Fayeza Haque

Nusrat TabassumNatasha RahmanMaya Almuqtadir

Rohini AlamgirAgony Aunt

Tahsin MominNavin Ahmed

Tasnuva Rahim HumayraM K Aref

Mahmudullah-Al-MamunDina Sobhan

Sabikun Nahar

ProductionMasum Billah

AdvertisingShahidan Khurshed

CirculationWahid Murad

Email: [email protected]: www.dhakatribune.com

Cover Photo: Model: Peya Bipasha

Photographer: Syed Wasim Nirjon

Wardrobe - Nazia Tariq RahmanShoot Coordinator - Tausif

SanzumMakeup Artist - Babu

Location Courtesy; EMK Center

5Fiesta with Ford

11A perfect part

12TakeS you

aT 11

17 officialy personal

8Frizz attack

18Dhaba in Bangla


UncoveredVenue: InHouse House 67/C, Road 9/A, Dhanmondi R/A

Chobir HaatVenue: Charukola

4 Tuned

See

The Croods The Croods is about Neanderthal extinction and the rise of Homo Sapeins during prehistoric age. Circumstances force them to come out of the cave and move to a new land. This journey strengthens their bond and helps them to discover their true potential.

Koffee with KaranThe fourth season of the popular celebrity chat show is back on Star World. If you thought that last season’s episode of Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor was controversial then tune in to watch how Karan Johar opens the Pandora’s box this season.

Their Eyes Were Watching GodOne might mistake this Zora Neale Hurston novel as a book which throws light upon the plight of African Americans living in the early twentieth century. However, this is the story of a young African American woman, the volatile situation back then, and the loses she endures as she grows up.

read

The Body Shop body butters are one of the bestselling products from the Body Shop. But not all of them are the holy grail of moisturising. Avenue T presents to you a review of two of their well-known body butters. We also take a look at their lip butter range and give you a tried and tested review. Body butters are available at Priyo Banani, Almas Super Shop and Bodyline, Dhaka, ranging from Tk1600 to Tk1800 each and lip butters are available from Tk500 to Tk700.

Strawberry body butterThis smells amazing! But on the flipside, that is pretty much all it does. Once applied, the product tugs and pulls on your skin before it settles into a very slick oily application. It would be great if the oiliness subsided after a few minutes but for some reason this particular body butter just keeps getting oilier. We recommend you pass on this.

Shea body butterThis one is one of those products that do what it claims to does! It also smells wonderful, almost like chocolate mousse. The best thing about it is how it applies. It settles on your skin very well, and does not leave a sticky residue! On

top of that, this one actually settles into your skin as opposed to just coating your skin in almost oil like consistency. We recommend the shea body butter if you are in the market for a thick winter moisturiser.

Mango Lip ButterAs opposed to popular belief, the

lip butters are absolutely redundant products. They form a thick coat over lips and leave a white-ish residue. They don’t really add moisture and after about an hour or two makes your lips drier than they used to be. We recommend you skip this product and reach for the “Born Lippy” range which delivers both moisture and colour. They actually do help your lips from being chapped in winter.

Esha Aurora

Product review

in D

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this

week

Victory Day ShowVenue: TSC, University of Dhaka

16

Watch

18

THE REMIANS COMMUNITY PRESENTS FEST FOR AHNAFVenue: Russian Cultural Centre

1-31

19-22

December

Entertainment

The Body Shop body butters


5Tech

This week’s pick is a simple yet brilliant app for the iPhone (soon to be on iPad) called TIME Planner. Nothing complicated here, as the entire app is about keeping track of time. From office hours, exercise regimens, and taking long naps, this app can make sure you spend your day to the fullest. It’s a very effective tool for those who tend to run around like a chicken with its head cut off. This gives the user the opportunity to stick to a proper schedule, without having to stress about a time constraint. As a productivity application, organisation is key. One activity after another, you’re able to set timings under basic and significant categories. There’s health, home, work, rest, study, and so on. Apart from the given necessities and its wonderfully adapted design to the iOS 7, this app takes its job seriously. It operates to your every major move throughout the day. It actually evaluates and increases your efficiency based on how much time you planned and the actual time it took you to complete a certain activity. It cracks down on your habits through pie-chart diagrams on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.TIME Planner has a bit more to offer through its free version. There’s a calendar feature that lists the history of all of your activities. Alongside, there is a map feature with geo-location tasks. And if you aren’t satisfied by keeping records in your phone, the app lets you export the reports into a PDF format. In turn, you are able to view, print, and share your statistics. Some live their days without worrying about the time, while many tend to believe time is money. Either way, this app covers all of the activities that you can manage into a clever time saving manner.

This is a fantastic little car with a driving experience beyond its class. Given that the Fiesta isn’t so small anymore it’s no surprise that the ride and comfort quotient has grown as well. There’s loads of space and it simply feels like it has managed to grab the drift from a car above its class. The Fiesta is powered by a 1.4-litre Ford Duratec engine coupled up with a 4-speed automatic transmission to deliver performance while still providing good fuel efficiency. The engine features a twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and puts out 95hp with 240Nm of torque providing an acceleration time of under 13 seconds (0–100km/h) and a top speed of 175km/h.The car looks brilliant especially in some

of the new bold colours but there is just one problem – the Fiesta name just doesn’t carry the excitement you might want. On the other hand, the central dash arrangement is a bit silver and it has that futuristic look to it, but not many will complain about the quality at this price point. Ford has worked on that big car feel and the Fiesta does a grand job of not feeling cheap even though it is. The best bit about the Fiesta is that it drives so much better than it has any right to. Turn in is crisp, the chassis is capable of way, more power and you can have fun even with the modest amounts of grunt on offer.With the 2013 Fiesta, Ford is definitely getting the oval back to where it belongs, at the top of its class.

App Watch

Asus is keen on keeping the netbook breed going Mahmood Hossain

New Tech

For every task given to you or made by you can be kept track of by the secondMahmood Hossain

The Ford Fiesta is one of the best cars the company has ever

produced. It’s a truly brilliant car, combining a class-leading driving experience with a stylish, modern

design to eclipse rivals in almost every respect Tahsin Momin

Wheels

The back and forth punches between the giants of the tech world seems to have not bothered the folks at Asus. They’ve taken the opportunity to create the new Asus Transformer Book T100 netbook, and it’s a steal. How big of a steal for such quality? Take a shot in the dark and you would most likely guess wrong. With already installed Windows 8.1, you can buy this at around Tk29,000. This isn’t your average netbook, as there is a detachable keyboard that comes inside the box with the rest. That’s right, it doubles as a 10.1in display tablet. Let’s not get distracted by its price and the obvious aesthetics. This actually houses the new Bay Trail Atom Z3740 processor which is much faster and offers a better battery life. The Transformer Book can also be charged via Micro-USB, which is a huge blow to its competitors like the

Google Chromebook. The battery life is really impressive as it can last up to about 591 minutes. That’s nearly 10 hours, competing in the same range as high-end tablets. The 1366x768 touch screen is presented by the 32GB Intel HD Graphics, alongside its 2GB of SDRAM and 64GB of SSD storage. The 1.3-megapixel webcam isn’t too bad either; it’s pretty decent for a Skype session. And if you choose to take it to a larger screen, it possess a Micro HDMI port. It also has the standard Bluetooth 4.0 and 801.11b/g/n wireless connections. The keyboard has the USB 3.0 port, while the rest of the ports can be found on the tablet itself.Let’s be honest, there are better

netbooks or tablets out there with features to highlight. But what makes this Asus model stand out is its overall service. If you are looking for that “bang for your buck” gadget, this is worth the buy.

Time is of the essence Still alive

2010 Ford Fiesta


Just like a waving flagFrom patriotic symbols to a fashion statement, our flag has seen it all. As we move closer to our prideful day of victory, Bangladesh once again dresses itself in the reds and greens of our glory.Leading the march toward our day of triumph, Robi Axiata Limited has launched a wide scale celebration. Beginning with the Red and Green Photography contest led by Shahidul Alam from Drik, and followed by the formation a digital flag on their microsite (linked on their Facebook page) created by Maverick, Robi has it all covered. They fully intend to stand tall and proud, and they invite you to be a part of the movement that culminates at the National Parade Ground on December 16 with a 30,000-people human flag. So go on, take this opportunity, and represent. Be united. Be glad to be Bangladeshi.Rohini AlamgirPhotography: Syed Latif Hossain

6 Special Feature


7


Winter is a wonderful time of the year. Especially because in Bangladesh winter lasts mostly for a month or two and it’s filled with a lot of fun outdoor activities, weddings and badminton. There is, however, one thing that winter does to your hair, that awful gravity defying, electrifying thing called “frizz!”

RinseControlling frizz is one of the hardest things to do! Because there is a lack of moisture in the air, your skin and hair tend to suffer the most. There is no one magic product that takes care of it all (although some might claim to do so). The best thing to do, is have a hair care routine for winter.

For starters rinse well in the shower with a moisturising shampoo like Dove’s moisturising shampoo. Then deep condition with either a conditioning mask or a rich conditioner also available from Dove’s moisturising line. MoisturiseDrying your hair, dab a tiny dot of olive oil all over your hair and air dry. The best way to avoid winter frizz is by avoiding hair dryers, unless you have access to salon quality ones. Don’t over brush your hair and when you do, try using a comb or a wooden flat

brush, they are available at Almas/Priyo general stores. The best thing you can do for your hair is give yourself a hot oil massage twice a week. This will lock in the moisture and keep you frizz free throughout the week.Remember that each person is different with different hair types, so it’s best to consult a hair specialist before you embark on using new products. These tips are ideas and guidelines that can help you deal with your frizz, but you also have to consider how your hair might respond to these methods.

The dos and don’ts of preventing frizzy hair Esha Aurora

Survival

8 Tact

Rant

If you have turned on the television lately, you’ll notice most of the English channels are littered with “bleeps” or just total out of a scene. This wasn’t the case a few years ago, but ever since the channels created their own censorship board, everything has become almost unwatchable. There was the case of that episode of “Friends” where one of the characters was making an English dessert for thanksgiving. Somehow she managed to read two different recipes from two different pages and ended up making a trifle with beef. Now the fun part of the story is, someone somewhere in a glittering building thought the word “beef” would be offensive so it was completely bleeped out! We are not talking about some slaughterhouse five kind of language here, but a mention of a food type, one of the most common kinds of food type in the world. Yet someone thought this might offend the sensitive

viewers of India and by association the viewers of the subcontinent who also rent cable from said country. Now this wasn’t like this all time. We didn’t feel the need to look up every single word on the internet or just give up watching television on cable. After all when you suppress things like this, you ultimately induce intense curiosity. Things like these make people feel like everything they’re watching has intense sexual or violent images or innuendos. Teenagers grow up far more repressed because this constant censorship creates an environment where everything feels dirty. I do agree that certain content should come with a warning, but really, adult television should be left alone. I mean there are things like right to information and media freedom in question. How does one claim freedom for all, then cringe in fear of offending a certain group of people? Being able to say,

write, print and view things as they are intended is a basic right. Sadly the world has become such a place that we don’t even have the right to see or hear things

in their original format for the fear of a fringe group that cries foul every time they don’t like something.

These days, watching television is watching a ‘bleep’ feast Esha Aurora

Photo: Big Stock

Photos: BigStockPhotos

Tame that frizzy hair

Censorship blues


9Tailored

In Fashion

His Style by

Send in your queries at [email protected] by Mahmood Hossain

It’s been seen before, midnight blue has become the standard to the black substitution. Last year it was labelled as the “new black.” Like burgundy or Bordeaux, it’s taken its place in a higher echelon of formalwear. The same applies to this season’s formal attire. The mentioned colours have been made available for the modern wardrobe. You now have the choice of being bold without completely derailing your style repertoire.It can’t just be any kind of dark blue or navy, midnight blue is so dark that it can be confused for black. The only time you can actually tell the difference is with appropriate lighting. This colour can be commonly found in tuxedos. But with a solid year in, it has found itself in many more standout items for the closet. Blazers and suit jackets are your best bet for those exquisite evening events. To take things up a notch, you can invest in a suede or a midnight blue velvet

Grooming habits the right way

Phot

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Phot

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blazer. This is where the colour really shines. But if that comes off a little overwhelming, fret not.Nowadays, there’s always a casual version of the formal and semi-formal. In a sense, it never loses the level sophistication. It is simply cut in a different way. You’ll find, if you look carefully, plenty of casual jackets and sport coats in the same colour. Trousers and accessories follow suit. From ties to socks, it has got all the items you need covered. When it comes to contrasting the casual pieces, being a little adventurous isn’t going to hurt anyone. The most flattering contrast would be coordinating the midnight blue with burgundy. You have the obvious black, but to add that extra edge brings you ahead of the class. Black or burgundy, there is no denying the allure of the midnight blue persuasion.

A different kind of blue for a classy you

Q: I’ve seen a few men tucking in their ties with their suits. Is this part of some new style?A: You might have even seen it in the military throughout time all over the world. When it comes to everyday fashion, this isn’t really a style statement. It makes the wearer look a little too uptight. The only practical use of tucking in the tie is if you are a waiter or work with something mechanical. The last thing you would want is your tie falling on someone’s soup or getting it tangled in a fan belt. If you’re really concerned about your tie flailing about, you can always invest in tie bars or tie clips. Then there is the obvious, keeping your suit jacket buttoned; the top button should always be the one locked, never the bottom one.

Q: I’ve had my ear pierced since I was 18. I’m 30 now, and wondering if I should take the earrings off. Have I become too old for them?A: Like most things, it depends on what you do for a living. If you’re aim is for the boardroom with high-profile executives, it’s best to leave the ear accessories at home. You need to start thinking about closing up that hole in your ear. If that isn’t the case, feel free to hang whatever you want on that ear. But it is true, once you reach a certain age, the stud on your ear gets less flattering as the years go by. Individuality is important, but remember there are certain procedures in every culture. Although, having an earring shouldn’t be too much of a problem. You can always take it off when you need to take it off so there is no need to sacrifice your precious jewellery.

Style tip: When all that is taken care of, never forget to moisturise. From your face, arms, legs, even your chest, it’s important to take care of your skin throughout the frigid cold

Style Session

Getting ready in the morning can be time constraining for most men. With winter coming in close, it’ll take even longer as laziness will kick in. As long as you have discipline and care for a better looking you, there’s a process that can never go wrong.

1. Before considering anything else, time is most important. Rushing through a shave job will only harm you. A morning grooming session is almost Zen-like, take a breath and relax. Make sure you have the time before you take the next step.

2. Dental process is an easy one, but many tend to rush this as well. In order to present a winning smile, you should thoroughly (not violently) brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste from Pepsodent or Colgate. They cost a bit more, yet they are worth the results. Mouthwash isn’t absolutely necessary, but it does enhance the freshness in your mouth. However, flossing is a must. Try not to skip that process.

3. The next move is for the face and body. Please, stop washing your faces with regular soap. There are face washing products for a reason, gentlemen. There are various types and brands of face wash ready for you to use. It all depends on what kind of skin you have and how sensitive it is. Regardless the type of skin, you need to get rid of the grime and exfoliate. The same goes for your body. Never skip a day of showering. Whether you choose a bar of soap or body wash, you better be washing all of it.

4. Shampooing is a must, but it shouldn’t be done every day. Your scalp will take a terrible beating if you do shampoo every day. You have to give the natural oils a chance to breathe and do its job. This process is vital during the winter. Don’t damage the roots by washing your hair – long or short – every single day.

5. Some of you will hold on to the glory that is your beard or moustache. Others, will opt for the clean shaven

look. Applying a damp warm towel on your face will help the process for a smoother shave. If you’ve got the entire package, go for it. Pre-shave oils, face scrub, and so on. After you’ve stripped your entire face naked, aftershave lotions are in order. Remember, you want your skin to be smooth and away from the crackling winter harm.

Photos: Big Stock

The morning routine

Midnight soiree


10 Tempt

Beauty

Hot winter make-upYour guide to putting your best face forward Navin Ahmed

Every season we see a variety of different make-up looks in hot magazines displaying runway style by Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and so many more. And as we welcome the chilly months, summery light, fresh glossy lips transition into matte berry stains; youthful dewy skin has moved aside to make way for a flawless, velvety finish. Here are a few musts from eyes to lips and skin that are rich and winter ready.

Velvety smooth skinAfter moisturising, prep your skin with a matte primer like Urban Decay and use an oil-free matte foundation to give your skin a healthy velvety finish

Bold eyebrowsBold dark eyebrows like the ones on Megan Fox and Jacklyn Fernandez are here to stay, so it’s time to grow out your brows, but do keep in mind that big does not mean bushy. Define your brows with a pencil or powder and set with clear

gel. I usually just spray a little hairspray on my brow comb and brush through to smooth it out.

Read my lipsWine stained dark lips are back. Team your matte berry lips with nude eyes. My absolute favourite this season is Rebel and Diva from Mac. You can also go for red, maroon or fuchsia lips if you don’t want to go too dark. Make sure to line your lips so that the colour does not bleed. If you are not comfortable with dark lipstick, go nude, peachy or Barbie pink on the lips. Lighter shades on the lips mean you can play up your eyes dramatically.

Ethereal eyesShades of bronze, brown, gold and deep purples are the hues to play with this season. Finish with winged out eyeliner. Remember if you are using a bold colour on your lips, dress down your eyes and leave them nude or just sweep a pale gold or taupe over your lids.

Make sure to use lots of kajal on the lower lash line and smudge with a tiny brush to create a smoky effect.

Oh so shy blushGet a flush of colour by sweeping dusty rose pink or pale matte coral blush on your cheeks to lend you a healthy glow. Make sure not to go overboard and don’t forget to blend. My favourite this season is Desert Rose by Mac.

Mile long lashes are in whatever the season. Dark long lashes look stunning paired with matte skin

Navin Ahmed has studied cosmetic techniques and management at Sheridan College in Canada. She has worked as a freelance make-up artist in Toronto and is the founder of GALA Wedding Planners and Makeover Studio in Dhaka

Style session

Q. I love how palazzo pants look on women. Since I am a bit challenged in the height department, can I pull them off without looking like a frumpy mess?

A. Palazzo pants are hot at the moment and yes, you most certainly can pull off this look with the help of some sky-high heels to give off the illusion that you have legs that just won’t quit. The key is to balance out the width of the pants. The most important thing to remember when it comes to palazzo pants is topping it off with something that is fitted and streamlined. Short or tall, hardly anyone can pull off slouchy, loose tops with the wide legged pants. Pick a tank top in a solid colour if your pants are printed and finish off your new look with a cropped jacket and your favorite pair of heels or wedges.

Photos: Big Stock

The unibrow is considered a highly attractive feature in women in Tajikistan

Truth be told


11Tempt

The perfect partingI often get a lot of clients asking me which side they should part their hair on or whether they should change their existing partingSabikun Nahar

Hair

Trends

We’ve covered the basics of what to look for when searching for the perfect blazer, now comes the styling. If the styling is flawed, all that hard work will go to waste. So here are some key points to keep in mind when styling your favourite blazer.

• Ifyouareoptingforabrightcolouredor printed blazer, keep the rest of the outfit neutral. This is important because otherwise the outfit will lose focus from the blazer and the entire look will be jarring.

• We know how important the fit ofthe blazer is, so keep the pants that you plan on pairing with the blazer in

Blazer 101Now that it’s chillier out, there is nothing more necessary for a fashionista’s wardrobe than a couple of nice blazers - a great blazer that elevates a drab pair of old jeans into something chic. Here are some tips on finding the perfect blazer to accent your winter get-up no matter what look you want to go for Maya Almuqtadir

mind. This is applicable if the blazer is cropped and the bottom is exposed.

• If it’s a “boyfriend” blazer, (loosefitted and oversized) avoid pairing it with palazzo or loose fitted pants. It will create a boxy shape that not even MC Hammer can pull off.

• Accessorising with blazers can bea real breeze. You can wear long dangly necklaces or chunky gold statement pieces, but be sure to accessorise your favorite blazer for an evening out

• Blazers look awesome with plain orgraphic T-shirts. Throw on a pair of old

Maya Almuqtadir is the designer and owner of Mayali and a practitioner of fusing international and local trends

Heart-shapedA middle parting suits a heart shaped face if you have long hair and it frames the widest part of your face. A side part can also work by covering most of your forehead with a longish side swept fringe.

Most of you know which suits you better but I suggest it to complement the client’s hairline and natural hair growth pattern.Here is a simple way you can decide by just looking at the shape of your fac.

jeans and a moderately fitted T-shirt with a blazer and take a scrubby look to something hip and effortless.

• Besure toexperimentdressingyourblazer up and down. It is my absolute favourite piece of garment since it transitions so well from casual to dressy, not to mention hides all the trouble spots and accentuates the waist. If you haven’t already invested in one, grab yourself a nice blazer this winter.

Instead of always pairing blazers with pants, try layering it over a simple tank dress for a fresh new look

Round If you have a round face, use a deep side parting to cover half of your face and show off your stronger side. If you can’t decide which side that is, use a piece of white blank paper to cover one side and pick which half you prefer and part your hair on that side. This trick will help balance your facial features and lengthen the shape of your face.

Square Start your deep side part from directly above the arch of your eyebrows if you have a strong face shape. Medium wavy layers look best to soften square jawlines and forehead. Curls or waves add a feminine touch to this shape as well.

OvalThe experts believe that an oval shape is the best shape you could have. Women with an oval face can pull off any look and get away with any parting, length or texture. Why not experiment with a different look every day?

Sabikun Nahar is a professional hair stylist and make-up artist who has worked in Sydney, Australia, following her graduation at Toni&Guy Sydney International School of Hairdressing. She now owns and operates HairBar in Dhakafacebook.comhairbarbangladesh

Photos: Big Stock

A full and heavy eye-grazing fringe can look fantastic on square faces


12 Trial Room

11Nazia Tariq Rahman always had a designer in her. As a child, she would design clothes for her dolls. As she grew up, she started designing her own outfits. She studied fashion design at Pailin World Fashion Academy and then came out with her own line of clothing , 11. The inspiration for her designs are strong women who are not just glam dolls but are independent, intelligent women. Her winter line includes shirts, palazzos, fur capes, silk chiffon saris, dresses and gowns. She uses a wide range of materials in her clothing line- linen, lace, brocade, georgettes, silk and sequinned stretch fabrics. She does not want any particular style to define her collection and prefers to keep her options open to explore and experiment Tausif Sanzum

Make a statement


13Trial Room

Designer: Nazia Tariq RahmanPhotographer: Syed Wasim NirjonShoot coordinator: Tausif SanzumModels: Peya Bipasha, Sabah RahmanMake-up artist: BabuLocation courtesy: EMK Center


I am a 38 year old divorced man with two children. My ex-wife lives abroad with our children and I don’t get to see them often. I miss having a family, and I have developed a strange habit. I love watching people through my binoculars at night. Through this process I fell in love with a girl. I wait for her every night to come to the window. How can I propose my love to her?

14 Tell

Letters to Mars

Letters to Venus

As a 30 year old single woman, it is with slight embarrassment that I have to admit to being in a relationship with a man who’s five years younger to me. We’ve been together for more than four years, and to us age is only a number. Last year, in fear of being rejected by our families we secretly tied the knot but didn’t inform our parents. We wanted to wait until he finished his master’s degree, to be more eligible for my family. Meanwhile, my parents have been pestering me to give their choice of a groom for me a chance. They’ve set eyes on one particular man and are forcing me into marriage. I know it’s time I come clean and tell them that which I have hidden from them for a year. Help!

The window to my soul

Coming clean

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to give seminars and to see her clients, alongside counselling them on Skype. AA is also a ghost writer for a renowned American magazine

Photo: Big Stock

Drama Mama

Dina Sobhan is a free-lance writer, a part-time counsellor and a full-time mom

My five-year-old son has recently developed a habit whereby he refuses to listen to his teachers. He doesn’t misbehave; he just sits in silence and refuses to do anything at all. At home, he is quite the opposite – he does all his homework, is eager to learn and shows enthusiasm when it comes to talking to new people. I have tried talking to him about this, but he lies and says he does listen to his teachers. What’s the best way to deal with this?Often when children behave in unusual ways, they are responding to something. Perhaps he is unhappy with the way his teachers treat him or is being bullied by classmates. His silence is a protest and he is unable or unwilling to discuss it openly, perhaps due to fear. Try to keep talking to him and ask him gently if the above reasons are why he behaves differently in school than at home. If he remains unwilling to talk and does not improve, you might consider changing his school. Ultimately, your son’s happiness is most important.

My dear you ask for help, but you already know the answer: go and talk to your parents and remember: YOU are not a child but a full adult. Take responsibility for your actions and with trust in yourself and your decision, tell them why you did it. If you can’t face them, write them a letter and explain to them the reason for not sharing such happy news. Tell them that if they love you, they will learn to appreciate and love the man YOU love.Let them have a letter in the morning and do not answer their phone call all day, let them digest the news. When you go home, do not scream at them: understand where they are coming from, but stand your ground. Good luck and let me know how it went.

Opposing opinions

You are alone and live mainly in your mind and in your fantasies. If you contact her, she may abuse you for stalking her, if she reacts positively, you may cautiously introduce yourself by leaving a card with your number.However I am slightly worried by your feeling of love for her: YOU do not know her, you are attracted to her. Love means appreciating the qualities of a

person, not just the physical aspects. Love means: accepting the person in her entirety, which means with warts and all. Meanwhile, throw away your binoculars or give them away and go to the gym or use the time to pick up a book and read, meet friends for some interesting activities and meet someone you can get to know and love.

Photo: Big Stock

Photo: Big Stock


1515Take Care

Detox superfoods to cleanse your system!

Detoxing has become bit of a trend with all the different fasting formulae and super foods that are out there. Sadly in Bangladesh, whether it is fish, vegetables or fruits, everything contains harmful chemicals and preservatives. In order to live a healthy life we need to detox the harmful chemicals out of our bodies. Unfortunately, the popular “detoxes “are not really safe or healthy.

Here’s a list of the safest organ cleansers:

BEETROOTBeet fights infection, purifies blood, and cleanses the liver. It also helps to boost the body’s cellular intake of oxygen, making beets excellent overall body cleansers. It also helps to stabilise the blood’s acid-alkaline balance (pH), which in turn supports healthy detoxification.

Beets are full of vitamins B3, B6, C and beta-carotene. They are also valuable sources of iron, fibre, magnesium, zinc and calcium, which are necessary to promote optimal detoxification and elimination.

GARLICGarlic helps to cleanse harmful bacteria, intestinal parasites, and viruses from the body, especially from the blood and intestines. It also cleanses buildup from the arteries and lowers blood pressure and cleanses the respiratory tract by expelling mucus build-up in the lungs. Garlic has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties that help detoxify the body.

LEMONLemons are super detoxifiers. Lemon stimulates the release of enzymes and helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily excreted from the

body. It also helps to detoxify the liver.

GRAPE FRUITThis fruit helps to cleanse the digestive system and it can prevent kidney stones from developing.

APPLESApples contain fibre, vitamins, minerals and many beneficial phytochemicals. The phytochemicals are used in the detox process. Apples help to detoxify the liver and food additives from your body. It’s best to eat only organic apples.

ALMONDSAlmonds are high in fibre, calcium, magnesium, and contain useable protein that helps to stabilise blood sugar and remove impurities from the bowels.Eat healthy for a healthier you - happy cleansing!

Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances from our bodyDilshad Fayeza Haque

Saying goodbye to the wedding belly!

Yoga

A quick and easy guide to a move that allows you to gorge on all the food this festive season holds in store for you Natasha Rahman

Natasha Rahman is an aerobics instructor at The Dazzle Ltd. She is also a staff reporter for TMag. She lives to eat and doesn’t believe in starving yourself to look stunning

Photos: Big Stock

Health

With the wedding season knocking on our doors, we know we need to keep that digestive system up and running! The kacchi birianis and the roasted chickens every other day will do a devil of a job on your hard earned, toned body. This simple move will allow you to enjoy your delicious burhani and biriani while keeping your body stunningly toned.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)Grab your mat and sit on the floor, with your legs laid out in front of you and your spine erect. Take a deep, long breath in and raise both your hands up without bending the elbows. Reach as high as possible. Exhale and start bending your upper body forward, bringing your

hands down slowly on your knees. If you are a beginner this should be your maximum stretching level. Try to keep your spine straight as you reach for your knees. Hold it there for 30 seconds and breathe in and out slowly. If you are at a more advanced stage, then walk your hands out till you grab your toes and gently pull your toes backwards. You should feel a deep stretch on your back and on your hamstrings at this point. Hold this position from three to five minutes and breathe in and out deeply and slowly. Exhale, let go of your toes and raise your upper body up till you are sitting upright in a padmasana. Repeat this at least 10 times a day and notice your body growing stronger and more beautiful.

Tricks for the beginnerThis may be slightly challenging but it isn’t impossible. The trick is to do this every day till you reach your toes. It should take an average person a maximum of two weeks to get the posture right. The first day might get you easily frustrated because the body just won’t listen to you. Instead, listen to your body and it will respond to you! If reaching for your thighs is your limit, then stick to it. The next day, you will be able to inch forward a little more. Nothing works as well as breathing right. If you are stuck at a point, exhale deeply and your body will loosen up a little. Your toes are your destination - inch forward slow and steady.


16 Tantalise

Cream of carrot soupRecipe

Method of Preparation1. For making chicken stock: wash

carrots, celery, ginger, bay leaf and chicken bone.

2. Put all aromatic vegetables and chicken bone into a stock pot or a deep, medium sized saucepan with water and cook uncovered for at least two hours at medium heat. Frequently skim off all impurities floating on the surface with a ladle after sometime. Strain the chicken stock with a fine conical strainer.

3. Heat the butter in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, onion and sauté for a few minutes.

4. Add chicken stock. Cover and cook thoroughly until vegetables are tender for around 30 minutes. Uncover and cool for a few minutes.

5. Transfer the cooked vegetables into a food processor; blend until smooth. Strain the soup with a fine strainer and return the soup into the saucepan.

6. Beat the cream with water to smoothly blend it.

7. Add salt, white pepper and half of the cream and taste it.

8. Reheat the soup until heated through, be careful not to boil.

9. Trim off the crusty part of bread and cut it into medium sized dices.

10. Heat the butter in a frying pan on medium heat and fry the diced bread until golden brown.

11. Serve the soup with croutons (fried bread) as an accompaniment and cream on top of the soup as garnish (decoration).

This week Avenue T dips into the goodness and comfort of a rich, creamy carrot soup that promises to tantalise Md Mahmudullah-Al-Mamun

Ingredients • 2 cups sliced carrots • 1 cup chopped onion• 60gm butter • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 pinches of ground white pepper

For stock• 2 litres water• ½ chicken carcass or bone • 1 pc 6” long carrot- roughly cut • 1 medium onion- roughly cut• 1 stalk celery- optional • 2 pc bay leaf • 4 round slice ginger- optional

For garnish • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 tbsp water

For accompaniment • 60gm butter- for frying • 2 medium slices white bread cut

into small cubes

As winter makes its way into our lives, we are greeted with the delicious look of dewdrops on our windows. For a country like ours, this is a fantastic time for harvesting a mixture of leafy, root, fruit, flower and stem vegetables, varieties of pods and beans as well as diverse variety of herbs. If you have a passion for gardening, this is your chance to make a healthy soup from

your very own supply of carrots. As a powerful antioxidant, carrots are packed with essential minerals. The recipe outlined below is one that truly captures the flavour of carrots while also giving you the perfect comfort food for a cold winter evening. Creamy, rich and yet so fresh, this soup is all you expect from it and more.

Tips and Tricks

Introducing: secret tips from domestic goddesses!

Are you a domestic goddess? Do you treat

your precious abode like a pristine temple? Send us some sugar! Share your tips and tricks with us.

Send them over to avenuet@dhakatribune.

com, with the subject line

reading “Tips and tricks.”

If you happen to use too much salt in a curry or a daal dish, just add a peeled potato. The potato will absorb the excess salt.Rowshan Imam, 48, Uttara

When boiling eggs, if you want to prevent the shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water.Mahmuda Hossain, 51, Wari

To scrub dirty cast iron cookwear to clean perfection, instead of using detergent try salt and a clean, dry paper towel.Shamim Khan, 34, Uttara

If you burn a pot of rice, fret not. Place a piece of white bread on top of the rice for five to 10 minutes. This will draw out the burned flavour. When serving, make sure you don't scrape off the burned section at the bottom.Shabana Huda, 45, Gulshan

To prevent your eyes from watering when chopping onions, take off the top layer. This will reduce the eye-watering.Fatema Akhtar, 43, Shantinagar

A great way to reuse the water used to boil pasta and potatoes is to use it for gardening. Once cooled, the water can be used to water your house plants.Kohinoor Kamal, 49, Chittagong

If you are cooking a curry based dish and happen to burn it a little, instantly transfer it to a clean pan to continue cooking. Add sugar a little at a time, tasting to make sure the burned taste has gone.Rawana Yousuf, 29, Baridhara


17Tucked In

Increasingly, people have their own corner at home from where they either work or apply themselves to academic pursuits. It is either the room where all books and files are kept, or in some cases, it is also a miniature office with a desk with all the trappings of a modern home office. These days, thanks to computers, the days of a large stack of files and papers are slowly giving way to digital files and cloud storage. Computers have become the centre of our lives in many ways, with internet based TV, videos and music, chatting, and the ubiquitous Facebooking. Currently, even that method is making a transition from laptops to hand-held tablets, making the idea of a traditional method of working on an office type desk more and more outdated. However, one still needs a desk.

Economise on sizeIn most domestic households, the home office is a small room somewhere tucked away. Therefore, there is no

need to have a huge desk; leave the ego that comes with a huge office desk outside. There is no need to clutter up the home office with anything that large. The desk itself can be a nostalgic leftover from childhood days or a piece of tempered glass attached to the wall with brackets and a support.

Large shelves are classyWhen computers were first introduced in the ‘70s, we were shown gleaming office spaces with no paper in sight. Now we all know that the idea of a paperless office is a myth. We still love our books printed on paper, and love our newspapers with a cup of tea, even though there are on-line versions of everything. Book shelves and small file cabinets for those important papers is a must. However, do intercede the shelves with a few decorative objects that connect the room to the rest of the household. Also make sure that the room is well lit, and there is a comfortable single seater with

a lamp next to it to read that favourite book of yours in comfort. If the room is wired for surround sound, make sure the wires are hidden to have that clean look.

Furthermore, having a few works of art and family portraits gives a personal touch to the study.

The home officeQuick tips to make your private office space at home M K Aaref

Raising your own Bugs BunnyRabbits are adorable to look at but as pets they can be a little difficult to manage Tausif Sanzum

Decor

Chewing and digging aside, rabbits can be a bit aggressive at times. Potty training them is not an easy task. You will need to provide them with fresh food and water on a daily basis. If you take into consideration all these negative aspects and still opt to keep a pet rabbit you will not be disappointed. They are lovable balls of furry joy.

Give it a homeBefore bringing a rabbit home make sure that your house is suitable for one. Keeping these bundles of joy in a cage all day long is wrong, and at the same time allowing them to roam freely in your home is not the best idea either. As such it is important that you either have a room which you can completely dedicate to the rabbit or you can turn a part of your room into a rabbit zone.

Control its dietYour rabbit’s diet should be your top

Pets

priority. Leafy greens and veggies are the best options. Do sprinkle them with water to keep them fresh all day long. Hay is very important for the digestion of your rabbit. However, make sure you treat them with fresh hay all day long. Chewing on the hay will also help your rabbit from chewing other goodies.Potty training your bunny can be a daunting task. Be patient, a firm “NO” will work wonders over a period of time. Place the little box in a location where the bunny usually relieves itself. Remember to allow it to linger around the litter box as much as it wants to, it is quite natural.

Make regular trips to the vetDo consult a veterinarian about your rabbit on a regular basis. This will help detect any disease at the initial stage and help your bunny to live a longer and healthier life. Raising a bunny can be a bit of a challenge but with a little patience they will spread joy in your home.


In Town18

Dhaba, DhanmondiRevisiting an old favourite N Anita Amreen

Inside Dhaka

Before the introduction of fine dining or boutique restaurants, Dhaka was accustomed to seeing the mushrooming of low-key eateries that focused on quality food on a budget. After the forever favourite "Bangla chinese" began losing its charm, Indian food began to take a precedence. One name that has been almost synonymous to Indian food in Dhaka is the classic favourite - Dhaba. Considered an old staple in terms of quality and taste, their extensive menu of chaats, kebabs, phuchkas and tawa dishes may be slightly generic, but it never fails to satisfy.

AmbienceLocated in a prime location near Abahoni field in Dhanmondi, upon entering the restaurant, you cannot help but feel a calming sense of being home. Dimly lit and simply decorated with small wrought iron tables and glass tabletops, you feel both welcome and at ease. Divided into two interconnected rooms and one large room for parties, their seating arrangement somehow seems cosy.

Food and presentationHaving everything from a range of rolls (beef, chicken, double beef), tandoori and tawaa items (both dry and gravy dishes), dosas, chaat phuchkas and biryani, there's a lot one can choose from. However, the standout dishes surely begin with the double decker roll (both beef and chicken) that arrived on a steel thaali, reminiscent of a true Indian "dhaba." Made with a double dose of paratha and soft, well-made kebabs, the rolls are filling and fairly satisfying. The beef boti kebab, on the other hand, takes it up a notch it’s decadent, soft and flavourful. However, we were halfway through the meal where we noticed the uncomfortable tug of overcooked meat on a small section of what seemed to be perfectly cooked kebab. Despite this minor glitch, the rest of the kebab was mush, rich and delightful. As for the naans, both the garlic and the butter naan are fluffy, light and has an intoxicating aroma. When paired with the chicken boti masala on a steel karai, a creamy, flavourful mix of chunky pieces of boneless chicken, we were reminded why we came back to this

Photos: Sadia Marium


19In Town

Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel presents Thai Food FestivalRadisson Blu Water Garden Hotel will arrange a Thai Food Festival at Water Garden Brasserie from December 6-15. Master chef Vichien Chomsawat and his assistant Boonyarat Khunsombat have been specially flown in from Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Thailand for

the festival. During the festival, guests will have the opportunity to win two return air tickets for Dhaka-Bangkok-Dhaka (exclusive taxes), sponsored by the Bangkok Airways, and three nights accommodation at Radisson Suits Bangkok, Sukhumvit.

restaurant time and again. What really bowled us over, however, was the churmur. A dish made of crushed phuchka, chotpoti and chanachur, the churmur is topped with a hearty helping of dahi and a sprinkling or more chanachur. Crunchy, creamy, rich and absolutely delicious, the marriage of flavours gives the dish a savoury intensity that is unbeatable. What’s pleasantly surprising is the jeera paani, a drink that has just the right amount of tang, spice and sweetness. The lassi, too, is refreshing and fairly pleasing. Other items worth trying include the garam phuchka, dahi phuchka and the paneer tikka.

Value for moneyWith a fairly priced menu and large portion sizes, Dhaba really does provide value for money. Tandoori rotis and naans cost from Tk40 to Tk120. Single rolls cost Tk130, going up to Tk200 for double rolls. The gravy items, such as the chicken boti masala, beef punjabi and chicken tikka masala, range from Tk300 to Tk410. The chaat and phuchka menu is a true winner in terms of both quality and value for money, since the prices range from Tk70 to Tk130 - a meagre price to pay for such mouth-watering dishes.

VerdictFor a restaurant that has lived up to its name and has provided quality meals for reasonable prices, Dhaba surely deserves a 4 out of 5 on the rating scales.


20 Trails

What to doThe Singair mosque is right across the Shait Gambuj mosque, Bagerhat on its southeastern side. Singair mosque is part of the mosque town of Bagerhat, constructed in the 15th and 16th century by Khan Jahan Ali and his followers. It is located three miles west of the Bagerhat town, opposite to the Shait Gambuj mosque, square in form and has a single dome, each side measuring 39ft 6in. The mosque is assembled of red bricks with terracotta designs, with a single wide dome, its build heavily influenced by

the typical style of the Khan Jahan Ali. The dome sustains on thick walls and is topped with an arced cornice.The shrine of Hajrat Khan Jahan Ali is only 3km ahead of the Singair mosque. A great number of tourists go to the shrine to pray. From this shrine a steamer is available to the Thakur Dighi (local name for a large pond) where you can see the ancient crocodiles. Besides this pond a Nine Gambuj Mosque is also an attraction for the tourists.Along with the many surviving

monuments of the Khan Jahan Ali style, undeniably the most magnificent and primary brick mosque in Bangladesh is the Shait Gombuj situated in Bagerhat district. Its name, meaning 60 domes, is misleading since in reality, it is roofed over with 77 small domes supported by a forest of slender columns covering a large prayer hall and giving it the appearance of a medieval church crypt. At dawn when the rays of the sun make way through the eastern entrances, the

interior comes to life. There is little adornment to this building other than the carved stone decoration to the central Mihrab at the western end of the prayer hall. The exterior facades, with slightly battered walls, have visible curving cornices, a concession to the local style. For outstanding architectural value the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, inscribed Bagerhat in the World Heritage list and it got the status of the second World Heritage site in Bangladesh after Paharpur.

Bagerhat, under the Khalifabad Pargana, is said to have been founded by Khan Jahan Ali. The Pargana region also included settlements like Khulna, Satkhira, Jessore and Barisal. After Khan Jahan Ali, the region was taken over by Maharaja Pratapaditya in 1459. Located at the confluence of two historical rivers, the Brahmaputra River and the Ganges, Bagerghat is also known as the Mosque City for the presence of a large number of mosques in the district. The domed structures of the mosques built with bricks in the15th century are considered an architectural marvel

Bagerhat

Tasnuva Rahim Humayra Photos: Tigertours


21Trails

Hotline numbers: +880184145500, +88001841445500 orEmail:[email protected]: http://bangladeshunlocked.blogspot.com/Website: http://www.tigertoursbd.com/

INDEX

Rocket steamer, train and bus are the available modes of transportation for the southern region of the country.

Getting There

Where to stayHotel City Inn, Hotel Western Inn, Castle Salaam

What to eatBoth freshwater “Golda Chingri” and saltwater “Baghda Chingri” shimps are a must try. However one must not forget about the famous Sundarbans’ honey, either.


22 Tags

Photos: Neloy I Hossain

RockNation IIIThe Centre Stage

LiveSquare held the third instalment of the “RockNation” concert series on December 6 at the Winter Garden of Ruposhi Bangla. The event had performances from the country’s leading bands including Nemesis, Shunno, Arbovirus, Warfaze, Aurthohin, Cryptic Fate, Karnival, Mechanix and Minerva Tausif sanzum


Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 32

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