Lifestyle

It was a moment of pride for whole of India when On 19th June 2023, FeedSpot came out with its much awaited list of the best Blogs in the world in various categories.   This list is much awaited by users as there are millions of websites and blogs on the internet and as this news gets published thousands more will come into existence.   The jury made the decision based on several parameters and criteria some of which are traffic, user votes, social media followers, domain authority, quality, value delivered to user, subject matter expertise, quality of media and originality of content & freshness.   They appreciated how the Gemstoneuniverse Blog provided great value to the user with exact notes and observations from Gemologists, avoided the cheap practices of stuffing keywords in the content just to rank on the search engine and the best part- give user the ability to compare colour, rarity and price in an open and a transparent way.   It was a moment of pride for India when a Blog from the country occupied the pole position.   How did Gemstoneuniverse become the Best Gem Blog?   A team of more than 50 experts had a tough job as they had a list of more than 250,000 blogs and podcasts to compare in the gemstone category.   While they kept the user sentiment at its highest other parameters in which the most important factor was quality of the content and amount of value delivered to the user and in that the Gemstoneuniverse Blog topped the list and was declared Best and Number 1 amongst the influential, authoritative and trustworthy bloggers in the niche category of Gemstone and Jewelry.   The Gemstoneuniverse Blog had some other notable company along with it including the Jeweler Blog that serves around 183 jewellers in US and Canada, High Life Living Luxury and American Gem Society (established 1934) amongst others.     The FeedSpot List of the best Gem Blogs can be accessed by clicking here.   Laurent Cartier an eminent Luxury Goods Dealer , Diamantaire, and Gems connoisseur remarked- This Comes as no surprise with Guruji heading Gemstoneuniverse- You can expect best or nothing. In fact a major Lab announced a Ruby Trade colour as Crimson Red but The Grandmaster had described it in the Gemstoneuniverse Blog way back in 2008.   An avid Gemstoneuniverse Fan and a top Gemstone and Jewellery aficionado, Aliuska Snijders a Gemologist and Jewelry Professional based in Toronto- Canada said,   “The Gemstoneuniverse Blog is a remarkable resource for not only the lovers of Gemstones but also for industry professionals, students, professionals involved in the gem trade.   It is perhaps the only resource that provides insider information and the latest industry trends. The Gemstone Industry is a very hush- hush industry and Good Quality information is very difficult to come by.     What I also like is their tremendous exactitude while describing the colour of the Gem along with their explanation of clarity characteristics like cut, clarity and carat weight.   The media assets like the Gem photographs and the Videos are fantastic, perhaps the benchmark quality on the Internet but the most important and vital piece is their open disclosure of selling price and I think they are the only one on the internet to do that and that takes some transparency, character and courage.   All these very invaluable when I was studying for my Gemology course and more so when I am working today as a Gem and Jewellery Associate in the retail Trade.”   She went on to add that suppose you are looking for a 3 carat emerald, you just need to plug in that query in the search box of the Gemstoneuniverse Blog and it will pull up many entries over the years and you can compare gem features and price and voila you will have real time trend of how Gem pricing changes.   She said that it was a Gold Mine and a game changer for an industry insider like me.   We reached out to Guruji Shrii Arnav the acclaimed Spiritual Guru, Mentor of Mentors, the author of the Magnum Opus the Secrets of Jyotish Gems and regarded as the Father of Indian Astro Gemology for his reaction on this sterling achievement and this is what he had to say:   “ I am thankful and happy that the Jury and the User community has adjudged the Gemstoneuniverse Blog as the Best Gemstone Blog on the internet.   From the Inception, I and my team are motivated to empower individuals to get the best information about Gemstones, Astro Gemology and make the correct decisions based on facts rather than hearsay.   When I wrote the first blog post I did not want it to be drab, normal, predictable, boring or ordinary.   It is unlikely that the regular user would ever get the opportunity to visit a Colombian Emerald mine and appreciate the features and benefits of a rare natural Gemstone that takes over a million plus years to form.   Even the majority of end level retailers seldom reach the 7th or the 8th level in the Gemstone pipeline.   We strive to bring the beauty of the Gemstone to the end user from our eyes as industry professionals and Gemologists and having the expertise of bring the Gem from mine to Market.   So when we describe as an Emerald as Early summer Grass Green or Verdant Green or Vivid Green the user of the Gemstoneuniverse Blog appreciates that because he has many posts to understand that term and compare pictures and videos.   In most of the retail settings the decision making is based on just two parameters:   Weight of the Gemstone   Budget   This is a very crass way of making the important decision of buying a Gemstone that is rare, precious and durable. As passionate lovers of Gemology and servants of Gem Therapy I am

Sakura, sleek and stylish, award-winning restaurant being the pioneer in bringing authentic Japanese cuisine in India has always been known for its exclusivity, innovation and sensuous dining experience. Along with the Japanese cuisine, diners can also explore the exotic Asian cuisine and unravel the remarkable flavors from around the world.   To provide guests with unusual food experiences, Sakura keeps creating unique food festivals in a year, which gives something new and innovative to them. Our cosmopolitan guests who are well travelled or are culinary enthusiasts already like Sushi, and now there is something unique that’s a complete palate pleaser to them.   Today, Sushi has moved up on the evolutionary ladder and is considered lighter & healthier fast food. This nutritious finger food is available and consumed in most parts of India. Thus, we at Sakura have come up with an array of Sushi that is tweaked with Indian flavours. Tandoori flavour being hot favourite! An amalgamation of Indo-Japanese cuisine, an absolute delight for Sushi lovers!   Crafting a Sushi is an artistry – making it eye pleasing, working with flavours of the basic ingredients to shine through without too much seasoning, type of knife used to create the dish, cutting techniques and much more. Thus, such infused flavoured Sushi menu was carefully prepared keeping in mind things like, appropriate use of spices, flavouring them with vinaigrette rice, tandoori only tastes good when served hot, etc.   So head to Sakura and indulge in these fashionable bite-sized finger food that is meticulously prepared, presented, carefully arranged with emphasis on visual appeal – the interplay of colours, texture, shapes and overall flavour. *DATE: 10th April – 15th May, 2023 *VENUE: Sakura, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, Bangla Sahib Road, New Delhi – 110001 *TIME: 1200 – 1500 hrs (lunch) and 1800 – 2300 hrs (dinner)

Keventers, an iconic Indian Dairy brand with a legacy of 97 years best known for its Milkshakes and Ice-creams, launched its first line of vegan delicacies in February 2023. This brand new range is 100 per cent plant-based and gluten-free – a treat for people with dietary restrictions including gluten intolerance and dairy allergies. With no artificial ingredients or added flavor, it’s an excellent choice for all, especially for those who prefer lactose-intolerant diets. The two mouthwatering flavors—Vegan Strawberry and Vegan Dark Chocolate are available in consumer packs of 100 ml and 450 ml, priced at Rs.109 and Rs. 349 respectively. The Vegan Dark Chocolate is rich, creamy, and satisfyingly delicious! The Vegan strawberry has a smooth texture and its impeccable taste will leave you wanting more. It’s the Tastiest Vegan Range prepared with coconut milk and a blend of the finest ingredients – making it the perfect treat for Summer. Sit back, relax, and indulge in delectable scoops with a friend or two!

Women’s lives have transformed over the centuries.Balanced nutrition and a healthy diet support body in many ways. Whether you’re looking to improve your energy and mood, combat stress, or boost fertility, what you fuel your body with can make an impact.   Research suggests that pistachios have numerous benefits and may help to maintain good health, support an active lifestyle and reduce the risk of nutrition-related diseases. Not only are pistachios a source of many essential vitamins and minerals, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein and fiber, but pistachios also provide an array of phytochemicals, a wide variety of compounds made by plants that may help to promote health and well-being.   A new study conducted by Cornell University and published in the journal, Nutrients, in October 2022, determined that pistachios have a very high antioxidant capacity, among the highest when compared to values reported in research of many foods commonly known for their antioxidant capacity, such as blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, beets, and red wine. The purpose of the research was to measure the level of antioxidant “capacity” of pistachios. In other words, to measure pistachios’ ability to fight free radicals with antioxidants.   American pistachios are one of the very few foods high in antioxidants that are also a complete protein. This makes them perfect for people who want a more plant-based diet. Research conducted and published in 2020 had shown that California grown pistachios are a complete protein; which means that they contain all 9 essential amino acids that your body needs which is normally found in animal-based proteins. Perfect for people who want a more plant-based diet.   To recognize the many facets of the modern woman, International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. It is important for women to take charge of their own bodies and understand how they can maximize their personal health and wellness. Below are various reasons to add American pistachios in daily diet.   Health Benefits of American Pistachios:   Heart Health: Researchers looked at five studies that examined the effects of pistachios on heart disease. Many of the studies found that diets that include pistachios tend to be linked to significantly lowered cholesterol and blood pressure levels, even for those who are at high risk of diabetes. Research suggests that these benefits may be due, in part, to the pistachios’ protein, fiber, and lower fat content when compared to other nuts. Pistachios also have the highest phytosterol content among nuts, which appear to help lower blood cholesterol levels by:   i. decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines during digestion and ii. reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the body.   Blood Sugar Management: In recent years there has been an increase in the number of studies showing the potential benefits of eating nuts, including pistachios, on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. Research published in Diabetes Care shows that including pistachios as part of a balanced diet is a sound strategy to help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that pistachios may have glucose- and insulin-lowering effects and promote a healthier metabolic profile in people with prediabetes.   Immunity Booster: Nuts, like pistachios, provide the body with vital vitamins, minerals,antioxidants and phytochemicals (active compounds found in plants) to support the immune system. The immune system is the first line of defense against infections. A healthy immune system aids in the healing process and shortens recovery time.   Eye Health: Pistachios contain approximately 13 times more lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids) than the next highest nut. High amounts of these carotenoids are found in the retina of the eye and are known to benefit eye health, which may help prevent vision loss associated with aging.   Weight Management:Pistachios are one of the lowest calorie nuts with only 160 calories in a single ounce, which is the equivalent of about 49 pistachios. Researchers recently discovered that eating as much as 20% of calories from pistachios may not lead to weight gain, but it may provide the added benefit of improving blood pressure, among other perks. Emerging research shows that people with extra body weight can benefit from eating pistachios – those who munched on pistachios lost weight and improved their triglyceride levels (blood fats).   The High Council of France’s public health recommends a daily consumption of a small handful of nuts. This recommendation is based on scientific data that highlights health benefits of nuts, including pistachios, in terms of diet quality, weight management and cardiometabolic risk reduction. Pistachios are nutrient dense foods containing protein, fibre, phytosterols, and antioxidants and are naturally cholesterol-free. California-grown pistachios have a high monounsaturated fatty acid content (53% of total fat) and a high unsaturated/saturated fat ratio of 7.4: 1.

Food Recipe   FRIED GOBI WITH CALIFORNIA PISTACHIOS – BY CHEF GRANT CRILLY   https://americanpistachios.in/recipes-and-snacking/recipes/fried-gobi-california-pistachios   INGREDIENTS “Chaat” is super common on lots of great snacks in India and it simply means to “lick” in Hindi. You’ll be licking and kissing your yummy fingers when you finish a bowl of these too.   CHAAT MASALA 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (20g) Cumin seed 1 tablespoon (5g) Coriander seed 1 tablespoon (8g) Fennel seeds 2 tablespoons (4g) Dried mint 1 tablespoon (4g) Chili flakes 1 teaspoon (4g) Black pepper 1/3 cup (40g) Green mango powder 1 tablespoon (5g) Ginger powder ¼ cup (30g) Kosher salt   CAULIFLOWER Oil for deep frying 1 pound (500g) Cauliflower ½ cup (50g) American Pistachios 2 large (200g) Shallots ½ cup (25g) Golden raisins 1 (10g) Green chili 1 tablespoon (10g) Salt 2-1/2 tablespoon (20g) Chaat spice Juice of one lime (40g) Yogurt – as desired for garnish   INSTRUCTIONS   FOR THE CHAAT MARSALA SPICE Toast all Chaat Marsala spices in a dry pan, taking care to not burn. Blend all to a fine powder in a spice grinder. Keep in airtight jar.   FOR THE CAULIFLOWER In a deep pot bring at least 1quart. (2 quart. is ideal) oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare cauliflower by breaking into florets, keep the greens as well. Using the side of knife or pot, smash pistachios into halves. Slice shallots thin and add to oil to fry until golden, then remove and place on a paper towel. Add cauliflower to oil and fry for about 5 minutes or until golden brown, add to onions on paper towels. In a bowl, toss all ingredients except lime with chaat spice, raisins, and pistachios. Add lime juice and toss some more. Serve over yogurt.

Food Recipe Pistachios can be explored with both sweet and savory dishes. This Holi, why not indulge in festive treats in a healthy way by adding American Pistachios – a versatile nut, to your dishes. An exclusive recipe by chef Tarun Dacha using American pistachios:   KESAR PISTA PHIRNI RECIPE LINK: https://americanpistachios.in/recipes-and-snacking/recipes/kesar-pista-phirni   INGREDIENTS 500 ml Full fat milk 30 g Rice 30 g Sugar 50 g California Pistachios 2 tbsp Saffron Syrup 50 g Caramelised Sugar (for sugar net)   INSTRUCTIONS Soak raw rice overnight and next day make a puree out of it . Boil milk and rice puree in a heavy bottom pan for 20 min on medium heat. Add chopped green pistachios, sugar and saffron syrup in the mixer. Cool down the mixer.   FOR PLATING Take the cold phirni mixer and put it on the centre of the serving plate and demould. Garnish with sugar net. Drizzle Roohafza from top.

  Raffles believes that women deserve relaxation and pampering for everything they do. The Raffles Spa is a haven for relaxation, renewal, and self-discovery. Through wellness treatments, it is the ideal location to find complete peace and inner harmony. When you enter the Raffles Spa, which is encircled by the magnificent Aravalli hills and the exquisite Udai Sagar Lake like that of a blanket of nature, you can feel your spirits rising. The relaxing treatment facilities offer a distinctive space for you to restore the mind, body, and soul. The experts at the Raffles Spa flawlessly combine ancient therapeutic methods with contemporary luxuries. Located in the Zenana Quarters, traditionally an area dedicated to specifically to women since antiquity, the suites and treatment rooms encompass a private relaxation area, six therapy rooms and suites, an outdoor leisure pool and a Jacuzzi. Raffles Spa also features a relaxation area for utmost comfort.     At the mystical island of Raffles Udaipur, the women in your life can also be treated to unparalleled gastronomy and handcrafted cocktails at the island’s renowned restaurants and bars. When you stay at Raffles Udaipur, the intricacies of your experience know no limitations. Allow the destination to steer you through your dream vacation and enable you to reconnect with your divine self this International Women’s Day.