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If you are a healthy eater and would like to try Indian food, you might be having second thoughts because you are not familiar with the dish and the ingredients.

Well, here's the good news: Indian foods are generally healthy. One of their staples is Poha (flattened rice) which usually contains the following:

• 360 calories
• 6g of fat
• 446 mg of sodium
• 69g of carbohydrates
• 3g of fiber
• 2.5g of sugar
• 6.8g of protein

The majority of Indian dishes include lean meat (chicken or fish) and high fiber lentils and vegetables. Once you have this in your dish, it will make you feel full and satisfied even if you only eat less.

Indian foods are also full of flavor. Have we mentioned that Indian cuisine is known to be hot and spicy? Eating these kinds of food will help you eat less and slim down faster.

To help you next Indian Restaurant food trip, here are some of our recommendations that will surely make you appreciate Indian cuisine while still keeping up a healthy diet:

1. Tandoori Chicken in Indian Restaurant

Half of this dish will only give you an additional 350-400 calories. This dish is a combination of yogurt and tandoori masala, which are baked in a clay oven called tandoor (thus the name). The ingredients and the mode of cooking allow the dish to blend perfectly together and give you your needed protein without the excess fat.

2. Chicken Tikka Masala

Another chicken dish you can try is the Chicken Tikka Masala. It has 350 calories for every 30 grams. It is made with chunks of chicken and curry and would taste even better when paired with white rice. However, if you want to cut your calorie count further, then you can still enjoy the dish even without the rice.

3. Raita

Raita is more of a condiment that you can have when the main dish gets too spicy. It is a combination of vegetables, herbs, and fruit with yogurt, and a single serving is only 40 to 60 calories.

4. Roti

Roti is something you will see in any Indian menu as it is a whole wheat bread that you can pair with other Indian food. You can enjoy a seven-inch roti which has 110 calories and 3 grams of fat. The Roti can be very indulging, so you have to be mindful of the portion you are eating.

5. Vegetable or Meat Shish Kebabs

Kebabs ring a bell. It’s a good choice because it is only made of little fat. Chicken and vegetable kebabs will have the lowest calories, especially when made without coconut milk.

6. Onion Bhajji

Onion Bhajji is India’s version of onion fritters but just better. It is made with a dash of Indian herbs that makes it unique compared to those from another cuisine. It is also ideal for people who are not so into spicy dishes and is best when paired with a dip.

7. Spinach Pakora

This dish is deep-fried but still considered healthy. The spinach coated with gram flour. It is then deep-fried until it becomes golden brown. This definitely makes an excellent appetizer. It is a good idea to pair it with ketchup.

8. Chicken Manchurian

Chinese and Indian flavors in one dish – that is Chicken Manchurian. The chicken pieces are fried until crispy and are cooked with various sauces. You can experience sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor in your mouth with every bite.

These dishes are must-tries during your next visit to an Indian Restaurant. These dishes are healthy, so there is no need to feel guilty. Indulge in the great taste of Indian cuisine without worrying about the fats.

Are you a frustrated artist? It’s time to unleash the painter in you with Sip and Gogh Kapitolyo. You can join their painting classes while enjoying a sip of your favorite wine.

Paint and sip studios are gaining popularity all over the world, and we’re just glad that a group of friends brought it to the Philippines. And how witty their name is? Sip for the beverages you will be taking and Gogh from the famous Vincent Van Gogh.

Local Artists will serve as your painting instructors. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have much experience with painting or art in general. Sip and Gogh will unleash the artist in you.



Tips: You should visit their website to choose the branch you want to go to and the time you want to take their classes. This is to assure yourself a guaranteed slot. But you can also walk in.

What to Expect: Regular Painting session costs Php 1,000, but it already all the art materials, a glass of wine, fruits/cold cuts, and cheeses.

Address: United St., Pasig, Metro Manila

Conclusion: We’re on their website now and ready to book ourselves a slot in their regular painting session! They are open every Tuesday to Friday and start open at 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. on weekends.

There are a lot of reasons to dine out and try and even a lot more excellent reasons to eat Indian cuisine in Los Angeles, California. The combination of food and cultural experiences are just a few of the reasons to love Indian food, especially from Masala Grill.

So, before you start your quest for the tastiest and most loved Indian food, here are some frequently asked questions and some answers before trying Indian restaurants in Los Angeles, California.

Why do People Visit Indian Restaurants?

One of the reasons to eat Indian food is that it’s one of the best food to share with friends and family. A typical Indian restaurant has a cozy environment that provides a space for people to gather.

In Masala Grill, we make sure that our customers experience a home-like ambiance with the best Indian dishes that are awesome to share. More importantly, we want you to experience native Indian cuisine, even if you are away from home.

What are the Meals Available in an Indian Restaurant?

We have a complete list of mouthwatering Indian food, which is one of the reasons to eat Indian cuisine in Masala Grill. Some of the food we have on our menu include Masala Dosa, Kadai Paneer, Veg Samosa, and Saffron Mango Lassi. These are just some of the best Indian food we have on our list.

Other popular Indian dishes that we have include lamb rogan josh, lamb vindaloo, and other extensive spreads that every family member will definitely love. Aside from our fabulous meals, our prices always at the sweet spot; we still have the right price without breaking the bank.

And yes, another reason to love our meals is that we can customize our menu for parties and gatherings!

What is Unique about Indian Food?

Another one of the reasons to eat Indian food is for the unique taste. We always make sure that our food brings back a lot of memories while providing a unique experience for first-time Indian cuisine diners.
If you also want to fulfill your olfactory sense, then an Indian restaurant is your best option. Our dishes have a unique aroma that brings you to a new dimension.

Moreover, one of the best reasons to eat Indian food is because we always make our food from scratch. We only use raw and fresh materials to prepare your meals, and we assure you that our dishes, including Rotties, Naans, and Indian bread, are made from the freshest ingredients.

Do You Buy Local Ingredients?

We buy from both.

We ensure that our ingredients are fresh because we source the ingredients from local farmers and suppliers. If need be, we also source some ingredients from India to make sure that we bring the authentic taste and experience to your table.

We work with local suppliers and Indian suppliers, too, to ensure that we create a menu that clearly represents the flavors and tastes of India.

Is Indian Food Affordable?

We make sure that our customers pay for what they order, and that’s it. We don’t just sell food in Masala Grill, but we also ensure that our clients experience the Indian culture while they dine with us.

The food on our menu is priced and guaranteed to adhere to the standard pricing. We do not overprice or underprice our menu items because we know our clients, and we know our products and service well.

If you think that a Japanese-Peruvian fusion is exciting, then you are not alone. Nikkei Nama Bar Rada fuses these two cuisines on your plate. Their dishes are a showcase of Japanese Influence to Peruvian cuisine. The combination of ingredients from both cultures will surely take you on an electrifying culinary journey.

The brand’s concept lies in these two ancient cultures; these two world views where taste and technique continue to evolve. You can enjoy fresh cuts of sashimi and handmade sushi, and some traditional Japanese lunch sets with a twist of causa, tiradito, and ceviche.



Space is also very modern and chic. You’ll surely feel like royalty while enjoying the Japanese-Peruvian fusion melt in your mouth.

Tips: You can start your Nikkei Nama experience by ordering their Avocado-Maguro, Lima Rolls, or their Soft Shell Crab Roll as well. For the main dish, go for their Nama Bowls (Salmon Belly Bowl, Blackened Salmon Roll, Buta Bowl, and Pollo Saltado Donburi).

What to Expect: The price of their rolls starts at Php 250 while the cost of their Nama Bowls starts at Php 320.

Address: Frabelle Business Center, 111 Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila

Conclusion: Japanese and Peruvian Cuisine is an exciting combination. Don’t forget to say hi when you see us dining at Nikkei! They are open from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Are you off to a weekend getaway or planning a long vacation? If yes, then review your itinerary, check your belongings, and rest up for your trip, especially if you have a long flight.

If you’re traveling overseas, don't forget to get travel insurance, suggested vaccinations, supplies, and compressions socks.

Yes, you read that right - get a good pair of compression socks which you should wear when you’re flying long flights. Immobility in long flights can often lead to swelling ankles or, worse, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in your legs.

DVT and Long-Haul Flights 

Wear compression socks if you are on a flight that lasts for more than five hours. Seating and being immobile longer can lead to blood circulation problems and DVT, according to the World Health Organization.

During long-distance travel by plane, car, train or bus. However, it is three times more likely to happen when flying long-haul. Moreso, the risk is higher for travelers with multiple long-haul flights.

3 Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks

Warm Feet

Enclosed spaces like public transportation need to be cold to keep the area dry and to ensure proper air circulation. But sometimes, it can be too cold, especially for your feet. So, wear compression socks to maintain blood flow and to keep your feet and body warm.

Blood Circulation

When flying, wear a pair of compression socks to avoid any blood circulation problems. The way it’s built helps in blood circulation. So, the more oxygen your legs receive, then you experience less soreness or swelling or not at all.

Minimize Fluid Retention

Long flights mean that your body can be inactive for hours, and this can result in edema or fluid buildup in your legs. To avoid this, wear compression socks as it applies pressure in your legs and helps the fluid, known as lymph, to move freely and decrease feet swelling.

How to Choose the Right Compression Socks

There are a lot of brands and types of compression socks in the market; however, here are some of the things you should consider before buying a pair or two:

Antibacterial 

Choose a pair of socks that are made of antibacterial material. This can help with the foul smell on feet or shoes as these are treated with antibacterial technology and can help fight unpleasant feet odor.

Length and Size

Compression socks have various measures, including ankle height, thigh-highs, support hose, and leggings.

A medical condition can affect the length of the compression socks that suits you. However, most travelers can use the standard compression sock length.

Don't forget to consider the size, too. Choose socks that best fit your feet size and calves and remember that the socks must be comfortably tight on you.

Keep Your Feet Dry

We also recommend that you choose a moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry and warm even in the hottest weather.

Pressure

Millimeters of Mercury or mmHg is the unit of measurement to measure the level of compression of the sock. There are different levels of mmHg, including 8 - 15 mmHg (light compression) to 40 - 50 mmHg (maximum compression), that you can choose from.

How to Put on Compression Socks Properly?

Dry Your Skin

Make sure that your skin is dry. If you applied lotion, wait until your skin totally absorbs the lotion. Properly drying your skin is essential moisture can make it challenging to pull the socks on.

Sit Comfortably

Sit comfortably on a stable chair to ensure that you won't get off balance when putting on the socks.

Check the Seams

Make sure that the seams run straight with no wrinkle. Do not fold the top of your socks!

I'm Now Wearing My Compression Socks, What's Next?

Remove Your Shoes

When you're on board, you can take your shoes off so you can wiggle your toes. Your feet will also feel less warm, which will help minimize swelling.

Drink Water

Dry spaces and dehydration can make your blood thicker. So, choose to drink water instead of coffee or alcohol, especially if you have long flights.

Are Compression Socks Just for Traveling? 

We all need proper blood circulation all the time. So, we highly recommend that you wear compression socks if you:

• mostly stand up at work,
• exercise strenuously, or
• have leg ulcers or diabetes.

So, get a pair or two pairs of compression socks now for your holiday! 

This September, leading online fashion platform Zilingo, released their latest trends selection. Doused in plaid and preppy looks, the collection boasts different cuts and arresting foray of silhouettes.

Doing some skincare with Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream changed how I looked and took care of my skin. Check out my review of the Pond's Day Cream and share your experiences, too!

So, do you remember the time when I won a Pond's day cream and night cream package from one of Zalora's Instagram contests? Well, that winning experience is also one of the best things that ever happened to my skin.

One of my favorites from my prize was the Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream. Here's what they say about their product.

About Pond's Day CreamAge Miracle Day Cream

The New Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream has Pond's' most advanced anti-aging technology, Retinol-C Complex, to continuously release powerful anti-aging retinoid actives that work 24 hours nonstop to help reduce wrinkles for a youthful glow.

[It works to] enhance the overall radiance of your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pond’s Age Miracle with Intelligent Pro-Cell Complex™ contains unique ingredients that boost collagen production while preventing dryness– giving your skin up to three times more cell renewal power.

Price of Pond’s Day Cream Age Miracle

It’s Php 99 for the 10 g and Php 999 for the 50 g.

Is Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream Effective?

First, let's take a step back and let me say this, I don't have a skin routine. Yes, sue me for not having a rigid skin routine. All I do is make sure that I drink plenty of fluids and put on any facial cream with SPF 30 before I go out. And yes, I admit that I have so many regrets when it comes to this.

Fast forward to March 2017, I was going through Instagram and saw a contest hosted by Zalora and beautiful box was the prize. Who wouldn't want these beauties for free, right?

My favorite among the three and I’ve already written a quick review about the Pond’s White Beauty. Here are my thoughts on the product:

Pros and Cons of Using the Pond’s Age Miracle Day Cream

Pros

Supple Skin - Once I emptied the freebie I got, I went on using the product for almost a year, and I must say it was useful. My skin was supple, and there were fewer lines on my forehead.

SPF 18 - I also love that it has SPF because let’s face it, we need to use products with sun protection every day. Please, don’t be a late bloomer like me and end with uneven skin tone.

Price - For Php 99, which was the smaller one, it definitely is a great product for its price.

Cons

Smell - I don’t like products that smell chemical-ish, if that’s a word. It has a potent smell that sticks for a few minutes after applying it on your skin.

Oil Control - I noticed that the formula doesn’t control oil on my face if I immediately go about my daily activities. I noticed that I have to let the product dry and mattify for at least 10 minutes.

Will I Use the Product Again?

Well, I used it for almost a year from 2017 - 2018, but I changed my skincare routine when we moved back home. However, I still recommend the product especially for friends or to someone who’s just trying to find the product that’s best for their skin - it’s affordable and you can easily buy it on drugstores.

Deciding when to get married or who to marry takes a lot of time, especially if you add the time on how or where to buy your engagement ring online. You have to find the jewelry shop to buy from or whether it’s a silver or gold ring.

However, as you try to answer these questions, always remember that nothing’s perfect and there's no ideal engagement ring. One thing you can make sure is to get the best ring that you believe that your partner will love and will be happy to wear.

As a personal experience, my husband bought me an engagement ring after a year of getting married. Well, come to think of it, it wasn’t an engagement ring, it could have been an anniversary gift. Still, it was thoughtful of him, and I loved it.

So, for those who want to find unique diamond engagement rings, I have some tips. Don’t start hitting the search button on your computer, yet, check these tips out:

Online Engagement Rings: Is it Expensive?

The first thing that everyone should think and consider when buying an engagement ring and a wedding ring is a budget. Let’s ask ourselves these questions first:

Should I save for it?

Of course, you should save not only for the engagement ring but also for your wedding and marriage. Remember, it’s not the only expense you’ll be paying for once your partner says yes.

Should the engagement ring be worth three months of my salary?

Our answer is both yes and no. It can be worth your three months salary if that’s what you’ve been saving for. And it could also be cheaper if it doesn't fit your budget. So, make sure to find the ring that you can afford to pay, and that’s the next tip.

Do I need to pay in cash or credit?

I recommend paying for the engagement ring in cash. Remember, you have to save for it so all those savings should go to the budget for the ring. I am also not saying you can’t get engaged if you haven’t saved for the ring, yet. Nonetheless, it’ll be convenient for you to pay for it in cash and not have any recurring expenses as you plan and pay for your wedding suppliers.

Does the price say a lot about me?

I would say that this is an answer that you and your partner can answer. However, for me, the price tag of my wedding ring doesn’t matter. Whether you find diamond engagement rings priced at $500 or $1,000, all you have to do is answer the previous questions, and you’ll know what ring to get. Also, I am a sucker for the romantics; that’s why I believe it’s always the gesture that counts.

Best Design of Online Engagement Rings

There are various designs you can choose from; however, here are our top 2 favorites.

Cluster blue diamond engagement ring

I love unconventional thins and even in engagement rings. A cluster blue diamond ring is something unique, and I think that every modern bride would like to wear it.

Get a cushion cut diamond engagement rings

If your partner loves the classic, I think one of the best classic choices is the cushion cut diamond ring. It’s an excellent choice for the traditional bride-to-be, and you can add a little edge by customizing the band. Don’t be afraid to give it a little personality.

The Proposal and Online Engagement Rings

Of course, you have to plan for the proposal, too. You can make a themed proposal based on the engagement ring you’ve chosen.

Let’s say you chose a nontraditional engagement ring; you can make a thematic proposal. For example, propose while scuba diving or after conquering a new mountain together, that’s if both of you love adventurous and outdoor activities.

If you’re getting a classic tapered diamond engagement ring in gold or white gold, something traditional, then set up a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant.

All in all, don’t forget that the most crucial part is that you propose to your partner in the most natural and loving form, that’s regardless of where you are or what ring you’ve bought.