How to Drape a Saree in Mumtaz style?

Hope you have seen the Different ways of Draping sarees post. So as promised I will be giving the detailed and step by step demonstration of each method in individual posts. Here is the classic Mumtaz style of draping a saree. 

Other Saree Draping methods include :

1. Classic Indian Drape (Traditional Way)      
2. Gujarati style
3. Maharashtrian style
4. Tamilian version
5. Bengali style
6. Mundu Neriyathum       
7. Coorgi Style
8. Mumtaz style             Check out theTraditional Sarees of India

Wearing a Saree in Mumtaz style

The Mumtaz style was popularized by the charming film star, Bollywood diva of yesteryear Mumtaz. This style of saree draping involves draping the saree tightly around your lower body several times to give it a narrow look that accentuates your figure. Though not a very comfortable saree draping style in terms of ease of walk, it truly is one timeless beauty. 

Step-by-step instructions to drape a saree in Mumtaz style

1. Tuck one end of the saree at the waist, complete one round from right side just like in all other saree draping styles
2. Make 2-3 pleats and tuck them at the center facing left.
3. Take rest of the saree towards left and bring it around in the front and tuck it 4-5 inch above the full length of the saree.
4. Repeat the process. i.e wrap one more time and tuck it 4-5 inch above the previous layer, so that you can now see three layers of borders (if it is a border saree).
5. Make small pleats from the left out portion and secure them at the left shoulder. Usually the pleats are very narrow revealing the midriff. (Alternately, you can also just gather the pallu and fling back)
6. Keep the length of the pallu just above the hip level for a perfect look.

Long Lost Childhood Games - Chuppa Chuppi / Hide-n-Seek / Ice Spies

Get ready for a nostalgic drive, for am taking you through the memory lanes of our childhood days. 

We all have plenty of fond memories attached to those bygone days. Apart from school, one major work we used to do as kids was play, play and play whether its indoor or outdoor. The  outdoor games have almost become extinct now, thanks to the busy and hectic lifestyle. And we hardly find any unoccupied plots or open grounds like earlier.

Here is a small attempt to revive those lost childhood games or traditional Indian games which we used to play and enjoy as kids. 

Next in the series is Hide and Seek or Chuppa Chuppi or Ice Spies (not sure how it is spelled, but we used to pronounce like this, or may be Eyes Spies/Ice Spice even.) It was one of the preferred game especially during power cuts. Hope you have checked the earlier ones Channe Mane, Kancha (Goli), Gilli Danda (Chinni Dandu), Spinning Top/Lattu, Lagori (Pittu)

Rules of the Game :

The rules of the game were almost same as present day. 

The team chooses one player who will close his/her eyes clasping his hands normally against a wall or a tree and counts upto 10 (if the player was young enough he was given to count upto 10, for all others it was always 100, which he would count in his fastest speed by fast forwarding and jumping few numbers in between ;))

[The process of choosing that one player (called the out-player) was by various means. We used to follow something like this with tossing the palms of all the players in air together. I think we used to call something like "Claps", yes!]

1. Ok, now when this player is counting the numbers in his own speed and correctness, others would hide in their favorite hiding places. 

2. After finishing counting he goes on a hunting spree and has to spot each player. He has to run back to the counting place as soon as he spots a player and touch the wall/tree saying Ice Spice so..and..so, the name of the player. So that player is 'out' now.

3. In the meanwhile, if you want to be saved from 'out'ing you could run and Ice spies yourself when the player is not around the Ice spies spot. 

4. The game continues till all the hidden players are spotted. For the next turn, the first player who got 'out' first will have to count and rest will hide. 

It was fun finding the scariest places to hide keep it a secret as your discovery. Though it used to be fun playing inside the house, it was always challenging as an outdoor game. 

Do you have any interesting experience with this game? Do share in the comments.
Tune in for more of these games.

Tune in for more of these games.

Long Lost Childhood Games - Channe Mane  |  Kancha (Goli)  |  Gilli Danda (Chinni Dandu)  |  Lagori (Pittu)  |  Spinning Top/Lattu

It's fun Hosting a FIFA World Cup Party

Yes, we are almost there. The whole world is waiting eagerly for the moment when the 2014 FIFA World Cup gets officially declared open. Luckiest are the ones who get a chance to witness the live electrifying match at the stadium. And for the rest of us, lets not miss on the fun and celebrate the FIFA World cup party with friends and family cheering our favorite team and the favorite star.




Entrance: 
Invite all your soccer crazy friends for a fun gathering at your place or a party hall. Give a grand welcome to your guests with a unique football themed entrance.


Decorations :
Set the mood for the great game of soccer with football themed decorations. Hang in the flags of the participating nations and football themed lights and decoratives.


Seating :
Since most of the time your guests will be glued to Television, make comfortable arrangements for the seating. Set up the television or a large screen in a spacious arena. Provide comfortable seating choices for your guests. Throw in large pillows on ground for those who like to sit on the floor.



Food :
Arrange the food table in an inviting way from none other than the divas.




Party Favors:
Never let your guests leave empty handed! Depending on your budget gift them football themed gifts or some memorable souvenirs as a mark of remembrance. It might be a jersey of your favorite team your guests support or a simple merchandise like sweat bands, flip flops, caps, noise makers or the mascot Fuleco.


The FIFA World cup match schedule http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/

Bread Bhath / Bread Masala / Bread Upma Recipe in simple steps

What's in a name? You call it Bread bhath, Bread Masala or Bread upma..it sounds tastier with every name. This super quick easy dish can be prepared for breakfast, as a snack or as a light dinner. 

If you have loafs of bread lying and if you are bored of eating same old bread toast every time, this simple yet tasty recipe can fill your stomach and it is healthy too with your favorite veggies added.

Ingredients :

Bread slices - 5,6 (Take more if preparing more quantity. I have used brown bread, you can use any)

Onion - 1 chopped

Tomato - 1 chopped

Green chillies - 3-4

Vegetables - Carrot, peas

Curry leaves

Ketchup - 2 tbsp

Soya sauce - 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tbsp

Chopped Coriander

Water - half cup

Salt

Procedure : 

1. Cut each bread slice into 9 pieces and keep aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add curry leaves, onion and green chillies. Once the onion turns brown add vegetables and fry for couple of minutes.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and give nice mix. Add turmeric powder, salt and cook until all the veggies are cooked. This shouldn't take much time.

4. Now is the time to add bread pieces. Add and mix pieces well so that the mixture coats to bread pieces. Sprinkle water over the bread pieces, so that they become soft and absorb the mixture.

5. Keep mixing. Take a small bowl, mix ketchup, soya sauce and 2 tbsp of water. now add this mix to the bread bath and mix well. Garnish with chopped coriander.