A Lifestyle in Nepal

WELCOME TO NEPAL (Sunday, April 25,2010-Saturday, May1,2010)

Basic Skin Care Nepali Style

(Health & Beauty by: LaShay Jackson Saturday,May 1,2010)

Lets start this section by getting a few things in order, shall we? Healthy and supple skin isn’t so much of a dream if you take proper precautions and pay attention to your diet and exercise. Skin is extremely susceptible to outside factors- the season, your diet, whether or not you smoke, or whether you live within a humid/highly polluted climate. A well balanced diet, hydration, and protecting your face from the sun and wind should be apart of our daily routine.

No matter your gender or ethnic background, it’s a proven fact that all skin types should be taken into consideration. In the culture of Nepal their skin care regiment is very basic, as they follow a few skin care steps. They feel these steps are mandatory and should not be skipped on any account. So guys and girls if you’re looking to have naturally glowing skin like the Nepalese, it’s important that you use the following products and steps according to your skin type:

Cleaning the Skin

-It’s quite essential to avoid or prevent acne and other skin problems. Wash your skin as often as possible using mild face wash and wipe off with a clean washcloth. You could very well use Avon’s moisturizing day to night cleanser at least twice a day to make sure it rinses away easily.

Toning the Skin

-With toners your skin will look and feel smoother after just one use. Not only do they help cleanse the skin further, but it removes any remnants of particles that you may have left behind. Toner also cools, nourishes, hydrates and freshens up your skin. They must also be alcohol-free, as alcohol dries your skin out.

Exfoliating the Skin
-If you want to have younger looking skin guys and gals “Be Sure To Exfoliate”. This helps to remove dead cells from the skin, rejuvenate the skin and eliminate fine lines.
Moisturizing the Skin
-Like your body your skin also needs hydration and proper nutrients to keep healthy. So, treat it with a good moisturizer and sunscreen with at least SPF15 during the day and a great night moisturizer to balance your skin out.
Product Purchasing
-For more information on skincare products for men and women, visit Avon.com and visit their skincare section. You will find the latest on inexpensive products in regard to cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and more.

Pagoda to Go

(Interior Design by: Joseph Allen Friday, April 30,2010)                   

Pagoda's are structures seen throughout Asia that were built for the purpose of religious worship. The tiered buildings are very ornate and usually have an odd number of levels. The sacred structures are built to purposely attract lightning strikes to heighten their religious meaning and influence. Pagoda's are generally constructed using bamboo and brick.

The article, "Kathmandu To You" discussed using a brick accent wall in order to increase the South Asian aesthetic in the dining room. A lovely couple embarked on this mission, and have provided step-by-step instructions for you as well. This look is quite versatile, and can be used in a number of themed settings for any room in your house. With the other visual elements we will use in the dining room, along with the accent wall you will bring a portion of Nepal to your American abode.

Click here to learn more about pagodas.

 

 

 

Signature International Fashion Walk

(Fashion by: Dionta Green Friday, April 30,2010)

Reading the Himalyan Times which is the newspaper for Nepal, wrote "Fashionistas of the Valley have one more reason to be happy for a glamorous event is coming up. The Signature International Fashion Walk, a fashion event, will feature some well-known names and upcoming designers from India, Nepal and Bangladesh.                             

On April 22, 73 models (male and female) were shortlisted from 117 applicants by former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba and Raju Singh, Managing Director of DMI. Thirty-two models have been finalized to showcase the collections of Bibi Russell a designer from Bangladesh, Monapali, Kallol Dutta and Amit Talwar from India, and Nepal’s very own fashion designers Rajesh Dhakwa, Anu Shrestha and Nuzhat Qazi.”

The show is schedule for Friday 07, May 2010 at 5 pm at the Hyatt Regency Venue, Kathmandu, Nepal. The event is a two day international fashion event on the lines of International Fashion Week. The designers will be showcasing their upcoming Autumn/Winter 2010 collections. The Signature Fashion Walk is a huge success in Nepal, and the local fashion lovers, enjoy every minute of it.                                                                           
Being able to have the opportunity to view a collection of clothing from other parts of the world has to be a wonderful, experience. I viewed some of the designers other collections they have done in the past, and I honestly feel the garments are beautiful; they are done with lots of beautiful colors and wonderful textures and prints. I plan to update you all on the show after May 7, 2010, hopefully I will be able to get a video of the shows, or even backstage moments, so that as American viewers we can see how things are operated out of the US.

How to make a Nepali meal

(Health by:LaShay Jackson Thursday,  April 29,2010)

This is a traditional Nepalese meal tweaked for western taste. Long ingredients list, but the items are all economic and easy to find in your local supermarket.


Things you’ll need:
(For the Greens)
-1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-1 pound frozen, chopped greens (i.e. mustard greens, spinach)
-1 teaspoon turmeric to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste, salt
(For the Lentils)
-1 cup lentils, rinsed and drained
-1 teaspoon turmeric
-3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
(For the Rice)
-1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
(For the Curried Peas)
-1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-1 onion, diced
-1/2 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped or crushed
-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed
-1 teaspoon curry powder
-1/2 cup cream of tomato soup
-1 pound frozen green peas
Step 1: - - The Greens - -
-Heat vegetable oil in a skillet until hot. Add cayenne, turmeric, pepper, salt and the greens. Bring contents to a boil, and then simmer for 12 minutes minutes for spinach (1/2 hour for mustard greens).
Step2: - - For Curried Peas - -
-Heat oil until smoking hot. Stir-fry onion for 2-3 minutes or until slightly brown and fragrant. Add garlic, ginger, and cook for another 3 minutes. Add curry powder and fry for a 1 of minute. Add 1/2 tablespoon of water if it get too dry.
Add tomato soup and bring to a boil. Stir in the peas and turn off heat immediately. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
Step3: - - The Rice - -
-Combine rice with 1-1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil then simmer covered for 15-18 minutes. Turn the heat off and cover for 10 minutes. Fluff rice before serving.
Step 4: - - The Lentils - -
-Combine lentils with 6 cups of water, salt and turmeric. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 25 minutes. Slightly pulverize the lentils using a hand mixer or kitchen blender.
Heat oil almost smoking, and then fry the garlic until fragrant. Just before serving, pour the garlic with hot oil on to the lentils to have the lentils sizzle a bit.

Lets DANCE!!! Nepali Style
(Entertainment by: Joyah Bulluc Wednesday, April 28,2010)

Music and dance play an integral role in the Nepali culture. Dating back long before the 7th century of the Kiranti and Licchavi dynasties, various forms of dance and music have been traced. Over the centuries, these art traditions have been preserved through many yearly festivals and performed by masked monks, adolescents as rites of passages, and many others especially from the Tharu and Gurung people of Nepal.

Kathmandu To You
(Interior Design by: Joseph Allen Tuesday, April 27,2010)

Nepal’s history is rich in various forms of art. I will show you how to incorporate this country’s culture and vegetation into your dining room. We will use pieces that can easily transition into other styles should you decide to redecorate your dining space in the near future.

Pagoda’s in Nepal are mostly made of brick. Obviously, you can’t bring the Pagoda home with you, but you can emulate this amazing structure by adding a brick accent wall in your dining room. This will provide texture and visual interest to your dining room.

Bamboo is another element used in Nepalese homes and structures. This dark bamboo flooring sample from Simple Floors will provide contrast to your dining room, and make the space warm and inviting.

I found this terrific Hudson table at Overstock.com. It is super contemporary,and very versatile; and will work in any dining space you place it in.

This wonderful Nepalese rug will add an interesting visual element to this dining space we are creating; adding texture and subtle detailing.

I found this dramatic Asian buffet table (below) that resembles 19th Century South Asian Offering Tables used in religious temples throughout Nepal. A bit of refinishing, and it will be an astounding component to your dining room.

Let Bed Bath & Beyond set your Nepalese dining table with this Asian dinnerware. The rich earth- tone colors correspond with the other subtle tones we’ve already incorporated.

 

This understated shelf lamp will work beautifully atop your buffet table, and won’t compete for attention with its smooth lines and passive geometric design.

Orchids are native to Nepal, and should be native to your dining room providing a splash of color to your dining room table. Michael’s has wonderful faux flowers that you can substitute for the real thing if your thumb isn’t so green.

These place mats are simple, and can work in any themed setting. Additionally, the color red (a good luck color in Nepal) works well in areas where people will be dining (it will make them WANT to eat) I found these at

 Wal-Mart for a steal!!

Place these curly twigs in a vase, and then put them on your buffet. Coupled with the shelf lamp, candles, or a piece of art work it will complete the decorative elements on the buffet, making the space visually interesting, and not too busy. 

You may be seated!!! These decorative stools will replace your traditional dining chairs, providing the ultimate South Asian experience. When you decide to change your dining space, transition these in another room as great plant stands.

Who says you can’t break the rules? This leather wrapped floor mirror will provide an excellent backdrop to our buffet. Flip the mirror horizontally, and hang it on the brick wall. (Lowe's or Home Depot will provide you with the appropriate masonry screws).

These candles will work well on the buffet. The varying heights will evoke an amazing visual perspective. Additionally, the stone base will mimic some of the Napeles Architecture.                                      

Flip a coin, and decide which one to place the orchids or the curly twigs in. I suggest the rattan vase for the orchids as the soft texture of the flowers will be a great contrast to the rough texture of this beautiful vase made from bamboo. Place this in the center of the Hudson dining table. The smooth black ceramic vase will be harmonious with the curly twigs, and will look attractive on the buffet.

As another option, paint your accent wall red. The color will stimulate your guests' appetite as they dine on their South Asian cuisine

Nepal 2009 Fashion Week

(Fashion by Dionta Green Monday, April 26,2010)

Fashion weeks are always the biggest fashion events to happen in any location it appears. I was very interested to find out that not only huge cities in the states have fabulous fashion, and Paris, France, but to see wonderful fashion and different styles displayed at Nepal 2009 fashion week. I loved the color palette they used doing the show and the lovely styles. I have attached a video with images of the fashion week in Nepal. What a GREAT experience to have, I can only imagine how it would have been if I was actually at the fashion show. I read others opinion of their experience as they viewed the show and some was very disappointed. I honestly believe that it was beautiful and people may have gone to the fashion week in Nepal looking for fashion they would see in the states. Share your opinion and tell us at Reflection Magazine what you think about the show after you view the video.