Iris Farina

Only one week left of this year, and already 2019 journals and notebooks are seen stacked up on shelves everywhere. It is time to do that annual cleaning once

Buying and admiring your newest 'investment' is only the beginning. To increase, or at least maintain its original value, you have to go through the bare minimum.

So you planned the perfect wedding, the perfect dress, the absolute best venue, and guess what, you did not go over your budget on anything.

Sometimes we get carried away amongst all the chaos of a wedding. Be it with spending hefty sums on the dress, or going overboard with the invitation cards.

Mothers undoubtedly play a huge role in weddings, from giving that last nod of approval, to handpicking and perfecting every little detail. There is little they do not look over when it comes to their children's wedding.

We all see weddings as a great mother-daughter bonding time, but fathers have a big role to play here as well. Never underestimate the presence of a father-figure when big arrangements are underway. Since a wedding needs 'all hands on deck,' we have some guidelines to be that helpful hand as the father!

Unwind and rejuvenate with the “Bangladeshi Package” offered by Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka this season. The offer includes an exclusive range of dining and recreational facilities, complemented by their signature 5-star service.

You have successfully popped the question and feel ecstatic. Well now the list of responsibilities only grows... better start prepping!

The final big day that you tie the knot on may look effortless in its execution, but only those who have been through these as brides or bridesmaids will truly know exactly how many things can go wrong. But having said that, being prepared is not all that difficult!

Pick up a notebook or your favourite note taking app and get busy. Carefully list out the budget, the venue, the dresses, where to go for the flowers, the makeup artists, caterers — everything that comes to mind should be listed.

Would you not want some 'practical magick' like this in your life? Order your broom to sweep up last night's mess, a flick of your wand to sort out all your chores or maybe a drop of soothing potion for your ever troubled bestie

PERi-PERi enthusiasts are in for a treat once again from Nando's. All their outlets in Dhaka are now offering mouth-watering value meals; not one, not two, but three flaming new additions!

For the typical eye, it is easy to picture crowds of devotees lining up and crowding around Ma Durga during the auspicious autumnal festivities. A glimpse and a prayer to the divinity that visits this mortal plane once every year to cleanse off the dreadful, the dreary, and the disturbing — the figure that stands in all her ten-armed glory, riding the lion with a defeated Mahishashur.

Durga, the goddess who symbolises shakti, or power, is worshipped in this season as she visits the mortal plane to bless her followers. Yet, this is not her only form. From the legends and words of scholars, we find there are nine avatars of Durga, better known as Navadurga. These nine avatars are worshipped over the nine nights of the Durga Puja (aptly named Navaratri) mainly in various regions of India.

The 'happy home cook', Alpana Habib is turning over a page in her life as she celebrates her 52nd birthday today.

The strength of youth has a universal presence of energy that can dispel any atrocity if channelled properly. Its omnipresence can be felt anywhere and Tanema Afroja from Pekua, Cox's Bazar proved this to be so.

From ramshackle tin-shed stalls everywhere to the houses with two swimming pools, you will hardly find a place that is not familiar with the steaming cup of goodness known as tea. Although preparations and preferences differ vastly as more and more brewing recipes are popping up, you can be sure that everything starts with the unmistakable tea leaves.

Just about every neighbourhood has it; the huddle of people, especially in the early weekend mornings, making it impossible to miss, not to mention the acrid smell accompanied by the never disappearing blood stains- yes, it's the neighbourhood butcher shop we are so very used to.

Colorectal Cancer is one of the top three cancers worldwide, and there are many reasons that would account for the increase in incidence of this particular cancer.

The season of sacrifice is less than a month away and this time it's on the rainy edge of monsoon. Those who will be going to the 'haat' are already preparing for yet another muddy encounter. Then are the post-qurbani formalities and clean ups, all wedged within a week.