The English rain feels obligatory, like paperwork. It dampens already damp days and slicks the stones already smoothened by the ravages of a thousand seasons.

Rain has a way of taking us on an overwhelming rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Beni, or braids, invoke in my mind lustrous locks of hair, strands intertwined, to make intricate artistic patterns. The same idea translates to beautifully textured rugs, at Beni Boonon – worked on by 300 women artisans in a cottage industry in Savar.

Many people don’t know that small fishes are a rich source of important micronutrients including iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A and D, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, as well as high quality protein.

Let Star Lifestyle tell you all about the trendiest blend of colours this monsoon. Colours influence the mind more than you think.

I named my herb patch Scarborough Fair, not because I have parsley, rosemary and thyme, but amusingly every time my husband sees me working on the herb bed, he sings this song. And somehow, I grew fond of the lyrics.

So, to those of you lucky enough to have your fathers around, please take some time out and prepare something this Fathers' Day. And to all the fathers, have an amazing day!

It is a glorious spring day today here in the USA. My gaze goes towards the backyard, where the lawn is bursting with shots of green grass. Deep red buds of maple trees have come out, which on their own, even without any trace of leaves, are stunning to watch.

Ever imagine going to a wellness retreat for a week or so, completely secluded from the outside world? No matter how hefty it maybe on the wallet, most of us have jotted down the option on our individual bucket lists.

Sure, the world is a mess right now. Making sense of the strange, sad circumstances we currently live in is overwhelming. Add to that the stress of your work and household chores, and the hot and humid weather only adds fuel to fire.

For most people, dressing up or looking good includes some attention bestowed on perfecting the hairstyle. Be it the simple elegance of silky, flowing tresses, or the intricacy of complicated braids, or chic updos, hair deserves and gets a lot of attention, praise, and care. It catches the fancy of poets, and enthralls their muses. It is after all, the crowning glory for most women.

The Godfather portrays a father-and-son bond in subtle, but strangely at the same time, monumental ways! And you have to agree that the Vito-Michael Corleone duo is one of the most iconic father-son relationships in fiction.

Moods and tempers may be as turbulent as ever, but that does not mean you have to drop a good occasion to celebrate, particularly Fathers’ Day.

To help contain the spread of COVID-19 and to set the highest safety standards in these challenging times, Uber has spearheaded the formation of a Transport Safety Alliance (TSA) in partnership with DBL Pharma, Zantrik, Dettol (Reckitt Benckiser) and Fresh Tissue.

For many of us, coffee remains an embedded part of life; a go-to beverage at all times and an aid in running our day-to-day activities. Even during the month of Ramadan, many of us like a cup of hot brewed coffee to seal the day with some raw energy and bring order to our chaotic minds.

It may be a digital age where, instead of paper, notes are taken on a scribble pad app on our smartphones, but a true stationery-nerd knows to keep a pen and notepad in their bags.

There are times when I am overworked or stressed, and for a relief, I picture myself on the sandy beach of Teknaf, waves crashing in and out, tickling my feet, or walking along the abandoned rail line in Lawachara National Park;

Halter necks, spaghetti straps or a lovely sheath dress — any one of these words can conjure a vivid image of a fun night-out with that special someone. Coco Chanel iconised the little black dress, while Christian Dior mainstreamed leopard prints and silk chiffons.

KAJU PULAO (CASHEW PULAO)

There is little to do these days. The virus has struck fear into the stoutest hearts, and most of us have changed our lifestyles to suit the times.