When I told my bosses I was taking off to travel to Cuba, their first response was “Tell us if you're stuck in Guantanamo”. All jokes aside, when people think of Cuba, they think of Frank Sinatra, they think of classic cars and flamenco dancers, and now, they probably think of the “Havana” song. And, of course, they think of socialism.

People don't usually visit the UK for the sole purpose of tourism. They either go there to study, work or visit family. Last year I had the chance to spend three weeks in London, and it was the best vacation of my life. The only reason many, at least from Bangladesh, don't consider the UK as a holiday destination is because of the high price tag. But if you're savvy, there are many ways to cut down on your expenses. Once you figure out food and shelter, your UK trip should be a breeze.

Many people think of Antarctica as this far away, impossible-to-reach place, accessible only virtually via repeat viewings of Happy Feet and Happy Feet 2, but that's not true. Trust me, if I can get myself there, you totally can too (but hopefully with less vomiting).

Call me an ophthalmologist but I think your eyes are beautiful.

Ramadan is almost over, and we all know what that means. It is the countdown to the joyous celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr. The festival is celebrated by preparing feisty dishes, including beef, chicken and mutton.

On the United Nations International Day of Families (15 May), Nestlé announced its global “Nestlé for Healthier Kids” initiative. The programme includes the further development of healthier products and advice for families on nutrition and exercise. It aims at helping 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.

I “discovered” fasting at the age of 40. The number 40 has great significance throughout all the holy books. It represents transition or change; the concept of renewal; a new beginning and apparently has the power to lift a spiritual state. I felt rather special and “chosen” by this sudden change and decided to embrace the new me. The old me, who grew up in a very religious home, would be dragged out of bed to eat sehri at 3 am, go out during the day with

Traditionally, “Chaand Raat” is synonymous with many traditions, from applying henna on the hands, moms preparing all the ingredients for what the morning, lunch and dinner menu will consist of for the coming days whilst you figure out which outfit to start the day off with. It is at this moment you realize that throughout the chaos of fighting traffic and bargaining with shop vendors for the entirety of the

“The name Chantilly immediately creates a certain image in the audience's mind, associated with delicate French lace and aesthetics, which is resonant of my ideal clientele,” Selina says of her inspiration. Nusrat is not a newbie to designing, having successfully participated in the Dhaka Fashion Week in 2010, under her own brand “MATIr”, which she discontinued later to tend to family responsibilities, mainly raising her son.

Be that one person, who shows up to an event not looking like everyone else, but rather the one whom everyone comes up to asking, “Where did you get that dress from?”/ “You look great”/ “Your outfit is so fresh and different from what we see now.”

Cats Eye is giving great discounts this year on their Eid products, available on their online store and shopping outlets. Buyers can get as high as 60 percent discounts whilst shopping online, and a flat 10 percent discount on any item from their outlets.

Amidst all the divine chaos surrounding Eid preparations, the last one to get our attention is our home. Have you thought about what look you are going to give it? What ambiance will greet your guests? Or what interior will welcome you back from delicious food infused Eid get togethers? If not, it is still not too late to give it a thought. We got your back!

Henna has come to symbolise celebration, especially in the Eid culture. Intricate patterns of burnished amber and chocolate browns decorating the hands of a bride or of scores of women and girls on Eid bear testament to the fact, and add to the festive ambience. Henna has been around for centuries, but its origin is difficult to trace. Cultural interaction caused by centuries of migration makes it almost impossible

“Chaad Dekha”, or the sighting of the new moon, plays a huge role in the lives of Muslims who follow the appearance of the moon as the criteria for determining important dates in the lunar calendar, such as the beginning and end of each month in the Islamic calendar, and thus the beginning and end of Ramadan, and of course, Eid. To this day, chaad dekha, remains a celebratory marker for the end of Ramadan, calling in Eid-ul-Fitr.

This Eid, La Mode, has incorporated Zardosi with regular footwear to complete the festive look. Taking inspiration from the era of Kings and Mughals, the shoes display a chic look.

Set up by two young Italian friends in the heart of Dhaka, Filippo Ferri and Alberto Ruscalla, The Italian Kitchen has one clear goal: “Make Italian food, in its purest form”.

To be considered truly unique and stand out is ironically the most common desire that has taken hold of the fancies of people over the ages. That is no less true today, even though our expressions and attitudes have changed. Amishe-a play on words for I am she – is a tradition inspired and opulent take on the modern woman's desire for something truly unique.

I remember growing up with my siblings and how excited we used to be during the last few days of Ramadan – the reason? Eid was around the corner! Back in those days, life was simple, and the two Eids were the most important celebrations in our lives; meaning new clothes, new shoes and visiting loved ones. Food played a major part, especially after a month of fasting.

You have guests coming over for Eid dinner, and all the food is set and ready to be served. You know the food is good, but you feel like something is missing, and you are not wrong. Good food only becomes great food with the help of dips and sauces, and with these dips and sauce recipes, you can be sure to rule the table this Eid.

Eid is just around the corner, and you know what that means; friends and family coming over for a lunch or dinner together. And despite the many various dishes prepped, one thing unfortunately remains constant, typical rice dishes like polau. Why not change things up this Eid with these special rice recipes, courtesy of Md. Bilal Hossain, Chef of Qatar Airways.