News flash

Treat yourself this new
year with Persona!

WITH winter in full swing, this is that time of the year when your skin needs special attention. So why not relax in the professional hands of Persona, one of the leading names in the country when it comes to beauty salons.

In light of winter and the wedding season, Persona, Dhanmondi has arranged an assortment of various exclusive packages that include everything from hair and skin treatments to a complete bridal package that includes a combination of six different treatments. Apart from these, Persona also has available for their regular clients, lifetime membership cards, which enable the members to enjoy various discounts throughout the year! Address: House-312, Road-27, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1217. Phone-8110179, 8118940.

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The Westin Dhaka to inaugurate its Italian restaurant Prego

On the 28th of December 2007, the Westin Dhaka announced the opening of “Prego” the newest addition to their exclusive line of restaurants. Located on the 23rd level of the hotel, “Prego” promises to be a great place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, at the same time offering a breathtaking view overlooking the city.

The atmosphere is accentuated by the spacious layout- wood paneling, soothing lighting, artworks, comfortable furniture and botanicals as well as an open terrace, surrounded by gardens, that runs the entire length of its position. But the highlight of the restaurant is the authentic, wood-fired pizza-oven- one of the main focuses of Prego.

The restaurant also includes a world-class bar that offers a number of settings to enjoy their traditional Italian food as well as a place where one can enjoy from a wide selection of international beverages.

So “Prego” is definitely a place worth checking out the next time you're in the mood for fine dining, the Italian way!
................................................................................................................................................. Standard Chartered launches an art gallery

On December 18, 2007, Standard Chartered Bank announced the launch of an art gallery at its head office in, 67 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka. Paintings of renowned and emerging artists of the country will be displayed in this gallery. This art gallery will have exhibitions throughout the year promoting young artists of the country. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork will be donated to charity. So make a point in dropping by for some aesthetic escapade...
-LS Desk.
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Cilantro or coriander Chutney
Ingredients:
1 cup snipped fresh cilantro or coriander; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tbsp snipped fresh mint leaves; 1 1/2 tsp dried mint leaves; 1 tsp chopped ginger root; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/8 tsp ground red pepper; 1 green jalapeño pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped; 1/2 small onion, cut up

Method:
Place all the ingredients in blender container or food processor. Cover and blend on high speed, stopping blender to scrape sides occasionally, until smooth, for about 1 minute.

Grill-Roasted Potato Salad
Ingredients:
6 medium red potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 red or green bell peppers cut into thin strips; 12 oz. package fresh mushrooms, halved; 3 tsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried rosemary; salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz. mixed fresh salad greens; Vinegar
Preheat grill to medium-high.

Method
Make a foil pan by shaping two layers of heavy-duty aluminium foil over the outside of a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Remove foil and crimp the edges to form a tight rim, making a pan with 1-inch sides.

Place foil pan on cookie sheet. Cover potato cubes with water in large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook for 5 minutes. Drain well. In large bowl, toss potatoes, pepper strips, mushrooms, oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper until well coated.

Spread mixture in foil pan. Slide foil pan from cookie sheet onto preheated grill. Grill for 12 to 15 minutes in covered grill until crisped and browned, stirring frequently. Slide foil pan from grill onto cookie sheet. Toss roasted vegetables with salad greens and vinegar.
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New year's resolutions- set, try and achieve

At the beginning of every year, in the month of January we make big plans and new resolutions with heaps of enthusiasms and excitements but by the second month of February all the intentions seem to fade away. Lastly but not the least unexpectedly, at the end of the year our bags are full of unfulfilled wishes, broken promises and never attained goals. So the ultimate result is zero.

This year let's make a difference! Set few goals and try to achieve most of it. In order to do this we can follow the following tips collected from the reputable websites:

Set fewer goals: Some of us have the tendency to make bigger lists with the result of fewer achievements. It's true that we want to achieve a lot of things within a short period of time. But instead of making a big list and hundreds of goals, make it a short one and aim to achieve one or two goals.

Try to be definite: Decide what you want most or want to achieve most this year. Try to be specific and definite, as unspecific goals tend to disappear more easily and quickly. For example, if you decide to lose your excessive weight, do not say that 'I will try to lose my over weight' that is a vague wish. But if you decide to get rid of this problem tell yourself 'I will lose 15 to 20 pounds (as required) within 6 months'. That is more specific and precise.

Write it down: Make a record of your goals. It helps imprint them on your mind and shows your good will and commitment to them. Keep it somewhere you can see easily and daily. You can write it in your personal diary, or stick it on pin-up boards or on the fridge or on your desk. Now you have a constant reminder. As time passes you can change the wording if necessary.

Go slow and steady: Often over enthusiasms ends in complete loss of interest. So the wise men's advice is to go slow and steady. If your goal is walking 1 hour every day, start with 10 or 20 minutes each day and increase it slowly. If you can achieve this small win, it means you can eventually reach to your final goal.

Divide and conquer: Make the list of two types of goals- short-term goals and long-term goals and set a completion date for each type of goals.

Sharing: Share your plans and goals with one of your family members or a close friend. Make him/her your goal partner and meet once in a month to share or remind each other of your respective goals. It will keep both of you accountable and will ensure that you do not forget your plans.

TREAT YOURSELF: If you achieve your goal, acknowledge it with a special reward. Buy something nice or treat yourself in a good restaurant. Enjoy and celebrate your achievement.

By Marzia Rahman