Break up can be really tough for the one who never wants to leave. By seeing one in love, it is not easy for the other to take this difficult decision and tell him or her that it’s not working. You don’t want to hurt their feelings. You don’t want to break their heart.

But, if you have decided to move on, then you have to tell them that ‘it’s time to say good bye.’ But how do you do that without being insensitive?

Here are a few tips to help you break up with your partner on a not so bad note:

JUST BE SURE: 
Are you sure you want to leave him or her? Have you decided to move on? Write down on a paper all the reasons that have pushed you to break up with him or her. Be clear. Be sure yourself first before telling your decision to your partner. Visualize your life without them.

Are you able to manage? Are you able to walk life’s road alone? Would you not miss them? If you get all the answers clearly, then go ahead and tell them.

FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE:
If you have decided to break up with your partner then you have to focus on the negative moments more. The reason is, if you keep focusing on the positive, you will not be able to leave him or her. There are happy and sad moments in every relationship. People can’t move on when they think of only happy time together.

Remember, that time has gone. It has passed. Today, the situation is different. You have taken a decision for a reason. Stick to it and tell yourself that you have fallen out of love and convey the same to your partner.

BE SENSITIVE: 
Breaking up can be really painful, not just for the one who will be left behind but also for the person who is doing the leaving. Be sensitive, be kind. Don’t use harsh words.

Don’t hurt them and don’t give them mixed signals that you might come back. You have to tell them clearly that you have decided to leave and the message should be conveyed to the other person without disrespecting their feelings.

DECIDE THE MAIN REASON: 
Now you decide whether you should call them in some restaurant for dinner or a café to tell your decision. Whether you just want to send them a four-letter text or call them up to tell that you are breaking up with them.

This is up to you. Only you know how easy or difficult it is going to be for you to tell this to them.

LIVE IN PRESENT: 
Now that you have told them and they have left, you are free. Stop thinking about how he or she is going to feel or if you have done the right thing. It is your life and you have taken this decision for some reason. Think about all of the things you are now free to do.

Go on a holiday, do whatever you want to do. Your partner is no longer your partner now. He/She is your ex, your past. Don’t ruin your present and future by thinking of your past. Breaking up was not easy for you too. Now that you have done it, leave it there and move on.

Gone are the days when people used to write letters to each other, they met in small cafes for dates, recharged their mobile with SMS pack to send text messages to their loved ones and much more. Well, only an old school romantic like me can relate to this. 

It’s all in the past now. With the emergence of social media, the definition of love has changed. It’s more of using WhatsApp to send the first message to your crush, video calling, using Instagram to check out the pictures and much more. 

We bring to you some of the pointers that tell us how love is gauged in the time of Social Media

Likes, Comments, Favorites

The whole game of likes, comments and favorites can lead to insecurity and jealousy. The number of likes and comments on your crush’s post can lead to jealousy which leads to feelings of sadness and irritation. People even upload pictures or update their SM accounts on a daily basis just to draw the attention of their loved ones. 

Last seen on Whatsapp

“Why was he up till 3 a.m, who was he talking to”. These questions crop up in the mind when people see their loved ones online for long hours. It gets nastier when someone hides their last seen and it leads to doubts and fights among couples. 

PDA on Social Media 

Bollywood celebs like Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are known for PDA on social media and giving their followers #CoupleGoals. It is cute but on the other hand, it leads to expectations among couples to indulge in PDA. They think that if they don’t show their love to the world on Social Media, there is no social acceptance.

DP’s on Social Media

Display pictures on social media can change the whole game. If you post a picture with your ‘best friend’, your partner can get jealous or if you hide your DP from someone, you get anxiety issues. People start thinking if their partner is hiding something and then it leads to trust issues. 

Love is a beautiful feeling and associating it with such things makes it lose its meaning. So guys, go out, love your partner with no apprehensions and enjoy this beautiful feeling.

It is already the second last day in the Valentine’s Week. Today is dedicated to sharing hugs among the different types of hugs and each one of them have a different meaning?

Well, some hugs are meant for the person you love and trust while some types for your colleagues and not so close friends.

This Hug Day we tell you the meaning of the different hugs:

Bear Hug

A bear hug is a tight and reassuring hugs which is worth a million words. Bear Hug is what people who love each other completely share.

If you share this type of a hug with someone, it means things are pretty serious, and you have deep feelings for them.

Polite Hug

A Polite Hug is one you usually share with an acquaintance or colleague. It’s given sideways, with only a partial upper-body contact.

If you are giving or getting this sort of a hug from your date, it means that there is some distance in the relationship.

One-Way Hug

If you are hugging someone with everything you’ve got, and the other person doesn’t lift an arm to put around you, then you have just received a One-Way Hug.

The lack of reciprocation you just got from the other person means that they’re clearly not as into the relationship as you would like.

Intimate Hug

An intimate hug is a close, full-body embrace, with eye contact. The eye contact makes this type of hug even more special as more than just physical touch.

If you are experiencing hugs like these, it means you really have something special going on.

Buddy Hug

This sideways hug, with your arms over each other’s shoulders or on the waist, suggests a level of comfort and trust that transcends your everyday romance. It means that besides being a couple your guys are also friends.

If you usually sit or walk while sharing this type of hug, it means that your relationship is meant to last.

Back Hug

A Back Hug is another form of an intimate hug and it shows both trust and protection.

If you are receiving a hug like this, it means someone literally has your back. And if you’re giving it to someone, it means you are willing to protect them from anything.

Happy Valentine’s in advance.

Valentines’ Day is around the corner and we know that the excitement for the same is on a high. If you are single and want to ask a girl or boy to be your GF or BF, or you want to take your relationship to the next step – we are here to help!

Valentine’s Week starts in 2 days and an entire day is dedicated to proposals. Propose Day falls on Feb 8 and is an apt day to take the chance and ask the special one out – for in the spirit of love he/she may actually say yes.

To help you, here are a few unique ideas this Propose Day:

Propose With A T-Shirt:

Want to ask her/him to be your GF/BF but don’t want it to be too over the top? Well, opt for a custom print t-shirt with ‘Will you be my girlfriend/boyfriend’, ‘Will you marry me’, ‘Do you love me’, or some other similar quote under a jacket. When the moment is right, just open the jacket and ask the question.

Propose With Chocolates Or Something Sweet:
Everyone loves chocolates. So, why not take the risk and ask the question with chocolates? It’s very simple. Buy some cupcakes or small bite chocolates and in icing of a contrasting colour write what you want on it – it could be one letter per piece or one word on each piece. 

Propose With Balloons:
This is something you can try if you are asking a girl out. All girls love balloons and this is a cute way to make the day special.  Simply blow a balloon and then with a marker write what you want her to be on it. Along with the balloons you can give some flowers or chocolates too.

Surprise Gift Proposal:
Is the one you wanna propose busy? Well, a surprise gift proposal is sure to put a smile on their face as well as yours. Just simply send them a bouquet of flowers or a box of their favourite chocolates with a special handwritten note asking them what you want to. 

Propose Over Dinner:
Arrange a special dinner at home or go out to your special eatery for this proposal to happen. While enjoying your favourite foods and drinks, slip a personalized note with what you want to ask them and when they do read it offer them a morsel of their favourite food.

What idea will you want to follow this Propose Day? Tell us in the Comments below. Also, do share with us some other interesting proposal ideas.

Every year all the people who are in love wait for this day. But if it’s your first Valentine’s with your long time crush and you want it just perfect – we are here to help you.

While you are proposing someone or taking someone out on a date we will give you with some exotic place where you can celebrate your valentine’s day.

Let’s take a look at a few restaurants you can choose from to impress all this Valentine’s Day date.

1. Olive Bar and Kitchen, Khar

USP: Great Valentine’s Day Party, nice music and a treat to match your partner’s foot in a romantic dance.

2. Gostana, Bandra West

USP: Hands down, the best place to relax in peace, enjoy yummy burgers, read together with your favourite book.

3. Pali Village Cafe, Pali Hill

USP: A quiet romantic candlelight dinner with an array of wonderful dishes. The vintage and rustic ambiance is an added plus point.

4. Cafe Mangii, Powai

USP: Guilt-free, yummy pizzas and wine. This particular outlet from the many of the chain, has a beautiful lake facing seats.

5. Bayview, Colaba

USP: The beautiful sea outstretched, Gateway of India view from The Strand Hotel rooftop and cheap alcohol and candle light dinner.

Do let us know what are your plans for this Valentine in the comment section below. For more updates from the world of love stay tuned to the brunette diaries.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 on the Feast of Saint Valentine. Valentine’s Day is recognized as a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love around the world.
A Little History

In 18th-century England, Valentine’s Day evolved into an occasion where lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards. In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart. 

Symbols that are used today for Valentine’s Day today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, the figure of the winged Cupid, chocolates, jewelry, and more.

If you are not planning anything big and it’s going to be a more stay at home Valentine, we at The Brunette Diaries are here to help. Make your significant other their favorite food or order in the special and eat the night away with a glass or two of wine. End the evening swaying to amazing romantic music while in each other’s arms.

Wondering where we are coming to help? Well, here are a few romantic English songs that are sure to make you guys not leave each other’s arms. 

Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Perfect is perfect for Valentine’s Day because it represents all that it means to be in love. It shows the magic of loving and wanting to grow with your lover – cause ‘I see my future in your eyes’.


Love Story by Taylor Swift

Based on the lines of the evergreen Romeo-Juliet, this ballet of love is all about forbidden love. The journey of the heart set in two different periods is all about hoping you have a happy ending. After all ‘This love is difficult, but it’s real’.

Thinkin’ Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

This is one of the most romantic songs ever written. Our hearts burst every time we hear this Ed Sheeran song. His vocals, the guitar beats and the soulful lyrics are the perfect blends. This song is the perfect way to impress your love after all – ‘Baby your smile’s in my mind and memory’.

Like I’m Gonna Lose You by Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend

This song is about two people who know their love may not last forever. The lyrics and visuals beautifully show them savoring their love for as long as they can. It sweetly conveys a strong message saying ‘I won’t take you for granted’

All of Me by John Legend

‘You’re my end and my beginning’ is the best thing to tell you’re significant other this Valentine’s. And you can do so with this touching song by John Legend. The amazing vocals and lyrics are sure to make your heart melt.

Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars

You can never go wrong with this song on Valentine’s. Bruno Mars goes on about how perfect the girl he loves is and that’s exactly what you love would love to hear as well. And if you say ‘If perfect’s what you’re searching for then just stay the same’ you are sure to get more than just one kiss

Marry Me by Jason Derulo

If you plan on proposing you date this V-Day, keep Jason Derulo’s Marry Me in your playlist. With its hopeless-romantic lyrics, it is sure to make her swoon and say yes. Even if you don’t want to pop the question yet, you can still play this song as it shows what you feel about your relationship and what you have in store for the future – after all ‘You’re the love of my life’.

My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Mesw9H9NQ08

This romantic track by Celine Dion will give you tears but hope that if you really love someone they will never forget you even years later. After all ‘My heart will go on’ with your memories in my heart.

Hero by Enrique Iglesias

Whatever will come between us nothing can separate us cause ‘I will stand by you forever’. This love is not temporary and will surely take your breath away.

Almost is Never Enough by Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes

This song is pretty different than the others here. The song talks about how close you can come to falling in love and not getting it. It’s about being in that awkward area of what could’ve been and what isn’t. It represents the powerful thing – love, and how special it is. Because try as much as you may, ‘In time our feelings will show’.

You are a working woman who is pressed for time as you juggle your domestic life and your professional one. At times, you do not have enough time to cook luxurious meals to take to work for lunch, and finally end up spending money to buy food from your office cafeteria or hotels. But can this be an everyday affair? No; right? Home-cooked meals are always the best as it is healthy and nutritious, and cooked as per your preferences. So, here are a few healthy lunch options that can help to save time as well as provide healthy amount of nutrition and your choice of taste.

Salad

If you are someone who watches weight, then salad is a good option. Chopping a few onions, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber and coriander, and mixing them with boiled corn, a pinch of salt and few drops of lemon can be an easy early morning recipe. You can even add legumes and mushrooms to the salad. This big bowl of salad with your favourite veggies can provide you with the necessary vitamins and minerals. If dicing these vegetable can be hectic during mornings, you can chop them the previous night and store in the refrigerator. All you have to do when you wake up is to mix and pack them.

Roti roll

There are many easy sabzi recipes that can go well with rotis. You can make chapati dough the previous night and store in the refrigerator. The next day, you can make the chapatis and a quick sabzi and pack your lunch. Alternatively, you can stuff the sabzi inside the roti and roll it. While eggetarians can make scrambled eggs, non vegetarians can opt for chicken sausage roll.

Dal rice

Dal rice is one of the most favourite food combinations in India. It does not require too much effort and is easy to cook. You can mix dal with rice and pack as one, rather than carrying both in different lunch containers. Remember to mix extra dal to avoid drying up of your lunch.

Vegetable pulao

Pulao is a mix of rice with veggies and few spices, and can be cooked easily. You can chop some veggies the previous night and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. There are many ways of cooking pulao, but an easier option would be to cook the raw vegetables along with spices and rice together.

Idlis

Idlis are a south Indian speciality cooked by steaming rice batter. Best combinations for idlis are chutneys. There are a variety of options; but, coconut or peanut chutneys can be made easily when you are in a hurry for your day’s work. Pack a couple of idlis along with any chutney and your lunch for the day is ready.

Stuffed parathas

If making the batter/dough and chutney/sabzi separately is a tough job, stuffed parathas are a good option. When you are preparing the chapati dough, you can mix spinach and roll it to make palak (spinach) paratha. You can also combine potato, paneer, radish and onions to the dough to make the respective paratha. In this way you don’t lose out on your veggies as well as a home-cooked lunch. Stuffed parathas can be combined with curd or pickles.

Now, can you give yourself a reason to not pack lunch from home?

Any kid would tell you this – Maggi noodles is the best food on planet Earth! The fondest memories of my childhood are watching TV and enjoying my own hot bowl of mouth-watering Maggi noodles. And very honestly even as an adult, I can’t seem to get enough of Maggi. Nobody can! But you can do so much more with your favourite Maggi; here are some recipes. Enjoy!

Maggi Masala Tikki

Maggi masala tikki

Ingredients:

1 packet Maggi noodles

2 boiled potatoes

1 finely chopped onion

1 cup of vegetables of your choice

Bread crumbs

Salt to taste

3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon chaat masala

Chopped coriander leaves

Oil for frying

Method:

Make Maggi as per instructions on the pack making sure to keep it dry, if you have leftover Maggi you can use that too. In a big bowl, grate the boiled potatoes, add the vegetables to it and mix it with Maggi. Add bread crumbs to help form tikkis. Add the chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, salt, chaat masala and coriander leaves. Make round tikkis with the mixture and shallow fry in some oil.

Mag n Cheese

Mag n Cheese

Ingredients:

1 packet Maggi

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese

Half a cup grated cheddar cheese

Half a cup boiled corn

Water

Salt to taste

Method:

Bring 1 cup of water to boil, now add Maggi and the masala tastemaker to it. Also add boiled corn and 1-2 pinches of salt. Half-cook the noodles and turn the flame off. Grease a baking tray with butter, transfer the noodles to the baking tray and add the mozzarella and cheddar cheese to cover it completely. At this stage you can choose to add your choice of vegetables however, that is optional. Place the baking tray in a preheated oven for 5 minutes on 150 degrees.

Tip: Make sure when you cook your Maggi noodles, it isn’t too watery.

Maggi Poha

Maggi poha

Ingredients:

1 packet Maggi

2 tablespoons oil

1 boiled potato

1 finely chopped onion

1 cup boiled green peas

Half a teaspoon finely chopped green chillies

A sprig of curry leaves

Half a teaspoon mustard seeds

Salt to taste

A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

Cook Maggi noodles without adding the tastemaker to it. Once cooked, drain the excess water. In a heavy bottomed pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves and onions. When the seeds crackle, add asafoetida and green peas and chillies. Finally add the remaining ingredients along with pre-cooked Maggi and its tastemaker. Fry for 5-10 minutes. Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves.

Maggi Noodle Bhajiyas

Maggi noodle bhajiyas

Ingredients:

200 grams paneer

Half a cup corn flour

Half a teaspoon finely chopped green chillies

1 packet Maggi

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Method:

Break the Maggi cake into small pieces and boil until half cooked (without adding the tastemaker). Make small cubes of the paneer and add them to a big bowl. Now add green chillies, salt and pepper, Maggi masala tastemaker and corn flour to the paneer and mix well, making sure not to break the paneer. Finally, coat each paneer cube in the half cooked noodles and deep fry until golden brown. Serve with delicious mint chutney.

Quick Recipe For Mint Chutney: In a blender, add 1 cup each of mint leaves and coriander leaves, salt to taste, 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, juice of one lemon, and blend with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Drain and serve.

Mango Maggi Surprise

Ingredients:

1 packet Maggi

1 cup thick mango syrup (made with mangoes and sugar)

2-3 tablespoons caramelised sugar

1 cup chopped mangoes

Method:

Boil Maggi until fully cooked (we don’t need the tastemaker for this recipe) and drain out the excess water. In a heavy bottomed pan, caramelise the sugar with

Boil Maggi until fully cooked (we don’t need the tastemaker for this recipe) and drain out the excess water. In a heavy bottomed pan, caramelise the sugar with a little bit of water and two drops of oil. In a bowl, add the cooked Maggi, caramel, and mango syrup and mix well. Add the chopped mangoes on top of the noodles and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Mango Syrup: In half a cup of water, add chopped mangoes and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar. Cook until syrup boils and forms a layer of shine on the top. Cool and use.

Maggi Noodle Soup

 Maggi noodle soup

Ingredients:

1 packet Maggi

1 can of creamy sweet corn

3-4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock

1 cup chopped vegetables

1 cup shredded boiled chicken

2 tablespoons corn flour

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

2-3 tablespoons spring onions finely chopped

Method:

In a heavy bottom vessel, cook the creamy sweet corn in the stock for 5 minutes. Add the vegetables, chicken, salt and pepper, and sugar and simmer for 10 more minutes. In a separate vessel cook Maggi as per instructions; let it be partially soupy. Mix the corn flour with half a cup of water and add to the soup. Now add the Maggi to the simmering soup and mix well. Garnish with spring onions and serve in separate bowls.

So there you are! Do give these recipes a try. Bon appétit!

Hello Mommies! Do you have many big boxes of extra cornflakes that your kids refuse to eat? Well, not every child is a fan of milk-and-cornflakes because it is tagged as “healthy” food. TV commercials be damned! But don’t worry; in a way that’s interesting food calling. Cook these amazing yet healthy recipes using cornflakes and cheat your family into health, without feeling guilty, of course!

Scroll down for some scrumptiousness…

Yummy granola bars:

Cornflakes granola bars are a healthy option to snack on

Ingredients:

1 cup crushed corn flakes

1 cup quick cooking rolled oats

½ cup chopped nuts

2 tbsp sweet melon seeds (charmagaz)

1 tbsp raisins (kismis)

½ cup sugar

Method: Roast the nuts, oats and cornflakes on a low flame, and keep aside. In a heavy bottomed pan, caramelise the sugar with a few drops of water and keep stirring to avoid burning. As soon as the caramel is ready add it to the roasted mixture with raisins and melon seeds and mix well. Lightly grease a flat surface, pile the mixture on it and roll it out until it’s as thick as your index finger. While it’s still warm, cut out small squares or rectangles and let it cool. Store it in an air-tight container. These yummy granola bars are so healthy yet so tasty, and make a delicious snack-time fix.

Cheesy cornflakes:

Cheesy cornflakes make for a yummy 5 minute snack

Ingredients:

1 bowl cornflakes

¼ cup roasted almonds

1 tsp low-fat margarine

2 tbsp grated cheddar cheese

A pinch of salt

¼tsp white vinegar

Method: Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and mix well. Microwave for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and coats the cornflakes well. Garnish with more grated cheese and serve immediately. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is!

Crispy chicken/paneer balls:

Crispy chiken balls

Ingredients:

1 cup boiled shredded chicken or grated paneer

1 potato boiled, peeled and mashed

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp cumin-coriander powder (zeera-dhaniya powder)

1 tsp red-chilli powder

½ tsp dry mango powder (aamchoor)

1 cup cornflakes

½ cup flour (maida)

¼ cup lukewarm water

Salt as per taste

1 tbsp oil

Method: In a large bowl, mix the first 6 ingredients, make 10 equal sized balls and keep aside. In another bowl, make a smooth paste out of flour and water with a pinch of salt. Crush the cornflakes to a coarse powder and spread it onto a plate. Now dip the balls in the flour paste and then in the crushed corn to coat it well and place them on a baking tray. Lightly drizzle the oil on the balls and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Vegetarians can follow the same recipe by substituting chicken with crumbled or grated paneer. Trust this recipe to make your children give you a big hug every time they find this in the lunchbox!

Tell me which recipe was a favourite with your family. Happy cooking, mommies!