Balle! balle! its punjabi dhaba theme..

I like dandiya, I like garba
But if you really wanna party
Throw your hands up and twist'em around
Do the bhangra everybody.....c'mon do the bhangra everybody..

We all start grooving and it feels like dancing when we hear punjabi music right? its so rejuvenating and full of life. yes, as you all must have guessed today's theme for our party is punjabi dhaba with feel of punjab. I am really excited about this punjabi theme, its nothing new and it doesnt even requires any description. This is a unique and beautiful style from the heart of punjab. They have their own style of dressing and speaking. Punjabi language is so well known and can be heard in our day to day life, sometimes we dont even realize.

Its become latest trend in bollywood to use punjabi language in many songs and movie dialogues. Not only just adapting the language, their fashion statement is also very popular among people. This theme bought lots of liveliness and madness to our potluck party.
Punjabi's are known as hardcore foodies, there love for food is well known. Punjabi cuisine has become so popular among people that many dhabas are opened which serve punjabi food with the feel. Every person at least once must have gone to dhaba and experienced the fantastic food and lovely ambiance. This theme was chosen by my friends to get the feel and touch of punjab through food, dress, language.

If you want to make it more real then you can decorate your room with few props to get the feel. Stick few kites on different corners of your wall, place few dry grass in the corners of your room if you can get and decorate with triangular flag mobiles all around the house. Arrange few different types of automobiles toys on the tables like auto, truck, lorry. If your guests are comfortable you can try placing mat on ground and arrange sitting on the floor. Done!You are all set for the party, now let me show you how you can talk and dress like a punjabi quickly.

Punjabi language:

Sat siri akal g, kee haal hai? meri gal suniya tussi, mere parati de vicara nu hai?  mere varaga pajabi vica gala musakala nahi hai. Kake, punjabi na toh chupchap aati hai na toh chup chap jate hai; samjheya si? Talking in punjabi is not that difficult, there are many famous and well known common phrases used. Some of them are funny, some of them are sweet, some of them say more than they should,some of them were spoken to us by our beloved ones, some by enemies. All you have to do is learn few of these basic phrases combine with hindi and done you can surprise your friends at party.

1. Tusi ta serious hi le gae ( come on, you took me seriously)
2. kade hass vi lia karo!! (please atleast smile)
3. tere dhid ch peeRh hundi aa, mein jo marzi karaaN
4. durr phittey munh (get lost)
5. mein kia chah shah banao, thand jae lagdi aa
6. Ik thapera mar key tey moonh torr dan ge. (I will break your face by one slap)
7. mera Sir( head, brain) na khaa ( Dont bother me)
8. Oye Khootya! (instead of khotay da putar!) 
9. hun daas! (what u say now?)
10. dekhya na! (see!!)
11. taino taan main kaya see! ( i told u!)
12. Kar lay jo karna aye! (Do whatever you like)
13. kee takleef ayee? (whats bothering u?)
14. sar na kha mera (dont bother me)
15. tere naal pyaar karta (i love you)
16. Oye kaka gul sun laya kuro...
17. O chul oye chul....
18. ParaN mur... ( go to hell)
19. Nawan ayaN aay sonya (you dont understand what i say)
20. O kalay moon alaaya... ( I hate u)

Punjabi style of dressing:

Punjabi boys and girls have their unique fashion statement simple and elegant. Girls with patyala and paranda where as boys wearing kurta and pagdi. All you need to have is kurta and patyala or just casual shirt with pagdi and say singh is king.

Punjabi dhaba food:

When we hear dhaba first thing that comes to our mind is thier mouth watering delicious food. Punjabi theme can not be complete with yummy food. Makke ki roti de sarson ka saag is the famous food heard most of the time. Not just this you can add more authentic punjabi food to your menu. Me and my friends chose chole bhature, samosa, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka with thandi thandi lassie along with warm soft gulab jamun. ah! yumm.. that was very delicious, you can try and add more dishes like butter chicken, dal makhni, palak paneer, tandoori, dal fry, aloo paratha, rajma chawal.. with jalebi, rabri, halwa, phirni. Basic idea is to make a complete thali. Choose your dishes accordingly.

Fun games for the party:

Punjabi haath nahi dekha kya? is the famous dialogue said to give the example of punjabi strength. So i have put together few games where everyone gets the chance to show off there strength.

1. Punja (arm wrestling): when we talk of strength first thing that comes to mind is punja where two player sit on the opposite ends of the table and while resting there elbows on the table bent. holding opposite players hand. aim is to put opponents hand down.

2. Tug of war: divide into two teams and you may need a rope . draw a line in between and start pulling the rope from each end. who ever crosses the line loses the game.

3. Ask your guest to say a joke in punjabi or you can just ask them to say a famous punjabi dialogue or sing.

Playing games depends on the space around you in the party, if you have outdoor party then you can try competition in flying kites, play kabaddi famous sport of punjab.

Punjabi music:

No party is complete without music. Play some punjabi hit bollywood numbers and you guests cant stop themselves from shaking their leg. In between play a punjabi bhangda beats and just do bhangda. Because it all about having fun right. I have listed few songs, you can use them in case you have difficulty finding them.

1. Nagada nagada from jab we met.
2. Punjabi wedding song from hasee toh phasi.
3. Havan karenge from bhag milka bhag
4. Rafta rafta from namaste london
5. Pataka kudi from highway
6. Angrezi beat from cocktail
7. Sadi gali from tannu weds mannu
8. Gur naalon ishq mita
9. Singh is king from singh is king
10. Loung da laskara from patiala house
11. Gal mitti mitti bol from aisha
12. Mauja hi mauja from jab we met
13. Mai to ayvi ayvi lut gaya from band baja barat.

All this makes a perfect plan for a punjabi theme party. So are you all guys ready to be a true punjabi... 

DIY Colorful Wall art for living room

The idea of this art came up with the shells i collected from the beach this summer. I collected few shells in different shapes and sizes now all i wanted was to arrange them on something to make a beautiful art piece. Then this absolutely brilliant idea struck my mind of making an abstract colorful art on the piece of cardboard that would look absolutely bright and beautiful on my wall. Those tiny shells may not be clearly seen from far but beautiful colors it got may definitely attract one to come watch closely. Making this does not require much of talent and art. All you need is colorful papers and few random things may be funny junk but could look good when put together. Fill out the edges of your art with colorful fans like i did and you are the creator of this master piece...

Things Required:

-Cardboard

-Different colorful papers
-Shells/random decorative stuff
-Tape
-Glue
-Scissors
-Push pin

Directions:

1. Randomly cut different color papers into small bits.

2. Simultaneously cut small circles of different colors.

3.Apply glue all over the card board and stick out a color paper you love as background i chose purple.
4. Apply glue on bits of paper and start sticking on the paper and dont worry about the proper lining. stick randomly.
5. When you are done sticking whole cardboard. Stick circles from back like applying border just as shown in the figure.

6. Now with the help of the glue stick shells. If you do not have shells then simple plain abstract art would work.
7. Now when your done with the center piece lets start making the fans.
8. Cut the paper five times as tall as you desire, use different sizes and start pleating the paper into an accordion fold. Pleats should be half an inch wide and all of same size
9. Fold from the center and stick each side of the corner with glue to make a circle.
10. Make as many as you need. I made 6 circular fans of different size and matched and wall clock with it. You can try something else, be creative and make your own creations.
11. Carefully with the help of pushpin or even a nail if you got hang the center piece on the wall.
12. Arrange randomly all the paper circles we made around it leaving space. Stick with tape.
13. You are done take a picture and share...

New murder mystery party theme

Bored of routine parties and want to try some thing new and trilling. Then here it is, "Murder mystery party"; yes, you heard it right "murder" mystery. This is an interesting party game getting very popular these days. At my recent potluck we had this theme and it was a huge hit, every one loved and enjoyed playing it. From the name " murder mystery party" you must have got the idea there is a murder and a mystery that is to be solved. Now i'l tell you in detail what this game actually is and how this is to be played and hosted.

As you know this is a murder mystery party. During the party each guest will be playing the role of a crew member assigned by the host. The level of success and enjoyment will naturally vary depending on the presentation of your guests and their level of acting talent. If you still are confused about the theme then i will explain in more detail, murder occurs either during the course of the dinner or before the party begins. There are specific number of characters in the story to match the size of your group with background information, costume instructions. Each guest receives a detailed character description in their invitation along with some information on the party and after the act is done, murderer is guessed by all the guests. Here are the guided steps about the game to every one on how to proceed the party.

Steps on how to play this party game:

1. Each guest receives a detailed character description in their invitation along with some background information on the party.

2. Guests arrive at the party.

3. Host reads the introduction.

4. Guests receives a prepared envelope with the information and objective.

5. Murder occurs.

6. Investigator reads and helps on how to proceed where each guest plays their part. 

7. Investigator presents evidences.

8. Host hands out accusation list guessing the murderer along with best dressed and best acting is judged.

9. Murderer is revealed.

10. Person who correctly guesses the murderer and gets max points wins the game.

Well  as you all guys must have understood the party theme. Prize is given at the end of the game to the person who correctly guesses the killer this will keep the sporting spirit in guests. Now all you need is a good script or story to play. You can find few readily available on the internet or you can write your own murder mystery. Writing a story is not so difficult you have to keep few points in mind. Here are few things that may help you write your own mystery

How to write a murder mystery:

1. Choose some specific scenario of the story like it is based in casino or masquerade party.

2. Build your characters according to your guests.

3. Write a main motive for the murder. Make sure every character may be very vague but  

should have a motive to kill the victim.

4. Plot few clues that may lead to the killer and few that may confuse.

5. Build background stories and objectives for each guest to finish either before murder or after the murder.

6. Finally prepare an invitation for your guest. and your all set for the party.

 I will share my murder mystery script which was a huge hit at my recent potluck with my friends in my next post. I have a group of 8 so i wrote my mystery according to my guest which is movie based with characters like actor, actress, director, producer. If you like the concept and have no time to write the story check my other post for full story with character descriptions and objectives. Very interesting story that all your guest will have fun. Do check my next post.

Quinoa Khichdi

Khichdi always reminds me of  fine childhood memories where my mom used to cook and feed, i didnt even know the name but what i knew was it tastes yummy. I so much wanted to tell mom but i couldnt tell properly except 'bah bah buh', that was back when i was 2. khichdi reminds me of my mom, am sure it does to every. Every person including kids in india love this dish which is very popular and usually made with rice and lentils. This dish is easy on stomach usually called comfort food.

I used quinoa instead of rice to make khichdi  and i swear khichdi made with anything, it never disappoints our taste buds. I am personally a big fan of this dish and recommend every one to try this healthy and yummy quinoa khichdi. Its not so difficult in cooking, takes so less time.

Cooking time: 20 min

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cup  Quinoa

1/2 cup   Red dal (masoor dal)

1/2 cup  Onions

5-6  Curry leaves

2-3  Green chillies

1/2 tsp  Turmeric

1 tsp  Ginger galic paste

water

Method:

1. Heat oil and add onions into it. Saute until light golden brown.

2. Now add ginger garlic paste, after 2 seconds add curry leaves, turmeric, green chillies.

3. Saute them for 1 min and add 2 cups water.

4. When water comes to boil, then add quinoa and dal together .

5. Let it cook until the water is evaporated and make sure quioa and dal is cooked.

6. Serve hot with coconut chutney or kadi and dont forget the papad .

Tips:

1. Soak quinoa and dal atleast 15 -20 min in water before cooking. This will reduces the cooking time.

Expect the Unexpected love...

The secret ingredient of love is...... NOTHING. Yes, there is no secret ingredient in this world for love. Its all in you, what you have.. if you have love then it shows. Saying I Love You isnt the only way to let someone know how you feel, sometimes the small little thing we do makes lots of difference. No one want to lose the person we love, so always be the first to make efforts to have the in your life.

Being in relationship is about being with person who makes you happy. Then appreciate the person you have fallen in love with; when there are feelings that are so strong, sometimes writing can help express them. Show love and surprise... at times this makes your partner feel wanted, loved and important. You must be thinking 'i say i love you every day, hug and kiss' but saying i love u is not always enough. If you really want to see your partner happy and full of life then show love when they are not expecting them. 

The most important thing we can give each other is our attention. it just feels really nice to know that you have been on some ones mind and that they care enough to let you know that. All you need to do is full a piece of paper write how you feel in love note. More better way of making them feel more special and love is through love card made by you. Yes, you read correctly make by you , sending a e-card or buying the card doent give a personal touch. It is not that difficult to make a card. I'l help you make a beautiful love card for you partner in a simple and easy way.

Things required:

-red and any other different color paper
-scissors
-glue
-knife blade

Directions:

LOVE CARD  1:

This little card tells every thing. 

step 1: write i love you in a piece of paper and letter of the person you love  

Step 2: cut the i love you leaving the corners and fold

Step 3: pull out the i love you in the opposite direction of fold and same with the letter

Step 4: cut 3 small size hearts

Step 5: take other color paper fold half as shown and stick heart

Step 6: stick other heart on the first heart

Step 7: stick an other heart on 2nd heart creating 3d effect.

Step 8: stick the i love you inside the folded card as shown above

Step 9: pill out the letters and fold.

Step 10: write a lovely message outside..

 

LOVE CARD  2:

Simple i love you letter cut and stuck on the card

 LOVE CARD 3:

Have no creative skills try this simple card..

 

LOVE CARD 4:

 Wanna show in animated way. Then this is a perfect 3d card , which looks beautiful.

Draw two heart shape like this and cut across the line

Heart should like this after cutting, carefully pull circles

Stick two heart inside a card on both sides in 30 deg left and right

Stick the corners of both the hearts together

Write a lovely message on the card 

On the cover of the card you write a message and a flower( be creative)

LOVE CARD 5:

Wanna show your partner how much you love. Here is the perfect way.

Place your hand on paper and cut in the shape

On one hand write a message

Cut a long paper strip write " this much" and stick on both the hands

Bollywood retro theme !! lets get vintage....

Its always exciting to know our history and when the history comes back how would that feel?? like taking a time travel back rite... So lets get live the history again with retro style party. Retro style is nothing but the fashion our grand parents and parents saw and wore. Its interesting to dress up like them and party in vintage style. Its said "OLD IS GOLD"  retro look also called vintage style never goes off. It always comes back into time to create yet another trend of fashion and style. This is an amazing way to look gorgeous.
Looking for party themes what struck my mind next was retro look, getting back into good old days. I always like and choose themes such that my friends find it easy to dress up not confusing. Today il tell u how me and my friends got retro look. Not just about the look, il discuss about the retro food from past and few games to play at the party to keep the spirit up. I enjoyed a lot at this party it was liking taking a time travel to past 70s and 80s.

So are you all guys ready to time travel??

Retro look:

Getting this look is not that difficult. We see in bollywood movies now a days actors keep wearing retro clothes for characters and also in the old movies we saw in your childhood. If you have not then dont worry il show you few looks that can help you dress like them. Ask your grandparents and parents for old clothes if they have them stored, you can use them. To create this look all you got to have is boot cut and high waist pants paired with funky colorful shirts. For girls all you need to have is a saree or short shirt with chudi bottom. In my potluck party i picked a bight colorful saree and draped in famous mumtaz style. My friends all came dressed in very innovative characters someone came dressed as raj kapoor, some one got the look of bola from padosan. Here are few looks you may find interesting and will help you get the idea.

The classic famous look known as mumtaz style drape

Famous raj kapoor look of mera juta hai japani

If you want to look stylish then rajesh khanna's look is perfect for you

These are few retro looks tried by famous actors for their movies.

Makeup and hairstyle:

Hairstyle and makeup where giving much importance in olden days. Actresses took so much time just to get their hair perfectly done. Most famous hair style know to every one is the bump on the head, which got high day by day. Who can forget that smokey eye makeup with long wings. One of those look is scarf tied hairstyle, having long waves and side braided hair with a flower to add extra touch.

Here are few such looks.

 

Retro food:

You must have not heard of retro food, this is no new recipe or cuisine. But dishes that were famous in 70s and 80s and even today people love them i call it retro food. In my potluck party we had samosas, pakoda, lentil soup, paratha, tandoori chicken. Rice and wheat was grown by many people and loved by people in the past. Simple chicken curry served with rice , dal, aloo tikki, chole. Fresh vegetables where grown in the backyards of the houses and veg curries were loved like.. bhendi fry, potato curry. You can find these recipes readily available on internet. These dishes may not look so famous but brings back good old memories...

Games:

Games always are fun and helps as ice breakers in the party. You can have some old retro games known from ages. Choose depending on the people in your party. Here are list of few interesting games that can be played.

1. Dumb charades: 

If you have groups of large people then this is the perfect old games. Make two teams and one team gives the name of the movie to one player of the other team. That player acts being dumb so that his team can guess the name. If you want some difficult bollywood movie name suggestions you can check my previous post, that will help you win.

2. Guessing the name:

If you have a small group to play dumb charades then write down the names of movies on a paper and put them in a hat or bottle. Ask each guest to pick and act for the guests. You have the list from my blog.

3. Passing the parcel:

One player player the referee and plays the music. Parcel is kept passing among the players( better if you sit in circle) and when the music goes off the person having the parcel is out. First the referee gives them some fun task to do . On next turn the first player out will give the task to next player out, it goes on until you have the winner. The person who remains till end is the winner and he gets a prize.

4. Langdi tang:

If you have a large area to play then you can play this game. Place some random stuff around the room. Each player hops and fetches those items. Keep your stop watch ready and count the time. Person who finishes fast wins the game.

5. Antakshari:

Who doent know this game... Baithe baithe kya kare hum karna hai kuch kam, shuru karo antakshari leke prabhu ka naam and the game begins. Make two teams , one team sings a song and the other team should sing a song with the last letter of the song they sang. They are given some some to start the song, if they could not sing other team can sing and get the point. Games goes on. This is an exciting ice breaker game.



This retro theme party is exciting and fun loving, brings the old memories back. I had fun with my friends with yummy food, exciting games and pretty looking guests. Next time you plan a party try this retro style i bet you will have loads of fun....