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4 Tips for Organizing Your Fridge the Way It Was Meant to Be

By
Caleidoscope
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0
refrigerator
Image – Pixabay

You deserve to live a better lifestyle. Maybe you are familiar with tv on rent, but that’s not enough. You also need a well-organized refrigerator will make your work easier. 

It’s not all about storing your items here and there in a fridge. There should be some order so that you can quickly locate anything whenever you need it. 

To give you an insight, some things should always be kept at the bottom of your fridge. Some of these items include meat and dairy. 

Besides, your fridge’s shelves and drawers should help you organize your items in your refrigerator without going through a lot of hassles. 

It’s needless to say that you need to keep your fridge organized. You need to put things where they should be. It won’t just look good, but also be convenient whenever you want something. 

1. Bottom Shelves

As said earlier, some things need to be kept at the bottom shelve of your fridge. Items like dairy products and meat should be kept at the bottom so that you don’t mix them with the other products you’d wish to put in your fridge. 

Maybe you are wondering why you must keep your meat and dairy products at the bottom of your fridge. 

Here is why: the bottom of your fridge is the coldest part, and therefore it will aid in keeping these products such as meat fresh. 

Besides, you would not love drinks like juices to drip to your meat. So, the bottom of your fridge is the best for such. 

Another point you should note is that you need to wrap well your meat before placing it at the bottom of your fridge. 

You can do this by wrapping it using a transparent polythene paper and then putting it in a clean bowl. Don’t have a refrigerator yet? Don’t worry, you can go for refrigerator on rent. 

2. Side Drawer for Condiments

Did you know that the side drawer is the warmest part of your fridge? Well, if you didn’t know, then now you know. 

That said, it is evident that some items should be considered for such space. And you know what? You should keep your condiments in this section. 

Besides condiments, you can also store a variety of items in this section. You can store your cooking oil, juice or even water in this section. 

3. Upper Shelf Should Be For Items that Don’t Get Bad Easily

Surprisingly, the upper part of your fridge turns to be warmer than other regions in your fridge. As such, you need to store items that don’t go bad easily in this section. 

Sure, you can store spreads like jam, hummus, and jelly in the upper section of your fridge. Besides, you have the freedom to store yogurt in this area too. And in case you were wondering, you can also put the leftovers in the upper region of your fridge. 

4. Foods You Shouldn’t Keep in Your Fridge

Sure, there are certain foods that you shouldn’t keep in your fridge. It’s a surprise, but the truth is that you can’t store every food in the refrigerator. 

Here are the things you should never keep in your fridge: 

  • Coffee
  • Garlic
  • Bananas
  • Bread
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes

Final Thoughts

Arranging your fridge to look decent isn’t that easy, and most people fail when it comes to this. Fortunately, you now have the hacks. 

An Obsession called Ilish Maachh

By
Trisha
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0

ilish fish
Hilsa Fish Curry – Source

The Bengali Bhadralok have a fancy for many things and chief among them is fish or ‘Feesh’. It is a Bengali ritual for the man of the house to go to the market everyday to buy a fresh supply of fish. The queen of fish ‘Hilsa’ or Ilish fish, popularly known as ‘Ilish maachh’, in Bengali language, is the essential ingredient of Bengali cuisine.

Although, ilish maachh is a tropical saltwater fish (scientific name: Tenualosa ilisha), it thrives in rivers and estuaries. This fish is found in the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and of course in the Bay of Bengal. The Hilsa is also a fast swimming fish, so it can quickly cover kilometers and swim up the rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal. The marine Hilsa caught in sea is not considered as tasty as the fish caught in inland rivers.

Hilsa is mostly available during February-March and in the monsoon season from August to October, as it is a seasonal fish. It is soft and easily perishable. Therefore, it is very expensive and needs quick transportation, freezing and other facilities to maintain it, before it reaches the various fish markets across Bengal. During the rainy season, it is considered to be the most wanted delicacy, meant to stoke the taste buds of the Bengali palate.

Ilish Fish
Fishermen seeking the elusive Ilish – Source: Monsoon Lover

The two main varieties of Hilsa are the Padma variety, loved by the Bangali immigrants from Bangladesh, and the Kolaghat variety found in the tributaries of river Ganga, which is sweeter and softer. This sweeter variety is loved by the Bengalis in Kolkata. The Hilsa is full of tiny bones that require trained eaters/hands to handle.

Bengali Bhadralok ensure that atleast two Hilsa fish (Joda Ilish) are bought for the occasions of Saraswati puja and Lakshmi puja. On auspicious occasions like pujas, functions and weddings, this fish is prepared in several ways: smoked, dried, fried, baked, steamed or cooked in curry. It is also prepared by mixing Brinjal, curd and green banana. There are several simple and grand ways of preparing the Ilish, and here are some of the popular recipes:

hilsa fish
Hilsa fish offered for sale in the market

There is the famous Shorshe Ilish or the Ilish Shorshe Bata, prepared with mustard paste, green chillies, and onions. It is a traditional and easy dish that can be prepared at home. Dahi Ilish is also an easy to serve dish, Bhapa Ilish (steamed Ilish) is a signature Hilsa dish, where fish pieces are mixed with paste of white and black mustard seeds, poppy seeds, marinated and then steamed in a particular way before being served in plantain leaves.

Ilish Maccher Paturi is where the fish pieces are smeared with turmeric powder, and put into a mixture of mustard paste, chili paste, yoghurt, salt and mustard oil, along with spices. Each spiced up piece is then folded in marrow or pumpkin leaf and the pieces are fried in oil. Ilish Maccher Jhol is also made in a somewhat similar manner with ginger paste, garlic paste and tomato puree, but it is mainly a curry preparation. Even the simple to make Illish Macch Bhaja is a mouth watering fried fish dish. Most of these dishes go well with steamed rice.

Ilish fish
Daily ritual at the fish market – Source: $owmya

Not just Bengalis, even visitors from within the country and abroad, fall in love with Ilish delicacies once they taste it. Anyone fond of fish, will truly obsess over the Ilish for the rest of their lives. It is good idea to try it once, and decide for yourself!

Photo Credits:
Monsoon Lover
$owmya

Fact file –
Wiki Hilsa
http://www.bongcookbook.com
Wiki Bengali Cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhadralok

Where is the Bengali Bhadralok…

By
Levine Lawrence
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3

Bengali Bhadralok
The Adda – haunt of the Bhadralok

The word ‘Bengali’ evokes a lot of emotion and is synonymous with art, culture, food, music, cinema and everything connected to finer aspects of life. Truly as the famous saying goes, “What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow!”, a Bengali was considered an intellectual leader during the British Raj. However, soon decay set in after independence and the Bengali Bhadralok seems to be still stuck with reminiscing in the retrospective!

It is sad that once the cultural flag bearer of India is today, nothing but isms – communism, factionalism, marxism, naxalism, fatalism, capitalism, idealism, etc. Renowned writer Nirad Chaudhuri said, “No one can deny that in the 19th century, the Bengali people created a new life, not only for themselves, but for the entire Indian people, by their intellectual and moral effort…. But for the present day Bengalis, all that is now a thing of the past, except for retrospective, senseless and unmanly bragging…”

Here is a serious take on the state of Bengali culture –
Bhadralok’s last sigh in Bengal
Death Of The Bhadralok

Here is a taaungue-in-cheek take on the state of Bengali culture –
Bengalis — the pride of Bengal. What makes them tick?
The Dying Traits of the Bangali

7 Tips for Saving Money On Two Wheeler Insurance This New Year

By
Caleidoscope
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0

Two Wheeler Insurance India
Image – Pixabay

A brand new year is waiting around the corner. You may have many dreams and wishes to achieve this new year. If one of them has been getting your own two-wheeler, then you must look to achieve the dream by all means. You will find many attractive schemes to buy a new bike around this time. Make full use of these deals and get yourself the two-wheeler you always wanted. And along with that, get a good 2 wheeler insurance plan too.

Tips To Save Money On Two-wheeler Insurance 

Take a look at the simple tips mentioned below to save a lot of money on your bike insurance premium:

  1. Choose the right kind of policy: Two-wheeler insurance is available in two forms – third party and comprehensive. You need to understand what each type of insurance provides. You then need to assess your own requirements. Then see which type of two wheeler insurance suits you the best. Choosing the right plan will ensure you get the correct value for the money you pay. 
  2. Compare: It is vital to compare two wheeler insurance. Unless you compare, you will be unaware of the cheapest option. Without running a comparison and picking up the first plan you see, you will most likely pay more than you need to. So do remember to compare two wheeler insurance before you make your final selection. 
  3. Install some safety devices: Your insurance plan offers cover against damages and thefts. So if you install some safety devices in your vehicle, it will automatically become safer. This will make it less vulnerable to robbery attempts. Your insurance premium will, therefore, reduce, owing to this fact. 
  4. Register in an automobile association: Members of registered automobile associations get motor insurance discounts. So enrol yourself in any recognized Indian auto association and get some great discounts on your 2 wheeler insurance premium. 
  5. Calculate the NCB and IDV properly: The next tip for you is to calculate your no claim bonus (NCB) and IDV properly. These two components play a very important role in bike insurance. You will stand to get heavy discounts when the NCB and the IDV are calculated properly. This will happen mainly when you go in for your two wheeler insurance renewal online. 
  6. Approach your existing insurer: Most people have existing insurance covers such as health insurance plans and home insurance plans. If you have some general insurance plans from a specific insurer, speak to them before you by your two-wheeler insurance plan. Many insurance providers offer loyalty benefits to their customers. If you do get some benefit, it will lower your two-wheeler insurance premium for sure. 
  7. Renew on time: And finally, you should never forget to renew your bike insurance cover on time. Opt for two wheeler insurance renewal online. It is very easy to renew your plan. You can do this in a matter of a few minutes. So never let your policy lapse as then you will unnecessarily end up paying a late fee. This will increase your bike insurance costs. 

In a nutshell 

As you can see, there are indeed some very effective ways in which you can lower your 2 wheeler insurance costs this New Year. This will help you to stick to your budget and will take you one step closer to owning your dream bike. So without wasting any further time, head to your bike dealer’s store. Get a good bike. And along with that, get the best possible bike insurance plan and keep your precious vehicle safe and secured at all times.

Different Types Of Sewing Machines

By
Caleidoscope
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0
Different Types Of Sewing Machines
Source – Anna L – Unsplash via Upsplash

There are various types of sewing machines out of which domestic and the industrial machines are the basic two types of machines. There are various types of sewing machines like the computerized sewing machine, embroidery sewing machine, button hole machine, etc. For home use you can buy the domestic sewing machine which is available in a variety of brands and features. The commercial sewing machine is faster than the domestic sewing machine and can handle large capacity of sewing work in a day. The industrial sewing machine is used in manufacturing units. 

1. Domestic sewing machine

Housewifes as well as tailors use the domestic sewing machine. They can do all types of sewing work on most of the woven fabrics like cotton and silk. They cannot work on non-woven fabrics like lycra and stretchable fabrics. These are sewing machines which work at a slower speed. You can attach a motor to speed up the sewing work in a domestic sewing machine. Additionally, you can also change the feed, which is a part of the sewing machine in order to be able to work on non-woven and heavy fabrics. 

A domestic sewing machine can be customized to be used on various fabrics, woven and non-woven. You can run a domestic sewing machine manually without the need of a power outlet as long as it is not attached to a motor. The electric power is required only when motor is attached to the manual sewing machine. The best sewing machine for home use is from the Usha or the Singer brand. 

You can also use electronic sewing machine that comes with various features and mechanisms that lets you experiment with sewing techniques and designs in a better way compared to a domestic sewing machine. You can create decorative fabrics with motifs and designs using the electronic sewing machine. These machines are available in various brands and come in various features. The other types of sewing machines are as follows.

  • Embroidery machines
  • Sergers or overlocking machines
  • Computerised machines
  • Electronic sewing machines

The embroidery machines are available in manual as well as electronic form of machines. You can create embroidery projects in various threads, metallic as well as silk threads using these machines. Sergers or overlocking machines are used for professional hemming on the garments that are stitched. Computerised machines are programmable sewing machine where you can electronically set the type of thread pattern you need for sewing and craft projects. They come with an LED screen which displays the selection of the thread pattern. The computerised sewing machines have a USB port and a Wi-Fi connection that let you download the patterns from the computer to this machine. These machines are highly priced compared to the manual machines. 

The electronic sewing machines have a foot pedal that is electronic and can be used to control the speed of stitching with a feature touch pressure. Unlike the manual sewing machines the electronic sewing machines do not require you to put pressure on the foot pedal. The electronic sewing machines are versatile for various types of stitching as well as craft projects. The embroidery machines are manual and the ones which are electronic have a LCD screen that show the selection of the pattern of the thread that is used for embroidery work. 

2. Commercial sewing machine

These are heavy sewing machines that can handle sewing of volumes of fabric in a single day and works with a lot of speed. With these machines you can give a professional finishing to a garment compared to the basic finishing done by a domestic machine. Garments stitched on commercial sewing machines are durable and the stitch stays for the longer time. They are available in four types.

  • Cylinder bed sewing machine
  • Flat bed sewing machine
  • Free arm sewing machine
  • Post bed sewing machine

Commercial sewing machines are efficient and have many built-in features that the domestic machines do not have. Right from the needle post to the arm design, there are variations in each type of an industrial machine. They are not similar to each other. These machines need a separate motor and do not come with an attached motor. The cylinder bed sewing machine is used for making bags, shoes, and such sewing projects which have a thicker fabric with variable cuts and designs. There is a wide range of commercial sewing machine brands available in the market, so you must check reviews of these machines before taking buying decision.

Things You Must Know Before Buying Children Shoes

By
Caleidoscope
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0

Kids Shoe

Buying shoes for children and little children online has harmed me the most. In numerous occasions, I was totally off-base. At the point when the fit was correct, I was not content with the structure quality and the shoe fitting. Negative online shoe encounters are normal. I have discovered that the most ideal approach to buy the ideal shoes online is to have a go at something sensible. With legitimate schoolwork, you can stay away from normal entanglements and buy the correct pair. To kick you off, I’ve set out the 20 basic aides and tips for beginning. I have found the best way to get childrens shoes online at Baby Bootique.

Brand memory is once in a while disillusioned 

Presently think about the best of your gathering’s shoes and break down them a piece. You will realize that there is a brand or brand that truly conveys inevitably. From excellent materials to rousing plans and structures, you are destined to have a shoe brand that possesses all the necessary qualities. For this reason, use brand memory to decide your next online buy. 

Evade Modest Shoe Disorder 

A huge extent of shoe buyers online experiences the ill effects of modest shoe disorder. This constant condition additionally shows up when you are taking a gander at a couple’s idea at a very limited cost. Because it is modest, numerous individuals will buy and it isn’t the most ideal approach to buy. Modest shoes need to address the entirety of your issues first. 

Do some foundation perusing on new shoe brands 

As demonstrated above, fresh out of the box new shoe brands need to substantiate them first. On the off chance that you truly need to buy another shoe brand, you have to find out about the organization behind the item. 

Update your shoe size before buying on the web 

Did you realize that your shoe size isn’t steady? Your feet might be long and long, and you ought to have the option to see them. No, for this situation, measure your feet to refresh your size. 

Discover the motivation behind the shoes you need to buy 

Shoes fill a great many needs. Considering this, you can search for potential shoes, official shoes, sports shoes, pads, heels. On the off chance that you are searching for easygoing shoes, you might need to think about shoes, pads, shoes and then some. As such, you have to confine your hunt with the goal that you can cover the best kind of shoe for your needs. 

Pick your online retailer admirably 

Many shoe brands won’t sell legitimately to customers. In such manner, online retailers will disperse various brands of footwear. Picking the privilege online retailer is fundamental. 

Item data is everything 

When buying on the web retailers and shoe brands on the web, you need explicit item data that you can discover. 

Never buy shoes internet checking purchaser audits 

Shoe Surveys You should have zero on. Regardless of whether you read a similar audit or numerous, hearing a vibe for the thoughts of others will make you increasingly mindful.

6 Gorgeous Cake Designs for Your 25th Anniversary Celebration

By
Caleidoscope
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0

The 25th wedding anniversary is one of the biggest milestones in a couple’s life and that’s why it should be marked with a grand celebration. Maybe a get together with loved ones or a romantic holiday, it completely depends on how the couple wants to celebrate their Silver anniversary. But, the thing that one should not forget is a delicious 25th-anniversary cake without which the celebration may not be as memorable as one wants it to be.

So, if you are in quest of some gorgeous 25th-anniversary cakes, check out the options listed below and you will love these:

3 Tier-Black Forest Cake

3-tier-black-forest-cake

The best thing about a black forest cake is that it can fit into every small or big occasion. Be it a birthday or an anniversary, a delicious black forest cake can always lift up the spirit of your celebration and make it more special. So, yes a mouth watering 3-tier black forest cake will make one of the best choice for your 25th anniversary celebration.

Red Velvet Heart-Shape Cake

Red-Velvet-Heart-Shape-Cake

 

Well, completing 25 years with someone you love is a very special feeling which you should not hold back. Instead, express your deepest emotions of love, care, and affection for your partner by ordering a delicious red velvet heart shape cake. This cake will rekindle the romance in your married life and sweeten up your 25th anniversary celebrations.

Purple Swirled Rose Cake

Purple-Swirled-Rose-Cake

Do you know what a purple rose symbolize? It stands for enchantment. So, if you give someone a purple rose, it means that you have fallen in love with the recipient at the very first sight. Similarly, a delicious purple swirled rose cake will express your deep love for your partner and stir sweetness in your married life.

Metallic Silver Cake

Image Source

No cake can be a more apt choice for a 25th marriage anniversary than a metallic silver cake. Yes, silver cakes are in vogue these days and these cakes can instantly uplift the spirit of any special celebration. So, basically a silver cake is like any other normal fondant cake wherein the fondant is airbrushed in silver and then painted with various shade of metallic luster dust onto the cake.

Luscious Naked Cake

Luscious-Naked-Cake
Image Source

A naked cake has no or minimal outer layer of frosting. Therefore, in a naked cake, you can see the natural texture and even the filling stuffed inside. Some naked cakes have no frosting on their outer edge while some have just a wisp of buttercream. So, if you want to indulge into a complete new cake cum dessert, a naked cake will make an excellent choice.

Sugar Flower Cakes

Sugar-Flower-Cakes
Image Source

Sugar flowers cakes are those where in the cake decorated with beautiful blooms which are edible and fake. Yes, sugar flowers are usually made using gum paste or fondant and then, placed on the top or side or edge of the cake. These types of cakes are ideal for an anniversary party. So, if you want to throw a big anniversary party on your 25th anniversary then, order a sugar flower cake which your guests will surely appreciate.

Now that you have a number of beautiful cake design ideas, leave no stone unturned in making your 25th anniversary a memorable one.

Eco friendly poster

By
nagz
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1

Recently we did a eco friendly poster for an NGO which promotes the eco-friendly life here we are sharing it with you.

Eco friendly poster

The Bedazzling Bindi

By
Caleidoscope
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0

Bindi
Source

Gone are the days when our mothers and aunts sported the famous red ‘Bindi’ on their foreheads to proclaim their married status. However, times have changed; this beautiful dot has transformed itself into various designs, shapes and sizes. It has come back into vogue, in fact it was always in fashion, just resting for a while! The bindi has the power to distract attention from other expensive jewellery with its sober scintillating beauty. This symbol of beauty and femininity is not differentiated by anyone on the basis of religion or language. The bindi does not bind you to any tradition, nor by any strict codes; it simply encourages you to appreciate yourself and your femininity.

The history of the bindi goes back to the old Hindu tradition of wearing it as a social symbol, as well as a sign of protection. The word ‘Bindi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Bindu’, meaning a drop or a dot. Earlier, Indian Hindu women would wear a large red vermillion bindi on their foreheads only after marriage because it is a symbol they bringing prosperity into their new homes.

bindi designs
Instant stick on Bindi

Bindi is called ‘Tilak’ in Hindi, ‘Tikli’ in Marathi, ‘Pottu’ in Malayalam and Tamil, ‘Kunkuma’ in Kannada, ‘Tilo’ in Konkani, ‘Chandlo’ in Gujarati, and ‘Bottu’ in Telugu. It is popular even in other South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal. Traditionally, Indians believe that the bindi acts as the third eye and is beneficial to your inner being, because if there is some negative energy coming your way, it can cast it off. Therefore, now you not only have a coruscating little crown on your forehead, but you also have a divine centre-piece that protects you!

The bindi comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and ensembles, from the smallest black dot, to the finest intricate gathering of swarovski, sparkles, matted shades in various hues. You could select a designer bindi, for occasions like wedding or any traditional festival; or a simple multicoloured stick-on-bindi available with road side sellers, which could go with denims, t-shirts etc. The bindi no longer remains an Indian possession; it is widely used by European women to go with their ethnic outfits. Hollywood celebrities sport colourful bindis further propelling this humble accessory’s fame. So the bindi does justice to not only the dusky Indian complexion, but also to fair coloured women of other origins, and lends even more beauty to their gorgeous glowing skin tones.

Vandana Shiva
Feminists like Vandana Shiva wear large bindis

Women often worry about their shopping expenses, yet end up purchasing expensive accessories. A simple and great way of curtailing the budget would also be to look at inexpensive options like the bedazzling bindi, of course! However, be careful of what sort of colors, shapes and sizes you choose. A broad forehead can carry off large bindis really well, whereas, a narrow forehead can wear the small dot bindis, or long slim bindis well. All said and done, it is a matter of personal preference after all.

If you are heading out to a party, and did not get time to purchase a jazzy outfit to enhance your presence, do not fret; reach out for your collection of dazzling bindis and add the much needed glamour to your sober outfit. You don’t necessarily need to wear the bindi right between the eyebrows; you can place it a little above or even right on the middle of the forehead. Experiment a bit, and select where it looks best on you.

bhindi
Designer wear swarovski crystals for weddings

Not everyone can afford to purchase diamond earrings, jewellery, but every woman has the right to look her best. That is every woman’s birth right, and the bindi in its glorious splendour can do that for you. In addition to jewellery or other artificial add-ons, the Bindi shall never lose its place in the treasure chest of a woman’s fashion accessories.

Photos –
http://www.flickr.com/photos/indi/with/4286994901/

Reference –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindi_(decoration)

7 Things To Avoid Doing On Valentine’s Day

By
Caleidoscope
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0

Valentine Day Mistakes
Image – Unsplash

Are you one of those many who are pondering over what to gift to their valentine this year? Are you going through list of everything that is available in the market and will be best suited to your valentine? Although, there are uncountable options of what you can do at home or outside to make this day of love memorable, there are certain points you should keep in mind while going all-in this valentine.

1. Don’t go overboard with gifts

Its so adorable to be scouting for the more than perfect valentine gift for your loved one but think before making a dent in your wallet. Buy the perfect gift but don’t invest too much that might make your bank balance go bonkers.

2. First Date Mistake

Never, I mean NEVER, say those three magical words on your first date. It doesn’t matter if you have a crush on your valentine date or you find them magically charming, stop yourself from confessing your love on the very first date. There is still to know a lot about a person than you already know to fall in love with them.

3. Stop Talking Too Much

Not that we are asking to seal your mouth but do give your date a chance to speak. Sometimes, out of nervousness, we tend to talk a lot without giving considering other person’s feelings. It is a big turn off. Be a good listener. Its the key to a wonderful conversation.

4. Comparison with Ex-s

Your partner’s ex might have showered them with lavish gifts but comparing them with yours will make you gloomy only. When it comes to love, its the emotion and thought that matters. So, if you haven’t splurge big on the occasion, it is perfectly alright cause love conquers all.

5. Being Retentively Romantic

Don’t be clingy. Give some space to your partner. Certainly, you are their whole world but that doesn’t mean they cannot have a life besides you. They don’t need to do everything with you. Trust them and respect them and you will be apple of their eye forever.

6. Say No To Pranks

You might want to go adventurous this year and have some fun filled moments but avoid taking it too far with pranks. Save them for April 1st. Your date is going to have some romantic expectations from you and pranks can ruin the mood.

7. Showing Off Money

Keep romance alive in your relationship with love, care and affection rather than expensive gifts. The outlays of money won’t do any good in your relationship for long term. Communicate with them, shower them with admiration and dignity and make this relationship last forever.

Avoid these 7 mistakes and bestow all the love you want to on your valentine.

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