Lip gloss is generally a cosmetic product used to give one’s lips a glossy and shiny sheen. Lip glosses come in tubes, pot and with brush applicators. Many are clear, frosted, creamy, glittered, sheer and metallic in consistency.

It was a packed weekend of cooking demonstrations at London’s Ideal Home Show which celebrates its centenary this year. It was amazing to see how people are still hungry to learn about food and cooking and especially spices. I made extremely easy recipes for the virgin cook who has not really attempted to prepare Indian dishes. It was a quick crash course in making a few simple dishes in 40 minutes flat. If you weren’t able to make it to the show, here are the recipes I made at the sessions. I do hope you like them. And may I suggest that you have a go at the Bombay Potatoes.

Here’s a checklist of things to remember when it comes to dealing with Indian food, whether you’re cooking at home or in a restaurant.

Curry? What do you understand by the meaning of curry and do you know where the name curry comes from? Manju Malhi explains the roots of curry and how curry has come to hold the place it does in modern British life with a curry house on every corner . . . well not quite, but there are a great many Indian restaurants serving curry which shows the British love affair with what is a cuisine rather than a single dish.

Spices form the backbone of Indian cuisine. Without them, life would be quite dull or tasteless for many of us. Once you get to know them, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. Here are some ideas on what to do with spices when you purchase them or if you’re lucky enough to receive them.

All those obvious things you do to keep food safe and fresh or...? Maybe have a quick read to see if you've overlooked things?

Chillies contain a substance called capsaicin which has been known to have pain reducing effects. Chillies also make a great nasal decongestant. The heat of chillies stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from a stuffy nose.  They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A.

Streetfood and Shopping in Delhi - The capital of India in the North of the country

To me, India is one big, giant shopping centre but that could be because I’m a marketer’s dream and I’ll try anything once. I may have an addiction and I may be a shopaholic because wherever I go in the world, I try and contribute to the country’s economy. And the northern capital of India is certainly a shopper’s paradise. Items such as carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and silverware, handicrafts and handprinted cottons synonymous with the region, never go unnoticed and for me, an extra suitcase is always on standby.