Art at home
Art elevates the look of your home by bringing your bare walls alive. But we all know it can be an expensive indulgence. Does that mean we have to forgo art while doing up our living rooms? Not necessarily. There are some simple ways you can incorporate art in your home without breaking your budget and without having to put up a random poster where a nice painting should go. Here we bring you three fabulous ways to make your living space pop with a dash of art that will have your visitors raving about your creativity.
Get prints of art by local artists
Do you know prints are cheaper than actual paintings? They are also more marketable and thus many artists are now digitizing their works and selling prints at affordable prices. Find an artwork you like and see if the artist has made digital prints available. If not, you can put in a request for one. Most artists these days will happily oblige. Instagram is a great place to discover amazing new artists whose work resonates with you and will make your home reflect your personality. Krisha Tamrakar, a Kathmandu-based contemporary artist and author, is one of our favorites.
Frame fabrics
And we don’t mean just any fabric. You have to be really creative with this one. Find an heirloom sari or a piece of upholstery from your childhood days that brings back fond memories and get it framed. Make sure it’s something that you love looking at and it matches your decor as well. One of our readers has put up a piece of her mother’s wedding sari on a large frame and she says it’s the focal point of her living room. Another hung a vintage rug that was in her parent’s home on a wall and it reminds her of happy times while giving her space a much-needed pop of color.
Make a fun collage
A collage is a great way to display random notes, cards, ticket stubs, and postcards that might otherwise clutter your space. Collect your favorite memorabilia and paste them creatively and interestingly on a large sheet of paper. This can be a really fun activity to do as a family. You can also add pressed flowers and write down your favorite quotes for added intrigue. There are many ideas on how to create fabulous collages that you can then display in your living room as art on Pinterest and Instagram. All you need is a weekend, some paper, markers, and glue.
Celebrating friendship
Friendship is perhaps the purest form of mutual support—a bond built not on obligation, but on choice, trust, and understanding. On International Friendship Day, we celebrate the connections that bring light to our darkest days, laughter to our routines, and strength when we need it most. True friends stand beside us through life’s highs and lows, offering not just company, but genuine care, empathy, and encouragement. As an ode to that kind of relationship, ApEx spoke to three people about what friendship means to them and their most special bond.
Rikav Hussain, 26
To me, friendship brings to mind Dipesh or Dalle who has been my friend for the past eight years. I still remember seeing him for the first time in college. He felt like an extension of me. We haven’t talked often since he went to Australia, and I’ve only met him once since he returned. Friends are meant to support you in times of need but not every friendship should be built on that expectation. Some friendships are more beautiful when they’re free from that kind of pressure. Anyway, let me just say our friendship hasn’t ended. Just like love doesn’t truly die, neither does friendship. These feelings, these energies—once created—can’t be destroyed. Even if someone claims they’ve moved on from love or friendship, I don’t believe it. That emotional energy still exists, somewhere, and it can resurface at any time. I will always have fond memories of Dipesh and wish him well.
Reshu Ingnam, 34
When I think of friendship, I remember Semi. There was an instant connection, a comfort in each other’s presence that didn’t need words or time to build. It just happened naturally. Unfortunately, she’s not a part of my life anymore. To me, true friendship is about growing together, supporting each other’s dreams, and holding space even when life gets busy or complicated. But sometimes, despite the love and bond, people grow in different directions. There wasn’t a single reason or a falling out, it was just life. Responsibilities, distance, and time created a gap we couldn’t bridge. Still, that doesn’t take away from what we shared. The laughter, the comfort, and the small talks are all precious memories I carry with me. Semi was a meaningful part of my life. She was more than a friend. She was family. A part of her will always live in my heart. If our paths cross again, I hope we can smile at the memories we made together.
Norkey Wangmu Yolmo, 34
Choden is the friend that I remember every time someone asks me to think of a special friend. Working at the same organization has brought us closer through shared interests, experiences, and commitments. We’re on a similar path, facing similar challenges, and whenever those challenges or differences arise, we always take the time to listen, reflect, and find a meaningful conclusion together. What makes our friendship even more special is that we both understand the importance of fun and laughter. No matter how busy life gets, we always make time—whether it’s a quick catch-up or a longer hangout session. Choden isn’t just my best friend. Choden is my chosen family. Thank you for always standing by me, for knowing how to make me laugh exactly when I need it, and for reminding me of who I am when I lose sight of myself. Friendship comes with its own pros and cons. What is needed is trust and faith in the role of friends.
The quiet struggle of mid-level managers: A career crossroads few talk about
As professionals grow in their corporate careers, particularly in fields like banking, they often find that with higher roles come higher complexities. Reaching mid-level management may once have seemed like a dream, a point of arrival filled with good salary, respect, and benefits. However, the reality at this stage is far more nuanced. The job becomes increasingly sensitive, and the room to shift or switch roles narrows down, especially in markets like Nepal where the banking sector is currently facing stagnation and recession-like conditions. Unlike early career phases where exploring new opportunities feels easier, mid-level professionals find that options are limited and risks are higher, making every career decision far more consequential.
At the same time, the role demands constant performance under pressure. Mid-level managers walk a tightrope, they must meet the expectations of senior leadership while also managing teams effectively. There is little space for error, as even small mistakes can raise questions about one’s capability and potential. The fear of underperforming or facing embarrassment in front of peers and seniors becomes a daily pressure. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about consistently maintaining high standards, being sharp, strategic, and responsive all while remaining composed under scrutiny.
When tough times come, it’s natural for the mind to start signaling that quitting could be the easiest way out. But this instinctive reaction can be dangerously counterproductive. Quitting in the face of challenge, especially without a well-thought plan, may bring more uncertainty and chaos. Problems are not necessarily the issue, it's often the way we choose to deal with them that determines the outcome. Facing the storm with clarity and courage fosters long-term strength and leadership maturity.
Given the rising stress and pressure, many mid-level professionals often find themselves wondering if exploring other markets or starting their own venture might offer a better alternative. The thought of leaving the rigidity of corporate life behind and chasing a fresh beginning can be tempting. However, running away is rarely the real solution. Instead, the more sustainable path is to confront challenges head-on, gain deeper experience, and build the resilience needed to lead through adversity. This difficult period, if endured with clarity and strength, often shapes the foundation of a mature, capable leader.
By mid-career, most professionals have fixed financial obligations from supporting families to paying EMIs to planning children’s education. Despite earning a respectable salary and enjoying corporate benefits, building real net worth remains a challenge. There is a financial bind that makes one risk-averse and sometimes, emotionally fatigued. The pressures at work merge with pressures at home, creating a cycle where burnout can quietly creep in.
What makes it more difficult is the illusion that one has “arrived.” For years, becoming a mid-level manager might have been a goal. But once there, it’s evident that this level is more of a transition zone than a final destination. The responsibilities are immense, but the authority is still limited. One must perform exceptionally while waiting patiently for growth, for recognition, for that next opportunity. And while there is pride in what one has achieved, there is also a lingering sense of uncertainty about what comes next.
In truth, the mid-level management phase is not just about career advancement; it is a complex balancing act between ambition, obligation, and emotional endurance. It demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep reservoir of inner strength. Behind every seemingly composed mid-level manager is a story of quiet struggles, strategic compromises, and the determination to hold everything together both professionally and personally. And for those who choose to face the storm instead of fleeing from it, the reward is not just survival, but the transformation into a seasoned and mature leader.
Mid-level managers are a quality resource for any bank or institution. They are not just operational executors but also cultural pillars who hold teams together and carry the weight of organizational goals. Especially in times of crisis or stagnation, their role becomes even more critical. Organizations must recognize their contribution and take care of them not just with salary and perks, but through support systems, opportunities for growth, and a culture of respect. The cost-to-benefit ratio of investing in mid-level managers is minimal compared to the immense value they bring. Empowered and supported, they can become the very force that drives institutions forward through both calm and crisis.
Killing it in the kitchen
In any home, food preparation is perhaps one of the main chores. Family members, or often one of them, spend hours in the kitchen readying meals every single day. Though cooking is an elaborate process involving a lot of labor, there are a few things you can do to shorten your time in the kitchen and not be consumed by mundane tasks. We are here to share some secrets.
Pre cut and wash veggies
This might seem like a simple, obvious tip but not many people do it thinking they will chop and ready whatever they need when they need it. But it’s usually the chopping and washing that takes most time when preparing a dish. Many of our readers confessed that some prepping of basic ingredients well in advance can save a lot of time in the kitchen. So look at your produce and figure out what can be cut and stored. Most veggies like carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms can be cut, washed, dried, and stored in an airtight container in the fridge a few days in advance ready for use. Similarly, you can also store coriander, mint, and other herbs. The idea is to eliminate the need for immediate preparation.
Invest in a spice rack
Do you have a dedicated spice rack within easy access? If not, it’s time you considered building one. A small thing as a spice rack that is easily accessible and stores all the essential spices at one place is one of the most basic ways to avoid confusion in the kitchen and make cooking a breeze. Many people store spices randomly and in what different jars and boxes are available at home.
Having all the necessary spices at one place saves you the hassle of having to search for what you need when you are in the kitchen making meals. It’s a small thing but the impact is life changing.
Think one pot meals
One of the many reasons why we end up spending so much time in the kitchen is because cooking usually involves a lot of separate steps. There’s boiling, blanching, frying etc and all of these take multiple dishes and are time consuming. So when you are in a rush, it helps to have an arsenal of one pot meals up your sleeves. There are many stews, pastas and other vegetable dishes that you can whip up in a single pan. This significantly lessens your cooking and cleaning time.
Put the oven to use
Cooking can sometimes be an ordeal especially when it’s hot like it is these days. Also, having something simmering on the stove can mean more time in the kitchen as you have to constantly attend to it. If you have an oven, put it to good use by whipping up meals that can be baked. This way, you can assemble the ingredients in a pan and then pop it in the oven and attend to other things around the house as your meal gets cooked. If you don’t have an oven, cooking in an air fryer is also a good option.
Get creative with leftovers
You can turn leftovers into new dishes with minimal effort if you put some thought into it. Leftovers can become great bases for fried rice, salads, tacos, and even lasagnas. So whenever you are feeling too lazy to cook, just look inside your fridge and pull out everything that is there and whip something up with them. There are many apps and YouTube channels that teach you ways to utilize leftovers to make some delicious meals. You could also have one day in the week where you only eat what’s in the fridge. Alternatively, you could also make double batches of rice, pasta, and lentils and use them in different ways to avoid repetition fatigue.
