Change Your Water, Change Your Health!

Water is life. Jal hi jeevan hai. Save water, save life. One cannot harp enough about the importance of water in our lives. Besides its other usefulness, one cannot emphasize enough its role in keeping us healthy. Keep yourself well hydrated is one of the basic good health mantra all the doctors give. Also, there's a significant rise in awareness about water purification and one can now hardly find a house without a water filter or RO system. But do you know that recent studies show that water from the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system or bottled water does not really give full-proof guarantee of being good for health.

Studies and research reveal that most of the tap water, RO water and distilled water contains acidic pH that causes our body to become more acidic. The water we consume has a positive ORP - Oxidation Reduction Potential - which could lead to a number of health problems like acidity, fatigue, constipation, headaches, arthritis, premature ageing, and even cancer. 

Studies also show that cooking food in purified water pulls the mineral out of it and lowers the nutrient value. So it's advisable that we opt for alkaline water that helps the body to get rid of acid waste.  So how to get your drinking water ionised? Here's where Hydro-Jal Plus comes into the picture. 

Hydro-Jal Plus is India's most advanced and compact water ionizer. It is a fully automatic alkaline waster ionizer which turns harmful acidic water into beneficial alkaline water by increasing its pH value through the process of ionization. Alkaline antioxidant water allows enzymes to work the way they should. Also the alkaline antioxidant water solves two of the major problems that cause ageing an disease - low pH and free radicals.  Here are some more significant benefits of switching to alkaline ionized water -

Hydro-Jal Plus gives the most pristine ionized water and engages India's advanced ionization technology. If someone is drinking alkaline, ionized water with a pH between 8.5 and 9.5, then they are drinking water that is very antioxidant and can make an incredibly positive difference to their health. Besides the above mentioned benefits, here are some more reasons to switch to Hydro-Jal Plus - 

1. It throws out harmful toxins and slows down signs of ageing such as wrinkles and saggy skin.  
2. Alkaline antioxidant water is superiorly hydrating and instantly energizing. 
3. Ionized water improves mental clarity and concentration
4. Gives energy boost without extra calories
5. Provides more stamina and also boosts immune system supports better sleep
6. Reduces joint and muscle pain and relieves muscle cramps during workouts
7. Provides hydration without bloating and assists in weight loss
8. Improves digestion and metabolism and also boosts immune system

With renowned doctors and health experts giving nods of approval to Hydro-Jal Plus and the lifestyle benefits it promises, it only seems natural to give this product a trial.  To know more about the benefits and installation process of Hydro-Jal Plus, you can book a demo here. The demo session also includes free testing of acidic level of the drinking water.

Note: This is a promotional feature based on the literature available on Hydrojal Plus.

Gift Ideas for Your Best Friend: Perfume

'A woman who does not wear perfume has no future,' the iconic designer Coco Chanel famously said. While one may or may not agree with her opinion, one cannot deny the fact that perfumes make for great gifts. They are not just practical, but also hint at closeness with the recipient. Perfumes come in all kinds of variety - from tangy citrus based fragrances, to romantic floral ones to the one with more woody scent. With a plethora of fragrant options available out there, one can never really go wrong on what to pick up as a gift. Also while perfumes are perceived as a luxury item, there are perfumes available to suit all kinds of pocket. Depending upon the budget you can pick either pick a high-end designer perfume or buy sample-sized bottles or can even choose the regular affordable fragrance brands.

No doubt picking perfume as a gift for someone is an onerous task but if you are getting it for your best friend, you are most likely to know their preference in fragrance and so get it right all the time! But if you are someone who gets stuck with the choices available and find it difficult to pick 'that perfect fragrance', some simple tips and tricks can make sure that you do not go wrong with your choice. 

The easiest tip to keep in mind while going perfume shopping for your friend is keep their personality in mind. Don't pick up anything that is too extreme to what they are like. Also if you don't want to experiment with newer smells, then stick to the fragrance family your friend loves. You can also go in for a perfume that you know they already use - who wouldn't want their favourite perfume stock replenished! And last but not the least, if you don't know this already - cheap perfumes smell horrible and make for bad gifts! Don't pick them! 

Loafers at the Workplace - How to do it Right

A big hello to all fashion-forward men here! Winter has bid us goodbye, and before one could savour the fresh fragrance of spring, summer is upon us already. The temperatures are soon going to soar, so while you sit there dreading the sweltering days ahead, go on and stock up your wardrobe with summer essentials - cool cottons and luxurious linens! And so far as footwear is concerned, loafers and moccasins are the way to go this summer - style up your feet in trendy loafers for they are not just more comfortable in comparison to stuffy shoes and boots, but are also in vogue and make quite a fashion statement.

Loafers and moccasins have now become the best alternative to your regular boring office footwear - leather lace-up shoes. However it is imperative that one understands the difference between loafers and moccasins so they can pair them up with their clothes smartly. One basic difference between them is that while moccasins come with laces, loafers are without them. But then again because of them laces, do not confuse moccasins with your regular lace-up shoes - the laces on moccasins are just for style. Loafers on the other hand basically flat, slip-ons.

Both loafers and moccasins can be smartly teamed up with formal office wear. For a formal office look, you can pair them up with trousers and chinos. And if you are heading out for a party or informal outing, then you can team them up with denims, cargos and track pants. Make sure you pick up colours that suit your personality and clothing style - while black, brown and different shades of tan look great for office-wear, blue and maroon pep up casual wear. So what are waiting for, stock them up and get ready to flaunt your style sense. Besides, the old adage says that a man can always be judged by the shoes he wears, so if you are styled up in these trendy loafers, rest assured you are being judged as a man who knows his fashion! 

Happiness is...in Little Things!

March 20th marked the United Nation's International Day of Happiness. To commemorate the day, a lot of engaging events were organised across the world. Besides this, lots of surveys showcasing the research on happiness index in different countries were released, most of them putting European countries in the top 10. Various articles harping on the importance of finding happiness in little everyday things too made their presence felt on the many social media platforms, prompting me to reflect on the many things that make me happy. And to be honest, despite my lame cribbing about inconsequential this and that, I am thankful to God for the all the lovely reasons he has given me to be happy about - my family, the freedom to just me, the passion for travelling, a healthy body and mind...really there's so much to be happy about!

This beautiful video from Coca Cola too has got me wondering about the many happiness triggers around me. Check out the video and see for yourself!

See, how simple it is! To seek happiness from little things around us - all one has to do is pursue it intently and not let go of any moment that has the potential to bring smile on your lips and twinkle in your eyes. Now that I am going deeper into this, I am realising that all the moments I spend with my family are so beautiful. Even in a mundane day at home there's so much to be happy about - tea sessions with mom and dad, watching cricket with dad, doing laundry with mom, dad trying new recipes in the kitchen...there are times that I stop in my tracks and send out a silent prayer of thanks to the almighty for all the blessings he has bestowed on me. And yes, now that I am reminiscing about the things that make me happy, how can I miss family trips - long roads trips across mountains, listening to retro music, stopping at random roadside dhabas...ah sheer bliss!

There is something about road-trips that I believe brings family closer. I have seen friends believing otherwise, that family trips are mostly chaotic with one returning from the trip feeling more embittered than relaxed, but I really love travelling with family, with dad in the front seat, and mom and me in the back seat looking out of the window, talking about random things and watching the world go by. 

So yes, if you believe that happiness lies in fancy holidays and palatial houses, in latest iPhone and hi-tech gadgets, in branded clothes and designer handbags, then look around you and think again, for the little things that we tend to look through have so much potential to warm our hearts up. These little things are treasure trove of happiness which needs to be cherished and nourished. So let's all pursue them with all our heart and indulge in the joy and happiness we derive from them.

Stay Comfy With Trendy Casual Summer Footwear

Summer is knocking at the door and I am sure, like me, many of you are looking forward to pack off those bulky boots and shoes, and flaunt your oh-so-soft and fresh looking feet in some trendy and smart summer footwear! And believe you me, I have already started putting my new summer footwear collection together - smart flat footwear that's not just trendy but super comfortable too! Plus they come in all kinds of styles, designs and patterns, keeping in mind the tastes of all kinds of women - from a young girl to an old lady.

For women who are always on their toes (pun intended!), and do a lot of walking around, it's always advisable that they stick to flat footwear over those fancy but impractical heels. And who can deny the other advantage flat footwear offer - the ease of putting them on and taking them off! One doesn't need to look around for support while wearing them or taking them off, so if you are in a hurry, you know you can wear them or take them off in a jiffy. Also, you don't have to worry about tripping over or going off balance if you are rushing around.

While we all will agree that flat footwear are way more practical to wear than the heels, many of us might be of the opinion that flats do not look fancy or eye catching enough. But I guess this school of thought is soon becoming redundant for there are fun and trendy flat footwear available now, and that too at such reasonable prices that you will immediately want to invest in a few pairs! Trust me, for I have already done that! And my haul of trendy flats includes the super gorgeous golden kolhapuris shining above. And this is just one pair from the awesome collection! Now you go get browsing their wide range of trendy flats and I am sure in no time you too would be flaunting your own collection. Happy shopping!

Thank You, Family

'This is part of what a family is about, not just love. It's knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame. Not work.'

 - Mitch Ambom, Tuesdays with Morrie.

Real estate portal housing.com's heart-warming Look Up series is getting hearty thumbs ups in both the real and the virtual world. This series talks of optimism in not just the 'housing' domain, but also focuses on the importance of positivity and optimism in making the world a better place to live in. Inspired by the advertisement, people too are coming forward to share their look-up stories of determination and optimism. The brand's latest look up theme is togetherness, and reading about all the heart-warming stories of togetherness people are sharing has inspired me too to thank my family for all the love they have showered on me. They have stood by me through thick and thin, have motivated me every-time I have failed, have celebrated my success, and last but not the least, have admonished me for my reckless decisions.  Every time I have lost a battle with the world, I know there's a safe haven to take refuge in - my home, my family.

I recall this particular incident when I was down with typhoid and despite the medicines my fever raged on. I lay there listless on the bed, with my mother using cooling packs on my forehead to bring the temperature down. When nothing seemed to work, an appointment with doctor was hastily fixed for the evening. But as luck would have it, we were  5 minutes late for the appointment, so the doctor out-rightly refused to see us and after some pleading said that he will only see me once if was done with the other patients, and it was entirely up-to us if we wanted to wait.

Of course we wanted to wait, for my fever was raging and since we had already driven down this far, there was no other option but to wait my turn. So there I sat, that cold winter afternoon, trembling with fever, waiting for my turn at the doctor's chamber. Only if we knew what shocker lay ahead for us. After more than hour of waiting, when all the patients were dome with, the doctor's attendant came out to tell us that doctor saab's schedule has already stretched beyond the set time, and since we had already come late in the first place, so he won't be seeing any more patients now. 

God! While I was physically too exhausted to react to this update, my mother's face looked as if she was about to tear the place down with one hand. From a pleading, worried mother, she was now transformed into a force to reckon with and in a flash she was inside the doctor's chamber and I could hear her giving him a dressing down! And she went on for a good 5 minutes. Once she was done, she came out mumbling a victory note to herself, looking all in control, and helped me inside the doctor's chamber. Needless to say, the doctor who was all arrogant an hour ago, seemed to have lost all his arrogance in just 5 minutes of dressing down from my mother.

While the doctor examined me and checked through my reports, I couldn't help but be amazed at my mother's transformation from a pleading helpless woman to this strong woman who knew how to tackle an unpleasant situation on her own. That moment filled me up with so much pride and assurance that if your family is with you, no big or small issue trouble can bog you down. Together we will all sail through the troubles. 

Styling My #HairIsFashion Hair! And a GIVEAWAY!!

My last post was about the awesome #HairIsFashion makeover I went for at the Lakme Salon. The look has been getting me compliments galore and what's even more interesting is the fact that during the makeover, senior hair stylist Mr. Raj also taught me a couple of hair styles to sport for different occasions!

I generally stick to the tried and tested style of leaving my hair open, for they anyway are not long enough for hairstyle experiments. But I was amazed how Raj worked around the length and created two distinct, easy-to-carry styles.  For the first look, he gave my hair gentle curls all over and blended the curls with the straight hair to create a beautiful messy look. Pretty easy to manage, this style can be worn anywhere - right from office to parties. 

The second hairstyle Raj created was fancier, giving an illusion of long hair and by the time Raj was done giving the look the final touch, I couldn't believe it was me! A loose fishtail knot on one side intricately merged with the remaining hair on the other side.  This one's just perfect to wear for fancy gatherings.

While my 'HairIsFashion makeover had me ecstatic about the vibrant colour bursts in my hair, these lovely hairstyles were like icing on my fashionable hair cake! What do you think? Looking forward to your thoughts on my makeover and these hairstyles!

And now, I am sure you must all be waiting for the GIVEWAY I mentioned about in my last post! So here it is - a chance to get your hair pampered at a Lakme Salon! You can win a hair makeover forth Rs. 1500 from Lakme Salon! And here's what you need to do to win this giveaway -

1. Follow this blog

2. Follow me on Instagram - here

3. Answer the question - Why #HairIsFashion according to you?

Leave your answers in the comment section below.
Please mention your city.

This contest is on till 2PM tomorrow (18th March)! And the winner would be declared by 4PM - see how quick and easy this one is going to be! Now let's see who gets lucky here! Best wishes! :)
Note: This contest is open to residents of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai only.

My #HairIsFashion Makeover at the Lakme Salon!

Nothing kills boredom and rejuvenates the body and mind like a cool hair makeover! And I speak from experience. My recent hair colour makeover at the Lakme Salon not just made me look more beautiful and glamorous, the change also lifted me up out from my morose mood! And since I believe that all good experiences must be shared, here I am sharing my wonderful #HairIsFashion experience with you!

My #HairIsFashion makeover was done at Lakme's Preet Vihar Salon in Delhi and this was my first visit to this particular salon. I had opted for this salon as I had some engagements in that part and thought it would save me from the hassle of travelling to my regularly frequented Lakme salon across the city. To be honest, I was a bit unsure about what lay ahead for my hair, but the warm staff and the pre-makeover consultation with the head stylist Mr. Raj Jha immediately allayed my doubts and I knew my hair were going to be in good hands.

My #HairIsFashion makeover look was picked from Lakme's popular Show Stopping Hair Collection, a collection that boasts of stunning colour combinations and trendy hairstyles that take the art of hair dressing to a whole new level.  This collection has 3 prominent themes - Illusion, Metamorphosis and Moulin Rouge - and a range of striking sub themes offering a variety of hair makeovers best suited for the India hair.

For my makeover I let stylist Raj decide on the choice of hair colours, as rather than picking up random colours, I wanted to rely on his expertise and understanding of colour palette and combinations that would look good on me. We browsed through the shades catalogue and after mulling on a few colour combinations, we picked the one that would look best on my hair, a combination from the Helix Flair theme - a light tinge of brown globally with bold purplish pink highlights. Once the colours were finalised, it was time to get down to work!

While Raj worked his colour magic on my hair, he also took me through the process of hair colour, explaining in detail the intricacies involved in colouring hair, and how different hair colours work differently on the hair, also explaining all the steps involved in the hair colour process and the time duration involved in each step. 

Post the colouring process it was time to wait for the mandated period to allow the colours to set in. As I waited at the style console, Salon Manager Jyoti made sure I was comfortable and we chit-chatted about the various services offered by the Lakme Salon. In about half an hour's time, Raj checked my hair for colour consistency and once he was satisfied, it was time to shampoo and condition the hair.

Post the wash, it was time to touch up the coloured hair with Moroccon Oil, an essential foundation for hairstyling that can be used as a conditioning, styling and finishing tool. Infused with anti-oxidant-rich argan oil and strengthening proteins, this Moroccan Oil treatment nourishes the hair and boosts shine.  And lo and behold! Here I was, all ready to flaunt my glamorous hair!

I think the vibrant makeover not just enhanced my hairstyle but also make me look pretty *(blush, blush)*. And going by the appreciation and lovely compliments I have received post the makeover, I know my family and friends too think the same! I am glad I opted for Lakme's #HairIsFashion makeover for now my peppy hair is not just a fashion statement, it is also my best fashion accessory too! What do you say!

Lakme's Show Stopping Hair Collection has something for everyone, and I am sure by now you too would be tempted to go for a hair makeover! And if a hair makeover is indeed on your mind now, then stay tuned, for there's a giveaway happening on this blog! And guess what the giveaway is - A HAIR MAKEOVER! Yes, you read that right! A hair makeover sponsored by Lakme is coming your way! Stay tuned for the next post! :) 

Starting on a New Journey

Every time I come across housing.com's advertisement video it strikes a chord in my heart - it is peppy and exudes positivity, and to top it all, the the core product placement is not very in-your-face. The video of course talks about housing but in a subtle manner, for the focus is more on looking up, feeling positive and leaving the old and mundane and energy draining inanities behind and starting afresh.  The video also makes me reminiscence about the time, when I too was stuck in the 9 to 5 rut, desperate looking for an escape route and yet clueless about where the exit gate was. Of course eventually I did find a way out and that in itself is a story that keeps motivating me time and again. But before I go into flashback mode, check out this video and I am sure it's catchy tune would l pep up you too!

A fun one to watch, isn't it? Okay, so getting into flashback mode, here's the story of how I said 'enough is enough' and decided to start on a new journey. I left my cushy job for it was draining my mentally and physically and instead set out to follow my passion - travelling. My mind for long had been craving peace and solitude, and yes, something new too. Something that could keep me creatively and positively engaged. The drudgery of working at a 24/7 news channel had drained me of all my enthusiasm, novelty of a job in broadcast journalism had worn out and with every passing day I was realising that my little left sanity would soon wear off. Here I ask you - for how long can one keep the façade on? Pretend all's hunky dory in life? What if you decide that you you do not want to toe anyone's line? What happens when you are left continuously pondering about the meaning and purpose of life? A life caught in a monotonous routine, where one's nothing but just another cog in the wheel. These were the thoughts that were constantly bogging me down, making me desperate for the mountains, for that's where I wanted to be.

My chance to hit the highway for the mountains came in the way of a rejected visa. Bizarre, you would say, since generally visa rejections angers people, seeing their best laid out 'foreign trip' plan going astray. But my rejection letter appeared to me as a blessing in disguise. It was as if instead of heading for London, the Gods wanted me to stay in India and travel to the mountains and fulfil my dream of travelling on my own.  And that's precisely what I did! I said I quit! There were people, right from family to colleagues who thought it was a foolhardy decision and the idea to quit job to just travel was my passing fancy but something inside me kept giving me the energy and assurance to stay put.  No doubt it was a big leap of faith but deep within I had this feeling that I will do just fine. And a couple of years down the line now, I am happy to note that things have been quite okay. There have been occasional hiccups but nothing that could cause a roadblock. The journey is on, and I am happy that I started on this new journey and picked a new life for myself. I am glad I took this road. :)

The hardest part of starting a new journey is taking a leap of faith right at the beginning.

Photo courtesy: paulspatterson.com

FreeNet: Empowerment through Free Internet Connectivity

In the recent Delhi elections, besides the promises of free electricity and water, a certain political party's stand on 'free WiFi' played a significant role in its overwhelming win. It's another matter that people later found out that there were so many 'terms and conditions' attached to the free WiFi clause that the term free was reduced to a joke that was not funny at all.

Joke or no joke, the fact remains that after roti, kapda, makan, bijli and paani, internet now figures as one of the basic necessities of life. And why not, internet today is the most convenient tool to connect with the world - be it in terms of information exchange, gaining new knowledge, entertainment, socialising or shopping. And we all know that expensive internet data plans are a big deterrent in our yearning to always stay connected. A large chunk of the society cannot afford internet and thus cannot access the information that is available online, and this information deprivation, in turns affects the society and economy at large.

Acknowledging the importance and need of internet access to all in the developing countries, Facebook has collaborated with several mobile phone companies to bring affordable internet access for people around the world. This initiative, launched as the internet.org, is working at making internet connectivity feasible in areas where there is less or no internet penetration. In India, this internet revolution is being facilitated in partnership with Reliance communications.

In India, with internet.org, Facebook and Reliance have come together to provide a host of free services/websites to Reliance customers. Initially the FreeNet service is available to Reliance customers in 6 circles - Gujarat, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu/Chennai. The Reliance Prepaid (GSM/CDMA) and Postpaid GSM customers are not required to buy any special pack to use the FreeNet service. The internet.org app is available for download on android smartphones too. And here's a list of free websites and services available on internet.org - 

Category	Free Service
Communication	Facebook
Information	Manorama
Education	Jagran Josh
Entertainment	ESPN cricinfo
Entertainment	NDTV
Entertainment	Astrology
Finance	BabaJob
Finance	OLX
Finance	Reuters Market Lite
Finance	TimesJobs
Government	AP Speaks
Health	Malaria No More
Health	Facts for Life (Unicef)
Health	Social Blood
Information	Bing Search (Microsoft)
Information	Aaj Tak
Information	AccuWeather
Information	Amar Ujala
Information	BBC News
Information	IBN Live
Information	Daily Bhaskar
Information	Cleartrip
Information	Dictionary.com
Information	Jagran
Information	Maalai Malar
Information	Maharasta Times
Information	Newshunt
Information	India Today
Information	Times of India
Information	Translator
Information	wikiHow
Information	Wikipedia
Information	Reliance: 'Basics of Internet'
Women	BabyCenter & MAMA
Women	Nike Foundation (Girl Effect)
Women	UN Women (iLearn)
Entertainment	Hungama Music
Entertainment	Network 18

The websites and services offered through the FreeNet are a balanced bunch, ranging from news and other information to entertainment to eCommerce portals. For news, besides Hindi and English, there are websites catering to vernacular readers too. The FreeNet hamper also includes websites with focus on health news, weather updates and women empowerment.

Internet.org: Empowering the common man

With free access to so many useful websites, internet.org has revolutionised the concept of internet. And it's all accessible to EVERYONE. All you need is a Reliance connection. With FreeNet, internet.org is indeed empowering the common man.

1. FreeNet will provide users with information on the go, for free. If you have are on a Reliance network, you do not have to worry about expensive internet packs.
2. From latest news stories to health information to social media - FreeNet has a bundle of thoughtfully curated websites, suiting everyone's requirement.
3. The initiative gives the less privileged, particularly in the rural areas, an opportunity to connect, communicate and learn. For free.
4.  With the rapidly increasing number of mobile users in India, FreeNet will help in internet penetration in the interiors, thus enabling new users to access new knowledge, share their skills and in general benefit from the information available online.
5. As of now, the FreeNet service offers websites in 7 languages - English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati and Marathi - making it easier for more people to benefit from the service.

Indeed internet.or is a great initiative to make the perks of internet accessible to all and bridge the digital divide between cities and rural India. With the advent of FreeNet we can now look forward to internet revolution - with more people connected online and benefiting from the world wide web. The FreeNet service is at a nascent stage right now, but from the look of it one can be assured that in the coming times, more states are going to come under this service network.