Tuesday, 14 April 2015

Redefine Your Smart Phone Experience With ASUS Zenfone 2


Can anyone in today's world live without gadgets? No. I can't. We need them for so many activities - clicking pictures, Insagram-ing, Facebook-ing, searching something on Google, checking mails, listening music, WhatsApp, Tweet-ing, reading e-books, and so on and so forth! I have my to do list in my cell phone. I constantly go through it many times a day!

But the market nowadays is full of smart phones. We are concerned whether which one we should go for, which to skip. I do not like carrying my phone charger with me where ever I go. I see people carrying the charger and always struggling to find a charging point as their phone battery drains and is almost dead even on little usage.

Choosing the really 'smart' smartphone is a headache these days. The most promising brand recently is Asus Zenfone, it promises the most efficient phones in the near future.

5 reasons why I feel the ASUS Zenfone 2 can redefine the smartphone experience ~

1. Beefy 4GB RAM
Asus Zenfone 2 is the world's first 4GB RAM phone and it is launching in India on April 23. Amazing, isn't it? Really looking forward to try my hand on it. I'm sure the experience will be out of the world. Three times faster for gaming applications, no lags, imagine! Expandable memory upto 64GB is an added feature!

2. 13-megapixel PixelMaster camera
Bigger, brighter and way beautiful pictures - Can you imagine? 13 MP? This phone already makes me excited! See more than everyone else in the pictures captured by this phone with zero shutter lag! The phone supports a low light mode which uses pixel-merging technology that captures up to 400% brighter photos at night without the need for a flash in low light! Truly redefining the definition of 'smartphones', I would say!

3. Fast Charging Battery
This phone has the quickest charging battery - 60 percent capacity in only 39 minutes. Such reduced charging time! Spectacular it is! No more carrying charger everywhere!

4. Sleek Looks - Worth Flaunting
Accompanied with brushed-metal finish and concentric-circle detailing, this sleek phone is going to be worth flaunting. A 5.5-inch Full HD IPS+ screen running on the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop OS powered by 64-bit class based 2.3GHz Intel Atom processor Z3580. Dreamy? Isn't it?!

5. ZenMotion
ZenMotion is a collection of intuitive touch gestures that provide a new way of interacting with ZenUI, thus allowing quick access to frequently-used features such as One Hand mode or Do It Later.

This phone is surely going to be a luxury. Awaiting its launch and hoping to spend some more time with this awesomely crafted gadget! The specifications of this gadget truly promise a redefining smartphone experience. Looking forward to it, Asus!

This topic is about ASUS India
Click here:  http://www.asus.com/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/

Thursday, 9 April 2015

Maybe, This Is The Last Time

While doing something has it ever happened that you feel, "Maybe this is the last time I'm doing it?"

The last time you met your friend? Maybe can be really THE LAST TIME!

It can be the last time -

When you said, "I Love You" to someone you love.

When you made love to the person you love. Ever thought while doing, that it may be the last time?

When fighting with a loved one, have you thought that 'Maybe this is the last time, I am getting to talk to him/her. Lets end the fight and be good.'?

When you told your parents that you love them and that they are the best?

When you went for a movie with a loved one?

When you gave someone a hug?

When you clicked a selfie with your friends?

Life is too small for hatred or bad vibes. Embrace positivity.

Life is unpredictable, highly!

Be good at what you do, take chances, risks are what life is all about.

Do something as if it is your last time, put in your best - in loving someone, in helping others, because you never know, it might be the last time you're doing it.

This should not be taken as a de-motivating piece of writing, but an eye opener to all things we waste time over and ignore the important ones.

Maybe today is indeed the last day of your life. Live it like one. You will never be sad about petty things.


Tips To Buy A Perfume For Everyday Use

We all love perfumes and try out a variety of them. But do all suit us? No.

Finding the best fragrance is always a difficult task. The right perfume can define your personality. So we should choose it wisely.

A perfume is a very personal thing, remember. Knowing your smell, perfumes can remind someone of you, make an impression, etc. Choose a sophisticated perfume that doesn't smell cheap and smells amazing on you.

Honestly, I would prefer a musk base perfume, sensual and not too overpowering, that makes me feel zingy every day.

Here are a few tips on how to buy that 'perfect' perfume for everyday wear.

1. Look out for authentic brands that sells good quality products. Because a wrong perfume can damage your skin too, causing skin reactions and scars because of harsh chemicals.

2. Compare products. Filter your choices by brand, color and price range. Compare the smell, and most importantly, see the contents of it.

3. Don't get influenced by another person using it, because it may so happen that it can smell totally different on you.

4. Try samples before purchase and pick a long lasting perfume - the one which is low on evaporation.

5. Pick the one that makes you feel fresh on applying it!

6. Sometimes, branded ones can ditch too! Concentrate on the 'fragrance' and not the tag!

7. Do your homework and explore more!

8. Choose according to your age, season and occasion.

9. For everyday use - pick - soft, refreshing, subtle citrus blends, musk based.

10.Choose the exact type according to concentration and lasting power. Remember the basic 4 types - Oriental, Woody, Floral and dry woods.

Note 1: The common concentrations of perfume are Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette.

Note 2: An Eau de Parfum has more extract than an Eau de Toilette, so an EDP is stronger and last longer. Eau de Parfums are generally more expensive than Eau de Toilettes, since they have higher concentrations of perfume and less alcohol. Preferably these are used on occasions.

"A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting", said Christian Dior.
Happy shopping!

Thursday, 2 April 2015

Dil Ki Deal (Story 2)

It was my bae's birthday! The first birthday since we were together! I wanted to make it special. I didn't want to gift him something materialistic that he will use and throw away. I wanted my gift to linger around him so that he always remembers me.

After spending 9 months with him, I knew of his likes and dislikes.

This time I followed my heart. I wanted to make him feel ultra special and I wanted to do so not just by gifts/gestures but by words too. I took the plunge and what followed was MAGIC! He was extremely elated to see what I made for him!

Heart’s callings lead you to a right path. Listening to your heart helps in decision making. I decided to surprise him with little notes from time to time on the D day.  Also a final letter at the end of the day. I made a cardboard box, cut colorful chits and on each one started writing.

On the chits I wrote small messages like ~

"I love personalized gifts. You are very dear to me, hence I invested time for you in preparing this. You are my happiness, a very special blessing God has given to me. I’m so excited about spending my whole life with you; spending each special day with all the love in our hearts. I love you so much and will always love until forever. That's a promise that I’ll surely keep forever in my heart. "

"When in love, the world seems like the most beautiful place ever and everything feels brand new.  Looking at things now, I am glad to say that it was one of the best decisions of my life to have chosen you, for you bring so much joy into my life. I know now that I would never want to part ways with you or ever let you go."

"There are a million ways to tell you that I love you, but it would never suffice for, a love like ours cannot be expressed easily. I love the way you have integrated yourself so effortlessly in my life, it is no longer I or me, I know now that it will forever be "we". I cannot imagine a better way to have spent my days than with you. I get the taste of heaven when with you. You have exposed me to finer things in life. Thanks for that! I thank your mom for giving me 'you'."

"We both know that life is not always fair. We know that there will come a time when we have to face trials in our relationship, but we will overcome because our love will see us through. My destiny is in you."

"This one's a bit cheesy. But want to see you blush! No one in this world has tasted nectar, except me.  Your kisses are my nectar! *winks*"

And immediately I saw him looking at me with a sly smile! How good it is to be in love and predict their future actions because you know them too well!

"I wanted to tell you that wherever I am, whatever happens, I’ll always think of you, and the time we spent together, as my happiest time. I’d do it all over again, if I had the choice. No regrets! When you're weak and I comfort you, I want to know every shiver of your body. I can deal with your dark sides and what troubles you."

"It is a delight to spend time with you. You are my extended family, a part of me. I wouldn't trade you for anything in this world. I would be lost without you."

"After marriage, I would want to get home ASAP to see my husband! A little piece of my heart is always missing when you are not around. I am madly in love with you. Life is the choices we make -  you are a gem, the most beautiful soul; you are my smile. you immortalize me. I don't have words to tell you how much I adore you. You're my home. "

He was smiling throughout! I felt so content in that moment.

In the letter I wrote:

"I want to melt on the floor until I become nothing more than a puddle at your feet. :* Did I tell you this? Yes I crave. I crave for a little more time with you. I wish a little more.. Of appreciating you, a little more of hugging you, a little more of everything little between us. I really wish I get more time with you to tell you how nice that crooked smile looks on your face after you see me after waiting for hours.

How I wish I could put up in words how I want to run to you when you wait for me, give you a warm hug and a kiss, right in the middle of the road. How I wish.. To tell you how awesome as a girl it feels to have a man waiting for you for hours. I don't think any girl is so blessed as I am. Touchwood. I love and respect every little or big thing you do for me. How I wish, it was easy to understand all that was unspoken by me. But sometimes words matter. I know you wait anxiously for words of appreciation and love from me. I know. I can see your eager eyes. I understand all. This little note to let you know you're my Kohinoor and will always be. No one can ever replace that love for you. I Love you and I will cherish that love forever.

I’m so blessed that I have you in my life- my husband, lover, best friend and mentor. What more can I ask? I’m flooded with your love and blown away with your caress. You have all of me. I’m forever yours. Together we will finish this life and look forward to eternity together. Thank you for being a constant support system. Stay happy, always.”

His eyes filled with tears. He felt really special after reading it all. 

When I handed over the colorful box to him and the perfume, his eyes first fell on the colorful box of chits. With that you can gauge how much personalized gifts are valued over anything materialistic! It was a perfect Dil Ki Deal!

Till today he treasures it and has read them almost zillion times. That makes me feel lucky to have him and you know what? 

Follow your heart, it makes you do wonders. This was my Dil Ki Deal – the best till date!

I am participating in the #DilKiDealOnSnapdeal activity at BlogAdda in association with SnapDeal.

Dil Ki Deal (Story 1)

*Prize Winning Entry in Snapdeal’s #DilKiDealOnSnapdeal activity*
It was my parents’ 25th marriage anniversary. I have always gifted them cards from Archies or something like that in the past. But this time I followed my heart. I wanted to make my parents feel ultra special and I wanted to do so not just by gifts/gestures but by words too. I took the plunge and what followed was MAGIC!

I collected all our old albums right from their marriage to our childhood, also our till date family outings!

Heart’s callings lead you to a right path. Always listen to what your heart says; it greatly helps in decision making.

This time gifts were not on priority though I bought an Allen Solly wallet for daddy and a favorite lipstick shade for mommy – all from my first salary. And guess what! Snapdeal delivered both well in time.

Going through all the albums was a spectacular feeling. So soothing, indeed no love greater than family!

I started collecting the ‘best among the rest’ photographs. I decided to make a scrapbook – a kind of timeline.

I started wrapping up the scrap book with a gift paper. On it I wrote, ‘To the world’s best parents!’

I opened the first page – I started penning ~

“Memories are like threads of gold, they never grow old, just get dearer as time flies!”

“10th February – the day fate brought you two together : The day dad blushed and mom looked the prettiest - A historic date!”


Image Source: Personal 

Along with my words, I stuck some pictures of their marriage ceremony. I love personalized gifts.

You can know how much I treasure you, by the kind of gifts I give you. If it is a personalized one, you are very dear to me. Believe you me! Because that implies: I put in efforts and I invest time for you, rather than buying a monetary gift.

The next pages I dedicated to the awesome upbringing and childhood my parents gave me. When I look at the pictures captured of myself and my sibling, I realize how candidly those poses have been captured by my father. As if he was always there to see us being naughty, happy. Nowadays, I see so many parents happily ignoring the childhood of their child and neglecting their little activities.  


Image Source: Personal

I wrote, “I can always trust you both for my life and its decisions. Thanks for being a marvelous support system always!”

Next page, I wrote the lyrics in Hindi – a famous song from Hum Saath Saath Hai – “Yeh Toh Sach Hai ke Bhagwan Hai”. Okay! Now don’t blame me – I know I’m filmy. (grins)


Image Source: Personal

I also advised them something! (winks) ~

“For all the times you have fought and made up, makes me realize the fact that two people need not be alike to love alike! After all, making up is the best part of fighting.”

“Thank you for giving us all we ever needed even before we mentioned it to you! You both have been like ‘balancing poles’. Stay happy, always.”

I finally thanked –

DAD – Symbol of positive thinking, Mentor, Advisor

MOM- Multi-tasker, Companion, Friend

I ended with a little prayer, “It is my heartiest prayer to Allah that he maintains his holy hands on the well being of my family. I worship my parents.”


Image Source: Personal

When I handed over the scrapbook and gifts, they first saw the scrapbook. With that you can gauge how much personalized gifts are valued rather than materialistic ones!

They loved it and blessed me. Till today, they treasure it like the book is a chest of gems! They see it often when they are tired, they say it refreshes them. They still praise me for a unique gift I made for them, despite being busy. There is no joy greater than keeping your parents happy!

Follow your heart, it makes you do wonders. This was my Dil Ki Deal – the best till date! I pleased my parents and made them super happy! Follow your dil for the best deal, I say! Create MAGIC!

P.S: I am participating in the #DilKiDealOnSnapdeal activity at BlogAdda in association with SnapDeal


Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Book Review #36 ~ Shamsuddin's Grave: The Story of a Homeless

Paperback: 282 pages
Publisher: Partridge India
Language: English
Genre: Contemporary Fiction


Blurb: Latika's wrecked personal front leaves her completely shattered. So when her ailing father reveals his desire to go back home, she doesn't think twice and moves to her hometown. She joins an NGO and comes across a teenager rape victim. Much against her TL, Debjyoti's wish she sets out to trace the girl with Shamsuddin's help. Will she succeed or end up in big trouble? Shamsuddin, a daily labourer, somehow manages to thrive in the city. Meanwhile, flood devastates his house in the village. His family takes refuge in a relative's place where his wife has a tough time resisting to the advances of her brother-in-law. Can Shamsuddin arrange for an accommodation before it is too late? Set in Guwahati amid the backdrop of flood and ethnic turmoil, "Shamsuddin's Grave", is the story of migration towards big cities for a better life.

****************

Author says: “Acceptance is something that we all yearn for but what if you are not accepted? Will you prove yourself or let the time decide? This is a tale beyond love, betrayal, hope, struggle and self discovery of two people. We all at some point move out to bigger cities for new opportunities with big dreams. Some of us succeed in achieving it too. But are all of us that lucky??”

The author chose Guwahati as it happens to be her home town. This story is presented through two people – Latika, an NGO activist and Shamsuddin, a daily labourer. Two people, two different worlds - amid the backdrop of natural calamity and ethnic violence.

This book is an exercise in self-analysis with the narrative. A sad book that builds a real world, ranging from true friendship, loneliness, misery, abandonment, mistakes in life that can lead to despair and much more.

The captivating sequence of events in a contemporary urban backdrop makes up for an extremely gripping read. The characters are translucently carved. Narrative is short and polished, both sad and cheerful wherever required. This is a beautiful novel in regards to characters, feelings and deals with harsh realities.

An entertaining storyline makes this book a poignant piece of creative writing. The book can be read with ease and the language is pretty simple and clear.

All in all, it is a well structured book which touches the reader and teaches many things. A breezy read as the story flows and keeps you hooked.

The last pages keep you glued as you are curious in wanting to understand the implications of the dark and the mysterious plot.

This book is a classic. Believe you me! A must buy. Totally recommended! Go for it!

Author: Paromita Goswami is an Indian based freelance writer and blogger. She also writes for many travel magazines. She is born in Shillong and spent her growing years in the Northeast before moving to Delhi. "Shamsuddin's Grave" is her debut novel. 

P.S: The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve.

Book Review #35 ~ Arjun: Without A Doubt


Title: Arjun Without A Doubt
Publication: Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd
Pages: 306
Price: 145
Author: Dr. Sweety Shinde

Arjun: Without A Doubt tells the story of Epic Mahabharata from Arjun and Draupadi’s standpoint. I loved how the author has glorified Arjun through Draupadi's eyes and vice versa.

Mahabharatha is a book of true love and relationships. Arjun is pretty much what we expect him to be: a champion warrior. The language of this book is easy. The language brings alive the emotions of the characters. 

The bond between Draupadi and Abhimanyu has been captured beautifully.

Few lines from the book are worth finding place in your personal diary/collection.

Sweety manages to retell the happenings of Mahabharata with great ease. 

I lost track at a couple of places. Sometimes I had to re-read two or three paragraphs to understand better.

The author has done a good job capturing his emotions in the story.  If you’re a Mahabharata fan, I would highly recommend you read this book. 

First look at the title reveals a lot about what the book is going to be in a very short spell. The blurb talks about three people from Mahabharata and their point of views which are to be detailed in the story. It's a precise blurb which never shifts out of focus and nags the reader to go for the book. 

The story embarks on a journey which might change the entire landscape and the ongoing tussle of how to look up to Arjun after his glorified and mystified tales. The Krishna & Arjun chemistry and above it all the Arjun & Draupadi relationship sheds ample light on what happened back then and why it happened altogether?

The downside of the book is its familiar notions coming into play. Once the book settles down and tries to uncover the entire mystery behind the saga and small crucial elements, it tends to tread on the paths of well known events and occurrences which numerous people have gone through again and again.

The book is a source to enlighten and refresh the minds. It's not a sparking revelation but a fine tuned version of the epic. 

The book is written in such a manner, that it gets you to think deeper about your now favourite story Mahabharata, and makes you to see the book in a whole different way with how she extracts bits and pieces from the lesser known versions of the story.

My favourite scenes are when Krishna imparts his wisdom to the duo, and when Draupadi and Arjun finally unite after 8 years. It really makes you feel their sorrows, joy, anger and frustration.

Dr Sweety Shinde doesn’t fail in her promises to make this classic retelling of the epic saga of Draupadi and Arjun an amazing one so she does deliver well on her promise.

The story isn’t over dramatised, the characters’ strengths and weaknesses are what they are, even though there were plenty of such opportunities to exaggerate them. And that is the book’s greatest virtue.

The story of Mahabharata has so much depth and so many layers that one can get lost in it.

Dr. Shinde Sweety's 'Arjun - Without a Doubt' reads like an easy-to-read fiction. That is the beauty of this book's narration.

A rare help of Google may be needed if one wants to understand the back story of every single reference.

Arjun -  thought provoking, interesting, highly recommend. Worth a buy!

Ratings : 4.5/5

P.S: This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!