Friends are treasures you will need always to survive!

How many times have you ignored the very impulse to call a friend? You even pick your cell, browse the contact list and then place the phone down thinking why the hell should you make the move to strike a coversation (after a long-long gap). The busy urban life has made you to be occupied with dozens of things which you need to do then and there and many others which are meandering in your head. So altogether, taking out time and making a call seems to be a tough task. Gradually, this so called task turns into an unnecessary act and you slowly start moving away from your good-old acquaintance without any reason (you can say so).

But as always, we have an advice! And that too in bullet points:

What to do:

- Make the call

- Complaints, formalities and grievances can wait

- Start your conversation with a cheering tone

Why should I do that:

- Life is to live (and friends make it better)

- You will always find someone to care about you (families do care, but friends can share your life's ups & downs)

 - There are somethings which only friends understand - only friends.

 - Your friend will never get to know that you miss him/her (or that you are angry), until you make a call. Do that.

- And above all you should not look for a reason to talk to a friend - if you are looking for one, you better get back into your busy life...

- Lastly, life turns beautiful and full of opportunities to have fun, once you have a circle of friends.

 :)) Do let us know if you recently made any such move :))

It takes courage to convince yourself of your decision!

Should I talk with that person? Will my kids love me in this attire? Should I take up this job? Is it safe to do online shopping? bla bla bla. You always have an endless list of doubts, concerns and uncertainty attached to your own decisions. You always seek out for other person’s opinion to boost your own morale. From which shopping mall you should buy your wedding dress to which car should you purchase; every minor to major decision is influenced by other people in your group. It’s fine. You may consider it as a cross-checking practice where you want to feel rest assured. But let’s not make it a habit.

Develop your own personality and decide what to do and what not to, based on your own experiences of life. Others give out suggestions & advices according to their personal familiarity regarding the subject. It may or may not suit you. For example, one fine day I was sitting in front of my computer placing my orders online for groceries. A very old and intimate friend of mine came to visit me and was literally surprised to see me depending on online stores. She laughed at first and said, “Hey why you wanna get your hands into trouble by making purchases online?” The conversation ended with me convincing her of the real facts linked to online commerce world.

But if it had not been me or any other self-assured person, chances are that you turn skeptical upon such comments and convince yourself that shopping online is dangerous.

Analyze the world around, study your own lifestyle, understand the need of the time and then take the most apt decision that suits you. Rest, opinions are always welcome… watsay?

14 Points to know whether or not you are an online shopper!

Internet is a huge world where you may find different people doing different stuffs all at a time. While one may be checking emails, other might be busy browsing important information for official use. A blogger may find reading articles important, but for an economy person, financial transactions form a major part of internet usage. Mostly, it’s the profession that gives you a hint of what the person may be interested in doing over the internet (apart from checking mails & FB - which is addictive, whatever the profession).

So what could be the symptoms of an online shopper??? If the questions seem tough and invigorating, we have the answer for you. Based on the below points, you may be able to decide whether you are a prospective or even a current online shopper…

1.       Check or send e-mail messages

2.       Visit Internet hobby sites

3.       Play games

4.       Read on-line news or magazines

5.       Visit retail merchandise sites

6.       Conduct business-related work

7.       Look at financial information

8.       Find & view images

9.       Search for or download software

10.   Chat on-line

11.   Visit auction sites

12.   Look for tickets or reservations

13.   Visit message news-groups

14.   Look for job opportunities

  If you find yourself doing at least 4 out of these 14 points, you are sure to shop online sooner or later… And do tell us if you are already one! J

Confessions of an Online Shopper...

I am a great housewife… this is what my husband makes me feel and what I usually get to hear from peers and colleagues. I work in a software company where working is worship. And similarly back at home, ‘office work’ is a sin – a thought set by myself. I don’t want my two little kids to crib about me sitting in front of the laptop instead of having them in my laps. ;) Neither do I want my hubby to complain about late dinners nor insufficient attention that I give him once we are together.

But there’s one thing that’s completely unavoidable and eats up most of my leisure time with my family – “Buying Groceries & household items”. It’s a frustrating task to set out for shopping all tired and exhausted after a long day at office. During weekends, I prefer lazing around or preparing delicious recipes for my family instead of having me lost amongst grocery stores.

So I have now-a-days switched to shopping online! I confess that I am addicted to it. But I don’t let that addiction reach my homeJ. Be at office or during weekends I just spare out 20 mins (in total) to simply place my orders online and then I am free! I get the items delivered within 48 hours and that’s when I pay for my bill (Cash-on-Delivery Convenience). Not many women are aware of the ease of shopping online. All they can think about is mobiles, books or electronic items… but not groceries. So when I find myself buying groceries too via web, it boosts my confidence of being a perfect house-maker & a pakka professional while I am at office, where I keep spreading this positive aura that surrounds me always.

If you too ever had your share of perfect home-office balance experience...do share it with me… I would love to hear about it!

Rewriting the Retail Saga

Government has finally opened the doors for retail revolution in India. With the clearance of 51% FDI in Multi Brand Stores (like WalMart) and 100% in Single-Brand, people can expect some real change in retail scene. Competition from International brands is bound to change or rather redefine the way retail chains are run in India. So can consumer expect some royal treatment now? Yes, very much. With the increase in number of retailers along with infusion of internationally proven practices in retail, consumers are bound to reap the benefit.

Will this facility also translate to online world catering to daily household or grocery needs…as there are very few quality online retailers like MyGrahak. Providing much needed facilities like free home delivery or cash on delivery for grocery and household needs, online stores are getting popular day by day as consumer need not to spend his time and efforts in routine grocery shopping.

So what do you think will be your choice when it’s for shopping for grocery? Ease of online or exhausting huge retail stores? 

What is this ‘Kolaveri Di’? Unfolding the mystery for u!

So guys and girls, you must have heard of this word enough. And we don’t want to further add to your curiosity of why exactly this song has become viral. Instead we would like to wrap up the entire thing by jotting down for you few good reasons explaining why you are urged to watch the video and hear it from your friends again and again. From Facebook, YouTube to eminent Bloggers; all have made “Kolaveri di” their pull-element. Let’s peep deep into how a simple video with such gibberish (seemingly English) wordings made its way into the web world, so much so that, this blog on urbanity has chosen it as its subject today.

First of all what does the word ‘Kolaveri’ mean? Let us help you out with its literal translation (in case you haven’t browsed for it yet). Kolaveri = Kolai + Veri. Kolai means “murder” and veri means “the urge” to do it. So it gets translated to - “anger that amounts a person to kill someone”.

Now that the meaning is clear in your head, let’s move on to other factors making it a famous sought-after watch. First – the wordings are simple, where English words mingle aesthetically with south Indian accent, adding to the interest. From moon to cow to eyes of a girl, they have chosen random things to explain how sad a boy is feeling after having his heart broken from a girl who seem to have no regrets over her decision. Sad!

Now the second aspect – It’s a song recorded for an upcoming Tamil movie (as the web says). The singer (in the video) is actually a Tamil actor, Dhanush, who also stars in the movie. Out of the two girls shown in the video, one is actor Kamal Hassan’s daughter & the other is actor Rajnikanth’s daughter. We guess you don’t need any more reasons to unfold the mystery behind ‘Kolaveri Di’ going viral.

Whatever it is, our purpose was just to ensure that our readers remain enlightened with everything going around the web world. The facts presented above are researched ones but not assured ones. So you can at any point of time, come back and correct us! J

Besides, let us know your views on this song.

Woo them with not looks but your attitude!

This post is inspired by a call…a panic call made by one of my friend. There’s a reception tomorrow and she has no idea whether she will look good or not. Preparations are full-on – from an expensive attire to ornaments picked after 2-3 rounds to the market, she has got everything done priorly, unlike many of us. But then why this doubt? A party is all about celebrating an occasion. You are going there not because you have been asked to present yourself in your best ever look, but instead to mingle with people, chat with college buddies, enjoy the arrangements made just for you – as you are ‘the guest’! 

Be at cool and be at your self when getting ready for revelry. Enjoy every bit of it instead of spoiling your mood by letting your heart sink into unreasonable tensions. You look best when you smile. And this mantra never fails. And as far as looks are concerned, make-ups are not mandatory procedure that one should unavoidably go through…it’s meant for those, who are meant for it. If you know what I mean. Just relax as its going to be your best evening with your friends. 

Looks can kill someone for sure, but your genuineness in attitude can murder all at a go! ;) Watsay?

You are what you eat

So, how many times have you been able to resist eating junk food outside? Not many times we guess. It’s a proven fact that no matter for what you have stepped out, eating road-side food becomes a part of it invariably. To solve the issue, many have tried to keep their stomach full before going for a day out. But still, we don’t think that works in all its effectiveness. So are you looking for a solution over here? Well, there are many things we can do to avoid it. There are some people, who keep fruits in their bags to have those healthy bites, whenever they feel the urge to plunge on the junk stuff. 

Once in a while is never an issue, as it’s mandatory that your body gets accustomed to every form of diet – from oily to masaledaar cooking.  But regular eating can be a disaster. Another solution or you can say savior to this ‘cannot-resist’ problem is to realize that tastes doesn’t last for too long, but illness does. So a bit of self-control and a provoking thought can do wonders for you. Try it out and let us know how far you were able to achieve the “eat-healthy” mission!

Quality time with family = True Life!

Today everyone seems to be in a rush… directionless & aimless. Where does this rush lead you to, what are you rushing for is a question for which no one stops for a moments to think of an answer. But when insisted, the answer that comes is a usual one - to give better life to the family, to make them live happily, to earn success and name and what not. But least genuineness is felt in the response as the purpose never seems to get resolved.   

Well, have we ever wondered that how our families need our presence? Though it’s for them that we work and rush but at the end of the day we don’t even get the time and space to interact with them. Spending quality time with family members, sharing happiness and little joys, realizing their individual aspirations and contributing to their life in a meaningful manner is what it takes. But our lifestyle is constantly taking away from the pleasures of being with our family.

There are loads of options of getting close to your family. You simply need to figure it out what works for you and your family together. You will be surprised to see peace and warmth taking upon you instead of tensions and worries. That’s the magic of being with the ones who truly love you.

So, what have you planned for your family this week?

Why wait for weekends to enjoy?

It’s Monday, but we are sure you haven’t yet planned the week for you. Each day passes like a finger snap and when the weekend arrives you have a long ‘to-do’ list waiting for your action. But all you do is say, “Oh God! My weekend is going to get spoiled…” This time, we have a better plan in place.

From shopping that you keep for weekends to the visit to friend’s place that you have decided for and that favorite dish which you promised to prepare on a holiday can all be distributed throughout the 7-day long week.

Ø  Plan for a visit to your friend’s place when you are back from work early – you may simply feel refreshed & joyful… be back to office next day, all recharged!

Ø  Decide on a dish your family demanded for and do the preparations in the morning itself if it requires – why spoil weekdays with simple dishes and wait for weekends for experiencing delight?

Ø  Ask your spouse to plan a shopping trip during late evening hours, where you both can meet up at a common place… why always walk straight to home after those tiring office hours… eating out at your favorite spot can simply leave you feel revived!

Ø  Plan a movie, an evening show may be, by trying to leave early from your work place. Remember, work is a part of your life. So live your life first! ;)

The above chart is just a glimpse of how you can make your entire week delightful and exciting, instead of waiting for those ‘ready-to-flee’ weekends. Just save your weekends for some really relaxing times... Do you agree?

Let go of all those pestering emotions…for a healthy life!

Emotions get suffocated when they are kept within for a long time. Let go off them. Vent your anger, speak out your desires, show off happiness or simply cry out your pain. But do it all before they all start considering your heart as their permanent residence, affecting your basic nature.

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t merely comprise of a healthy diet or a wellness regime. The secret to it sometimes lies within. It takes freeing off certain sentiments time-to-time to avoid creating a complicated hub inside. From regrets that keep you awake in the nights to anger that spoil your moments, living is all about being happy from within…always.

Realize your potential, turn your hobbies into passion, try out new interests, challenge your abilities or simply seek out new destinations… these are some really powerful methods to refresh yourself deeply. And the best one is “to not take life too seriously!”

So what’s your recipe for a healthy life?

Living urban…adopting urbanity!

Urbanity is finding comfort in everything you do. Leaving behind nostalgic decision-making and espousing much-required changes in living style is the need of the time. From a middle-class family to an upper-middle class household, everyone is concerned about nitty-gritty of life – like purchasing monthly groceries, selecting right school for their kids, preparing the best healthy food for the family and what not. You can’t simply escape them and are bound to take up these daily challenges.

So when microwave oven came into existence, many got hold of it as it made their job easier in certain ways, washing machines were a boon for working ladies and several such automated machines soon occupied corners of every other household. But still there was something missing – the nerve to take the big decision. And one such decision was whether to buy online or not. Placing orders online was a scary matter for many and they continued preferring physical stores for their groceries. Happy and contended, they never realized the time consumed by the distance they travelled, money which they spent on unnecessary items, frustration that swept in their hearts while standing in queues and weekends which they spoiled in shopping (not a leisurely one) instead of getting involved in any fun activity.

We suggest you to understand the need-of-the-hour and switch on your computers to know more of how you can make your life even easier and delightful. Just visit mygrahak.com and you will see the word ‘happiness’ sticking to you always!

The BIG Switch… come out of the shell.

Someone said it with a deep thought – “Act like the person you want to be…and in the process you will gradually become the person you aspired for.” It’s such a proven thought that one can’t simply ignore. Having said that, it’s not a simple process at all… It makes you loose the person you really are and brings you out of the comfortable zone you were in till now. This is what we call ‘the BIG switch’. And it is a bumpy road before you accomplish the switch.

So why the switch? Ans: We often develop a set of values around us with which we grew up and a set of traditions and behavior which were all an output of conditions we were surrounded with. But times change and so should you. Unlike past times, today every day is an era…. Drastic transformations in lifestyle happen every now and then. You need to adopt as well as adapt yourself with each such change not just with a ‘let’s try’ attitude but instead with an ‘it’s high-time’ approach.

From trying your hands on latest mobile applications, to letting yourself go of nostalgic physical store shopping, only to switch to online purchasing; everything demands a ‘first-step’. Take it right away!

You are invited…to stay here forever!

Hi everyone out there. This is a formal welcome post to let you know what this blog is all about. What you will get to read will be few bits and pieces picked from you daily life that somewhere connect to your aspiration of getting more urbane day by day. We understand that it’s a gradual process and not a chapter which you can simply flip through overnight. So here we are giving out tips, tricks, strategies and situations getting you closer to your desire of meeting the standards.

There is no definite protocol as such. But if you genuinely need a definition, it would be like this – Getting urbane is all about being yourself at a given moment, yet meeting the expectations of the other in every manner, say visually & verbally, vindicating the current situation that you are in. This may sound tricky, or even worse, confusing for you. But relax; just be here with us and you will find yourself intoxicated with the very idea – getting urbane!