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Sunday, July 28, 2013

Posted On July 28, 2013 by Team iCynosure.

Plan A Trip To Jabal Shams, A Sun Mountain in Oman

There was a time when travelling for work for me was as good as going to work. I will always remember my trip to the Sultanate of Oman for a site visit to an oil rig. It was indeed crazy for a girl to visit a place full of men, with no women in sight. I was thankful when the project essential explorations were over and there was finally some time to just drive around the Jabal Shams, the Sun Mountain ranges.

Plan A Trip To Jabal Shams, A Sun Mountain in Oman

A site engineer's wife accompanied me with her little son. We zoomed through the narrow lanes around the Arabian Peninsula. With every kilometre, we were inching towards the highest peak at the altitude of 3,004 meters above sea level. It was August of 2008 the weather was mild when the numerous slopes and summits made driving such a dream. Every curve we took each versant we crossed, lead us to yet another finally closing into the mountain peak.

Plan A Trip To Jabal Shams, A Sun Mountain in Oman

Our local guide Allahudda was such a great person, introducing us to the roads, the peak, the sun rays and the almighty. We stopped driving at numerous places to enjoy the scenic beauty and also take those memorable pictures. Though Allahudda was shy, he was an expert at handling the camera and the pictures he took were astonishingly real.

Plan A Trip To Jabal Shams, A Sun Mountain in Oman

En-route to the peak, he insisted we stop at a place where three valleys merged to invite a spring water body. The locals believe that the place is a blessed place. The water is considered holy and when we sipped on a palm-full, it tasted beautifully sweet.

Plan A Trip To Jabal Shams, A Sun Mountain in Oman

The other side of the stream is believed to be a place that directly opens into the jannat (heaven) and one should stand there with open arms and pray.

Plan A Trip To Jabal Shams, A Sun Mountain in Oman

At the peak, there was a viewing deck called the 'Nakhr Balcony'. The balcony is the most heavenly place I have ever visited. A deep ravine in the heart of the mountain ranges opens into chiselled rock forms sculpted by erosion. A private personal heaven touched by the sun.

As we had started early in the evening we could witness the sunset from the viewing area. I was completely mesmerised by what I saw.  Tiny gold dust shimmered in the air, a wave of comforting breeze falling onto the gigantic mountain like a soft quilt and the calmness in the air setting the heartbeats in tune. 

Jabal Shams, a sure must visit place that is the first to greet sunlight at dawn and the last to say farewell to the sunset at dusk.

Until, more #iCynosureTravels, 
~ Heena

Monday, July 22, 2013

Posted On July 22, 2013 by Team iCynosure.

Foot Care Tips for Happy Feet

The season of high spirits, greenery and ecstasy has arrived. Monsoon is typically characterized as wet, humid and sticky climate which is also the breeding ground for fungal, bacteria and other feet diseases. To make things worse, we tend to wear the same dirty shoes throughout the day and bring back smelly and unclean feet home. 

Unfortunately, foot care takes a back seat when compared to our other beauty treatments, except pedicures. The most strained and worked out part of the body – the feet, gets little to practically no care or attention.

Read through some tips to keep your feet clean and hygienic during this torrential downpour.
  • Wash your feet with antiseptic water to keep your feet clear of any infections. Use natural disinfectants like soda and vinegar in a tub of warm water for bacteria-free feet.
  • Do not scrub your feet during the monsoon, as it will lead to sensitive skin which shall be prone to infections. Cleaning and keeping them dry is enough.
  • Mix half part lemon with half part water and apply this mixture to your feet with cotton. This helps remove odour and also tightens the skin.
  • Pay careful attention to the spaces between your toes as these spaces are most prone to fungal infections. Sprinkle talcum powder in between these spaces after cleaning and drying them.
  • Trim your toe-nails and push back the cuticles. Moisturize your feet with petroleum jelly generously every night before bedtime to get rid of the dead skin.
  • Avoid tight-fitting closed footwear like boots and shoes as they retain water and make then sodden. Opt for slippers or sandals instead.
  • Keep a spare pair of footwear in your workplace/college etc. You can then change your wet footwear with dry ones when you reach your workplace/office.
  • Always wear clean and dry cotton socks and keep a spare pair in your handbag/bag so you can change them when you need to.
  • Consult your family physician in case of infections, don't neglect warts or lesions on feet.
Hope you liked the tips on foot care. Happy feet! Happy monsoon!
~ Heena

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Posted On July 11, 2013 by Team iCynosure.

Photoshoot With My Princess

After a lot of rescheduling and reaching a point of cancelling the whole idea, due to our respective hectic schedules, we finally made it on none other than Father's Day this year for a long overdue photo shoot with renowned photographer Mani Hora.

A beaming me debated what to wear... finally settling on a Zara bottom and a PDP shirt-top. Princess was dressed in her trademark Gini & Jony shorts and tee...and hubby was all set for the rains in a Tommy Hilfiger  jeans and Blackberry shirt.

Mani such a lovely guy....cool composed and totally into his love - photography.

We drove around Lokhandwala amidst pouring rain scouting for a good location. The area is gorgeous especially the back road which is usually very quiet and there are some really good spots... a low bridge, a garden, a long stretch of road overlooking a canal, and much more… We started off with a few test shots against a construction site when it started pouring cats and dogs. Loads of people too were out enjoying the romantic weather and that too posed a problem as we weren't getting clear pictures. We are hopeful but the rain continued to play spoilsport.  

After a while, we threw caution to the wind.... read rain and posed just about everywhere and anywhere.

We stopped and clicked a few pictures, then rushed back into the car. Even in the most chaotic situation, we had such an awesome time. Mani had his inputs and we had ours, we experimented with both.  

Such a crazy day filled with love, love and more love - just as the saying goes, 'HEAVEN ON EARTH'.

The pictures speak for themselves.

Photoshoot With My Princess
Photoshoot With My Princess

At one point a couple of people came over and requested us for autographs.

Want to feel like a star? Contact Mani for a lifestyle shoot on his Facebook Page HERE. Or visit his Photography page to see his work HERE.

Until soon, keep visiting,
~ Heena

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Posted On July 02, 2013 by Team iCynosure.

The arrival of numerous corporates in the consumer electronics retail sector is a boon for the Indian consumers. Comparing rates, availing offers, EMI payment options and host of other benefits have motivated the consumer to do what was almost unheard of a decade ago. Shop till they drop!

My Experience At The Reliance Digital Store

Corporates have diversified into the consumer electronics retail sector over the last few years, with Reliance being the youngest player to launch Reliance Digital in 2009. With 13 stores in Mumbai and over a 100 all over India, it has marked its presence in the sector. Recently on the occasion of a new store opening in Thane Mr. Brian Bade, CEO - Reliance Digital, emphasized on continuous efforts to strengthen the presence to reach as many consumers as possible. With the trustworthy 'Reliance' backing Reliance Digital has now become a household name and the brand recall value is what most companies would like to achieve.

When Reliance Digital called to offer their Store Experience, I was extremely excited. Opting for a store closer to home, I headed to Growels 101 Mall on June 29th with a lot of expectations.

As soon as I entered the store I was welcomed with a 'May I Help You' by one of the representatives. On mentioning that I was there for the Indiblogger-Reliance Experience Program, I was directed to the Store Manager who introduced me to Shivanshu Pandey, designated to take me through the experience.

Shivanshu went into detail about various brands both national and international available at Reliance Digital. Over the next hour, I realised Reliance Digital has the largest spread of products across major categories at various price points that offer the consumer a huge choice in brand, quality and pricing.

My Experience At The Reliance Digital Store

He explained how Reliance Digital is a one-stop shop for all technology solutions where products are categorised into:
Home & Kitchen Appliances - Washing Machine, Refrigerator, Air Conditioner, and small appliances.
Consumer Electronics - Television, Home Theatre System,  Gaming Consoles and Digital Camera.
Information Technology - Computers, Laptops, Tablets and related products.
Telecommunications - Phones, Mobiles and related products and accessories.

Being a joint-decision maker where purchases at home are concerned, I wanted to know what the Reliance Digital Edge was, over the other giants. Shivanshu beamed from ear to ear and was most enthusiastic to highlight the advantages Reliance Digital offered its consumers.

Price Guarantee - Every purchase comes with a 15-day price guarantee. So if within the period you find the same product at a lower price, the store will issue a refund of the difference amount.

My Take - As a consumer, I am rest assured that I have got the best price for the product, else there is an assurance of being able to get a difference refund. So no roaming 10 stores before finalizing from where to purchase. AWESOME

ReConnect - Reliance has introduced its own electronic and appliances range a year ago. It is a preferred choice for the value-conscious consumers as products are attractively priced and backed by a 2-year warranty.

My Take - Products worth trying as the product range is pleasing to the eye, similar in operating systems like other brands and most importantly easy on the purse. VALUE FOR MONEY

Experience Zone - Various kiosks have been set-up for high-end products like Home Theatres, Televisions, Gaming Console, etc to simulate exact conditions to familiarize consumers with the product. The trained staff are eager to assist, understand the need and advise on the choice of product to meet the needs.

My Take - I get to touch, try and feel every product before making a decision, especially when buying expensive once in a decade products. This definitely facilitates decision making. CUSTOMER FRIENDLY

ResQ After Sales Support - A team that supports product installation, repair or maintenance, and that too anywhere in India.

My Take - If I move cities, I still get all the product support that I was offered during my purchases. Bought in Mumbai, repaired in Rajkot and maintained in Banglore. PERFECT

Extended Reliance Warranty - Additional warranty can be purchased with the product from Reliance which kicks in after the individual brand warrant ends.

My Take - Assuming competitive extended warranty pricing, all product maintanence from one vendor irrespective of the product brand, with the Reliance assurance of technician and service quality. CONVENIENT

Free Single Service - On purchase of Extended Reliance Warranty, consumers can avail a free service on an existing product, bought from anywhere, anytime.

My Take - On my purchase of an extended warranty for a new Television, my old Air Conditioner can be one-time-serviced for free. CUSTOMER DELIGHT 

Finally, we came to the end of the experience, moving between floors of the store I was requested not to take any pictures. During our conversation something that Shivanshu said finally seemed so true. He said, "While leaving the store if the customer doesn't buy anything but is happy with the experience, my job is done. In the future when he wants to buy a product and thinks about Reliance Digital, my job is done well."

While leaving the store, I was smiling whilst thinking that I've found a trustworthy place to shop at, in the future.

Have you checked the Reliance Digital Store in your city as yet? Nope... Here is a link to their website Reliance Digital. Bought anything from them? Share your experiences with me, would love to know more.

Happy Shopping!
~ Heena