Author: Suyash Shukla

15 tracks of 2014 that will pump up your New Year party!
Bass, beats and energy are the things you need to keep in mind when zeroing in on the music that will keep your party pumping. With all the New Year parties round the corner, we’ve got together the hottest tracks released in 2014 that must make it to your party play list! Take a look and thank us later!
1. Calvin Harris – Blame ft. John Newman
2. Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea
3. Calvin Harris – Summer
4. Pitbull – Time Of Our Lives ft. Ne-Yo
5. Waze & Odyssey vs R. Kelly – Bump & Grind
6. Avicii – The Nights
7. Pharrell Williams – Happy
8. David Guetta & Showtek – Bad ft. Vassy
9. The Chainsmokers – #SELFIE
10. Jason Derulo – “Wiggle” feat. Snoop Dogg
11. The Chainsmokers vs. Tove Lo – Habits
12. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike vs W&W – Waves (Tomorrowland 2014 Anthem)
13. Maroon5 – Maps
14. Iggy Azalea – Black Widow ft. Rita Ora
15. Hardwell – Everybody Is In The Place
  
  Video Source: All video’s sourced from their Official Youtube channels
December 26, 2014
7 Secret Santa commandments

Ho ho ho! It’s that time of the year where cheer and joy are on the top of everyone’s list! But picking a gift for your loved ones or even a co-worker can be hard. If you are the chosen secret santa for some lucky person out there, here are 7 last minute commandments you must absolutely stick to!

Thou shalt not pick up anything from the flea street side shops (Stay classy – It’s Christmas!)

Thou shalt not pick up chocolates.

Thou shalt not stick to a tight budget!

Thou shalt be creative and put some thought in the gift (even if you don’t know the person too well)

Deodorants, toiletries and cheap cosmetics are out of the question.

Thou shalt secretly try to find out the top 3 things on that person’s wish-list and work around that!

Your gift should make the person smile (Spreading cheer and joy – isn’t that what Christmas is all about?!)

Image Source: All pictures sourced from Giphy.com

December 23, 2014
This is what Delhi knows about Christmas

Do you know why Christmas is celebrated? We went to Select City Walk Mall in the capital to find out. Here are some interesting answers.

December 23, 2014
Must visit – The walk-in Ginger Bread House at La Baguette, The Imperial, New Delhi

‘Tis the season to be jolly and who doesn’t love all the Christmas decorations and festive lights! We bring to you another fancy yet affordable destination to celebrate the holiday season: The Imperial hotel, New Delhi. A one-stop shop for Christmas lovers is the walk-in Ginger Bread House stationed at the hotel’s famous pastry shop, La Baguette. It makes for a perfect Christmas evening in the city. Here’s all you need to know about this unique installation coming from the hotel’s executive chef – Vishal Atreya.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g–S9KUXGYQ

December 23, 2014
5 must-have Lancôme Products for your Daily Makeup Routine!

Maison Lancôme launched its refurnished store at Select City Walk Mall in the capital recently. The unveiling was attended by every beauty and makeup lover in the city. Celebrity makeup artist Stafford Braganza also graced the event and told us all about his favourite Lancôme products. Here’s the lowdown.

Stafford Braganza: Hi my name is Stafford Braganza. I am the national makeup artist for Lancome India. I started my career with Lancome 19 years ago in the United States. And Almost 19 years later I am now here in India heading the artistry team and also makeup education.

Maison Lancome reopened its doors to its loyal followers at Select City Walk Mall, Saket recently and the launch event was an extravagant affair. Celebrity makeup artist Stafford Braganza graced the occasion with his presence and had a little chat with us about his favourite products from the brand’s new range. Here’s what he had to say;

Stafford Braganza: So my five favourite products from Lancome goes as follows;

#1 Genifique

First we have ‘Genifique’, Genifique is a miracle in a bottle, I can call it. It is a serum that actually prepares your skin for makeup to actually come on. It’s a very light serum it actually works on a gene technology so when you put it on it prepares your skin and in a long run your skin feels very soft and supple and it actually regenerates our new skin cells and makes the skin even more softer.

#2 Le Crayon Khol

My next product is ‘Le Crayon Khol’, Le Crayon khol in other words would be called ‘kaajal’ pencil but I like to call it khol pencil because unlike a kaajal this product will not smudge unless you want it to smudge. This is a good product to actually wear during the day time and with a little swish of your fingers on your lashes it actually gives you a very soft smokey look and this can be actually used along with your eye shadow palette which is also one of my favourite.

#3 Hypnose Eyeshadow Palette

This is called the ‘Hypnose’ palette style 1. For all you ladies out there that want one palette for evening and night look we have this one because you have your light colours then you have your darker colours.

#4 L’ Absolu Rouge’ number 134

My favourite red lipsticks in Lancome it’s called. L’Absolu Rouge’ number 134. This red lipstick is actually very good for most Indian skin tones because we Indians have yellow undertones so picking the right red lipstick is very very important. So number 134.

#5 Tient Miracle

And finally last but not the least I have ‘Tient Miracle’. Tient miracle is again another foundation that Lancome introduced couple of years ago but this will still remain my favourite only because this product has 40% of water and having 40% of water in your foundation really hydrates the skin.

December 19, 2014
10 reasons to pet a Guinea pig!

Tired of all the reasons your mom has given you for not getting a pet dog? Here’s an adorable alternative: Get a guinea pig! Cute, delicate and extremely lovable, these relatively low-maintenance pets bring all the affection and fuzzy warmth you seek along with their own unique brand of charm that dogs will have to try hard to match up to! Take a look at ten reasons why you should pet a Guinea pig!

1. Because they look adorable.

2. They are tiny. Transporting them temporarily to your pet-loving friend’s home is no problem when you are on vacation.

3. You don’t have to walk them.

4. Less noisy, less messy and all they need is a small cosy place in your house and heart! Keep them in a shoe box and suddenly even that becomes the most adorable object in the world!

5. Did we say low maintenance? Yes, you can say goodbye to worries about expensive vaccinations or fancy dog food. Your little ball of joy is quite the health freak, looking mostly for fresh fruits and veggies.

6. They don’t bite. ANYONE!

7. When they’re hungry, all they do is follow you around the house in the cutest way possible.

8. You can leave them alone at home without expecting everything to be topsy-turvy by the time you return.

9. Bathing them is easier and less chaotic.

10. Their ‘squeak’ will melt your hearts because you know the only thing it’s trying to convey is their unconditional love for you and the care you shower on them!

But, before you make up your mind about getting one, ALWAYS remember – they’re extremely delicate, need a lot of care and protection from stray animals. #PiggyLove

All pictures sourced from Giphy.com

December 17, 2014
App of the week: Guidecentral

Make your Christmas merry using Guidecentral. With DIY guides on subjects like beauty, crafts, food & drinks and home decorations, this app covers the entire gamut of all things yuletide. Besides getting access to ready-made tutorials, you can also make and submit your own guides and earn rewards. Find out all about the app here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WizsnX6-07Y

This Christmas, let every element around you exude the merry spirit with the festive guides of the Guidecentral app on your phone. From Mince Christmas pies to Santa nail art, here’s your access to a whole world of cool and quirky Christmas creations! The elaborate guides on this app provide step-by-step instructions along with the details of supplies required for the successful accomplishment of the tutorials.

Not just that, you can submit your own guides and tutorials and earn rewards. Learn new skills in fun and visual ways in a variety of topics ranging from fashion and beauty, homemade recipes, crafts, technology and more with Guidecentral on your phone.

Download this app for apple devices: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/guidecentral-diy-tutorials/id566332826?mt=8

Android devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Guidecentral&hl=en

All picutres Guidecentral application’s screenshots and it’s website.

December 16, 2014
15 Human interpretations of these honest cat expressions!

If cats could speak, these are probably the exact words going through their heads! Take a look at these 15 funny cat expressions and the human paraphrases of what’s probably running in their minds.

1. ‘Where are my presents?’

2. If this was a mouse, I’d kill this sh*t

3. Chikas, back off!

4. They learn b-boying from me!

5. There’s no more fish in the sea!

6. You’re not chewy enough, human!!

7. My anaconda really don’t!

8. Don’t stop run till you got buns hun!

9. Couldn’t keep up with that diet again? #DealWithIt

10. Is that Kim K’s real butt?

11. Maybe this is what being drunk feels like!

12. Not today dog! Not today!

13. What kind of an insensitive joke is this?

14. Talk to the paw!

15. Rose, I won’t let go!

And then,

Cat invasion! Must find safe haven!

Image source: All images sourced from Giphy.com

December 15, 2014
A ‘FrndiNeed’ is a friend indeed!

Take a look at this app that brings friends together in real time, be it for fun or in emergency situations. Available on the Google Playstore, the ‘FrndiNeed’ app promises to help its users stay connected with their close ones through geo-location services. Take a look at the multiple services the app has to offer at the time of crisis or for some good ol’ catching up.

Take a look at the features the app provides:

#Tracks your current geo-location

#Intimates the user about peers in the vicinity

#Gives a quick alert to all the peers in the FrndiNeed network about a crisis

#Offers the option of contacting the nearest friend through text/call

#Shows the current location of your friends who can reach you in no time

#Organise events to meet friends through the app’s friends list

#Notifying the friend circle regarding the users backpacking where-abouts

#Ability to plan a carpool with friends

December 15, 2014
18 really unusual things you can buy on eBay

Online shopping offers many benefits like better prices, variety of goods, easy price comparison and convenience. However, the world of online shopping also offers products that sometimes just leave us flabbergasted. Here are 18 unusual things available for you to buy on eBay.

1) Unicorn Meat. Yes, canned unicorn meat is available for all you foodies on eBay!

2) Electric Toilet Tissue. Because normal paper tissue is too mainstream.

3) Elvis shaped potato chip. Can we also get the Ryan Gosling shape? Pretty please?

4) Vintage portrait of a weird creepy odd old guy. Makes for a perfect wall hanging for your living room. Doesn’t it?

5) And if your friends can’t stop talking about it, you can buy one for them too.

6) But nothing beats this item. Available for you to buy at a great discount.

7) The book Chandler’s parents must have used for parenting tips.

8) We are totally getting one of these!

9) If you fancy a pet, just get Eddie for less than a dollar.

10) But this is what happens when you get too many Eddies.

11) Dino poop. Period.

12) For people who have trouble sticking to their diets, here’s a solution.

13) If you can’t get enough of bacon, here’s a way to start your day with it.

14) A solution to avoid commando nights #Instaunderpants

15) 14, yes, 14 human teeth at a ‘jaw dropping’ rate. Quite literally.

16) Very rare indeed!

17) Slow clapping for the person who found it. Unfortunately, they ‘may not ship to India’.

18) Only because you need different cakes of soap for your front and rear.

All pictures sourced from www.ebay.com

December 15, 2014
Four apps that helped us get through 2014

The rise of mobile applications reached new heights in 2014. From games, online dating to pictures, the year 2014 was all about apps that made your life easy. With everyone chanting the single-touch mantra apps took precedence over even programs on laptops. Not just simplifying routine work like paying bills and easy banking, some mobile apps just helped us get through life because of the addictive distractions they offer. Here’s the lowdown;

Quiz up

Plain Vanilla Games’ ‘QuizUp’ was launched in November 2013 for iOS devices and in March 2014 for Android devices. This addictive game lets users answer multiple choice questions of various topics related to almost everything under the sun; from your favourite TV shows to general math. You can choose to play against random players or battle with your friends and family. The app generated a user base of over 20 million in 2014 and kept us glued to our phones.

Snapchat

Every time you spot a person taking a selfie in a public place, you know they are snappin-a-chat away. Snapchat made regular text messaging passé in 2014. With growing popularity, Snapchat started including videos, storyboards, fests and event promotions from across the world. With over an estimated 100 million monthly active users, Snapchat made it to our list of apps that kept us happy throughout 2014.

Facebook Messenger

When Facebook forced that Facebook messenger on us, everyone was anything but happy. Breaking away from the routine and getting a separate app just for messages wasn’t easy. However, soon the messenger turned into a fully equipped messaging service with text and voice. Garnering almost 500 million users the Facebook Messenger app provided another east to use communication tool.

Tinder

If anyone used GPS technology right it was the developers of Tinder. Tinder lets you meet people from around you and you get to choose them based on their appearances (the single point of criticism for the app). The phenomenal matchmaking app has close to 10 million active users daily and has helped a lot of people find friends, hook-ups and sometimes even S.O.’s

Quizup picture sourced from www.quickmeme.com

All gifs sourced from www.giphy.com

December 10, 2014
DIY – Convert your Neck Tie into a Bow Tie in less than 2 minutes

Learn how to convert your traditional neck tie into a bow tie with these simple steps.

Step1. Place your tie on a flat surface. Take the thicker end and work your way around to the other side depending on the desired length of the bow.

Step2. Pinch the upper panel as shown in the picture.

Step3. Now take the thinner end crossing over the dimple to the other side and then do it again twice to form a ‘zee’.

Step4. You will see the left side has three folds and the right one has two.

Step5. Take the thinner panel from mid-way.

Step6. Turn it over in a vertical fashion as shown in the picture.

Step7. Take it towards the backside to form a knot and adjust. You can now see the bow taking its shape.

Step8. Take the same panel and make a loop and fix it into the knot at the back like this.

And there you go! You just converted your boring old tie into a fancy bow tie.

December 9, 2014
App of the week: Mixology

A digital cocktail recipe guide is all you need to add to the festivities during this season of parties and barbecues. Get ‘Mixology’ on your Apple and Android devices and impress your guests with these delicious cocktails.

Get the ‘Mixology’ app on your phone and find recipes to almost every cocktail right in your pocket. If you don’t understand the ingredients mentioned in the recipe, just click on the ingredient and get all the deets.

Not only does this app provide you with recipes of traditional and cool, new cocktails; it can also help you if you have limited ingredients in your bar. Just provide the details of the ingredients you already have and it’ll suggest recipes of cocktails that you can easily whip up with what’s available.

This comprehensive app also provides information about bartending tips and tricks, technical bar-related terminology and details about the usage of different types of glassware with your drinks. Download this app on your Apple and Android devices and be ready to charm your guests.

Download the app for your devices here:
Apple devices – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mixology-drink-cocktail-recipes/id320926534?mt=8
Android devices – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digitaloutcrop.mixology&hl=en

December 9, 2014
2014 –The year when Bollywood actresses showed the world what they’ve got!

This year the ladies of Bollywood showed the world that they have more to offer than their stunning good looks. They were courageous, brave and far from letting the world bog them down! Here are 5 times B-town actresses stood up for themselves and set examples for women the world over.

#1 When Anushka Sharma talked openly about her “lip job”

After Anushka Sharma made an appearance on ‘Koffee With Karan’ earlier this year, her lips were written about almost everywhere. People could not stop talking about how she got enhancements and went under the knife to look, well… more appealing. Anushka, however, did not remain silent about the issue and made sure she had her side of things heard, inspiring a lot of women!

#2 The time when Alia Bhatt laughed at herself with the whole world

Alia Bhatt’s ‘Koffee With Karan’ appearance also left a mark on the world when she excitedly let out that she thought Prithviraj Chavan is the President of India. The incident sparked millions of internet memes, trolls and jokes but Bhatt had the most amazing comeback. She collaborated with AIB and came up with this video that left everyone flabbergasted.

#3 When Deepika Padukone asked a leading daily to respect women!

A leading newspaper published a whole story about Deepika’s cleavage and here’s her answer! Enough said! #Respect

#4 Sonakshi Sinha’s comeback for weight critics and Kamaal R Khan

Throughout her career the critics have only noticed Sonakshi Sinha’s weight and she had a small gift for them on Instagram.

Not just the weight critics, Sonakshi had something ready for the self-proclaimed critic Kamal R Khan too!

#5 When Parineeti Chopra taught an ignorant journalist about the menstrual cycle so effortlessly!

While Parineeti Chopra was promoting Whisper’s ‘Touch the Pickle’ campaign, a male journalist addressed women’s periods as a “problem” leaving the actress enraged. But Parineeti remained her calm self and made sure she gave him a piece of his mind.

All pictures sourced from the actresses’ respective Twitter/Instagram accounts.

December 5, 2014
10 times Santa proved that sh*t happens… with everyone!

It’s the last month of the year. If you’re one of those who, willy-nilly, ends up looking back at all the times you goofed up through the year instead of when you proved to be the hero(ine), then here’s something to make you feel better. It’s not just you who fails at the tiniest of things in life. Giving you great company is Santa – the harbinger of happiness and good cheer! Here are 10 times Santa showed us that sh*t happens with everyone!

#1 The time when Santa needed a drink and so he got drunk

#2 The time when Santa’s pants just refused to stay up

#3 The time when even Santa couldn’t stop a baby from crying

#4 The time when he tried to “shake his belly like a bowl full of jelly” and it went wrong

#5 The time when he tried to dance with the kids but this happened

#6 And this

#7 The time Santa tried to skateboard and the usual happened

#8 This time when the sofa just couldn’t understand how to take Santa’s weight

#9 The time when Santa decided to turn into a Ninja!

#10 And this time when he fought with his friends just like we do!

All GIFs sourced from www.giphy.com

December 4, 2014