ABAD Builders

Waste in your backyard

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 07:34:00 +0000

We try to ignore it. We throw it out of our sight and pretend that’s okay. When confronted with a pile

Waste management is crucial to any city's well being.

of it, we hold our breath, walk faster and pretend it doesn’t exist. But it will still snake its way to you, raising a stench as it goes. We are talking about waste. It’s all around us – littered public spaces, overflowing garbage bins, streaming piles of it in landfills.

Estimates that appeared in newspapers indicate that Kochi produces close to 350 tonnes of solid waste in a day. And the city does not yet have an efficient way of collection or processing it. But we should be able to do our bit in keeping our city clean, starting from our homes and neighbourhoods.

Here are simple steps you can take:

Reduce the amount of waste you create. Always carry shopping bags with you so that you don’t add to the pile of plastic bags.
Recycle whenever possible. Give away old clothes and toys to those who may need it. Use that shoe box to store pens, pencils and other stationary. Scout the internet for hundreds of simple recycling tips.
Whenever possible, use reusable products instead of use-and-throw, like using handkerchiefs instead of tissue paper.
Segregate waste – wet waste, paper, and plastic. This makes it easier for those collecting the waste.
Use your kitchen waste to fertilize your plants. If you are enthusiastic enough, you could have a compost pit in your backyard. You could also think of setting up a biogas system and turn the waste into fuel!
Live in an apartment? You can still use kitchen scrap for potted plants. And there are apartment-friendly ways of making compost too. Find out where the apartment disposes off its wet waste. Suggest composting.
In your neighbourhood, discourage people from dumping waste in drains or roadsides.

Small steps such as these could go a long way in keeping the city clean.

The Abad Builders’ initiative

All Abad Builders’ projects have an important feature of in-house solid wastes management, as per the guidelines put forward by CREDAI, Kochi chapter. The process adopted is Aerobic Microbial Composting by which bio-degradable items are converted to manure. CREDAI has been appointed as the authorized agency by the local governing body to educate and implement self-content Solid Waste Management System. Bio-degradable items are to be segregated in green buckets supplied to each resident by the Facility Officer and handed over daily to trained workers of Clean Kochi Movement on a prefixed schedule.

Kochi awaits the Metro

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 07:47:00 +0000

When stuck in a seemingly unending traffic jam, either in the comfort of your car, or jostling for

space in a crowded bus, how many times have you wished to fly over the tight knot of vehicles? Or how many times have you wished, with all your heart, for a smooth ride across the city, with no potholes?

The Kochi Metro might just be the answer to all those fervent prayers. Once the chaos of construction is over, Kochiites can hope to zip across the city above the traffic snarls. Moreover, the ease in getting from point A to point B isn’t the only advantage that the metro would come with.

A facelift for Kochi

For one, it would boost the brand image of the city itself. Already hot property on the tourism map, an efficient metro network would add immense value. The ease of getting around the city, and to places of interest, would be a major plus for tourists. This also means more business, both from tourists as well as locals.

Traffic will ease up

The metro would take a huge load off the overcrowded roads, easing up traffic and making commute time on the road also shorter. Right now, those using public transport are dependent on buses and autos, and to some extent the ferries. The metro would definitely come as a much more comfortable option for those using the bus service and more economical for those who rely on auto rickshaws.

The future

The ideal situation would be when all forms of public transport support each other, and together create a network that reaches all parts of the city. Technology and infrastructure could together ensure seamless travel, allowing passengers to commute by rail, road or water on the same ticket. The metro project, in fact, comes as a great opportunity to redesign the entire public transport system and make it more efficient and user-friendly.

A fun ride through Kochi

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 06:17:00 +0000

Entertainment has a new definition in the city

There was a time not too long ago when Kochi went to sleep at 8 pm, with all stores closed and the roads emptied out. A weekend outing would mean perhaps a movie at one of the handful of theatres or snacking on groundnuts along Marine Drive.

But things have changed around here, and how! Move over, sleepy town. It’s time to shake things up. Now, the people of Kochi are spoilt for choice like never before, and they aren’t letting the opportunity go by.

So much to do!

Hip and quaint cafes dot the city. Be it for a quick bite before a meeting or to leisurely catch up with friends, these cafes stay bustling almost right through the day and late into the night. Talking of eating out, foodies have an entire platter out there with cuisines from across the world; from Mediterranean to Italian pizzerias to our very own Indian-Chinese. Venture out to Fort Kochi in the evening, and you could dine out in the open, surrounded by fairy lights, along the footpaths.

Shopping hotspots have moved from busy streets to swanky malls. The malls also serve as a one-stop entertainment spot, with multiplexes, gaming centres, bowling alleys and promotional events. But hey, we are not all about the indoors. Outdoor activities are now picking up like never before. In an around the city, you can now indulge in kayaking, archery and even snorkelling. If you fancy cycle rides, there are guided tours for small groups through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Join the group, and cycle through the streets amidst traders and tourists.

Given its location, Kochi is only a short drive away from several picturesque beaches. There is the long walkway along the Fort Kochi beach, which, in spite of the littered beach, is bustling on weekends and holidays. Next to the much popular Cherai beach, are other less-known and better stretches of sand like the Kuzhupilli beach.

After having hosted a Biennale, Kochi has also seen a spike in interest in art and culture. While the event itself brought in hordes of artists and art lovers to the city (both from other parts of India and abroad), it has created more space for art and more scope for artists.

So if you haven’t yet explored all that Kochi has to offer, get out there now!

Pledge your organs, save lives

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 07:28:00 +0000

The statistics for organ donation in India are pretty dismal. Currently, the rate is just 0.08% per

India needs to improve its dismal organ donation numbers.

million of the population. However, it is estimated that if the country can improve the rates to just 1 per million donation, we could take care of some of the organ shortages in India.

A living donor can donate a kidney, a part of pancreas and a portion of the liver to a blood relative. On the other hand, a patient who is declared brain dead, which amounts to the irreversible loss of brain functions, can donate more than 34 organs and tissues! Despite these enlightening numbers, in India, only 2% of organ donations come from brain dead patients. This clearly shows that people in India are either embroiled in religious beliefs or have little or no understanding of brain death.

At such a juncture, the timely steps taken by well-known personalities, act as a learning curve for the public. When Former District Governor of Rotary club (Kochi-Coimbatore), G Viswanathan, passed away last month, his mortal remains were donated to the Society for Organ Retrieval and Transplantation (SORT) and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. His eyes were donated to the Eye bank in Aluva immediately after death.

G Vishwanathan, who was 73 years old at the time of his death, was a fervent advocate of organ donation. All through his tenure as the district governor of Rotary, he propagated the message of organ donation, and ensured that he himself pledge all his reusable organs after death, and donate his body to medical college students.

The “social” message

Earlier this year, in the US, Facebook announced an initiative allowing users to post their organ donor status on their Facebook Timeline. The programme gained immense success on its launch—the country saw 21-fold boost in a single day!

Taking the big decision

Organ donation can be a big decision, something that is not always controllable by the donor alone. In India, especially, the next of kin have the power to not fulfil the deceased’s wish for organ donation, which can be a huge deterrent, especially when the numbers are already bleak.

Ideally, get your family and friends involved and attend awareness programmes if required. Get educated about organ donation and educate your near and dear ones about the bigger picture and the need of the hour. Get donor cards prepared.

Countries like Spain, Poland and Hungary are leading the world in organ donation. But despite its population, India is faring poorly. The change lies within each human being. The time is right to make that change.

As Robert N West said way back in 1976, “At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, don’t call this my "DEATHBED", call it my "BED OF LIFE" and let my body be used by others to lead fuller lives.” Well said.

Take it easy—it’s driving, not a war

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 08:06:00 +0000

Traffic snarls are common in Kochi, just like in every growing city of India. Of course, the incessant

Traffic jams in Kochi are common during rains

rains have intensified the jams. But what is worse than the traffic congestion is the attitude of people behind the wheels. Drivers are getting haughtier, ruder and increasingly impatient.

Good driving is a lot about good manners; and about paying attention. It isn’t really hard to do both, but most people simply don’t. Hence, stressful driving, terrible traffic jams and accidents. It has become imperative for every person who drives to be aware of driving etiquettes so that our city can experience better driving conditions. Abad Builders has put together some tips for the same.

Indicator lights are there for a reason. Use them to indicate you are going to take a turn or merging into another lane. And remember to indicate fairly in advance.
Don’t unto others what you wouldn’t want them to do to you—that would be the best way to explain cutting people off and tailgating. Jumping your car in front of someone else’s without indicating and driving too close to the vehicle in front are practices most accidents are made of. Avoid.
It’s a punishable offence, yet people do it blatantly—talking on the mobile phone while driving. You don’t just slow traffic down; but also endanger your own life and that of others on the road. Avoid answering or making calls or texting while driving. If you have to take the call, indicate and stop to a side (only if parking is allowed on the road) before you do.
Flashing your headlights is one of the most annoying habits observed in our city. Honestly, every person wants to get to his/her destination as soon as possible. So stop thinking your schedule is the most important. Avoid the headlight flashing gesture unless it’s really necessary.
Ditto for honking. You know how irritating it is when a private bus honks ceaselessly so you would get out of its way. It’s a terrible practice and should be done away with. Honk, not more than twice. If the driver ahead of you moves, overtake. If he/she doesn’t, just follow.
While high beam lights are great for driving at night, they are blinding to those in the oncoming traffic. Avoid using them when the oncoming traffic is heavy, or use them intermittently.
Avoid obstructive parking. Look out for no parking signs and zones.
Speeding can be dangerous for everybody on the road. Avoid it. However, maintain a fair speed, neither too fast nor too slow to ensure traffic flows smoothly.
Drunken driving is the worst driving offence ever. If you are planning to drink, get someone else to drop you back. There are plenty of cab and driver on hire options.
Finally, avoid rude hand gestures and bad language. There are different types of drivers on the road, and then there are pedestrians and cyclists too. Getting around can be frustrating. But that doesn’t give you the right to be abusive. Road rage can have very disastrous results.

When you get into your car, always remember to stay alert. Even a moment of distraction can be catastrophic. Drive with a calm mind, but be aware and focused on the task. Stay cool, stay safe.

Enjoy the rains, the healthy way

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 09:44:00 +0000

Monsoons are not always about lush green settings, lazy mornings and romantic getaways. The

Health takes a dip during monsoons. Take care.

not-so-romantic side of monsoons spells health problems, spread of infections, viral attacks, contaminated food and water issues and more. The almost incessant bout of rains that has hit Kerala over the past two weeks has unleashed many health issues.

Water borne diseases and gastrointestinal infections are rampant during monsoon. Stagnant water bodies increases breeding of mosquitoes, which cause malaria, dengue fever and such ailments. If not checked on time, these can get very severe. Skin infections, cough, cold and general drop in immunity are also very common during this season.

However, a little care and precaution in your daily routine, diet, and general hygiene can help you enjoy a healthy monsoon.

Eat light & right – The digestive system and intestinal functions go weak during this season. So try to eat light; avoid too much of spicy and fried food. Avoid raw foods; cook vegetables properly and ensure food items are kept covered.

Safe water: Drink plenty of water. But ensure the water is boiled, filtered and stored well. Opt for warm water during meals as it helps in easy digestion.

Stay warm & dry – Keep skin infections at bay by keeping the body warm and dry. Avoid stepping out barefoot. Take a bath daily and use anti-fungal talcum powder.

Maintain cleanliness— Keep your home and surroundings clean. Do not allow water to get accumulated as these become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Put a few drops of kerosene or phenyl in stagnant water to check mosquito breeding.

Dress right – Go for loose fitting, cotton clothes during this season. Avoid staying in wet clothes for too long as it can cause fungal infections or lead to viral fever.

Special care—People with specific medical conditions like diabetes or asthma need to take extra care during monsoons. Diabetic patients should not walk barefoot outdoors as they can contract skin infections easily. Asthmatic people should keep their surroundings clean. Keep furniture, furnishings, leather articles, etc clean to avoid growth of fungus as these can trigger health problems.

There is no escaping the monsoon. So take a little care, and ensure you have a safe, happy, healthy monsoon.

New school year: Help your child cope

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:54:00 +0000

After a long summer break, starting a new year at school can be an anxiety inducing matter for a lot of students; especially when the transition is from middle school to high school for teenagers. As parents, it is up to you to help your child cope with a new academic year and transform the experience into something he will look forward to.

Preparation, done a little ahead of time, brings about a sense of familiarity, which can work wonders for children. Getting their books, uniform, timetable and travel pass ready early on will give them some time to feel geared up. If you feel it will help, take a trip or two down to the school. Check your

Help your child be a happy student

child’s new classroom and the school in general. This exercise may act like a warm up session, so that the first day won’t seem so tough after all!

If you know parents whose children are studying in the same school in a senior class, put your child in touch with the senior. This ‘school buddy’ will help your child feel secure as he knows that there is a senior student looking out for him.

Instil in your child a belief that he is now responsible for his own academics and performance. Ask him if he needs external help such as coaching classes or tuitions to tackle difficult subjects. Help him plan a timetable and prepare a comfortable place for study. Assist him in establishing a routine that has a good mix of academics and extracurricular activities. However, give sufficient importance to recreation, so that he doesn’t feel burdened under your expectations.

Be available for your child. Listen to your child’s fears and reassure him that his parents will always provide him support. In addition, be positive about the changes in his life. Share your exciting high school experiences with him to make him look forward to this new phase.

Spend time with him and participate in activities together—reading, playing a sport, going on trips etc. are some great ways to build a healthy and comfortable relationship with your child. In addition, be interested in his school activities. Make time for school meetings, cultural programmes and sports events. Be aware of his progress and shortcomings at school by keeping in touch with his teachers. However, avoid being overprotective as teenagers are wary of parents who keep a constant tab on them.

Finally, encourage your child to talk about his feelings. Tell him to open up about his anxieties and happy experiences, and even mixed feelings. Reassure him that it’s okay to feel out of the ordinary and that it is a part of growing up.

Rediscovering the benefits of salt

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:01:00 +0000

It’s hard to imagine a household without salt. However, to imagine that salt can play any vital role

outside of the kitchen is a little difficult. Apart from seasoning, we are aware of salt being used to judge if an egg is fresh or rotten and cleaning stains in ovens and crockery. Now, here’s an interesting list of things you can do with salt around the house:

Ants in your house? Sprinkle salt at doorways and windows to deter them from getting in.
A dash of salt added to the water in a vase holding fresh flowers keeps the blooms fresh for longer. If you have artificial flowers, put them in a bag of salt and shake the bag to clean the flowers.
This should help during Kerala’s long power cuts—soak new candles in a strong salt solution for a few hours and dry them well. They will not drip as much.
If you expect a new garment to run colour, soak the garment for an hour in 5-6 litres of water to which you have added 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup salt. This is ideal for single colour garments. Repeat if rinse water shows colour.
Soothe a bee sting by wetting the sting right away and covering it with salt. A saltwater soak works for mosquito bite itch as well.
Sticky spots on the iron? Sprinkle a little salt on a piece of paper and run the hot iron over it to remove the spots.
Remove perspiration stains on clothes by adding four tablespoons of salt to one quart of hot water and sponge the fabric with the solution until stains fade.
Douse grease fires (those from your stove or oven) by putting salt over it.
Dull curtains and washable rugs can be brightened up by washing them in saltwater solution. Carpets can be rubbed briskly with a cloth that has been dipped in a strong saltwater solution and wrung out.
If you have abscesses or mouth ulcers, rinse your mouth with a light but warm saltwater solution several times a day.
Freshen your skin and boost circulation by massaging your moistened skin with dry salt after bath.

Around the kitchen, salt is great to prevent cut potatoes and apples from blackening, clearing drains and cleaning cutting boards. But if you do have more interesting and helpful uses of salt, share them here with us at the Abad Builders blog.

A K Seshadri: A visionary Kochi is grateful to

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:25:00 +0000

Circa 1967: At the young age of 32, he was conferred the post of Kochi Municipal Corporation’s first

Mayor. A K Seshadri, who turned 80 this year in March, was not just the first, but also the youngest to assume the office of Mayor, from being the last Chairman of erstwhile Ernakulam Municipality. It was the same year when Kochi Corporation was formed by merging the municipalities of Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and Ernakulam.

A lawyer, practicing as a junior under his father, Seshadri was active in the socio-cultural activities and was also the office-bearer of various organisations. Soon, he contested as an independent candidate in the elections for the position of the then Ernakulam Municipality, and became its chairman.

Seshadri was also the office bearer of the Kerala Football Association in early 70’s and later the vice-president of All-India Football Federation. A sports enthusiast, he was one of the main organisers of the first Santosh Trophy Tournament held in Kochi.

He who laid the foundation

Modern Kochi should be thankful to this visionary for laying the foundations of a rising metropolis that the city is today. For instance, the Kaloor bus stand we know today was originally a waste dumping yard! The bus stand and the adjoining shopping complex was Seshadri’s brainchild. He also arranged bus services in consultation with the transport officials and bus owners.

The construction of the Ambedkar Stadium and the Jhankar service saw the light of day under his keen leadership. Although Seshadri had pushed for a waste treatment plant at Chilavannoor, he was faced with many roadblocks because of which the project never took off back then.

Today, over 40 years later, Seshadri, who turned 80 years old, is celebrated as a man who initiated various development projects in the city and was the bedrock of the success story that Kochi Corporation is today.

Manage tech clutter, the smart way

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:06:00 +0000

Technology rules our everyday life. From the morning alarm to the day’s itinerary, from official

calls/mails to tracking news, and from stocks and world events to unwinding with music and entertainment, it all happens through technology. Smart phones, music gadgets, and laptops are a part of our homes and our existence. While we love the connectivity and convenience technology offers us, we definitely don’t want piles of wires cluttering our homes or workspaces.

Worry not, for there are innovative and interesting ways to conceal wires and cables with a designer touch. Smart ideas can not only hide tech clutter, but also add to the look of a space. Here are some easy, fun ways to hide tech clutter.

Wood panels: Creating wood panels or built-in shelves will offer extra space to conceal wires and cables, and also work as a space to mount electronic gadgets like television, speakers, etc.

Carpet it: Invest in a stylish rug that will not only complement your home but also cover up any loose wires and cables running along the house. A touch of class and convenience!

Fun with furniture: Designing and arranging furniture can be a smart way to conceal layers of wires and cables strewn across the house. Tables with back panels and desks with thicker edges help shield wires and hide clutter.

Hooks and holders: Today, the markets are flooded with new, smart objects that help in organizing and managing space. Cord management straps are great options to manage essential wires and cables. A cable box is an ideal option to conceal wires. One can just place the power strip and

essential wires into this box, keeping the space neat.

DIY options: One can also go for simple do-it-yourself ways to organize technology clutter. Strapping the wires with a printed tape, or a nice looking, colourful band keeps things neat and pretty. You can get a pipe done to cover the wires running from gadgets mounted on the walls. These pipes can be painted in nice designs and colours to add to the charm of the room.

Our homes and lives are dependent on technology to a great extent. As newer things come up, our homes and work spaces will be filled with newer, smarter gadgets, and more wires. So, get smart, and organize tech clutter in an effective manner.

What you should know about multi-tasking

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:13:00 +0000

Doing many things at the same time is something people have been doing for many years now. For

Priotising works best with multi-tasking

instance, do you recall your mother in the kitchen, cooking multiple dishes at the same time, while she gets you ready for school, feeds you breakfast and packs your tiffin box? And if she was a working mother, she would also be getting ready to leave for work. Clearly, multi-tasking has been around for many years.

However, in more recent times, multi-tasking has been getting a lot of flak, especially from the corporate world. There has, in fact, been a lot of debate on whether multi-tasking improves productivity or decreases it. The truth of the matter is that multi-tasking is a vital skill that comes in handy when one has to deal with multiple projects at the same time; however, the projects do not need the finest quality output.

Why multi-task

There is never a dull moment with multi-tasking. Multi-tasking makes our lives well-rounded and richer in experience, helping us deal with many tasks at the same time. It helps one learn to handle distractions; life goes on even when we are busy, and the ability to multi-task helps us carry on with our chores even when there are interruptions.

Thanks to the availability of multiple technologies, both at home and at work, multi-tasking has become easier than ever. Tasks can be completed with more precision despite the constant back and forth switch between them.

The catch

According to researches, the actual act of switching between tasks will stretch the tasks out. Mentally, our brain assigns rules to how we do something. The constant switching means closing one set of rules and opening a new one, repeatedly. This slows a person down mentally, and the tasks take longer to complete. You end up with a tired out brain.

Prioritise wisely

Make multi-tasking work for you by prioritising wisely. Consider the importance of your tasks and the approximate time they will require to be completed. Important tasks that require high levels of precision should be given singular attention to ensure there are no careless mistakes. Tasks that can be completed in a short duration should also be tackled in a go. Breaking up short chores would mean dragging them out unnecessarily.

Projects that are expected to take longer can become boring and lead to mistakes. This is where multi-tasking comes in. You can combine these dull tasks with chores that do not need precise output. Switching back and forth here will mean dealing with dull tasks by breaking them up and yet keeping it fresh and interesting. And that is the magic of multi-tasking!

Fight fatigue, boost energy

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:42:00 +0000

There are so many mornings when we wake up with that ‘Oh, I feel so exhausted’ feeling. Or there are evenings that end with the ‘Oh, what a tiring day’ feeling. Fatigue creeps in almost any time, draining us of our energy and enthusiasm. The body, mind and even thought process can fall prey to exhaustion!

Look into yourself, look into your routine, and you can possibly trace the reason for your fatigue. Physical exertion, poor eating habits, emotional stress, boredom, or lack of sleep, are the common reasons that dull the mind and body. In some people, fatigue may be a symptom of an underlying medical problem that requires medical attention. If a change in lifestyle and eating habits does not wipe away the stress, then it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Here are some easy ways suggested by us, at Abad Builders, to fight fatigue and get back to the happy, enthusiastic feel:

Eat right: You must have heard this a zillion times. It is important to have nutritious variety in your daily diet. Consume lots of water, cut down on caffeine; add lots of vegetables, wholegrain foods and lean meat in your daily menu. Go big on the breakfast, and do not skip meals or indulge in crash diets.

Sleep time: Make sure to get at least 6-7 hours of proper sleep. Make the necessary changes to ensure you get a better night’s sleep. Limit caffeine intake, especially in the evening, as it can cause insomnia.

Learn to relax: Taking your problems to bed is one of the main reasons of insomnia. Try to relax and put your worries away during bed-time. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, saying a mantra/phrase, humming a song.

Lifestyle suggestions: Increase physical activity as it helps in boosting energy levels, while a sedentary lifestyle can cause fatigue. A daily exercise routine also helps you sleep better at night. Reduce sedentary habits such as watching television and using computers for long hours. A brisk walk or even 10 minutes of stretching at your desk improves blood flow and boosts energy.

Stop worrying, start living. Eat well, sleep well, stay happy and keep stress and fatigue at bay!

Take good care of your laptop

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:13:00 +0000


Your regular cleaning techniques may not work for your laptop.

Is your laptop your lifeline? If your answer is “yes”, let’s hope you are taking good care of it. But what is the definition of “good care”? The occasional dusting and wiping may not be enough to ensure your laptop has a long and trouble-free life. Sometimes, plain carelessness can jeopardise your laptop’s condition. We, at Abad Builders, have put together a few tips to help you care for your laptop:

Keep it clean, inside out. Sticky keys and crumbs between them mean it is time to clean your laptop. Invest in a laptop cleaning kit, which includes a soft brush, cleaning liquid and a microfiber cloth. Use the cleaning kit as per the instructions mentioned in it. That should take care of the exterior of the laptop. Now for the interior—back up data on an external hard drive or flash drive. Empty your laptop’s trash regularly, delete programs you don’t need or use and organize desktop icons. Install antivirus software onto your laptop and keep it updated to tackle virus attacks that can affect your system’s hardware or software. Once a year, get the unit cleaned by a professional to remove internal dust that may affect the motherboard.
Condition the battery of your laptop if it is new or has been stored for a period. Each time, plug the laptop to a standard electrical outlet and fully charge the machine. Then, run the laptop off the battery until it is fully discharged. This cycle has to be repeated thrice. Ideally, you shouldn’t charge the battery until it is completely out of power; and you shouldn’t use the device until it is fully charged.
Keep food and drink away from the laptop. This can be easier said than done for most people. However, a spill can cost you dear. Spilt liquids can damage the internal components or cause electrical injury to the laptop. Food crumbs, on the other hand, can go down between the keys in the keyboard and attract bugs, besides irritating the circuitry.
When you are travelling with your laptop—could be just from home to office and back—you need to protect it from bumps and scratches. Find a carrying case that suits your style; just ensure it has a padded section to protect the laptop.
Handle with care. Yes, we live busy, fast-paced lives and sometimes we don’t even have the time to give anything a second look. But in the case of your laptop, this could spell trouble. Things to be careful about—before shutting the laptop, make sure there are no small items on the keyboard that can damage the screen; hold and lift the laptop by its base, not by its LCD display; don’t tug the power cord; don’t roll your chair over the computer cord; plug in accessory devices into their proper slots; handle removable drives gently; don’t expose the laptop to extreme temperature fluctuations.
As far as possible, use the laptop in a proper workstation. This may seem like killing the purpose of having a portable device, but in the long run, placing the laptop on a flat surface with good air circulation increases its life.

In the name of art

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:53:00 +0000

A tribute to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Till a couple of months back, neither Kochi nor the rest of India, or at least a majority of it, had heard of or known what a Biennale is. Today, that has all changed! In less than three months, Kochi is on the world map for hosting India’s first ever ‘Biennale’, which is Italian for an international exhibition of contemporary art. Christened the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, this large scale international exhibition in Kochi has been styled on the lines of the Venice Biennale.

Kochi’s multi-ethnic persona was the ideal canvas for emerging ideologies; which is why the Kochi-Muziris Biennale has brought together artists from India and abroad to celebrate global contemporary art through mediums like film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media and performance art.

Thanks to the Biennale, tourists are making a beeline to Kochi. The fact that most of these tourists are from outside India highlights the Biennale’s success in getting art lovers from across the globe to congregate here. While some tourists had heard of Kochi, this has been their first visit ever—dedicated to witness this magnificent international art exhibition. Then there are tourists who knew of Kochi’s existence only when artists were invited from world over to participate in the Biennale. Either way, the Biennale has opened the doors of Kochi and the rest of Kerala for visitors from across the globe.

From backwaters to Biennale—the journey may have taken decades, but the end result has been an eye opener; that art has no geographical boundaries. The Biennale has thrived in its local identity and transcended the art-money relationship, drawing in crowds from different sections of the society due to its sheer novelty. Kerala tourism has revived; a rebirth that was made possible by transforming Kochi into an art hub, with exhibitions at out of the blue locations like heritage buildings, disused structures, even public spaces, besides the usual galleries and halls. This event has, surprisingly, reintroduced Kochi to its residents. Keralities, especially Kochiites, have rediscovered hidden quarters of their town, which until now where just “names” with no visual identity.

In its own words, “The Muziris Heritage project is not about tourism alone; it is about making a significant difference through conservation, restoration, history, environmental projects, research, development of crafts and art forms, occupation and other community activities.” At last, Kerala will be known worldwide for not just its backwaters, houseboats, beaches and seafood, but also for being the centre point of India’s artistic expressions, which was hitherto unheard of in the country.

Using your debit and credit card online safely

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000


Shop from secure websites

Online shopping was perhaps invented for those who hate the “physical” act of shopping. The fact that geographical distances are completely done away with, makes online shopping incredibly attractive. However, with its big advantages, online shopping opens up great risks of identity theft, which is not uncommon anymore. Abad Builders offers you some tips to stay secure through online transactions:

Credit over debit: When you are buying stuff off the Internet, it is always safer to use the credit card over the debit card. Credit cards offer more security in case of an online identity theft because it is easier to solve a dispute when you use a credit card. If someone fraudulently uses your debit card, you are at the risk of having your account wiped out; which is clearly not the case with a credit card. In case of your debit card, you may or may not get your money back at all! For this reason, always choose the credit card over your debit card for online purchases.

Shop from secure websites: This can be easier said than done because some of your favourite e-shopping sites may not be secure after all. However, since your cards’ safety is a priority, verify a website’s security by checking its URL. A secure website has a URL that starts with https:// instead of http://. The ‘s’ refers to ‘secure’ and it offers strong online protection against data theft. Secure sites will also have a small lock icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Also, look for sites that participate in a transaction verification system known as ‘3D Secure’. Depending on the card you use, this will appear to you as ‘Verified by VISA’ or ‘MasterCard SecureCode’. Finally, remember to log off and close the browser once you are done shopping.

Store your data carefully: Every time you save your personal information and card details on a website, just so online shopping becomes easier, think once again. If there is ever a security breach on the site, your data is open to being hijacked by frauds. Therefore, although it takes longer, fill in your details each time, instead of storing it on a server you have no control over. In addition, do not store log in information, passwords and PINs on a shared computer. Memorize them so that they never get into the hands of identity thieves.

Shop from a safe location: While you love sitting in your favourite café and shopping for your favourite goodies, you are opening up your personal info to strangers. In the safety of your home and your personal computer, you stay protected from data hackers and malware, putting your card at risk. Shop at home. It’s the safest and the best.

Keep a track of your money: Review your account statements as often as you can. Sign up for electronic banking and mobile phone updates that will warn you of any transaction that takes place in your accounts. If you notice anything amiss, double check and report to your bank immediately. The earlier you report, the better your chances of limiting misuse and protecting your money.

In this day and age of technological advancement, convenience comes at a price. We advice you to stay alert to keep your finances safe.

Freshen up your home with indoor plants

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 05:50:00 +0000


A living room dressed up perfectly with just house plants

A little indoor greenery goes a long way in making a home look fresh and inviting; especially in the summers. For those who live in apartments and like some real foliage in their homes, indoor plants are a great way to add that splash of green. Besides, livening up a home, house plants create a sense of cosiness, open up spaces and even help in magnifying tight areas.

Finding the right spot to place your house plants is the easiest. However, the best spots are not always the best for the plants to grow in; mainly due to lack of light. Work around this by rotating your plants every week. Choose your best looking plants; and while some stay soaking up the sun, a few can be indoors. A week later, bring in the plants that were kept outdoors, and take out those that were inside for a week. That way, all plants get sunned well and your house will have abundant well-growing plants always.

If you want to use flowering plants indoors, there is one important aspect you need to know—flowering house plants need more light than the foliage ones. You may think that this means going only as far as the window sills where ample sunlight is available. But here’s what you can do—bring them indoors when they are in full bloom, and keep them inside until they stop blooming. Once this happens, take them outdoors for some essential sunning and let them recuperate. Repeat.

The good thing about house plants is that you can use them to decorate any part of your home; be it the living room, the kitchen, or the bathroom. Bamboo palms in the living room, herbs in the kitchen, ferns in the bedroom, etc. are just some ideas that you can use. The kind of dish or pot that will hold the plant is also an aspect you can experiment with. There are terracotta planters, ceramic pots, glass containers and even metallic holders that make good-looking plant containers. You can choose plant holders to go with your general décor.

Now for some ideas on improving your home’s décor with house plants:

A non-functional fireplace put to good use

Love sculptures? Create a sculpture garden in your home, be it the living room or your bedroom. Put together your prized possessions in a cosy corner, add a tall potted house plant beside the sculptures and perhaps a few flowering plants in full bloom and voila, you have your own pretty sculpture garden inside your home!
Placing plants on the window sill is a hit idea. However, you can give this one a twist by placing tall potted plants instead of short plants or flowering ones. Line the entire window sill with the tall ones and watch them turn into a “screen” for your window. This idea works really well for high rise apartments.
Succulents generally look a tad dull as standalones. But in a group, they are quite eye-catching. Aloe and cacti are popular succulent plants. Find a couple that you really love and offer a nice contrast in terms of colour. Place these on a bright table that acts as a colourful background for a striking effect.
Find unexpected spots to place your house plants. Like the ledge above your kitchen counter or bar, a non-working fireplace or a non-functional wash basin around that living room that’s been an eye sore until now. The surprise element is sure to bowl your guests over.
If you have an accent wall that you would like to add a twist to, skip the wall art and go for a hanging plant. Hang it above eye level, perhaps from the ledge of a window, and allow the plant to cascade down against the backdrop of the wall.
Grow herbs in your kitchen by creating a vertical garden that has a built-in irrigator and water collecting tray. Don’t stick to just one herb—go for mint, oregano, parsley, sage, etc. The vertical garden adds a fresh spot of green in your kitchen and you have fresh herbs for use 24x7.
Now, go ahead and use house plants effectively to dress up your interiors, whether you have a green thumb or not!

Why skipping meals is the worst weight loss technique ever

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:15:00 +0000

Eat, even if you are busy.

Almost everybody is in the scuttle to lose weight. Unfortunately, a majority of those who wish to lose weight do not have the time or the inclination to take more dependable routes to weight loss, which are working out and following a healthy diet plan. That is when the “easiest” method gets picked up—skipping meals!

Now, allow us to burst your bubble if you belong to the “skip a meal to lose weight” group. Skipping meals is the worst weight loss technique ever! In fact, it does quite the opposite of what you are wishing for; you GAIN weight when you don’t eat enough.

Here’s why… a complex biochemical process in your body called metabolism converts what you eat and drink into energy. Your body’s metabolism balances to meet your individual needs. When you starve your body, it compensates by slowing down its metabolism and conserving the calories for survival. The stored calories add to the fat in your system, leading to weight gain!

However, weight gain is just one of the dangers of skipping meals. Not eating enough and on time can have severe effects on blood sugar. A part of the food you consume travels into your bloodstream as sugar and provides you energy. When you miss a meal, your blood sugar levels drop and make you feel lethargic and tired. A habit of skipping meals regularly will affect the levels of insulin in your body, and this can later lead to the development of diabetes.

Another upshot of poor eating habit is poor nutrition. Skipping meals takes away your body’s opportunity to soak up essential nutrients from food. With poor nutrition, your body’s immune system becomes weak, exposing it to life threatening conditions like cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Multivitamin tablets can never replace the goodness of wholesome food; which is why it is important to eat right and eat sufficiently well.

If you wish to lose weight by controlling your intake of food, the trick is to choose your food wisely. Pick low calorie and healthy options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, whole grains, lean meats etc. Eat smaller meals, which will ensure you are never really hungry enough to binge on unhealthy snacks. Combine this with moderate physical activity—whatever you can manage through a busy week—and voila, you have the mantra to effective weight loss.

Home décor trends in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:34:00 +0000

Home décor trends change year on year. While some prints go out of fashion, new colour palettes become a rage. Although every household cannot hope to give their home a makeover depending on the latest trends, what one can do is pick up aspects that are attainable and do not break the bank.
In 2013, there a quite a few trends that can be incorporated into your home without emptying out your pocket. Here are a few:

The colour of the season—Emerald Green. Pantone, the world-renowned authority on colour, has touted emerald green as the colour of the year 2013. Interior decorators across the globe are advising homeowners to bring this verdant shade into their abodes. This may not necessarily be in the form of accent walls or large seating options; but even a few décor pieces like flower vases, throw pillows and accent rugs will work just fine.
Metallics remain a hot favourite this year; but the one metal that makes it to the top slot is brass. It is affordable, it is timeless, and it is versatile—so, go ahead and use the metal in lampshades, cushion covers, even furniture for that shining effect.
The rustic element of the outdoors is now being brought indoors, especially in kitchens. Wood surfaces that show off the grains, weathered concrete, slates, irregular floors, natural crackle-glazed tiles, etc. have a raw appeal that create warm, organic and vintage spaces. These are modern yet not very slick, and that is what 2013 is all about.
The world is getting arty! Now that Kochi is home to India’s first Biennale, art is being appreciated like never before. Art is becoming more approachable; and although most pieces can be expensive, you are sure to find great works of art by lesser known artists that can be used to suitably adorn your home.
Vintage furniture, bought new, second-hand or painted, is back under the spotlight this new year. While DIYers can revel in painting that dresser from their grandmother’s home, the non-creative homeowners are sure find antique furniture pieces in stores soon. Mixing these timeless beauties with modern pieces will be the toast of this season.
Graphic prints have been around for a while now; and they continue to make their presence felt in 2013. Be it walls, floors or accessories, graphic patterns will be seen making their appearance in homes across the world. The versatile stripes are still the most favourite, although you will see irregular chevrons, large plaids, herringbone and houndstooth as well.

When hunger strikes, choose the right snack

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:26:00 +0000

That time between lunch and getting back home from work—it can be the hardest to resist a snack, right? And when hunger strikes, the last thing you have on your mind is good health. Olfactory senses and taste buds take over uncontrollably. So, if you are serious about healthy snacking and keeping a watch on the calories, this may not be a good time. Healthy snacking needs prior planning; just like you plan what to cook for a meal. It’s a good idea to be prepared to deal with the ‘in between meals’ hunger pangs.

Start with identifying all the unhealthy, fatty and sugary snacks stocked at home. Ice creams, snack cakes, muffins, cookies, chocolates, and fried potato chips are some of the culprits. Now make a list of healthy snacks that you can load your fridge and cupboards with. These can be a variety of fruits and veggies, whole grain foods, lean meats, unsalted nuts, low fat yoghurt etc.

Try to identify your snacking pattern. When you do crave for a snack? What kind of snack do you crave for? Once you understand your snacking style, you will be able to find alternatives to handle it. If you know that you would like a snack with tea at 4pm, you can have a healthy snack ready prior to that time. If you crave for ice cream after dinner, you can opt for some low fat yogurt instead, and so on.

Every packaged food comes with nutrition information on its label. Learn to read the package label as this can help you judge if a food is healthy for you. Organic and low-fat may not always translate into good snacking choices. The idea is to go for filling options like foods with high fibre content such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, or complex carbohydrates protein-rich snacks like peanut butter or low-fat cheese.

Watching your portions is also important. Just because something is low in calories and healthy doesn’t mean you have a free ticket to indulge. However, if you feel hungry often because of a high metabolic rate, snacking on the right food is fine. Mixed nuts, raisins, eggs, peanut butter, fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, low-fat cheese and yogurt, rice cakes etc. make great easy yet healthy snacks. A healthy amount of snacking and exercise will help you meet your fitness goals.

Celebrate the season with Abad!

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:12:00 +0000

photo credit: pierofix via photopin cc

It’s December. It’s that time of the year to make merry, have fun and enjoy the good times. Abad, too, joins in the festivities and offers you a variety of programmes that promise entertainment and fun. Abad Nucleus Mall and Baypride Mall will be buzzing with activity all of this season. We have a little of every thing—music, dance, games, karate and much more to keep the fun going. If you’re looking for family time, a day out with friends and cousins or some place to just go and enjoy the company of a crowd, head straight to Abad Nucleus or Abad Baypride. Fun begins here…
Holidays are here, and ‘fun and enjoyment’ is top of the list for kids. These malls are decked up in absolute festivity, and roaring with the spirit of the season. Here’s what you can look forward to at these malls:

Nucleus Mall
Dec 29 – Naatukoottam
Dec 30 – Karate/Taekwondo
Jan 5/6 – Pooja Prem Music programme
Jan 12 – Music
Jan 13 – Chinese dance
The last few days saw our patrons having great fun with contemporary dance for kids, games, a magic show, acrobatics (kids), and much more!

Baypride Mall, too, wears a festive look and the crowds are already thronging the place to shop and enjoy. There will be a karate show on Dec 30th at Baypride. All you martial arts lovers, be there!
Do not miss out on all these fun offerings from Abad. Bid farewell to 2012 and welcome 2013 with your loved ones, in the midst of fun, laughter and enjoyment. Happy New Year!!!

Travel the smart way

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 07:05:00 +0000

Travelling, exploring the unseen and experiencing the unknown can be an absolute joy. Packing for a travel though can most often be more tiring than exciting. Preparing a check-list of essentials-to-carry can make things easier. Apart from the basics—clothes, shoes, money—carrying travel gadgets can make life easier and more fun, while seeing the world. A solo trip, a friends-only adventure, a family holiday, a trekking trip, be it anything, here are a few travel gadgets that will come in handy.

The ‘smart’ pack:

Digital camera: Reliving memories is best done through pictures. Get yourself a digital camera to capture the moments and the experiences. Have it in your backpack, for you never know when you spot a picturesque frame, or get a hilariously candid shot of your buddies. Do carry a camera bag and spare batteries.

Laptop: No, we aren’t telling you to work on-the-move. The laptop will allow you to update your friends and family about your trip through photos and messages. So share those clicks with them, and show off your experiences.

GPS Navigator: Exploring is the fun of travel. With a GPS navigation system you can make sure that you are exploring the right tracks and headed the right way.

Multi-device charger: Wouldn’t it be terrible to have your camera, laptop and other gadgets die out on the first day of travel itself? Ensure you carry a multi-device charger to keep your gadgets charged. It is convenient and saves space too.

Smartphone: The all-in-one gadget! The smartphones, available today, can do almost all of the above features—click pictures, share on social sites, act as navigator, store images, play music and games, make calls and so on. So if light travelling is your call, a smartphone can be the most efficient travel companion for you!

The Fun Pack:

Camping gear: Travels spell adventure for many of us. It is the chance to do the unusual. Pack a camping gear, trekking clothes and safety equipment, and travel the extra mile, experience the extraordinary. You will find great camping gear at Sports City in Nucleus Mall. Camping bags are also available at Wildcraft at the mall. Be sure to pack a medical kit, warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and basic essentials.

Kayak: Kayaking is for the real adventure junkie looking for some real adrenaline pumping. If you are heading out to some destination that has kayaking options, well, get yourself your very own Kayak from Sports City at Nucleus Mall.

Fishing Rod: Entertaining kids on a holiday can be tough. Give them an experience they are going to love and enjoy and go boast about to their friends. Take along a fishing rod, find a nice spot by the waters and let the kids enjoy getting their catch! Make sure to click the ‘catch’ moment.

Knick-knacks: Books, a guitar or any instrument you enjoy, an iPod, board games, a deck of cards, etc are other little things that will add fu

The best places to visit in South India

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 06:01:00 +0000

South India is a melange of captivating destinations that are picture perfect for memorable holidays. There are numerable sunny beaches, misty hill stations, tranquil backwaters and thrilling wildlife sanctuaries, all nestled together at comfortable distances. But for someone on a short trip to South India, an easy to handle itinerary is a must. Here’s one of the best places in South India one shouldn’t miss:

Kerala’s backwaters: A labyrinth of lakes, rivers, canals and inlets crisscross and form 900 km of waterways, while many Kerala towns and cities go by their everyday lives at the banks of these mystic backwaters. The kettuvallams or houseboats are the most prominent attractions of the Kerala backwaters. A long cruise on a houseboat, sometimes even overnight, means a slow drifting over the calm waters. These boats have wooden hulls with thatched roofs and modern facilities including air conditioned bedrooms, western toilets, and open decks for quiet rejuvenation. The food is cooked onboard with a predominant local flavour. The only stops made during the cruises would be to pick up provisions from the town at the banks.

Hampi: A laidback village in Karnataka, Hampi is on the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and is one of India’s top historical destinations. Hampi is chock-a-block with mesmerising ruins of temples, palaces, markets and fortifications, spread over 25 km. The ruins date back to the 14th century and comprise of more than 500 monuments. The village is a delight for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Varkala: The beaches at Varkala in Kerala are known as one of the best in India. Kovalam, near Trivandrum, though is a lot more famous, especially for the Ayurvedic spa services it offers, it is Varkala that makes it to our list. Here’s why—the winding stretch of the cliff at Varkala offers an extended view of the Arabian Sea and the paved footpath, dotted with quaint shops, beach shacks and coconut palms, leading up to the sparkling beach, just make this little town a must-see.

Mahabalipuram: An hour’s drive from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is home to ancient stone temples, many of which are carved out of single stone blocks. If you love age old architecture, this one should be in your list.

Hyderabad: This capital city of Andhra Pradesh combines the old and the new brilliantly. It offers the magnificent sights of the Golokonda Fort, Char Minar, Hussein Sagar Lake, Makak Masjid and Falikknauma palace, merged so effortlessly in a modern and evolving city.

Munnar: While more people are likely to suggest a trip to Ooty or Kodaikanal, Munnar, a tiny hill station in Kerala, wins hands down with us. This little town is quieter and a lot less commercialised compared to its counterparts in the neighbouring state. It offers opportunities for strolls around charming tea gardens, which are incidentally the highest in India. Misty peaks, wildlife sanctuaries, serene climes, breathtaking waterfalls, abundant flora and fauna—Munnar has it all! If you are lucky and your timing is right, you will be able to witness the ‘Neelakurinji’ flower that blooms only once every 12 years!

Other places that could be checked out if you have more time on hand—Madurai (for the magnificent Meenakshi temple), Coorg (another hill town in Karnataka), Bangalore (for the iridescent city life), Mysore (the cultural capital of Karnataka), Pondicherry (a lovely little town near Chennai with French influences, famous for the Aurobindo Ashram), and Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi (towns of religious and historical significance).

Helpful tips for attending an interview

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:12:00 +0000

Attending an interview can be a daunting task, even for the perfect candidate. Uncertainties like what to wear, how to modulate your voice, the right way to sit and use your hands, and how to answer the interviewer’s questions in the best possible way can break anybody into a nervous sweat. Sometimes one may lose the right job opportunity because of a silly interview goof-up! Now, here are some tips that will help you sail through your interviews:

What to wear

The most important rule to follow in terms of dressing for an interview is to be formal. While a business suit may not be always ideal in the India scenario, nothing can substitute a crisp shirt, a pair of well-fitting trousers and perhaps a neck tie, and of course formal shoes with matching pair of socks, for men. For women, formal trousers and a shirt, or formal ethnic wear like a saree or salwar kameez with minimal or no embellishments and preferably in cotton, is ideal. It is best to keep accessories to the minimum. A watch is a must. For women, wear simple jewellery and minimal make up to keep the look professional. Both men and women should ensure good personal hygiene, but avoid the use of overpowering perfumes or aftershaves.

Background research

It is very important to do your homework before attending an interview; after all you will primarily be assessed on your skills and your suitability to the position the company is offering. Start with simple things like where the interview will be conducted and who the interviewer is. Then research details like how long the company has been in business, what goods/services they offer, how large the company is and approximately how many employees they have, etc. The next step is to analyse the post they are hiring for—what are the skills and knowledge the post requires, what are the responsibilities, what are the expectations likely to be, what are the other opportunities available in the firm, and so on. If you know someone who works in the company, speak to them to find out more about the firm and its working style. In addition, if you know people who work in a similar industry or position, find out what their responsibilities, skill sets and future opportunities in the field are like.

Preparing for the interview

Although this may seem a little dramatic, it’s a good idea to practice what you are going to say when asked an anticipated question. Role-playing is the key here. You can even ask a friend or family member to help here. Draw up a list of common questions like a quick brief about yourself, why you think you are suitable for the job, what your special skills are, why you are looking for a new opportunity (in case you are already working and are in search of a new job), what your long term ambitions are, etc. By practicing your answers, you will appear more self-confident and clear about your goals and future plans.

Body language

Your body language reflects what you are going through inside, so try to relax as much as possible to appear confident and comfortable. To start with, make sure you arrive at least half an hour early. You could find a café close by and sip on a cup of tea to calm your nerves.

Be friendly, which means smiling self-assuredly. Deep breathe and maintain a positive attitude. Greet the interviewer and offer a firm handshake. Make eye contact and maintain it through the interview, although avoid bordering on staring or being too casual. Use formal language and speak in complete sentences. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification and don’t be hesitant to pause to construct your answer. Speak calmly and in a volume that is clear across a table. Avoid shaking your legs, folding your arms across your chest, lounging on the chair, chewing gum, fidgeting or touching your face repetitively—these are signs of nervousness. Ideally, cross your feet at the ankles or place them on the ground. Place your hands gently on your lap or on the table, while sitting straight. Be polite and honest with the interviewer.

After the interview

Although you would naturally thank the interviewer after the interview, send a thank you note later. Thank them for the interview and reaffirm your interest in the opportunity. You can even offer them positive information about you that you may have forgotten to mention at the interview. Make sure you also make a personal note of the questions asked and the answers you gave. It can be useful if you attend more interviews in the future.

Grocery shopping: Do it right

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:54:00 +0000

You enter a well known brand of departmental stores with an agenda to pick up a loaf of bread, some vegetables, a packet of detergent and perhaps a carton of milk. By the time you step out, you have incurred a bill of over a thousand bucks and have two big shopping bags, brimming with things you didn’t even know you needed. Sounds familiar?

Shopping for groceries and everyday household essentials has gotten trickier over the years, what with huge departmental stores opening up in every neighbourhood, tempting you with offers and discounts for a variety of things. The result? You end up hoarding items you don’t really need, at least not in the moment. How do you tackle such temptation? Here’s some help:

Inventory check: Before you step out for the customary restocking of your inventory, take a look at the things you have (or are going to) run out of. This will ensure you don’t buy things you already have.

Make a list: A natural progression to the previous step is to make a list of things you don’t have in your inventory and need immediately. Take the list when you go shopping and remember to stick to it!

First eat, then shop: Going shopping when your stomach is empty is as good as walking into a trap laid out just for you. Therefore, eat something before you step out for shopping. When your stomach is full, the temptation to pick up chocolates, chips, sweetened drinks and other such snacks will naturally diminish.

Determine a budget: This may take some practice to perfect, but it can be an amazing trick if you are an impulsive shopper. Say you need four essential items that may not cost more than Rs. 400. Just carry the approximate amount of money with you and leave your cards back at home. That way you will be forced to pick up only what your money can buy!

Maintain a weekly menu: This is especially good for homes where both spouses are working. A weekly menu ensures you don’t have to burn those grey cells thinking about what to cook for each meal. A planned menu allows you to buy and stock the required ingredients for each meal, besides cutting down on the tendency to eat out or order in.

Buy in bulk: Items that do not come with a short expiry dates can be bought in bulk quantities. For example, buy a five kilogram pack of wheat flour instead of picking up one kilogram packs every few days. This turns out to be cheaper as bulk packs are priced lower.

Use coupons smartly: Keep a track of your coupons. These can be very useful to pick up grocery. However, choose a low rush period to shop with coupons as counting them out when you have a queue of hurried shoppers behind you can be disturbing; both for you and those behind you in the line.

Ditch the big department store: Remember the corner store guy you stopped going to when the big brand departmental store opened up? It’s time to revisit him. The limited choice he offers is the best way to get away with a packet of milk when you need only a packet of milk! You don’t end up buying that big bag of chips, that heavenly deodorant, and that tall bottle of Kiwi juice!

Kids at school? Good time to shop: Taking your kids along every time you go grocery shopping means more junk food/snacks, more funky stationery and so on. Go shopping without them, and you will notice how much you save.

Carry your own bag: Almost all big stores charge for their plastic covers. By carrying your own bags, you not just save money in the long run, but also save the planet from all the plastic.

Discount bazaar: Shop for non-perishables during periods when the stores offer huge discounts. Some stores even have special days every month, like the first ten days of the month, when they offer discounts on products. However, stocking up discount items does not mean shopping for things you don’t need. Choose only products you need and will use.

Care for your wood

noreply@blogger.com (ABAD Builders) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 04:55:00 +0000

Be it wooden floors, cupboards or furniture, the richness and texture of wood has an elegance of its own. To maintain and preserve the beauty of wooden items is quite a task and you need to be well informed on certain facts while caring for them. One of the best attributes of wooden furniture is that with a few simple steps, you can renew its original lustre. Make sure your wooden tables, knick knacks, flooring and cabinets stay beautiful for years with these easy steps.

Know your wood: When you purchase any wooden items, make sure you ask questions about the type and nature of the wood, and any specific cleaning guidelines to be followed.

Dusting: It is important to dust wooden furniture and items at least once a week. Use soft, clean, washable, lint-free cloth for dusting. Avoid sponges or fabrics with stitching or embroidery as it can cause abrasions on the wood.

Cleaning: Never use all-purpose cleaning solutions on wood. Use mild soap and warm water. Dip the cloth in mild soapy water, wring it nearly dry and then wipe. Then immediately wipe the area with a dry, clean cloth.

Avoid direct sunlight: Do not expose indoor wooden furniture to continuous direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays can cause cracks on the wood and also lead to fading.

Waxing: Usually, wooden items come with a coat of varnish or polyurethane, which protects the surface. Applying wax or polish helps to reduces scratches on the surface. Use paste wax or liquid wax for protection.

Must-Knows:

Do not place extremely hot or cold items directly on a wooden furniture. Use coasters.
Protect the surface when working with items that could stain or damage the wood like nail polish, perfume, etc.
Lift items from the table instead of dragging them away, especially ceramics that have rough surfaces.
Clean up spills immediately by blotting, instead of wiping.
Do not place handbags (leather or other materials) or other similar items on wooden surfaces for long periods of time.

Proper care and thoughtful handling can help keep wooden materials intact with its natural grace. Follow these simple, smart steps to keep your wood-stock elegant and shining.