Big Deal

The laptop bag's zipper fails under the weight of the not so light machine you carry everyday. Or the soft luggage has a small tear from the last airline trip. Or the floater's beginning to lose its sole - no pun intended - to the abuse that our myriad surfaces throw at it. What do you do? Usually, head to out to the nearest store to look for a good, nay, better, replacement. And chuck the current one out, or donate it, or whatever. There's a plethora of stores, brands and choices after all. And its not that expensive, given…

The laptop bag's zipper fails under the weight of the not so light machine you carry everyday. Or the soft luggage has a small tear from the last airline trip. Or the floater's beginning to lose its sole - no pun intended - to the abuse that our myriad surfaces throw at it. What do you do? Usually, head to out to the nearest store to look for a good, nay, better, replacement. And chuck the current one out, or donate it, or whatever. There's a plethora of stores, brands and choices after all. And its not that expensive, given…

Schools have reopened and the market is flooded with ‘Back to School' offers. The Jayanagar 4th block shopping complex takes the cake for all copycat products. Apart from having a great variety they also are the cheapest. Big Bazaar comes in close at second as they have standard products at reasonable prices. Chain stores such as Landmark, Crossword and Staples sell branded and higher priced products. Spoilt for choices. Pic: Smit Zaveri School bags Jayanagar 4th block complex- Children's bags and Backpacks start from Rs 200 Big bazaar- canvas and polyester bags - Rs 349 to Rs 999. Staples -…

Schools have reopened and the market is flooded with ‘Back to School' offers. The Jayanagar 4th block shopping complex takes the cake for all copycat products. Apart from having a great variety they also are the cheapest. Big Bazaar comes in close at second as they have standard products at reasonable prices. Chain stores such as Landmark, Crossword and Staples sell branded and higher priced products. Spoilt for choices. Pic: Smit Zaveri School bags Jayanagar 4th block complex- Children's bags and Backpacks start from Rs 200 Big bazaar- canvas and polyester bags - Rs 349 to Rs 999. Staples -…

After over a decade of hard work, hard water and loads of dishes done sometimes even twice a day, the Electrolux dishwasher recently died on us. The missus and I debated some, and in line with the lower foot print (both from an energy as well as a financial point of view), decided to switch to hand-washed dishwashing. The need for a tap and sink in the utility area quickly made itself on to the to-do list on the fridge. Do you even know how much a steel kitchen sink costs!? Could set you back 3500/- quite easily. Plus, did…

After over a decade of hard work, hard water and loads of dishes done sometimes even twice a day, the Electrolux dishwasher recently died on us. The missus and I debated some, and in line with the lower foot print (both from an energy as well as a financial point of view), decided to switch to hand-washed dishwashing. The need for a tap and sink in the utility area quickly made itself on to the to-do list on the fridge. Do you even know how much a steel kitchen sink costs!? Could set you back 3500/- quite easily. Plus, did…

Those of us living along the periphery of the town are a blessed lot - a couple of kilometers from home brings us to a very pretty, quiet, unrushed and refreshing countryside.   Its all those things - pretty, quiet, unrushed and refreshing - at least in part, because of the lack of traffic around there, so let's keep it like that. Instead, pick up a cycle and ride! We're in a city with really pleasant mornings, global warming notwithstanding. Especially now, with the summer behind us, early mornings and gentle showers are a great way to start a weekend.…

Those of us living along the periphery of the town are a blessed lot - a couple of kilometers from home brings us to a very pretty, quiet, unrushed and refreshing countryside.   Its all those things - pretty, quiet, unrushed and refreshing - at least in part, because of the lack of traffic around there, so let's keep it like that. Instead, pick up a cycle and ride! We're in a city with really pleasant mornings, global warming notwithstanding. Especially now, with the summer behind us, early mornings and gentle showers are a great way to start a weekend.…

The weather, friendly people and great coffee at any random darshini - these are the reasons I proffer to folks when they ask for the secret that Bangalore became, and continues to stay, home for us. To that list, add the fast spreading delights from the small little Nondescript "Hot-chips" Shop (the NHS) in practically every neighbourhood. It goes amazingly well with Bisibele bath, sandwiches, burgers, regular dal-rice or just a cricket match on the telly. Packets disappear in a jiffy, and you really cannot stop at one. Cholesterol, fat and other such demons are momentarily swept under handily available…

The weather, friendly people and great coffee at any random darshini - these are the reasons I proffer to folks when they ask for the secret that Bangalore became, and continues to stay, home for us. To that list, add the fast spreading delights from the small little Nondescript "Hot-chips" Shop (the NHS) in practically every neighbourhood. It goes amazingly well with Bisibele bath, sandwiches, burgers, regular dal-rice or just a cricket match on the telly. Packets disappear in a jiffy, and you really cannot stop at one. Cholesterol, fat and other such demons are momentarily swept under handily available…