Friday 6 April 2018

The Benefits of Enrolling for Formal Coaching for GMAT Preparation Over Online Preparation


GMAT tutorials Mumbai

My father prides in being a self-made man and this is something that I look upto him for. As a youngster, I always had this desire to be able to match upto him and see the look of content and gratification on his face that my professional success would bring. I have been nurturing this dream for years now and have taken one big step forward in this direction. I was on the verge of completion of my B.E in Electronics and Telecommunication when it was time for me to do something to realize my dream. I had a few business plans on my mind but I wanted to do it all the right way without. That's when I decided to pursue MBA from one of the top-notch international universities. Now, this isn't as easy as it sounds as there are a lot of conditions to be fulfilled to be able to qualify for a management program from the best of international B-schools around the world. I did quite a lot of networking by getting in touch with seniors, friends, friends of friends, and whoever I possibly could, to get all the know-how of how the best business schools that I must consider, the course of action, and all other related information. That said, my own online and offline research benefited me greatly as I went on to find answers to the smallest of my queries without the fear of being judged. Now, taking the GMAT examination and scoring well is one of the most crucial steps to qualify for a reputed B-school. You can either opt for formal coaching offered by various classes in your city or rely on online coaching and self-study. As for me, after all my research and findings, I did come to the conclusion that formal coaching is a far better option for all the aspirants out there. When it comes to GMAT tutorials Mumbai doesn't have a dearth of classes that do complete justice to aspiring business management students and I too enrolled in one that best suited my needs.

To ease things out a bit for those of you sailing in the same boat as me, I am listing down my reasons for choosing formal coaching classes vis-à-vis opting for self-study and online training:
  1. Knowledge of the faculty: The faculty appointed at various coaching centers are qualified and experienced professionals who possess in-depth knowledge not only about the different sections of the examination but also of the best ways to solve problems. Their experience comes in handy in offering the most appropriate and time efficient way of taking the exam and dealing with the questions therein. Having coached students for years, these tutors are in a good position to mentor you and offer their guidance in the best way possible.

  2. Answer to all your queries: Now it is not uncommon to encounter roadblocks while solving problems whilst preparing for an examination. And I am sure, during the course of your GMAT preparation, you will be left wondering “how is this the right solution and not what I came up with?”, on occasions more than one. This is precisely where having access to a tutor proves beneficial as you can walk upto them and get answers to all your doubts. Now, some of you may argue that you can find the right solution and method online, but in case you do, the time spent in doing so is comparatively more. Also, approaching a tutor in person won't only save you lots of time but also brings it with a sense of satisfaction when you can voice your questions and get them answered. Another thing to note here is that with a professional coaching center, you give yourself the chance to actually think and find solutions to questions rather than just watch online videos and be fed with the method and solution without much thinking.

  3. Feedback on mock tests: Mock tests are a pivotal aspect of preparing for GMAT and these are provided by all the coaching centers as well as can be found for online training as well. However, there is a catch here. Though you can take mock tests online, the feedback that you get from a tutor is something that makes a huge difference and prepares you well for your next mock test and finally for the actual examination. Their comments and analysis of your performance and first-hand feedback will do you immense good and you will know how you can ace the examination that can make a world of a change to your career.

These were some aspects that made me choose professional GMAT tutorials in Mumbai for my preparation. If you too are debating your options, I hope my findings help you in some way.
All the Best!



Thursday 5 April 2018

4 Types of Brides Making Heads Turn with their Choice of Bridal Attires


bridal wear retailers Chandigarh

Being in love with everything to do with fashion and lifestyle, retail therapy is something that works for me in almost every scenario. That being said, my level of happiness and excitement knew no bounds when my BFF's wedding date was finalized a few weeks ago. We are a trio of gals and all three of us, including her, had been waiting for her wedding date to be fixed for the last one year, thanks to her never-ending medical examinations. Now that finally, the date was out, it meant it was time to set the shopping ball in motion to scout for the many many outfits that she would be adorning for the various functions. Now we all know there are different types of brides depending on a number of factors. As for her, she wants an elaborate wedding with as many functions as possible! Nobody's complaining though. As I have been happily accompanying her to every single store, be it for her outfits, footwear, bags, jewellery or any other thing, I have observed the buying patterns of varied brides-to-be based on their choice, likes, and preferences. Now when it comes to bridal wear retailers Chandigarh has a melange of options to suit the needs of any and every type of fashion lover. We women in the north have a thing for everything perfect when it comes to our ensembles and appearances, even the regular ones, then a bridal look is a massive responsibility!

The rounds to endless bridal wear stores have made me realize that it is not only the brides from the glamour industry who have evolved but the ones in the real world too have. Brides today are going for various looks and do not shy away from taking the path less travelled. The city stores sure do justice to these changing trends. Based on what I have observed, here are the 4 types of brides on the basis of the look they are opting to don for their D-day:

The Minimalistic Bride: A raging trend among brides these days is going for the minimalistic look. This in no way means that these brides-to-be do not dress up for their wedding day and other functions but they are choosing to go for a more muted look. The colour palette here plays a big role in highlighting the bride's choice. The reds and pinks of the lehenga or sari are replaced by the more subtle and elegant hues like blush, mauve, mint green, and ice blue. And no, these are not only limited to the pre-wedding celebrations but are also finding their way on the wedding day as brides are not shying away from sporting bridal trousseau in these shades. The detailing on the outfits is also well balanced as these brides smartly neutralize the jazz on the lehenga by pairing it up with a subtler and simpler blouse. For those opting for saris, the intricate detailing of zari work is mostly limited to the pallu of the sari and lower half of it. If the sari has more detailing, they play it down by teaming it with a blouse that is understated but stylish nevertheless

The Traditional Bride: Traditional never goes out of fashion. A bride opting for the traditional look likes the grandeur of every single detail. I have seen them naturally gravitate towards classic reds, maroons, and pinks. The saris, lehengas, ghagras they choose are defined by the ornate work which is nothing less than grand. The heavier the lehenga or sari the happier the bride! To add to the splendour of the outfit, the jewellery they choose is equally detailed and one-of-a-kind. The intricate work on the choker only amplifies the opulence of the look. Replete with ornate neck pieces, not one, of course, heavy dangling earrings, bangles, nath, maang-teeka and other statement pieces of jewellery, this bride surely knows how to reinstate traditional poise and exude elegance and exuberance.

The Bollywood-Inspired Bride: Every bride wants to make some sort of style statement on her big day, and this type chooses to do so by recreating a popular Bollywood look flaunted by her favourite diva. I have seen these brides-to-be show pictures of the look they aspire to recreate to the salesperson at various stores and ask if they have something similar. Now recreating these designs is also a thing and there are a number of stores where you can find replicas of popular looks. Some of these stores also recreate the look for you if they do not have a particular design or 'look' of your choice. The colour, design, and detailing of the outfit are quite similar to the look sported by the celebrity and these brides proudly flaunt their dream-look on their big day with oomph and finesse making heads turn.


The Modern Indian Bride: This one has the guts to experiment with her attire even on the day of her wedding! You will find the true modern Indian bride steer away from the regular colours as well as the regular outfits. They opt for what is trending and go the unconventional way. These days, pairing crop tops with regular or high-waist lehengas, teaming jackets with kurtis and skirts, donning sari gowns are in vogue. I'd like to term this one as the unconventional bride who knows how to stand out and make an individualistic style statement of her own. She wears her unique style with confidence and gracefully carries herself everywhere she goes.

bridal wear retailers in Chandigarh


As for me, we are still putting together all the looks for my soul sister's big day. In the meantime, if you are a bride-to-be or are in a place where I am, you will certainly be delighted by the collection that bridal wear retailers in Chandigarh have in store for you. Whatever your style mantra is, you will be flooded with options aplenty in this city.

 

Wednesday 4 April 2018

3 Genres of Motorcycles From Yamaha For Different Biking Needs

Yamaha motorcycle dealers in Mumbai


Bikes are a passion that many of us are enthusiastic about. And it wouldn't be wrong to say that considering today's scenario in the city, bikes have gone beyond being a passion to being a necessity. The madness on the roads, thanks to the never-ending traffic jams, renders little patience to be behind the wheel for hours at a stretch being stuck in what can be called not-moving-at-all traffic. Maneuvering around on bikes is far better and convenient in the city and this is something I personally prefer too, as the past few months have made me partial towards bikes. The major reason for my choice is the time difference that it takes me to reach my office by a four-wheeler compared to that of a two-wheeler. Now that being said, I must also admit that my love for bikes is limited to being a pillion, but an experienced and knowledgeable one at that. I have been riding pillion with my brother for the last fifteen years and it is his love for bike riding that has made a place in my life too. Now with him being a true-blue bike lover, I have gained immense information about two-wheelers, the various brands as well as some technicalities. My brother has tried his hand at different makes of bikes in all these years and one name that he blindly trusts with his experience is Yamaha. When it comes to deciding on a particular bike, I have seen him visit showrooms of Yamaha motorcycle dealers Mumbai offers and consider his options before a purchase.

There are a number of parameters like your budget, purpose of purchasing a bike, the finance options, fuel consumption and mileage, and resale value, that are usually considered before making the purchase. Apart from these, a rather imperative aspect is to determine the type of bike that you are looking at. The automobile sector has evolved radically and there are genres and sub-genres that justify your every need. During a recent conversation with him, my brother happened to enlighten me about how Yamaha has made a mark for itself in different genres of bikes and thus become a fit-for-all two-wheeler brand. He was scouting for a new set of wheels and during our trip to the dealership stores in the city, I discovered a lot. I was amazed to learn that the brand has a line-up of exciting models for beginners as well as for seasoned bikers, a fact that I was completely unaware of. Of the wide choice from their line-up, 3 types of motorcycles from the house of Yamaha have stayed with me. Here, I will be sharing the 3 types that managed to impress me the most and I hope it makes for a good and insightful read.

Cruisers: For those who enjoy bike riding for the sheer joy of long rides and the thrill of the wind blowing in the face while riding freely across the terrains of the city, cruisers are a perfect fit. Yamaha VMAX is a classic example of what can be called a ride made for giving that adrenaline rush when you set the bike in motion. A sturdy model which is an embodiment of the best of design and technical specifications, it impressed my brother as a rider and me as someone who enjoys the looks of a bike while enjoying the ride. What I like about this type of ride is that while it gives an exhilarating experience, the ride is not at all uncomfortable. If you are someone who enjoys long distance travels on your bike and are looking for an exciting upgrade, then considering this one will surely be a wise decision.

Sports Bikes: Now who doesn't love sports bikes? Even a non-rider's eyes widen at the sight of a majestic and mean sports bike. The sound of the bike's acceleration is enough to invigorate excitement. I cannot even count the number of instances when I have coaxed my brother to become a professional bike racer for the pure pleasure of being able to experience first-hand the on-the-edge feel that it offers. Though Yamaha has a number of sports bikes under its banner, the latest launch from the brand, Yamaha YZF R15 V3.0 is every adventure junkie's need. It is the latest to join the bandwagon of sports bikes and I find it to be a thunderous addition.

Commuter Bikes: I cannot imagine my father riding a sports bike or an off-road motorcycle. For him and for other regular bike riders, commuter bikes are a saviour. After all, it is not every day that you can park yourself on a sports bike or a cruiser and be on your way to the local market to buy your weekly stock of groceries. The Yamaha Saluto RX is a favourite among the masses. I can say so because a couple of friends are proud owners of this one. It fits the bill perfectly for being an affordable ride, one that can take you to your workplace and yet make a style statement, thanks to its smart design.

Though there are other genres out there, these 3 have left a mark on my mind. I did get to see these models by visiting a number of Yamaha motorcycle dealers in Mumbai with my brother. He is still contemplating between a couple of options from the brand and hopefully will soon make up his mind. And if you too are looking out for options, do plan a visit to these dealership stores in the city and check for the availability of a model of your choice.

4 Potential Indicators of Hypothyroidism


It was around six years ago that my sister got married. Now the one thing that my entire extended family and friends started relating to my sister's marriage, after a good six months or so, was how I had suddenly gained weight. And when I say I gained weight, I mean I went on from 52 kg to 64 kg in six months and then to 78 kg in another six months. Initially, I did not pay much attention to the extra kilos I kept piling on. After the first 6-8, I blamed it all on binging to overcome the void that my sister's absence had created. And I do not blame myself for it too. After her marriage, I was still scouting for jobs and sitting for campus placements, having finished my final semester of engineering. I had a lot of time at my disposal and would spend most of it stationed on a bean bag with my laptop and food as my constant companions. I thought that it was all the feel-good food that I kept downing continuously that made me discard all my clothing for no longer being the right size. From jeans to shirts and dresses, it was all going to the no-longer-fits-me shelf in my wardrobe. But it wasn't before I noticed some other major changes in my body that an alarm rang and I knew this was something serious, something that needed medical attention. A visit to my family doctor and a few blood tests later, I was told I was suffering from hypothyroidism. She gave me references of a few endocrinologists Chandigarh had and suggested I visit one at the earliest.

I am sure there will be other women out there who can relate to my story. I did learn quite a lot from my own experience with dealing with hypothyroidism and I wouldn't blame anyone of you who might be ignoring potential symptoms, just the way I did. But real queens fix each other's crowns and that's precisely what I am going to do here. During the course of time, my body underwent drastic transformations which I will be listing down below. I hope, unlike me, you do not overlook these signs that could be signalling you to pay a visit to an endocrinologist at the earliest.

  1. Unexplained and sudden weight gain: As I mentioned earlier, I put on quite a lot of weight and that too in a very short span of time. Now, if you too observe that you are putting on weight without any sudden lifestyle and diet changes, you might want to consult your family doctor first, just the way I did. Your family doctor is your first step as he/she will recommend a few blood tests that will help determine the medical cause, if any. Now, it may not always happen that your weight gain will be related to hypothyroidism or for that matter any other ailment. But being sure is mandatory.
  2. Feeling lethargic: I always had this feeling of tiredness which would begin the moment I would open my eyes and plan to step out of bed. The urge to lay in bed a little longer is not new to anyone of us, but when it extends to hours before you actually have to drag yourself out of bed, every single morning, it is not a good feeling, trust me. Another marker here is your hours of sleep. If you notice that you are sleeping more than you otherwise do, on a regular basis, your body could be telling you something which you definitely should not ignore.
  3. Hair loss: This was one of the major triggers that pushed me to go and consult a doctor. Which woman does not love her hair? Imagine my plight when I saw my thick mane of wavy tresses start thinning in no time. I actually had to run my fingers deep down my mane to be able to feel my scalp and then one fine day, as I ran my fingers into my hair, I could easily feel my scalp. Now that frightened me like never before! I was envied by my sister right from childhood for my luscious locks and here I was standing in front of the mirror staring at a visibly flat hair surface on my crown area. This is when I knew I had to take control of the situation as enough damage has already been done.

  4. Prolonged sadness: I conveniently let myself believe that being left alone post my sister's marriage was the cause of my sad and gloomy behaviour at all times. Turned out I was wrong all along. That did leave me sad but wasn't the reason for my behavioural patterns and constant disinterest in everything around me. The blues I was feeling were more medical symptoms and less of what I forced myself to believe.

Once I put two and two together and assessed the entire situation, I sensed the need to consult a doctor. On my family practitioner's recommendation, I did see an endocrinologist who took matters into her hands. It has been four months since my treatment has started and I can already see a difference. I did waste a lot of time before seeking medical attention but if you notice these symptoms, you must not turn a blind eye to it. Jump into action and visit a doctor. Though these were a few symptoms that I noticed which acted as a catalyst in making me visit my doctor, you might notice these or other signs, which could be indicating you to take control of the situation. My experience with endocrinologists in chandigarh has been exemplary and I am glad to have found the right course of treatment through them.


Tuesday 3 April 2018

3 Experiential Dining Experiences in Chennai You Must Not Miss


Best Restaurants in Chennai


'People who love to eat are always the best people' goes a famous saying by Julia Child, the renowned French chef. Foodies like me would wholeheartedly believe in this too. In my opinion, Indians love eating and not just eating but also experiences that revolve around food. Each part of our culturally diverse country boasts of a unique story and association with different types of delicacies and ingredients that have crafted a one-of-a-kind historical culinary recipe. In modern times, you see restaurants trying to impress patrons with their own story of sorts, of creating a gastronomical experience, not just for the palate but for the other senses as well. Living in Chennai for the past couple of years, I have seen the culinary scene evolving right in front of my eyes, and it is definitely a welcome sight. Now food lovers from other parts of the country need not associate the restaurants Chennai has as places that served only Idli, Sambhar, Dosa and Curd Rice - all South Indian cuisine staples that I'm definitely proud of, mind you - but also associate them with venues that tickle your taste-buds with niche cuisines, experiential dining experiences, and uncanny ambiences and themes that make dining an overall pleasant sensation. And it is not just the cosmopolitan elite flocking to these venues, but also food lovers who want to savour the experience along with 'Instagram-worthy food'. And so I jot down 3 of my favourite Chennai restaurants with themes that you must visit for, if you want to be served food and a whole lot more.
  1. 747, Thoraipakkam
    Letting your taste-buds take flight, this themed restaurant is designed as a 747 jet aeroplane. As soon as you enter the venue, you first encounter the reception area that has an uncanny resemblance to the airport lounge area. To warmly greet you are hostesses who will check your booking and handover the 'boarding pass' to enter the 'aeroplane', which is the restaurant. The 'cabin crew' takes your boarding pass, which has the table number on it, and leads you to your table. You can enjoy a sit-down buffet at this eating house, served in a manner much like what you'd experience sitting on a flight. The design and décor of this establishment can be mistaken for the inside of an actual 747; the resemblance is uncanny. Coming to the food, the serving plates are also shaped like aeroplanes. This eating house serves Tandoori, North Indian, Chinese, Thai and desserts. Dynamite Potato, Patiala Chicken Leg and Andhra Chilli Fish are some of the noteworthy delicacies served here. So, if you want to experience dining on an aeroplane - minus the turbulence - this is the place.

  2. Robot Theme Restaurant, Semmancheri
    If the idea of robots serving you food has not gotten you excited, then you can safely skip reading this paragraph. This restaurant's theme is very much a slice of any of the futuristic sci-fi movies that you must have watched. Needless to say, I was totally blown away by the concept. This establishment claims to be India's first robot-themed restaurant and has already made a lot of headlines. Each of these life-sized android bots that move along between the chairs and tables is handled by an operator, who is human, of course. Celebrating all the famous bots featured in Hollywood movies is the artwork on the walls, including the ever-friendly, Wall-E. You are handed a tablet to tap your selection from an assortment of delicacies in Thai and Chinese. Tip: Make sure you make a table reservation in advance as this place is known to be packed even on the weekdays! If this isn't the future of hospitality, I don't know what is!

  3. Kaidi Kitchen, Mylapore
    When you become a prisoner of hunger, this is where you must head to! Offering a one-of-a-kind theme is Kaidi Kitchen, where you dine in a venue that recreates the look and feel of an Indian jail. Modelled on a prison, don't be surprised to see the some of the waiting staff dressed like prisoners and some like jailors. You can choose to dine at a table behind bars (quite literally), where you can sit with your fellow 'inmates' and let your taste-buds be 'captured' by the tastes and aromas of pure-vegetarian delicacies. This kid-friendly venue serves 'jail-ka-khana' with Jain-friendly options. A few of the noteworthy dishes that you can try here are Spaghetti Carbonara, Tiranga Paneer Tikka, Baked Rasgulla, and Chocolate Fondue.

If you are like me and still want to explore more such experiential dining options, also check out Abyssinian in Alwarpet, MadHatter's Tea Garden in Chetpet, Haunted in Anna Nagar East, Winter Palace in Alwarpet, and Dialogue in The Dark in Royapettah. Follow your love for Ethiopian and African food to Abyssinian while Winter Palace beckons you to indulge in the atmosphere and the flavours of Russia. Relive the story of Alice in Wonderland with the vibrant ambience at MadHatter's Tea Garden. Dining at Haunted promises you hair-raising goosebumps, while Dialogue in the Dark will make you 'see' food in a different light. Needless to say, restaurants in chennai are ready to offer you experiential and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. The question is, are you ready to indulge?