Page 11 - Namrata Kohli

Modern fans: Cool on looks, smart on tech and a bigger bang for the buck

No longer just utilitarian purchases, the appliances have morphed into a style statement for the house while embracing the next level in green tech, design and enhanced functionality

Squeezing out a great holiday deal as international travel opens up

With foreign travel set to pick up, here's how you can get the best deals for your trip, along with advice on the destinations you could to head to

Murals: Great style statements that breathe life into your living spaces

While they work much better than plain paint; you need to get a fix on the theme, size and material you want and the artist's contractual obligations before you put the money on the table

Tips on buying a bed that suits the home interiors and offers sound sleep

You will find several types of beds available, at various price points in the market; pick the right size, shape, material and design for your personal space

Clothes make the man, the accessories amplify his style statement

Ties, belts, wallets and cufflinks add to your personality in a way designer wear can't; pick something that matches, or is in contrast with, the shirt and pair of trousers you're wearing

Universe of choices to help those who can't decide what to gift this Diwali

Brass is big, health is the new wealth and green is the new gold this festive season, as malls and e-commerce platforms alike go all out to woo the customer with a host of tempting offers

House hunting? Tips on cashing in on festive offers being made by builders

Just make sure you get your math right while striking a deal for a house this Diwali. Often times, the cost of the offer is built into the price of the property

A musical journey by road across the length and breadth of India

Amit Trivedi soaks in the acoustic legacy of five states, driving through each of them in a road trip spanning almost an year

Looking for handicrafts? Tips on identifying and buying an authentic piece

Always buy from a reputable outlet, not from trinket shops outside tourist spots or on mall roads; remember that the beauty in a genuine piece lies in its flaws, unlike a machine-made copy

Where to learn a foreign language for travel, career or cultural enrichment

Today apps will help you pick up European, Oriental and Arabic on your smartphone. You can also go for short-term courses at edtechs or full-blown ones at regular institutions

Bungalows and villas edge out apartments as dream houses in Covid times

Emerging need for more space, greenery, light, ventilation and privacy are driving demand. If you're buying one, ensure the title is clear and the plans are duly sanctioned

Staycations for the WFH-weary set looking for leisure with a vengeance

You can choose from a range of branded weekend resorts that offer serene surroundings, top-class safety and hygiene, and cap it all with unique experiences

Tips on choosing the right luggage as you get set to travel post Covid

Ever had a luggage breakdown when your trolley bag's wheels broke or your suitcase's zippers got jammed with sand and salt pushing into it? Know how to choose your luggage and avoid baggage blues

Luxury watches: If you have the inclination, they have the status quotient

While a Rolex or a JLC instantly gratifies the vanity of the wearer with its signature designs and trademark engineering, it also enhances the stature of the person gifting it

Can't afford to buy a swanky car? Take one on a rent or hire instead

You can even gift yourself the experience of riding a different set of wheels each time you plan a trip--from a Hummer to a Bentley to a Jaguar to a BMW or Range Rover

Three publishing strategies to get the book you've authored to the shelves

While the traditional publishing house is still the most popular, don't stress if it junks your work. You have two more ways to see your book morph into paperback or hardcover

Self-publishing is the only way for 97% of authors: CEO of Notion Press

In a Q&A, Naveen Valsakumar dwells on the coming-of-age of self-publishing, his firm's value proposition for budding writers and how he plans to take on the competition from Kindle

Gaming for fun or killing the boredom, honing skills or making some money

Once frowned upon, gaming has acquired universal acceptance, with housewives, students and working professionals taking to it. Beware of the pitfalls, though

Pocket-friendly apps to tap the creative artist you never knew you were

You needn't be a qualified designer or an audio or video editor in order to create top-class content across media. All you need is some savvy technology apps to help you do the job

Telemedicine to the aid of home-bound patients in the time of Covid-19

Telemedicine in covid-19 times: You can get to the doctor almost anytime, anywhere, be it on your screen, via voice or plain text for a lower price than in-person consult