You are holy!

Grow your own vegetables

To avoid poisons in your food, have healthy food that grow in your home. While most of Bengaluru is moving towards this trend, it is good to know they are enjoying it. I was a part of the expert panel to discuss this trend, challenges, advantages and how we can make a positive change in life!

Stay behind the curtain

Let the consumer or your client be in front of the camera. Move back and hide behind the curtain, especially when you are doing well. Come out and stand out in the open and defend yourself, or face the heat when you aren't doing well.

While BMW is doing a great job in creating the best cars and a superb consumer satisfaction and impressive ad campaigns, I loved it when it was subtle and the brand chose to showcase their best bet till now - Sachin Tendulkar. I love the ad for a simple reason that I couldn't skip it!

It is simple, clean and crisp and damn! Sachin looks comfortable in front of the camera and the journey and admiration seems mutual. Good job BMW. By moving behind the screen and leting your work talk, you are hitting the right notes and we love it. 

Why is India so filthy?

As for me and my house

Praise, my soul

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;

To His feet thy tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Who like thee His praise shall sing?

Alleluia! Praise the Everlasting King!

(Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847, the author of "Abide with me")

How HE loves

A bit tensed I am and the little one is cranky and this music from David Crowder soothes me.

నన్నుదిద్డుము చిన్నప్రాయము సన్నుతుండగు

A telugu worship song seeking correction from the Lord.

More about Jesus!

More about Jesus would I know, more of His grace to others show;

More of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me!

                                                 (E.E. Hewitt, 1851-1920)

Best green building project of the year

We picked up two awards this week from Worldwide Achievers Real Estate awards: Best Green Building project of the year: Samskruti Hoysala and Best Emerging Developer in Bengaluru. Hard work pays.

Monday Blues: Be comfortable

As we grow up, society makes us perceive in certain ways and makes us think we are not good enough. We are influenced by people, things, culture and everything possible around us. We must realize that you are unique and specially made by God and he loves you whatsoever. Be comfortable and be real.

If God permits

Hebrews 6:3 KJV

And this will we do, if God permit.

Praise unto your name

Give someone a Christmas they deserve

This is arguably the best ad I have seen this year and how simple it is done! What are your plans this Christmas?

Sharing joy multiplies it.

Top housing trends for 2015

One of the top trends driving today’s housing market is the demand for energy-efficient homes that don’t sacrifice comfort for quality. If you’re looking to purchase a new home, green features can save money both now and in the future, with numerous earth-friendly benefits. Here’s what is trending for 2015 and beyond.

Functional Spaces

Homebuyers are looking to get more functionality out of less space and often discover downsizing is a viable option for both young families and empty-nesters. Modular or manufactured homes are gaining popularity. Homebuyers enjoy thoughtful modern designs that maximize space and functionality, plus the waste from building an entire house in a controlled environment is minimal – typically fitting into just two 30-gallon drums or less.

Low-E windows

Windows are an investment that pays dividends for many years to come. Buyers are demanding at least double-paned options with low emissivity, also known as low-e, advanced window coatings that help retain heat during winter and keep it out during summer. This microscopic layer also blocks damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture.

Effective insulation

Homebuyers are asking about extra insulation in homes, including the walls, roof and flooring. Properly installed insulation that meets or exceeds national code requirements helps better regulate a home’s temperature so the furnace and air conditioner don’t have to work harder than necessary. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.

Advanced heating and cooling features

According to a 2009 RECS Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating accounts for 41.5 percent of the average household’s energy consumption, which is why homebuyers seek atmosphere controlling features that can cut this number dramatically. More efficient and properly sized heating and cooling systems, such as a heat pump, use less energy, which makes the home much more energy efficient throughout.

Smart lighting alternatives

Homebuyers are demanding energy-efficient options to save money and energy. According to the EPA, CFL light bulbs use less energy than many other types, which makes them a smart option for an energy-efficient home.

Tight construction

It’s not just what you can see that makes a house green, it’s the process itself that can make a big difference. That’s why tight construction and tight ducts are a must when building a home. Builders must pay close attention to detail by sealing all holes, cracks and seams in ducts and construction assemblies. This helps to eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests and pollen, plus boosts comfort while lowering maintenance costs.

10 Reasons You're Always Late

A wonderful article by Annie Gabillet on the psychology of being late.

Selfish. Inconsiderate. Irresponsible. If you're constantly late, people might associate you with these negative qualities. A lack of punctuality has more to say about your relationship with yourself than your feelings for friends, family, and co-workers, but they don't always see it that way. To add hours to your day and make everyone around you appreciate your newfound reliability, kick these bad habits now. No procrastinating!

• You think best-case scenario. Two out of five workday mornings the subway takes 20 minutes. But three out of five days? It takes 40 minutes. You need to plan for 40.
  
• You hate downtime. When you get to an appointment early, do you resent the "wasted" time you could have spent being productive at home or at the office? Embrace it. There are actually scientific benefits to daydreaming.
  
• Before leaving the house, you do just one more thing. If you need to catch the bus at 8:30 a.m., 8:29 a.m. is not the time to load your dishwasher.
  
• You rely on phones to buy you more time. Texting your friend or emailing your manager "I'm running five minutes behind!" does not excuse your tardiness.
  
• You neglect your calendar. Don't let meetings or appointments surprise you. Keep your calendar up to date and review it at the end of each workday and first thing in the morning so you can prepare.
  
• You wait for a crisis situation to motivate you. There's nothing like a hard deadline to spring you into action. But waiting for adrenaline to kick in means that you're constantly putting out fires and not planning ahead. You wouldn't have to rush to your friend's birthday drinks on Thursday if you thought ahead about finishing that important work task on Monday.
  
• You pack too much into your day. Be realistic about what you can do and when you can do it. Don't hesitate to say no. Underpromising and overdelivering is better than not keeping commitments.
  
• You snooze. That snooze button is sabotaging your chances of being on time. A better morning starts the night before. For a more restful night's sleep, when you crawl in bed trade your overstimulating and potentially stress-inducing smartphone for a regular old book.
  
• You overindulge. Alcohol can also lead to poor sleep and a sluggish morning. Whether you're trying to make it to a Friday morning meeting after happy hour or Sunday brunch with an old pal, skip that last glass of wine the night before and hydrate instead.
  
• You avoid the real issue. If you commute during a horrible rush hour, maybe you should shift your hours. Get more work done in the evening? Ask your boss to move your start time from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and stay later. If you have a health issue that is keeping you up at night, visit the doctor.

Monday Blues: Seize an opportunity

Whenever there is something bad, then everyone jumps in bad mouthing. When things go well, very few share it. Especially on Social Media. When Laxminarayan, a banker, bought a mobile and got a soap in return from Snapdeal, social media went bersek and shared it over 20k times. 

Hindustan Unilever saw an opportunity and seized it and how! As Vim soap was sent in the phone package, HUL sent him a phone and some better cleaning dish liquid. With just a simple gesture, HUL embraced an opportunity and made it a huge success story.

Good job HUL.

How Great Is Our God

Just cannot fathom his love for me even when I was down, I was tiny, microscopic, ignorant and miserable. I am just a tiny speck in the Lord's plan and still He, in all his grandeur chose to remember me. Thank you Lord.

Here is another gem from Chris Tomlin, a world edition. 

Your grace is enough

I love this Chris Tomlin song as it lifts my spirits up. It helps me lift myself up when I am down and help me grow and keep my faith in the Lord. Have a blessed November.