A classic modern look #BestZapStore

This second curator is a completely different look than the earlier one that was more traditional but this look is more modern and classic for parties, discos and special occasions.

Dress and Clutch:

Here is the beautiful red dress that was the best one I could choose among all the other apparels. The lace at the bottom and the top simple look made it a perfect party wear and it looks very stylish. The matching clutch is the same one that I had chosen for my sari earlier and look how well it goes with this authentic dress. What could be better than just holding a clutch and walking in style in a party!

Accessories:

The next image is a reflection of my accessories...My style...

1. Watch:
I just can't help but admire the watch . It's a nylon strapped analog watch that's looks so mesmerizing and perfectly in synch with the dress that my hands automatically added it to my store. It's damn stylish and elegant.

2. Bracelet:
I love bracelets don't come out as extraordinary and have more diamonds that represent the purity in the style. This bracelet is very delicate and beautiful that can replace any sort of bangle and with a dress, a bracelet is a perfect match.

3. Ring:

Anything better than a diamond ring? It may not be a true one but it's definitely needed when we wear a dress and hence I added it to my look. It has nothing extraordinary and it matches the bracelet and the overall look of mine.

4. Earrings and Chain:

I love the color and beads of the earring and chain and even though their price range is completely different, their pattern and design is the same and this dress requires accessories of this pattern to complete the look.

Shoes:

Heels go best with dresses and this red dress needs to have a classy plump that just fits best with the entire look. There could be nothing better than this red satin plump and the price too is simply perfect.

Decor Items:

I couldn't stop myself to think of the atmosphere and what could be the decor items used. This red rug on the floor, the red clock on the wall and the lamp that just lightens up the mood and feel are the items that went well with my look.

This completes my look and store curate which represents a traditional look and a western look that's two sides of a coin.

 Link to my store: https://zapstore.com/s/erikalui

I am making my own store for the #BestZapStore activity at BlogAdda in association with Zapstore.

My Zapstore - A reflection of my style

I love creating scrapbooks and lookboards and have an account with different ecommerce websites that are known for their fashionable clothes and accessories. It couldn't be better to write a blog about my hobby as I keep creating different looks with Limeroad and Blogadda has given me an opportunity to create a collection of items that describe me and how do these items describe me as a human.

I never used to think about my fashion sense being good as I always wore clothes and chose my fashion accessories based on my comfort level. I used to try to match my accessories and dress as much as possible and that made my friends appreciate my style statement and they used to keep asking me from where have I purchased my accessories and clothes. That made me take more interest in fashion blogs and now after visiting Zapstore, I have created 2 looks that I would like to share in my blog posts. The first one is as follows:


Link of my store: https://zapstore.com/s/erikalui

Sari:

Why did I choose this?

Here you can see that that I've chosen a beautiful Golden Ethnic Route Sari and a matching Gold Half Sleeve Blouse. The reason for choosing a gold sari is because I have a fair skin and gold matches it perfectly and the red color makes it look perfect for any occasion like a wedding or party.

How does it reflect my style?

I love silk saris a lot as they are a true symbol of ethnic wear and it has elements of pride and prosperity. I am not rich with regards to money but my values, my culture and my soul makes me look rich which differentiates me from the rest of the world. This sari isn't heavy in weight nor in terms of the embroidery and design and can be worn even without any jewelry piece as it's just elegant. Anyone can carry this sari with ease and hence, I have chosen this sari to bring in a new look in terms of tradition and fashion.

Accessories:

Why did I choose this?

i. The red studs look perfect with the sari and also when I wear saris, I prefer to wear studs rather than long earrings that may look out of place and not synch with my look. The sari is already quite elegant and these studs suit it the best.

ii. The gold and red chain has both the colors of the sari that match it perfectly. As the sari has a lace material and the fall of the sari matches the design of this necklace.

iii. The silver ring is not a true one but it looks beautiful with the diamond shape representing a flower.

iv. The challa matches the design of this sari perfectly and when I would wear it in the waste, there couldn't be a more special accessory for me.

v. The gold bangles are simple and have no special design which was needed to balance my look.

vi. The golden watch is itself the best part of all the accessories that has a simple shape and looks completely formal that completes my look.

How does it reflect my style?

Accessories are a very important part of a woman's look and they are often known as a women's SHINGAR without which her look isn't complete. As seen in this picture, I have added red studs, gold-plated necklace, silver ring, silver challa, gold-plated bangles and a gold metal wrist watch. These all accessories have a combination of gold and red that matches the sari I've chosen perfectly. Each jewelry piece is a reflection of me wherein the studs represent my love, the necklace represents the simplicity in me and the ring with a diamond specifies my purity.

Clutch:

Why did I choose this?

This Beaded Flap Red Clutch is the best ever clutch I could find for this silk sari as it is simple and sweet in terms of the look. There's nothing extra ordinary stuff about it and can go in with any costume like a sri, dress, casual look or even western wear. This is the reason I chose this.

How does it reflect my style?

The fact that this clutch can match any style is why it reflects me. I don't want to flaunt a clutch that is expensive or difficult to carry and this clutch can match any costume in red irrespective of the type of costume.

Sandal:

Why did I choose this?

I don't prefer wearing high heels when I wear a sari and this sandal is the best thing I could find that matches my sari and would be comfortable in wearing.

How does it reflect my style?

The simplicity is the main factor that I was looking out in my sandals as my sari has all the elements like the best design and the gorgeous look that my sandals match perfectly.


Overall, my Zapstore is an ultimate station for any woman who needs to carry herself royally and she needs to put on simple makeup as her look is complete with a designer sari, beautiful accessories and a simple clutch and sandals.

 I am making my own store for the #BestZapStore activity at BlogAdda in association with Zapstore. 

#AdviceThatMattered The best colleague I could ever get

I was working in an IT publishing company 2 years ago and it was when I was quite bored with my job as it was getting repetitive to keep doing the same job and it was not a position that would help my career growth. It had been almost 1.5 years that I was working at the same position without any bonus or increment and my colleagues had already moved to another company with a better pay and position and I was stuck in the same position without any help from my manager and team leader and they had made me responsible to train newbies. It was getting miserable for me as I had my own family duties that made me worry a lot. With the increasing commuting rates and taxes, I wondered if leaving the job would be right or not.

My colleague who was working with me since the start of my job and who was my trainer knew about my worries and he was the one to guide me then. He informed me about a higher position opening in the company and told me I should apply for the same. I did not know whether I should apply for this position as many employees had been rejected in the interviews and those who were selected were also finding it tough to complete the training process. It was my trainer who insisted that I apply and he promised to guide me further with my training. I applied for the position and got a call after 2 days for the interview. As it was an internal interview, the questions were not that tough and I managed to clear the exam. After clearing it, the only thing that I remembered and wished was to thank my trainer for his support without which I would not even have the courage to apply for that position.

My trainer then kept making a note of my duties and he was helping me at every step and what help I could not even get from my friends in my office and my manager, I got from him. He was really very kind and he was selfless as he wanted me to achieve my goals and move forward in my career. Whenever I needed references, he was the one to help me out as to which website I need to visit and what software I need to download. He never spoke rudely to me and it's only because of his advice that I've learn to never set back and cry over my fate but instead search for the best opportunities and apply for the same to move forward.


I am blogging about my dreams and the people who helped make them true for the #AdviceThatMattered activity at BlogAdda in association with Stoodnt.

Advice that helped me #AdviceThatMattered

I was in my final year in college and I had still not been placed in any company even in my final year. I was highly disappointed as I had not been able to attend many interviews due to my ill-health and hence had missed out on great placement opportunities. The interviews that I had managed to attend did not go well and I managed to pass 3 written tests but couldn't get through the interviews. I was very upset as I was told by my friends that getting a placement through the college is very important and if I wouldn't manage to get through, it would be very tough for me to manage to get a job outside.

I remember the day when I went to college to get signatures from all my professors so that I could manage to get a leaving certificate and this was when I met the placement officer of our college. It was the second time I had met him and the first time I had a chat with him. He was very strict and hence I used to keep avoiding to talk to him about my placement but this time he asked me to sit and tell him what I was planning about my future. Here is what we discussed that day?

Are you working at the moment?

No, Sir. I  am still looking out for a job.

Where have you tried?

(I was confused as to what to answer as I had not yet applied in any company since there weren't any good openings and the only thing I managed to do was make an account on Naukri.com) I am searching for openings on Naukri, Sir.

Naukri? That website doesn't give you good opportunities. You are an average student and very good in programming. You should have been placed by now.

(I always felt he did not like me or considered me below average but this was not the case. I kept silent.)

What's your preference? Which company would you like to work in?

I prefer to work anywhere in Mumbai, Sir. Whichever company recruits Software Engineers and I don't have any specific choices.

I know of a company that's Sewri who are looking out for trainees and you would be paid Rs. 2500 as a stipend which is given to new trainees.

(I was shocked at his reply and felt he was mocking me.) Rs. 2500, Sir?

Yes. That's the starting and after 6 months, you would be getting their normal salary of 15,000.

(I was completely blank that moment as I knew that travelling would itself make me spend Rs. 3000+)

You should definitely apply in this company. (He looked at me sternly as he knew I was doubtful.) I know the stipend is less but it would be the best opportunity for you. Also, this experience would be counted and would get you a better salary in future.

(I thought for a while and listened to him as I had no choice. It was either to struggle for a new job or take what was offered). OK, Sir.

After this discussion, I applied for a job in the company and got selected. It was tough to work there for 6 months with just 2.5K but it is now that I realize it was the best decision I had taken. Because of that experience, I got better opportunities today and my salary is the best package among my friends. If I had not listened to my placement officer's advise, I don't know if I would manage to earn the amount as I do today but certainly I listened to him and it was the best advice I got till date.

I am blogging about my dreams and the people who helped make them true for the #AdviceThatMattered activity at BlogAdda in association with Stoodnt.

Glassica Blanca #DreamTrails

While writing this blog now, it has taken me through the dreams that I've always been having and it also reminds me of the movie Inception where the dreamer creates and perceives a new world with imaginary buildings, roads, mazes, steps and phases that we actually expect to have in our real life. This is what I've also been having on my mind after watching the movie and here I would like to describe one such dream that I remember and hope to visit in reality as well.

My dream: GLASSICA BLANCA

What would be the place like?

To start with my dream world, I want to first describe the place which I would be writing about. It would be a place made of glass and hence the name "Glassica Blanca".



Now your question would be "Why Glass?"

Here's my answer: Glass is a reflection of one's self and what a piece of glass shows us is our own self and in a transparent form making us visualize ourselves inside and outside which we would be unaware of if glass never existed. Also, glass is the most beautiful solid that can be moulded and designed in any form and shape and there could be nothing more beautiful that a place where we can find all buildings, roads, shops, bridges, furniture, books and almost everything made just of pure glass.

How wonderful it would be! I just can't stop imagining the beauty of this place where everything is made of pure glass.

How would the citizens be like?

The second factor that I would be describing here is the nature of people who are the projections of my dream.

Since we are all living in Glassica Blanca, our nature, behavior, culture and lifestyle too is similar from within while from the exterior, each person would have their own uniqueness and talent. This would make us all citizens be cooperative, friendly, understanding and not have any negative feelings for each other. As glass is transparent, the people also would be exhibiting the same properties wherein each one would be have the same thoughts from within and from outside as well without anyone wearing a mask. Here, each person would have an equal share of happiness, wealth, work and life which wouldn't create the jealousy factor within anyone and there would be no differentiation between gender, caste, culture, class and so on. It would be a perfect dream place for each one of us where all of us would live happily like a family and there wouldn't be any crimes or fights between us.




Isn't it great to live in such a place? I am just loving each phase of my dream.

Let's talk about the food of Glassica Blanca:

Like we have different cuisines from different places and different countries but here in Glassica Blanca, we wouldn't be eating any food that needs to destroy any life whether it's plants or animals. All the food items we would eat would be made from eatable glass and water as both are transparent and healthy for our body. Where we have different forms of water like solid, liquid and gas, we would be having different forms of glass too which we could eat and this glass would be much different than the real one. This food would be inexpensive and would be available anywhere and anytime. Nobody would be starving.





What would people be wearing?

The clothes would be having glass mirrors as a design and the jewelry would be pure diamonds and other glass materials. Every costume would be made of glass material and even shoes would be made of glass and the color would be different for each one.

Let's discuss about the culture

The culture in Glassica Blanca would be the best we could ever imagine. There would be a time where all the citizens of this place would meet and share their experiences. It would be a tradition that would be followed by everyone and each person would come to meet each other of their free will. There wouldn't be any rush for the citizens where they would participate in a race to move ahead from each other and absolutely no competition. This would be the social behavior of all and as a part of their tradition, they would gift each other a piece of jewelry, food or dress material as a part of their love for one another.

Wild Life in Glassica Blanca:

Here the animals would be all living together in a protected area that's far away from human life and they would never starve nor face any hardships like the animals in our real life. They would be having their own houses and lots of food to eat. They too would be able to live a happy life and at times we would be able to meet them and communicate through our eyes (as there would be no need of any language or words between us).




The last factor would be the weather

The weather would always be the same throughout the year and it would be SPRING. There would be no wind, rain, sun, storm but only a stable weather.

I am blogging about my dreams and passions for the Club Mahindra#DreamTrails activity at BlogAdda. You can get a Club Mahindra Membership to own your holidays!

H&R reasons for filing IT returns #TaxPledge

We often think and tell ourselves that the Government and IT department are the only ones who benefit from our taxes and they charge us for each and every thing. However, it's all for our benefit at the end and we get to use services that is only due to the taxes we pay. Keeping aside the social benefits, H&R explains how filing IT returns helps us and makes us a responsible citizen of our country.

We, at some point of time, plan an outing to foreign countries and this is not possible without having a VISA. While applying for a visa, we are often asked for our IT returns slip which enables us to get through the process even faster. It doesn't apply for those who don't fall in the IT bracket but if you earn income that's taxed, these documents are necessary.



For those who need to apply for a loan, or those want to trade in stocks and make investments, we need to file IT returns as that gives us a credibality and a good position in the financial instituition book. By us filing IT returns in time, the banks get to know that we can pay the loan interest as well in time and they sanction our loan faster. It is a reputation necessary for every citizen who falls in the IT bracket.



In case you have been taxed more than the liable amount, you can apply for a refund by filing an IT return. For example, many people are charged TDS when they get freelance income and some who don't fill the 15G form are also taxed yearly. To get a refund of that amount, you need to file a return and the amount will be credited to your bank account if you do so.



By filing IT return in time, you can avoid any penalties and that gives youa  good tax credit score as well which matters a lot in your financial life. You don't need to worry about being taxed more than the required amount ever as you have already paid your dues in time.



You can now sit back and relax as you have don your duty towards your country by paying taxes.

Credit for the Images: https://www.hrblock.in/infographics/benefits-of-efiling.aspx

I’m taking the #TaxPledge to file IT returns with the easy Income Tax efiling option from H&R Block at BlogAdda.

Answers to our queries #TaxPledge

 Blogadda and H&R Block have come up with a great initiative to encourage people to file IT returns and I am also joining their #TaxPledge this year. I have noticed many of my colleagues finding it tough to file IT returns and giving excuses and in this blog post, I will be addressing the most common issues that people have due to which they miss out on IT returns.

I got so much work. When will I get time to file an I return?

This is the major problem with all working women and men who give excuses for not filing an IT return. They keep saying that they are busy and they find this a tough job to do. Here I've created a GIF that explains all the steps to file IT returns and it's a job that can be done in just an hour if we have all the details with us. All our income details are linked to our PAN cards and hence the IT department has made it easier for us to file returns.

What will happen if I delay in filing the returns?

Source: http://taxguru.in/income-tax/how-costly-can-the-delay-in-filing-tax-returns-be.html


Here is an image attached that explains how expensive it could be if you delay in filing the IT returns. We all know of the saying "Delay is danger" and we should not take IT returns lightly and not be serious about it. It's our duty and as a responsible citizen, we are liable to pay these taxes. Don't keep shifting the date from one day to another and instead refer to the steps and file the returns as early as possible.

I have a CA who'll take care of it. My burden has become less.

Even if you have a CA who will take care of filing the IT returns on your behalf, you still need to keep a check on whether the CA has filed the return or not. By taking it easy, it can be dangerous for you as it's your responsibility to file the returns in time and if there is any delay, you could have to bear the fee.

I’m taking the #TaxPledge to file IT returns with the easy Income Tax efiling option from H&R Block at BlogAdda.