ICynosure: August 2017

With so much technology at our fingertips these days, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Nowhere is this truer than with the proliferation of smartphone apps. There are so many out there, how can you possibly know which ones are the most valuable? Well, if you love to ride your beach bike cruiser (or the best hybrid bikes), then we have found five apps that will make your life so much more rewarding.

Note: These are not in any particular order, so feel free to pick the one that works best for you.

#1 ViewRanger

Street riding can be so boring. If you love to hit the trails on your mountain bike, then you need this app. Unlike other programs that use standard GPS software, ViewRanger specializes in mapping terrain that’s off the beaten path. Best of all, it comes with an open source map so you can find your way offline, too.

#2 Strava

If you are into healthy competition among friends, then you will love this app. While it offers the standard post-ride analysis, the main selling point is that you can see where your pals are riding and compete against their best time.

#3 Map My Ride

As the name suggests, the primary feature of this app is generating a mapped route of your ride. Best of all, you can come up with one before you head out based on your particular area. It tracks your location better than most other similar apps, and the premium version can provide extra training options.

#4 Cyclemeter

Like other apps on this list, Cyclemeter is all about providing you with a wealth of information about each of your rides. However, what we like most about this one is that the data stays on your phone unless you want to share it. This way, you can manage your results without having to connect to the internet.

#5 Bike Doctor

The more you ride, the more wear and tear you put on your bicycle. This app shows you how to perform routine maintenance so that you can save some money in the long run. If you’re a serious gearhead, this is the app for you.

Overall, if you want to make the most out of your next ride, download these apps and see what they can do for you.

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While growing up, I realised that my eyesight was deteriorating and I would need eyeglasses for even viewing the classroom blackboard correctly. Though I wasn’t very excited about the prospect of using eyeglasses, I however, did enjoy the attention that came with it. Considering the limited options available at the corner stores, I was stuck with the same frame for many years, remaining calm through the catcalls in school and weird looks in college.

Eventually, as I wadded off the ‘geeky’, ‘nerdy’ phase, I resonated with my eyeglasses and finally made peace with them. Graduating from the black-n-white frames to bold colours, from rectangular frames to experimental shapes, from glass to other metals, I’ve come a long way with them. Eyeglass choices today have become so easy with Titan Eye Plus whilst becoming extremely difficult as I am now spoilt for choice with the innumerable options. However irrespective of the eyeglasses I pick, I keep a check on how they would sync with the shape of my face, my skin tone and the purpose of that particular frame in the scheme of things.

In a way, I’ve mastered the selection of eyeglasses having worn them for many years. My eyeglasses not only provide clarity for vision but also are an inexpensive option as compared to the other visual aids that are available in the market. However, these days my eyeglasses have become quite a hassle and a bone of contention for me, and; so I’ve been thinking to switch to contact lenses. However, these decisions are not to be taken at the spur of the moment and need proper consideration and thought. I’ve spoken to a few friends who have made the switch and I’ve got to consider the following points before taking the simple yet crucial plunge.

Usefulness

Even though lenses are available in a variety of style; namely soft, rigid gas permeable, disposable, extended wear; they are not for everyone. Most individuals suffer from dry eyes after using lenses which in turn may cause more harm than help the eyesight in a long run. So before making the big switch, it is most important to get your eyes checked by a professional to determine whether you are a candidate for lenses.

Work Profile

Long working hours especially those in front of a screen can be hazardous while wearing lenses especially as the recommended usage is for a set period of time. You need to take them off regularly to give a breather to your eyes as well as adhere to schedules and cleaning instructions.

Maintenance

Lenses are a simple solution to your vision shortcoming, however, they are high on maintenance and upkeep. Lenses involve a great deal of care and daily cleanings, with hygiene expected to be spot on to avoid any irritation and infection. You must evaluate your hygiene habits to ensure you can handle the extra responsibility.

I’ve made the switch considering all the above factors because it makes me feel more comfortable, confident and carefree. Most importantly it is relatively easy to switch back to eyeglasses if I am not comfortable with my lenses. However if you are planning to make the switch whether for a practical purpose or a cosmetic one, consult an optometrist to ensure the switch is right for you.

Until next time,

- Heena

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It is untrue that no one knows what women what! Everybody knows what we want; but do we know what men want?

Brothers are the most incredibly difficult people to buy gifts for. I search high and low, far and wide and yet, from time-to-time miss out on bringing him the one thing that will astonish him. But I got lucky and the other day, when we were sloshed I kept prodding him on what are the things that men really like to be gifted, and bingo I found a great selection of options to choose from; to gift amazement to the pillar of strength who has been by my side throughout my life. I am secretly so excited to bring gifts for my Brother, that I can’t even wait enough, to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with him.

But I'm not going to spill the beans here, jest he reads the blog and gets to know beforehand. But I sure can share a few things that would make the ideal gift for your sibling.

Statement Wrist Watch
Nothing beats a classic low-profile men’s watch that features either a soft leather band or a matte steel clasp. The minimalist that my brother is, he will absolutely love the clean and crisp wristwatch that is a statement piece that stands out without being an attention grabber, exactly how he is.

Everyday Essentials Hamper
The Old Spice Shaving and Bath Essentials Hamper will surely make my brother feel extra special. The hamper contains shaving and grooming products from Old Spice, all beautifully stacked up in a stunning red and black recyclable basket. Not just my brother, any man will love this useful and thoughtful gift.

Durable Canvas Backpack

Frequent flier or not, a durable and versatile backpack is a perfect fashion and lifestyle gift for my little brother. Though not as organised as I am, he will surely appreciate a collapsible canvas bag with a laptop-specific section, multiple pockets and contoured shoulder straps; that makes it easy to organise.

Classic Fountain Pen

Being a writers’ sibling means nothing for my brother, as the only thing he would probably use a writing instrument is to sign cheques. However, I would love to gift him a gold-plated fountain pen that is personalized with his initials. A one-time gift that ensures a lifetime of partnership, cemented in writing.

Wine Accessory Box

This would actually never make it to my gifts for my brother until he said how much men love such things. A wine accessory set with all the essential items would definitely be a super stylish gift for a true wine connoisseur like my brother and it would take a place of pride in his collection of bar accessories.

Bulldoze your brother into confessing what gifts he likes, and head to any Indian Gifts Portal to surprise him, with or without an occasion to celebrate.

Until next time,

- Heena

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