Steel a deal
Move over shiny kitchenware. Go for matte finish in steel on Dhanteras
The barter system that probably existed for the longest time and was prevalent till a few years back, was that of old clothes exchanged for a new utensil. The choice wasn't much but it probably was the easiest way for people in rural and in most of urban India to add a steel utensil to their kitchen. Times have changed and so has the design of steel utensils and the mode to sell them. How else would Art D'nox and Ebony have been able to sell steel under a label?

Gold guide
Things to keep in mind while buying gold this Dhanteras
On Dhanteras in particular and in Diwali season in general, every one wants to buy gold. The best way to make gold work for you is, first think why you want it and how you will use it.If you want jewellery, that's fine. Just remember, jewellery is like a car. You drive it out of the showroom for one price. You trade it back for another. You can immediately write off the making charges you are paying now.

Sridevi sizzle
Heads turned and fashionistas drooled as Bollywood actor Sridevi walked the ramp as the showstopper for jewellery designer Queenie Dhody's couture line at the inaugural jewellery show of the HDIL India Couture Week in Mumbai.Wearing a black gown with a white emerald cut diamond and canary yellow round diamond set with all solitaires, Sridevi who stole hearts with her performances in hits like Mr India and Chandni, set the runaway on fire last night."I truly felt fabulous on the ramp. I love Queenie's jewellery, its aesthetic appeal and style appeals to me being one of a kind handcrafted pieces," Sridevi said.
Actor Sri Devi displays designer Queenie Dhody's creation at the India Couture Week 2009, in Mumbai. PTI Photo by Santosh Hirlekar

Fresh start
Three cheers, two reasons, one freshers’! Man, they know how to blow their trumpet. How about welcoming freshers by celebrating success? Some smart move! The International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Sector 8, freshers bash, was a celebration of the collaboration of the institute as official knowledge partner to Lakme Fashion Week for the next four seasons. So, theme up for 'Three Cheers INIFD', let's get going and the newbies? Well, they'll get a welcome automatically. "We have this event for all the three streams. And preparations have been going for the past ten-fifteen days," faculty, interiors, Nishtha Roshan, hip hip hurrays and briefs us about the event. She adds, "You'll find them all dressed in outfits inspired by their favourite fashion designers.

Well meaning
There is a time in each one's life when one is forced to look deep inside, face dilemma, cover up in situations that seem impossible to tackle. Reminded of the day when your old man threw some pearls of wisdom your way, but you were busy cashing his ATM. When he said, "Life is hard. Being good, hell tough." But mankind would have been nothing if it weren't for their survival instincts. So, we have a way out for anything under the sun. And that means, even tight spots. When the urge to speak the truth is compressed, moulded, wrapped and glorified by figments of our imagination. All in the name of being civilized. C'mon, don't act like you don't know what is the topic of discussion here. We are all master in this all of lying beautifully, or to be politically correct, sugarcoat the unpleasant realities.

Loosen the knots
I am 34 and still a single guy. This is not because I haven't had many girls in my life but somehow I have just not been able to sustain a relationship. Each time I get close to a woman she seems to run away, as I get very possessive about her. I like my girlfriend to dress in a certain way and to look sober. I do not like very modern looking girls. But I feel the girls these days when they hear my ideas get turned off. Do you think I need to change my view of life?

How green is my gift trolley!
Instead of making others green with envy about all the gifts you get this Diwali, go green with gifting
It's quite literally a warm Diwali this time. And we have not only calendar configurations to thank for putting us in celebratory mode prematurely, when the sun is still in fierce form. For all the warmth that's suffused this festive spirit, for all that silken finery that's not been aired this utsav, bless those depleted forest covers, shrinking glaciers and all things non-celebratory.If your conscience hasn't been subjected to a moral sach ka saamna by now, here's reminding you of that other CSR (conservation social responsibility).

Natural neckpieces: Paper necklaces in bright hues.

Light and shade
With Diwali around the corner, everyone is gearing up to give a festive look to their homes. Colours give an essential character to any space. So, what better than to colour your homes in varied shades and textures? Wall paints are the easiest and least expensive way of changing the look and feel of a space.

Let there be light
Splash colours on the walls to give your home a festive look this Diwali
Now how could we afford to miss writing about lights on Diwali? It's so obvious and inevitable a subject, when the variety available in the market is incredible and waiting to be explored. While the range starts from desi and goes up to videshi (read Chinese), imagine how it would be if the lights you picked fused before the occasion or on the very night. What a showdown! We realised the fact so, here's an update to inform you what you can buy from where to aptly decorate you house.If you wish to buy lights that can be used even in the next season, pick LED lights. They are waterproof. Take the shopkeeper's word on that, they would never get fuse and work till you don't get bored of them.

Mobile offer
Going by the short life of Chinese lights, this Diwali take a pick of other options in the market
Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. announced the availability of a new range of handsets from device partners, featuring Windows Mobile 6.5 - the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile phone software. With Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows Phones will deliver new customer experiences through an improved, easy-to-use and customisable user interface and an enhanced browsing experience. 

No smoke with fire
Firecracker makers in Jaipur introduced a new range of smokeless crackers. Manufacturers said it was the need of the hour as pollution levels in the environment are increasing everyday. Smokeless crackers are made by reducing the quantity of chemical content that emit smoke."These smoke-free crackers are made by reducing the quantity of chemical content, responsible for emitting smoke.

Eye spy
Diwali is a festival that witnesses celebrations of the highest magnitude as the entire country is lit with beautiful lights and fireworks. On this occasion, people express affection for their loved ones by gifting them enticing Diwali gifts that reflect their token of love.This year, make your loved one overwhelmed with happiness by gifting them stylish sunglasses from Bvlgari.

Khan daan

Star trek: Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Amir Khan, Katerina Kaif, Arbaz Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Sohail Khan along with Salman Khan and his mother Salma walk the ramp for India Couture Week 2009 on Tuesday night. PTI Photo by Santosh Hirlekar Black magic: Actor Hrithik Roshan along with wife Suzzane at the India Couture Week 2009, in Mumbai. PTI Photo by Santosh Hirlekar Kit Kat: Actor Katrina Kaif walks the runway during a fashion show for the "Being Human" foundation, (NGO) run by actor Salman Khan, on the second day of India Couture Week in Mumbai. Reuters /Punit Paranjpe