Guest Post By Sage Harman

I have a guest today. :)

A frugal living enthusiast, wife and mom-to-be, Sage Harman runs http://www.no-contract-plans.com, a site dedicated to providing free information to consumers trying to find viable no-contract phone and internet plans. Today she guest-posts on my blog giving us some valuable tips on how to control our monthly phone bills. 

Welcome here, Sage ! :)

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What is the one thing in life you couldn't live without? Besides the obvious ones, of course. 

For me, that one thing is my smart phone. I mean I do love other gizmos and gadgets too and I am constantly wanting to try all the latest cool ones out there but absolutely nothing can rival the smart phone. I rely on it for a lot of things. It's not just my phone but it also serves as my PDA, camera, music player, gaming device, and the best one yet, e-book reader. 

Like me, I'm sure a lot others carry on a long–standing love affair with their phones. If I may ask though, does it cost you too? I thought I could turn a blind eye at first but my bills get higher and higher each month and I've had enough. Smart phones are expensive, and it's not just the phone but the charges and fees too! Whoever said "talk is cheap" must not own a smart phone. Once you've had a smart phone though, can you ever go back to using a non-smart phone? No? Then I hope the following tips on how to cut down your bill and save money help you out.

• Don't use extra services and features like toll-free calls, 411 calls, horoscope texts, roadside assistance, ringtone downloads, call waiting, and cell phone insurance. They may not be worth much separately but added together, they sure will make up for a ridiculously expensive bill. If you really must, use these services sparingly.

• Be responsible. Monitor your texts, data usage and minutes to make sure you don't go over your monthly allowance. 

• Save money by using your landline phone, wi-fi, Skype, Viber, and other free apps whenever you can.

• If you can bundle your phone, cable and internet services, do so. It's often cheaper than paying for each services individually. If you can also get your family and friends to join your plan, most service providers offer free calls within the same network and discounts to family/group plans.

Most service providers offer "No-contract-plans" and pay as-you-go packages. The downside, you will need to shell out a hefty sum to buy the phone outright (although some companies do offer a no-interest payment plan so you won't have to pay the full amount right away, so yay!); the upsides, no hidden charges, no miscellaneous fees and extra expenses, no credit check, no lock-in period, and no termination fee (for those who break the contract early). These plans are now available, you just have to ask your cell phone company about it.

Are you in the market for a new phone? 

Is your phone contract about to expire? 

Or are you looking to switch carriers? 

There are tons of options out there, just make sure to do your research.

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Yours' truly,

Instagram - Jan 2014 Photo-A-Day Challenge (21-31)

And with this January Photo-A-Day Challenge is a wrap ! :)

Looking forward to February... enjoy !

21. Blue - baby girl's toy elephant

22. Nice - my new laptop mouse

23. Bedtime - my bedtime read these days ... spooky !

24. Your space - my comfy couch

25. A taste of winter - make that terrible snow in winter

26. Fun Stuff - catching up on blogs

27. Something I bought - my new iPhone case

28. Dinner - Peppermint rice

29. Window - large French windows

30. Best invention ever - has to be the iPad since it is easy for all age-groups to use

31. Polka Dot - on baby girl's onesie

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 

You and I

Source : Google Images

She came into my life and everything changed. A new chapter of life had begun.

When I first saw her, she seemed scared. When I first touched her, she looked back with squinty eyes. She looked most beautiful when she quivered in my arms but I pacified her.

She gazed around to absorb her new surroundings. After that, every time she came to me, she realized I didn’t mean any harm. She realized I couldn’t live without her. She realized this is her family now.

From today I will be her mother... And she will be my baby girl.

- Written for Write Tribe's Wednesday Prompt 2014 - 5.

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

Wordless Wednesdays - 1

Source : Google Images

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

My anti-bucket list

I am sure we all have a wish list. Goals, dreams, wishes, things to do before we die and what not.

But has anyone made an anti-bucket list ?

I did.

A couple of days back, I decided to write down 5 things that I never want to do in life. Here they are.

1. No adventure sports - Well, not all of the adventure sports. There are a couple of them that I don't find a point in trying out ever in my life like bungee jumping and sky-diving. To all my friends who are keen to do this and all those who have dared themselves to take the plunge (literally!), I appreciate their efforts and kudos to their bravery, but I am happy sitting on my couch sipping some hot coffee gazing out of my window and reminiscing about the good moments of life.
2. Never travel alone by flight - Yes, that's right. Given a choice, I never want to travel alone by myself on a flight. During my adolescent and initial working years, I have traveled alone, quite a lot. Until a bad experience happened in 2009. LP and I were on this flight to Delhi which happened to be a mini-aircraft. Thanks to the heavy rains and winds in Delhi as we were preparing for landing, the flight had a sort of a free-fall sending all the passengers into a death scare. That's when a phobia entered my mind and since then whenever I travel alone by flight, I get jittery.
3. Never be a jerk while driving - I love driving. And till now, unlike few of my friends, I haven't had the need to be a jerk on the road. And I hope to maintain that. *Fingers crossed*
4. Never be afraid of what people think - I have been judged before by people, some who have been close to me and others not-so-close. Worse still, I let the judgments of the not-so-close people affect me. Well, not anymore. My life is what I choose it to be so if you can't deal with it then I feel bad for you. :-p
5. Never be strong at all times - There are times when the going gets tough and I can't take it anymore. During those times, I cry. It helps me to release my built-up anxiety and makes me much more stronger .

Go ahead and tell me what are the things you never want to do in life ? :)

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

The Perfect Teacher

Source : Google Images

Her warmth touched everyone,

Her presence felt delightful and snug.

After all the subject she taught was too complex,

To learn about plants, animals and ever other bug.

No one was like her,

All the others were just a bore.

Somehow her mirth always made us smile,

And sometimes even roar.

We lost touch with her,

Only to catch up years later.

Nothing had changed all this while,

The list of her pupils only grew greater.

Then one day, she passed away,

Just like that, shocking one and all.

But her infectious smile lingers on,

From inside her white pall. 

- Dedicated to my favorite Biology teacher who passed away in the recent past.

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

Today, I want to share a favorite video of mine. This is about a famous entrepreneur who not only is a source of inspiration for billions across the world, but who also taught us "How to live before you die".

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

A Night to Remember...

Source : Google Images

It’s just another night, or Rhea thought so.

“Don’t try anything smart or you will get it.” - The assailant said laughing at her with the knife held to her back.

“Leaving work late today was definitely a bad choice.” Rhea thought. “But then aren’t these maniacs always in hiding irrespective – of day or night. They don’t strike after warnings.”

The more she walked into the darkness, the more she feared the consequence.

With the open deodorant can in one hand and vengeance in her heart, Rhea turned swiftly and fogged the goon.

And then she had the last laugh.

- A piece of fiction written for Write Tribe's Saturday prompt 2014 - 4

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 

It's National Compliment Day !

Source : Google Images

Never heard of such a day ever before; until I read it on Write Tribe.

Wouldn't it be an awesome day to commemorate by complimenting some one for all the good work they are doing ?

While it's not necessary to wait for such a day in order to compliment someone, I think it will definitely remind us to always appreciate the good and positive people around us each day.

Responding well to compliments is important too. Something that I learnt over the years. Earlier on if someone complimented me for the good marks in exams or for standing first in some competition, I would become too aware of my surroundings and just shy away. Let alone reply with a "thank you".

But now years after those embarrassing experiences, I graciously thank the person for the kind compliment with a smile on my face. :)

The best compliment I have received from family and friends is about my "multitasking" skills.

"How, in the world, do you juggle multiple things at the same time and do it well too?"

All through my academic years, I have had my hands full at all times with my studies, tuitions, my dance classes along side numerous literary competitions.

When I started working, I had a full time job, a hectic schedule of dance practice followed by stage performances, recitals whilst studying a post graduation course for 4 years.

Once I moved to the US, my passion for my art took a backseat (thanks to my endless relocations within the country) but given a chance I am willing to give it a shot here too.

Now, after turning a mommy last year, my "available" time has further slipped into a deeper trench, but it has never stopped me from continuing my interests - reading, painting, blogging, cooking, watching my favorite sitcoms amongst a million other things.

Sure, its stressful at times but I thank my stars and count my blessings that this wide array is my space. I really love the fact that I keep myself busy all throughout the day.

If they say - "An empty mind is a devil's workshop" then I would say - being occupied at all times definitely pushes you to newer boundaries and helps you tap some hidden talents. :)

If you had to choose one compliment that's close to your heart, what would it be ? 

- Written for Write Tribe for National Compliment Day

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**

 

Who am I ? - Part 2

Ok, time to finish the questionnaire. Read on.

11. Favorite smells? 
Smell of lavender, smell of the earth after first rains, smell of fresh South-Indian filter coffee, smell of fresh baked garlic bread and most recently smell of my baby :)

12. Summer or winter? 
Can I say fall or autumn ? Although technically that comes in winter too. Yeah so winter.

13. Computer or television?
If you had asked me this question 5 years ago, my answer would have been television.

5 years later, my answer is computer/laptop. Can't imagine life without it.

14. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?
I left home(my parents and baby bro) in 2000. That makes it 14 years.

15. Do you have any special talents?
People say I have a good memory. Other than that I can dance, write poems, paint and knit. :)

16. Where were you born?
In a nursing home in Mumbai (back then it was called Bombay).

17. What are your hobbies?
Reading books, clicking photos, watching movies/documentaries, listening to music, debates/discussions with friends on various topics, blogging.

18. Do you have any pets?
LP and I don't own any pets. But my parents own a Dalmatian.

19. Favorite movie?
This could take awhile since there are too many to pick from.

20. Do you have any siblings? 
Yes. My baby bro.

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Enough growing up. I want to go back to my childhood. Then I can answer this question. :-p

There you go ! I had fun answering these questions, hope you had fun reading them.

Your turn now ! Go ahead and answer the same questions. Tell me more about you.

Yours' truly,

**Linking to the Ultimate Blogging Challenge - January 2014, Blogathon - 2014 and NaBloPoMo**