A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Mar 2016 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys,

Life is full of surprises and it gives you enough of them to keep you playful and agile along the way. My life has been one where I have seen a lot of ups and downs but always kept hoping for the best. It's the ability to carry on and moving forward that gives us all strength to face whatever life throws at us. 

March 2016 was a hectic month as there were so many new phone launches along with several events for various other brands last year. It's just the right time to bring new things to the retail markets as Easter is around the corner. People are either upgrading themselves or buying gadgets for their loved ones. 

1. 7 Tips For #Snapping Better #Pictures With Your #Smartphone #HTCOneLifeSA - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/03/7-tips-for-snapping-better-pictures.html - Everyone loves taking photographs and smartphones have made cameras available to each and every one of us. Some people are so great at taking pictures and creating something unique out of their shots. Check out instagram for all such inspirations. 

2. Exceptional Dining Delight at #Drakensberg @TsogoSun #SunResort #SouthAfrica - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/03/exceptional-dining-delight-at.html - I never had the opportunity to visit this amazing hotel in the valleys of Drakensberg but I would not leave any chance also if offered. All Tsogo Sun properties are awesome and I had the pleasure to stay in SilverStar Casino in Krugersdorp and The Cullinan in Cape Town. 

3. LG's G5 Smartphone Wins 33 Awards #MWC2016 @LGSouthAfrica - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/03/lgs-g5-smartphone-wins-33-awards.html - LG G5 has been a great smartphone and won so many awards. I too used its camera to win some gifts at the launch of the Mall of Africa Instagram contest. LG launched their latest LG G6 in the South African market and I was not invited to the media launch. Time flies!!!

4. @CRAFTParkhurst #Jozi Launches #FreakWAFFLES - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/03/craftparkhurst-jozi-launches.html - Craft Parkhurst is one of the most loved restaurants in the area and why just look at the amazing food/snacks items they create. They are not only great in taste but also photographing them is amazing for your Instagram channel. 

5. @SamsungSA #2016 Predictions See The #IoT and #Mobility Connect and Serve - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/03/samsungsa-2016-predictions-see-iot-and.html - Samsung has always been the front runner in terms of new technology. They launched S8 and S8+ recently in South Africa as well as globally. I was not part of the invite list this year. I am feeling sad but happy to see the latest gadgets arriving in SA as they are launched globally around the same time. 

The brands and PR's keeps oscillating between what they need from their influencers and who will be the right fit for their brands. Also, the people working in these PR agencies keep changing and the old one has some relationship with you and when that person leaves the company, you are not getting that attention you were getting before. That's why it's all part of learning and facing the ups and downs of your life! So to keep the same level of relationship, your work and blog or social media channels shall speak so that it doesn't make any difference who is the PR agency employed by the brand at the moment. Your work shall rise above all this and brands will come looking for you! I hope that I create the same for myself this year in 2017.

Cheers!!!

Support me if you like reading this blog post by buying me a cup of tea or coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheLifesWay Contact at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for giveaways, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Namaste!

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Nov 2015 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys,

November is the time when you plan for your Summer holidays and are clear on your destinations of choice. Though you have to book as early as August/September to get good rates on accommodation and travel but you thoroughly enjoy various destination of South Africa and abroad. November 2015 for The Life's Way was not hectic as there was not much posts and no events to attend too. The best part of the year was being thought of and planning for the next year is always thought about.

1. 8 Things To Do With Your Old #Smartphone #HTCOneLifeSA #MoreYou - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/11/8-things-to-do-with-your-old-smartphone.html - We do keep changing our smartphones as we get upgraded after every two years if on contract or when we are fed up of our old smartphone. How best can we use our old smartphone was the topic of discussion in this blog post.

2. @Gammatek brings #iFrogz latest #headphones to #SouthAfrica - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/11/gammatek-brings-ifrogz-latest.html - I bought one iFrogz headphones from GAME store for R112 and immediately fell in love with the same for my day to day use. I think these earphones/headphones to be value for money with great sound and build quality. I have not received any review units or samples from the brand.

3. Disney Infinity 3.0 - What Is It? #DisneyAfrica #StarWars - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/11/disney-infinity-30-what-is-it.html - The game was launched in South Africa and I fell in love with the same. Star Wars was the talk of the season with their 7th part getting released after a gap of multiple years. After playing Disney Infinity 2.0, it was good time to upgrade to 3.0

4. STARTUPPER of the Year 2016 #Challenge @TotalSAfrica #SouthAfrica - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/11/startupper-of-year-2016-challenge.html- It was one of the great initiatives by TOTAL South Africa to find the budding entrepreneurs and expand their ideas further to bring more and more employment to the rainbow nation and Africa. I was invited to be a part of this program when it was launched to the time when they announced the results. I could see the tears of satisfaction and achievement in the eyes of the winner with whom I was luckily talking to before the results was announced.

5. Refreshing @Countryclub_CB Retro-Classics for #Summer #SouthAfrica - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/11/refreshing-countryclubcb-retro-classics.html - Country Club launched their summer drinks and send me a pack of 6 tins to try and taste. I simply loved all the flavors especially Rock Shandy. It was the last I heard from their PR company and the last media pack received from the PR as they expanded onto many other bloggers.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com if you want me to attend your launch events, blog and share on all my #socialmedia channels #TheLifesWay or to be a #Ambassador for your products and services!

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Oct 2015 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys, 

October generally is the most busiest month for bloggers and social media influencers as there are many launch events planned. I was too part of so many events last year in 2015 including rAge Expo, Montecasino launches and winners and some of the new smartphones from HTC. 

1. Desire 626 comes to @HTCSouthAfrica #HTCOneLifeSA - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/10/desire-626-comes-to-htcsouthafrica.html - Desire 626 was the phone I got to review from HTC South Africa and really loved the design of the same, dual color body and light weight with capable processor for a mid-level price range smartphone. 

2. A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Oct 2014 - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/10/a-memoir-this-month-last-year-oct-2014.html - October in 2014 some of the friends left Johannesburg to leave for greener pastures in India and other parts of the world. But I feel that this blog series keeps reminding me of several historical events in my life.

3. A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Nov 2014 - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/10/a-memoir-this-month-last-year-nov-2014.html - November is one of the lazy months in my life as blogging takes a back seat the reason for which is still hidden. It was 0 post in 2013, 8 posts in 2014 and 12 posts in 2015 and 2016 currently stands at 16 posts. 

There are many more posts but I don't feel to share it now as my top 5 posts so let's rest them at 3 this month. However, October is the start of the next years planning and this year I am watching a lot of Lynda.com videos to learn some new skills and trying to implement them in my next year planning for The Life's Way. I have got some of the things I always wanted but still some of the things my heart desires are still far because the methods I have tried are not working in my favor. So that's why a changes of skills is required to refocus on those and get what I want! 

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com if you want me to attend your launch events, blog and share on all my #socialmedia channels #TheLifesWay or to be a #Brand_Ambassador for your products and services!

Inspired By Nature Created for Life @HTCSouthAfrica Unveils the #OneA9s #IFA2016 #BeBrilliant

Hi Guys,

HTC Corporation, a leading innovator in mobile and virtual reality technology, today introduced the latest stunning smartphone in the award-winning HTC One family, the HTC One A9s. Drawing on HTC’s iconic design pedigree and world-renowned technological innovation, the One A9s is created to inspire a new generation of phones that offers impeccable precision craftsmanship and quality at remarkably affordable value.

The HTC One family has won numerous industry awards for its iconic designs and incredible features, and the HTC One A9s continues in this tradition. The HTC One A9s is encased in a nature-inspired, dual-finish metal body that perfectly glistens with light from its frame. Its polished edges comfortably fit a 5” screen in your hand, and its diamond-like cut buttons and power button grooves demonstrate attention to every detail. More than just beautiful, it’s also durable, crafted to withstand hundreds of drop and scratch tests in addition to hundreds of hours of extreme weather testing for long-lasting reliability.

“With the HTC One A9s, we were inspired to bring a great looking, finely crafted metal phone to a broader consumer segment,” said Chialin Chang, president, Smartphone and Connected Devices Business, HTC. “The One A9s delivers immense value by combining refinement and reliability, beautiful metal design, and powerful features, all in a unique and personal package inspired by nature and created for life.”

HTC One A9s

Instant access at your fingertips
The HTC One A9s protects your valuable data but opens at a simple tap. An ultra-fast fingerprint sensor sits directly below the HD display, easily recognizing your fingerprint from almost every angle and position. Your fingerprint can also be the key to easily unlock protected apps locked with HTC Boost+, a powerful suite of tools to maximize your smartphone’s security, privacy, and performance.

Giving you more control and freedom
HTC Boost+ keeps your phone in tip-top condition by dynamically allocating resources as needed, making switching between apps smoother while reducing the unnecessary power consumption of background apps. Boost+ also de-clutters your phone by clearing up temporary files and giving you reminders about apps you haven’t used in a while. It’s the single best way to keep your HTC One A9s running like new long after you purchase it.

You don’t just want our phone to run like new, however, you also want it to run like you. The HTC One A9s lets you personalize your phone as unique as you are. HTC Freestyle Layout frees you from an on-screen grid and lets you get creative. Drag icons, stickers and widgets anywhere. Layer them, overlap them, group them and more. You can even link stickers to apps, and get rid of on-screen icons entirely. The home screen is yours – use it your way.

Capture memories that come to life
Few things on a smartphone are as important as the quality of its cameras – they will capture your memories, life’s joys, and special moments to share and keep forever. For this reason, the HTC One A9s features an outstanding 13MP main camera with autofocus for sharp, clear photos. You’ll capture low light details with its BSI Sensor and get enhanced editing control with RAW capture in Pro mode.

The 5MP front camera of the HTC One A9s makes brilliant selfies simple. Take hands-free selfies with Voice Selfie, or use Auto Selfie and take your own shots with just a smile. You can even smooth out your skin tone and beautify yourself before you shoot with Live Makeup.

A great camera is only as good as its ability to forever save, find, and share your memories, and the HTC One A9s offers unlimited free storage with Google Photos. You won’t have to worry about running out of storage space on your phone since all your photos and videos are stored in the cloud for easy access. Plus, you can find any photo fast and easy with the Search function, and locate photos by face, location, objects and themes, or manually search for photos with keywords.

Inspired by nature and created for life, the HTC One A9s is an outstanding smartphone with the beauty and power to meet you every need. The HTC One A9s will be available in the coming weeks in select regions. For more information and detailed specs, please see htc.com.

Cheers!!!

 

All enquiries and invites for your brand's launch events, sponsored posts and product reviews are welcome - Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com

@HTCSouthAfrica Latest Luxurious Metallic Creation #HTCOneX9 #HTCOneLifeSA

Hi Guys, 

Following the trend that HTC set for all-metal smartphones when it launched the HTC One M7, its design team has, once again, raised the bar when it comes to creating beautifully crafted devices.

Driven by the belief that design should be inspired by both your surroundings and personal and cultural influences, such as fashion and art, the newest member of the award-winning HTC One family - the HTC One X9 - pulls through the look and feel of high end silk, creating a softer, warmer and more luxurious finish to the phone.

Taking cues from the company’s metalmorphics philosophy, whichdraws on the natural beauty around us, by using rich, striking colors and unique finishes, the HTC One X9 uses a new technique to give it its fine texture. Tapping into the fashion world’s obsession with silver and gold, it comes in four colors - Carbon Grey, Opal Silver, Topaz Gold and Copper Rose – making it the perfect accessory.

At just 75.9mm, its glass curved front and finely honed corners make it one of the most slender handsets in its class. A 5.5-inch full HD screen with personalized color mode and rich display not only delivers the optimal multimedia experience, but also means that it is a phone you are proud to show off and carry around.

The hugely popular HTC Dot View™ II case adds the final design touch to the HTC One X9, fully enabling the beauty of this phone to shine through.

“Elegant, stylish and ergonomic smartphone design is an essential element for consumers today”, said Chialin Chang, President of Sales, HTC. “At the same time, they don’t want to sacrifice performance or screen size, so striking the right balance between style and size was key for this new addition to the HTC One family. The HTC One X9 draws on rich colors and unique finishes, combining them with a lightweight, slender metal design and larger screen for those who want a premium smartphone experience.”

Capturing beauty from both behind and in front of the lens

Working tirelessly to deliver an unparalleled experience, the camera quality on the HTC One X9 is one of the best in its class. By precision engineering two cameras, one front and one back, and a selection of image-enhancing features, the HTC One X9 enables you to capture breathtaking shots every time and from every angle. Combining the 13MP rear camera with its second-generation Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Real-time anti-shake functionality, and the front facing 5MP camera, with integrated Auto Selfie, Voice Selfie and Live Make Up, you can shoot clear, sharp, smooth images of the highest quality regardless of who is behind the lens.

RAW format’s one button enhancement feature automatically brightens colors and sharpens edges with one push, and other imaging tools commonly used by professional photographers such as Pro Mode and an advance manual control, add the finishing touches what is already one of the best cameras in its class. And if photography is not your thing, video buffs will have their inner film director inspired by 4K video resolution and Hyperlapse mode which allows you to create dramatic time-lapse effects.

Sound good to you?

Never compromising on audio, and with the knowledge that most people listen to music on their smartphone, the HTC One X9 creates larger than life audio, delivered by HTC BoomSound with Dolby™ Surround. Integrated amplifiers bring out the best of your music and provide an even more dynamic range of sound.

Software to stand out: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Premium smartphone hardware demands the best software to support performance and the HTC One X9 uses the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow features for the best user experience. Google Now on Tap intuitively provides information about whatever is on your screen by holding the home button. Google Backup for Apps automatically backs up app data it to all capable Android-powered devices.

Looking forward to have it in my hands when I review the same. I am using my 4th HTC Smartphone now M8 since 2010 when I first started using G1, Nexus One and M7 later. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!

Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 

Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

7 Tips For #Snapping Better #Pictures With Your #Smartphone #HTCOneLifeSA

Hi Guys, 

Smartphones have democratized photography, giving everyone the opportunity to unlock their creativity. Though it’s easy to snap a picture, it takes some technical suss and imagination to create a photograph that will get your friends on Facebook and Instagram talking. 

The good news, however, is that nearly anyone can learn how to take great snaps, provided they learn some basic disciplines and practice them until they become second nature. And with camera technology in smartphones improving all the time, these devices help you to capture meaningful moments and beautiful images wherever you are. After all, the best camera is the one with you, which is most likely to be your phone. It's getting so difficult to carry the DSLRs these days when you have 13-16MPs capacity camera sitting right in your pockets. 

Here are some general tips from HTC for using your smartphone camera to capture better photos: 

1. Pay attention to your background

Don’t get so caught up in focusing on your subject that you pay no attention to the background. For example, you don’t want to include the pavement rubbish bins when you’re taking a photo of your friend. Rather move closer or ask the person you’re photographing to step to the side to exclude the unwanted detail from the frame. 

2. Choose a perspective

Take your photographs from unusual perspectives to create interesting effects. Shoot upwards from a low angle to make things look large, or take your shot from a higher angle make things look smaller or to capture a larger area of detail

3. Zoom with your feet

Zooming with your camera phone results in pixelation and increases sensitivity to camera shake, resulting in blurred imagery. Rather get closer to your subject for the perfect close-up.

4. Avoid camera shake

To lessen camera shake, be as still as possible while shooting: take a deep breath in, hold, snap, breathe out.

5. Avoid using your flash

Using flash can give your photos a sterile, over-lit look, which can be especially harsh on faces. If you must use flash, why not cover it with some tracing paper to soften the effect?

6. Learn which apps and filters you love

Experiment with filters apps like Instagram to create a style that you like. When people see a pic with a particular filter, they’ll recognise your style. Pro tip: The VSCO app provides filters that are emulations of popular film cameras. There are hundreds of combinations you can create with the number of filters provided. 

7. Use apps to enhance your photos

Great photos are made in the editing process. Pro photographers almost always touch up their photos to get the exact look and effect they want. An app like Snapseed offers you basic editing tools and some cool filters to get you started. It also offers some features for heavy-duty editing once you’re more experienced.

I know everyone is master in their own art and style of photography they do and post on social media. Do share your comments and let's learn together and improve on our skills of mobile photography. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!

Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 

Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Mar 2015 www.thelifesway.com

Hi Guys,

March 2015 was the time when the work started to build up in office and I needed to find time to work on my blog. I remember the time as I attended a lot of events and met a lot of new people. Also, I got in touch with my favourite brand HTC to review it's new phone HTC ONE M8 at that time. 

1. Product Review - HTC One #M8 #HTCTheOne - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/03/product-review-htc-one-m8-htctheone.html - HTC has been with me since the first Google G1 android phone in 2010 and then subsequently I moved to Nexus One in 2011 and bought my own HTC ONE M7 in 2012 when it was launched and really loved the Beats Audio in the same along with Boom Speakers. Now I am using M8 and really loving the performance of the same. 

2. Product Review - @Kinivo BTE40 - Bluetooth Stereo Earphones - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/03/product-review-kinivo-bte40-bluetooth.html - Bluetooth earphones are great accessory to your smartphones as it makes your life easier. I totally fell in love with Sony MW600 which I bought and reviewed it earlier but now I got this Kinivo one. Kinivo products are really cool and value for money. I have again fallen in love with this little bluetooth earphones. 

3. Product Review - HUAWEI Mobile WiFi E5220 - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/03/product-review-huawei-mobile-wifi-e5220.html - Huawei has now progressed into making smartphones also but this little 3G wifi dongle has helped me to stay connected no matter where I am. With battery life of almost 3-4 hours, I have been able to tweet/instagram using the Telkom data connection I use on this gadget. I received a new upgraded version of the device at one of the launches of Huawei but need to start using the same. Till that time, this one is working perfectly well other than sometimes it hangs and then you have to hard reboot the same. 

4. @TheCapital_SA - 20 West - Stay Contemporary! - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/03/thecapitalsa-20-west-stay-contemporary.html - I attended the media launch of Capital 20 West and totally loved the property. It's really a cool place to hang out which is just next to Graystone Drive and near Sandton City. Check it out sometime. 

5. #AvengersJozi - SA Fashion Week & MARVEL Designs - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/03/avengersjozi-sa-fashion-week-marvel.html - Disney Africa showcased it's clothing at the SA Fashion Week. The designs were as fabulous as Disney's cartoon characters and it has a lot to offer. Check it out. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!

Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 

Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Feb 2015 www.thelifesway.com

Hi Guys,

February for me is always to build on what I have missed in January. I try to change the goals and resolutions which didn't worked in the first month of the year. 

1. @ZEEWORLD Launches @DSTV Channel #166 - Indian TV meets SA - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/02/zeeworld-launches-dstv-channel-166.html - It was the first time that I sat inside the car and loved the ride on the same. The launch event was really nice and thanks to Jodene from Chat Factory for the invite. 

2. #MissionSamsung - My Love Affair with #GalaxyNote4 @SamsungSA - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/02/missionsamsung-my-love-affair-with.html - This was my entry to the Misson Samsung challenge that started in 2014 and I totally loved using the Note 4 phablet. I even won myself the #TravelExpo15 prize using the Note4 to click pictures and tweet them. It was great to use the device and I am still in love with the Samsung's phablet series and wants one in my hands forever. 

3. Product Launch - Microsoft Lumia 535 - Let's #MakeItHappen - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/02/product-launch-microsoft-lumia-535-lets.html - Microsoft has ventured into it's own version of Lumia devices with Windows Phone logo and branding all over. I really loved the lumia range of devices but it's a little bit difficult to adjust to Windows environment once you have used Android and iOS devices in the past. 

4. DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE! - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/02/disney-on-ice-presents-lets-celebrate.html - Disney On Ice is an annual event which you shall always take your kids to as there is always change in the story. It's the biggest Disney extravaganza on ice. From kids to adults, all love some or the other Disney character and this show brings all of them to life. Go for it! 

5. Windows Phone - Valentine's Apps for #Lumia - http://www.thelifesway.com/2015/02/windows-phone-valentines-apps-for-lumia.html - Apps these days not only makes smartphones smarter but also keeps you entertained and effective. As the apps are getting smarter so are you as now you can do a lot on the phones which you can generally miss. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!

Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 

Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

3 Years of www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay #Birthday #Blogpost

Hi Guys,

The Life's Way was started way back on 27 December 2012 with the intent to do blog posts for Indiblogger and Blogadda communities and win some contests. I also wanted to attend all the Indiblogger meets to meet the fellow bloggers and learn from them. I did meet one of the top most movie reviewer - Murtaza Ali Khan from "A Potpourri of Vestiges" in the first meet I attended. Later, I came to know that he would also be working for the same employer I am. He was the one behind convincing me to buy my own domain address from the start and I did so. 

It was a good move as I slowly learned from various social media channels and started building my blog. I was able to attend several Indiblogger meets and participated in all their contests. My first gift voucher thought came from Blogadda for Rs.400 from some contest from Gillette where there was vouchers for fastest entries submitted on the same day. My biggest win came in the form of a HP Sleekbook for my post on HP Connected Music for Windows 8. I really loved writing the post and shared my love for hindi bollywood songs. 

In the first year, I also used to participate in a lot of Twitter contests and used to get a lot of goodies from several brands. I featured some of those in my 2013 posts. It was awesome to get invited to some of the technology event launches where I met those people whom I used to see on TV. Though I never got the gadgets from the brands that year but it was awesome to meet all the biggies of the industry. I contacted some of the brands and got some positive response too. I always tried to provide value by the images as well as written content on my blog. 

I traveled to Johannesburg and the blogging took a back step during it's first anniversary due to internet connection problems during the initial days here. It was the time I had to start meeting the brands once again from scratch and Sony Movies put me in contact with Ster-Kinekor and I slowly build my relationships with them. I also bought my first DSLR Nikon D7000 in May 2014. The first event I attended in Joburg was with 4ElementsMedia for Augustine Gold and also attended the launch of CinePrestige SterKinkor at Sandton City. It was also a great time as Samsung launched their first bloggers challenge and I eventually won myself a Samsung NX300 mirrorless camera in my birthday month. There was no looking back since that time. At the end of second year, I wanted to touch 100,000 pageviews which I successfully did on 31 Dec 2014. 

The Life's Way in its third year has been in touch with a lot of PR's representing several brands and took a step further to design new visiting cards. I got my biggest break by working with paid assignments for some brands in India and also for Indiblogger Happy Hours to buy myself a Nikon SB910 flash. Also, I won the Samsung Blogger's Challenge to win myself a 65" Curved UHD TV. On my birthday again, HTC sponsored me my first ever mobile sponsorship which I always wanted to have and tried with many brands. I got HTC One M8 from them and loving the phone a lot for its camera capabilities. I achieved more than 640,358 pageviews in a single year with the help of Tweet Jukebox and TweetCaster app. My @thelifesway followers crossed 5800 compared to 52 when I came to Johannesburg as I was only using @araijain at that point of time. 

I am really enjoying the passion I have towards my blog #TheLifesWay and I am really looking forward to make some great changes in 2016. I need to increase my followers base to get into the Webfluential Tier 3 for some of my social media channels. I got my first payment for the very first assignment for Webfluential to do 2 tweet about a brand. It's  really a nice network and you all shall join the same here. I am really looking forward to achieve a lot more this year by scheduling daily posts or on alternate days. Let's begin and Enjoy 2016 to the most!

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 

Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!

Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 

Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

Checklist To Give Your Guests A #Knockout #Experience As An #Airbnb host

Hi Guys,

Every day, from Amanzimtoti to Zeerust and every destination in between, hosts around South Africa are creating unforgettable experiences for thousands of Airbnb travellers. Nicola D’Elia, General Manager for Middle East & Africa (MEA) offers some tips for hosts who want to get the most from their Airbnb experience. You could think of these nine Airbnb standards as a personal checklist for helping you attain and maintain the coveted five-star rating from your guests:

Accuracy

Be sure everything in your listing—photos, details, house rules, pricing—accurately reflects what guests will experience. And don’t skimp on photos. Listings with better photos get more bookings. Airbnb actually offers free professional photography, and you can check here to see if your location is covered.

Communication

Get to know your guest’s travel plans so you can personalise their experience. Download the Airbnb app to respond to guests from wherever you are in the world. And aim to respond to all enquiries and reservation requests within 24 hours. We have found that hosts who respond in less than 12 hours get twice as many bookings per month.

Availability

Manage your calendar meticulously. Find the right match for your space by setting criteria and using Instant Book. Hosts who keep their availability calendars up to date receive five times more bookings than those who don’t.

Commitment

If you can’t keep a reservation, contact your would-be guest as soon as possible. Apologize profusely and bend over backwards to find back-up accommodations. Don’t forget to officially cancel online, too. Hosts can use Groups to help find another available host.

Cleanliness

Clean as if royalty were on their way for a slumber party. The cleaner your space, the more glowing your review. Our research shows that listings with 5-star cleanliness ratings receive 20% more bookings.

Amenities

Fresh bedding, towels, soap, and toilet paper are a must. Always have them available upon arrival. Plus feel free to add your own little luxuries, too, like maps, local wine, coffee beans, aromatherapy diffusers or even a vase of fresh-cut flowers.

Welcome

Show world-class hospitality with a prompt check-in time, transportation tips, and a tour of your space. Airbnb guests live for outside-the-box travel activities. Teach them how to eat, dance, and bungee-jump like a local.

Support

Check in on guests, be easily accessible, and go way out of your way to offer alternatives if things don’t go according to plan. Our world isn’t perfect. Pipes burst and ankles twist, but you have the power to help remedy these situations.

Reviews

Write a review (compliment or constructive feedback) for guests within 14 days of checkout. Approach this as if you were writing a thank-you note or a friendly letter encouraging one how to be a better guest. This will also help encourage your guests to write a review as guests are 70% more likely to review their host after their host reviews them.

And remember: 

From pricing to easing the arrival of a guest, Airbnb offers a range of personalized tools that let you spend more time building lasting connections with guests instead of managing your listings. The newly revamped Host Dashboard on Airbnb is more personalized to your needs. You can see everything that is important in one view: pending requests, upcoming guests, alerts, and reviews. This makes it easy to you keep track of your reservations and stay on top of your interactions with your guests. So clearly, this is going to be the right way to travel and look out for accommodations if you are on the other side of being a traveler.

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 
Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!
Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 
Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in

Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay 

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Dec 2014

Hi Guys,

December is the time to create new goals for the coming year and festival season this Christmas. This year was great in all the ways as I won the Mission Samsung Challenge and also my blog crossed more than 625,000 pageviews this year in 2015. The followers across all social media channels also increased and I was able to do some sponsored posts to buy myself Nikon flash SB-910 from all the earnings. This month will see some of the blog posts which I always wanted to do and couldn't do in this year. I hope I am able to catch up on the promises I made to people this year.

I plan to create regular content in 2016 and change the way I do the blog posts. I am unlearning and relearning everything about the social media skills via books and online communities. This is the most important decisions I have taken because in day to day life, you don't have much time left to blog and when you are blogging and people making use of your time and resources to give you nothing in return than it hurts. I have decided that I will say it very clearly to all the brands that I won't work for free anymore unless I want and this want will be based on desires fulfilled by the brands. 

Last year, December was more about movie reviews as I was catching up on all the movies I saw. I did participated in Indiblogger contests but during 2015 I didn't win any Indiblogger contest at all but was able to get #HappyHours gift vouchers enabling me to buy the Nikon flash. Also, I got sponsored by HTC for HTC ONE M8 but I really loved the HTC ONE M9 a lot which I am using these days for my posts on Instagram.

1. Melbourne - The Most Livable City in the World @Indiblogger Contest - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014/12/melbourne-most-livable-city-in-world.html

Australia is one of the most sought after travel destination and is really awesome to visit. My parents visited the same this year and loved the city a lot.

2. Movie Reviews - http://www.thelifesway.com/2014_12_01_archive.html
It was time to finish some of the movies I watched last year and among the same, I really loved watching Big Hero 6, Instructions not included etc.

December this year is more about creating some rules and goals for The Life's Way in next year. I am still gauging as to what to commit to and what goal or dream will keep me awake towards the same. Will be sharing the same soon...

Cheers!!!


Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 
Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!
Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 
Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in
Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay

8 Things To Do With Your Old #Smartphone #HTCOneLifeSA #MoreYou

Hi Guys, 

With the HTC Desire 626 now available at MTN stores nationwide, here are a few ideas from HTC on non-wasteful ways to get rid of your old mobile device:

1. Sell it to a buyback service

If you want to get some cash for your old phone, but without the hassle of advertising it in the classifieds, you could sell it to Zwipit. This company will pay you for your smartphone, refurbish it, and sell it to someone else. The online process is relatively simple and painless - Zwipit will arrange the courier and pay you once it has assessed your device. 

2. Trade it in

Some stores and networks offer great trade-in deals – offering you a discount on your new device in exchange for old phone. Phone around to find out what options are on offer. 

3. Advertise it on an online classified service 

You’ll probably get a better price for your smartphone, if you sell it to another individual than if you sell it to a buyback service or trade it in. You can advertise the device on a site such Gumtree or OLX and if you follow these common sense tips (Gumtree), dealing through an online classifieds site can be safe and profitable. 

4. Use it as a hotspot

If you often need mobile internet access, it can be handy to keep an old smartphone as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. You’ll have internet access wherever you go, without running down the battery on your new, primary smartphone. I was doing the same with my old Nexus One phone till Telkom mobile SIM didn't worked on the same and I now use it to post my photographs on Instagram. 

5. Turn it into a mobile gaming console

Provided that it’s not too old to run the newer games, an old smartphone can be an ideal mobile games machine for your child. And if you’re a gaming enthusiast yourself, why not turn it into a retro game arcade? Download those NES emulators and relive all the ages old games or the current games till they are supported by the old android operating system on your mobile device.

6. Play some music

Plug your smartphone into a loudspeaker, and then use an apps such as MixRadio or TuneIn Radio to turn it into a makeshift radio. You could also listen to some podcasts or load your own music onto the smartphone. Can also be used as a car stereo by plugging via aux cable and playing all your favourite songs while you drive or can be used to listen to audio-books or podcasts also. 

7. Give it away

You could also pass your smartphone on to someone else - one of your children, a parent, house helper, or a charity - if you don’t want to sell it. You probably know someone who could use your phone, even if it’s really old and basic. 

8. Recycle it

If your smartphone is broken beyond repair, you should dispose it off in an environmentally friendly manner. Take it to one of the many e-waste disposal sites around the country rather than simply chucking it in the bin. This will ensure that as many components are salvaged for reuse as possible and prevent some of the nastier chemicals that go into a phone from ending up in a landfill. 

The HTC Desire 626 is available at MTN stores nationwide and shop.mtn.co.za for R269 per month over 24 months and includes 30GB data once off. 

Cheers!!!

Follow me on twitter @araijain or @thelifesway 
Email - thelifesway@gmail.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!
Checkout my Instagram (araijain) page 
Checkout my photo blog - www.photoyatra.blogspot.in
Like The Life's Way Page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLifesWay