Don’t Go Hungry: Freshmenu App Review | 26 Android Apps in April for the #AtoZchallenge

We live on the outskirts of the city of Bangalore; the upside being the lush greenery around us and the cooler temperatures but the downside is the lack of food places that deliver. Out of the places we have around the area only a handful deliver.

This is where Freshmenu works great. It’s the only food delivery service app that works in our area, that delivers to our home. But that isn’t the only reason I really like them or recommend them. We’ve been using them for about a year now and I really like their food and service. And the prices are affordable too!



 

What the Freshmenu App’s supposed to do

 

Freshmenu works through their app or website, that’s the only way to order. You login and take a look at their offerings for the day from main courses, salads and desserts, make your choice and place the order.

The app shows you a picture of the dish, details about it, how much people like it and it’s price to help you make your order. The app also automatically picks up your location and shows you what is available in your area (their kitchens are localised). If a dish runs out, the app updates with the next dish available.

After your cart is filled, at checkout you are asked for your address and payment details. You can pay via, credit or debit card, net banking and cash on delivery. There also seems to be no minimum order!



 

How I’m using the Freshmenu App

 

The cuisine offered by Freshmenu is mostly Continental and Mediterranean with a good variety to offer both in the vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections. There is also a wide variety of salads and desserts to choose from, and these are the sections we order from the most. I love their salads!



 

My thoughts on the Freshmenu App

 

When we are looking for something to eat that will be delivered fast and is light and easy on the stomach, Freshmenu is our top choice. The app is easy to use, the process of ordering simple, price quite affordable and service excellent.

Freshmenu currently works in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi.

 

App details and link

 


Stars - ★★★★★
Developer - Freshmenu
Devices - Android, IOS
Size - 14M
Installs - 50,000 - 100,000
Link - Android Store | iTunes Store

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Call Recorder: Automatic Call Recorder App Review | 26 Android Apps in April for the #AtoZchallenge

One day after an hour long call with my bestie as I put down the phone I got thinking about how much we had spoken about, how much valuable stuff was there and how it was all lost now that the call was closed. All that was left of the call was in our heads.

I suddenly got the itch to find a way to save those moments and that led me to the Automatic Call Recorder. Since then, I’ve saved many calls, most of them are calls between us but I’ve also found the app useful when I’ve had issues with banks, credit cards, abusive callers, crank callers, and what not. With the app I have a recording as proof!

In India the Automatic Call Recorder is the best call recording app available, but if you live in the U.S. there are other apps you can avail for better quality, recording via a third line (so you get super clarity), etc.



 

What the Automatic Call Recorder App’s supposed to do

 

The app records all calls that come through the phone (it does not record internet calls, like WhatsApp) and after the call is complete you can choose to save the call. Even that doesn’t have to be done immediately as the app stores more than one call (upto 300 in the free version), so you can save at your convenience.

You can sync your account with a cloud account. I use Google Drive, so all my saved calls get saved on Google Drive too.

There are a lot of options in settings so you can completely customise the app for yourself.



 

How I’m using the Automatic Call Recorder App

 

I use a buffer for 20 calls and that’s my sweet spot. Enough backup without requiring me to rush save and yet not take up too much storage space on the phone.

I love that I can record calls and save them, either for memories, content or complaint. It’s a useful app to have, and it’s usefulness is realised only after you have a call you wish you had recorded.



 

My thoughts on the Automatic Call Recorder App

 

The only drawback to this app is that it records through the speaker, so the voice of the person calling is very soft compared to your own in the recording. This can be corrected by having the call on speaker mode but that's just too tedious.

But still this is an app I’m likely to have on every phone I own. I cannot overstate it’s value and it’s a hard learned lesson. Think of every time you call customer service and hear the recording telling you ‘This call is being recorded for quality and training purposes’, well, now you have your own recording too!

 

App details and link

 


Stars - ★★★★★
Developer - Appliqato
Devices - Android
Size - 5.6M
Installs - 50,000,000 - 100,000,000
Link - Android Store

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Menaka's Choice, Association of Small Bombs: This Week in Books

It’s been another week with not much reading done but I did get started and I’m halfway through Kavita Kané’s Menaka’s Choice, which I’m enjoying so much, I’m unable to put it down and complete watching the last two episodes of House of Cards.



I spent another week with my niece and family and here are some pictures from it.

I love Pani Puri, it's my favourite chaat. (It's a crisp fired ball, filled with boiled peas & potatoes and topped with sweet chutney and spicy water; sorry no description can do justice) Since my Ayurvedic medications do not allow for tamarind I haven't eaten these in over a year but my Aunt and Mom made these for me with out tamarind! You should have seen me hog!

The harvest this week. We got some early brinjal surprises, lots of methi, some tomatoes and even some spinach. I’ve been trying to grow spinach for a while now and failing. This bunch had me so excited, I was doing a little jig.

Two ends of a family tree. My Granny and her Great grand daughter.

Mom's been wanting to do this for a long time. Finally she got her chance!

This week also started off the #AtoZchallenge in which participants blogs a letter a day through the month, A to Z in order, except for Sunday. This year I’m sharing 26 Android Apps I use, so if you use an android phone, do stop by and see which ones I like and do tell me which ones you use. I’ve got A and B done until now.
A for Audio Books: Audible App
B for Books Books Books: Goodreads App
 

Adding to the #TBR This Week

 

Just one book this week! [And maybe that’s a good thing considering my overloaded TBR list :D ]


Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan
(All The Books #46)
Small bombs explode almost all the time around the world and these bombs don’t get much of a mention in the news or don’t get noticed much by the world as the devastation they cause is just too small. But the destruction isn’t small to those who experience it.

That’s the story, the story of a survivor, his life and his guilt. The motivations of the bomb maker, what is it that lies behind these acts and those who help bring them fruition. It’s a story that’s calling me. :)

That’s it. Really. No more books this week. But tell me what have you been reading? What have you been upto this week?

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Books Books Books: Goodreads App Review | 26 Android Apps in April for the #AtoZchallenge

Many times I pickup a book and start reading only to realise halfway through the first chapter that I've already read the book before. With the number of books I read, over the years keeping track has been difficult.

It was this problem that I solved 6 years ago when I first came across Goodreads. But GR does more than this, it gives me stats about my reading, helps me find like-minded readers, has groups that support and challenge me to read more, shows me genuine reviews to choose my next read, and much more.

As you can see I'm sold on Goodreads and a big fan. Amazon's take over of GR had me a bit worried but they haven't changed the essence of the site and I'm glad of it. Apart for the website which is hugely powered by the book community Goodreads also has an android app so you can update book info on the go.


 

What the Goodreads App’s supposed to do

 

The Goodreads app allows users to do almost everything that can be done on the website. You can mark the book you are starting to read or have finished reading. Mark books as to-read. Make book updates as you read. Write a review and rate the book.

Follow your groups and friends and stay up to date on what they are reading. Get recommendations. Find the best books of the previous year. Keep track of your reading challenge. You get the gist...


 

How I’m using the Goodreads App

 
The Goodreads app has a lot to offer but what I use it for the most is to mark books are currently reading or finished reading. i also review books quickly using the app when I don’t have access to a computer or when I want to write a short review and not post it on my blog.

I do use all the other various features the app offers but not so often as I find a lot of them cumbersome to use on the mobile. I prefer the website for detailed browsing.


 

My thoughts on the Goodreads App

 
Over all this is one of my favourite apps. It’s almost an app I can’t live without because I helps me keep my book list up-to-date and is a great way to track my reading.

This app is a must have for me. I used to use a third-party app to update Goodreads some years back but this app from Goodreads is way better and it gets better with every update!
 

App details and links

 


Stars - ★★★★★
Developer - Goodreads
Devices - Android, IOS
Size - Varies with device
Installs - 50,000,000 - 100,000,000
Link - Android Store | iTunes Store

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Audio Books: Audible App Review | 26 Android Apps in April for the #AtoZchallenge

Audio books are the rage these days and they have their uses, especially if you are someone who drives around a lot, or does craft or works in a garden (you get the drift). Audio books are a great way to make travel/craft/gardening time - reading time.

I’d tried my hand at audio books a couple of years ago but I didn’t take to it and that was that. But I decided it give it another shot a couple of months back and this time, I found I quite enjoyed them.

The first time round I had tried out a fiction book and this time a non-fiction. For me, listening to a non-fiction works better, as I listen harder and my attention wavers less. Plus if my mind does wander away, it’s easier to find the point of wander in a non-fiction than in a fiction book.

I’ve also found that the narrator is important. Some books just don’t work and it’s not the book, it’s the voice that puts me to sleep and gets the mind wandering.

What the Audible App’s supposed to do

 
The Audible app allows you to buy books and download them to listen at your convenience. The app allows bookmarking, variable narration speed, and syncing across devices along with listening controls.

Audible has over 18,000 titles to choose from - bestsellers to classics and works on a credit system. You pay a monthly fee and get 1 credit every month. The credit can be used to buy a book and most books cost 1 credit. If you want more books, you can buy more credits.

How I’m using the Audible App

 
I have used the app to listen to one book until now and download three. I have been listening to Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed in fits and bursts, and so have used the app to mark every time I’ve stopped. Other than that I haven’t done very much more with the app.

My thoughts on the Audible App

 
The app has been simple and easy to use. The options are straightforward and navigation intuitive.

There are other audio book providers but I quite like (Amazon's) Audible, as it has a wide variety of books to choose from and a good lineup of narrators. They also offer a no questions asked return policy if the narrator doesn’t suit you.

Once a book is bought and downloaded it stays on the device even if you discontinue your subscription, so technically the book belongs to you.

My only complaint is the price. Their 1 book a month plan costs $14.95 and that’s a lot of rupees - Rs.900 (approx.). That’s almost 4 times (or more) the cost of a paperback. The price needs to be reworked for India and made affordable in rupees.

I gave their free trial offer a spin, and you should too. Get one book for free and listen when you can’t read. :)

App details and link

 


Stars - ★★★★★
Developer - Audible, Inc
Devices - Android, IOS
Size - Variable (Based on books downloaded)
Installs - 50,000,000 - 100,000,000
Link - Android Store | iTunes Store

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Horn Ok Please, Long Born Family At Home: This Week in Books

It's not Summer yet and the heat is already blinding!

The last week has been a packed one, loaded with fun, drama and excitement. My brother got married and the whole family turned up. (See the Wedding Pics on Chenthil's FB Page)

I love it when my family comes together, it makes me so so happy. Che loaned me his Instax Wide and I had such fun taking pictures for a day. (sometimes he's just chosweet) ;)



With all that's been happening, I stuck to my running schedule and that made smile all the way though my weekly long run. I'm enjoying running, especially once I get into a stride but have got a nagging pain in my heel to be figured out. :(

We also harvested some potatoes and tapioca this week. :)



I also got two hampers this week. :D



I got this from the Burrp guys at the food tasting they organised at Horn Ok Please - a desigastro pub. The decor was fascinating and I really liked their posters, milk can seats and tiffin lights.

Each of their cocktails has a desi twist and a found a couple quite appealing - do try the Kala Katta and Spice Trade

I also got a hamper from the ITC guys. A collection of four delicacies and two chutneys from their ready to eat Kitchens of India line. We've tried out the Yakhni Palao and Awadhi Halla and enjoyed both. Can't wait to get started with the chutneys.



I haven't been keeping up with the news in the middle of all this, so, got some catching up this week.

Some #TBR Additions

 


Longbourn by Jo Baker
(Get Booked #20)

I had found The Help by by Kathryn Stockett fascinating, the story from the perspective of the house-help is an different tale. In Longbourn, Jo Bakers goes belowstairs and tells the Pride & Prejudice story from the view of the maids and footmen. The Help meets Pride & Prejudice, this one, I can't wait to read...


At Home by Bill Bryson
(Get Booked #20)

I've read Bill Bryson's A Brief History of Nearly Everything and I'm a fan. This one's about the history of rooms in houses - bedrooms, dining rooms, drawing rooms,... Sounds interesting, nah?

Not many books this week and not much reading either. I'm hoping to fix it in the coming week. How has your reading week been? What are you reading? What have you been up to?

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Book Review: How To Get Your Heart Broken by Rose Fall

How To Get Your Heart Broken by Rose Fall

 

Title: How To Get Your Heart Broken
Author: Rose Fall
Paperback: 398 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Platform (March 21st 2016)
Genre: Young Adult, New Adult
Read: eBook
Stars: ★★☆☆☆
Buy On: Amazon India | Amazon US

 

Summary:

(Goodreads)

A self-proclaimed cynic, Eli is unsurprised by her boyfriend’s betrayal. Yet, its impact goes beyond what she realizes; a cruel bet, an array of secrets, and a thousand lessons not yet learned teach her how to trust again as an unlikely boy shows her a kind of love she never knew existed.

After Eli finds her boyfriend cheating on her, she seeks an escape. She heads to the beach to spend the summer before college with her two best friends. When Eli is unable to move past the betrayal, the girls devise a distraction; a bet about their handsome neighbor. Yet their thoughtless competition goes too far and their friendships are tested as they began to wonder how much they really know about each other and themselves. In the chaos, they manage to learn the truth about love, self-acceptance, and the journey back from rock bottom.

 

My Review:

Note: Thanks to Rose Fall and YA Bound Book Tours for offering me this book to read and review :)

Cover: Soothing...

Paper and font: Easy on the eyes!

Readability, language: Easy on the mind.

Why did I choose this book: It was the cover that first attracted me, and the premise also seemed promising, so I thought, why not...

Eli who has just broken up with her boyfriend (who she caught cheating) is nursing a broken heart and wants to take revenge on all men out there. Rachel her best friend finds a way to do just that, only it’s one man - their good looking neighbour… Well, the books about that, but its also about 3 best friends, coming of age and finding oneself.

The title 'How To Get Your Heart Broken’ makes sense but only in a round about manner. The cover is lovely, the mellow colours, the girl with her head on a boys chest, it all makes for a feel good cover, pleasing to the eye. The blurb is promising.

The plot was a new one for me, I never read something like this before. It's clear quite early in the book that Eli is out to take revenge and break a heart like hers was broken. But, there are sub-plots, twists and surprises as the story goes along, some adding to the story and some adding pages to the story.

The story is set on a beach someplace (I just can’t remember if it was mentioned), the 3 girls are taking summer break before heading off to college and their separate ways. Rose Fall's descriptions of the houses along the beach and the little beach town have stuck in my mind, the little blue house Eli, Rachel and Ash live in, with Ash’s grandfathers relics, felt so real.

Eli, Rachel and Ash are the main characters and each one’s life is explored as the story rolls along. Each one of them has a troubled past that they have to make peace with before they move on. This to me was the interesting part of the story, more relevant than the broken-heart-revenge bit and I felt Rose Fall did not do justice to the girls and their story.

Jessie the boy who is the target of the revenge, seems like an interesting character but here again Rose Fall falls short as the depth his character would have had is missing.

The story is structured well, I really liked how each chapter has a title that is linked in someway to the story of that chapter. Rose Fall also does not leave any loose ends and ties up the story she is telling well.

For me the story was slow paced (may not be for others), but I think that was because the story didn’t grip me at any point, I didn’t get sucked in and start to turn the pages waiting for what was going to happen next. It all didn’t build up to the climax, and when the climax did come, it felt disconnected. (There is a letter Eli writes at the end, that seems so unlike the girl I’d got to know through the book.)

'How To Get Your Heart Broken’ is written from the POV of Eli, except for some parts where Ash’s perspective is shown through her diary. Rose Fall uses simple language and sentence structure that makes the book an easy read. I did find a lot of missing words though, mostly prepositions and some grammar errors. But these may not be there in the final book published as I think I read an ARC.

I liked reading the book but I do wish Rose Fall had given it more depth and explored more. I did like her writing style though and would like to see what she comes up with next.

Overall a good book but for the right age or person I think. I would recommend 'How To Get Your Heart Broken’ to those younger than and in their early twenties.

Buy On: Amazon India | Amazon US

About the Author:

 
 
Rose Fall was born in New York City to Senegalese immigrant parents. She is currently studying Communication and Global Studies at UNC Chapel Hill.
'How to Get Your Heart Broken' is her debut novel.

Author Links:
Website │ Goodreads │ Twitter

 

Giveaway:

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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