Ask Anand Anything – Anand Bhatt Answers Your Questions

Anand Bhatt Celebrity Wall

Did you always want to become a musician or did you have other plans when you were younger?

When i was Really little, I wanted to be an engineer like my Dad – mainly because he got to travel a lot.  I’m not sure I knew what engineer meant though :D.   But by the time I saw my first music video I knew this is what I wanted to do.

Do you write yourself music for songs?

Although there are a lot of songs that I wrote by myself, that’s often not the case – there are usually multiple writers or the song has already been written by another team and I am adding to it/putting my own spin on it.

Where do you get the inspiration for writing songs?

When I’m in the mood/the zone, so many things inspire me. Could be something a pretty girl says/does, could be the background noise somewhere, or another song in a totally different genre that just moves me.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Guitar is my baby!  I started out playing violin as a kid, and I do play sitar – but as you can imagine violins and sitars aren’t exactly useful in day to day music life.  The guitar is always my go to.

Who is your favorite singer?

Marc Anthony continues to amaze me.  I’ve always been a big Chris Cornell fan too.  Marc Anthony, however, has this shockingly great range, skill, and texture to his voice.

How do you cope with stress when working with celebrities?

Great question!! There’s a whole array of coping mechanisms from remembering that none of this really matters, mindfulness/focusing on my breath and my own emotions, and remember that if someone else is acting like a child they’re not doing it on purpose.

Do you perform solo or do you have a band?

Both, but technically I’m a solo artist.  When I do need a band, a band is put together or I team up with old friends/bandmates if they’re available.

What project are you currently working on?

Just finished https://smarturl.it/getlatindianstyle  – and now will finish doing outreach and updates to Ready4theRedCarpet https://smarturl.it/redcarpetblog and the audio book version that will come out on Audible!

Do you often go on tour?

Not anymore! And that is awesome! The life of an artist is substantially different than it was, say even just 5 years ago.  If I do go on tour, it’s not so much a performance tour but a meet-n-greet tour or a promotional broadcast tour.   There is still a lot of travelling involved but far from the grueling life of our predecessors in the industry.

any loves, other then music?

I love reading, and meditation/quiet time.  LOVE IT!

What is the best advice ever given?

“Don’t take Anything too seriously.”

Do you write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the proccess?

Although there are a lot of songs that I wrote by myself, that’s often not the case – there are usually multiple writers or the song has already been written by another team and I am adding to it/putting my own spin on it.

The most random things inspire me, could be something a girl says/does, could be the background noise somewhere, or another song in a totally different genre that just moves me.

My favorite part of the process BY FAR is the point where everything just converges to a Flow; time stops, everything seems to fall into place, where you realize that You are not making a song – a song is making itself through you.

If I was to turn on your ipod right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Let’s find out and take a look!  Nicky Jam, Becky G, Megadeth :D, Hanuman Chalisa (I know, so Indian of me), Shakira y Maluma.

Which is your favorite music band?

Totally depends on the day!! Hmmm band (so let’s rule out solo artists, that helps narrow it down) – Faith No More might still make it as #1 choice.

What are somethings that you can’t leave the house without?

pants (though I have left the house without pants),  credit card, & if I’m back home in the U.S. – multiple forms of ID (because it might actually be technically illegal to not be white in the united states).

Name 3 people you admire.

Great question! Do they have to be real :D? There’s an ancient Indian character named King Janaka who is awesome, not sure if he was actually real though.  But I’m counting him anyway.  And along those lines, this current version of Jim Carrey intrigues me.  And Shakira seems to have it together – you never know though, that’s the thing about admiration, you can only admire particular qualities of a particular person at a particular time.  But we never really know anything about them as a whole.

What are you really bad at?

I can’t go an hour without getting lost in my head, so … paying attn to or even caring about empirical reality. Not my thing.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When i was Really little, I wanted to be an engineer like my Dad – mainly because he got to travel a lot.  I’m not sure I knew what engineer meant though :D.   But by the time I saw my first music video I knew this is what I wanted to do.

Do you ever get nervous?

Most Definitely!!

Is there anything other than being an artist you would rather do?

NOV 4, 10:33AM EDT0

Hmmmmm, probably not.  I mean, everyone entertains those ideas but I can’t actually imagine actually doing anything other than what I’m doing right now.

Does being a celebrity prevent you from being or doing something you really like?

I’m prevented from doing all sorts of things, nothing you’d really miss though! I have a masters degree that I never get to use, and every now and then there are cool things in corporate-land I qualify for BUT the second somebody googles you, nobody believes that you’d be willing to have anything to do with that world.  Once you choose the entertainment industry, society won’t let you do anything else. It fries their brain just imagining it.

If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?

Marc Anthony!!

If you were to sing karaoke, what song would you pick?

GREAT Question! Depends on my mood, but right now? Skid Row “The Threat!”  (I know prob too obscure to be on karaoke).  So …. anything Marc Anthony!

Who do you hate among all hollywood celebrities? Why?

hehehehe oh man, can I actually answer this Q? Truthfully, I really don’t “hate” anyone.  I did once have an uncomfortable run-in with Val Kilmer (prob youtube search-able) but I think he was having a bad day.

Ten years from now, you will……………..

Be an enlightened Swami 😉

Where can we listen to your music or where can we get a copy of those?

iTunes rocks:  https://smarturl.it/anandbhatt

Newest album https://smarturl.it/getlatindianstyle

What is your most annoying habit?

I require a SUSBTANTIAL amount of alone time, drives everybody nuts.

Who is your celebrity role model?

I love this question!! Professionally, I think Marc Anthony’s voice is amazing – but Prince Royce/David Lee Roth have more fun lives.    Truthfully though, as I get older – I think the goal would be to be as close as a cross between John Stamos & Morgan Freeman as possible.  Seriously, how cool are those guys aging!

Who is your celebrity crush?

😉 I actually have to think about that one.  Hmmm . . I’d have to go with Vanessa Hudgens.  She can make me walk into a wall.    Although I do  hear Mariah makes for a gr8 GF :D.

When all the world keeps holding on at Ground Zero

When it all falls down
And the law don’t count
And it don’t seem fair
And the people don’t care
Where in the world you gonna go
Who in the world you gonna hold
When all the world keeps holding on at ground zero
We’ll leave it all with …
When it all falls down
And we almost drown
When the sin sinks in
I guess it’s every man for himself
Where in the world you gonna go
Who in the world you gonna hold
When all the world keeps holding on at ground zero
We’ll leave it all with …
When the war it rages over the ages
You can’t erase it once you spill the
Blood on the concrete river of deceit
Will you be around?
When it all falls down
And the law don’t count
And it don’t seem fair
And the people don’t care
Where in the world you gonna go
Who in the world you gonna hold
When all of the world keeps holding on at ground zero
We’ll leave it all with

Why Depression Doesn’t Have to Beat You

These lyrics will help you go within and help you celebrate your sadness, you are not alone! Play the video and read along with your fist in the air!

Have you ever wanted To be someone you´re not
But you look into the world And you see what you´ve got
There´s nothin´ there But brains and guts
Finally open the door And then it shuts
Look to the center And i´ll think you´ll find
The people that are gettin´ They are blind
You changed the channel And there´s nothin´ there
You weren´t born pretty And it isn´t fair…
Here´s to the losers
The substance abusers
To the rejects
All the imperfects
´Cause i think we´re beatiful
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
No matter what anyone says
I think we´re beautiful
The most beautiful in the world.
You try for jobs But they say you´re strange
You´re sportin´ a style That they call pain
So you get in trouble And your brain is gone
You´re cryin´ out man But the words are wrong.
Here´s to the losers
The substance abusers
To the rejects
All the imperfects
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
No matter what anyone says
I think we´re beautiful
The most beautiful in the world.
I know you´re tierd Of being put down
And all the crap that´s said in town But you´re a person thatmatters most
I raise my glass, And make a toast
Here´s to the losers
Substance abusers
To the rejects
All the imperfects
To the retarded
And the broken-hearted
To the starving masses
And the lower classes
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
´Cause i think we´re beautiful
No matter what anyone says
I Think we´re beautiful

Sephora Value Packs

Getting more bang for your buck at Sephora? Yes, it’s possible!

There’s no question that with Sephora’s claim of being the world’s leader in beauty comes steep prices attached to high-quality products. This reputation for being overpriced has stuck on for too long that it has continued to deter any potential new customers.

These assumptions of even the smallest cosmetics carrying large price tags have been well deserved. So, it should come as a surprise to find a lot of items for a fraction of the price. Most of these products are not only full-sized varieties, but they’re perfect for staying stocked on the main essentials and a few bits and pieces in between.

Palettes and Gloss galore!

Having a nice selection of makeup doesn’t necessarily mean shoe boxes of cosmetics which will only see the light of day a few times out of the year till the next new hot item comes around. Nor does it mean paying outrageous prices for items that can fit in the palm of your hand.

These palettes of shimmery and subtle touches can transform any look from professional and sophisticated to pretty and flirtatious. Most importantly, the cost is bound to put a smile on your face as well.

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette There are so many elements to this product that make it essential to anyone’s beauty kit. Without a doubt the high-quality ingredients of no parabens what so ever speak for themselves. The 12 shades of warm hues and tones are suitable for a day at the office or a night of fun.

At first glance, the price may not seem budget friendly, but honestly, has any girl ever used a palette up completely? Suddenly, this little beauty takes on the appearance of something that’ll last a really long time which makes it a real bargain.

Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eye Shadow Palette For the more adventurous type this is a definite must-have. The 18 different shades are perfect for those experimenting with more daring looks suitable for a night at the club.

As with most Sephora products you can rest assured that it’s completely free of parabens and sulfates. Good to know living on the wild side is possible with gentle ingredients that do not only make you look good but are great for you too.

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some New Lip Kit This is one of those instances where something so good and actually true. A real treasure trove of not only cute but high-quality cosmetics.

Just when it couldn’t get any better, none of the products are tiny samples or travels sized goodies. On the contrary, every one of the cosmetics is full sized.

So what’s the catch?

There isn’t one. Truly this kit is an extraordinary value.

What comes in each box?

  •    Huda Beauty Lip Strobe in Snobby
  •    Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Liquid Lip Crayon in Night Mauves
  •    Smashbox Always On Metallic Matte in XO, Vlada
  •    treStiQue Mini Plumping Lip Balm in Barbados Berry
  •    Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Candy Venom

Who knew so many lip cosmetics could come in one package for such an affordable price?

Lancôme Les Petites Fleurs Beauty Kit  This bundle is the epitome of truly getting so much for practically nothing. Not only will your lips get a dose of moisture, but your eyes will get a bit of bling as well. When the night’s done every trace of eye makeup can be easily removed through a Lancôme’s professional quality deep cleansing yet gentle eye makeup remover.

What does each kit come with?

  •    Juicy Shaker in 201 Piece of Cake (flavour- birthday cake)
  •    HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara
  •    BI-FACIL – Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

I guess it doesn’t take much to achieve a fresh yet made up look after all? Just when things couldn’t get any better every one of these products is completely free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Looks like it is possible to score big deals at Sephora after all…

Now isn’t it a relief to find out that this article wasn’t about a few high priced items hiding behind a smokescreen of good deals? But, actually low prices on great products from the world’s leading authority in beauty.

Who would have thought?

 

Mary Thompson

Bringing the Spa Home? Yes it’s possible

 

Bringing the Spa Home? Yes it’s possible

You don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks

Without a doubt, spa treatments are well re-known for their ability to truly make anyone feel beautiful. These extensive treatments come in the form of scrubs, soaking in baths and facial treatments just to name a few.

Nevertheless, it’s no secret that these treatments have hardly been known as being affordable. Which is why being able to indulge in these luxurious treatments doesn’t happen every day and can truly be referred to as a special occasion.

That’s until now…

The world’s leader in beauty Sephora will now allow anyone to bring the spa home for a fraction of the price

These kits may not include a masseuse, but you’ll get everything else that a spa could supply at a mere fraction of the price. So, take a look at these kits they may just surprise you.

PMD Pro Spa Kit ($199.00) One of the services most spas are well renowned for are micro dermabrasion facial treatments. This kit supplies everything you need to give yourself those treatments from the comfort of home. The price may be far from economical. However, take into account that it is a $249.00 value for products that can be used not just once but multiple times.  

What comes in the kit?

  •    Personal Microderm Pro (The secret behind the magic.)
  •    Power adapter
  •    Body cap
  •    Facial cap
  •    Ultra Sensitive Training Disc
  •    2 x Very sensitive discs
  •    2 x Sensitive discs
  •    2 x Moderate discs
  •    6 x Hand & Foot Kit
  •    Reusable filter
  •    5 x Collagen Facial Sheet Masks

Here’s what you won’t get

As with most Sephora products this kit and everything in it is completely free of parabens and sulfates.

Users have reported a significant reduction in wrinkles, blemishes and tightness in the skin. Just when it couldn’t get any better this kit is completely safe to use on every single skin type from the most sensitive, to combination, oily or really dry.

Clarisonic The Essentials Set ($79.00) An effective spa treatment is only possible through the top of the line cleansers, creams and masks. Nevertheless, all of these products are virtually hindered useless without the application of the right tools.

This kit includes all the tools needed to not only conduct a deep cleansing facial, but a full body makeover as well. So, kiss those dead skin cells goodbye. These spinning brushes and scrubbers will leave even the most damaged skin not only smooth free of bumps and blemishes, but hydrated and truly nourished.

What’s everything this kit has to offer?

  •    Deep Pore Brush Head
  •    Acne Cleansing Brush Head
  •    Radiance Brush Head
  •    Sensitive Brush Head

The thing I absolutely love about this product is that not only is it suitable for any skin type, but for every single age group as well. Each brush head is built to adapt to changing skin tones that can be the result of age.

At a $108.00 value truly, this product is bound to last a really long time, years to come in fact.

PMD Ultimate Kiss Kit ($139.00) When deciding on a much-needed spa treatment. Most people tend to focus on facials or soaking in baths. It truly is a pity that the most sensitive of skin is more often than not forgotten.

What am I talking about?

Your Lips

One of the qualities that set lips apart from any part of the body is their thin skin which as a result is far more susceptible to injury. Every element of this kit will surround your lips with moisture which as everyone knows is the key to keeping them healthy.

What does each kit come with?

  •    Kiss Device
  •    2 x Changeable Plumping Tips
  •    USB charging cord
  •    Smart Lip Plumping Serum

As usual, this product is completely free of any parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Cutting corners doesn’t have to mean cutting quality of results and products

Before shelling out a few hundred dollars on your next spa treatment stop and think. What are you really paying for? Facilities that more than likely hundreds of people have been in?

Doesn’t it seem a lot more sense to spend a lot less without skimping on everything that makes going to a spa special?

These products really are every professional spa’s worst nightmare.

After all, why make the trip out when you don’t have to?

 

Mary Thompson

Is Meat Going Out of Style?

Is Meat Going Out of Style?

Could veganism and vegetarianism soon be the new norm?

Just less than a decade ago only those looking for healthier diets, organic options and overpriced health food were individuals embarking on vegetarian or vegan diets. These used to be considered unique and special options. However, with prices on everyday foods skyrocketing particularly on meat the tide seems to be slowly turning towards plant-based alternatives.

Social media is taking the guesswork out of meal prep

Giving into the assumption that meals without meat leave no other options than a wide variety of salads used to the mindset so many would succumb to. As a result, choosing to go the meatless route seemed as more of an unpleasant sacrificed rather than a lifestyle change to look forward too.

Most of these assumptions were the result of so many individuals just not have had a clue how to prepare meals without meat. Now, because of the power of social media to reach millions of individuals around the world in a matter of seconds, this ignorance could soon come to an end.

Tasty videos to the rescue

In many ways, cyber space has transcended the real world. Evidence of the ever-expanding phenomenon can be seen just about anywhere. In fact, just standing in a subway station most commuters can be seen to focus on their mobile phones rather than each other.

Perhaps these tendencies of what was seen as anti-social activity may actually do some good?

One of the core elements which has taken over social media is foodie videos. These fast-paced clips of fast-paced recipes from start to finish combined with music can make anything look good. But, importantly they open societies’ eyes to the fact that healthy alternatives can not only taste good but be positively decadent.

There may be more to this than just some salad and beans

These transformations are nothing short of the results of creativity. Most importantly sustainability since lifestyles may change but, cravings for comfort foods remain the same. Thus, it must shock viewers to see proteins such as tofu heavily seasoned turned into something not only resembles meat in appearance but tastes a lot like it too.

When it comes to vegans who abstain from not only meat but also dairy it’s still possible to enjoy favourites such as ice cream and mac and cheese. Is it possible to achieve that creamy rich texture without real milk? It may be hard to believe, but similar flavours and textures can indeed be achieved through alternatives such as soy, coconut and almond milk.

Not all tasty vegetarian and vegan meals have to be time-consuming and complicated

I’m not talking about tossing together a quick salad either. One of the most popular brands of quick meatless meals is Amy’s organic meals. Options can range from meals and snacks such as pizza which can either be completely free of meat, but contain cheese and veggies. Other varieties are topped with veggies and vegan cheese.

For those who are craving savoury home-style meals, potpies and vegetarian or vegan style steak and chicken are available too. As with all ready-made meals these should always be consumed in moderation as a result of their high salt content.

Meat is healthy centuries of consumption have proven that

Nevertheless, it’s no secret that prices may continue to rise, but the same cannot be said for the economy, in other words, incomes. Meat has certainly not been immune from these ever-increasing prices.

Therefore, it certainly isn’t an exaggeration to say that continuing to make it the main focus of meals for a middle-class family is hardly an option. Isn’t it good to know that this new reality doesn’t mean the end to tasty meals the whole family will enjoy?

Could this trend soon merge from a catchy fad to what would be considered as the new normal?

Without a doubt, meat and everything containing it have a special flavour no one will ever truly get tired of. So, to even suggest it will completely go out of style is simply impossible. After all, it’s been around since the beginning of time.

But, it sure is good to know that there are options to satisfy our never changing cravings.

 

Mary Thompson