site stats
Your Guide for Lifestyle Building

Lifestyle Ideas

Perfect Clean Ltd.

Monthly Archives: February 2013

Why do we fast/follow lent? Because of religion or to lose weight?

Posted on by Posted in Family, Health Leave a comment

17111567_s

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. On this day the ashes from the last year’s Palm Sunday are put on the forehead by the believers. Lent season ends with Easter. This period signifies mourning, repentance and forgiveness for the past sins. Many people fast and pray till Easter Sunday when the Lord almighty is believed to be resurrected.

There are various reasons why people fast or follow lent.  Apart from religious reasons of purging oneself from the past sins, many follow lent for other reasons too. Why do some observe this holiday even if they are not religious? Let us look at some reasons:

  • Helps you become a good person:  Lent comes around the time when our New Year resolutions are falling apart. Lent is like a reminder about all the promises that we had made for the year to become a better person and have a good year.
  • Repentance means you are sorry: This season is a good time to apologize to people we may have hurt or wronged. Saying sorry is a brave thing to do and Lent time is all about repentance. Become a brave person this season and apologize.
  • It is time for forgiveness: The way we need to apologize, we also need to forgive. We need to forgive people who seek forgiveness or forgive their offenses. It can be anyone, from an ex spouse to a child to someone in the family or friend circle. Lent is the season to let go off the bitterness in your hearts that is hurting no one but you.
  • Grief can be good: mourning is a part of lent. It does not imply that one should sulk, be sad and mourn for 46 days. However, it is a good time to introspect about your losses. In this fast busy world we at times forget to reflect on our losses and the lack of grief. We carry the weight of our losses. Thinking about them and grieving can lessen this burden.  Share the pain with someone. Then you can move on.
  • Fasting helps lose weight and makes you awesome: Fasting during lent is also a good way to lose weight. It is like a detox for the body. Fasting is difficult and bends us. It induces self discipline and challenges you to give up on luxury. It is giving up on whatever you indulge in, one cookie, a cup of coffee etc. It lets you know how tough a person you are.
  • Good for the soul: Most of the religions have fasting. They may vary on the topics of morality but agree on sacrifice being good for the soul. This is the season to reflect, re choose and move forward with a healthier soul.

Lent season is more like purging oneself of the negativities of life than a spiritual reinvention. Some also render themselves to charitable causes or spend some more time in the church. It is like spring cleaning, second chance at New Year resolutions, and a personal trainer to keep you in check.

Image: Copyright (c) <a href=’http://www.123rf.com’>123RF Stock Photos</a>

How to create a romantic atmosphere at your home for St Valentine’s Day?

Posted on by Posted in Family, Home & Garden Leave a comment


As the February month arrives, Valentine day is most awaited. This St Valentine’s Day you and your sweetheart can have a memorable evening at home itself. All you need to do is take some effort to plan and make this day of love perfect for both of you.

Here are a few suggestions to give your Valentine day preparation a head start and create a romantic atmosphere.

  • Flowers are a must

Flowers create a romantic atmosphere. You can buy an arrangement or get some dozen long stemmed red roses from your florist. You can also opt for small vase arrangements and place it at the centre of the table and in the bedroom.

  • Get the room ready

Give some special touch to the room. Red, pink and white are the colors of love. Put some pink, red and white balloons in the room. Sheer or satin fabric can be draped along the table. Some flower petals can be scattered over the setting. Avoid scattering the petals on the floor; it can stain the carpet or floor.

  • Set the mood

Lots of fragrant candles should be set along bedside, window sills and on the table. Put some soft romantic music and dim the lights. With a little planning you can surprise your love with luxury smooth linens and their favorite music.

  • Arrange the dinner table

Create a new area for dining this Valentine. Arrange a small table near the fireplace or on the terrace. Select a nice fabric tablecloth with your best cutlery. You can also have a color theme and focus on red pinks and gold. As it is a romance theme, have some candles, flowers, heart shaped decor arranged on the table. Make the entire spot look beautiful and romantic. Silver cutlery also adds a spark. Put your special gift bought for your sweetheart on the table too.

  • Prepare his or her favorite meal

As an expression of your love, put together a meal that is your sweetheart’s favorite. Plan the meal well in time so that you are not busy in the kitchen all evening. You can refrigerate the salads and the dessert and keep your main food just ready to be heated and served. Do not skip the dessert especially today. Chocolates are the perfect indulgence desserts for the Valentine day. The desserts can be something with chocolates or garnished with chocolate.

If you are not a great cook there is no need to fret. Several tasty gourmet meals are available as carry outs. The effort and love that you put in preparing for the meal will surely be loved by your beloved.

  • Look your best

Do not forget to look your best. Put on your best dress and add a touch of his or her favorite perfume. Avoid strong fragrances as they are a mood killer. Your look will make your sweetheart go weak in the knees and sets up the perfect romantic atmosphere.

Make this Valentine day all about them and they are sure to fall in love with you all over again……..

 

Image: Copyright (c) <a href=’http://www.123rf.com’>123RF Stock Photos</a>