Tag: love

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

I finally got to watch the much-awaited British comedy/ drama movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

It’s nice to see such wonderful passionate actors in a different light – the story revolves around a disparate group of English retirees, who abandon they homeland to look forward to a much deserved, much awaited and seemingly luxurious vacation in Jaipur, India. As usual in our good old India – nothing is as promised, becox the so called seeming lavish hotel is badly in need of repair.

However disappointed (phones not working, no doors, birds in the room, constant leaking of the taps) and however troubled (spicy meals) they seem, somehow time seems to heal and provide comfort to all the seven British pensioners.

The characters are quite colorful, especially Judi Dench as a widow in financial straits after her husband’s death and the loyal if unhappily married husband (sweet and funny) and his perpetually dissatisfied wife (uff!). Not to forget the enthusiastic attitude of the hotel’s manager Sunny (Dev Patel), the entrepreneur behind the whole mess. (who doesnt want to give up his dream rather his father’s dream also inspite of his mothers persuasive nature for him to move to Delhi.

The moral of the story is – Everyone knows to love. Everyone knows its ok to dream and Everyone knows when to let go of things that no longer belong to you. Lovely soundtracks and it has one of the best quotes I’ve heard in some time – “Everything will be all right in the end. So if it is not all right, then it is not yet the end”

A quick sneak peak : http://www.imdb.com/rg/s/4/title/tt1412386/#lb-vi929996313

Enjoy! 🙂

 

 

Fengshui

I am sure at some point of time we all have read and heard about Fengshui (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui), it is only 3000 years old. In other words, it is not rocket science at least if you wish to practice with just minor adjustments or details. What I personally love about Fengshui is that

“Feng Shui is the Taoiste Science of Harmony.
Harmony comes when the place where you live exactly
corresponds to what you want and to who you are.
Your harmony is unique because your are unique.”

I do not need to stress on the Yin and Yang or Qi or Bagua however I am just going to share a few basic tips from time to time to start off with, for the essential areas in our house:

BATHROOM – a very important place, especially first thing in the morning.
• Keep the pipes in the bathroom in good working order.
• Monthly place 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Let sit for approximately 10 minutes and flush with hot water from the tap.
• Keep the bathroom door closed at all times and the toilet seat down.
• Display bamboo and have it reflect in the mirror.
• Have good quality towels in the bathroom to show wealth and abundance. Gold towels are great for bringing this energy forth.
• Fresh flowers and plants are great for uplifting and cleansing the chi.
If there is no window in the toilet hang a mirror above the toilet.

KITCHEN – another necessary area of the house for your morning Cuppa..
• According to Sheffield Feng Shui Course instructor Marelan Toole, good kitchen design is based on a traditional triangle model, with the sink, refrigerator and range making up each point of the triangle. There should be a 6-8 foot distance between each appliance; this allows for maximum convenience and a minimum of repeated moves. Because you’ll have that space between each of the major appliances, it should be easy to adhere to the Feng Shui principle of having fire elements—such as the stove and microwave—separated from water elements—such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink. They can be separated by something made of wood, or by something representative of wood, such as a plant or a painting of a plant.
• Feng Shui believes that windows should not be placed over stoves because heat represents prosperity, and you don’t want your prosperity flooding out the window.
• Plants with rounded leaves attract customers (for the restaurant business)

And today’s last tip for the entrance of your HOME SWEET HOME
• Put a pile of gold near the main door. You can use a pile of rocks painted in gold. This is especially beneficial for houses whose main doors are located in the NE or SW sector.

Life in a Moment

Times when you stop to think wonder what I am doing, where I am, and what I should be doing or where I should be – all those moments.. to love /to be loved /making the most of your moments together /having a good time… These feelings sometimes, you wish they would just go away however hard you try they stick to you like a dreadful worm even after you wish it wouldn’t…

Yes, sometimes we all feel that way..

But that’s what makes this life so precious, so beautiful and that’s why I call it “Life in a Moment”. We all have to lose something in order to gain something else, we choose to live in the moments that fill up our soul for just that moment and we can live forever just thinking or looking back at those moments (One of the reasons I take a lot of pictures..) This way I can store them and look back at them and recall those moments… of course it could be from anything silly, fun, family, friends and lots of crazy times…

A minor thing like when I was all set for the MDNA concert, my friends encouraged me here in Kuwait to go for the MDNA show and once I was there, I didn’t feel away from home for the same reason I had so many memorable moments with all my supportive friends and family there and a brilliant week after that too and then I have friends here who wondered when will I be back in the country (all thanks to FB and What’s app) and once I am back – I am happy to be here again..

All these moments without any doubt , show me that Life is as wonderful as you make it and : “You do not need for someone to give you permission to do what will make you live more fully and healthfully.”

Hope these days of summer, that are here, be filled be lots of sunshine, lots of love, lots of happiness, new adventures, new experiences, new bondings and lots of fun for your family.

Happy Holidays 🙂

I will be supportive

It is easy to say, ‘I will be supportive’. But what does that mean – A quick look through the dictionary and you get words like “to hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for”, “to promote the interests or cause of” or “to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage”. This shows there is a lot more to the word “supportive” that we would think.

Simple ways to be supportive:

Ride the wave – When your partner has an idea or a thought they are excited about – listen to them first and without thinking join in their energy and excitement. Sure , you could be the one with a practical mind and start talking about why the idea will not work and there are a million other people working on the same idea, you think you are being the one protecting your loved one, instead all you are doing is telling your partner that none of their ideas are up to your expectations – So stop being so practical and enjoy the energy from the idea.

Watch them  – When your partner looks like they have something on their mind , you don’t need to try and pry the information out of them. We know you love to fix things, but sometimes, we just don’t need things fixed and we don’t want to talk about them. Instead learn to read between the lines and if you see your partner is in a solemn mood do something for them they like – perhaps take them for a drive and a quick ice cream?. It shows that you are there and even if we are not talking you are listening to the unsaid.

Friends first – You know how when your friend has a problem and calls you up to just talk about it, well the same goes in a relationship – if your partner has made a huge mistake at work or is having issues with her family – first thing – take their side. You could tell them at what point they made a mistake and what would have been the better thing to say to their family – but that’s not what a friend would do. Don’t try to fix anything – Just listen as you do to your friends.

Positive step forward –  If you think your partner is asking for advice, don’t jump in head first. Start of with what you think they do well and then follow it with your advice. So for example they have an issue at work, start off with what you think of their positive points to their work ethic and then add your advice.

Wait for it – If your partner starts off with a Big idea (I’m changing jobs etc)  hold your tongue. Remember to ride the energy of the new ideas and smile.Just because they have this idea doesn’t mean they are going to do it. Calm down and listen with an open mind – you should know that the excitement of the Big Idea might change in a day or two and your partner might have a differing opinion later. Many times, one partner reacts to the other’s Big idea and this reactivity leads to even more issues.

Acknowledge –  If you know your partner is going through a tough time at work or with personal matters. Let them know that you are aware that things are stressful but you are around to catch the slack. You might not consider your partners issues important, but they do and by acknowledging it – you are letting them know that you understand.

What is more challenging is to actually love and be supportive towards them when they need it or when they want to share their moments with you. When times get hard or people behave in hurtful and disappointing ways or they continue to make negative choices and hurt themselves that is when your love is put to the test.

So show your support to your loved one and let them feel they are surrounded by you not just by words but by your actions.!!

Children Full of Life

Good Teachers connect theory with life. Please take the time to watch these videos for “Children Full of Life”. There are in five parts.

In this award winning documentary, Mr. Kanamori, a Japanese teacher – teaches his children how to be compassionate, determined, thankful, everything about life, most importantly “to be happy”. A very unique way to teach, approach and connect with these little souls. He encourages the the 4th graders to write and talk about their inner feelings and share it with the classroom, this helps the children to realise the importance of caring for one another. Allow your children to care for they friends – no matter if they are in the same school, class, activity, bus, building or even community.

Just like the family is a very fundamental part of the child, so are their early years in school and role the teachers play in their lives. We can shelter our children from disappointments, however we should also let them be a part of them, by sharing them, talking about them, acknowledging them. If you do not face the disappointments of life with them now, they future disappointments will be more devastating.

Some things happen only once in a lifetime, try to avail every opportunity and live the moment if the moment makes you happy and teach the same to your children… It is absolutely alright to be naughty but be nice and be safe. Kids – you can crack jokes and be funny however do not crack jokes or bully other children. Let the children share they opinion not that of they mother’s or father’s..

Part 1/5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=armP8TfS9Is

Part 2/5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7S8HAfDzk&feature=relmfu

Part 3/5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd7YWx7idfE&feature=relmfu

Part 4/5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEW65OKRiAk&feature=relmfu

Part 5/5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FGdXEBcdh4&feature=relmfu (very touching!!)

Remember, they are children they will complain, misbehave, argue, make stupid faces… as long as deep down their know the values of respect, bonding with they old and new mates, making efforts is all that counts.. Hope it was worth sharing the videos!!

Strawberry Love!

   

Thank you for the Strawberries!! Something inspiring to blog about…

I do not know about you but I am a big fan of strawberries. There is something about Strawberries and summer… the red mouthwatering, juicy, delicious and hoping that they are as sweet and delicate as they promise to the eyes.. What more can I ask other than a fresh healthy pack, rich in antioxidants (Vitamin C) for lunch.

Did you know the benefits of adding strawberries to your diet?

  1. To begin with Vitamin C also known as Immunity Booster. Add two cup servings of strawberries to your daily requirement, and your required daily dose which is 103mg of Vitamin C is done.
  2. The antioxidants properties in strawberries help to prevent cataracts (which can lead to blindness in old age). Our eyes need Vitamin C to protect our lens them from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Having said that, note that high doses of Vitamin C pertaining from Supplements can be risky however Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables is not risky.
  3. The eye’s cornea and retina are also strengthened with the help of the Vitamin C present in the strawberries.
  4. A phytochemical called ellagic acid, found in strawberries, helps cancer prevention like suppressing cancer cell growth. (WOW!)
  5. Strawberries not only contain Vitamin C as one of the antioxidants but also contain lutein and zeathancins.
  6. The power of Vitamin C is crucial to the production of collagen, which helps the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Personally speaking, at my age we lose a lot of collage, hence eating strawberries might help in keeping the skin looking healthier and younger (cough cough)..With roaring temperatures in Kuwait, we get over exposed to skin damaging UV-B rays, so ladies do eat a lot of strawberries to keep the WRINKLES at bay.
  7. According to a lot of studies at Health and Heart centers, strawberries contain a powerful heart health booster. Phytochemicals or flavonoids and ellagic acid can provide that antioxidant effect, from which our hearts can benefit. So in order to reduce the oxidant damage as well as blood lipids, both of which play a vital role in heart diseases and diabetes, can just be avoided by adding my STRAWBERRIES TO YOUR DIET!
  8. Strawberries provide an anti-flammatory effect also, which helps to reduce the inflammation of the joints (which may lead to Arthritis or Heart disease). Fights bad cholesterol in the blood or LDL, which causes damage to the arteries.
  9. Since Strawberries have earned the title for the Most Heart healthy fruits you can eat, strawberries are considered a medium source of potassium with 134mg per serving. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and sometimes even helps to lower high BP by acting as a shield against the harmful effects of sodium.
  10. Fibre – problems from lack of fibre cause constipation and diverticulitis and inflammation of intestines which are generally seen in senior citizens. Strawberries boost fibre and contain about 2 g per serving, hence adults managing diabetes, esp. type 2 diabetes should enjoy Strawberries reasonably in their diet.
  11. Maintaining a good healthy weight is one of the things all of us want. Strawberries are naturally low calorie (28kCal per serving), low in both sugar and sodium and fat free. And total carbohydrate content is equal to less than a slice of bread. You can have a much healthier much tastier snack by adding 3 cups of serving which adds up to less than 100 calories.
  12. And for all the mommies and wanna be mommies out there, have loads of strawberries cox Folate is B-vitamin and it is necessary in early steps of pregnancy, for  the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord. The folic acid in the strawberries prevents certain birth defects (spina bifida).

And Last but not the Least – Romance with Strawberries

Strawberries are the stuff of myth and legend, very beautiful, earthy, sexy, an edible valentine and a romantic fruit.

Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus. The Italian legend that states when Venus wept for Adonis, her tears fell to earth and turned into heart-shaped strawberries. In the French countryside, there was once a tradition of serving newlyweds cold strawberry soup to help promote the aphrodisiac of honeymoon romance.)

Perfect tiny or not so tiny red shaped fruits… dip them in premium chocolate, or gently roast them over the BBQ or melt them in your mouth with delicious sweet cream

Strawberry cheesecake, always, a favorite of mine…Tempting!! Well, start off your Weekend with Strawberry Love!!

R.I.P Robin Gibb

The irony of life, we always start paying attention to life and esp people when they are gone!! I am sure just like me there are millions of people out there in the world who are actually searching for his all old, all time favourite songs and will be amazed to even notice some songs we actually forgot or just realised that it was actually sung by the Bee Gees..

Well – i am sure Bee Gees will end up with more likes, searches and even more sales to follow … however unfortunately Robin Gibb will never find out … “talented beyond even his own understanding”.

I hope you all enjoy the below video from One Night Only, these are almost 30 of his top all time hits..

Watch on Youtube: watch?v=x1iTp6aWm_Q&feature=related

Track Listing
 1. You Should Be Dancing 2. Alone
3. Massachusetts 4. To Love Somebody

5. I’ve Got A Message To You

6. Words

7. Closer Than Close

8. Islands in the Stream

9. One

10. Our Love (Don’t Throw It All Away)

11. Night Fever/More Than A Woman

12. Still Waters

13. Lonely Days

14. Morning of My Life

15. New York Mining Disaster 1941

16. Too Much Heaven

17. I Can’t See Nobody

18. Run To Me

19. And The Sun Will Shine

20. Nights on Broadway

21. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

22. Heartbreaker

23. Guilty

24. Immortality

25. Tragedy

26. I Started A Joke

27. Grease

28. Jive Talkin’

29. How Deep Is Your Love

30. Stayin’ Alive

31. You Should Be Dancing

They say that in the second before our death, each of us understands the real reason for our existence, and out of that moment, Heaven or Hell is born. Hell is when we look back during that fraction of a second and know that we wasted an opportunity to dignify the miracle of life. Paradise is being able to say at that moment: “I made some mistakes, but I wasn`t a coward. I lived my life and did what I had to do.” Paulo Coelho

How to argue fairly

“The most important thing for a good relationship is to learn how to argue peaceably”

Disagreements are a part of human nature and though they can be tiring at times, if they are handled properly they can be settled with no long term damage to a relationship. Almost always, it is not topic of the argument but lack of any ground rules that make things spiral out of control.

First and foremost is the way you approach an argument, an argument occurs when two people have differing opinions on a topic, each believing that they are right. Unfortunately people approach the argument looking for control or for staking their claim to be right rather than looking for a resolution where all parties are heard and opinions debated. Remember this is a relationship not a full body contact sport like wrestling where there has to be a clear winner.

Some specific points to follow are:

Privacy matters – No arguing in public, the argument is between the two of you and that is where it remains.

The past is the past – We all have made mistakes, an argument is not the right time to bring them up. Keep the argument relevant – old grudges should be left out

Don’t make it personal – Stay focused on the topic, you have an issue and sort it out – Don’t start on personal traits, if it is relevant to the topic, then approach it in a different manner that shows how you are affected by it rather than exclaim the personality trait over and over.

Is anybody listening ?– Make an effort and listen to what your partner is trying to say – sure you might think that it has all been said before and you know what it’s all about but you really might not have a clue. Besides it lets the other person vent, and perhaps that it what is really required.

Graceful exits – The ending of an argument is critical to a relationship, notice if your partner is trying to end the argument and accept it – It could be in the form of a joke in the middle of an argument or an action such as walking back into an argument they just ran out on.

Importance scale– People disagree all the time, is everything you disagree about that important to you  that you need to get mad all the time or is it something that you can let slide and leave it for the important stuff.

Watch the clock – It is an argument not a war – there has to be a time limit – If you feel that you are going around in circles, let it go and cool down. Come back to it another time.

Communication is the key in any relationship and it is the lack of it that causes friction.

People tend not to speak when something small upsets them under the guise of not wanting to create issues but these small things tend to build up resentment in one and usually an extremely small incident occurs that causes your partner to face the full wrath of your fury.  At this point the other person is wondering what was that important that caused all this to happen and blames you back for getting mad all the time . So next time don’t let things build up and explode – Talk people ! Talk!

And most importantly prioritise, and do not sweep it under the rug!

Happy Mothers Day to Me!

Having posted this overwhelming drawing, “Wishing me a Happy Mother’s Day” from my One and Only, I do not feel the need to post anything else or write anything else – Just feel blessed to be a mom to a somewhat naughty, full hands on but also to the most sensitive, lovely, caring and adorable son….
So here’s wishing My Mom, myself and all the kool moms – a very Happy Mother’s Day!