Lifestyle Choices

Vacuum cleaner: Don’t bang it about, it’s a sensitive machine and not magic. Pick up hairgrips or pins by hand because they might damage the engine. Empty the bag before it’s full. Service it regularly, because repairs are expensive, and stop using it if you suspect that it’s faulty.

There are basically three types of vacuum cleaner:

1. A hand-held, heavy upright model, which will be necessary for acres of carpet.
2. A small upright model, light enough to carry upstairs (even if you currently have a flat, people move house on average once every eight years).
3. A cylinder model, easily stored, for small areas and stairs, with special attachments for curtains and upholstery.

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Gone are the days when your handbag had to match your shoes in color and texture. Now it’s quite sufficient, even chic, if the two work well together but aren’t perfectly coordinated.

Your everyday bag should be, above all, practical. Since you will probably have a bookbag, you may just want to tuck a little pouch with your essentials inside it. If you do carry a separate bag, make sure it opens easily but is secure too. A bag with a sturdy strap slung diagonally over one shoulder and across the front of your body is a good idea; it’s hard to pull off, but always within view. (more…)

Bathing should be a pleasant ritual that should treat your mind as well as your body. There are a number of useful prebath techniques and tools. They are important because they can prepare your skin and body for taking the plunge and ensure you get more benefit from bathing.

A Loofah

A dry, rough-textured sea gourd that you soften by wetting it, the loofah is rubbed against the skin to slough off dead cells and to increase circulation. You can buy loofahs in their natural state (about fifteen inches long) or sewn into gloves and bands of terry cloth to be used as scrubbers. (more…)