A Groom’s Guide to Looking Great: 4 Tips to Look Your Best

Your wedding is coming up and you don’t really know which steps to take to look your absolute best? Look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here is a super useful groom’s guide to looking great on your big day, so keep on reading, check it out, and get down to business right away!

First of all, make your skin look great

Improving your skincare routine is one of the most important tasks before the wedding, so make sure not to skip it under any circumstances. Needless to say, the first thing you should do is to embrace healthy eating habits. It means that you should stay away from unhealthy junk foods that can cause inflammation and wreak havoc on your skin. Sufficient water intake is also crucial, as well as updating your skincare routine. For example, dry and flaky skin looks very unflattering, so switch to a thicker moisturiser that’ll keep your skin hydrated all day long. On the other hand, if your skin is naturally oily, you should definitely opt for serums that can quickly absorb into the skin. However, if you can’t figure out what to do, ask a skincare specialist and you won’t make a mistake!

Work out regularly, without any exceptions

A lot of guys say that staying in shape is one of the most vital steps of wedding preparations, and you know what? We completely agree with this claim, which is why you should come up with a workout routine at least six months before the big day. It doesn’t matter what type of exercises you prefer, as long as you’re doing your best to stay fit and physically active. Of course, your workouts should be more intense if you want to lose some weight, so be sure to incorporate both cardio and strength workouts into your routine. Cycling is also a fantastic choice – especially if you have problems with your knees or joints, as this is a low-impact activity that won’t put additional pressure on those areas. Just find activities that suit your needs and current fitness levels in the best possible way and you’ll do a great job!

Figure out what you want to do with your hair

Even though many men don’t really pay attention to their hair, the truth is that your hairstyle will inevitably play a huge role in your final look. After all, it’s your wedding, so make sure to take care of every little detail that contributes to the overall look! First of all, you should schedule an appointment with your barber at least 2-3 days before the wedding, so that you get a fresh haircut a few days in advance. When it comes to styling your hair, there are several products you should take into consideration. The first one is hair wax which can keep the unruly hairs in place, which is essential on such an important occasion. If that’s what you need, buy the best hair wax that will give your hair structure while keeping it nourished at the same time. Besides wax, you can use some hairspray, too. It’ll give your hairstyle extra hold and help it stay intact all day and all night, so don’t skip it and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Tame your facial hair

Your grooming routine shouldn’t include your hair only – it should incorporate your facial hair as well! This means that you should take proper care of your beard, moustache, and even eyebrows, so that every single hair looks flawless and has its own place. Of course, you can do it all by yourself, but you know what? You should better leave it to the barber so that you can completely relax and reduce the risk of messing up or cutting yourself because you’re in a hurry. Trust us when we say that it’ll do the trick. Speaking of your eyebrows, you can always see an aesthetician for a wax or threading a few days before the wedding. Tidy brows truly make a huge difference, so you won’t go wrong if you decide to make it happen!

 

As you can tell, there are many steps every groom-to-be should take in order to look amazing at his own wedding. These four are the most essential ones out there, so be sure to bear them in mind if you want to look your best on the most important day of your life. If that’s your top priority, just stick to our tips and you’ll do a fantastic job, without a shadow of a doubt!

 

4 Ways to Be Romantic with Your Husband

When we first start seeing someone, our romantic life seems to be flourishing. We’re showered with gifts, attention, and compliments, and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t enjoy all that. However, when we have been dating someone for a while, and we get to know them better, it seems like many of us start to feel there is no need for such romantic gestures anymore and more or less stop trying to amaze our partners. But, there is really no reason to exclude romance from your life now that you’re married. Being romantic will help rejuvenate your relationship and spice things up, so why not give it a shot? Here are our top four suggestions on how to freshen up your love life.

Gifting is always a great idea

Even though they sometimes act like they don’t care about it, men love getting gifts just as much as we do. It makes them feel they’re cared about and it affirms our feelings towards them. Think about gifts that are practical, and what you think they actually need. Is he a gym goer or maybe he loves playing video games? Focus on your man’s hobbies and interests and you’ll nail the choice of the gift. For example, if he’s into spending time in the great outdoors, you can always go look for handy field watches online and choose the one that suits his needs. A sincere yet practical gift will show him how much you appreciate him and make him love you even more.

Remind him of the past times

The daily stresses and hectic work schedules often get the best of us, and because we’re so emotionally invested in our jobs, it’s easy to distance yourself from the partner. However occupied you might be during the day, take some time to reconnect with your partner. Talk about the past to remind him of the good times the two of you had while you were dating. You can also play the music you two used to listen to when you were just starting a relationship, and maybe take him to a place where you used to go out. Tell him what you love about him and why you choose him for your husband. This will remind him of the attraction he has for you and help bring warmth into your marriage.

Rekindle your relationship by going out on a date

Another great way to get romantic with your hubby is to go out on a date. You don’t have to wait for him to make the first move – guys love it when women take a lead in a relationship, so initiate the date and take some time to plan out your perfect evening. You want it to be different from the regular evenings you spend together, and that calls for some new clothing. There are many online stores where you can shop for womens fashion for mum – choose something you feel elegant and confident in, something that will make you feel beautiful and special. He will appreciate the time you took to make yourself pretty for him and will definitely love that you planned everything just for the two of you.

Watch a movie together

It’s Friday night and you don’t have anything planned out? Organize a movie night! You can order takeout, or if you’ve got some time on your hands, you can make some delicious movie night snacks you two will enjoy. As for the choice of movie, you can select a romantic comedy or a romantic movie that reminds you of your love story or how you first met. Maybe there’s a movie the two of you watched when you were dating? Consider re-watching that movie to rekindle the romance and bring back the memories. It will be the perfect way to detach from work and daily obligations and help the two of you relax and have a good time together.

 

Being romantic with your husband is a great way to bring you closer together and keep the marriage spark alive. Try some of these tips and make your spouse feel loved and appreciated.

How to Throw a Memorable Anniversary Party

Whether it’s an intimate get-together celebrating five years of marriage or a big festivity celebrating 50, an anniversary party is a perfect way to honour a couple’s lasting love for each other. If you want to make this celebration a special occasion you’ll never forget, here are some simple steps to follow in order to throw the perfect anniversary party:

Choose a venue

The first step to planning an anniversary party is to choose an appropriate location. Depending on the number of guests you have invited and whether you have chosen the celebration to be a formal or an informal occasion, there are several options you can choose from. If you are planning an intimate gathering with your closest family and friends, a wonderful idea would be to throw the party at your home. If you can rely on the weather, an even lovelier option would be to throw an outdoor celebration in a park or a garden. If you are planning a big celebration, however, then you might want to consider booking a larger venue, such as a hotel, a restaurant or a country club lounge. Either way, make sure to book the venue well in advance, in order to avoid disappointment.

Decide on a theme

Although not a necessary step, deciding on a theme for your celebration will add an extra dimension to your event and help make the party a memorable one. While formal occasions generally have a colour-based theme in place in order to ensure everything looks cohesive, casual parties can give you more room for creativity – you can choose to have a romantic flower party or a rustic anniversary party, for example, and you wouldn’t need to worry about sticking to a strict theme. Another popular choice of decor is building a theme around the specific anniversary symbol. For example, the symbol and colour for a 50^th wedding anniversary is gold, so you can expect the majority of the tableware and decor to be in variations of gold.

Think about the food and drinks

No party is complete without food and drinks. The choice of the menu is completely up to you, but don’t forget to consider the theme and the number of guests, as well as any dietary preferences. If you’ve opted for a small celebration, then choosing a buffet might be the best option – it’ll allow you to have a range of different finger foods, so there will always be something for everyone. On the other hand, if you’ve decided to host a larger crowd, having the party catered for will take the stress out of having to cook for everyone and leave you free to enjoy the day. If you live in New York, there a lot of great catering companies in NYC you can rely on to make planning your anniversary party a breeze.

Capture the memories

Hiring a photographer to capture all of the special moments at the anniversary party is the best way to cherish this special day. While you’re swept up catching up with your loved ones and enjoying the celebrations, it’s easy to forget to stop and take some photographs to preserve the wonderful memories. If you are unable to hire a professional photographer, however, there are still a few ways you can capture these special moments. One way is to purchase a few disposable cameras and leave them around the venue, so your guests can use them to take pictures. You can collect them at the end of the celebration and have all those lovely photos developed. Another, more modern idea is to place a few signs on the tables with Instagram hashtags, like #10yearsofthesmiths, for example. Using this hashtag, your guests can take as many photos as they like and you can have them all in one place, available to look back to forever.

With careful planning and a bit of creativity, these simple tips will ensure you have a beautiful, fun-filled anniversary party you and your partner will remember for the rest of your lives.

How to Dress for Your First Date at the Beach

There is something inherently romantic about beach dates. You can feel the sand between your toes, almost taste the salt in your mouth, and the gentle breeze is definitely doing your hair a favour by making it seem like you’re on a movie set. However, picking out the perfect outfit for a beach date makes this experience less pleasant. You can’t go with the usual classics such as the little black dress or spice up a casual jeans combination with your favourite stilettos. Don’t ruin your beauty sleep over this; here are a few tips that will make your style just as beautiful as your hair fluttering in the wind.

Is it sun-and-fun or sunset and romance?

First of all, you need to separate these two very different beach dates. If you are going to the beach in the middle of the day, when everyone, including you, will swim, sunbathe or play sand volleyball, you can get by in your usual swimsuit and some accessories. However, if we are talking about a romantic evening at the beach, and perhaps even a picnic with wine (you’re so lucky), you should up the game a little bit. And the following few tips are all about upping the game.

Jeans and all that goes with them

Take out your favourite pair of jeans shorts from your closet, and rock it with your bikini top. This is an especially great choice for an active day on the beach. If you are planning on wearing shorts in the evening, spice up the combination with a cover-up top (think something light and dreamy like a crochet piece), multiple bracelets, a floppy sun hat and a casual tote bag.

When you think about it, it’s all about a stylish cover-up

Although they’re mentioned earlier, they didn’t get the attention they deserve. Cover-ups are the 101 of beach dates, because they can make the transition from an ordinary day on the beach to a hot date seamless. The same goes for the transition between a romantic walk and a “let’s go night swimming” decision. Plus, they can make you look different on the beach each day, even if you are wearing the same swimsuit. The most stylish among cover-ups are, of course, kaftans. As the summer is approaching, kaftans in the UK are making a huge comeback, so it is time to equip yourself with a few.

Maximize your style

You know what we are talking about? There is nothing more whimsical than a lady walking along the white stretches of sand in a light maxi dress. This outfit is made for you particularly if you are a fan of the bohemian style. Even though it doesn’t require any further styling efforts, you can finish up your look with various details, such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, hats, hair jewelry (why not, even a flower band), bags, etc.

Beach elegance

Maybe your beach date is unlike any situation mentioned above. Maybe you will have a real deal romantic dinner with wine, music and flowers. In that case, it is only natural to dress up more than in the previous cases. You need to find the balance between dressy and comfortable, though. High heels and cocktail dresses are out of the question, of course. There are several combinations you can choose from according to your sensibility. You can wear non-jeans shorts and a transparent blouse (which can have laced sleeves for the extra ‘wow’ effect). Another option is a mini or midi dress made of lightweight material. Consider breathable fabrics like linen, lace, rayon and silk.

Finally, your outfit is not the only thing you should think about. When it comes to makeup, you should go with a natural look, without aggressive details like eyeliner and lipstick. Now go have fun on your date!

5 Valentine’s Day Gifts Perfect for Him

Girls it’s that time of the year again, February the 14th is approaching and fast. Don’t wait for the last second to get your partner the perfect Valentine’s gift. He might not realize that you’ve made a last minute purchase, but let’s be honest it won’t be half as good as something you have invested a lot of time and consideration into.

Now to get you started on your shopping journey here are five great gift ideas for your loved one.

Beard grooming kit

If you have a dapper man by your side, chances are he is proudly dawning his carefully groomed beard. Now, what better way to show your appreciation for the time and effort he puts into having the perfect beard then to get him a quality beard grooming kit. There are a few essentials that this gift needs to contain in order for it to really impress him. First and most importantly it needs a beard comb, preferably rosewood, next, a selection of quality beard oils and waxes, and finally a great wooden box to keep it all in. An there you have it, an ideal Valentine’s gift for your bearded man.

Beer brewing kit

One of the biggest trends sweeping the male populations these days is craft beer. By opting for a beer brewing kit you will allow your man to make his own. This is such a great gift, it is both manly and empowering, and the best part is, he won’t see it coming. A gift of beer is always a great gift especially if your man is a beer lover. You could even go a step further and get him everything he need for DIY beer bottle label making so that when he finishes his first batch he can customize the bottles and share a few with his friends.

Gym gear

If your man loves sports and going to the gym, a Valentine’s day gift along those lines is a must. You should consider browsing websites like Ryderwear UK to find quality gym clothing that would be ideal for your man. In addition to sports wear you should also opt for some exercise equipment. First get familiar with what he usually uses, and try to figure out what he’s missing, that way he will appreciate your gift even more. You can even offer to join him for a few training sessions just to make the gift a bit more special.

A great pair of tickets

Depending on your man’s preferences you can get him tickets for his favourite band’s concert or a sports match. Whether it’s soccer or basketball, just make sure his team is playing on home turf because it will make it that much more exciting. You can go together and have a great time. He’ll appreciate your willingness to do an activity dear to his heart. You can even make the gesture that much more romantic if you present him with the gift while wearing the T-shirt with the name of the band or his favourite team’s jersey. This will definitely be a perfect Valentine’s day gift.

Some stylish accessories

If your man is fashionable and cares about his style, then a few carefully selected accessories might be the perfect gift. You can opt for a quality leather belt or a fashion forward scarf. If you truly know his preferences then you can even go as far as getting him a great pair of sunglasses or a modern hat. Basically anything to complement his style, and to show him that you notice the time and effort he puts into looking that good.

There you have it, five Valentine’s day gift ideas that are sure to make your man happy. But more importantly they will show him that you care, and that’s what this holiday is all about.

How to Improve Your Love Life in 5 Effective Steps

They say that when you’re single, the world is your oyster, and in many ways that’s true. There are plenty of advantages to being single, but at the end of the day, we’re all longing for that one person who will be everything. We want a friend, a confidant, a lover and someone around whom we can be our most authentic self. In today’s strange dating world you could be taking all the steps that seem right to you, but still fall short. Times have definitely changed, and in order to get to ‘the one’ there seem to be a lot more obstacles than before. Still, that’s not a reason to give up.

No, this is the time when you pick yourself up, even after the worst of experiences and try something new. You know the saying – you can’t do the same thing and expect different results. These five steps are probably something you haven’t tried before, and they are bound to get your love mojo back, whether you’re single and looking for love or already dating and searching for ways to improve a relationship.

Compromise with a twist

The general rule of thumb is that relationships are about compromise, and there is great truth to that. One of the biggest mistakes people make comes as a result of misinterpretation of the concept. While you should do things for the other person that aren’t exactly your cup of tea, such as for instance going hiking even though you’re not exactly outdoorsy, there is a fine line between compromise and accepting things that truly bother you. Certain types of behavior are unacceptable, they’re what we call deal-breakers, and when these arise, you need to have an open conversation with the person you’re dating and express your feelings.

If they are worthy and willing to make an effort for the sake of the relationship, they will change these habits. If not, your frustration will continue to increase. Sometimes being smart is knowing when to call it quits. For those who are single – try to see the potential in someone, and don’t discard a possible relationship as soon as you notice one flaw.

Know your worth

When you look back at your dating record, do you sometimes get the feeling that you’ve been dating the same guy over and over again? We all have a pattern, and when picking a certain type of person is one of yours, you need to put an end to it. This is where doing the same thing and expecting the same results resonates most true. If things aren’t working out and you keep dating, it’s because you’re constantly choosing virtually the same guy, and that guy is not the one for you. Step out of your comfort zone and realize that you deserve better.

As an experiment, just once go out with someone completely different from your usual type, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how refreshing this change could be. This next person might not be the one, even though you might be insanely attracted to them. Always be aware of that there is a battle of lust vs. love going on, and try to keep your head above the clouds and not get swept up by the first. Dip your feet in the water, date several different types, and ultimately you’ll find the one that truly fits. There are many things one should compromise on, but the choice of partner is not one of them. Always know your worth  and never settle for a treatment that leaves plenty to be desired.

No such thing as perfect

People are quick to notice the shortcomings of others, but quite reluctant to accept and acknowledge their own. If you’re the kind of person who always claims to be right, and whatever goes sour is someone else’s fault, you need to take a long hard look in the mirror and reexamine your own actions. Taking your share of the blame, whether for a bad date or a small fight that escalated, there are always two sides of the story. When in a fight, instead of instinctively placing the blame on the other person, step out of your body and listen to the words coming out of your own mouth and pay attention to your body language. Believe us, it takes two to tango.

In coupling and in singleness

You should never, ever stop improving yourself and lose sight of who you are. This isn’t only relevant for your love life, although it can be a great bonus. Never stop doing the things you love, chasing your passions, taking up hobbies – in short, never stop elevating yourself, culturally, spiritually, intellectually. Being the best possible version of yourself inevitably increases your sense of self-worth, and your positive and confident attitude as well as all the wonderful quirks and interests make you incredibly attractive. People pick up on that – the right people that is, so the more complete you are as a person, the more high-quality people you will attract. It applies to co-workers, friends and potential partners.

Out of want, not out of need

Never enter a relationship when you’re at your loneliest. That is when we are prone to accepting whatever little attention is given to us. Loneliness often leads to desperation, and that in turn can make you fall in the arms of a completely wrong person, simply because you needed a pair of hands to hold you. These kinds of relationships inevitably make you feel stuck and you end up resenting the person, thinking they’ve tricked you into being with them. Accept the loneliness, work on yourself, and when you realize that you want someone instead of desperately needing someone, you will be able to make much better choices.