The possibilities of making the kinds of connections you want are very realistic, and many long lasting relationships and marriages have begun via online dating services, not to mention casual relationships as well if that is what you prefer. The possibilities are all right there and waiting for you, but there are a few key rules you need to know and follow in order to find your perfect date online. Download to learn The Golden Rules of Online Dating – 6 essential rules to finding the perfect online date!
You have just been set free from pressures and stresses of planning for your big day. Now it’s time to celebrate only the two of you. But you are confused about where to spend your honeymoon. Well, let’s take you through idyllic newlywed destinations in Australia.
There are several reasons why you should choose Australia as your romantic gateway. In Australia, you will definitely fall in love with the lively cities, pristine beaches, and spectacular wildlife.
Don’t be afraid of the fearmongering phrases that Australia is pricey. There is an array of local vacation rentals that are within your reach. Here are several honeymoon destinations in Australia.
Leura is two hours’ drive from Sydney, and it’s an epic spot for honeymoon. It is surrounded by stunning mountains, which are an ideal point for hiking and having a look at charming waterfalls. Besides, you can have a walk along with a garland of flowing waterfalls. Did I forget about a romantic picnic? Don’t leave this fantastic place without going for a hike at the elephantiac blue mountain.
Sydney is mainly associated with ubiquitous kangaroos. Apart from being a vibrant city, Sydney is one of the famous romantic destinations in Australia. Just imagine relaxing in the literal Moore park and cruising on a cozy Sydney harbour boat.
There is a lot of life filling activities for newlywed in Australia. Don’t forget to tour the eminent Coogee Beach coastal walk. You can take a walk at night around the harbour, which is quite thrilling and romantic due to the bridge, the light, and the beautiful ambience of the opera house.
This is another exciting romantic destination in Australia. Mornington Peninsula has a couple of beaches, hot springs, and vineyards. The joy of taking a bath or soaking your legs at the peninsula hot spring is unmatched. This is an ideal honeymoon destination after a long period of wedding planning. Don’t leave without heading to the Cape Schanck boardwalk. Take adrenaline stimulating nature walk along tall cliffs that eventually gets you to a lighthouse.
Are you a food-loving couple? Montville is the place to taste mouthwatering delicacies. The sunshine coast Hitherland is a food lover’s paradise where you will find so many restaurants. There are over 20 restaurants that offer dinner, ranging from seafood to freshest wheat products.
If your significant other is a nature enthusiast, choosing treehouse accommodation in Montville for your honeymoon is a good idea. The cabins are elegantly designed to enable you to interact with nature. You might have dreamt of soaring the sky or hovering above the world like a bird; here is the time to make your dream true. You can look for treehouse accommodation for rent in Montville to arouse your childhood memories. Being a little goofy and childish make love a beautiful feeling.
This is one of a kind honeymoon destination. Relaxing on an island is fantastic. Honeymoon is all about exploring new places. Take a bike and cycle down to the mount wellington. After touring mount wellington, grab a bottle of beer to cool yourself at the Australia oldest brewery. The brewery is located right at the foot of mount wellington. Devote a few hours and tour Bruny island to visit an oyster farm.
Australia has a dozen intriguing romantic destinations you should consider. You can visit a beach and surf or go for a hike in one of the famous mountains in Australia. The end goal is to have a radiant moment away from home.
Just like millions of other people all over the world, you will also be traumatized when your marriage comes to an end. However, it will help you tremendously, if you know the steps to take that will show you how to be happy after divorce, such as the following tips suggested by the family solicitors in Sydney:
You will probably go through emotional trauma when your marriage has ended. Accept it and see a counselor to help you come to terms with these feelings. Trained counselors and therapists can help you to deal with your feelings and identify a suitable treatment to help you move forward. Significant trauma can lead to PTSD so should be addressed as soon as possible. In fact, CFAH conducted a research study that shows 3 in every 50 American adults will have gone through PTSD at some point in their life, so you are very much not alone in this and there is help out there.
If you are struggling through the legal side of a divorce, you should also get in contact with an expert family law attorney as they have the expertise to support you throughout the entire process. Beyond this, if your divorce involves children or an adulterous spouse, know that you can always Hire Bond Rees for expert private investigation solutions to ensure the safety of your family and to help you collect evidence that will support your case in court.
You will have days where the sadness that followed the divorce is almost unbearable. Instead of trying to deal with your grief on your own, speak to your family and friends about your feelings. They care about you and will no doubt give you all the support you need during these difficult times.
The one thing that you must do to become happier after your divorce, is to be 100% honest as to the reasons for your marriage coming apart at the seams. This will give you closure, instead of the constant “if only” that could prevent you from moving on with your life.
There are people who resort to using drugs and alcohol to block out the bad feelings they have about their failed marriages. Then there are those who immediately jump into a new and unfulfilling relationship to reassure themselves that they are not the one made the mistakes to cause the divorce. These strategies are not only unhealthy but are almost guaranteed to prevent you from being happy in the future.
Remember, your time is your own now. Instead of spending it doing things for your spouse, you are now able to do things that make you happy! You’re free to try out new experiences that you’ve always dreamt of doing. Take up skydiving, learn to crochet, plant a vegetable garden, try living off the grid, or take a gourmet cooking class.
Now you have all the time in the world to focus on yourself and the things you want and need in life. If you feel like going out, then do it. If you feel like staying in and reading all day, then do that too. You don’t have to feel selfish about anything you do from now on, to heal yourself after your divorce.
Maintain healthy eating habits and exercise on a regular basis. By doing this, you will be keeping your body in excellent condition, look and feel great, and help to prevent illness and depression.
Divorce might give you negative feelings, but in the end, it is up to you entirely, to decide on how long you are going to ride the pity train or make the choice to get out from under the duvet and be a happier person.
While all the above steps will help you to overcome the trauma after your divorce, it’s the first one that is extremely important! Make an appointment with family law experts for post-divorce counselling.
Weddings often tend to focus on the bride. Most women have been dreaming of their ideal wedding since their childhood, so it is easy for them to take complete control over the wedding planning process. With the bride often having strong opinions on the colors, decor, and even the invitations, it can be hard for the groom to feel like he is an important part of the planning or the wedding. The bride is also tasked with hiring professionals to help with her hair and makeup. Now, grooms, you may think that you don’t have a lot of involvement in perfecting your look for the big day. While you may not enlist the help of professionals you should be taking the necessary steps to prepare yourself to look and feel your best!
While your bride is completely immersed in the wedding planning, take this time to pamper yourself and get ready for your big day! Here is a wedding preparation timeline for the grooms out there:
Diet and Exercise
4-5 months before
We talk a lot about how the bride wants to look her best on the big day, but what about the groom? As the groom, you often don’t feel as much pressure to reach a level of looking perfect before the wedding. That doesn’t mean that you can’t start to think about how you want to look and feel on your big day! If you know that you would like to start taking steps toward being healthier, then you should start 4-5 months before the wedding date!
Begin to prioritize eating healthy and exercising regularly. If you don’t know where to begin, consult a personal trainer or look for work out guides online. With the time it takes to plan a wedding, you may have to schedule time during your day to make this a priority. This could mean getting up early or putting a hobby on pause during the months before the big day. Make prioritizing your health a couple’s activity that you can do with your bride-to-be. The stress of wedding planning is very real so taking the time to grocery shop together, cook together, and exercise can provide a break. By taking on a healthy goal together, your bond as a couple will grow and you’ll feel so accomplished!
The Suit or Tux?
3 months before ~ 2 weeks before
As you know, the wedding dress is extremely important! Your bride has likely been thinking about the style, the color, and the shoes since you started getting serious. As the groom, you may be thinking that your attire is an afterthought. This is simply not true! You deserve to feel handsome in your suit or tuxedo. Most grooms opt for a black suit with accents, like a boutonniere or pocket square, that matches the wedding’s color scheme. You can make a suit more formal by adding a vest or tie. If you love to add a pop of color, get yourself a cool pair of socks. Every groom should ask their fiancee if she has any expectations about the suit ensemble!
Grooms (and groomsmen) should try on their ensembles three months before the wedding. And if you’ve been actively working on your health, you will want to get a fitting two weeks before the big day! This will give you and your tailor time to make any necessary adjustments without feeling like you’re rushing against the clock! If you’re at a loss for what is appropriate for your wedding, then consider the following things: venue, time of year, and dress code. These three things will help guide your decision! Your venue and dress code often go hand in hand. For instance, your dress code will not be casual if you booked a country club ballroom. The time of year can also affect what you and your guests will wear. If your wedding date in on a hot summer day, your guests will likely be dressed more casually.
New Skin Care Routine
3 months before
Your wedding photos will be a memory that you’ll look at for years after the big day. Of course, the photographer will retouch all of the pictures, but having great skin will help you feel confident and handsome. By starting a skincare routine three months in advance, you give your skin time to become radiant and healthy.
You don’t have to have an intricate 5 step process, but being mindful of how you treat your skin on a daily basis will do wonders. Keeping it simple will help you maintain the new routine. Unless you have serious skin concerns, then cleansing and moisturizing should be your main goals! You should wash your face twice a day- morning and night- and rinse your face after you’ve been sweating heavily. If you have dry or irritated skin, find a hypoallergenic moisturizer to apply after washing your face. When shaving, pair a brand new razor with shaving cream and post-shave balm to calm your skin. Remember razors should be replaced after six to eight shaves to reduce irritation and the possibility of cutting yourself as you shave. When your wedding day arrives, your skin will thank you for all the love and care!
Whether you’re dating, engaged, or have been married longer than you were ever single, every couple will benefit when they put time, energy, and love into their relationship. That’s why we have scoured the internet looking for the best blogs on marriage and relationships to help you have the best love life possible.
We have picks from young couples, marriages with a Christian background, sexy advice blogs, licensed marriage therapists and more. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve found it all!
Without further ado, here are 20 of the best blogs about marriage and relationships that are sure to keep your love life happy, healthy, and right on track.
This website and blog focus on date night ideas, features freebies and printable activities for couples to share, hosts a marriage seminar, and helps couples’ bond closer together. There are so many benefits to having a regular date night with your spouse, and the dating divas are “saving marriages, one date at a time.”
Could the title be any clearer? This website focuses on all things marriage and relationships. Couples will find a myriad of helpful articles on dating, marriage, relationship troubles, couple entrepreneurship, and parenting to help them live their best life possible.
It’s no secret that marriage isn’t always easy! Stay Married is a relationship-strengthening blog that contains resources for couples who want to stay married for the long haul. This blog has both helpful marriage articles and a relationship podcast.
Relationship researchers may already be familiar with Dr. Gottman’s method of strengthening marriage through therapy based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. This researched-based blog talks about everything from renewing your vows to taking control of jealousy. This blog is definitely worth the read.
This blog is the largest independent African American website about marriage and parenting available online. Run by Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, the two share the struggles and joys of maintaining a healthy marriage while parenting.
Infidelity, whether emotional or physical, is a huge part of why relationships fail. With the tagline “Follow our journey as we save our marriage after an emotional affair”, this is one marriage that doesn’t shy away from real problems in marriage.
Lovepanky boasts themselves as “Your guide to better love and relationships” and focuses on articles about sex, marriage, engagement, and keeping that spark alive.
From dealing with a partner who has a low sex drive to summer date night ideas, this advice website doesn’t shy away from married couples most asked questions!
A prioritized marriage reminds couples why it’s important to make their marriage their number one in life. This website has great articles that can bring couples closer together, such as couples bucket lists, marriage advice for newlyweds and more.
First inspired by her sadness at seeing all the unhappy marriages around her, Celeste launched a blog called “A Thing Called Love” which has now turned into a Marriage Laboratory. This is a fun website that boasts itself as being “Love experiments for busy couples” and caters to the working couple looking to spend a little more quality time together.
Married and Young is a blog that speaks from the perspective of married Christian couple Jamal and Natasha Miller. They share advice with couples and singles about marriage, dating, and getting engaged.
This website speaks to wives from the perspective of a newlywed and offers advice on sex, romance, pregnancy, couple’s travel and more.
Do you ever feel like you and your spouse simply cannot pay attention to each other? If so, this blog is for you. Melissa Orlov and Dr. Ned Hallowell share advice with couples about how to remain happy when one partner in the marriage has ADHD.
This blog began when its writer, Liz, got engaged to her now-husband. This blog is still going strong and details the everyday life of a working mother and parent.
This blog follows the realistic life of married wife Katie and Chris. They discuss everything from life and love, to what couples need to do when they stop actively listening to one another.
Could any list be complete without mentioning the fabulous Cosmopolitan magazine? This online mag is a one-stop shop for all thing’s marriage and relationships. From dating disaster stories, wedding planning, marital bliss, and an array of titillating and helpful sex advice, Cosmo has it all.
This online blog covers all things “Sex and Marriage by God’s Design”. Base on their tagline, this blog focuses on how to make Christian marriages thrive and explains the benefits that couples worship can have on a marriage.
Marriage 365 is a blog that covers serious topics about marriage. From learning how to deal with a self-centered spouse to providing practical tools and resources to create a connection with a partner, this website is truly devoted to helping couples.
From conflict resolution to intimacy, preparing for marriage to keeping the romance alive, To Love, Honor, & Vacuum is a blog dedicated to all things marriage. This website also offers couple’s fun online courses about how to deepen emotional intimacy and how to boost your libido for a healthier marriage.
This website is run by Christian couple Justine and Trisha Davis and helps couples to recognize warning signs to look out for in marriage. This couple stresses on the need for honesty and transparency in marriage and have even written a book devoted to helping couples worldwide.
Are there any couples out there who couldn’t benefit from a little refining? Couples can benefit tremendously from reading the advice found at any one of these fantastic marriage and relationship blogs.
Getting married is such a huge deal, but many consider moving into your first home an even bigger affair. Now that you have a place where your love can truly blossom, it’s time to decorate it so that it fits both of your needs and lifestyles. If you need some assistance in that department, here’s a little guide that will help you set up your first home.
This is really the most important step. Your bed is where you’ll spend one-third of your life together, so make sure you choose a comfortable type. If you know your partner is an active sleeper, you might also want to opt for a roomier king size bed, so that both of you catch enough Zs. Even if the rest of your place is still an undecorated mess, once you jump into a comfy bed, nothing else will matter!
A house will never feel like home until you can wake up and do your morning bathroom routine with your eyes half closed. Set up your hygiene products and towels so that you can easily reach for them at any time. Don’t stress about arranging everything perfectly. You’ll have plenty of time to find the best setup, but having them near, for now, is all you need.
Now that you’ve just started your life together, it’s a smart idea to work on your comfort and the health in your shared space. An AC is a must, especially if you live in hot areas like Australia. If you decide to go without an air conditioner, you can expect many sleepless nights and cranky mornings. So, find an agency for quick air conditioning installation in Sydney and put that obstacle behind you right away. The installation is a breeze and you’ll feel so much more comfortable in your space when it’s nice and cool even when the sun is scorching outside.
Many people just can’t stand bare white walls and empty shelves when they move into a new home. However, resist the temptation to hit a décor store and fill your space with generic prints, wall hangings and one-dollar trinkets. They might make the place beautiful and stylish, but they will not make your home truly yours. So, instead, start decorating with things that feel very personal to both of you. Think photographs, travel memorabilia and things that you bought together. This way, when you look around your home, you’ll see your life and not something that got torn out from the pages of a design magazine. And, when you eventually get guests, you’ll have plenty of conversation starters that you paid no money for!
No matter if you opted for a minimalist approach or a more traditional style, every space needs a star. This can be a designer piece of furniture, an attractive area rug or even a wallpapered accent wall! Make sure to allow that one piece to stand out and your guests will truly be swept off their feet as soon as they walk in.
Don’t start arguing over small and unimportant things as soon as you start your life together. Moving and getting used to a new place is stressful in itself, so you don’t need to add tension by quarrelling over decoration. So, as soon as you notice you’ve pushed yourselves too much, stop and take a small break from decoration and decision-making. After you aim your attention towards your partner, you’ll realize that your disagreements about furniture and paintings magically disappeared!
All in all, take your time, be understanding and you’ll not only have a beautiful place but you’ll also enjoy a harmonious life filled with love and support. Congrats, newlyweds!
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that over 300,000 marriages take place each year in England and Wales. With divorce rates at just 8.9 per 1000 married couples, more of these partnerships are staying together. That is not to say that marriage has gotten any easier, however. Successfully sharing your life with a long term partner requires flexibility. Inevitably, life brings change. The ability to adapt and take on new roles within the relationship can make all the difference in being able to successfully maintain it, forever.
Sharing Finances
For many, marriage is the first time to experience shared finances. Especially as the average age of people marrying is on the rise, these working adults have already learned the basics of personal financial responsibility. Car payments, bank accounts, rent, savings and debt are nothing new. However, having joint bank accounts, entering into debt together, and managing a household budget can be the first stressor in a marriage.
Although there are many ways to manage your finances as a couple, it is not unusual for one person in the partnership to take on the task of budgeting, managing the accounts, and paying the bills. Open communication about money, as in all things, is necessary for the health of the relationship. Without it, one person may start feeling uncomfortable with the arrangement, especially if there is an imbalance in the income being brought into the household.
It is not as easy as it may seem to think in terms of “our” money rather than “yours” and “mine.” Consider having both joint and personal accounts to avoid this source of conflict. Joint accounts can be used to cover household expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries while personal accounts cover things like clothes, nights out with friends, and trips to the salon or barber.
Becoming Parents
When a couple decides to start a family it marks a massive transition for the relationship. The new and ever changing responsibilities of caring for a child are immense and hugely time consuming. As each person takes on the role of parent, their role in the relationship also changes.
Married couples with children find it difficult to devote time to nurturing their relationship. The Economic and Social Research Council conducted a mixed method psychosocial study on enduring love. They found that parents engage in less relationship maintenance than their childless counterparts. The time spent doing parenting related tasks and activities leaves little time for other things. When children are very young, a parent’s focus and energy is overwhelmingly spent on the child. Parents are left feeling tired and drained with nothing left to give to their spouse.
Couples will have a greater chance of long term success if they commit to spending regular time with one another as a couple, not as parents. A set date night with the help of a family member or childminder can do wonders for keeping a couple connected. Little things can be done on a daily basis to show care and thought for your partner. Making their tea in the morning or sending a sweet text in the middle of a work day is a small gesture that can have a big long term impact.
Illness and Caretaking
As time moves on one or both of the people in a marriage may find themselves in the role of caretaker. This can come about in different ways. A parent of the couple or one of the people in the couple themselves becomes chronically ill and requires everyday care. Whether caring for a sick parent or spouse, this change is an emotional and taxing phase for all involved.
Caregiving takes a big emotional toll on a person. The caretaker has to come to terms with the fact that someone they love dearly is sick. Fear, uncertainty, and sadness can become all consuming. Boredom, frustration, and hopelessness are not at all uncommon. Seeking out help and support is crucial during this time. Having someone to talk openly and honestly with, whether a friend, family member, or professional, is critical to emotional well being.
Practically speaking, a caretaker should not attempt to go it alone. Outside help, even if for only a few hours a week, can give the caretaker a regular necessary reprieve. For those in need, social assistance is available from the NHS by requesting a needs assessment. For short periods of time, for running errands or attending personal appointments, the ill loved one can be left alone. Providing the loved one with communication tools that can help the carer and cared for feel more secure in leaving for these short excursions.
Empty Nest or Retirement
When couples move from being full time workers, parents, or both to being empty nesters or retirees, life as a couple, once again, transforms. Schedules are suddenly more open. Spaces are available that were once filled with children and work obligations. This can be disorienting for a couple. They may feel like they have nothing to talk about or focus on. It requires an adjustment and attention to reconnect or keep the relationship strong in this new dynamic.
Identifying areas of interest that are shared but have never been explored is a great place to start. This gives a freshness and spark to the relationship and can be very fulfilling and exciting. This new found time is a gift and choosing to spend some of it in a passionate pursuit with your spouse is invaluable to the health of the relationship.
Giving your spouse freedom to pursue personal interests or to simply spend time alone is an equally positive way to nurture your relationship during this stage. It is healthy and natural for both parties to a relationship to have interests that are solely their own. Supporting one another in individual pursuits and allowing each other to spend time away can actually bring them closer.
If we are lucky, life is long. Choosing to spend it in a relationship can be the most rewarding experience of one’s life. It is not without its set of challenges but each partner can adapt and support each other through all of life’s changing roles.
Even though we live in a world which sends robots to Mars, sometimes technological advancement is all there is from humankind. While we aim for the stars to give us a better future, we forget that there are still certain issues that should be addressed here on Earth. Intercultural marriage is one of the numerous things we should discuss and resolve, as a testament to positive human evolution for our posterity.
Marriage is a challenge. It requires work and compromise between partners, no matter how much they love each other. However, marriage also requires strength to overcome the stressors surrounding the relationship. And that is what challenges of intercultural marriage mean for the partners – endurance of bigotry, racism, class differences and all the things that come out of petty minds.
In a way, these couples have to work on their marriage at the same time they’re working on showing the world that love is the most valuable feeling in the world. Unfortunately, sometimes that is simply not enough and these couples face a lifelong battle with issues that don’t belong in the civilized, modern society that wants to spread across the universe.
Racism is, sadly, still a serious issue that exists in even the most modern countries in the world like the USA. Judging people by their skin color shouldn’t be discussed any more at all since it shouldn’t exist in the first place. But we all know that the world is more complicated and challenging than that.
But people are not judged for their interracial marriages only by strangers. The worst impact on their relationship is made by their peers, family, and friends. This is something that has been present in society for centuries, and will undoubtedly be here in the future.
Thus, the pressure on the interracial marriage is like carrying a heavy load which just got heavier because someone set on it instead of helping you carry it. Racism won’t go away if we turn our heads the other way, but only if we join the ranks of brave men and women who fight it all their lives. This is a complex problem that needs to be addressed from all the social, political and cultural points in order to eradicate it.
You’ve probably read Jane Austen or at least seen some of the movie adaptations to know how class difference works. Even The Great Gatsby deals with this issue from a different, but equally important point of view. Marriage between rich and poor has so much scrutiny surrounding it that Pandora had a pretty big box where all those evils came from.
Sometimes, the couple or one of the partners, usually the less economically situated one, are forced to sign a prenuptial agreement. This can be the initiator of marital problems and even cause the cancelation of marriage altogether. Here lie many challenges and prejudice that a couple must face in order to have a healthy marriage and keep the family safe.
Popular culture often depicts these relationships either as cautionary tales or true love stories. In reality, the matter is not so easy to fight off and the reputation follows some couples throughout their marriage. This issue is, thus, resolved, with firm attitude rather than constant justifying oneself to everyone, and as an underlying stressor, it’s an ever-present challenge for the couple.
Love is blind, they say, but for how long? This is a fitting question that perfectly fits the challenges of a marriage between two people with different educational backgrounds. Some even didn’t see this as a challenge until women were given the same opportunity at education as men.
Just remember Mad Men TV show for the easiest reference and women there being perfect housewives, while men did all the important work. Nowadays, the society may have allowed women to have the education they rightfully deserve, but not that Mad Men ideal of perfect marriage is hard to destroy. But the things swing the other way as well, so this educational gap is not only the gender issue anymore.
The lack of communication in marriage and understanding from a partner are often the causes of discord. While some tend to put in the effort to understand each other completely, others forget about it and it turns into an issue fast. However, the true way of dealing with this is for partners to include one another in each other’s lives, and not feed the monster.
The main legal issue when it comes to intercultural marriage is visa and citizenship for one of the partners. Every country has its own set of laws and regulations governing this field and some are really complex to handle by yourself, like the UK’s or Australia’s. Therefore, hiring immigration solicitors is necessary to complete the paperwork and avoid serious repercussions such as deportation.
Of course, every couple entering into an intercultural marriage is aware of this issue when one is not the citizen of the other’s country. If prepared for this bureaucratic entanglement in time, couples won’t even feel this period in their lives. Otherwise, the problems arising from untimely tackling of this issue can lead to serious legal consequences and divorce.
Couples today face the fact that the divorce rate is high. In a way, if a marriage doesn’t work than it’s right to get the divorce. However, doing your best to overcome the problems should be the first course of action and not calling it quits. Intercultural marriages have a high divorce rate and that is why they need more work and attention.
Different religious backgrounds can be overcome with one partner accepting the religion of the other. Certain customs can undergo small changes to fit both partners, while different cultural backgrounds carry diverse behaviors and perspectives. So, while high divorce rate of these marriages may speak against them, couples shouldn’t focus on that but on methods to overcome these problems and love each other.
Every relationship is a challenge and needs work to succeed. Intercultural marriage is a perfect example of what a relationship between two people needs to endure and how much we have to further evolve to be worthy of the stars.
Because Bouquets Are So Passé.
If you’re surprising your lover with flowers, chances are you’re going to grab a presentation-style bouquet, which is pre-selected in a flower shop or local supermarket. Presentation bouquets generally look like this: a bunch of flowers tied together and typically adorned with dry waxed paper or floral tissue, jutte fabrics, and mesh ribbons.
They are nice and convenient, but they can be, well, clichéd and predictable – especially if you’re giving it to a long-term spouse whom you’ve been giving bouquets for years.
Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing sweeter than receiving a handheld bouquet filled with vibrant and freshly-picked flowers of your taste. But wouldn’t it be nicer to receive flowers that have a dash of creativity and personality into it?
If you’re sending flowers for your wife, girlfriend, or special someone but you want to elevate your usual handheld bouquet and give something unexpected, here are 10 wonderful ideas to keep in mind.
If your wife loves both tea and flowers, then an English country garden-inspired teapot full of blooms is the best way to go. A lovely arangement of roses, daisy, and poms in feminine pastel-hued pots would definitely brighten up their day.
For a rustic, “fresh from the garden” look, use rustic watering cans. The pale, timeworn look of watering cans add charm to the arrangement of vibrant blooms. You may also loop wire around the handle so it can be hung on the door for a beautiful display.
You may use the same approach for ceramic mugs, painted bottles, and vividly-colored jars.
Love metals and vintage prints? Your recipient would definitely love blooms in old, vintage canisters. They come in different designs, from old-fashioned floral patterns to 50s-inspired typography and poster signages. Even vintage soup and coffee tin canisters elevate your floral arrangement.
Forget conventional vases and put old lanterns to use. Antique lanterns make romantic flowers arrangements, like roses, baby breath, and foliage, even dreamier. They also make a nice centerpiece for one’s home.
If your recipient loves a wild arrangement of pretty pastel flowers, then wooden containers, like crates, would make perfect vessels. Aside from roses, flowers like hydrangeas, lisianthus, and snapdragons look stunning on crates.
Bouquets usually come with a box of chocolates and other confectioneries , but wouldn’t it be nice if you give something sweet but healthier? Pair your fresh blooms with sweet edibles, that are also freshly picked – fruits. Flowers and fruits go well with each other since they’re both vibrant plants. They also make great “get well soon” gifts for a lover or friend who needs healthy munchies to recover.
Who doesn’t love mini versions of anything? Be creative enough to turn smaller floral varieties into cute mini bouquets. You may scrimp on size but never on beauty, since they look lovely when attached to greeting cards and love letters for your special someone.
If you’re overly cheesy and romantic, you can never go wrong with the classic heart-shaped floral arrangement. A heart-shaped arrangement of roses, which may come in one solid color or multi-color, make a perfect gift for Valentine’s day, wedding anniversary, and your loved one’s birthday.
Giving a floral wreath is one splendid way to opt out of handheld bouquet without losing the sweet gesture of “giving flowers for your love.” Floral wreaths look amazing, whether they are in bold and vibrant hues or pretty pastel hues. For a more earthy appeal, use a grapevine wreath and adorn with your recipient’s favorite flowers. They make a lovely door and wall decoration.
Don’t throw your broken umbrella yet! You can fill it with your love’s favorite blooms, tie it with some pretty ribbons, and tada – you have a beautiful bouquet that looks quirky and out of the box! It’s multi-purpose too – you can use the handle for hanging the blooms and using it as a wall or door décor.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for The Relationship Room, a couples psychology institution specializing in relationship counseling and therapies for couples and families.
When looking for the perfect ways to spice up a bland relationship, couples often turn to grand gestures. They go out and splurge on a fancy date at a steakhouse, travel out of town, and buy expensive things for their partner. We tend to forget that it is the smallest, simplest things that keep a relationship moving.
Oftentimes, you don’t have to go outside. Genuine and heartwarming gestures of love and affection are displayed at home
It doesn’t take that much amount of time, effort, and money to make your partner feel valued every day. To build a strong connection and bond that lasts, here are some expert tricks to fit into your routine.
As you and your spouse begin your life, you have an exciting adventure of creating your home together. And this isn’t only about introducing new hot trends to your space, but rather about discovering a way to join your unique styles into one look that will reflect both of your personalities. It’s also about creating a warm, nurturing environment that will one they be richer for one family member. Whether you’re renting a flat or you’re living in your own home, these affordable ideas will enable you and your partner to give it your personal touch.
Changing the color scheme of your home is one of the simplest and most affordable home transformations. Not only will it give your space a new look, but it will provide you with an opportunity to make a joint design statement. If you want something truly different and exciting, you can try black for accent walls or even entire rooms. If you are going to go for such a bold colour, it may be wise to find a professional painter, perhaps with the help of a site like https://www.myhousepainter.com/painters/new-york/, who will be able to come out and do this for you, as they will know how to get an even, opaque finish with statement colours. However, if one of you is reluctant to go bold when it comes to wall paint, you can opt for a subtle color palette that will later on allow you to introduce quirky and authentic accent features. Beige, grey, greige and earthy tones are all beautiful, understated options that can be used for a backdrop. Vibrant colors can be used for accent walls in the living room or home office, while soothing tones should be welcomed in your master bedroom.
Designing a home with an airy and open atmosphere will help you feel comfortable and happy in your home. In addition, the overall atmosphere in your space can affect its décor and the general vibe, as well. Therefore, it’s essential that you keep your home clean, clutter- and allergen-free. Not only will this accentuate its beauty and openness, but it will also ensure that your growing family enjoys a healthy environment.
Apart from cleaning your place from top to bottom, you also need to pay special attention to allergens and indoor air pollution. This will be of the utmost importance when you start a family since newborn babies are highly sensitive to health hazards. However, keep in mind that even meticulous cleaning can’t remove all of the pollutants in your home. For instance, mold is a component of dust that may remain in the air, causing health problems. Thus, you should consider getting an effective air purifier for mold that will keep your home allergen-free, increasing its indoor air quality. You should pair it with houseplants for the best effect since plants act as natural air purifiers. This will also provide you with an opportunity to decorate your home with greenery, including potted plants, hanging planters, succulents and even living walls. This will help you design a clean, healthy and stylish home that you and your spouse will love.
Another great way to create a lovely ambience in your home is to style up your lighting fixtures. You can use lighting to set the tone of romance in the bedroom, promote productivity in your home office, inspire relaxation in the bathroom and encourage family togetherness in the living room and kitchen. If you and your spouse are not only newlyweds, but also design newbies, it’s important that you layer your lighting and implement several source of light in each room. General lighting, for instance, chandeliers and pendants, are the primary source of light that can also be used as a stunning décor statement. Task lights will make every task easier by providing you with focused light while accent lights will elevate your décor. You and your partner should experiment with different fixtures for a unique effect. For instance, lovely pendants can be used instead of bedside lamps, a stunning chandelier can work as a statement above your bathtub and vintage lamps can give your home a retro flair.
Finishing touches will give your home an authentic character, enabling you and your spouse to express your personal tastes. Intricate patterns used for rugs and fabrics, enticing wallpapers for accent walls, antique pieces of furniture placed under the spotlight and your personal collections are all inspiring ideas to make your space truly feel like home. You can use your favorite paintings to design a mesmerizing gallery wall or exhibit your quirky items that remind you of your most wonderful memories together. It’s important that you find what inspires you both and express it through your home décor.
As a newlywed couple, you and your partner have numerous adventures ahead of you. One of them is designing your space together and creating a dream home for your family.