2 Tips to Dressing for a First Date

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Lifestyle Blogger imageDating is definitely fun, but it can also be a bit nerve-racking, especially when it’s the first one. With your hectic life, simply determining a good time to make it happen can be a chore, and with the craziness of the past two years, this could very well be the first time you’re going on an actual date in quite some time.

It could also mean that you’re not really sure what to wear for it. Or, perhaps it’s that other than a new trendy coat, it has been quite a while since you’ve added anything fashionable to your wardrobe.

Either way, even if you just want to see a few ideas for something new to wear on a second or third date, I wanted to put this list of tips to try and help you out.

1. Go for Practicality & Comfort

Even if you use Elizabeth Taylor as a beauty muse, you look absolutely stunning, and you’re otherwise having a good time, when you neglect to dress properly, it’s all too easy to inadvertently send nonverbal signals that your date totally misinterprets.

While you’re just keeping your arms crossed in an attempt to stay warm because you forgot your coat, they may take it as a sign that you’re unhappy. Holding your purse over your stomach because your favourite dress magically “shrunk” and is unexpectedly tight and uncomfortable could lead them to believe that you’re ready to end the date.

On the other hand, wearing a really comfortable pair of wide leg jeans or another well-fitting practical outfit allows you to give your date your undivided attention. Instead of thinking about how your pants are cutting off the circulation to your legs or that your shoes are rubbing blisters on your feet, you can focus on engaging in conversation with the person across the table.

Take the time to plan out your outfit to ensure practicality and comfort so that the date isn’t doomed before it even starts.

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2. The Colour of Your Outfit

While those green earrings might look great wherever your date night takes you, your lime green sweater might be a little too loud for the occasion. When it comes to a first date, you really can’t go wrong with red and black.

In fact, a 2018 study found that regardless of gender or sexual preference, black is the most popular color to wear for a first date.

Similarly, in 2008, two psychologists at the University of Rochester completed five psychological experiments that revealed that the “color red makes men feel more amorous toward women.” It also goes on to say that generally, men are willing to spend more if their date is wearing red.

So, maybe instead of spraying expensive perfume to attract your date, wearing red or black will attract them. There are many ways that you can pair these two colors for a wonderful look.

Seriously though, when it comes to a first date, as long as you avoid using an 80s amount of hairspray or don’t slather on enough makeup for three people, you’re virtually assured that you can’t go wrong with black and red outfit combinations.

Everyone says, “be yourself” when it comes to dating and that is indeed great advice. However, if you want to make a good first impression, being yourself doesn’t mean that you should just wear whatever you grab out of the bottom of the closet.

Use the above tips for your next first date and help ensure that the only thing you have to overcome is a small case of butterflies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loving Your Garden, For A Few More Weeks Of Summer

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We’re finally letting loose the bonds of lockdowns and for some of us at least, this has meant something of a relatively “normal” summer. (Whatever that means), and then just in time, we’re starting to cool down in time for the autumn and then the longer British winter sets in.  We hope that you’ve found ways to love and appreciate your garden during lockdown and to make sure that you squeeze the last precious few drops of summer from your garden, we’re going to take a look at a few cool ideas to help you do exactly that.

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AUTUMN GARDEN PARTIES

Even as the warm and balmy summer days start to give way for shorter days and cooler nights, there are still some fabulous garden parties to be had.  If you’re thinking of doing some adult entertaining, then nighttime dinner parties or cocktail evenings are still perfect ways to live a little outdoors.  It’s not that cold yet and with some soft, fluffy blankets placed in easy to reach places, gorgeous garden lighting to create unique and interesting spots and a cocktail menu that features spicy concoctions, you can still squeeze some classy entertaining out of your garden.  If you’re planning on hosting a party with kids, then pick afternoons where there’s still a chance of some decent sunshine and playtime.

FEED THE BIRDS

It is easy to think that with the onset of the autumn that that means a solid goodbye to any animal life, but if you happen to live outside the cities and in more “towny” or rural locations, then this is a wonderful time to set up a bird feeder or two and start welcoming all sorts of birdsong into your garden in the mornings. You’ll catch some migrating birds and you might even spot a hedgehog or two.  

FASHIONABLE THINGS

The change of season brings a change of style also and with longer nights and shorter days, you can start playing around with solar lanterns, hanging chairs and patio cushions made from textured fabrics that reflect the colours of autumn.  Rust, orange, dark red, brown and just a splash of white or blue will create focus points in your garden and invite quiet cuddles or solitary book reading moments.

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN FOR CHANGE

It is also time to prepare your garden for the seasonal change too.  Tidy up the hedges and get stuck into your lawn, rake away any leftover shrubbery or moss and start collecting falling leaves to make a leaf mould later on.  It’s also a good time to check all of your garden equipment and machinery before packing them away and if your machinery needs fixing, don’t put it off until next year, do it now.  So when you’re ready to reinvigorate your garden after the winter, you’ll be good to go.  Remember to check your mowers and other equipment for parts or broken accessories.  Mastercraft replacement parts are available from AppliancePartsPros.com.

We love our gardens in Britain and the change of season is no excuse to get lazy, there are still fabulous parties and get-togethers to be had and many wonderful memories, to be made.

 

9 Ways to Fit a Workout in your Busy Schedule

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Between a full-time job, family duties, and a social life, it can seem impossible to fit exercise into the mix. Yet, some of the busiest people still make time to work out on a regular basis. While it may not be easy to work out with a busy schedule, it can be achieved. Here are nine ways you can incorporate exercise into your life, even with a busy schedule.

1.   Make a plan

Writing down a fitness plan can help you be efficient while working out, minimizing time spent in the gym while maximizing results. Use a calendar to mark down the days you want to work out. Then, using a notebook or the notes app on your phone, write down an organized workout routine, complete with the number of sets and reps you’ll be performing. This can help you stay organized and exercise on your terms.

2.   Get a workout partner

Many of us have trouble motivating ourselves in the gym. It can be easy to cheat a little bit or fall victim to self-deception—you might end up saying things like, “I don’t need to do that final set” or “I’m too tired to run that last lap”. A workout partner can help hold you accountable, plus having someone there with you can make exercising a more enjoyable experience.

3.   Keep a change of clothes on hand

Always keep some workout clothing on hand in case you need it. If you have a busy schedule, you may never know when you can fit in a run, a trip to the gym, or a quick workout session. Get a duffel bag and stuff it with a lightweight shirt, shorts, underwear, socks, a gym towel, and a pair of training shoes for women or men. Then you’ll always be ready to go whenever the opportunity arises.

4.   Change up your commute

If possible, ditch driving your car and find more active ways to commute to work. Ride your bike or walk to work if you can. Or, if the office is far enough away that you have to drive, try cycling and walking when you’re out running errands instead.

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5.   Plan active family adventures

Get the whole family active by combining family time with exercise time. Plan a camping trip, take the family hiking, or play in the backyard with your kids. When making plans with the family, try to be creative about fun ways you can all get active.

6.   Make your workouts fun

If you hate working out, you’re most likely going to skip it whenever it’s convenient. This is especially true if you’re trying to fit exercise into a busy schedule. That’s why you should try to work out in a way that you actually enjoy. Join a recreational sports league, take kickboxing classes, go surfing, or take part in any physical activity that you know you’ll look forward to.

7.   Always choose the stairs

By skipping the escalators and elevators and opting for the stairs, you can get more steps in every day. While this may not be a traditional “workout”, you can think of it as a series of mini-workouts. Taking the stairs can be a great way for a busy person to burn calories without hitting the gym.

8.   Get an early start

Many people choose to exercise first thing in the morning. Why is this? First of all, working out in the morning can give you an energy boost that starts your day off on the right foot. Secondly, it feels great to get your exercise for the day over with in the morning. This makes it so that you can enjoy the rest of the day without a looming workout hanging over your head.

9.   Make fitness a priority

This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s more important than you think. If you want to get in shape, you have to make fitness a priority in your life. Carve out time for exercise and be consistent. As a busy person, regularly working out may require you to make some sacrifices, but that’s the cost of being in great shape.

With a hectic schedule, it may seem impossible to fit exercise into your life. However, with some effort and determination, you can accomplish your fitness goals. Try out one or all of these tips to start living a more active life.

 

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